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City arborist: storm-damaged trees removed; crew short-handed and training planned
Summary
City arborist Jason reported recent storm damage that required removing trees, said the crew is short two people after staff moves and resignations, and announced LTAP bucket‑truck and chainsaw safety training scheduled for June 30 open to parks and DPW staff.
Jason, identified in the transcript as the city arborist, told the committee that recent wind and storm conditions required removing two damaged trees: two Lynden trees and a maple with a double blow-top out. The removals were completed within the crew’s current capacity.
Jason reported staffing shortages: the department lost its primary tree worker to the fleet garage and another crew member resigned, leaving the crews short-handed and limiting work to essential safety removals (road-clearance pruning and the like). He said the crew has been "doing bare minimum" and has not completed additional urban-park dead-tree removals because of limited staff.
To address safety and capacity, Jason said the department is training staff: LTAP will run bucket-truck and chainsaw-safety training on June 30, which Jason invited parks and DPW staff to attend so more personnel can safely handle tree work and elevated operations. Committee members suggested scheduling additional removals in the fall when operations slow.
Why it matters: storm damage and staffing levels affect the city’s ability to maintain public trees and respond to hazardous conditions. The committee encouraged members to walk the urban park to identify trees that need removal so staff can prioritize work when capacity allows.
No formal votes or budget decisions on staffing were made at the meeting.
