Council discusses code enforcement, ash-tree declines and urban-forestation grant

Council members reviewed code-enforcement activity and debated how to respond to the spread of declining ash trees while describing a smaller-than-expected state grant for urban forestry work.

The Chair opened the topic by summarizing typical seasonal enforcement: "tall grass and weeds," abandoned vehicles and parking on grass are now a priority for code efforts, the Chair said.

A council member urged the council to consider a nuisance designation for ash trees next year, arguing the trees are widely affected and removals are likely unavoidable over the next decade. "We're recommending the council just deem all ash trees a nuisance next year," the council member said, adding that in many cases trees that look healthy are hollow and hazardous following windstorms.

Speakers discussed treatment and removal costs: the council member estimated treatment at "300 or so" dollars per tree based on recent work in a park. The meeting record shows the town received a state urban-forestation grant but for about half the amount it had received previously; officials said they plan to continue applying for grants to support tree-planting and rebate programs.

The council also discussed whether the town requires new houses to include boulevard trees; speakers noted Sioux Falls has such a requirement but said their town does not. They debated tradeoffs between boulevard plantings and future utility or street work that can require removing trees planted near infrastructure.

The transcript records a motion to adjourn later in the meeting but does not capture a second or vote on adjournment. The code-enforcement and forestry items concluded with no formal vote to adopt nuisance designations or new ordinances recorded in the provided transcript.