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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/2022 Item 4a, Schwan Subject:439 Branch Tree Removal Application. From: Stephanie < Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2022 7:13 PM To: Whipple, Anthony <awhipple@slocity.org> Subject: Re: 439 Branch Tree Removal Application. Hi Anthony, I just wanted to add a couple of comments to my last email. I know that the tree committee wanted proof of damage to the foundation. I believe that was initially the suggestion of Jeremy Lowney with Solid Oak Tree Management, who was with us at the meeting. As I said in the last email, it was going to cost too much money to pay someone to dig around the foundation. I would just like to refer to Jeremy’s report that the base of the tree is only about 8 ft. from the foundation of our home. It has already damaged the fence. According to Jeremy the roots are already under the house and it is just a matter of time before they cause damage to the foundation. Jeremy also stated that this tree was a “nuisance” under California state laws. I know it was suggested at one point that the roots be trimmed. We are not in favor of that as the tree is extremely large and we believe that root trimming will weaken the tree and make it even more of a hazard. There was another Ash tree that was removed from the adjoining property several years ago as we were having the same problems. It ruined our fence and was beginning to lift the foundation of our shed and the next area would have been the foundation of our home. We are respectfully asking that this tree be removed before damage is done to the new fence we have put up, or to our foundation or underground utilities, or worse yet, harm to any individuals or our home from falling tree branches. We once again would like to state that we will hold both the City of San Luis Obispo and Betty Aten responsible for any and all damages to property or person if this tree is allowed to remain in place. Thank you for your careful consideration to this matter. Sincerely, Bart and Stephanie Schwan Sent from my iPhone On Sep 16, 2022, at 9:37 AM, Stephanie < wrote: Thank you Anthony!! We appreciate that. Have a great weekend!! Sent from my iPhone On Sep 16, 2022, at 9:27 AM, Whipple, Anthony <awhipple@slocity.org> wrote: Hi Bart and Stephanie, 1 I appreciate the update. As you know, this Tree Removal Application was continued at the direction of the Tree Committee, with the request that the applicant submit documentation supporting the alleged foundation damage on the residence. At your request, I will include this item to the October Tree Committee agenda and add your September 6, 2022, correspondence as new material. Please let me know if you have any questions, and you will receive a notification in the mail prior to the October meeting with the necessary details. Let me know if you have any questions Thank you, Anthony Whipple City Arborist Public Works Urban Forest Services 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-7314 E awhipple@slocity.org T 805.781.7021 C 805.431.0398 slocity.org Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications For updates on COVID-19 and how to access City services during COVID, visit slocity.org/covid19 From: Stephanie < Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 12:25 PM To: Whipple, Anthony <awhipple@slocity.org> Subject: Re: 439 Branch Tree Removal Application. Good afternoon, I’m sorry it has taken us so long to get back to you. I just wanted to let you know that we have decided not to get a report from anyone to show root damage or the presence of roots near or under the foundation. It was too costly to hire someone to do that and we can’t put the money out on it at this time. We don’t have the equipment and are not physically able to do it ourselves due to health issues. We both have back problems. We are hoping that the report presented by Jeremy Lowney at the meeting we last attended will suffice. He is an expert in his field and has stated in his report that root damage is inevitable. If it’s not there now, it’s just a matter of time before that happens. As we stated before, the property owner, Betty Aten has never properly maintained that tree. It’s only been recently that she had the tree trimmed. 2 Please let us know what you decide and we can go from there. We just want to go on record stating that we will not be held responsible for any damage to property or person if this tree is allowed to remain in place. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Bart and Stephanie Schwan Sent from my iPhone On May 19, 2022, at 7:37 AM, Whipple, Anthony <awhipple@slocity.org> wrote: Hi Stephanie, Looks like we had a typo in the last email. Sounds like we need to give you a little more time to gather more information. I suggest th we reschedule until the June 27 tree committee meeting. Let me know if you have any questions Thank you, Anthony Whipple Acting City Arborist Public Works Urban Forest Services 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-7314 E awhipple@slocity.org T 805.781.7021 C 805.431.0398 slocity.org Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications For updates on COVID-19 and how to access City services during COVID, visit slocity.org/covid19 From: Stephanie < Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 8:12 PM To: Whipple, Anthony <awhipple@slocity.org> Cc: Cruce, Greg <gcruce@slocity.org> Subject: Re: 439 Branch Tree Removal Application. 3 This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond. Hi Anthony, We did contact Betty as you mentioned. We have pictures of fallen branches. However we were not able to get anyone out yet to pressure wash around the house to check roots. Therefore, we do not have pictures of that. Of wet need to reschedule until next month, please let us know. Thank you for reaching out. Sincerely, Bart and Steph Schwan Sent from my iPhone On May 18, 2022, at 5:13 PM, Whipple, Anthony <awhipple@slocity.org> wrote: Hello Bart and Jeremy, I wanted to remind you that at our last Tree Committee hearing, our committee members requested some additional information. 1. A statement from the property owner of 430 south street Betty Atten. I did receive a phone call and a statement from the property owner of tree located 430 South St. Betty Atten and I added it to the Agenda Correspondence. 2. Some form of photo documentation or report showing the root vs foundation issues, (mentioned at the meeting). As the only item on the agenda, we would need the new information by Thursday 5:00pm. and if we can’t make the deadline of Thursday at 5:00pm. Staff might request that we cancel and reschedule the Tree Committee hearing to accommodate the Tree Committee’s inquiry. Let me know if you have any questions 4 Thank you, Anthony Whipple Acting City Arborist Public Works Urban Forest Services 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-7314 E awhipple@slocity.org T 805.781.7021 C 805.431.0398 slocity.org Stay connected with the City by signing up for e- notifications For updates on COVID-19 and how to access City services during COVID, visit slocity.org/covid19 5