GENTRY — A basic tree ordinance which will make it possible for Gentry to become a Tree City USA was passed on its first reading at the Aug. 2 council meeting.
The proposed ordinance officially establishes a tree board and regulates the planting, maintenance and removal of trees on public property.
Of concern to some council members was language which would require persons to obtain permission from appropriate officials in the city before a tree growing on public property — including city rights of ways — can be trimmed or pruned.
Councilman James Furgason said he didn’t want to see residents who have cared for and maintained trees growing on city rights of ways be punished if they fail to contact the appropriate city official before pruning a branch or otherwise maintain a publicly-owned tree.
Furgason also raised questions as to who the appropriate official is since the proposed ordinance does not clearly spell out who is to be notified.
By passing the ordinance on its first reading, council members expressed hope that any wording of the ordinance which needed further clarification might be amended before a third and final reading.
If passed on three separate readings, the new tree ordinance could take effect following the October council meeting.
The proposed ordinance was referred back to the parks committee for more study at the July council meeting and was returned to the August meeting with a do-pass recommendation from the committee.
Of concern then also was the city’s role in implementing the requirements of the proposed ordinance and how it would deal with those who might cut down or prune a public tree in ignorance of the new regulations.
A basic tree ordinance regulating public trees is required before Gentry can become a Tree City USA.