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Council to clarify recent tree-removal fee change at November meeting after mixed recollections
Summary
Councilmembers disagreed about whether the recently removed tree-removal fee applied only to dead or diseased trees or to all trees; the mayor and town attorney recommended placing a clarifying item on the November agenda to reflect the council's intent.
Somerset — A split of recollections among councilmembers over last month’s fee-schedule change prompted the council to schedule a clarifying action for the November meeting.
The dispute centered on whether the fee removal applied only to dead, diseased or infested protected (canopy) trees, or whether staff had removed the fee for all trees. The town attorney and the mayor said legislative history should be clarified so the intent can be implemented correctly. EJ said the minutes and council actions should be reviewed and that staff will place the matter on the November agenda so the council can introduce language reflecting the intended scope.
At least three councilmembers said their intent when voting previously had been to remove the fee only for dead or diseased trees; councilmembers discussing the matter urged the town attorney to draft clear language and a record for the next council meeting.
