Resident asks council to review ash-tree abatement notice citing City Code 9-3-3

Samuel Pertelwitz of 1017 Oak Street told the Muscatine City Council he received a March 19 notice requiring removal of two large trees in front of his house. Pertelwitz said the notice listed dead or dying branches and gave him about eight days to comply. He cited City Code 9-3-3 (concerning ash trees) and said the ash trees had been on the property for about 125 years and predated his ownership.

Pertelwitz said he and his wife cannot afford the quoted removal cost—he estimated about $5,000—and asked the council to reconsider, noting the city removed ash trees from other properties in the past and that the municipal code dates back to 2010. He said he had discussed the notice with Tamara Wagner, who was “cooperative” and told him the notice cited dead or dying trees rather than ash removal and that the department does not have an appeal process specifically for notices of dead or dying branches.

Councilmember Lewis asked how much time Pertelwitz would need; Pertelwitz said he would either ask the city to remove the trees (because others were removed earlier) or that he would be willing to pay half the cost and provided a contractor quote. Councilmember Gordon asked Pertelwitz to send his notes and dates by email so staff could refer the matter to the appropriate team for reconsideration.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said they would work with available resources and review the request. Pertelwitz was told the meeting itself would not be a decision but a commitment to review the matter.