Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Trees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council amends right‑of‑way rules to require contractors avoid tree damage; ordinance approved unanimously
Summary
The council approved changes to right‑of‑way management requiring contractors working in rights of way to preserve trees and landscaping. The measure followed citizen complaints about tree damage and was proposed as a preventive clarification of existing city requirements.
The Mineral Wells City Council approved an ordinance revising right‑of‑way management provisions to require that contractors working in the right of way preserve trees and other landscaping. Council members voted 6-0 to adopt the change.
City staff explained the revision adds language requiring trimming and related work to be done in a manner that "preserves the life of the trees and or laps landscaping." The change was prompted by a citizen complaint about trees on Northwest Fourth Avenue and other reports that utility or contractor work had "butchered" street trees.
A councilmember asked whether the ordinance applies to all utilities; staff said the language was intended to apply broadly to work in the right of way. The presenting staff member said the ordinance had been in preparation before the current councilmember took office and that the revision responds to both citizen complaints and concerns about fiber‑optic and other utility work.
A motion to approve was made and seconded and carried by the presiding officer's announcement, "Motion carries 6 0."
