Council approves consent agenda including DPW contract to remove dead ash trees in Evergreen Park

The Sheboygan Common Council approved the consent agenda covering items 10–19 by roll call (9 ayes), a package that included confirmation of multiple board appointments, adoption of a donation resolution and authorization for a Department of Public Works contract to remove dead ash trees in Evergreen Park.

Public comment and council discussion preceded the vote. Robert Lyons, who lives at 2746 North 29th Street, spoke in support of item 17, identifying it as a project to remove "567 dead ash trees" in Evergreen Park with assistance from a "$25,000" grant; he characterized seven of the trees as large and dangerous and said the remainder included immature trees and saplings. Lyons urged the city to fund a longer-term parks plan and praised the prospect of hiring a dedicated parks manager to guide restoration and a 5–10 year revitalization strategy.

Alder Bollinger reiterated constituent concerns and asked for more detail during consent discussion. Director Peterson said the DPW project targets standing dead ash trees that pose an immediate safety risk (described in the meeting as "widowmakers") and that most downed trees from the 2022 windstorm already have been cleared from trails. Peterson added the city is developing plans to revitalize and reforest Evergreen Park as part of a broader parks program.

The consent vote also confirmed nominees presented earlier in the meeting for boards and commissions (names read into the record by the city attorney) and adopted a resolution authorizing donation of a 2005 UTV Kawasaki Mule to the Elwood H. Maine Environmental Park Association of Sheboygan County (resolution read by title and moved by Alders Decker and Rust; approved 9 ayes).

The council referred item 21 to the plan commission and adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

Votes at a glance: consent agenda (items 10–19) approved — 9 ayes; confirmation of listed appointments — approved (recorded roll call: 9 ayes); Resolution authorizing UTV donation — approved — 9 ayes. The DPW contract to remove ash trees (item 17) moved forward as part of the consent package.