Commission hears that Taft Street tree was cut amid sewer emergency claim; Fulton Street pits raise safety concerns

Commissioner Larry Hohlman called the Port Clinton Tree Commission to order at 5:00 p.m. and led a discussion of recent tree removals and public-safety concerns.

In Old Business, guest Paul Christman reported that the previously discussed tree at 613 Taft St., owned by Eric Petersen, had been cut down without a tree commission vote. Christman described the removal as a sewer emergency and said Tracy Colston had arranged for Doug Nuser to evaluate the site; according to the minutes, Nuser found the tree was above the sewer line and that roots had encroached into the line. The minutes do not identify who authorized the cut beyond Christman’s characterization of an emergency, and the commission recorded a motion to table a formal decision on the Taft St. property (moved by Commissioner Roger Domokos and seconded by Commissioner Lisa Bodi).

Commissioner Hohlman also raised concern about recent removals on Fulton Street in front of Bell Mell’s, saying the empty tree pits present a safety hazard for pedestrians and patrons in that high-traffic area. Paul Christman said he would notify Tracy Colston about the pits so the issue can be addressed.

The commission approved removal of the decayed tree at 417 Lincoln Avenue (see separate article). No members of the public spoke during public comment. The minutes record the commission scheduling its next meeting for April 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. and adjourning after a motion from Commissioner Jerry Tarolli, seconded by Commissioner Ed Urban.

What happens next: The commission tabled a decision on the Taft Street property pending further investigation of infrastructure and decay. The minutes note that staff (Doug Nuser) evaluated sewer impacts but do not specify which office authorized the emergency cut; commissioners asked staff to follow up on the Fulton Street pits and to report back at a future meeting.