Resident urges city assessment after city-owned trees allegedly damage home

During public forum Patty Thomas of 113 South Van Gilder Street addressed the council to report long-standing structural damage to her home that she attributes to roots from city-owned trees adjacent to her property.

"The roots from the trees have extended beneath my property and impacted critical structure element including my foundation, driveway, retaining walls, plumbing," Thomas said, adding she has made "numerous complaints" over 10 to 15 years and that the damage is progressive and not cosmetic. She requested a formal assessment by the appropriate forestry or engineering department and asked the city to consider root-migration barriers, pruning or removal where necessary.

A staff member responding on the dais said Thomas is working through a formal process with the city's risk department and that staff will continue to work with her through that process.

The council took no immediate formal action during the meeting; the transcript records the exchange and indicates staff involvement via the risk department, but it does not record a specific timetable or next steps for a forestry or engineering inspection.