CC 2016-04-26_09f Landmark Tree Removal_169 Pine Street
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEOFF ENGLISH, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO REMOVE A FAILING
LANDMARK OAK TREE AT 169 PINE STREET
DATE: APRIL 26, 2016
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve a request to remove a Landmark Tree
located in the public right of way in front of 169 Pine Street.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The cost for removal of this City maintained tree will be approximately $600 and will be
charged to the Parks Division contractual services account. Sufficient funding exists in
the budget to accommodate this recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
Chapter 12.16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code details a comprehensive tree
protection program known as the Community Tree Program. Section 12.16.060
establishes and regulates the Landmark Tree Program. The Landmark Tree Program
was designed to protect those trees which warrant special protection and preservation
because they are notable horticultural specimens or have significant aesthetic, cultural
or historical value.
On February 26, 1986 the Arroyo Grande City Council adopted Resolution Number
1938 designating a Coastal Live Oak tree located in the public right-of-way at 169 Pine
Street as Landmark Tree 86-29. (Attachment 1)
Upon a routine inspection by Peter McClure, City of Arroyo Grande Maintenance
Worker III and Certified Arborist, it was determined that the tree is in failing condition
and poses a potential risk to public safety. Local Arborist Dave Ragan, Dave's Tree
Service, was secured to perform an inspection and report on the condition of this tree.
According to Section 12.16.060 D., the Community Tree Program states:
D. No landmark tree(s) shall be removed without the consent of the city council, nor
shall any landmark trees be destroyed or damaged.
Item 9.f. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO REMOVE A FAILING LANDMARK OAK TREE
AT 169 PINE STREET
APRIL 26, 2016
PAGE 2
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
On April 20, 1988, an evaluation of Landmark Tree #86-29 was conducted by City staff
as part of the application process for landmark tree status.
On Friday, April 8, 2016, City of Arroyo Grande Maintenance Worker III and Certified
Arborist Peter McClure conducted an evaluation of the tree. This tree evaluation
determined that extensive internal decay in the base of the trunk and lower branches
due to Oak Root Fungus have compromised the structure of the tree and that the tree
currently poses a risk to public health and safety and should be removed. (Attachment
2) In addition, the tree evaluation by Dave Ragan, recommends that the tree be
removed. (Attachment 3)
Due to the current condition of Landmark Tree #86-29, the potential risk to the public
and the determination that the tree will not recover, staff recommends that the City
Council authorize the immediate removal of this City-maintained Landmark tree.
The City does not intend to replant a tree at this location and will add the removal of the
existing bulb-out and the construction of standard curb and gutter at this location to the
future Capital Improvement program.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1) Approve the request to remove Landmark Tree #86-29;
2) Do not approve the request; or
5) Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Approval to remove Landmark Tree #86-29 will provide the following advantages;
• Remove the potential risk to public safety
• Allow for a replacement tree to be planted in this location should the City decide
to do so.
DISADVANTAGES:
Disadvantages of this proposed tree removal include the following:
• Loss of a significant Landmark tree.
• Loss of the limited habitat and shade benefits currently provided by this tree.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
Item 9.f. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO REMOVE A FAILING LANDMARK OAK TREE
AT 169 PINE STREET
APRIL 26, 2016
PAGE 3
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, April 21, 2016. The Agenda
and staff report were posted on the City’s website on Friday, April 22, 2016.
Attachments:
1. Resolution Number 1938
2. Tree Removal Permit application
3. Tree Condition Evaluation Form and photos
4. Tree Evaluation- Dave Ragan
Item 9.f. - Page 3
ATTACHMENT 1
Item 9.f. - Page 4
Item 9.f. - Page 5
Item 9.f. - Page 6
ATTACHMENT 2
Item 9.f. - Page 7
AT
T
A
C
H
M
E
N
T
3
It
e
m
9
.
f
.
-
P
a
g
e
8
It
e
m
9
.
f
.
-
P
a
g
e
9
It
e
m
9
.
f
.
-
P
a
g
e
1
0
It
e
m
9
.
f
.
-
P
a
g
e
1
1
It
e
m
9
.
f
.
-
P
a
g
e
1
2
AT
T
A
C
H
M
E
N
T
4
It
e
m
9
.
f
.
-
P
a
g
e
1
3
It
e
m
9
.
f
.
-
P
a
g
e
1
4