The maintenance of trees in its Upper, Lower and Grove parks is a priority in Lehighton.

Kris Kunkle, superintendent, Public Works Department, said at last week’s borough council meeting there were several trees in the Grove that were recently struck by lightning.

Fred Kemmerer, of Franklin Township, told council he is a certified utility tree expert, and that he’s worried about some of the trees falling.

Kemmerer said he recently saw trees that were marked throughout town, and asked if the borough had anyone come in.

Lonnie Armbruster, superintendent, Light and Power Department, said the trees were marked by his department.

Kemmerer said he reviewed some of the trees in the park, and that in his professional opinion, there were a few that didn’t have to come out.

Further, he labeled it “blatant disregard to the trees,” and added that he doesn’t believe the town should have to be responsible for paying.

Borough manager Nicole Beckett noted there is some money in the general fund, along with the Light and Power Department budget.

“We should consider coming up with a maintenance plan,” said Beckett, who added, “this is going to be an ongoing issue.”

After the meeting, Beckett said that Mark Hoffman, chairman of the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission, had coordinated a visit with a forester from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Beckett further noted that both Armbruster and Kunkle had taken part in the visit, and that an assessment report was provided by Hoffman, which will be reviewed in order to establish a plan for maintenance and/or removal.