HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - October 4, 2006 K-03AGENDA ITEM 3
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
A(IEND& TITLE: Consider Mr. Jean Pagola's Appeal of Staff's Decision to Not Remove Two City
Trees bdUnd 1823 Blackbird Court at City Expense
MEETING DATE: October 4, 2006
PREPAID BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council consider Mr. Jean Pagola's appeal of staffs
decision to not remove two City trees behind 1823 Blackbird Court at
City expense.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Mr. Jean Pagola, the property owner at 1823 Blackbird Court, has
submitted a written request (attached) for the removal of two
City -maintained Raywood Ash trees. These trees are located in a
landscaped City easement along the west side (Stockton Street) of
his property. Mr. Pagola's objection to the trees is their extensive surface root system which has caused an
on-going hardship in his backyard. Street Division staff members have worked with Mr. Pagola for several
years in an effort to assist with this issue with minimal success. Mr. Pagola has been informed of the City's
Tree Removal Policy (attached) and that these two healthy trees do not conform to City policy for tree
removal. There are two issues: 1) should the trees be removed and 2) who should pay for the removal and
replacement. Mr. Pagola is appealing to City Council for approval to have the two City trees removed at City
expense.
Options are:
1) Allow the trees to be removed and replaced at the property owner's expense.
2) Authorize the removal and replacement at the City's expense (Mr. Pagola's preference).
3) Authorize the removal and replacement with a compromise on sharing the cost.
4) Uphold staff's decision and deny Mr. Pagola's request for removal at City expense.
While staff does not see a strong need to remove the trees, we have no objection if they are removed and
replaced at the property owner's expense, although we would note that there is no guarantee that the root
issue would not reoccur. Should Council decide to remove the two Raywood Ash trees, staff recommends
replacement with 24 -inch box Ginkgo trees. The cost of removal and replacement is estimated to be $800.
Historically, the City receives 10 to 20 removal requests each year. Most are accommodated within the
parameters of the policy. Of those that are not, staffs reasons are accepted by the citizen. Appeals are rare.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact. The costs involved for removal, replacement trees, and
encroachment permit would be at the property owner's expense, unless
Council directs otherwise (up to $800). The value of the trees, given their size
and condition, is at least $1,400.
FUNDINQAVAILABLE: Street Tr�e-AA ' to e A un
Richard C. Prim ,
Public Works Director
Prepared by Glorge M. Bradley, Street SuperirAendent
RCPIGMBldsg
Attachments
cc. Jean P. Pagola, Property Owner George M. Bradley, Street superintendent
Ray Fye, Tree Operations Supervisor Jeannie Matsumoto, Senior Engineering Technician
APPROVED:
Blair King, Manager
JACOUNClUOt lackbird CtTree Removal.doc 9/29/2006
September 5, 2006
George M. Bradley
Stfeet Superintendent
1331 South Ham Lane
Lodi CA 95242
SUBJECT: Removal of City Tree at 1823 Blackbird Court
Mr. Bradley, as the property owner of 1823 Blackbird Court, I would like to request the
removal of the two City Maywood Ash trees that are currently in the easement along the
west side (Stockton Street) of my property. Their excessive surface roots have attempted
to take over my backyard and caused me an on-going hardship.
I have dealt with the issue of excessive surface roots from these trees over the last six
years. I have had to remove roots on three different occasions --2002, 2004 and again in
2006 --to keep my rose bushes in good health. This involved transplanting my rose
bushes. I was also forced to remove a concrete pad in my 85 -foot long backyard to dig
down 18 inches to take out some of the extensive tree root system.
As a landscape contractor, I can honestly say that the three times I had to perform the root
removal work, it cost me a total of $5,449.35 for yard gravel, cement, redwood compost,
and 152 hours of labor (breakdown enclosed). As the trees are going to continue to grow, I
have to assume that I would have to do this work again. Although I love landscaping and it
has been my livelihood, it is unfair to continue to have to perform the root removal.
I would request that the City remove these trees and replace them with another species
that would be more friendly to my roses. I am attaching pictures of my backyard. Thank
you for your serious consideration of my request.
Sinwely, Felte f t
Jean Pierre Pagola, Landscape Contractor
Stacie Licensed No. 2785R9
1823 Blackbird Court
Loci CA 95240
(200) 365-0425
GASTREET&TREESTagola#1823 Biaokbird Otdoc 9/5/2006
George M. Bradley
Sopternber 5, 2006
Pape 2.
Cost Breakdown for Foot Removal Work at 1823 Blackbird Court:
3 — 314 Yard Gravel
$ 65.00
4, Rags of Cement
$ 35.00
1 bard of Redwood Compost
$ 29.35
Labor
$ 5.320.00
TOTAL
$ 5,449.35
j" , UNKAN CMMMM
STATE LICENSED No, 278 9
RSPDPML SPECIALIST
CoNSLlLTAvoN AVAILABLE
1823 Mackbird Crt,
Lodi, CA 96240
.LEAN PERRE PAGOLA - OWNER M (209) 3&5-0425
GASTFEETS\TREES\Pagoia*I823 Blackbird Ct.dm 915!2006