Beth, the Mayor is a friggen idiot.
If certan parts of the local Govt ask something be done or the Power Company request that they want something done, there is a thing called right of way that all Utilities have and they can come in and trim the offending tree without permission.
If it is causing property damage, something can be done.
Call your local code enforcement office and ask them. Call the Utilitie Copmany about it.
If push comes to shove, cut the roots on Your property, nail nails, put weed poison, or salt or oil on it. When it becomes dead, it really becomes a hazard!
Tell them that the tree is a dangerment for Real Property and if any damage is done, they will be renting an apartment as you will own the house and land. !!!!