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Resident says warning about leaning tree was ignored before storm-damage to fence; city manager to investigate
Summary
A Dunedin resident told the commission a tree in Hammock Park that she warned the city about fell during Storm Milton and damaged fences; the resident said she had warned staff previously and is seeking remediation; the city manager said staff will look into the matter.
At the Jan. 9 meeting a Dunedin resident described repeated warnings to the city about a leaning tree in Hammock Park that fell during Storm Milton, damaging her fence and a neighbor's property.
Patricia Emerick of Patricia Avenue told the commission she reported the tree to the city several years ago and that an arborist initially judged it sound. Emerick said the roots had been rising and she asked if she could trim limbs; she said the arborist declined, citing canopy concerns. "I replied, with all due respect, I disagreed. I pointed out the roots on the right side were rising out of the ground," Emerick said, describing repeated notices to the city before the tree ultimately fell.
Emerick said the city removed the fallen tree promptly but left a stump and that subsequent site work left ruts and holes that she says need grading and fill to prevent erosion and standing water. She also said her insurance claim was denied and that she had photographic evidence showing the tree's condition prior to the storm. Emerick praised a city employee named Sherry for responsiveness and requested the city and insurer address damages and fencing costs.
Mayor Freyne replied that the city manager would look into the situation and get back to her. The commission did not take formal action at the meeting; staff will follow up with the resident to review the complaint and documented photos.
