RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-1518

A resolution requesting the Nashville Electric Service (NES) Board to implement a policy regarding the pruning of trees around power lines to require that NES submit a written notice to the homeowner whenever more than minimal pruning is required, and to permit homeowners to obtain their own arborist to perform the pruning with NES paying fifty percent (50%) of the cost.

WHEREAS, the Nashville Electric Service (NES) has engaged in an aggressive tree pruning campaign to prevent interference with and damage to NES power lines; and

WHEREAS, many trees require more than minimal pruning, which has resulted in complaints from homeowners as to the appearance of the trees after the pruning has occurred; and

WHEREAS, homeowners should be notified in advance as to the extent of pruning that is required for trees on their property; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that NES notify homeowners in writing when more than minimal pruning is required and that homeowners have the opportunity to hire their own arborist to perform the tree pruning or give an opinion as to how to best protect the tree and its appearance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Nashville Electric Service (NES) Board to implement a policy regarding the pruning of trees around power lines to require that NES submit written notice to the homeowner whenever more than minimal pruning is required (10% of the tree area) and to schedule a time with the homeowner so that the homeowner will be present when the pruning takes place.

Section 2. That the NES Board is further requested to permit homeowners to obtain their own arborist to perform the pruning with NES paying fifty percent (50%) of the cost.

Section 3. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to each member of the Nashville Electric Service Board.

Section 4. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: John Summers, David Briley

Amendment No. 1
To
Resolution No. RS2003-1518

Mr. President:

I move to amend Resolution No. RS2003-1518 by deleting the phrase “to perform the pruning”, wherein it appears in Section 2, and substituting in lieu thereof the phrase “to provide a consultation regarding the pruning of trees by NES on their property”.

Sponsored by: John Summers

Amendment No. 2
To
Resolution No. RS2003-1518

Mr. President:

I move to amend Resolution No. RS2003-1518 as follows:

By renumbering the existing Section 3 as Section 5 and adding the following new Section 3:

“That the NES Board is further requested to require each contractor working in connection with NES regarding tree pruning to have a certified arborist to advise the contractor as to the proper tree pruning technique around power lines.”

By renumbering the existing Section 4 as Section 6 and adding the following new Section 4:

“That the NES Board is further requested to prepare and distribute an informational brochure to vendors of trees suitable for planting that advises customers as to the proper planting distance from power lines.”

Sponsored by: John Summers