Here are some of the items approved...

Here are some of the items approved by the City Council during

Monday’s meeting.

TREE REMOVAL

The City Council passed an ordinance Monday making it easier for

homeowners to remove and replace overgrown trees that are causing

cracks in the sidewalk. In the past, homeowners were required to fix

damaged curbs and gutters when removing trees, but the new ordinance

waives that requirement. A licensed contractor must do the work with

a permit from the city. Councilwoman Connie Boardman voted against

the proposal.

WHAT IT MEANS

Hypothetically, more residents will now take the initiative to

replace the trees themselves because the process will be less

restrictive and less expensive. Otherwise, overgrown trees will be

placed on a list to be eventually removed by the city. Planning

Department officials said the public removal program is backlogged by

about a 100 trees and $14 million.

EARLIER MEETINGS

At the request of Councilman Dave Sullivan, council meetings will

now begin an hour earlier. Sullivan said he was hoping to prevent

meetings that ran until midnight, as Monday’s did. He said he spoke

with newly elected Councilmen Keith Bohr and Don Hansen and they both

agreed to the proposal. Councilwoman Jill Hardy and outgoing Boardman

voted against the proposal. Councilwoman Grace Winchell abstained.

WHAT IT MEANS

City Council meetings will now begin at 6 p.m., closed session

items will be heard at 5 p.m. and study sessions will start at 4 p.m.

BAN ON KILLING OF WILD BIRDS

The council passed a law that outlaws the killing of wild birds

within city limits. Boardman had previously tried to enact a ban on

Avitrol, which was used to kill pigeons in Central Park, but was

seeping into the food chain and killing other wild species. City

Atty. Jennifer McGrath later ruled such a ban would preempt state law

and could not be held up in court.

WHAT IT MEANS

Instead Boardman was able to amend the city’s animal protection

laws to include wild birds. It is now unlawful to kill a wild bird

within city limits under any circumstances.

DOWNTOWN PARKING

The council also passed an ordinance allowing for one hour of free

parking in two of the city’s garages to accommodate holiday shoppers.

Cook and Boardman voted against the proposal, which will cost the

city $8,000 in lost revenues.

WHAT IT MEANS

Shoppers who park in the Main Street Promenade Parking Structure

or the Plaza Almeria lot from Dec. 13 to Jan 2 will be given one free

hour of parking using a coupon provided to them from Downtown

merchants.