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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/3/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 4.B. �D pALM sA4 ti rZ 4 V N k e C. �AoRNO P^ 4�/FoxN� City Council Staff Report DATE: September 3, 2008 UNFINISHED BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consideration of Changes to Palm Tree Trimming Policy - Minute Order No. 944 FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Parks and Recreation Department SUMMARY The City annually trims seed pods and fronds from City-owned palm trees to maintain the health and appearance of the trees, as well as reduce the need for cleanup efforts caused by wind. This year, at City Council's request, staff obtained pricing for additional trimming of the skirts and skinning of the trees in a section of the downtown corridor. Existing Minute Order No. 944 identifies the practice of palm tree trimming, and staff will need direction to prepare a resolution if City Council desires new practices in palm tree trimming. RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction to staff. BACKGROUND: At the July 30, 2008 City Council meeting, the contract for annual palm tree trimming was awarded. Council directed staff to return at a later date with photos of palm tree trimming options for discussion. Included with the staff presentation will be a presentation of photographs illustrating both Washingtonia robustas (Mexican Fan Palm) and Washingtonia filiferas (California Fan Palm), with un-skinned and skinned trunks and with and without skirts. The additional costs to skin the trunk of a palm were bid at $90 per tree. The additional costs to remove the skirts of a palm were bit at $80 per tree. Note that these costs are particularly low. In past years, the costs of $130 to $500 per tree have been bid. ITEM I\10. �'�' City Council Staff Report (September 3, 2008) -- Page 2 (Palm Tree Trimming) As has been previously noted in Council discussions of the care of the City's palm trees, different approaches may be appropriate for different types of trees and in different areas or districts of the City. Staff seeks Council direction at the Council's discretion. FISCAL IMPACT: Dependant upon Council direction ��I16�.�I �.➢� nJ�J Sharon Heider, Director Thomas J. Wilson, sistant City Manager Department of Parks and Recreation David H. Ready, City California Fan Palm - Washingtonia filifera `I ( JI q •'--r r r r .a Mx 1^f lMdvn ,."n,�`n , 'A �r ^•" T�l y I�, , r,.• ( ti. I 1 � 'f,q•� 1 . i M 1� II ' i�o �'iLr IC �„��' ,N�<:rrr�.�. ,� nnl fMn`v♦" bw W YI r ! •Yl 5 _ _ dauaJ�---r��,..rrv:.�•acLr L,'..'r....nr,r x,n. ���u.�`�.---w.n,..,....rn \�......., Unskinned trunk with Skirt Unskinned trunk, no skirt California Fan Palm - Washingtonia filifera .......... ..._.,..-_ .�����—..,�.,......�.. , ..._� �.., ;'S7"Ii%1,j�M",+r;"f�.;.�✓w�:�°r' a,A„da+iv1.;,�4�°,d;u. " .w-.,,,q'.- a� M A ,,,G'v i� �;'ly � : Unskinned trunk with Skirt Skinned trunk, no skirt Mexican Fan Palm - Washingtonia robusta 1111 — iq. rnr "� i ,I;7Nhd y Unskinned trunk with Skirt Unskined trunk, without skirt Mexican Fan Palm - Washingtonia robusta r A ' Unskinned trunk with Skirt Skinned trunk, no skirt