Council approves interim fixes for South Madison: remove two hazardous trees, use FlexiPave and fund from CIP

The Middleburg Town Council voted to implement an interim streetscape plan for South Madison Street that will remove the two most hazardous trees on the east side of the street, apply FlexiPave surface repairs around remaining trees where appropriate, and use funds from the South Madison Street CIP project to pay for the work.

Town Manager Danny Davis reviewed interim options and told council the long-term reconstruction timeline is uncertain and likely two to two-and-a-half years away; the interim plan is intended to reduce tripping hazards and improve accessibility in the near term. Davis and staff recommended removing the two most egregious trees — one in front of the Federal and Black Posh Pixies building and one in front of Allolu Rugs — and either using FlexiPave in the removed-tree areas or, if council prefers and staff can manage costs, replace brick where feasible.

A public commenter during the meeting (Lee) had urged a more measured approach: an arborist review suggested the tree on the west side had two to three more years of life and that removing only the east-side trees would avoid leaving the street looking stark.

Councilors discussed options for the corner tree at Thomas and Talbot, which staff identified as declining (a willow oak). Staff and the streetscape committee recommended attempting treatments — limb removal, nutrient injection and FlexiPave to improve root access and health — to preserve it for another two to three years if possible. Several councilors emphasized that if the tree becomes a safety hazard it should be removed immediately.

Vice Mayor Chris Bernard moved the council endorse the staff-recommended interim option, authorize the town manager to contract with Capital FlexiPave using cooperative procurement, and direct staff to complete the interim project before spring events. The motion specified that funds for the work come from the South Madison Street CIP project. The motion passed by roll call; all members present voted "aye." Rhonda North recorded the vote.

Staff provided cost context: an arborist trimming, limb removal and chemical treatment to prolong a tree's life was estimated at under $2,000; one staff speaker referenced a $353,500 figure for broader removal work in budget materials. Staff said FlexiPave is permeable, can better accommodate root heave than more rigid surfaces and is relatively easy to remove when a permanent streetscape reconstruction is undertaken.

Council also discussed enforcement for private property maintenance after snow events and other nearby capital items, but the primary action authorized immediate interim work on South Madison and directed staff to proceed with contracting and construction.