The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - November 16, 2010 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2010 A. Roll call by City Clerk A Special Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, November 16, 2010, at Fire Station #4, 180 North Lower Sacramento Road, commencing at 7:08 a.m. Present: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, and Mayor Katzakian Absent: Council Member Hansen Also Present: Interim City Manager Bartlam, City Attorney Schwabauer, and Assistant City Clerk Robison B. Topic(s) B-1 Site Visit and Discussion Regarding the Phased Removal and Replacement of 39 Raywood Ash Trees on Lower Sacramento Road Between Elm Street and Tejon Street PW Public Works Director Wally Sandelin reminded Council that it previously directed staff to look into alternatives for addressing the Raywood Ash trees along Lower Sacramento Road between Elm Street and Tejon Street that have caused damage to the pavement and water and sewer lines. Streets and Drainage Superintendent Curt Juran stated that the trees were planted 20 years ago and have an aggressive root system. One alternative suggested was the use of a root barrier, which could cost up to $39,000; however, arborists with West Coast Arborists, the City's current contractor, recommended against this option as it would be a temporary solution. Staff met with Tree Lodi and developed a phased approach of removing and replacing every other tree this year, followed by removal and replacement of the remaining trees the following year, which would soften the impact to the area. Mr. Sandelin added that the plan is to begin the work after the leaves drop this year, and Mr. Juran stated West Coast Arborists will do the work both years as part of the current contract, which includes removal and replacement of the trees. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Juran stated that the trees in downtown Lodi have a similar root system to the proposed replacement trees and in researching the trees staff has found they have a low rating on roots and disease. Park Superintendent Steve Dutra, also representing Tree Lodi, added that Raywood Ash and Liquid Amber trees have very aggressive root systems and Tree Lodi no longer supports the planting of those species. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Juran stated that simply cutting back the extensive root system may result in the tree no longer being fully supported or could kill all or part of the tree. Mr. Dutra stated that this phased approach is a long-term solution; otherwise, the trees will require trimming time and again and the trees in question are still relatively young. In response to Council Member Mounce, Interim City Manager Bartlam and Mr. Sandelin confirmed that there is money budgeted to absorb the cost of the phased removal and Continued November 16, 2010 replacement of the trees. Mr. Juran stated that the issue with the trees became more apparent when the sewer lines were installed and he estimated it would cost in excess of $100,000 to save the trees plus the cost of continued maintenance. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Juran stated that the roots are destroying the water and sewer lines by getting into the gaskets and pipes and breaking the joints and the concern is they could wrap around the pipe and break the line completely. In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Dutra confirmed that Tree Lodi supports and recommends the phased approach; however, he believed the two-year time frame was a bit aggressive and would like to see it stretched over a slightly longer period. Mr. Juran stated that staff's recommendation is two years because of the damage potential. Council Members were taken on a walking tour along Lower Sacramento Road to view the trees in question. Mr. Sandelin summarized that staff will continue to work with Tree Lodi and, should Council provide direction at tomorrow night's meeting to move forward, staff will return to Council with a final plan. C. Comments by public on non-aaenda items None. D. Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 a.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Robison Assistant City Clerk N DECLARATION OF POSTING On Friday, November 12, 2010, in the City of Lodi, San Joaquin County, California, a copy of the November 16, Special Shirtsleeve Session Meeting agenda (attached and marked as ExhibitA) was posted at Fire Station #4, 180 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., Lodi. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on November 12, at Lodi, California. ORDERED BY: RANDIJOHL CITY CLERK Posted by: �.:'3 R ��10.� AGENDA ITEM '0�' ��ZLOCCITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONq�/FORS AGENDA TITLE: Site Visit and Discussion Regarding the Phased Removal and Replacement of 39 Raywood Ash Trees on Lower Sacramento Road Between Elm Street and Tejon Street MEETING DATE: November 16,2010 (Shirtsleeve Session) PREPARED BY: Public Works Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Site visit and discussion regarding the phased removal and replacement of 39 Raywood Ash trees on Lower Sacramento Road between Elm Street and Tejon Street. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The existing Raywood Ash trees, planted around 1988, have extremely invasive root systems. They have caused damage to the surface of Lower Sacramento Road, the adjacent frontage road, and are threatening a deep wastewater main in Lower Sacramento Road. The meeting is being held to provide Council an opportunityfor observation of the damage priorto taking action at the November 17, 2010 Council meeting. At the June 2, 2010 Council meeting, staff recommended removal and replacement of the RaywoodAsh with a mix of more suitable trees. Council directed staff to evaluate removal alternatives and to coordinate the effort with Tree Lodi. Tree Lodi agrees with the proposed removal and suggests a phased removal and planting program to soften the visual impacts to the residents living in the area. In addition to the phased approach, Tree Lodi suggested the replacement species include Podocarpus "gracilior" and Acer rubrum "bowhall". The meeting will be held at Fire Station No. 4, 180 North Lower Sacramento Road, where a presentation will be provided. It will be the Council's option to individually observe the damage to public property. FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable at this time. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable at this time. J�111 0 zhl't- F. Wally grkderin PublicWorks Director Prepared by Charles E. Swimley, Jr., Deputy Public Works Director- Utilities FWS/CES/dsg cc: Curt Juran, Streets and Drainage Superintendent APPROVED: Ko a artlam, Interim City Manager K:\WMCOUNCIU2010\RaywoodAshRemovals Shirtsleeve.doe 11/10/2010 EXHIBIT C I►I 11105 C117.7_\►1111A/ I TO: Lodi City Council: SUBJECT: Raywood Ash tae Removal on Lower Sacramento load Gordanerer nt GROUP MEETING: The following representatives met September 13,20 10, Steve Dutra to discuss rarefies for file infrastructure damage caused by ash trees: vice President -Charlie Swimley, City of Lodi, Deputy Public Works Director; JoyceHarmon -Kurt Juran, Ci of Lodi, Public Works Secretary City Dept, Street Superintendent; Ron Marien -Steve Dutra, City. of Lodi, Parks Superintendent, Parks & Recreation Dept.; Treasurer -William Hobson, Tme Lodi Director 2-1n LOCATION: The problem trees are along the west side planting area of Andi Kut ik Lower SacramentoRoad between Tejon Street and Elm Street Bill Hobson Bruce schweigerdt PROBLEM. The Raywood Ash trees are too large for the area in which they Stfwards are located. Their large, shallow and vigorous root systems have caused curb, NBce Butcher gutter, asphalt and sewer damage. As these trees enlarge, they will continue to Darrell Drummond cause infrastructure damage. Gerry FSsh RayFe Derric Juano RECOMMENDATIONS: Tree Lodi recommends removing about half the Esther Mimes trees in the first year, perhaps the most damaging ones first, then replant about Nancy Nakamura half. Wait one or two years to establish the new trees, then remove the Robert itaingruber Vern weigum remaining trees and replant. This removal and replanting sequence would minimize 'removal shock' and the loss of screen for the neighborhood. REPLACEMENT TREES: The recommended replacement tree size is 24 - inch box or 15 gallon container. The following types of trees are recommended forthis ansa: 1. Fern Pine, Podocarpus gracilor, an evergreen, 2. Bowhall Maple, Acer rubrum Bowhall', 15 ft wide, deciduous, 3. Parkway Maple, Acer platanoide `Parkway', 25 ft wide, deciduous We at TRE LODI thank you for the opportunity to share t h i s information with r you; f .' i Gordon Schmierer, President Tree Lodi, Inc., a7i5 W. Ketdeman Lane, Ste 2o3 -u6, Lodi, CA 95z4z All gifts are tax deductible TreeLoc6 is a 5oz (c)(3) organization. Tax ID#z8io577