Village Officials to Consider Emerald Ash Borer Action Plan

Lemont officials will discuss Monday a possible action plan for the removal of trees infested with the emerald ash-borer—a tree-killing beetle that has plagued Northern Illinois for the past several years.

Public Works Director Ralph Pukula informed village officials in December 2011 that the bug was found in more than 20 ash trees on private property in the 500 block of 6th Street. The infestation was confirmed Nov. 2 by the Illinois Department of Agriculture during a statewide trap survey, Pukula said. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, the emerald ash borer is a small, metallic green pest whose larvae feeds under the bark of ash trees, cutting off nutrient flow essential for a healthy tree. It has been found in several states from the east coast to the Midwest, and in June 2006 it was discovered in a residential neighborhood in Kane County.

Lemont joins a list of more than 80 locations in Cook County and hundreds across the state that have had confirmed sightings since 2006. As a result of widespread infestation, all or parts of 23 northeast Illinois counties are currently quarantined, state officials said.

"We've been anticipating this for several years," Pukula told village officials Dec. 19. "It's going to cost us some money over the next few years."

Although the infested trees are located on private property and have been quarantined, they are still a major concern for the village and its ash tree population, particularly because of how expensive they can be to treat or remove.

Pukula said he consulted with Chuck Stewart, the village arborist, regarding the village's options addressing any further issues with the ash borer.

To treat trees chemically, Pukula estimated an annual cost between $100 and $200 per tree. Removing infested trees would likely cost between $300 and $500, he said.

During a committee of the whole meeting Monday night, the Lemont village board is expected to discuss a possible ordinance authorizing the removal of any trees infested with the emerald ash borer if the owners refuse to do so.

According to village documents, the owners of the parcel must reimburse the village for tree removal and disposal.

Pukula said there are approximately 2,400 ash trees on village property, and most likely more on private property. Taking into account the quarry area, Lemont could have as many as 10,000 ash trees, he said.

During Monday's meeting, village officials will also consider the possibility of lateral entry for police and temporary appointment of police officers.

Currently, the Lemont Police Commission's rules and regulations do not provide for the lateral appointment of previously sworn police officers from other departments. New officers are only hired after the commission publicizes an open position and offers an examination, which village attorneys describe as "lengthy and costly."

Since the hiring of lateral entry police officers is available to all departments under the Illinois Municipal Code, village officials will consider an amendment to the commission's rules that would allow them to waive relevant portions of the examination.

Village administrators will also present information to the board Monday regarding financial conditions and a third-quarter budget review.

The committee of the whole meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at Village Hall, 418 Main St.