When planted two years ago, the fraser fir evergreen tree at Strawberry Acres Park in Holland was on track to be the tree residents gathered around each December for a holiday tree lighting ceremony.
As misfortune would have it, the tree was not meant to be. After just two seasons as the village Christmas tree, the fir tree is dead.
At the June 13 meeting, council learned that the tree is beyond help.
Mayor Lee Irons received word about a month ago from the maintenance supervisor that the tree appeared to be dying.
He contacted Amy Stone of the OSU extension, who confirmed its untimely demise, noting it was nothing that the village had done wrong in caring for it.
She speculated that the tree was “just too large to transplant and under too much stress.”
Councilman Justin Hoen of Hoen’s Orchard agreed, adding that a fraser fir is not native to the area and its size may have contributed to its inability to take a transplant well.
“Now we need another one,” he said, and offered to donate a Norway spruce from the garden center.
“That’s quite an offer,” said Mayor Irons, thanking the councilman for the donation.
The replacement tree will be transplanted this fall.
The mayor plans to obtain a quote for the transplant cost and present it to council at the July meeting Other Business
In other business, council:
•Heard from Mayor Irons that efforts are ongoing to find an alternate source of funding for the countywide 911 system.
The mayor noted that smaller jurisdictions such as Jerusalem and Metamora lack the revenue to pay their share of the cost.
•Discussed the status of the barbershop building which had a fire several months ago.
Councilman Ryan Spangler said the village assessed the structure and noted it needs torn down. The owner concurs, but the insurance company believes it can be renovated. “It’s an eyesore,” he added.
Village solicitor Paul Skaff added that the village can’t force the insurance company to declare it a loss and tear it down.
•Heard from Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski that the police department has been “extremely busy. It’s been a challenge filling vacation spots right now.”
•Set a committee of the whole for 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 11 prior to council’s regular meeting to discuss a job description for administrator.
•Promoted Julius Skeldon to assistant maintenance superintendent for which he will receive a pay increase of $1 per hour.
•Approved the purchase of two computer servers and two domains from PerryproTech for $44,516.
Councilman Scott Brown said the current system is “reaching the end of its life,” necessitating its replacement.
The project also includes replacement of the UPS battery backup systems which are at end of life. Cost for two UPS from PerryproTech is $4,117.
•Hired Sean Tucker of Holland to the maintenance department. He will be responsible for cleaning the rental facilities– the Lodge at Strawberry Acres and the Community building
•Paid bills totaling $191,965.
The next village council meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday July 11, at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
