Malvern council rescinds park tree removal plan after public concern

Malvern Village Council revisited plans to remove trees at Malvern Village Park during its May 4 meeting, hearing concerns from residents about shade loss, environmental impact and the decision-making process before ultimately rescinding the removal.

Malvern resident Diana Yost, accompanied by a small group of residents, led discussion during public comment, urging council to reconsider cutting down the trees, which she said provide essential shade and character to the park.

Yost questioned whether removing the trees would negatively impact the park’s usability, particularly during warmer months, and suggested the decision could reflect poorly on the village.

She also asked why officials could not explore rerouting the walking track around areas where tree roots have caused damage instead of removing the trees altogether. Council members responded that redesigning the path would significantly increase project costs.

Fiscal Officer Ashley Neading said the estimated cost to rebuild the base and fully rubberize the walking track is approximately $148,000.

Councilwoman Marci Hubbard said the intent behind the project was not to harm the park but to improve it.

“The intention was an improvement because the track is one of our most valuable assets,” said Hubbard. “We were not looking maliciously to destroy the park. It is about how we can be good stewards of this park with the funds we have.”

Councilman Justin Wadsworth, who previously voted against the tree removal, said he conducted research following the last meeting and believes proper procedures must be followed before any trees are taken down.

“We can’t just do stuff like this unless we do the proper checks and procedures,” Wadsworth said. “First off, you have to have a certified arborist.”

He added that the trees may fall under urban forestry regulations and noted that additional agencies, including the Carroll County urban forest manager and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, may need to be consulted. He also raised concerns about protected wildlife habitats and said any removal would likely require a replanting plan.

Following discussion, council agreed to rescind the tree removal plan.

Council then turned to fencing improvements at the park, approving a project totaling approximately $48,121.29. The fencing is planned for installation along the front of the walking track and extending around the corner toward the front portion of the baseball fields, where it would transition into bollards continuing toward the sewer plant.

The measure passed on a tie vote, with Mayor Bob DeLong casting the deciding vote. Council members Barb Burgess, Justin Wadsworth and Tom Holmes voted no, while Marci Hubbard, Mike McCort and Jan Wackerly voted yes.

Following discussion on park improvements, resident Nolan Champer asked whether the village has a clear plan for addressing ongoing infrastructure concerns, including road conditions.

Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh said a plan is in place but noted there are challenges, including delays tied to asphalt availability.

“There is a plan,” Kaltenbaugh said, noting that some work has been slowed by the hot-mix asphalt plant not yet being fully operational.

John Champer also spoke during the meeting, raising concerns about transparency and decision-making, including how votes are handled in situations involving potential conflicts.

Council members said they are continuing to work through priorities and will move forward as conditions allow.

In other business, council:

—THANKED Amy and Keith Mays, Mike and Vickie Campbell, Mike and Michelle Larson, Mike Chiurco and Darrell Lawson for donating their time and effort to beautify the park, and Joel Bowman for donating mulch for the project.

—HEARD Wackerly report a resident said the downtown lighting is “100 percent better” following recent work.

—HEARD John Champer raise concerns about village maintenance, mowing, the condition of the park, streets and alleys, and whether contracting mowing could have reduced staffing costs. —HEARD Fiscal Officer Ashley Neading report she added a “current news” page to the village website, www.villageofmalvern.net, to help share information with residents who do not use Facebook. —HEARD Neading report the village’s insurance provider completed a review of village properties and recommended several safety-related updates, including addressing playground surface material, a hole in a slide and updated first-aid supplies.

AUTHORIZED the purchase of updated first-aid kits and bleeding-control supplies for village vehicles and equipment at a cost of about $238.

HEARD Kaltenbaugh report a major water leak at a trailer park caused significant water usage and forced the village to shut off service until repairs are completed.

APPROVED repairs to the village backhoe at a cost not to exceed $23,000 from the general fund. McCort said this would boost the resale value in the future.

DISCUSSED employee health insurance quotes, with a representative expected to attend the May 18 meeting to provide more information.

HEARD Holmes discuss drainage and erosion concerns on Eastern Street and recommend seeking outside estimates for possible culvert and erosion work.

HEARD Hubbard report the fire board approved purchasing four sets of turnout gear at a cost of $15,080, with most of the cost covered by a grant.

HEARD McCort request that downtown curbs and crosswalks be painted and the alley near the gazebo be repaired or graded before Memorial Day.

HEARD McCort ask for continued review of damaged catch basins and drainage issues near the Christian Care Center.

HELD an executive session for the employment of a public official. No action was taken following the session.