Tree, snow removal top talks for Grand Ridge

A large, overgrown Chinese elm tree located on village property along Parkway Street topped the Grand Ridge Village Board agenda on Tuesday night.

After a complaint from the resident whose property the tree is infringing on, Mayor Kay Hines contracted a tree service for a bid on complete removal of the tree. Upon recommendations from the service though, trustees had other thoughts.

"I just don't like to see a healthy tree come down if it's not a safety issue," Trustee Sean Maltby said.

Hines explained the tree specialist said the elm isa strong tree and though it looked like it had suffered lightning damage, was already mending and otherwise very healthy.

"He said it can be trimmed to a point where there are no safety concerns," she added.

Trustee Bill Meagher concurred with Maltby, saying "I'd rather see us trim it because trees are beautiful."

In efforts to save the tree, Trustees approved the bid for trimming and maintenance versus complete removal.

Removal of another type next topped discussions with Maltby's proposed plan for snow removal for the upcoming winter season.

According to Maltby, street parking posed a real problem last winter and he'd like to see a proactive, more definitive strategy before the first snow hits.

His tentative plan includes a snow ordinance prohibiting street parking after two inches of snowfall, as well as fines for violators.

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Tree, snow removal top talks for Grand Ridge