Resident raises safety concerns about trees at Landmark Drive pond; council requests arborist report

Mount Vernon resident Jim Satcher addressed the City Council during public comment on Jan. 8, urging action to remove large, damaged trees growing at a pond near Landmark Drive that he says threaten nearby homes and passersby.

Satcher said he provided photos and a letter to the property owners and to the city, and that an arborist he consulted estimated one tree at about 80 feet tall weighing roughly 4,000 pounds with branches extending about 40 feet — a condition he said could strike a house or injure someone. He told council he offered to buy the pond to enable removal but said the owners declined because the pond is part of a golf course they are trying to sell.

Satcher cited city code (transcript references “city code 1228 60”) that he said requires the city to cause removal of dead or diseased trees that constitute a hazard to life or property. He said he had been told by a city employee that the pond area is a nature reserve where trees are allowed to grow, and he provided photos and a letter that show the property owner acknowledged receipt of his correspondence.

Mayor and staff acknowledged Satcher’s materials and said the council would review an arborist report when it is submitted to the city. The mayor told Satcher, “When the arborist report’s presented in the city, we’ll take a look at it.”

The council did not take formal action on the matter at the meeting; staff will review the submitted arborist documentation and provide follow‑up at a future meeting if warranted.