The Clearwater City Council last week made its first decision under its new tree ordinance by voting to reimburse a homeowner for trees that were removed during a road project.
Last summer, Walnut Street resident Dan Niehoff requested compensation for four trees that were cut down on his property during the Northeast Area Street and Utility Improvement Project.
At the time, the city had no history of reimbursing property owners for trees, nor was there any written policy to follow.
The council discussed its options, including reimbursement and setting monetary limits. Later in 2015 the council adopted an ordinance covering how the city could deal with the issue.
In that ordinance, the council could reimburse costs the homeowner presented to the council; set its own costs; or do nothing at all to compensate the property owner.
Last week the council chose to reimburse Niehoff, who had gotten quotes from two different tree specialists.
Administrator Kevin Kress said the trees that had been removed from Niehoff’s property were ash trees. He was asking to replace them with two 8” diameter maple trees, one 4” maple tree and one 2” maple tree.
“He’s asking for maple, which is more consistent with the ordinance, which asks that we put something back that’s a hearty species,” said Kress.
The two quotes were almost identical. Tri-Co Tree Removers quoted $3,156.88, including tax. JK Landscaping quoted $3,160.
Members of the council didn’t dispute the cost. Mayor Pete Edmonson asked whether the council wanted a third quote, but they declined.
“I’d like to get this over with,” said Councilman Rollie Lange. “He’s been waiting for months.”
“I’m comfortable with two quotes,” said Councilman Chris Ritzer.
Then the council had to decide whether to purchase the trees and save the sales tax, or have Niehoff buy the trees and get reimbursed.
Councilman Mike Ranum wanted Niehoff to be responsible for the trees.
“If we pay for the trees and if one of the trees dies, then we have to deal with the warranty part of that,” he said. “If he buys them, he has to deal with that. Then our liability is over. We’re done.”
The council voted to reimburse Niehoff for purchasing the trees from Tri-Co Tree Removers.
Computer Upgrades
The council approved a contract with Now IT Connects to improve the efficiency, security and storage capacity of city’s computer server at a cost of $1,010.50 plus $125 per month in service.
The council also voted to cancel the city’s contract with Minco for similar services.
Other Business
In other action the council:
• Appointed Richard Petty, Vern Scott and Andrea Lawrence to the park commission and appointed Councilman Kris Crandall as the council’s non-voting liaison.
• Approved placing a portable toilet near the hickey rink in Lions Park.
• Approved a step wage increase for James Kirchenbauer of the maintenance department to $18.76 effective Feb. 10;
• Approved a transfer of $30,000 into the fire capital equipment fund to increase the budget to $220,860 and keep the fire contract consistent with prior years.
