Parks officials request funding for tree removal, field repairs and aging irrigation systems
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Summary
Parks and Forestry leaders told council members the department needs funds for building repairs, tree removal (including emerald ash borer work), Musco lighting replacement and irrigation system fixes; officials said some expenses reflect deferred maintenance.
Billy Sanford, the township’s superintendent of parks and forestry, outlined 2025 needs including building repairs, equipment and tree-removal work tied to the emerald ash borer and gypsy moth control.
Sanford said the parks maintenance building is roughly 30 years old and requested $100,000 in capital for building improvements, new garage doors and roof repairs on outlying park buildings. He also requested $55,000 for pest/tree controls and $15,000 for tree stock to replace removed trees. He described increased irrigation-supply costs tied to aging systems and said some repairs deferred during the COVID period now require replacement parts and pumps.
Sanford explained the department sometimes contracts out large or hazardous tree removals that require cranes and specialty equipment. When council members asked whether $50,000 for tree removal should be higher, Sanford said it could be and that hiring and training additional certified tree crews would reduce contractor reliance.
The council discussed capital items such as Musco sports-field lighting (a capital line of $350,000 was mentioned elsewhere in the meeting) and the need to prioritize improvements as part of the township’s capital plan. No formal vote occurred during the presentation; staff said they will reclassify a small safety line item and provide additional detail on capital proposals.
