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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-2018 TC Packet!; rAgenda TR EE COMMITTEE TREE COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA January 22, 2018 Meeting begins at 5:00 pm Corporation Yard - Conference Room A 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA The complete packet of applications may be reviewed at the front counter of the City Clerk's office during business hours located at City Hall at 990 Palm St. San Luis Obispo and on the City's website: www.slocity.org PUBLIC COMMENT: During this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address. Comments limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred to staff, and if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting. MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for December 11, 2017 TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS: 1. 902 Peach St. 93401 2. 470 Pismo St 93401 3. 2299 Santa Ynez Ave. 93405 4. 972 Santa Rosa St 93401 NEW BUSINESS: Certified Arborist course OLD BUSINESS: 435 Marsh St tree appeal update ARBORIST REPORT: Urban Forest staffing update ADJOURN to next meeting scheduled for February 26, 2018 at 5:00 pm held at the City Corporation Yard located on 25 Prado Road Conference Room A. ®The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request, this agenda wiY be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Arry person with a disability who nxpuies a modification or a000rmadabon kr order to participate in a meeting should direct such request to the City Corp Yard Office at (805) 781-7220 at least 7 days before the meeting, if possible_ Teleoorrnr mabons Devioe for the Deaf (805) 781- 7107_ �. Minutes - DRAFf 1 �k� /tom" ti R EE COMMITTEE Monday, December 11, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee Commission CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee was called to order on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 5:03 p.m. in the Corporation Yard Conference Room, located at 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Scott Loosley. ROLL CALL Present: Alan Bate, Sean O'Brien, Ben Parker, Rodney Thurman, Jane Worthy, Chair Scott Loosley Absent: Angela Soil Staff: Ron Combs, City Arborist and Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary DISCUSSION: CHAPTER 12.24/SLO MUNICIPAL CODE Public Works Deputy Director Matt Horn discussed the municipal code that provides policies and regulations to govern installation, maintenance, and preservation of trees. He requested input from the public and the Committee as to better clarifying processes and addressing other needs and concerns in order to prepare a proposal to submit to Council for review and approval. Cheryl McLean, resident, felt that all developers should have to come before the Tree Committee when tree removals were involved. She was concerned about losing the urban forest and the trees that have already been lost and reiterated that developers should be treated similarly to residents in terms of tree removals. The Committee discussed various aspects and strongly felt that the process was inconsistent and that any removals at City staff levels should be reviewed by those with an arboricultural background and understanding of trees and further suggested a staff training They also discussed the possibility of creating a "tree fund" that could have donated funds in lieu of replacement plantings, when feasible. Will Powers, did not feel palms should be on any replacement planting list, especially when fronds were not recyclable. He also felt that local government did not pay attention to community feedback and directions, e.g. tree removals, developments, traffic congestion. Francis Villablanca felt that palm trees should remain on replacement planting lists, noting that specific migrant birds next only in palms. The Committee agreed to forward additional comments to Mr. Horn via staff. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Dr. Powers discussed the need for a volunteer follow-up program to assist the City Arborist in ensuring that replacement plantings are in place and are being maintained. Bob Mourenza, resident, did not think deciduous trees in parking lots were a good idea as they often appear barren and look bad. CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES 1. Consideration of October 23, 2017 Minutes ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WORTHY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, to approve the October 23, 2017 minutes of the Tree Committee as submitted. Motion passed 6-0-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, PARKER, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: SOLL PUBLIC HEARINGS BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Tree Removal Applications - 1123 Coral (Modesto ash) Shane Bagnall, applicant, discussed the removal request, stating the tree was aging, diseased, in the wrong location and was negatively impacting the neighbor's property. The leaves dropped excessively due to the disease and the sticky residue presented a hardship. Ron Combs stated he could not make the findings necessary to allow for removal. DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December 11, 2017 Page 2 Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers felt the tree was healthy and did not favor removal. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. Committee member Bate stated he needed to abstain due to a conflict of interest. The Committee discussed the structural issues with the tree. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR PARKER, to approve the removal based on promoting good arboricultural practice, requiring one 15 -gallon trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 5-0-1-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: BATE ABSENT: SOLL - 3940 Poinsettia (Sycamore) PARKER, THURMAN, WORTHY James Overton, applicant, discussed the removal request and the accompanying arborist report findings, as well as noting that the neighbor's foundation had cracks and that there was evidence of root damage. Mr. Combs stated he could not make his necessary findings to allow removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers felt the tree looked healthy and was well maintained and did not see any damage; he favored retaining the tree, noting it was a bird habitat. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee did not see much evidence of hardscape damage and noted another tree in the area had an approved removal pending. They suggested root pruning and felt the other trees in the area were causing the foundation damage. DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December H, 2017 Page 3 ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER O'BRIEN, to deny the removal request as they could not make the necessary findings. Motion passed 6-0-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, PARKER, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: SOLL - 162 Del Norte (Pine) Mike Norby, applicant, discussed the removal request and was concerned about the dangerous lean the tree had towards the house — especially in windy conditions — and stated that the tree was too close to the cement wall. He noted that his property was heavily planted. Mr. Combs agreed with the concern about the lean, but stated he could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers felt it could be hazardous, due to being so dry and stressed. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the item; most members noted the nearby oak would thrive if drought -stressed tree were removed and agreed it was too close to the house. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER O'BRIEN, to allow the removal based on removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood or environment, and requiring one 15 -gallon Coast Live Oak to be donated to the City Tree bank. Motion passed 5-0-1-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: BATE ABSENT: SOLL PARKER, THURMAN, WORTHY DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December 11, 2017 Page 4 - 1161 Ella (3 pines) Francis Villablanca, applicant, discussed the removal request and the beetle damage and disease evident in the tree. He was also concerned about the tree growing over the house. Mr. Combs stated two of the trees were acceptable to be removed, but could not make his necessary findings for removal of the Aleppo pine. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers felt the tree could be removed. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. Committee member Thurman stated he would be abstaining due to conflict of interest. The Committee discussed the item and the tree's odd shape and most agreed it was a poor specimen. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE CHAIR LOOSLEY, to allow the removal based on promoting good arboricultural practice and removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood or environment, and requiring three fruit trees to be planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 4-1-1-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, PARKER, WORTHY NOES: BATE ABSTAIN: THURMAN ABSENT: SOLL 1342 Garden (4 ficus) Ron Rinell, applicant representative, discussed the removal request and stated the trees were out of scale for the area and were causing damage to the curb/gutter/sidewalk. Mr. Combs stated there was some hardscape damage, but could not make his necessary findings for removal. DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December 11, 2017 Page 5 Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers felt one the trees could be removed and the rest could be maintained. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. Committee member Worthy felt the trees were beautiful and favored retaining two and remove the two that were lifting the sidewalk. Committee member O'Brien discussed root -pruning options. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THURMAN, to allow the removal based on promoting good arboricultural practice and requiring four 15 -gallon trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removals. Motion passed 4-2-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, THURMAN NOES: O'BRIEN, WORTHY ABSENT: SOLL - 630 Perkins Lane (Monterey pine) Pete Barclay, applicant, discussed the removal request, noting maintenance issues and past limb drop. He felt the tree was diseased and that the many trees surrounding would thrive with the pine's removal. Mr. Combs stated the tree was in fair health, but could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers felt the tree was dry and dangerous and should be removed. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the item and agreed that there was not much evidence of disease and that drought -stressed trees needed to be maintained. DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December l l , 2017 Page 6 ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to deny the removal request, as they could not make the findings necessary to allow removal. Motion passed 6-0-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, PARKER, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: SOLL - 902 Peach (Eucalyptus) There was no applicant to speak to the item. 668 Serrano (6 eucalyptus) Ron Rinell, applicant representative, discussed the removal request and stated the trees in the area had many failures and had been approved for removal and that these trees posed hazards and presented bird -dropping issues. Mr. Combs stated he could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Bob Mourenza, resident, stated the trees were highly visible and were healthy skyline trees that were not too close to structures. Ms. McLean felt bird habitats are important and that too many trees had been lost in the area. She felt the healthy trees were good for the carbon footprint. Pam Racouillat, resident, agreed with the public comments and suggested maintenance instead of removal. She felt removal would harm the character of the neighborhood. Jodie Volver, resident, agreed with previous comments and did not favor removal. Dr. Powers favored retaining the trees. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December 11, 2017 Page 7 The Committee discussed the item and felt the six trees needed to be addressed individually. They did not feel the application was complete in terms of diagramming which trees were in question and wanted an arboricultural assessment provided for the trees. The Committee agreed to continue the item until the application diagram was complete and an assessment of each tree could be provided. - 945 West St. (5 Canary Island pines) Lois Gaines, applicant, discussed the removal request and felt the trees were too tall for the area and was very concerned about failure in high winds. Mr. Combs reported the trees were approximately 30 years old and would get larger. He stated he could not make his necessary findings for removal. Steve Franzman, applicant's representative, noted that he had seen the trees significantly sway and lift soil in high winds. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers felt the trees were healthy and did not favor removal. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. Committee member Bate stated he needed to abstain because he hadn't had a chance to view the trees. The Committee discussed the item and agreed that they were skyline trees and did not believe winds would topple them. They noted that the trees had plenty of room to grow and that removing them would be a significant expenditure. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER O'BRIEN, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR PARKER, to deny the removal request, as they could not make the findings necessary to allow removal. Motion passed 5-0-1-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, PARKER, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: BATE ABSENT: SOLL DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December 11, 2017 Page 8 - 939 Skyline (Canary Island pine) John Gilbert, applicant, discussed the removal request and stated that the tree presented a hazard, the roots were damaging the drain and was concerned about the nearby utility box lines. He said roots had lifted the driveway and presented a trip hazard and that root pruning was not an option. He noted that the tree also significantly obscured his view and that properties in the immediate area were designated as top -view homes. Mr. Combs agreed the tree was close to infrastructure, but could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers understood the view obstruction issue but was inclined to favor retaining the tree. Jack Girolo, neighbor, felt the size of the tree was out of scale with the cul-de- sac neighborhood and would keep growing and stated that his view was obstructed as well. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. Committee member Bate did not favor removing the tree. The rest of the Committee discussed the item and agreed that the drought - stressed tree was crowding utilities, was planted in poor soil and noted there was evidence of hardscape damage. They felt a smaller species would be more appropriate to area. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THURMAN, to allow the removal based on promoting good arboricultural practice and that doing so would not harm the character of the neighborhood or environment, requiring one 15 -gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 5-1-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O'BRIEN, PARKER, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: BATE ABSENT: SOLL DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December 11, 2017 Page 9 Madonna Plaza (16 trees) Steve Franzman, applicant's representative, discussed the removal request and project. He outlined root issues and concrete and asphalt uplifting, noting that eucalyptus were not options for root pruning. He distributed a removal/replacement plan, noting a combination of 15 -gallon and 24" box replacement trees. Mr. Combs stated he brought the item to committee because the project was large-scale. The Committee discussed bulb -outs and meandering sidewalks and increasing planting areas to avoid "lollipop" tree plantings, e.g. 8'x8' areas. They wanted more detailed information on what space would be available for planting re a reconfigured planting area, as well as repair work proposed. The Committee agreed to continue the item and requested the applicant provide a replacement plan outlining: ■ Trees 1-8 on EI Mercado to include bulb -outs to accommodate tree or provide larger planting areas where root space is limited ■ Trees 9-16: replace all with 24" box trees; plant in 8'x8' planting wells or make planting islands that can accommodate three or more trees ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs recapped the successful November 4, 2017 Arbor Day event at Laguna Lake Park and discussed the Central Coast Regional Urban Forests Council Meeting held on December 7, 2017. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Tree Committee is scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2018 at 5:00 p.m., at the Corporation Yard, 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California. APPROVED BY THE TREE COMMITTEE ON XX/XX/2017 DRAFT Minutes — Tree Committee Meeting of December 11, 2017 Page 10 11/01/2017 10:28 80554:39145 � CASTLE KEEPERS SCANNED�� .. Urban Forest Services 26 Nadu Snw, San Lois 1DWp4, CA 934014218 slocity or f PAGE 01/03 For Office Use only: i Entered: ILLA Letter: TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION FOR EXISTING RFSIOI=IVTIAL., COMMEROIAL & *HOA PROPERTIES. OWNER: APPLICANT, ADDRESS: D e L71 ADDRESS: `51 51 CITY: O�y►S'�,~y ZIP. 340 CITY: ZIP: PHONE: (6b5 ) 'c1' l $ PHONE. tebr7 } _3 - 1 EMAIL: EMAII: '"� COV\ Is this a City Street Tree? ❑Yes ONo 0 Unknown bog in the yard? ❑Yes ONo Is this property governed by a Home Owners Association(HOA)? []Yes allo - If Yes, submit HOA Board Approved Meeting Minutes that authorize tree removals) with this application. Reason for tree removal? �. L.� civ 1ST g i� Tree Species —**Proposed Replacement Tree(s) **Private tree removals Mayrequire replacement tree(s) to be planted on site as a condition of approval. **City Street Tree removals must be replaced with species from the Street Tree Master List - see website. )E'Please draw a sketch map in box below. Show building outlines, streets and only tree(s) to be removed represented with an X or you may submit a detailed landscape / site plan along with this application form_ Address of Tree(s) T,'a Crass -Streeter # Trees_„_ L t T P1 fg0a1 �t�. O r �h f X tree(s) must have ribbon or duct tape wrapped around the trunk to identify prior to inspection. v ,.. . By signing this application, I agree to replant tree(s) ogjpX property within 45 days of tree removal, if approved and or required as a condition of the $81 00 permit if granted by Tree Committee, than at' n valid for 6 months. Property Owner's Sfgnatu —Date i e), 3I ' Applicant's Signature _ Date �' l Submit completed application to address above, fax to 805,542.9868 or scan and email to rcombSftlecity.org 1110112017 10:28 8055439145 CASTLE KEEPERS PAGE 02/03 Attachment #1 Greenvale nee Co - Estimate 1181. -10/25/2017 2/3 11/01/2017 10:28 8055439145 CASTLE KEEPERS PAGE 03/03 Attachment #2 Greenvale Tree Co - Estimate 2181-10/15/2017 3/3 I / G ' n f}� f T rte' . �_ (,✓ E, 70 �� C 0. v � U rbo n Forest Services r�rr:n Ub'.W1, (A ILL z 'r TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION — rOR EXE',TlhG RF -SIDE WEAL. COtI'AERCIAL &'HOA NROPZRT'Es. p�;PLE�ANT: .=•nr�-;t:�: ,�� t�1�r+tiE7 �_-� , _ � �,DU�RikSS� 58�4� 'Cdiv?.•��+�:�. �,���—�. EMMU. Go se` �R i3► i : rz — �:u 'r t a}y Street i rea" ❑'! �tV'] ❑ i jr iSi7[JtYri `— -- [)ag in tyle ;rd? ❑Yes MIND is :is'p:aYe:ty ac�vernti�i t y a #ai}�e G'Evners r:ssc•asticn�i 3GA�? �Yr3S ®NO- It Yes. sut .-[l HOA fiaard Airnproved Me?rting Minutes that autnvdze tree ra-moval(s)Mth this afirlicsRWn. 4.E dS :^, lar time rem0vaI? rtA-9-b Dklrrs+►�t7a T" P,Agm Tree epae :s uq;�ci�A"prrpospe Replacement Treets.} >�0(- ANB�h� "Private trFC removals Ma fequira Wisre!nern tree(s) to be PlarSt -0 an site as a c0fidtE+orr of aPPmval. 'Cit; Street Tree rernovais must Na replaced 5vith spj�c:iz�s :rorty the Street Tree hfaster i i5E - !.F o wens{te P!e ase draw 8 Sketch map in tEozela:v, Shtisv ii4:liCllY Gl Ell[1es. ssreats arid Onlylrae(s` i-� 1;e 'errtiel:ec rEwraspn,E^ :Yrit' an or you m ay Sob Mit a dielailed ;ancis cepe d SltPr .lien Alorg w'i 1 t'1}a apl3llCe3il,7fi fofni, 4 Treps 7- �CICf SF Ui �I'vSi$� 00 FttiW "5 - E.rCISS-StfG'G:t _ C4 ' P iaft I 4 must have ribbon or duct tape wrapped around the trunk to Identify prior 10 inspection. irr�Fs).on oq wworty wrUt.n 35 -. -.i i.; •-.�; �•gt•;a.��3n.-.rc'�'..�}-".iR:1::Q•!.-.S1f'rf; iiiifl: t'•:3aafo!rJ .A ell :!rants S;,Lin lure _ 7 i`i'` _ ----- •-•- - -- �3 itE _ AL_iP� to;Ac.d(_'.ss aibo-:e'. tax tO 8r7;�.a't2•.9g68. or scan -and ema:i Lo I$ZQ li'J�CirCl I-�11 -���� Urban Forest Services SCANNED 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 a05.781.7220 fax 805.542.9868 slocity.org TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION If related to development, see Section E on back. OWNER: L��J/� A ADDRESS: 2-4,.� -7 CITY: -S _ 11. PHONES: I -7L 0� ZIP: rf CI --^)"� -�--^ -) /50'> EMAIL: til tJCALE911�14'I'(�1�Gk►ti �, i.1L.� APPLICANT: V. * -rS 7U For Office Use Only: Entered:) i 1 / r• Letter: la,—I J-2 4 7 S61 1 E ADDRESS: -p6, CITY: ZIP: Gl PHONE: (&S ) Z S (2 La I _3 EMAIL: Private tree removals may require replacement tree(s) to be planted on site as a condition of approval. City Street Tree removals must be replaced with species from the Street Tree Master List - see website. Is this a City Street Tree? Yes ❑ No 0 Unknown ❑ Dog in the yard? Yes ❑ No ❑ Reason for tree removal? -4 S iA O M11Ll. ,CSPlease draw a sketch map in box below. Show building outlines, streets and only tree(s) to be removed represented with an X or you may submit a detailed landscape / site plan along with this application form. Tree Species ti r c L-1 yo—"As Proposed Replacement Tree(s) S+r2 Address of Tree(s) � I �7 ,SA,4 r \1,Jf,Z A4C - _Cross-Street��" S� # Trees 3 v�- A ,j7 /-, y OJG z A'\ -Se i��It✓�` X tree(s) must have ribbon or duct tape wrapped around the trunk to identify prior to inspection. By signing this application I agree to replant tree(s) on my property within 45 days of tree removal, if required by City Arborist or as a condition of0 Pe "t d y Tree Committee. Permit valid for 6 months. Property Owner's Signatur Date d Applicant's Signature I` Date 1 / // -7 l� Submit completed application togac1dress above, fax to 805.542.9868 or scan and email to rcombs(c slocity.org Urban Forest Services � For Office Use Only: 25 Prado Road, San Luls Obispo, CA 93401-3218 Entered: o 0 9 _ %� SCANNED _a05.781.7220 taxAM5.542.98 ' slocity.org Letter: �/11 s TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION— FOR EXISTING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL &'HOA PROPERTIES. —1SZ OWNER:,i ql1� u.� i APPLICI��IT ADDRESS: ADDRESS: C) _ �� C� ��� CITY:C IP: C CITY: ZIP PHONE: (�] s) 2 3 s-_ 3 6q PHONE: ( } EMAIL,.Fp.Ft L43X G QS*1G. EMAIL: Is this a City Street Tree? 9Yes []No ❑ Unknown Dog in the yard? ❑Yes RNo *Is this property governed by a Home Owners Association (HOA)? ❑Yes ONo - If Yes, submit HOA Board Approved Meeting Minutes that authorize tree removal(s) with this application. Reason for tree removal? e- 1 4 w% �r�' 2 ct S+ 5 Tree Species FIG **Proposed Replacement Tree(s) O'vt T-4 Cacf S, e wa **Private tree removals may require replacement tree(s) to be planted on site as a condition of approval. **City Street Tree removals must be replaced with species from the Street Tree Master List - see website. ,LSPlease draw a sketch map in box below. Show building outlines, streets and only tree(s) to be removed represented with an X or you may submit a detailed landscape / site plan along with this application form. �4mo,,,1d-ere5 t Address ofTree(s) �e2�ross-Street �fCenpaj.#Tr ees�, X SCAV,1,-1-� PCA ;s) must have ribbon or duct tape wrapped around the trunk to identify prior to inspection. Property Owner's Signature Applicant's Signature. to 't /Z Submit completed application to address above, fax to 805.542.9868 or scan and email to rcombs@slocity.org Dear Tree Committee: I have called people in the City many times in the past regarding the problems I have had with a street tree outside my office downtown. Unfortunately, I have only spoken with administrative assistants in the past and have not kept records of my conversations or with whom I have spoken. For years I have complained about the leaves and berries that this street tree on the southwest side of my office building drops on my roof, parking garage, emergency fire exit and emergency exit pathway. Probably because of the rains we had last year, the problem has never been worse than it is this year. As you can see from the pictures below (pictures that were taken within 24 hours of me personally sweeping, scraping off berries, then sweeping again), the berries and leaves are prolific. Routine maintenance is insufficient to mitigate the hazard that this tree creates. I literally cannot keep up with the leaves and berries. The most important issue I wish to communicate is that these droppings are creating a safety hazard for my staff and patients. 1. The fresh berries squish, stick to shoes, and make people feel like they are on ice skates. If they dry out, they become like a bunch of ball bearings making it equally dangerous. This applies to all areas described above. 2. Because of the locations, the droppings from this tree affect patients exiting from their cars (Many of whom are physically unstable to begin with), staff trying to exit the building, and most importantly, exiting at time when there is a fire or an emergency. 3. The droppings on an isolated section of my roof result in not only blockage of the roof drain, but also the emergency water drain. Once both of those are blocked, it subjects the roof to a risk of collapse. This September I removed over 3-30 gallon black bags full of leaves and berries from the roof. That was followed in October by another 2-30 gallon bags. To say the least, it is not possible for me or any property owner to be expected to keep up with the droppings of this tree. I have discussed this tree with Mr. Combs. He states that this tree has been scheduled for "Trimming" since 2015 and is now scheduled for 2018. 1 was told several times in the past "that section of the City is scheduled for trimming in the next month and we will make sure it is attended to." Given the safety hazard this tree is creating, I expect more than a promise that this problem will be attended to. Ron also stated that pruning will "help to solve the problem, it will not eliminate it." I believe this tree meets several of the City Criteria for removal as outlined in Tree Ordinance 12.24.090. 1. The tree is an imminent hazard to life or property and removing it is the only feasible way to eliminate the hazard. 2. The tree's roots are causing severe damages to the public or private property, and removing it is the only feasible way to eliminate the hazard. (Please see picture below showing the elevation of the sidewalk, curb and gutter caused by the tree's root system.) 3. The tree is causing undue hardship to the property owner. 4. Removing the tree will not harm the character or environment of the surrounding neighborhood. In fact, it is much more likely to improve it! Please let me know within the next 10 days what plan you have to resolve this safety hazard. Respectfully yours, Fred S. Vernacchia M a. � R • i 'moi. � � a ' � y - f qw } r4% •• „ S 71 004 JM-tWV lb V. IN- ! ',f �q a Al do.UvA 1W Picture of the emergency exit. 14 AF. •_r WMA fir, •�� �� y� • �� I .� � v � tis': •} •• . •'+� ��.4 Roof shown shortly after clearing of leaves and berries. Upper right corner shows drain and overflow drain and risk for blocking both.