Three Oaks approves $9,900 tree removal to meet MDOT/CMAQ timeline; neighbor requests replacement buffer

The Three Oaks Village Council on March 11 approved paying $9,900 to remove trees within the MDOT right‑of‑way along US‑12 to satisfy timing constraints tied to the Indiana bat and maintain eligibility for a CMAQ‑funded trail project.

Village Manager Faulkner explained that MDOT regulations require trees over three inches in diameter within the right‑of‑way be removed before the end of the month to proceed and that MDOT was unable to perform the work. Because the CMAQ grant has an October completion deadline, Council concluded prompt removal was necessary to avoid jeopardizing the project schedule and approved a $9,900 quote from Derek Dudiak to perform the work.

Council also acknowledged written correspondence from a nearby property owner who said they did not object to removal but requested replacement buffering, suggesting a fence. Council debated the tradeoff of incurring tree‑removal costs before final project bid approval versus meeting MDOT requirements and preserving the grant timeline; the motion to proceed carried unanimously among members present.

Council directed staff to proceed with the tree removal so the project can continue to move forward and noted the buffer request will be considered as the project design and final bid proceed.