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Council pauses tree-trimming contractor amid complaints, forms subcommittee to review contract
Summary
Following multiple complaints about the city's tree-trimming contractor, the council voted to pause tree-trimming work until the contractor produces a contract and appointed a small subcommittee (mayor plus two council members) to review the agreement and set a resident-notification policy.
Mount Pleasant's city council voted Oct. 28 to pause work by the city's contracted tree trimmers after residents reported inconsistent notice, confusion over who pays for replacement trees and at least one allegation that a contractor encouraged a resident to borrow money for work. Council members described reputational harm to the city and raised concerns about the contractor's practices while working in neighborhoods.
Councilmember (speaker S4) moved to pause tree-trimming operations until the contractor could produce a contract, and proposed forming a subcommittee (the mayor and two council members) to review the contract and establish a notification period for residents; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call. Council discussed a 7-day advance-notification policy and the need for a designated city representative when contractors approach residents.
The council directed staff and the subcommittee to locate the contract, assess payment and replacement policies, and create a communications plan to notify residents before crews arrive. The pause is intended to prevent further public complaints while staff and the subcommittee verify that the contractor is operating under an approved municipal contract and following city protocols.
The council asked for a report back as the subcommittee completes its review and for staff to consider certification/utilization of city crews where feasible.
