Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation Tree Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dade City commissioners seek second arborist review, pause permit for historic courthouse oak
Summary
After multiple residents urged preservation, the city commission directed staff to obtain an ISA-certified arborist review and to explore pausing or revoking a county tree-removal permit for a large oak adjacent to the historic courthouse; commissioners also asked staff to coordinate with county officials.
Residents and veterans’ relatives pressed the Dade City Commission on June 10 to halt plans to remove a large oak on the historic courthouse grounds and to obtain an independent arborist review.
Kevin Taggerty, a longtime resident, told the commission the oak "is vibrant" and urged a second opinion; he said the last arborist report the public had seen dated to January 2015. "This is a healthy tree," Taggerty said during public comment.
Several other speakers asked the commission to pause the removal while obtaining an ISA-certified arborist reexamination and to consider less drastic mitigation measures. "I would recommend that the commission consider hiring another arborist for a current report," said Julie Hale, who asked the commission to impose a moratorium so the study could be completed. Lucy Avila and Brian Swan said the tree contributes to the city's character and memories for local families.
City staff confirmed an arborist on staff had inspected the tree and recommended obtaining an independent certified arborist. City Attorney Patrick Brackens said a permit can be revoked if it was issued in error and advised the commission to reach out to Pasco County officials where jurisdictions overlap.
Commissioners signaled unanimous support for pausing the current removal schedule and seeking an ISA-certified arborist review. Commissioner Church stressed that, if the city pays for a study, the report should include not just whether the tree can remain but also recommended steps to preserve or stabilize it.
The commission asked staff to continue communications with county commissioners and to keep the public informed. No formal vote was recorded; minutes show the body reached consensus to pursue an independent arborist evaluation and to review the permit status.
