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Residents accuse city of cutting trees without notice amid sewer work; commission offers follow‑up
Summary
Two residents said city crews cut mature front‑yard trees without notice during sewer preparations and that they face costs and emotional loss; staff offered to follow up and residents requested apology and remedies.
During public comment at the Alma City Commission meeting, residents described abrupt tree removals tied to sewer work and asked the city for an apology and remediation.
Barb Pender said she owns multiple vacant lots on East River/South River that have had mature trees removed without prior notice. "They came in and cut down the trees. No notice, no conversation," she said, and asked why her properties would bear disproportionate costs and the loss of mature plantings.
Katie Hartsell, speaking for her daughter, said city crews removed two pine trees from a recently purchased home and left stumps; she said her daughter returned home in tears and that the family felt "violated." Hartsell asked the commission for an apology and said the removal occurred without individualized notice despite prior millage or program outreach.
City staff acknowledged individual discussions had begun: a commissioner thanked Eric (staff) for speaking with residents and asked staff to follow up. The meeting record shows staff committed to additional neighborhood meetings and individualized follow‑up; no immediate remedy or compensation was announced during the public session.
Other public comments at the meeting included requests for more policing on Iowa Street to address speeding and calls for park amenities (pickleball court seating, water, restrooms). Affected residents repeatedly requested clarity about when they would be billed for lateral replacements and how driveway or yard dimensions will be affected.
