But officials say they’re powerless to help residents
By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff writer
Burlington residents Don Howell and Mike Caringello aren’t alone in their opinion that the American Transmission Company shouldn’t touch their trees.
But the support from Mayor Bob Miller comes with an obvious caveat – there’s nothing Miller can do to keep ATC out of the residents’ back yards.
“It’s out of our hands,” Miller said Tuesday. “I wish we did (have some authority). I would seriously have to re-evaluate what trees are coming down and why.”
ATC’s new policy of clear-cutting trees that fall within 50 feet of their lines – and have a maximum growth of more than eight feet – has drawn the ire of Howell and Caringello, both of whom questioned the policy publicly last week.
In limbo is a small green ash tree that Howell placed in his front yard – which he says will be no closer than 30 feet at its full height – plus several older trees that Caringello says have already hit their maturity.
Last week, neither side seemed willing to compromise. ATC media relations person Ann Spalpholz said the company is merely following its new policies, which allow for little leeway and meet federal standards.
Howell, meanwhile, promised to fight anyone who came onto his onto his property to touch the trees.
On Monday, Howell confirmed he is filing a complaint with the Public Service Commission, which will have a photo of his ash tree with its proximity to the power lines included.
“The subdivision and city code required us to plant a tree in front as others have done in our neighborhood,” Howell said in the report. “For the past 12 years, we have lived at this location, the utility had trimmed the trees under and near the power lines.
“A representative of the American Transmission Company says it is a new corporate decision to remove trees within the full 100-foot easement even though there has been no problems in the past with power lines from the trees.”
Spalpholz said last week that ATC has spoken with City of Burlington staff, and “the city has been very cooperative with us and has no issue with our practice.”
Department of Public Works Supervisor Dan Jensen was non-committal Tuesday.
“It’s between them and the citizens,” Jensen explained. “We said we have nothing that prevents (ATC) from doing what they need to do.
“It’s not my argument to get into.”
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