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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070319 - VIII-A-3Memorandum V111-A-3 To: Mayor Hicks and City Councilmembers From: Melanie Mesko Lee, Assistant City Administrator Re: Appeal of Staff Recommendation for Tree Removal Date: March 14, 2007 Council Action Requested: Support staff recommendation for removal of an at-risk boulevard tree at 219 5"' Street West and approve resident/city cost sharing process as adopted. Backaround Information: Attached you will find a letter from Parks Superintendent Kevin Smith related to the removal of an at-risk tree located at 219 5"' Street West. It is staffs recommendation that this tree should be removed per City ordinance and policy, and that the cost split should be 60% by the resident and 40% by the City. This cost sharing is also per City policy. Parks & Recreation Director Barry Bernstein will be in attendance at Monday's meeting to answer any questions on this issue. 'C+'f'i vt Nastlr~& • 1~i FOUrtTI 5b`+E2t EtY~t • H35btlp,§., MN 5sC3:i-195S + p:657-~45G~2:350 • T:6~1.43: ~k7z32 • WK~4' fr hd'~k1ff~,5.i+1rY.u5 MEMO City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department 920 W IOth S[. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 480-6175 Fax: (651)437-5396 www.c i.hastings.mn.us Aquatic Center 901 Maple St. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651)480-2392 Fax: (651)437-5396 Civic Arena 2801 Redwing Blvd. Hastings, MN 55033 Ph: (651) 4806195 Fax: (651)437-4940 To: From: Date: Subject: City Council Kevin D. Smith March 13, 2007 Recommendation for dealing with tree at 219 5th Street West Mr. Simmons, the property owner at 219 W. 5`h St., has talked to City staff to request that the City deviate from our policy to manage trees that pose an unreasonable risk. The risk tree was inspected on February 1, 2007 by the City Forester and is located in the right-of--way on West 5`~ Street outside the street reconstruction area for this year. Because of these factors, the tree should be handled as any other boulevard tree. Mr. Simmons has been sent a letter that outlines his options and gives the cost for the removal. Staff recommends that the tree owned by Mr. Simmons at 219 West Ss' Street be dealt with in a way consistent with the Hastings Tree Risk Management Policy and City ordinance No. 155, SEC. 6.06, SUBD. 4. On public right-of--ways, if the property owner elects to have a City contractor remove the tree, the City will pay 40% of that cost. This will not include the removal of the stump. When Mr. Simmons returns his completed options form, the City Forester can start the process for the trees removal. HASTINGS TREE RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY Revised 9/22/03 The City Tree Risk Inspection & Management Policy is intended to preserve the environmental, aesthetic, and economic value that trees give to the City of Hastings while also providing reasonable safety on the streets, sidewalks and public properties. The City uses inspections, maintenance, and corrective actions to accomplish these goals. At periodic intervals a survey of public trees in the City is made to look for diseases that pose a threat as well as for trees that are of risk to the public. If a tree requires removal, the city makes arrangements for its removal or the property owner is notified that it is their responsibility. Trees suspected of being diseased or posing a hazard to the public can be reported to the City Forester for inspection. REQUIREMENTS FOR TREES TO BE COVERED UNDER THIS POLICY Trees must... 1. Be located on City property; or 2. Be located within public rights-of-ways; 3. Be greater than 8 inches diameter at 4 feet above ground; 4. Have a potentially high risk of failure and could harm the public. Tree inspections will be done by the city using certified tree inspectors, trained in evaluating tree risks. Documentation of any tree risk inspection will be filled out and kept on file by the City Forester, to include records of inspection, maintenance, corrective measures, and any follow-up that is done. The City is responsible for 100% of tree maintenance or removal on public property. On City streets, the property owner is responsible for trimming, cutting, and otherwise maintaining any tree according to City Ordinance No. 155, SEC. 6.06, SUBD. 4. High-risk trees on public rights-of-ways are reported to property owners and they are given an option to have the City contract for the removal. If the City has a contractor remove the tree, then the City will pay 40% of that cost. If you have any questions about this process, or need further information, please contact the Hastings Parks Department at 480-6178.