| Directional tree pruning is used in Huntington to train limbs to grow away from the power lines. |
Rich Buelte, senior forester from Pacific Power Vegetation Management Services, made a power point presentation to Huntington City Council recently. He was explaining the methodology used in determining how trees and other vegetation should be trimmed from around the electrical power lines in the area.
His presentation explained how trees grow, how they heal, and how they regenerate. He also explained how disease and pathogens enter into a tree if incorrect cuts are made during the pruning process. For many years, utilities companies pruned trees beneath power lines by topping the tree. This was found not only to encourage the tree to grow suckers straight up into the power lines, but stressed the tree to the point of being susceptible to disease.
A new method of pruning, called directional pruning, has proved to leave the trees healthier and encourages growth away from power lines. Each cut made in the pruning process is analyzed and made in the correct location on the branch. This natural pruning method routes growth away from power lines.
Utilities are required by law to keep foliage away from power lines to ensure the continued supply of power to its customers. PacifiCorp takes this responsibility very seriously. Each of the workers are International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists.
These crews are working in Huntington doing cycle work now, and will provide literature and assistance to residents of Huntington. The workers have been around the neighborhoods assessing the work to be done. Tree trimming will begin soon. Clearance requirements are 8-12 feet on each side of the power lines and 10-14 feet below the lines.
Buelte mentioned that several grants are available to beautification committees to plant trees. He has grant money available to plant trees that comply with the power company regulations about size and placement. Chips from trees and branches that have been removed will be available to the residents of Huntington at no cost. Call Ryan at 1-801-756-1240, and leave a message.
Mayor Jackie Wilson informed the council that the curb, gutter and street projects for the upcoming season will involve 10 streets to be completed by the special service district and six to be done by the city of Huntington, for a total of 16. She said she was very pleased that this is a good year for Huntington to be able to fund work on six streets. Included in this construction work will be the moving of five power poles in the area.
Mayor Wilson also explained that Commissioner Drew Sitterud has visited with the legislators on Capitol Hill concerning the proposals to close state parks. Three of the parks on the list for consideration are in Emery County. Commissioner Sitterud was encouraging everyone to write, call or email their representatives about the proposed closures. A vote will be taken in April by the State Parks board. Commissioner Sitterud stated that the senators he talked with have expressed adamant disapproval of the closures, but they need to know how the citizens in the area feel about the proposals.
Mayor Wilson explained that Emery County animal control officer Sgt. Martin Wilson is in the process of establishing a countywide stance on animals in the cities. This policy will be a no tolerance policy toward animals that are allowed to run loose. The policy will make an effort to crack down on dogs and other animals whose owners are not keeping the animals confined. The animal control ordinances require pets to be leashed or confined for safety reasons.
Councilman Bob Mills stated that he had been in attendance at a water meeting the previous Saturday. Huntington’s drainage stands at 130 percent of normal. At the present time, the water forecast is very favorable.
Councilperson Hilary Gordon informed the council that Christmas decorations have been ordered. She explained that a 40 percent discount was available for early orders.
Councilman Norman Dingman asked the council for comments on a proposal he and Mayor Wilson have made to the Emery County School District concerning parking problems surrounding Huntington Elementary School. He presented a map outlining the suggestions and the council will take the matter under consideration.
Councilperson Julie Jones said that Ray Quinn has finished the plaque for the cemetery. The city needs to make the decisions about moving the flagpole and completing the platform for the plaque installation. The work is to be finished before Memorial Day. She also reminded everyone about the Battle of the Towns being conducted by the youth city councils. This is a food and clothing drive which will culminate on April 16 at the conference for the youth city councils. The next meeting of the Huntington City Council will be March 16. It will begin at 6 p.m. with a public hearing concerning the suggestions to alleviate the parking problems at the elementary school.