Commission member Carolyn Keiffer said the city needs to launch a campaign to warn residents not to hire a tree trimmer unless the person works for a company with liability insurance that pays worker’s compensation. Otherwise, if an employee is injured or killed, homeowners could be financially liable.
Ray’s Tree Service worker Mike Akers, 38, of Middletown, died from injuries suffered Oct. 5 when he was struck by a 40-pound limb in the backyard of a Manchester Road home. Police said Akers was walking under the tree when the branch hit him in the head.
McMullen said City Manager Judy Gilleland suggested the tree commission examine the issue of tree-trimming services. Beyond plumbers, electricians and HVAC specialists, he said Middletown has no policy in place to require contractors to hold certifications or to register when completing work in the city.
As a frame of reference for what other cities require, McMullen provided a copy of an ordinance in Springfield that requires tree trimmers to obtain a two-year license for $50 and pass a test to perform work. But that city, he said, also has a full-time city forester to enforce rules.
McMullen and commission member Steve Lewis suggested the city require all contractors to register to generate revenue and lessen issues with illegitimate companies.
And while Lewis agreed more education would also be useful, he said coming up with a plan would be time consuming and he wasn’t convinced the city would act on it.
“My concern with this thing is it is a rather large topic. It all does come down to who is enforcing this and who is really going to monitor what is going on,” he said.
Once spring hits and residents see the possible toll EAB has taken on ash trees Keiffer said more residents will be motivated to work on the issue.
The next meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17.
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