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McIntosh schedules first reading of tree-protection ordinance as residents urge keeping volunteer committee
Summary
Council scheduled an Oct. 14 first reading of a draft tree-protection ordinance that would clarify Town Manager authority on tree matters; residents warned against abolishing the existing Tree Preservation Committee and urged the council to retain volunteer involvement.
The Town of McIntosh scheduled a first reading and public hearing for a draft tree-protection ordinance on Oct. 14, 2021 after councilors discussed revisions to the land-development code that would clarify manager responsibility for tree decisions.
Ric kman presented the draft ordinance and said it updates Tree City USA standards and assigns legal responsibility for trees on town property to the manager (to be carried out in coordination with any advisory committee). Councilors debated whether that language would effectively replace the existing Tree Preservation Committee or merely streamline permitting by placing administrative responsibility with staff.
During general citizen comment, longtime volunteer Bev Dotter told the council "You should not abolish an existing committee because of the difficulties," urging officials to retain citizen volunteers who have handled much of the committee's work. Mary Anne Kelly and others echoed support for retaining volunteer involvement. Councilors asked Rickman to work with them on changes before the first reading so the ordinance reflects the council's intent and committee roles.
