A Wausau committee upheld a $550 fee Monday against a homeowner who says he never knew the tree his contractor damaged belonged to the city.
The Parks and Recreation Committee voted 4-0 to affirm the assessment against the Stoneridge Drive homeowner. His contractor dug a drainage trench that severely damaged the roots of a city-owned linden in the public right-of-way. The committee deliberated in closed session before voting. Alder Carol Lukens was excused.
Under city code, no one may cut below ground or otherwise disturb a tree in a public area without a written permit from the city forester. Plumbing Inspector Dennis Kurszewski testified that no permits were sought for the work, which required excavation and lateral permits. Kurszewski also testified that the curb was damaged…