Comfrey adopts Diseased Shade Tree Pest Control Ordinance and appoints tree inspector

The City Council of Comfrey unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 197, the Diseased Shade Tree Pest Control Ordinance, during its July 8, 2025 meeting at the Comfrey Community Center. The council voted to publish a summary of the ordinance in the Comfrey Times and appointed Rick Kastner to serve as the city tree inspector to coordinate control and enforcement activities.

The ordinance completed its second reading and was adopted on a motion by Councilmember Arnsdorf, seconded by Councilmember Kastner; the motion carried unanimously. Because the ordinance text is lengthy, the council directed Attorney Paul Muske to prepare a concise summary for publication in the Comfrey Times (motion by Kastner, second by Evers; carried unanimously).

Council discussion noted that the ordinance recommends the appointment of a tree inspector to oversee activities related to prevention and control of shade tree pests and to assist enforcement. Following that discussion, Councilmember Evers moved to appoint Rick Kastner as the city tree inspector; Arnsdorf seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The ordinance and the inspector appointment take effect under the city’s normal ordinance procedures; the council did not specify a separate effective date during the meeting. The council did not record any dissenting votes.