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Commission backs forwarding amendment to tree mitigation fund to City Council, citing safety and caps discussion
Summary
Planning staff recommended expanding the tree mitigation fund to cover removal and trimming of trees on public property and rights‑of‑way; commissioners debated whether a cap or split should protect planting funds, a resident urged partial annual allocation, and the city manager cited ladder‑truck access concerns. The commission voted to recommend Council review.
Brooksville planning staff proposed amending section 4‑5.8 of the municipal code to allow the tree mitigation fund to be used for removal of dead trees and trimming on public property and rights‑of‑way, in addition to planting. Staff said the change would help preserve tree health and address safety and maintenance needs.
A staff member explained the current fund is limited to planting on public property and rights‑of‑way and that expanding eligible uses would allow the city to pay for consultant crews and specialized equipment for canopy trimming or removal when necessary. The staff presentation included a fund balance figure—"around $230,000"—and noted a prior tree‑planting project (described by staff) that cost about $330,000.
At least one commissioner questioned whether allowing removal and trimming could deplete the planting program and suggested a split or cap (one commissioner proposed a limit such as 40% for removals/trimming). Resident Lewis Howell, speaking during public comment, supported using part of the fund for trimming and recommended establishing an annual percentage to preserve planting capacity. City Manager Lisa Hendrickson added a public‑safety rationale, saying she had received notice from the county fire department that overgrown limbs on some streets prevent ladder trucks from safely passing.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to forward the amendment to City Council for review and recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The commission did not adopt a specific numeric cap; staff and commissioners discussed possible policy language and implementation approaches to preserve planting funds while addressing safety and maintenance needs. The item will go to City Council for final action.
