HUMBOLDT Humboldts downtown square drew extended conversation at Monday evenings council meeting.
City Administrator Cole Herder said as many as 18 ash trees in the block-square park were at risk of emerald ash borer. Five, six, seven have dead tops, and thats where disease shows up first, he said.
To confirm a problem, or perhaps dispel one, an agent of the Kansas Forestry Service examined the trees Thursday afternoon.
Treatment is an option if the trees are diseased, with cost, according to Herder, of $700 to $800 a year and no guarantee of longevity.
If the trees were to be removed as a precaution others could be infected a grant from Enbridge would help pay for the procedure.
The trees would be replaced.
We could lose every tree in the park if we do nothing, said Councilwoman Vada Aikins.
We dont need one falling on someone, added Mayor Nobby Davis.
Herder also pointed out that the floor of the historic bandstand, in the parks center with sidewalks radiating in each direction, had serious problems. Its deteriorating, some of the wood is rotting, he observed.
Herder will look at tongue-and-groove flooring that would painted, and may be able to reach a solution before the annual Biblesta celebration on Oct. 5.
Modern Woodmen Insurance, Iola, will help finance repairs.
Two other park items came from Register reporter Bob Johnson.
On behalf of the Humboldt Historical Society Johnson told council members early this year HHS would purchase a water fountain of the citys choosing to place under an open-sided and roofed building at the northwest edge of the park.
For many years until about 1960 the structure housed a fountain that satisfied many a thirst.
Cole recommended an ADA-approved fountain rather than a reproduction of an antique fountain. HHS members gave their approval earlier.
