Council holds first reading of new vegetation ordinance to replace Chapter 102
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Summary
The council held first reading of draft ordinance 25-510 to repeal and replace Chapter 102 (vegetation), consolidating definitions, noxious vegetation rules, tree care and penalties (misdemeanor: up to $500 fine and/or 90 days). Staff will return with the final ordinance for adoption after review.
City Attorney Bill Pfeiffer introduced the first reading of Ordinance 25-510 on July 7, a repeal-and-replace of Chapter 102 of the municipal code covering trees, shrubs, noxious vegetation, infected or dangerous trees, sidewalk damage and penalties. Pfeiffer summarized the ordinance’s purpose: “to outline the requirements for trees, shrubs, bushes, and all other vegetation in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community at large, infrastructure, and citizens of the city of Alpena.”
Staff emphasized the ordinance consolidates and clarifies prior rules, addresses utility conflicts and sidewalk damage, and includes a penalties section that makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. The city’s planning and zoning director, Monteil Birmingham, and city manager Rachel Simons were on hand to answer technical questions and to note the draft incorporates recent zoning ordinance updates, including a natural gardens section moved into the municipal code.
Council asked procedural questions about whether the agenda language should say “repeal and replace” rather than “amend”; staff confirmed the agenda will be corrected for the second reading. Pfeiffer and staff said they will return for a second reading at the council’s next regular meeting.
No vote on adoption was taken; this was first reading only.