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Residents ask Davis board to remove street trees over power-line safety concerns; board to seek estimates
Summary
Joyce and Gordon Phillips told the Village of Davis board that trees planted near their home now threaten power lines and asked the village to remove them; the board asked staff to check state liability rules and will get an estimate from Backwoods Tree Removal.
Joyce and Gordon Phillips told the Village of Davis board on Aug. 13 that trees planted on village property near their home “are in danger of taking out power lines if they fall down,” and asked the village to remove the trees before they cause damage.
The Phillipses said they previously asked a person named Brad several decades ago to remove the trees but were refused. Board member Rich Rote said he remembered the earlier request and said he believes trees located between the sidewalk and the street should be the village’s responsibility to maintain. Staff member Steve was directed to check state law about liability and the board decided to ask Backwoods Tree Removal for an estimate when that contractor is next in town to work at the cemetery.
Why it matters: the board’s next steps — a legal review and a removal estimate — determine whether the village or homeowners will bear the cost and legal risk if limbs or trees damage utilities or injure people. The board did not record a formal vote or ordinance change at the meeting, only the direction to pursue legal clarification and cost estimates.
