Opinions vary on city’s new tree ordinance

Opinions vary on city’s new tree ordinance

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Richard Cooney has been providing tree cutting services in Philadelphia for years and he’s not happy about a new ordinance aldermen passed this month.

The ordinance requires that before any tree with a diameter of six inches or more can be cut within the municipal boundaries, the tree cutter must obtain a license with the city at the cost of $30. And, it requires a permit costing $20 be obtained for each tree cut.

The money collected will go to the general fund.

The ordinance also places responsibility for the person who hires the tree cutter to make sure he has followed the ordinance. 

A fine of $1,000 and/or six month in jail can be imposed against violators.

The mayor and board passed the ordinance because uninsured tree cutters have dropped large trees on power lines, causing damage and power outages. 

Mayor James A. Young said this has happened four times in the past couple of years. He added that there was nothing in place to hold anyone responsible and the ordinance gives the city the ability to do something about it. 

Cooney said he has insurance and is bonded. He has already purchased his license from the city. It is an annual fee that must be renewed at the first of each year.

Cooney acknowledged there has been damage caused by individuals who are not bonded and don’t have insurance. But he doubts the ordinance will stop them from continuing what they are doing.

“I’m not exactly happy because I have worked for the government before and I know they won’t actually go out there and enforce it,” Cooney said. “The (ones who are not bonded and don’t have insurance) aren’t going to get a license or get a permit. They will go out there and cut. You will never know they were there.”

Ward 1 Alderman Justin Clearman said he has received some calls from people who are unhappy with he ordinances. He said he has tried to explain why he believes the ordinance is necessary.

Philadelphia Utilities Manager Kirk Morgan welcomes the ordinance. He said that not only can a tree cause expensive damage and power outages, but people can get hurt.

“We appreciate the city for taking this step,” Morgan said. “There have been things that happened that we didn’t know anything about until all creation was tore up.

“You have an unbonded, uninsured tree cutters come to town. He wants to come in, do it for cash money and undercut the guys who do it right. Then, the second he messes up and tears up everything, he’s gone. This is a big step in the right direction to hold people accountable. The homeowner has some responsibility, too.”

Morgan added that safety is a factor.

“If they are insured and bonded, they are following safety protocols and not just winging it,” Morgan said. “This is not just about the powerlines. But a lot has been torn up in the past.”

Mayor Young said the ordinance is necessary.

“We call this governmental intervention,” Young said. “If you don’t need governmental intervention if you are going to do it right. But you have guys out there cutting these big trees with no insurance. Trees are falling over, tearing down power lines.

“It has happened three or four times in the last couple of years. The utilities have a big ticket in what they have to come back and replace.

“So, it seems to me we should hold that guy responsible for the damage. But until you put something out there that says you have to have this, this and this, there isn’t a lot you can do.”

The ordinance goes into effect 30 days after approval and being published in The Neshoba Democrat. 






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