The Indianola Board of Aldermen’s Monday meeting brought up old business as they continue to grapple with how to handle dead trees on private properties in the city.
During the meeting, the board discussed two properties without taking action, highlighting the debate on how to deal with this matter.
One of the trees discussed was located on Little Circle and had received numerous complaints from residents.
“Residents have been complaining about the tree, branches falling from the tree hitting their vehicle or children in the area,” City Inspector Pearl Watson said. “It is a dead tree and a very tall dead tree, so they are concerned about their safety.”
Watson explained her reasoning for bringing the matter before the board.
“That’s why I brought it on because we are addressing several other trees that aldermen have brought to me to address, and unfortunately, we’ve had a lady who cut down a tree, and it wasn’t nearly as tall as that,” she said.
The board also discussed a dead tree on Roosevelt.
Ward 5 Alderman Sam Brock Jr. questioned why the city would cut down a tree on private property, suggesting that the owner should be encouraged to remove the tree instead.
City Attorney Kimberly Merchant reminded the board that they had adjudicated a tree on private property in a previous meeting.
“I do understand that, Attorney Merchant, and we can’t keep doing wrong. We got to do some right,” Brock proclaimed.
Watson explained that a survey would have to be conducted to determine if the tree was on private property. In the midst of the board's consideration of their options, City Engineer Ron Cassada offered to survey the area for free.
“At our rate, it will be around $500 or $600. I have a job in the middle of the city right now, so we will do it for free,” Cassada said.
The city lawmakers were very appreciative of Cassada’s offer. Once the board determines whether the tree is on private property, it will decide whether to adjudicate.
The city is still weighing its options on handling the dead trees, with the need for a survey to determine the property lines.
