Trees planted in street right of way (ROW), often the space between sidewalk and curb, offer benefits including shade and aesthetic appeal, but also become a cost to taxpayers when those trees die and must be removed. These pros and cons are at the center of an ongoing conversation about whether to allow tree planting in right of way in Sioux Center.
The City Council has been considering an ordinance that would prohibit the future planting of trees in ROW, which is generally the area between a property line and city streets. Currently, trees can be planted in the ROW and are the responsibility of the property owner to care for. However, if a tree in ROW becomes dead or diseased, the responsibility to remove it lands on the City – ultimately paid for by taxpayers. This taxpayer expense has been a focal point lately with many trees in Sioux Center impacted by Emerald Ash Borer and the July storms.
At the Sept. 15 City Council meeting, several members of the public shared comments and a petition urging the council to consider delaying the vote and consider other options to handle ROW tree planting. They highlighted the aesthetic impact in residential and commercial areas, the benefit of shade, and consideration of trees as another community amenity for which the community jointly bears the cost.
Their comments were shared prior to the second public reading of the proposed ordinance. A proposed ordinance like this one goes through public readings at three separate council meetings before it can be considered for approval, giving time and opportunity for public comment and consideration.
Following this discussion at the meeting, the council chose not to continue with the second reading of the proposed ordinance and to pursue further research and conversation about options on this matter.
“Thank you for your voice,” Mayor Dale Vander Berg said to the attending citizens, inviting them to be in contact with City staff as this conversation continues.