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Council weighs interim fixes after MSD removes hazardous trees ahead of sidewalk repairs
Summary
Magna officials said the spring tree-removal project addressed dying and hazardous trees along rights-of-way; MSD removed about 40 public-rights-of-way trees and 23 private-property trees and noted $150,000 in FY27 for initial sidewalk repairs, while council pressed staff to explore earlier fixes for the most hazardous segments.
Magna Mayor Mick Sudbury and city officials discussed resident complaints and liability concerns after the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD) carried out a spring 2026 tree-removal project intended to address dying, diseased and hazardous trees in public rights-of-way.
Brian Hartsell of MSD told the council that "approximately forty trees had been removed from public rights-of-way and twenty-three from private property with owner permission," and that the city had budgeted $150,000 in FY27 for sidewalk repair. Council members said residents were upset that some trees were removed before sidewalks were fixed and asked staff to explore interim options.
Council members and MSD staff examined short-term solutions including grinding stumps, temporary signage, piggybacking on state contracts, and possible use of MSD contractors to accelerate repairs. Assistant City Engineer Chad Anderson explained procurement limitations tied to the FY27 budget cycle and the timing of competitive bidding, noting some sidewalk repairs will be part of a larger fall 2026 project.
The council directed staff to investigate all feasible interim repairs for the most hazardous sidewalk segments, particularly on 8560 West where the Fourth of July parade will pass, and asked for a report back with cost and procurement options at a future meeting.
