PRESS RELEASE

December 28, 2007

In response to the concerns of citizens regarding the care and maintenance of Hoquiam’s public trees, the Community Services Board, under the leadership of Mayor Jack Durney, has created a subcommittee to review Hoquiam’s Tree Ordinance (Hoquiam Municipal Code 6.52)

Mayor Durney asked the Community Services Board to review the current ordinance with the hope that the board, after reviewing the ordinance, would make a formal recommendation to the City Council to adopt a revised ordinance which would comply with the standards of Tree City USA, a program through the Arbor Day Foundation.

In addition to retaining aesthetics and historic value, Mayor Durney also cites the need to preserve our urban canopy as a catalyst for this project. Throughout Hometown Hoquiam, citizens have clearly stated that the appearance and overall beauty of the City are important to our character and quality of life.

The subcommittee, chaired by Dara Gaddis of Americorps, will develop a recommendation for the Community Services Board who then will make a recommendation to the full City Council.

The subcommittee is currently seeking help and input from citizens who have an interest in this topic. Interested citizens are asked to contact City Planner, Alissa Thurman, at 532-5700 ext. 211 or athurman@cityofhoquiam.com.