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Lennox council approves amended emerald ash borer plan; special assessments and nuisance designation discussed
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Summary
The Lennox City Council approved an amended Emerald Ash borer plan that outlines options for helping homeowners pay for private-tree removal, including spreading costs via special assessments and using nuisance designations and code enforcement if voluntary removal fails.
The Lennox City Council approved an amended Emerald Ash borer (EAB) plan that outlines options to help homeowners remove infected private ash trees, including spreading costs through multi-year special assessments and, if necessary, declaring ash trees a public-health nuisance to enable code enforcement.
City staff presented the plan and told the council it had been tabled earlier (April 13) to explore private-tree removal funding and to identify ways to secure lower prices for residents. “We could certainly special assess that,” staff said, noting that applying last year’s contractor prices could push total costs near $1,000,000 and that the city would not know final numbers until a tree assessment next spring. Staff emphasized the plan favors voluntary compliance but details a path to enforcement: naming ash trees a public-health nuisance, issuing notices of violation, and pursuing administrative remedies — with removal costs ultimately special assessed to the property if required.
Council members asked about equity and affordability. One council member urged an education plan and town halls so residents understand options and timelines; staff proposed spreading costs over several years and said the council can set the interest rate for any assessment. “We strive for voluntary compliance,” staff said, “We’re not trying to get somebody in trouble… but they do pose significant public dangers.”
Timing and next steps were clarified: the city plans a private-tree inventory and park-tree reassessment next spring (noted in the memo as April 2027). Approving the amended plan does not enact an ordinance immediately; staff said a drafted nuisance ordinance would likely come back to council between January and February of the next year for formal adoption.
Council members moved and approved the amended EAB plan by voice vote. The plan directs staff to continue outreach, prepare an inventory and assessment, and return with a drafted ordinance and any recommended financing details for council consideration.
