City Council Minutes 2006 02 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes February 7, 2006 Page 13 of 18 out of date concerning arboricultural standards and specifications and does not provide for the licensing of tree care companies working within the city limits. Licensing tree care companies protects citizens from improperly insured and under-qualified companies who may have an unfair advantage over companies who provide adequate levels of insurance, superior training and a safe working environment. Many cities along the front range have adopted ordinances mandating specific requirements for arboricultural practices, safety regulations and licensing procedures. Those cities include: Denver, Lakewood, Aurora, Wheat Ridge, Longmont, Ft. Collins, Greeley, and Englewood. Additions to Chapter 8.12 reflect advancements in the profession of arboriculture by adopting the most current industry standards and specifications. These additions are limited to the creation of an arborist license issued by the City mandating tree care companies are properly insured and required to operate under federal safety and tree care standards. Local tree care companies working in Louisville were notified of a January 19 meeting where the City Forester would review those changes. Although no companies attended, many of the local companies submitted letters of support of the ordinance. This support illustrates the importance of these regulations to both our community trees and those who take care of them. Mayor Pro Tem opened the public hearing and requested public comment. Tom Davinroy, 518 W. Sycamore Circle, Louisville, CO stated he was contacted by City Forester Chris Lichty last year because his trees hung over the bike path. He reported Mr. Lichty was very professional and helpful in his suggestions, as were the entire Horticulture Staff. He asked about the legal responsibility of homeowners to maintain the community trees, and noted the community trees affect all the citizens. City Attorney Light explained the purpose statement is not intended to create a separate enforceable obligation, but to introduce the general scope of the chapter. COUNCIL COMMENT Council member Muckle asked if there is a provision for the City to require property owners to remove dangerous or diseased trees from their property. City Forester Lichty reported on giving homeowners notice to remove such trees, but never had any enforcement problems. He proposed in the future, the City provide a cost sharing program for tree removal. He also noted, for the residents' convenience, the City provides a tree branch drop-off area.