The plan eliminates the need to have the council meet to order the removal of a dangerous tree. The city staff now has the power to do that.

The plan also gives the city staff the authority to determine the time frame in which a property owner would have to remove a dead or dying tree.

The plan also gives the city crews the power to go onto private property to remove a tree that poses an imminent danger. That is a power that could be used if a tree was leaning over or was split open.

The spread of the emerald ash borer throughout Iowa prompted the passage of the new law. The emerald ash borer is a tiny insect that burrows into ash trees and eventually kills them. The law could be used to address dangerous trees of other species as well.

Councilwoman Lydia Schuur was absent from the otherwise unanimous vote.

The council also moved to add a property at 319 N. Seventh St. to an urban renewal area. That move would clear the way to use tax increment financing money to pay for demolition.

A vacant two-story house and a detached garage are on the property. Those structures will be demolished to make way for future redevelopment of the Lincoln neighborhood north of downtown.