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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Ottumwa City Council met Tuesday evening to discuss a variety of topics; but the one getting the most debate focused on amending a city ordinance dealing with trees, shrubs and vegetation.

What the city was wanting through this new ordinance, was for residence not to plant any trees, shrubs or vegetation within the city’s right of way.

The entire topic was brought up because of the sewer separation project. Some trees have had to be removed because of construction.

On Wednesday, the public was asked to give their input on the matter.

“The important thing to remember is that we can know before we plant the trees what it will look like above and below ground in 10, 20 or 50 years. If we plant the replacement of trees intelligently, we can choose types that will not interfere with the new sewer system or the overhead utility lines,” said Brenda Case, an Ottumwa resident.

Council Member Jeremy Weller, who voted down the proposed consideration with two other council members, said that he thought the previous ordinance worked better.

“I think that the ordinance that was in effect before we started talking about this one, had worked fine for the last six years, and it is kind of weird how this whole process has evolved with the trees,” Weller said.

The council is asking that a committee be formed to focus on this topic, which they will discuss at a future meeting.

Two other items that were passed at the meeting included the approval of a computer upgrade to Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center and also the purchase of new cameras for televising the Ottumwa City Council meetings.