Board debates Ozarks Electric easement conditions, invasive‑species maintenance and proposed tree‑preservation code changes

Urban forestry staff updated the Urban Forestry Advisory Board on a proposed vacation of a tree‑preservation easement on the Ozarks Electric campus and shared draft code changes intended to strengthen tree preservation and monitoring.

Staff said the vacation, which was tabled by city council the previous night, centers on a 5.3‑acre easement and a proposed 2.3‑acre dedication on the Ozarks Electric campus. The applicant declined to plant the 48 mitigation trees required under current code; staff proposed alternative conditions that would require the owner to contract for invasive‑species removal and to submit a three‑year maintenance contract with itemized proof of payment for three instances of invasive removal prior to issuance of new development permits. Staff read the proposed…