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Council reviews ordinance to define responsibility for trees and shrubs in right-of-way
Summary
Ordinance 270 would spell out who is responsible for trees and shrubs in the right-of-way to address sight-line and debris concerns; council debated whether a clause permitting an arbiter is necessary and scheduled the ordinance for adoption at next Wednesday's hearing.
The Chippewa Township Council discussed Ordinance 270, a code change intended to clarify responsibility for trees and shrubs in the public right-of-way. Councilmembers cited recurring problems with sight-line obstructions and falling branches and said the draft regulation follows a pattern other communities are adopting.
One councilmember noted a specific sentence in section four that states the town “may hire an arbiter before we make a final decision,” and questioned whether that language should be included. “Just by saying may means we don't have to. But to stick it in there someone reads that they may come. Well you had to hire an arbiter before you make me do this,” the councilmember said, urging the body to consider removing or rewording the clause so it does not create an expectation of mandatory arbitration.
Other councilmembers responded that the ordinance can be adopted as advertised and that minor language changes do not require re-advertising if they do not alter the ordinance's substance. The item is advertised and scheduled for a hearing and possible adoption next Wednesday.
The council did not take a final vote at the meeting; the hearing and potential adoption are scheduled for next Wednesday evening.
