Park trees to be removed by contractor, not public

A concern of liability, safety and costs ensued as the Winamac Town Council discussed removing a number of trees from the town park during a regular meeting on April 11. 
Park manager Dave DeLorenzo questioned what the council would like to do regarding the ash trees in the town park. There are more than 50 trees that need to come down. Of those trees about 38 should be downed by a contractor, according to DeLorenzo. He believes he can do the rest. DeLorenzo feels that the majority of the trees he listed for the town council are posing a threat to the public. 
DeLorenzo suggested that a contractor drop the trees and the town sell the trees to the public. The public would then be required to remove the trees. 
Councilman Tom Murray voiced his concerns regarding the liability, such as if someone hurt themselves cutting the trees. 
Town attorney Justin Schramm suggested the town use a contractor to have the trees cut down because that company is bonded in case a problem should arise. If a local resident was cutting the trees and a third person was injured then the town could be held liable. 
DeLorenzo said the back of the park could be closed while the trees are being cut up. He said he spoke with the state park, who had about seven individuals that came into the park to cut trees. Those who were removing the trees at the state park were not able to use log splitters. 
It was suggested that the area where the trees would be downed be closed while they are being removed. It was estimated to cost about $9,200 to have the trees dropped.
Murray made a motion that if the town can find the $9,200 that the contractor take down the trees and remove them. DeLorenzo said he is not certain that the quote includes hauling away the debris and removing the stumps. There was no second in regards to Murray’s motion. 
Councilwoman Judy Heater suggested that the town employees could start taking down some of the trees before the fair and before the Northern Indiana Power From the Past weekend, instead of the town waiting on quotes. 
There was a suggestion that more than one contractor be used to take down the trees to save on time. DeLorenzo said there will be a time table in regards to this project. 
It was suggested that DeLorenzo receive three bids and the wood would not be offered to the public.