HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 5, 2008 K-01Kav
AGENDA ITEM 1
CITY OF LODI
NW COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
M
AGENDA TITLE: Uphold City Manager's Decision to Not Remove City Tree at
431 West Elm Street
MEETING DATE: November 5,2008
PREPARED BY: Public Works Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Uphold City Manager's decision to not remove a City tree at
431 West Elm Street.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Two City trees at 431 West Elm Street have caused numerous
sidewalk offsets. City policy is to save healthy trees whenever
possible. After evaluating the sidewalk defects, it was determined the
sidewalk needed to be removed. A portion of the
sidewalk had minor roots below that could be pruned and concrete replaced. The area near the larger
maple tree had significant large surface roots.
Alternatives to improve the walking surface condition at the larger maple tree included performing root
surgery and installing new concrete sidewalk panels or using rubber sidewalk panels, thereby avoiding any
root surgery. Extensive root surgery to the area around the larger maple tree would make the tree unstable
and would require removal of the maple tree. Staff selected the use of rubber sidewalk panels. This
solution was selected for its smooth, safe and passable surface and its ability to save the maple tree.
Rubberized sidewalk products are derived from used California tires that normally would be deposited in
landfills. Last year, Council approved applying for a tire -derived product grant to supplement the City's
efforts to implement alternative sidewalk repairs using rubber sidewalk products.
Installation of rubber sidewalk panels has been a successful alternative to extensive root surgery at
several locations –223 Olive Court, 412 East Walnut Street, and 431 West Elm Street –thereby
protecting the health of City trees. These rubber sections are installed between existing concrete where
surface roots have damaged the sidewalk. Rubber sidewalk panels are reusable, thinner than concrete,
porous, and flexible. These are best used around tree roots that are expected to continue growing.
The 431 West Elm Street project was completed at taxpayers' expense and at no cost to the property
owner.
The property owners at 431 West Elm Street have objected to the solution chosen and have requested
the entire job be redone, which would require the removal of the healthy tree. The City Manager
concurred with staffs action in preserving this tree.
APPROVED:./—
it ng, City Manager
K:1WPICOUNCIL1081RubberizedSidewalks.doc 10/31/2008