Timberlake council addresses storm damage, approves $500 reimbursement to resident

Council members on Aug. 20 devoted extensive discussion to recent storm damage, relief efforts and short-term emergency planning, and unanimously approved a $500 reimbursement to a resident for tree work on the village right-of-way.

Kevin Thompson moved to reimburse Brent Gardner $500 for work performed by R&J Tree Service at 7 Nepahwin; Ryan Konrad seconded and the motion passed by roll call. Gardner had submitted an invoice and described damage to several village right-of-way trees adjacent to his property. The reimbursement was limited to the invoice amount presented.

Mayor John Marra, council members and the police chief praised volunteers and contractors who assisted after the storm. Marra described widespread cleanup efforts and thanked neighbors and crews for helping clear roads; he summarized the response as "Neighbors helping Neighbors." Councilors discussed opening the village hall after disasters to provide charging and shelter, building a volunteer notification system, and convening a Tree Committee meeting to evaluate pruning, removal and possible arborist input.

Several council members noted extended outages and damage: Kevin Thompson said some homes experienced nearly seven days without power. Council discussed pursuing emergency funding through the county and state (FEMA) and encouraged residents to contact the commissioners' office for guidance on reimbursement eligibility and processes.

The meeting closed with standard approvals of financial reports and an announcement the next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17, 2024.