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Resident alleges public works cut century‑old trees and impeded property survey process
Summary
A resident told the council that public works crews cut down longstanding trees on his lot and that town staff later failed to assist with boundary surveys, creating a property dispute; he seeks clarity on why public works acted and whether the town instructed staff to obstruct his efforts to resolve the issue.
Pinetop Lakeside — Resident John Wheaton used the public comment period to allege that town public works crews removed several large, longstanding trees from a property he purchased and then failed to follow through on promises to assist with survey and utility relocation work.
Wheaton said he purchased the lot, built a house and garage, and observed that public works personnel at times disturbed the property footprint. He recounted finding that “every guys came on our property and cut down a stand of white holes… and there was 3 of them had to be a 100 years old” and that other well-established trees forming a barrier between the street and his backyard also were removed.
He said a public works employee named Whipple initially told him the town would pay for a survey and utility relocations, but that he afterward “never saw or spoke to him.” Wheaton told the council he believed a director ordered public works to “scuttle every attempt I make to take possession of our property.” The council’s chair said staff cannot answer questions during call to the public.
Wheaton provided his home address during the comment period so staff could follow up. The council did not provide a public response during the meeting.
Details not specified: whether the town obtained easements or permits prior to tree removal, any written notices sent to the property owner, and whether staff will investigate and report findings publicly.
