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Mitchell Park Board raises boulevard tree trimming fee to $150 per tree
Summary
The Mitchell Park Board voted to change its charge for trimming nuisance boulevard trees from $100 per property to $150 per tree, citing alignment with private tree-service costs; the board discussed enforcement, a city-approved tree list, and community drop-off options.
The Mitchell Park Board voted to change the city’s charge for trimming boulevard trees cited as a nuisance from $100 per property to $150 per tree during its meeting. Speaker 2 moved the measure and the board approved the motion by a voice vote.
Board members and staff framed the increase as an attempt to align the city’s fee with what a private tree service might charge. “In the past… the city would pick it up at a very reasonable rate. We're trying to now come more in line with what a tree service might be charging,” Speaker 5 said during discussion, explaining the rationale for moving to a per-tree rate.
Staff described how the nuisance process would work: police nuisance officers will inspect and issue notices to property owners whose boulevard trees hang too low over sidewalks or streets. If owners do not correct the hazard within the notice period, the city intends to contract the trimming work and bill property owners at the new per-tree rate; staff noted the change is a direction rather than a formal ordinance change at this time.
Members spent substantial time discussing options to help residents manage branch and tree disposal without shifting an undue burden to households. Suggestions included a periodic local drop-off site, roll-out dumpster service like that used elsewhere, volunteer collection events tied to community service days, and targeted assistance for elderly residents who lack transportation. Board members raised concerns about cost, staffing responsibility, and preventing misuse if a public drop-off site were opened.
Staff also noted there is an approved boulevard tree list on the city’s website to guide residents on permitted tree types and said the city would repair irrigation damaged by city crews (but would not cover preexisting irrigation problems). The board did not record a roll-call tally for the fee vote in the transcript; the motion was approved by voice vote.
Administration will review implementation details and communication to the public before the city updates any ordinance language or billing procedures.
