(KLZA)--The Falls City, City Council voted unanimously Monday night to have the loading dock constructed by Adam Eickhoff at his business at 410 East 14th Street removed.  The loading dock sits partially on the city right-of-way. 

City Administrator Gary Jorn informed the Council of the City Attorney’s recommendation to remove the dock as it encroaches on the city’s easement.

During the May 2 Council meeting, Eickhoff apologized for building the loading dock without permission.  

In addition to removing the loading dock, the Council moved for Eickhoff to remove the gravel he installed on city-right-of-way that pushed beyond the 20-foot section he originally sought permission for.  

The council also heard a report from Gerald Hopp, who was representing the Tree Board concerning the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Hopp noted that the borers have advanced to the Red Oak, Iowa and St. Joseph areas and are anticipated to travel three to four miles per year.

The last tree inventory determined there were approximately 200 ash trees in city parks and on the city right-of-way in Falls City. 

That does not take into consideration how many ash trees are in peoples’ yards. Hopp noted this could become a costly problem.

“No one knows the exact year-to-year cost of removing impacted ash trees,” Hopp said.

Hopp urged the council to pay attention to the cost of removing and disposing of ash trees and reforestation during the city budget process.

“Waiting until these trees are clobbered by the ash borer could prove financially shocking,” he added.

Chemical treatment of ash trees is estimated to be from $80 to $200 annually per tree.  

One of the prime ways the Emerald Ash Borer travels, is through the movement of firewood.

“The best advice is to not transport firewood out of its harvested area,” Hopp said.

The Tree Board report noted that once you notice a problem with the Emerald Ash Borer, it has likely been there three to five years already.