Staff to compile townwide Dutch elm/disease-tree list; city can remove boulevard trees and recover costs

Bryan, a staff member, said Nick and Jay will prepare the annual disease-tree list by driving throughout town to identify diseased boulevard trees and privately located diseased trees. The survey covers trees throughout the city, but the formal removal program applies to boulevard trees; when a diseased tree is found on private property the city notifies the owner and recommends removal.

Bryan said property owners do not always act promptly and that, under the disease-tree ordinance described in the minutes, the city may arrange removal and recover costs through the property — potentially using a charge or lien — if owners fail to comply within the required period. The minutes list coordination of the Dutch elm survey as a follow-up task assigned to Bryan, Nick and Jay.