VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 18, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Berman called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Dale Berman, Trustee Mark Guethle, Trustee Mark Gaffino, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Chris Faber, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Laura Curtis, Village Clerk Lori Murray.
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Bill Hannah, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel, Police Chief Dave Summer, Fire Marshall Eric Bunkofske, Public Works Superintendent Mike Glock, Water Superintendent Paul Young.
DISCUSSION
1. Discussion on Ash Tree Removal and Replacement
Public Works Superintendent Mike Glock asked the Board for approval to remove a total of 900 trees from parkways. Glock said he would go for bids immediately and have a deadline of March 31st for all 900 trees to be removed. Trustee Guethle asked if the replacement trees would be planted in the spring. Glock said yes.
Village Administrator Steve Bosco said that there are two items up for discussion. The first is a request for an additional 900 trees to be removed, which would get rid of almost all of the ash trees in the Village. The other issue is replacement of those trees. The Village budgeted the removal of 300 trees. The replacement budget is just short in replacing all 300 trees. There was enough money to replace 180 trees. Last year, the Board authorized an additional 550 trees to be planted. Staff is asking for additional money to pay for all of the trees that are removed this fall and summer, which are 120 more trees at a cost of $32,000. The second issue is removing 900 additional trees at an estimated cost of $126,000. The combined total is an expense over budget of $146,000. There will be adequate funding due to the permit revenue this year.
The Village Board directed Staff to move forward with the removal of 900 trees. Trustee Carroll suggested the Board go out for bid on all 1200 trees. The Board agreed.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for approval made by Trustee Carroll and seconded by Trustee Lowery. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori J. Murray
Village Clerk
