Lexington city council gives final endorsement of KU tree-trimming plan
Several months of debate and negotiation regarding Kentucky Utilities' tree-trimming practices have now come to an end. KU’s modified vegetation management program got final Lexington Council backing Thursday night.
One of the vocal community members with previous concerns about tree removals is Matt Harrison. He addressed the vice president of Kentucky Utilities while delivering his remarks. Harrison said it had been a difficult process and KU had the legal right to do nothing different than the original plan.
“Certainly I know I speak on behalf of some of my neighbors we hoped maybe you would do a little bit more. But, what we asked you to do when we spoke up was to listen and to come up with some compromise. And really, you did both of those things.”
An update to the utility’s vegetation management plan includes modifying the analysis used to determine which trees must be trimmed or removed. It also calls for monetary compensation for affected property owners to increase by 20% during the initial reclaim cycle.
City Council Member Susan Lamb said community involvement was integral in the process.
“It doesn’t always have to be the elected officials that you beg or fuss at or harangue or whatever word you want to us to make a difference. Together, the community and the elected officials, public servants, can make a difference together,” said Lamb.
Another update calls for the utility to continue coordination with the city on re-plantings on public property.
