MoDOT complains city's trees block billboards

MINER, Mo. -- Missouri Department of Transportation officials don't want to hack the city of Miner's trees, but unless an agreement is worked out with billboard advertisers, they will have to issue a permit to allow it. MoDOT officials explained during the regular Miner Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday that state statutes mandate advertising companies may trim back vegetation within 450 feet of a billboard's face to provide a clear view of their sign. The advertising company has offered to replace trees with other vegetation as they may not survive being trimmed. There are about a dozen signs that have Miner's trees in front of them. MoDOT will submit a landscaping plan for the aldermen to consider.