COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Following a couple of changes, a divided Coldwater City Council passed an ordinance on a 5-to-4 vote Monday night which amends the regulation of vegetation within public right-of-ways as well as vegetation on private property when public safety is affected.
City Attorney Amanda O’Boyle said during last month’s meeting the primary purpose was to ensure public safety.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Robert Hawley felt the revisions modernize and clarify standards for plantings in the right-of-way.
Former City Planning Director Dean Walrack was not in support of the ordinance.
After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Travis Machan to approve the ordinance but with the elimination of the language calling for two foot setbacks behind the edge of the curb or road and three feet setbacks from driveway openings.
After the eight Council members voted, it was up to Mayor Tom Kramer to break the tie.
On a separate matter, city staff was directed to come back with ordinance language covering what plants can be kept in a right-of-way and ones that have to be removed for a future Council meeting.
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