Westwood Golf Course to see removal of 21 damaged trees next spring

Twenty-one damaged trees at Westwood Golf Course have been approved to be removed by a contractor, along with six additional stumps.

According to city documents, the City of Newton’s community development staff prepared a bid package and received quotes earlier this month for the dropping, removal and stump grinding of the 21 trees and the additional six stumps. The contracts ranged from around $10,000 to more than $28,000.

Steine Tree Service, of New Hampton, provided the low quote of $10,050 with a completion date of March 31, 2026. Project costs were going to be paid using FY25 general fund dollars from a specific parks budget. However, council member Randy Ervin recommended the money come from a different account.

“I’d like to change the wording of this a little bit,” Ervin said, suggesting an amendment be made to reflect the change in funding source. “It should state: ‘A motion to amend the resolution by changing the funding source from general fund to FY25 bonds dedicated to tree removal.’”

So, instead of general fund dollars, which come from property taxes, the project will be paid with bonded — or borrowed — moneys.

The tree removal project was originally included in the consent agenda, a part of the agenda that often features small purchases or low impact resolutions. At any time before the consent agenda is approved, council members can ask for specific items to be set aside and talked about individually.

Mayor Evelyn George said the funding source correction derived from interactions between council and city staff members.