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Council declines to authorize Aspen contract for power‑line trimming; orders arborist evaluations and community outreach
Summary
Staff sought authorization to contract with Aspen Tree Experts for utility easement trimming (est. $30,000). After extended discussion about scope, aesthetics, and procurement, the council denied immediate contracting and directed staff to secure at least two arborist opinions, hold community outreach and return with clearer cost estimates and recommendations.
Town staff requested authorization to enter a contract with Aspen Tree Experts (via Electric Cities preapproved pricing) to trim trees along the high‑voltage utility easement on North Main; Aspen estimated approximately $30,000 for trimming the primary corridor (budgeted line $50,000).
Council members and residents raised aesthetic concerns for the historic district and asked whether the work would leave 'unfinished haircuts' and whether the town should instead hire a certified arborist for a second opinion. Councilman Kingsley and others emphasized the need to avoid wasted taxpayer money trimming trees only to have in‑house crews follow up.
After debate about procurement approach and scope, a motion to deny immediate contract authorization passed. Council directed staff to secure two or three independent arborist evaluations, conduct community meetings to discuss historic tree impacts and return with a detailed scope and cost estimates for council consideration. The vote was recorded as denial of the contract authorization and approval of further study and outreach.
Next steps: Staff will seek independent arborist assessments, mark proposed removals and plan public outreach; council asked staff to explore phased funding options and potential larger multi‑year contracts to address overdue easement maintenance.
