Public Works committee drops request to remove three right-of-way trees at 310 Saint Charles Street

The Public Works Committee voted unanimously on June 3, 2024, to drop an agenda item seeking permission to remove three trees in the right of way at 310 Saint Charles Street after staff said the homeowner prefers trimming and an arborist described the trees as healthy.

The item, listed in the record as "Item 14 o 5 24," was introduced during new business. A staff member displayed photos and said "these were the 3 trees," and that earlier the homeowner had called to ask what the arborist had concluded. The staff member said the arborist "suggested that they were healthy" and that the homeowner wanted the trees trimmed rather than removed.

The staff member also relayed that "Jamie" had indicated the city allows homeowners to trim crepe myrtles in the right of way, and noted uncertainty about whether an indemnification agreement would be required if the homeowner performs trimming. After clarifying that the request originated with the homeowner, a councilor moved to drop the item; the motion passed on a voice vote, 4 to 0.

The committee had previously approved the minutes at the start of the meeting and, with no other business, the chair adjourned the session.

Votes at a glance • Approval of minutes (motion to dispense with reading and approve): passed, recorded vote tally 4–0. • Tree removal request for 310 Saint Charles Street: motion to drop the agenda item—passed 4–0.

The meeting record does not specify whether any indemnification agreement will be required if the homeowner trims the crepe myrtles; staff noted the question during discussion.