Public Works

Operations

Storm Damaged Tree Cleanup Policy

In order to be more responsive to citizens’ needs after a storm in which damage was done to trees on private property, the following guidelines will be utilized to establish the City’s response:

Damage Evaluation Team

The City Manager, Public Works Director, Operations Administrator and the Grounds supervisor shall form an evaluation team to review the damage and establish the City’s response based on the extent of damage. The evaluation team will also establish appropriate drop-off site(s) for citizens to use. The decision on the City’s response shall be made within 24 hours of the end of the storm.

City Response

Full Collection City Wide
1. If the survey by the evaluation team yields tree damage beyond small limbs and twigs that involve 50% of the residential properties in 4 of the 7 maintenance districts, the City will go into full collection throughout Ames. Timing and standards for placement of the damaged trees will be included in the press release detailing the City’s response.
2. A free drop-off site(s) will be designated for citizen use.
3. The Volunteer Center will be contacted to coordinate assistance for citizens that need help.
4. The Director of Public Works will declare an emergency and coordinate the burning of debris at the City’s drop-off site only.
Full Collection in Limited Area
If a tornado or other isolated event creates a significant amount of tree damage beyond small limbs and twigs that involves 50% of the residential properties in a limited area, the evaluation team can designate an emergency, such that the City will collect the damaged trees in a limited area, not City wide.
Intermediate City Response
1. If the evaluation team determines that 25% of residential properties, in at least one maintenance district, have tree damage beyond small limbs and twigs, the City will designate a free drop-off site for all citizens to use.
2. The Volunteer Center will be contacted to coordinate assistance for those citizens needing help.
3. The Director of Public Works will declare an emergency and coordinate burning of materials collected at the City’s drop-off site only.

If the above conditions related to extent of damage don’t occur, private sector businesses and the citizens will address the damaged tree removal and disposal needs.