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Mayor proclaims Arbor Day; resident urges keeping trees and praises Marietta services
Summary
Mayor Steve Dundertowen read an Arbor Day proclamation recognizing Marietta's 40-year Tree City USA status, and resident Kathy Slough used public comment to urge tree preservation while praising first responders and Marietta Power's responsiveness.
Mayor Steve Dundertowen read a proclamation declaring Feb. 20, 2026, as Arbor Day for the city of Marietta, citing the city's long participation in Tree City USA and local tree-planting efforts. "Now whereas I, Steve Dundertowen, mayor of the city of Marietta, do hereby proclaim 02/20/2026, Arbor Day," he said.
During the public-comment portion, Kathy Slough, who identified herself as a Marietta resident, praised the city's first responders and Marietta Power for quick response times and urged the council to preserve trees and green space while recognizing development pressures. "Paved Paradise. Put up a parking lot," she said, quoting Joni Mitchell to underscore her concern about losing tree cover to development.
Slough told the council she understands the tension between tree preservation and housing affordability but asked that the city prioritize plantings, green space and protections for wildlife habitat where possible. She also recounted two recent instances in which police and fire personnel provided assistance to residents, using those examples as reasons to remain proud of local services.
The proclamation text recited the historical origin of Arbor Day and noted Marietta's recognition by the National Arbor Day Foundation for four decades. City staff earlier described requirements the city meets for Tree City USA designation, including per-capita spending on tree planting and maintenance and annual observances tied to the national holiday.
No council action on the items addressed during public comment was recorded in the transcript; the proclamation was read for the record and placed in the meeting minutes.
