Frankfort is getting a jump on an unwelcome pest.
The village board has voted to spend up to $150,000 to combat the emerald ash borer, a tree-killing beetle native to Asia.
The plan, to be carried out by contractors and village Public Works crews, calls for replacing dozens of infected trees that line village parkways with a mix that will include elms, oaks and maples.
Frankfort plans to start work this fall on replacing 262 trees rated in poor condition by arborists during a summer survey.
“They need to come down now,” said Trustee Dick Trevarthan at the Oct. 15 village board meeting. “These trees will become dilapidated to the point that they can become problems.”
Felling all 3,373 ash trees along village parkways would cost an estimated $1.8 million. Instead, Frankfort will monitor the trees deemed to be in fair and good condition and take gradual action. Overall, about 9,200 trees of varying species dot village parkways.
The first North American infestations of the emerald ash borer were found in southeastern Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, in 2002. The beetle spread to Illinois four years later.
With no natural predator on this continent, an infestation is considered fatal for the host tree.
“This little insect doesn’t spare any of them,” Trustee Mike Stevens lamented. “They’re all going to be gone, and it really is a tragedy that this is happening in our community.”
Trevarthan said young ash trees of less than 10 inches in diameter can be treated in the spring to slow their loss. He encouraged homeowners who suspect an infestation on their property to contact an arborist.
Village Administrator Jerry Ducay noted that Frankfort has four Public Works employees enrolled in 16-week classes that will allow them to become registered arborists. He said the move should aid the ongoing beetle battle.
The village board also approved a $24,997 contract with All Information Services to replace the Police Department’s computer server, backup storage devices, software and accompanying licenses. Trustee Cindy Heath said the Chicago firm offered the lowest of three bids for the upgrade.
“Our demand is changing,” Ducay said. “There was time when police research was more local, and now it’s all national.”
Trustees also authorized the village to seek payment for $17,028 in road resurfacing on Taliesin Way. Twenty residences in Prairie Creek Townhomes each will be billed $851 to cover the village’s work, which the developer failed to complete.
Mayor Jim Holland also reminded residents that trick-or-treating hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31. The Police Department will host free family activities at 3:30 p.m. at Breidert Green, with the E.F. Bucko Halloween parade stepping off there at 3:45 p.m.