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Council presses manager for data after residents report long delays in tree inspections
Summary
Councilors asked the city manager for a detailed report on tree-inspection requests, including counts, average response times, backlog sizes, and whether work is outsourced, after constituents reported months-long waits and unaddressed safety concerns.
Councilors raised constituent complaints about long delays for city tree inspections submitted through 311, citing instances in which residents had not received inspection outcomes or remediation after months or years. Multiple councilors said delays can create safety and liability concerns when dead limbs or hazardous trees remain unaddressed.
Councilor Fol requested a report with specific metrics: the annual number of tree-inspection requests, time between request and inspection, the number of trees awaiting trimming or removal after inspection, the typical time between inspection and actual work, and whether the city relies on private contractors for removals. Several councilors asked the manager to prioritize immediate follow-up and to engage the parks/forestry commissioner on operational improvements.
The city manager agreed to provide a comprehensive report and noted the parks division uses certified arborists and sometimes contracts privately for specialized work or capacity needs. Councilors asked that the report explain the full process — from 311 intake to arborist review to tree-commission or permitting steps — and include recommendations to reduce dangerous delays.
The council referred the order to the manager as amended and emphasized both the need for a timely response and potential interim steps to mitigate imminent hazards.
