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FD council to consider update to tree ordinance

The local government would have the power to remove dead and diseased trees from private property in emergency circumstances, according to a proposal to come before the Fort Dodge City Council Monday.

The city already has a law under which officials can order property owners to remove dead or diseased trees. An update to that law is being considered in response to the invasion of the emerald ash borer, a tiny insect which burrows into ash trees and eventually kills them.

”With the continued movement of emerald ash borer through Iowa, we felt it necessary to align our local codes with that of the state of Iowa and ensure that staff can be proactive and work swiftly as emergency situations were to happen,” Assistant City Manager Ryan Maehl wrote in a report to the council.

The emerald ash borer situation and the proposed new tree law will be the subject of a workshop at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S.

The council’s regular business meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

During that meeting, the council will consider the first of three readings of the proposed new tree ordinance.

The council will also consider the first reading of a measure establishing a reinvestment district at Corridor Plaza. Setting up such a district is required to accept the recently awarded $17 million in state funding for the project.

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