The unanimous decision by the Vinton City Council to award a tree removal contract to Maurer Tree Service is just the beginning of some very busy months for local residents, said Mayor John Watson.
The council approved the $118,000 contract during its meeting Thursday, authorizing the Fairbank company to remove nearly 500 trees damaged by the July 11, 2011, storm.
City crews will be working with Maurer personnel to find a place to put those 500 logs, plus the related brush and branches. Traffic will also be an issue at times, as well as ensuring that the falling trees do not damage water shut-off valves.
“I’ve got an idea that I’m going to be real busy for the next three months,” said Watson.
Another issue will be dealing with homeowners who have trees that were damaged by the storm, but that look as though they could survive. Some people have already expressed their desire to keep those trees, although the present a potential liability to the city. Other people, said the Mayor, have taken it upon themselves to paint orange “X”s on trees they thought the city should remove, but were not marked by city crews.
Watson said he has discussed such trees with the city’s tree expert Jeff Schadle, who has explained to several people that even if a tree looks healthy, it could contain hallow spots or cracks that would make it likely to fall in a future wind storm. Approximately 100 of the nearly 500 trees that have been marked were due for removal before the July storm, said Watson.
“It’s going to be quite a process. It’s going to be a busy 90 days,” said the Mayor.
The federal government will pay 75 percent of the cost, with the state paying 10 percent. That means the project will cost Vinton a maximum of $17,700. The contract allows Maurer’s crews 90 days to remove the trees. The Farmers Sales property recently acquired through the FEMA flood buyout program will be the site of the log storage; the dump areas will be used for brush and chipping sites.
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http://smireles.hubpages.com/hub/Galvestons-Dead-Tree-Sculptures
It has become quite a tourist attraction. I hope they don\'t all go into the land fill.
Editor\'s Note: We have several new sculptures, thanks to Brian Parr! When you come back, take a drive around and see them. Or look for our stories here on Vinton Today!
Edito\'s Note: Yes, there are many new ones. They are on our web site: Type in chainsaw sculpture or Brian Parr in the search box. You can see one at 1st Christian Church, two at Riverside Park, and many others throughout the town.