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Council deadlocks on plan to plant 65 additional trees, motion fails
Summary
The Fairmount Heights council voted 3–3 on a motion to plant 65 additional trees per a county plan (excluding plantings near Hip Hop Chicken); the tie resulted in the motion failing. Debate centered on grant use and whether trees would be planted on land slated for development.
Mayor Stewart called for a motion to plant 65 additional trees according to the county tree plan but excluding the area adjacent to Hip Hop Chicken. Councilmember Saint John moved to plant the 65 trees and Councilman Oscar seconded the motion. The clerk’s roll call produced three yes votes and three no votes; with the tie the motion failed.
Why it mattered: the trees are part of the town’s effort to meet points for Sustainable Maryland/Tree City USA recognition and to improve curb appeal and stormwater management. Proponents, including town staff, argued the plantings fit an existing resolution and grant plan. Opponents raised concerns that some of the targeted acreage (about 4.4 acres mentioned in discussion) may be slated for future development and that planting grant‑funded trees on land likely to be changed would be a poor use of county funds.
What council said: Mayor Stewart presided over the roll call and confirmed the motion failed after a 3–3 tie. Councilwoman Downing said she opposed the motion and cited concerns about grant monies being used on parcels expected to be developed. Town staff (Miss Arumi) responded that the plan is a general resolution and that council approval in the minutes would suffice to authorize planting the additional 65 trees according to the submitted plan.
Next steps: because the motion failed, there was no authorization to proceed with the 65 additional trees as presented; staff and council can bring revised locations or additional information back for a future vote. The town’s tree plan and related grant paperwork remain in staff packets for further review.
