Wayland talks trees

BY KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

WAYLAND ? The City of Wayland is one step closer to implementing a tree ordinance.

On Wednesday, during the city council?s regularly scheduled meeting, the tree committee brought fourth their recommendation for a tree planting ordinance.

The city had spoken with Lisa Louck, with the Department of Natural Resources, and Hannah Howard, of Trees Forever, at the beginning of the year about the condition of the trees in Wayland and the danger of the emerald ash borer. The two representatives also suggested the city come up with a tree ordinance so trees susceptible to debilitating bugs, like ash or elm trees, wouldn?t be as abundant on city owned property.

City Clerk Beverly Conrad, who was also a member of the tree committee, said the committee also focused on residents planting trees within the city right-of-way.

?Because of the changes going on with putting utilities in the right-of-way now instead of in the street, we know what it would cost to take trees down. As a good example, we looked at Second Street and the amount of trees in the right-of-way, you could amass a fortune taking those things down,? said Conrad. ?It is not in the best interest of the city and the use of property tax dollars to allow trees to be planted in the right-of-way.?

Conrad added the city encourages residents to plant trees, just to make sure its on private property and not the city right-of-way.

Conrad said she would work with City Attorney Mike Vance to construct the ordinance, which would make its debut on the agenda for discussion at a later date.

During the meeting, the council also received an estimate to reposition an electricity transformer in lots 14 and 15 of the city?s subdivision.

Conrad said the quote, which came from Alliant Energy, was on the high-end, but accounted for if any additional utilities needed to be moved. The estimate was for $4,600.

The council also authorized the mayor to submit an application for the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation Grant (EHCCF) to be applied towards a new fire truck. The city is applying for $25,000.

?We?re about $35,000 short (for the fire truck),? said Conrad. ?So if we get this they (the fire department) could have their pancake breakfast and a few other things to get the rest of it. It?s very doable.?

Conrad added the fire department has never received funds from the EHCCF, so that might help the city?s case.

In other business, the council:

? Approved to send Conrad and Utility/Deputy Clerk Marsha Chalupa to the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, in Ankeny, on Oct. 14. The City Office would be closed that day.

? Approved sending Isaiah Stauffer, public works staff, to basic training at Kirkwood Community College, in Cedar Rapids, for a water treatment course. The course is on Jan. 27 ? 28, and Feb. 3 ? 4, 2016.

? Approved Heather Holbert to reroof and reside her house at 109 W. Front St.

? Approved tax abatement application for Curtis Wagler, 605 N. Parkway Street, for a building addition.

The next meeting of the Wayland City Council will be Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Office.