Board allows removal at 701 East 9th Street after motion to deny fails 3–2

The Newport Tree Board considered Case NTB 262 on Feb. 12, concerning a 14-inch red maple on the Maple Street side of the property at 701 East 9th Street. The applicant for the removal was listed as the city arborist.

The city arborist presented photos showing branch dieback and localized root rot at the base, saying the tree’s combination of symptoms made continued retention questionable and that, if the board chose not to remove it, staff would monitor the tree at regular intervals. The arborist noted the tree "looks different from that side" in photos and acknowledged limitations of remote assessment: "It's so hard to tell when you're not there in person."

Board members asked clarifying questions about the tree’s exact location (near a fire hydrant), whether the root rot could affect the hydrant, and the extent of canopy failure. One member described the tree’s overall condition as about a "C" and said they were likely to vote against removal, while another expressed concern about root proximity to the fire hydrant but the arborist said typical planting distances near hydrants are about 5 feet and did not observe a clear issue.

A board member moved to deny the removal (motion text: deny Case NTB 262). The motion was seconded and put to a roll-call vote. The tally was Garrett Reinhart — yes; Kevin Ellison — no; Neil Connor — no; Kevin Brokemer — yes; Brent Owens — no, resulting in a 3–2 vote against the motion to deny. The chair stated that because the motion to deny did not carry, the removal will proceed.

The board did not adopt additional conditions at the meeting; the city arborist said staff would continue to monitor or proceed with removal as appropriate. The record includes photos referenced in the application and the arborist’s recommendation.