Hartley to Remove 100 Trees, 50 Stumps

City Council approves $75,000 bid to address growing ash tree crisis

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Hartley City Council unanimously approved a $75,000 bid from Schwebach Tree Service to remove 100 trees and 50 stumps this summer, as the town grapples with an increasing number of dead and dying ash trees due to the emerald ash borer infestation. The council also approved the purchase of new surveying equipment to complement upgraded GIS mapping software, and hired a contracted services firm to assist with nuisance property abatement.

Why it matters

The emerald ash borer infestation has led to a growing number of dead and dying ash trees in Hartley, posing safety risks and requiring significant removal efforts by the city. The new GIS mapping software and equipment will help the city better manage its infrastructure, while the contracted services firm will aid in addressing nuisance properties, an ongoing challenge for the community.

The details

Superintendent of Public Works Nick Galm brought the tree removal issue to the council last fall, noting the city's current efforts to remove trees have been slow and unable to keep up with the problem. The council approved the bid from Schwebach Tree Service, which will remove the trees and stumps by September 1st. The city also approved the purchase of new surveying equipment to complement the transition to ArcGIS mapping software, which will provide more accurate and interactive infrastructure data for city employees. Additionally, the council hired Steve Hallgren of Planning Solutions in Spencer to provide contracted services focused on nuisance abatement this summer.

  • The tree removal work will be completed by September 1, 2026.
  • The city will learn the fate of a grant application to assist with the removal of the old Capitol Theatre building in the coming weeks.

The players

Schwebach Tree Service

A tree removal company based in Sioux Center, Iowa that was awarded a $75,000 bid to remove 100 trees and 50 stumps in Hartley.

Nick Galm

The Superintendent of Public Works in Hartley who brought the tree removal issue to the city council.

Hartley City Council

The governing body of Hartley, Iowa that unanimously approved the tree removal bid and other measures.

Steve Hallgren

The owner of Planning Solutions in Spencer, Iowa who was hired by the city of Hartley on a contracted basis to provide services focused on nuisance abatement.

Darla Meyer

A member of the Hartley City Council who emphasized the importance of proper training and utilization of the new GIS mapping software and equipment.

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What they’re saying

“There isn't any way we could get caught up. Hitting 100, that's no problem at all. We're still going to have trees left; we're not going to get it all in one round, that's for sure. We'll get the [worst ones] gone.”

— Nick Galm, Superintendent of Public Works

“As fast as [technology] changes, I'd hate to start behind the 8-ball. If we're going this route, I think we should have stuff that makes it as accurate as possible.”

— Nick Galm, Superintendent of Public Works

“I'm all for it as long as it gets used properly, it gets installed properly, and everybody uses it. If we're going to pay this much for this much equipment, I want it to get done.”

— Darla Meyer, City Council Member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.