Council approves pilot residential hazardous tree‑removal program, widens income eligibility for seniors
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Summary
The council created a pilot residential hazardous tree‑removal program, prioritizing seniors and increasing the eligible area median income threshold to 120% AMI; the program will contract private firms to perform trimming.
The City Council approved a pilot Residential Hazardous Tree Removal Program on July 8 to provide tree‑trimming assistance to homeowners who cannot afford private services. The program will use a vendor to perform the work rather than city crews and will be available citywide.
Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy moved an amendment to increase the area‑median‑income eligibility cap from 80% to 120% AMI and to prioritize senior households; the amendment and program passed unanimously. Staff said the program will allocate a set number of slots per council district and operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with priority for seniors and limited‑income homeowners.
Councilmembers discussed hurricane readiness and the risk from aged trees during storm seasons as the impetus for the pilot; the manager and staff will implement the program using an outside contractor and return with program details and execution timelines.
Action: council approved the resolution with amendments (priority to seniors; AMI increased to 120%) by a 5–0 vote.