HomeMy WebLinkAboutBjorkman Property Dead Tree Falling on Car POLICE DEPARTMENT
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
14168 OAK PARK BLVD. NORTH • P.O. BOX 2007 LINDY SWANSON
OAK PARK HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55082 CHIEF OF POLICE
TELEPHONE: (651) 439 -4723
FAX: (651) 439 -3639
" EMERGENCY: 911
June 7, 2000
Mr. Roger Coomer
Washington County Dept. of
Transportation
11660 Myeron Rd.N.
Stillwater, MN 55082
Dear Mr. Coomer;
I write to you as I have a concern with a large, dead elm tree located in our community. The
tree is located on the east side of Co. Rd. 23 (59th St.N. & Beach Rd.). On October 13,
1999, a large limb broke off of this tree and landed on a passing vehicle, doing substantial
damage to the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, a member of our agency called your dept. to report
the problem and existing hazard. A member of your agency, I believe Nick Young, said he
would take a look to see if this was a County issue and would get back to us. Nick called us
back and said that it was a county maintainance issue and that they would get a crew on it.
Limbs continue to break free from this tree and either I or a representative from our police
dept. have called back at least four times to express our concerns for a potential hazard
involving this dead tree. Thus far I have observed no action taken to rectify this potential
hazard and I, along with our City Arborist, am deeply concerned. I would appreciate
anything you can do to expedite the resolution of this situation. If after reviewing you find
that this is not something that your dept. can act upon please advise me at your earliest
convenience. Thank You.
Sincerely,
Lindy Swanson
Chief of Police
enclosure: OPBPD report #99703469
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
14168 OAK PARK BLVD. NORTH • P.O. BOX 2007
LINDY SWANSON
OAK PARK HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55082 CHIEF OF POLICE
TELEPHONE: (651) 439 -4723
FAX: (651) 439 -3639
EMERGENCY: 911
July 10, 2000
Mr. Mark Vierling
Law Office
1835 Northwestern Ave.
Stillwater, MN 55082
Dear Mark,
I am writing in response to your request for specific information regarding a diseased, dead,
elm tree located in our community. The tree in question is located on the property address of
5887 Beach Rd., Oak Park Heights, MN The owner /occupant of this property is Jerry &
Diane Bjorkman.
On October 13, 1999, a large limb fell from this tree and landed on an automobile that was
driving by, doing significant damage to the vehicle. On at least two occasions since that date
other limbs and/or debris has fallen from this tree. I do believe that this tree constitutes a
hazard and in the best interest of public safety should be removed as soon as possible.
I previously contacted personnel from Washington County Public Works and was advised
that the tree was their responsibility and that they would have a crew remove it.. After
considerable time, nothing was done. I again contacted Washington County personnel and
after they took a look at the tree location I was advised that this tree was just outside of the
county right of way, thus they could not remove it.
I shall include with this letter a copy of my original letter to Washington County, a copy of
the letter I received in response, and a copy of the police report covering the occupied
vehicle that was hit and damaged by falling tree limbs.
If you need anything further please advise.
Sincerely,
� w
Lind y Sw son
Chief of Police