Title
Staff Report for the Adoption of a City of San Leandro City Council Resolution to Amend Title 12, Chapter 8 - Street Tree Policy and Procedure, of the City of San Leandro Administrative Code, and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Title 5, Chapter 5-2 of the City of San Leandro Municipal Code, Pertaining to City Street Trees
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council consider adopting a resolution to amend the City of San Leandro Administrative Code and hold a first reading for Municipal Code amendments pertaining to City street trees.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council's regular meeting of November 5, 2018, staff presented discussion points for amendments to Section 5-2-200 of the City of San Leandro Municipal Code related to fines for the unlawful removal, pruning, injury, or destruction of any City tree.
At the conclusion of the discussion, in which staff proposed a significantly increased fine for illegal City tree removal/damage, in addition to a new charge for the replacement value of the tree, the City Council directed staff to prepare a survey for residents' input.
Analysis
A 'City Tree Fines Survey' was made available online, from February 1st to February 15th. The survey (summary and individual responses attached) included five specific questions, with a sixth option available for comments. One hundred and twenty-two residents responded to the survey, with approximately half including comments. In reviewing the summary of responses, there doesn't appear to be overwhelming opinions that point to a definitive course of action.
Staff notes that the street trees are part of the City's infrastructure, similar to sewer pipes, and city buildings. Based on the specific species, there are anticipated life spans for the trees, which can be affected by pests and severe weather conditions, such as droughts. Public Works Department staff noticed a marked increase in City street tree failures, starting with the ini...
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