Tree board recommends removal of berm tree at 621 Chapel St after owners appeal

The City of Ottawa Tree Board reviewed an appeal from property owners Drew Langfelder and Grant Langfelder about a City Arborist recommendation for a berm tree at 621 Chapel St and concluded the tree should be removed.

During public comment, Grant Langfelder and Drew Langfelder told the board they disagreed with the City Arborist’s recommendation and requested a board review of the decision. Board members then reviewed the tree and said its roots had lifted the adjacent sidewalk, creating a hazard for pedestrians and a potential danger to the nearby building; the board said removal was appropriate.

The minutes record the matter on the board’s list of tree permits and appeals to be reviewed. The transcript does not record a formal motion or a recorded vote on removal; the minutes state only that board members "feel that" the tree should be removed. The record does not show the City Arborist’s written recommendation, any mitigation options considered, a timeline for removal, or whether the property owner will be required to pay for removal.

The board also noted the Langfelder appeal in its agenda under "Tree Permits/Appeals Received" for future review. The minutes do not specify any follow-up tasks or a scheduled date for a decision. The next Tree Board meeting is set for June 27, 2024.