Tree trimming is hot topic

The tree branches are extensive and so was the debate last night over the City of Marshall's tree trimming program and the lack thereof. In recent years, the issue was trimmed from the budget, saving the city some $23,000 annually but last night, Director of Utilities and Infrastructure Tom Tarkiewicz said the 600 man hours and up to $50,000 he wants to pay AMP Ohio to trim trees, including "back lot" trees near the city power lines - those in your back yard - would not be enough get the city caught up on the long overdue task. Overhanging branches fall onto power lines during high winds causing major repairs for the city's municipal electric department. At Large Trustee Ron Goodwin voted against outsourcing the work because he feels the city's line crews can do the job. Fifth Ward Trustee Luann Miller voted in favor of the budgeted expense but urged the city staff to consider how far the $50,000 would have gone toward training the city crews to trim backlot trees. In response to the comment below, Ron Goodwin voted against the tree trimming contract with AMP Ohio. His was the only dissenting vote with Luanne Miller, Brent Williams, Mike Kinter, Matt Glaser, Jim Dyer and Mayor Bruce Smith voting in favor the contract.