Russellville Town Council touches on tree issues

Russellville Community Center

RUSSELLVILLE — The main topics of a short regular meeting, the Russellville Town Council revisited two issues Wednesday evening concerning trees.

The council first followed up with resident Mary Nichols, who queried last month the liability of a tree on Fordice Street, which she believed to be on town property.

Town Attorney Stu Weliever stated that, as a general rule, homeowners own their land up to a right-of-way, which the town has authority over to maintain streets. As such, trees should not be in the town’s purview.

“All the town has is a right-of-way to be able to maintain that alley or street as originally platted,” Weliever said. “As far as trees that are in that right-of-way, the town doesn’t own any trees. They’re owned by the property owners.”

It was noted that the property on which the tree in question is located has not had taxes paid. While this was not clarified, Weliever cautioned for the property showing on GIS to not be taken as “gospel.”

As to trees on property the town does indeed own, the council, with support from Weliever, agreed to pursue at least three bids for cutting trees at the back of the Russellville Community Center.

Council President Cary McGaughey said he would consult with Chad Oliver of Oliver and Kingerey Logging as to finding interested work. An offer from Oliver was presented last month.

In other business:

• The council approved shutting down Harrison Street (Railroad Street to 2nd Street) from 8 a.m. on Sept. 23 to 8 a.m. the next day for the Russellville Rhythm and Ribs Festival.

With Councilwoman Cathy Jones and Street Supt. John Boller absent, Town Marshal Matt Biggs joined Weliever, Clerk-Treasurer Martha Mandleco, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Teresa Ciulla and McGaughey and Councilman Tony Riggen for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville Town Council is set for Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the community center.