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Ogdensburg city council seeks legal opinion on tree trimming responsibility

Posted 8/13/14

OGDENSBURG -- City council will seek legal advice on who is responsible for maintaining trees located on residential property, but in the city’s right of way. A debate ensued after city councilor …

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Ogdensburg city council seeks legal opinion on tree trimming responsibility

Posted

OGDENSBURG -- City council will seek legal advice on who is responsible for maintaining trees located on residential property, but in the city’s right of way.

A debate ensued after city councilor Wayne Ashley requested a dead tree be removed and that another tree be trimmed due to potential safety concerns.

City Manager John Pinkerton said he believed maintaining the trees was the responsibility of the homeowner,

Councilor Ashley disagreed, saying that the city plants the trees and is likely responsible pruning them.

Pinkerton said homeowners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks, mowing lawns and shoveling snow. He said the same standard applies to tree trimming.

“People need to take responsibility for their own property,” Pinkerton said, adding that he maintains his own trees.

Mayor William Nelson said there is a growing trend for people to become more reliant on the government to handle everyday tasks.

Following the brief debate, city council requested Pinkerton to contact City Attorney Andrew Silver to seek a legal opinion regarding tree trimming in city right-of-ways.