Council signals support for city‑managed parkway tree program after staff recommendation

Mark Mertens, the city’s code enforcement officer, told the council that Clive’s parkway corridors were designed as an integrated system and that deferred maintenance across private easements has produced dead and missing trees, safety concerns and inconsistent canopy character. Staff presented three approaches: strengthened property‑owner responsibility; a shared cost model; and a city‑managed program. After presenting cost estimates and administration implications, staff recommended option three — a city‑managed street‑tree program.

"Staff recommends option three the city managed Parkway Street Tree Plan," Mertens said, laying out estimated restoration and ongoing costs and explaining how parks staff could deliver consistent, equitable results.

Council members raised questions about homeowner "skin in the game," volunteer planting and education, cost sharing and grant opportunities. Several members noted the visual and economic value of well‑managed parkway corridors and encouraged staff to pursue grants and volunteer partnerships; some said homeowners could remain involved and that the city should still allow property owners to contract for their own tree work provided standard species and planting protocols are enforced.

No formal ordinance was adopted at the meeting; council members indicated consensus to proceed with option three and directed staff to return with implementation details, cost‑sharing options, and volunteer and education programs that would accompany a city‑managed approach.