HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 20, 2022 C-17{• C I TY OF
00
Ik
zt�
r
CALIFORNIA
AGENDA ITEM C47
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Removal of Redwood Trees at Lakewood School on the
Northeast Corner of Ham Lane and Turner Road
MEETING DATE: April 20, 2022
PREPARED BY: Electric Utility Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt a resolution authorizing the removal of redwood trees at Lakewood
School on the northeast corner of Ham Lane and Turner Road.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: There are approximately 25 redwood trees planted along the east fence of
Lakewood School that are in the power lines and continually causing
outages.
There are also 8 redwood trees between Turner Road and the school building. These trees are in the power
lines and there are roots around the electrical conduit system.
Trees are a benefit to the urban environment. Healthy trees reduce pollution, provide shade and cooling, furnish
habitat for wildlife, and provide an important aesthetic value to the landscape. As a result, the City removes trees
only when it is in the best interest of the public's safety or expense.
These specific trees have historically caused damage to the City's existing power lines and pruning techniques
have left many of the tress with a sub -par trunk structure increasing the risk for large diameter branches to fall.
Staff has consulted with Tree Lodi and Lodi Unified School District (LUSD) who all agree these trees are too
large to be planted under high voltage power lines and that removal is the only solution to avoid future damage
to the City's infrastructure. Lodi Electric Utility (LEU) has also received several complaints regarding these
trees from homeowners along Lakewood Drive. Tree Lodi has agreed to work with LUSD to develop a tree
replacement plan for the impacted areas.
A detailed presentation and discussion regarding the proposed tree removal and replacement was presented
at the March 1, 2022 Shirtsleeve meeting of the City Council. Based on comments and questions received by
Council regarding public outreach, LEU partnered with LUSD and Tree Lodi to develop a written
communication that was provided to residents on April 7, 2022 who bordered the northeast and east side of
Lakewood School. This specific communication provided information regarding the tree removal and
replacement plan. To date, no comments have been received by staff.
APPROVED: Steve Schwabauer
Stephen Schwabauer, City Manager
LEU staff therefore recommends City Council approve the removal of approximately 33 redwood trees at
Lakewood School on the northeast corner of Ham Lane and Turner Road.
FISCAL IMPACT: Removal of these trees will mitigate future damage to the City's electric
distribution system, improve public safety and reduce staff, material and
equipment costs associated with power outages.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Electric Utility Account No. 50064500.72499 (Vegetation Management).
Andrew Keys
Andrew Keys
Deputy City Manager/Internal Services Director
q� Wg
]r!f 61„ ;. ant, i IAui •f_ Mf 14.1}1 PDI
Jeff Berkheimer
Electric Utility Director
Signature: Qr XW�Obj
Email: akeys@lodi.gov
Signature:
Email: sschwabauer@lodi.gov
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-98
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING REMOVAL
OF REDWOOD TREES AT LAKEWOOD SCHOOL ON THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF HAM LANE AND TURNER ROAD
WHEREAS, there are approximately 25 redwood trees planted along the east fence of
Lakewood School that are in the power lines and continually causing outages; and
WHEREAS, there are also 8 redwood trees between Turner Road and the school building,
which are in the power lines and there are roots around the electrical conduit system; and
WHEREAS, trees are a benefit to the urban environment and healthy trees reduce
pollution, provide shade and cooling, furnish habitat for wildlife, and provide an important aesthetic
value to the landscape, so the City removes trees only when it is in the best interest of the public's
safety or expense; and
WHEREAS, these specific trees have historically caused damage to the City's existing
power lines and pruning techniques have left many of the trees with a sub -par trunk structure
increasing the risk for large diameter branches to fall; and
WHEREAS, staff has consulted with Tree Lodi and Lodi Unified School District (LUSD)
who agree these trees are too large to be planted under high voltage power lines and that removal
is the only solution to avoid future damage to the City's infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Lodi Electric Utility (LEU) has also received several complaints regarding
these trees from homeowners along Lakewood Drive, and therefore, Tree Lodi has agreed to
work with LUSD to develop a tree replacement plan for the impacted areas; and
WHEREAS, a detailed presentation and discussion regarding the proposed tree removal
and replacement plan was presented at the March 1, 2022 Shirtsleeve Session of the City Council;
and
WHEREAS, LEU partnered with LUSD and Tree Lodi to develop a written communication
that was provided on April 7, 2022, to residents who bordered the northeast and east side of
Lakewood School notifying them of the proposed tree removal and replacement plan. To date,
no comments have been received by staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby authorize
the removal of approximately 33 redwood trees at Lakewood School on the northeast corner of
Ham Lane and Turner Road.
Dated: April 20, 2022
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2022-98 was passed and adopted by the City Council
of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held on April 20, 2022 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Hothi, Khan, Kuehne, Nakanishi, and
Mayor Chandler
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSTAIN COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
wu6ma"
OLIVIA NASHED
City Clerk
2022-98