Resident cites city code in tree dispute

Thank you CBH. Some have pointed out their dissatisfaction with City Council members who keep spending our money to replace trees and repair the damage their roots cause. Councilman Deane likens $190,000 for 35 trees to replacing your windows at home. If we don't do it, "Moses Lake could end up being a windswept desert oasis, flatter than the horizon."

Really?

He also proudly proclaims this as one of his pet projects that he helped "push through" originally. "Not replacing the trees would leave the downtown area a desert wasteland." And you all keep electing this type of self-serving wisdom!I'd have some really great windows if I could spend your money to get them. They wouldn't need replacing in my lifetime, though.

Two years ago at City Council, I tried to point out the absurdity of such thinking and had to tolerate a temper tantrum and a threat to be removed from the room. Fortunately, Police Chief Mitchell acted more professionally than Councilman Lane.I finished my statement and sat down. I had pointed out that the city itself as in violation of its own municipal code! One you and I must abide by, but which City Council ignores. Check out Moses Lake Municipal Code Section No. 12.24.050. One quick paragraph starts with: "Plantlife that overhangs any municipal improvement or grows in such a manner as to obstruct or impair the free and full use of any municipal improvement by the public may be considered a public nuisance." I'd like to highlight the sentence that reads: "All plantlife that causes destruction of municipal improvements shall be considered a public nuisance." It reminds me of when Mom or Dad said, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Thank you Councilmembers Davind Curnel and Karen Liebrecht for your diligence.

Jon Smith

Moses Lake