by Hunter Dawkins, Publisher/Owner – thegazebogazette@gmail.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
(Friday’s print edition had the incorrect title and 3-2 vote cast was for approval of removal)
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Pass Christian Board of Aldermen voted 3-2 to approve the removal of a live oak partially on public property in the northwest corner of the St. Paul Project Center Project Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at the city municipal court. The tree is located within the proposed public right-of-way on the project site as it enters E Second Street.
When questioned about the Pass Christian Tree Board response by Alderman-at-Large Kenny Torgeson, City Attorney Malcolm Jones (who was on the telephone due to a family sickness) acknowledged that met with the tree board members informing them of the city plan, but stated to each member that Pass Christian did not need there authority on the matter due to the Tree Ordinance 492, Section VI.
Under this measure; according to Jones, the city does not need a vote of approval by the Pass Christian Tree Board to remove on public property for a project that was approved.
Torgeson expressed a dislike of Jones’s counsel, stating he “never removed a tree unless we heard the tree board’s approval.” Additionally, Ward 2 Aldermen Regina Charlot stated a need for transparency to the public instead of acting without the tree board’s opinion. Both Torgeson and Charlot were the two dissenting votes for the removal.
Before this matter, the board voted to table an installation of drainage pipes in the Timber Ridge subdivision 3-2 due to a need of information.
Ward 4 Alderman Victor Pickich (also on the telephone due to absence for providing help to hurricane victims in Florida) expressed these improvements would have an impact on additional properties and how he has been out in these locations with several city department heads.
Finally, Pass Christian Fire Chief Dia’Mond Woodman mentioned during the public comments that the fire deparment has picked a town in North Carolina (Clyde, NC) where they are providing their assistance and funds after the severe damage from Hurricane Helene.
Goodman provided the board of aldermen with the donation information via social media or mobile. Go to pass-christian.com/departments/fire-rescue for more information. Thank you.
