Council introduces ordinance to prohibit removal of vegetation from town property; leaf‑compost exception removed

Councilors introduced an ordinance to prohibit removal of vegetation, trees, shrubs and other biomass from town property. The proposed text had previously included a sentence that exempted leaf compost or leaf mulch; the town attorney said the newest draft removes that exception so that the prohibition applies to removal by private parties while still allowing town staff to collect and manage leaf debris as part of regular maintenance.

The council president and town attorney proposed and accepted a set of amendments at introduction: remove the sentence that exempted leaf compost in paragraph e; add "tennis courts" to paragraph p (to clarify prohibited entry into fenced areas); revise paragraph r to end the sentence at "town property"; and correct paragraph o to read "to ride a bicycle on any surface other than a paved vehicular road." Council members discussed whether leaf pickup by town crews would continue; staff confirmed town crews could continue routine collection and maintenance while private removal would be restricted.

Why it matters: the policy clarifies who may remove biomass from town parks and property, preserves town control of park maintenance, and reduces the risk of private removal that could harm managed natural areas.

What happens next: the ordinance was introduced with the amendments; staff and the council president will finalize the exact draft language and discuss details in an upcoming work session before final readings.