HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2011-03-28 #LAGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 28, 2011
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU: Jill R. Ingram, Acting City Manager
FROM: Sean Crumby P.E., Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: 2011 STREET TREE MASTER PLAN
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The City Council is asked to formally approve the 2011 Street Tree Master Plan.
BACKGROUND:
In 1996, the City Council adopted Resolution 4500 establishing a "City Tree
Advisory Board" to provide assistance to the City Council in the development of
the City's Street Tree Preservation and Improvement Plan. In 1997 the City of
Seal Beach accomplished that goal and adopted the City's first "Street Tree
Policy and Administrative Guidelines ". Since that time the City of Seal Beach
has invested heavily in planting trees within the community with the
accomplishment of becoming a "Tree City" in 2009. In addition, Trees for Seal
Beach (a private organization) has partnered with the City to increase the
number of trees planted. A few planting projects have included medians (Seal
Beach Boulevard, Westminster Avenue, etc.), parks (Gum Grove, Bluebell, etc.),
and street parkways (Seal Beach — South of Pacific Coast Highway, Ocean
Avenue, Lampson Avenue, etc.). In addition to these tree plantings the City of
Seal Beach has an urban forest that includes numerous species of trees that are
currently uplifting concrete sidewalks and require continuous maintenance.
In April 2009 the City began the process of updating the Street Tree Master Plan
with the firm of West Coast Arborist. On January 19, 2010 a City Council Study
Session was held to discuss policy decisions regarding preparation of this report.
On May 10, 2010 the City awarded a professional services agreement with the
firm of RMA International to prepare the Street Tree Master Plan. In addition to
the information that was presented in the previous policy, this master plan
includes:
• A Goal Statement
• Tree Policies
• Standard Tree Planting Plan
• Tree Trimming Standards
Agenda Item L
Page 2
• Tree Palette
• Citywide Tree Inventory
• Location of tree planting opportunities
• Implementation Plan
• Integration of risk management component
The 2011 Street Tree Master Plan was prepared in conjunction with the City Tree
Advisory Board and presented to that board on three occasions and formally
recommended for approval on January 5, 2011. The 2011 Street Tree Master
Plan was presented and discussed during a City Council Study Session on
February 7, 2011. Comments from both City Council Study Sessions have been
incorporated into this document.
The document has been available for review at the Department of Pubic Works,
the City Clerk's Office, and the Mary Wilson Library. After adoption a copy will be
available on the City website.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
None with this action.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
A budget adjustment was approved in June 2010 in the amount of $56,810 for
preparation of the 2011 Street Tree Master Plan. Those funds did not carry over
into the 2010/2011 fiscal year. A budget adjustment is being brought forward to
fund preparation of this report (Budget Amendment No 11 -09 -01 - Agenda item "F). The
2011 Street Tree Master Plan was prepared within the funds budgeted.
ANALYSIS:
The 2011 Street Tree Master Plan represents an encompassing management
document for the City's Urban Forest. Preparation of this study has been
performed by the appropriate professional with input from the community, and
recommendation for adoption both by City staff and the City Tree Advisory
Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council formally approve the 2011 Street Tree
Master Plan.
SUBMITTED BY:
Sean Crumby, —
Director of Director of Public
NOTED AND APPROVED:
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Ingram,
Acting City Manager