Jul 15

Written by: ngreditor
7/15/2009 8:58 AM 

Park trees receive attention at City Council

Kenneth Purscell

In a short meeting on July 9, the Newman Grove City Council dealt quickly with building permits and a liquor license. The trees at the park, however, required more attention.

Mayor David Johnson shared with the council a letter from Chip Murrow, Community Forester Assistant for the Nebraska Forest Service. Murrow inspected the trees in late June.

Murrow found some damage in all the large cottonwoods. He suggested in his letter that the council determine the historic value of the trees. “If they are important, since they may be originals of Newman’s grove, I strongly suggest bringing in a certified arborist who would do a complete risk tree assessment.”

Murrow went on to suggest that if the trees are not that valuable, then the city should begin a timetable of replacing and removing them.

“Long term it’s not a pretty picture,” said Mayor Johnson, asking if there was need for an arborist. A complete assessment would require at least an eighty foot boom for the tall trees.

Some work had already been done removing large limbs from at least one of the trees. “When you cut about a third of the way in and the branch falls off, it wasn’t healthy,” said utility superintendent Jerry Sawyer. “The most dangerous part [of the trees] is at that first branch up from the ground.”

The question was also raised about the trees near the swimming pool. These also were mentioned in the letter as having some damage. Council members also noted that cotton from the trees has caused problems with the pool filters for a long time.

No action was taken at this time.

The council approved a liquor license for Yai-Ya’s, beginning August 1. Owner Danette Edgell also requested that the license fee be pro-rated since the annual fee of $300 to the city would come due in October. “It would be a help,” she said. “The state doesn’t pro-rate at all.” The council approved the request, asking $75 for the 3 month license.

Librarian Kathy Strong reported that 160 children had taken part in the summer reading program.

The council approved four building permits. Mayor Johnson announced that Jason Schack had been hired to begin on July 20, 2009.

Copyright ©2009 Newman Grove Reporter