The city of Decatur is looking for feedback from residents regarding a proposed new tree ordinance that would require permits to remove any tree from a property with a “capilar” that’s 6″ or more.  (It sounds like the “caliper” is the diameter of a tree’s trunk 6″ off the ground.) Currently, you only need to retain a permit if you’re demolishing and replacing a house.

Here’s the city’s introduction to the question…

The City’s current tree ordinance does not require a permit to remove trees from existing single family residential properties. When the current tree ordinance was adopted in 1989, infill development of single family homes was not an issue and additions to existing single family dwellings were relatively modest in size and scope. When a single family dwelling is demolished and replaced with a new house, the tree ordinance requirements must be met. However, there are no provisions that prohibit tree removal for additions to existing single family dwellings or for simply removing trees.

As part of a comprehensive review of the City’s development ordinances, amendments to the tree ordinance are being considered that would require a review and permit process to remove trees from single family properties. In addition, the ordinance would switch from a density based formula for tree measurement, which measures the width of a tree’s trunk, to a canopy based measurement, which measures the maximum expected size of the tree canopy. In the past ten years, scientists have been able to determine the ecological contributions that tree canopy provides including the canopy’s ability to clean air and water.

And here’s the official question…

To what extent do you support or oppose changing the City’s tree ordinance to regulate the removal of healthy trees of a minimum size (e.g., 6” caliper) on existing single family properties where such trees do not interfere with permitted building improvements?

Provide your official answer HERE.  You have until February 20th to weigh in.  38 people already have!

At this evening’s Decatur City Commission meeting, the commissioners unanimously approved a “one week pay period adjustment” for the city staff after the city reported better than projected revenues in the recently completed fiscal year.  Unlike the commission meeting a month ago, when some commissioners – in particular Commissioner Fred Boykin – showed reservations in providing a “pay adjustment” during a rough economic period, this time around it passed quickly and with little discussion at all.

At the meeting, one resident spoke in favor of the motion, while no one opposed it.  A couple commissioners mentioned offline conversations they had had with the City Manager about this issue, and it seemed pretty obvious from the general lack of discussion between the commissioners on the topic that they were all aware that this issue had been settled previous to the meeting.

Commissioner Boykin had this to say about the delayed decision. “I was interested in seeing what the [city staff] breakdown was. And when you see the numbers it’s obvious you see the vast majority of our staff are in public safety and public works and Active Living and things like that actually…impact the community directly. I’m not trying to belittle the administration or staff at City Hall, but the folks that people see in the street.  The police officers and the folks who pick up the trash…That’s who this money’s going to.  I’m supportive of it.  I just kind of wanted a little bit more time to think about it.”

If you’re wondering about that breakdown of City Employees, here it is:

• 99 or 49% – Public Service
• 59 or 29% – Public Works
• 16 or 8% – Active Living and Youth Services
• 29 or 14% – all other departments (courts, planning & zoning, revenue and accounting, community & economic development, general administration)