I would talk to my local councilman about this, it doesn't sound right to
me.

I have known of many places where the county/city government takes full resp
for trimming trees on their public lands. This could vary from place to
place, but it simply doesn't sound right to me.

Try to contact your area's councilman, and also call your mayor's office.
Some one may be giving you some bum info.


Good luck !!

--James--