We just want to update you on our progress with the city. First of all we have sent them the Irrigation repair estimate from lawn pros. Just waiting on hearing back from the city on the next steps. Second, we had some conflicting information on the street trees. This is their answer straight from email: “The City of Yelm owns all street trees, because they are located on public property within the street right-of-way (i.e., between the sidewalk and the curb). However, the City has an agreement with all Home Owners Associations stating the HOA is responsible for maintenance of street trees. Individual HOA’s, at their option, may assign that maintenance responsibility to individual homeowners. It is my understanding that Nisqually Meadows HOA has chosen to pass that responsibility on to its individual homeowners (refer to your CCR’s).” I have sent a follow up question because ours are not in the public right way but in an easement on sidewalk side and on private property.
We asked how the trees they removed was decided upon here is their response.
“This is a joint decision made between the sidewalk contractor and City on a case-by-case basis. Typically, if the roots causing damage are too large or extensive and cannot effectively be removed without permanently damaging the tree, or if there remains potential for future damage to the sidewalk by allowing the existing tree to remain in place, a decision may be made to remove the tree. If the City chooses to remove the tree, the City is responsible for replacing the tree at the City’s expense” we send them your concerns about the street trees now are liening much more or there is damage such as tree tops missing, or bark missing and want to know why these trees were not removed. Some of the trees are leaning towards houses and vehicles. “If the HOA or the individual homeowner chooses to remove and replace a particular street tree (for any reason, including those just stated), they may do so at their expense, but must be replaced with a tree from the City’s approved species list. A permit is required from the City, although the permit fee is often waived for replacement of unsafe, dead or dying trees. “
We asked we would like to know why stumps were left at an unsafe height and not removed. they city answer:
“These stump will need to be removed at the City’s expense” The last question we asked: We are also concerned that some of the new sidewalk is uneven between new and old paving, the joints are raised on some new areas, and there are some major dips. it seems much more of a safety issue now before we had them replaced. city reply:" I (Patrick) have looked at the new sidewalks, and cannot find “major dips” or locations where there remains “much more of a safety issue now than before”. Can you give me a list of locations (address numbers) and I will take another look to determine if additional repair/replacement is warranted." I am in the process now getting this information right now we have spots by the entrance and a few homeowners I know for sure. If you have any of these sidewalk issues, please send us with address and what it is and we will come and take photos and send them to the city. I have also sent address of trees they need to check out again. Thank You Melissa Worthington And HOA board
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