At the Jackson County Board of Commissioners' Jan. 2 organizational meeting, resident Vincent Kogo used public comment to describe a recent roadside brush-clearing operation that he said damaged a manicured tree on his property and occurred without prior notice to homeowners.

Kogo told commissioners the county's brush-hog operator struck a tree in front of his house while cutting roadside vegetation on Palmer Road in Sandstone Township. He said the tree was already trimmed 5'feet from the ground'and not obstructing any traffic or roadside signs. He told the board there had been no notification to homeowners before crews did the work and no explanation of trimming standards.

Kogo asked the board to require the Jackson County Department of Transportation (JDOT) to bring its trimming and notification policies to a committee meeting so commissioners and residents can understand when and how the county notifies property owners and what standards the crews follow.

Direct quote (from recorded public comment): "There was no notification sent that they would be coming through. No statement of the standards to which the trees should be manicured." —Vincent Kogo, resident (public comment)

Commissioners heard Kogo's concerns and said they would ask county administration to request JDOT bring its policies and procedures to the appropriate standing committee meeting for review and clarification. Several commissioners and the chair asked staff to follow up with the Administrator/Controller about the request.

Why it matters: Roadside vegetation operations can affect private landscaping, tree health and public safety. Residents raised concerns about notification, trimming standards and long-term tree damage when crews use flail/brush-hog equipment.

What's next: Commissioners requested that JDOT provide its written policies and procedures on notification and vegetation trimming at an upcoming committee meeting so the board and the public can compare practice to policy before any further operational decisions are made.