Council adds alley tree‑trimming and snow removal discussion; staff flags historic trees, code limits

At the start of the March 10 work session the council amended the agenda to include a roughly 10‑minute informal discussion about alley tree trimming and snow removal. Council member Dan and public works staff (Jay) later reported they rode alleys together to identify problem trees, overgrown plantings and issues with abandoned vehicles.

Jay described an example: a large oak estimated at 250 years that straddles a town alley and private property with a fence growing through it; the tree’s canopy affects eight houses and residents are split on whether to remove it. Public works emphasized limits on town authority when significant portions of a tree sit on private land, and noted the process for addressing abandoned or inoperative vehicles is lengthy once notices, appeals and appeals to a board of appeals are included.

Councilors and staff discussed targeted pruning, proactive use of the town arborist, and seasonal cleanup options (dumpsters at the field for yard debris). On snow removal, staff said public‑works crews cleared many sidewalks after a large storm, but state highway corridors (MD‑260/261) presented particular challenges with large trucks and snow blow‑off; staff will continue to refine operational timing and solicit neighborhood feedback.

Next steps: staff said they will coordinate internally on tree pruning priorities, follow up on cleanup logistics and report back on options to streamline code enforcement on abandoned vehicles and hazardous trees.