Council discusses Department of Corrections tree-removal crew; seeks details on transport, liability and public notice

City staff briefed the council on a proposed cooperative effort with the Department of Corrections to use trained work-release chainsaw crews to remove hazardous trees, including those affected by emerald ash borer (EAB). The item was presented as a discussion only; no formal decision was made.

Staff said the DOC crew consists of low-risk inmates eligible for work release and that the state would provide training; the city would need to provide staff supervision and transport. A staff member stated insurance and workers-compensation coverage would be under state insurance, not the city’s, and the work would require city staff to be trained to supervise and to coordinate transport.

Council members raised public-notice and perception issues. One council member asked bluntly, "We just armed convicted felons with chainsaws in our parks," expressing concern about how residents might react; others recommended advance public notification and a clear intergovernmental agreement that spells out responsibilities, supervision ratios and safety protocols. Several council members supported the idea in principle but asked staff to return with specifics including supervision ratios, transport plans, liability language, which tasks would be done (removal vs. professional tree-limber work), and whether the crews could assist only on public property or also on private properties when paired with a licensed contractor.

Council requested more detail and asked staff to explore an intergovernmental agreement and operational plan before any implementation. Staff said they would return with additional information for council review.