Visit & Volunteer: Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden

ABSTRACT: Welcome to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden adjacent to the National Register of Historic Places Flanders Mansion in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden brochure is transcribed, including the following sections; Lester Rowntree (1878-1978), The Garden, Be a Volunteeer/Donor and Directions to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden. MORE INFORMATION, including information from the California Native Plant Society Monterey Bay Chapter and a hyperlink to the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Website, is provided.

Gate to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden

Clope-Up View of Gate

Birdbath Garden, Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden

Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
25800 Hatton Road
Carmel, California

Lester Rowntree 1879-1979
Gertrude Ellen Lester Rowntree, a long-time Carmel resident, was a renowned lecturer, naturalist, and gardener. She fell in love with the native plants when she immigrated to southern California from Penrith England in 1887 with her Quaker family, the Edward Lesters. Her extensive writings, field notes, and photographs are in the archives of the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and in the Bancroft Library in Berkeley. Her two books published in the 1930’s are classics.

Lester’s famous Carmel Highlands garden was a testing ground for the seeds and cuttings of natives that she collected throughout California. She traveled by burro and jalopy, hiking and camping. Her success in propagating and adapting these plants have made a tremendous impact on the cultivated garden.

Lester’s son Cedric, with his wife Harriette, carried on the Rowntree passion for preserving the environment. In 1980, after Lester’s death at the age of 100, the California Native Plant Society, using funds given in Lester’s honor, created this small native plant garden.

Harriette and Cedric were instrumental in the funding and maintenance of the Garden and Harriette was particularly active, keeping her loyal volunteers jumping.

The Garden
The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden was created to display for public enjoyment California native trees, shrubs, and plants that are adaptable to cultivated gardens. This garden enhances the natural beauty of the area while maintaining its quiet woodland character.

The gate on your left as your enter from Hatton Road was forged by John Hudson and designed by Annette Corcoran, one of our talented volunteers. The Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club generously donated funds for this project. The dedication of the gate was held in 1992. As you pass through the gate, on your right is a small birdbath garden attracting chickadees, juncos, hummingbirds, and many other birds. Elsa Uppman Knoll, a renowned horticulturist and editor at Sunset magazine, volunteered her time and expertise to help create this special area.

Although just over an acre, this garden contains a great variety of California native plants. Mature trees and shrubs are the backbone, with annuals, perennials, bulbs and succulents displaying in spring and early summer. A special bulb garden brightens the paths towards the house. Arctostaphylos and Ceanothus are well represented with many species and cultivars. Over 100 informative plant labels are in place throughout the garden.

In any season visitors can enjoy beautiful vistas towards the Carmel Mission and Point Lobos. Numerous benches and easy walking trails add to the pleasure of this tranquil garden.

Be a Volunteer/Donor
The 1+ acre Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden belongs to the city of Carmel, and is supported by the City in many ways. The Garden is also one of the activities of the Monterey Chapter of California Native Plant Society. Volunteers do the planning and planting.

New volunteers are very important to our small group of native plant enthusiasts. If you have one day a month to work and learn about California natives we would like to welcome you.

Please call and get acquainted:
Gary Girard (831) 625-1098
Marge Adams (831) 624-3386

Directions to the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden
Flanders House is to the southwest of the Garden. It was built by Paul Flanders in 1924, and it is now on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The City of Carmel purchased the house and adjoining 14+ acres in 1972. Part of this property is now the Native Plant Garden.

The Garden is open dawn to dusk everyday.
Come visit!

Mailing Address:
Native Plant Garden
P.O. Box 221033
Carmel, CA. 93922

(Source: Native Plant Garden Brochure, available at the Garden)

MORE INFORMATION:
California Native Plant Society
Monterey Bay Chapter

Rowntree Garden
"We are a small, dedicated group that has tended an acre plus of land from the City of Carmel as a demonstration garden for California native plants for 25 years. Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the home of Connie Stroud, 26407 Carmelo Street, Carmel. Our group is always glad to have new members!"
Call Gary Girard at (831) 625-1098 with questions. Garden workdays on the Saturday following the monthly meeting at the garden.
The garden is located at 28500 Hatton Road, Carmel.

June-August Newsletter

Field Trips of the Monterey Bay Chapter of CNPS

Membership Information

California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Website

Trees: Their Benefits & Reasons to Plant a Tree

ABSTRACT: The Benefits of Trees, adapted from the International Society of Arboriculture, and Reasons to Plant a Tree, adapted from "A Tree's Importance and Environmental Benefit," are presented.

"He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he
provideth a kindness for many generations, and
faces that he hath not seen shall bless him."
- Henry Van Dyke

Benefits of Trees
The benefits of trees can be grouped into social, communal, environmental, and economic categories.

Social Benefits
• Most of us respond to the presence of trees beyond simply observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and tranquil in a grove of trees. We are “at home” there.

• The stature, strength, and endurance of trees give them a cathedral-like quality. Because of their potential for long life, trees frequently are planted as living memorials. We often become personally attached to trees that we or those we love have planted.

Communal Benefits
• Even though trees may be private property, their size often makes them part of the community as well.

• City trees often serve several architectural and engineering functions. They provide privacy, emphasize views, or screen out objectionable views. They reduce glare and reflection. They direct pedestrian traffic. They provide background to and soften, complement, or enhance architecture.

Environmental Benefits
• Trees alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife. Climate control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed or deflected by leaves on deciduous trees in the summer and is only filtered by branches of deciduous trees in winter. We are cooler when we stand in the shade of trees and are not exposed to direct sunlight. In winter, we value the sun’s radiant energy.

• Temperature in the vicinity of trees is cooler than that away from trees. The larger the tree, the greater the cooling. By using trees in the cities, we are able to moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavement and buildings in commercial areas.

• Air quality can be improved through the use of trees. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulates. Rain then washes the pollutants to the ground. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s structure and function. In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants—such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide—and give off oxygen.

• By planting trees, we return to a more natural, less artificial environment. Birds and other wildlife are attracted to the area. The natural cycles of plant growth, reproduction, and decomposition are again present, both above and below ground. Natural harmony is restored to the urban environment.

Economic Benefits
• Direct economic benefits are usually associated with energy costs. Air-conditioning costs are lower in a tree-shaded home. Heating costs are reduced when a home has a windbreak. Trees increase in value from the time they are planted until they mature. Trees are a wise investment of funds because landscaped homes are more valuable than nonlandscaped homes. The savings in energy costs and the increase in property value directly benefit each home owner.

• The indirect economic benefits of trees are even greater. These benefits are available to the community or region. Lowered electricity bills are paid by customers when power companies are able to use less water in their cooling towers, build fewer new facilities to meet peak demands, use reduced amounts of fossil fuel in their furnaces, and use fewer measures to control air pollution. Communities also can save money if fewer facilities must be built to control storm water in the region. To the individual, these savings are small, but to the community, reductions in these expenses are often in the thousands of dollars.

Reasons to Plant Trees
Trees become "carbon sinks":
To produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide, a global warming suspect. An urban forest is a carbon storage area that can lock up as much carbon as it produces.

Trees produce oxygen:
A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.

Trees clean the air:
Trees help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Trees remove this air pollution by lowering air temperature, through respiration, and by retaining particulates.

Trees shade and cool:
Shade from trees reduces the need for air conditioning in summer. In winter, trees break the force of winter winds, lowering heating costs. Studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can literally be "heat islands," with temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas.

Trees fight soil erosion:
Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater, and reduce water runoff and sediment deposit after storms.

Trees make effective sound barriers:
Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Trees, planted at strategic points in a neighborhood or around your house, can abate major noises from streets.

Trees increase property values:
Real estate values increase when trees beautify a property or neighborhood. Trees can increase the property value of your home by 15% or more.

"If I thought I was going to die tomorrow,
I should nevertheless plant a tree today."
- Stephan Girard

UPDATE: Leidig’s Carmel Convalescent Hospital Redevelopment Project

ABSTRACT: An ANTICIPATED SEQUENCE OF EVENTS for the Villas de Carmelo Project (Rigoulette PLN070497) is presented; the source of the information is the Monterey County Planner assigned to the Project.

ANTICIPATED SEQUENCE OF EVENTS:
• At a Board of Supervisors Weekly Meeting in July 2008, it is anticipated that the Board of Supervisors will approve and authorize the County to sign an agreement with Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc. to complete an Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Villas de Carmelo Project (Rigoulette PLN070497) as part of the Consent Calendar.

• A public hearing will be held at the County to receive public input on the proposed Villas de Carmelo Project for the benefit of Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc. prior to Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc. beginning work on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

• Completion of the Draft EIR by Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

• 45 day public comment period.

• Completion of the Final EIR by Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

• Villas de Carmelo Project (Rigoulette PLN070497) placed on a Subdivision Committee Agenda for a Meeting.
(The Subdivision Committee meets on the 2nd and last Thursday of each month except in November and December)

• Villas de Carmelo Project (Rigoulette PLN070497) placed on a Planning Commission Agenda for a Meeting.
(The Planning Commission meets on the 2nd and last Wednesday of each month except in November and December)

• Villas de Carmelo Project (Rigoulette PLN070497) placed on a Board of Supervisors Weekly Meeting Agenda for a public hearing.
(The Board of Supervisors meets every Tuesday of each month.)

• If the Villas de Carmelo Project (Rigoulette PLN070497) is approved by the Board of Supervisors, then it is forwarded to the California Coastal Commission for final approval as an amendment to the County’s Local Coastal Program.

(Source: Liz Gonzales, Associate Planner, Monterey County Planning Department, Thursday, June 26, 2008)

REFERENCES:
CEQA Guidelines

CEQA Article 7. EIR Process

CEQA Article 9. Contents of Environmental Impact Reports

Frequently Asked Questions About CEQA

Updated Fire Hydrant (Operational, New/Repaired, Removed & Out-of-Service) Map

Note: To view Fire Hydrant Map, Click on Map for enlarged map.

Working Together to Ensure Fire Safety on the Monterey Peninsula

California American Water and the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea have been working together to re-commission fire hydrants throughout the city to improve fire safety. The hydrant replacement program began last year after 29 fire hydrants were found to have insufficient flows.

Taking care of the problem means upgrading underground water mains, and in some cases, replacing fire hydrants. The Carmel Fire Department has worked collaboratively with California American Water to identify a priority list of hydrants to be upgraded or replaced. In the process, the fire department recommended relocating or removing some hydrants.

After the first phrase of repairs and upgrades, the vast majority of hydrants are fully functional, and the Carmel-by-the-Sea fire hydrant network is capable of supporting fire fighters throughout the city with 182 operational hydrants.

In addition, we expect to have all the hydrant repairs and installations completed by the end of 2008. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience during this process. Together, California American Water and the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea are committed to providing the best quality water service and fire protection possible.

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Out-of-Service Fire Hydrants
1. Scenic Rd. between Ocean Ave. / 8th Ave.
2. Scenic Rd. between 8th Ave. / 10th Ave.
3. Dolores St. / 12th Ave.
4. Mission St. / 9th Ave.
5. Torres St. / Mountain View Ave.
6. Carpenter St. / 3rd Ave.
7. Forest Rd. / 7th Ave.
8. Forest Rd. / 8th Ave.
9. Hatton Rd. (Flanders Mansion)

COMMENTS:
• According to the Updated Carmel Fire Hydrant Map, there are 182 operational fire hydrants, 18 removed fire hydrants, 9 new/repaired fire hydrants and 9 out-of-service fire hydrants.

UPDATE: Historic Appeals to the Historic Resources Board

Resource Name: Eva DeSabla House
Location: Santa Rita & 4th Av., S.W. Corner
Distinction: APPEAL GRANTED, Residence Removed from City’s Inventory of Historic Resources

UPDATE: HISTORIC APPEALS TO THE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
(November 2005 – June 2008)

APPEALS GRANTED: 43

APPEALS DENIED: 20

APPEALS DISMISSED: 14

APPEALS OF A PRELMINARY DETERMINATION OF INELIGIBILITY:
GRANTED: 1
DENIED: 3

TOTAL NUMBER OF APPEALS: 81

NUMBER ADDED TO REGISTER FROM INVENTORY: 1

HISTORIC APPEAL TO THE HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD (June 2008)
(Name of Property Owner, Physical Location, Resource Name, APPEAL GRANTED or DENIED)

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, June 16, 2008

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
BOARD MEMBERS:
ERIK DYAR, CHAIRPERSON
ELINOR LAIOLO
ERLING LAGERHOLM
NICOLE SCHROEDER
JULIE WENDT

VII. APPEALS
Consideration of appeals of the City’s determination to place existing residences located in the Single Family Residential (R-1) District on the City’s Inventory of Historic Resources.

Name of Property Owner: Peter Bartowick
Resource Name: Eva DeSabla House
Location: Santa Rita & 4th Av., S.W. Corner
APPEAL GRANTED

Name of Property Owner: William Karges
Resource Name: Charles Eytinge House
Location: Camino Real & 7th Av., N.E. Corner
APPEAL GRANTED

Random Reportings

ABSTRACT: Random Reportings on the State Water Resources Board Meetings of June 19 and 20, 2008, Ralph Anderson & Associates regarding the City's Community Planning and Building Director, the City's Affordable Housing Ordinance and Progress Report on Cal-Am/Monterey Peninsula Engineering Water Main Replacement Work are presented.

• According to the article, No ruling on Cal Am compliance, The Monterey County Herald, the State Water Resources Board decided Friday, June 20, 2008, that the Board would not make a ruling on whether Cal Am failed to comply with Order 95-10. Additional hearings are scheduled for July 23-25 to determine recommended remedies or penalties if Cal Am is found to be in violation. Recommended actions against Cal Am will require approval of the State Water Resources Board; and a decision may be made by the end of 2008.

• The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea retained Ralph Andersen & Associates to conduct a search for “outstanding candidates” for the position of Community Planning and Building Director. As stated in the brochure, the “City Administrator is particularly interested in candidates that will bring to Carmel-by-the-Sea a creative and innovative management style that is proactive in addressing issues that impact the community.” Candidates were to submit a resume, cover letter, current salary, and five work-related references to Ralph Andersen & Associates by December 31, 2007. The “new” Community Planning and Building Director was to begin in “February/March 2008 or sooner.”

REFERENCE: City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Community Planning and Building Director Brochure

• On Wednesday, June 11, 2008, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Planning Commission unanimously approved “recommendations to the City Council regarding amendments to the Land Use Element of the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan and Revisions to the previously approved Affordable Housing Ordinance.”

According to the article, Coastal commission sends affordable-housing law back to city, Mary Brownfield reported that the California Coastal Commission requires changes to the City’s Affordable Housing Ordinance prior to the Commission’s consideration of approval of the amendment to the City’s Local Coastal Program. The Ordinance was approved by the City Council in March 2007; the Ordinance would “allow exceptions to certain development standards — such as setbacks, height, floor area, density and parking — to make it easier for 100 percent affordable projects to be built.”

Changes to the Ordinance include, as follows:

Exceptions allowed only in the multifamily residential and limited residential/commercial districts, not in the central and service commercial areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Exceptions allowed only on 8,000 sq. ft. lots or smaller.

Eliminate parking allowance, since “the zoning code only requires one-third of a parking space per affordable unit...”

Requirements, including determinations that new construction would be an improvement over existing buildings and “the project will not diminish the village character by excessively blocking important public or private views and disturbing natural topography, mature trees or native growth.”

Planning and Building Services Manager Sean Conroy recommended the Planning Commission approve the Coastal Commission Staff’s changes and forward the revised Ordinance to the City Council for adoption; the City Council would then consider the amended Ordinance, and if approved, forward the amended Ordinance to the California Coastal Commission for final approval as an amendment to the City’s Local Coastal Program. The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the City Council adopt the amended ordinance.

• Progress Report on Cal-Am/Monterey Peninsula Engineering Water Main Replacement Work:

UPDATE (as of Friday, June 27, 2008):
PROJECT SITE PHASE 9: 12th Av. between Lincoln St. & Mission St. COMPLETE
PROJECT SITE PHASE 5: Junipero Av. @ Rio Rd & Ridgewood Rd. COMPLETE
Pending PROJECT SITE PHASES, as follows:
PROJECT SITE PHASE 4:
Carpenter St. – Forest Rd. between 6th Av. & 8th Av.
7th Av. between east of Forest Rd. & Hatton Rd.
PROJECT SITE PHASE 1: 3rd Av. between Carpenter St. & Hatton Rd.
PROJECT SITE PHASE 7: Hatton Rd. between Mountain View Av. and Martin Rd.)


PROJECT SITE PHASE 2 @ Ocean Av & Del Mar Av. COMPLETE
PROJECT SITE PHASE 6 @ Scenic Rd. between 8th Av. & 9th Av. COMPLETE
PROJECT SITE PHASE 3 @Torres St. & Ocean Av. COMPLETE
PROJECT SITE PHASE 8: Mission St. between 8th Av. & 10th Av. COMPLETE

Other pending PROJECT SITE PHASES, as follows:
PROJECT SITE PHASE 9: 12th Av. between Lincoln St. & Mission St. (Week of June 23-June 27, 2008)

PROJECT SITE PHASE 5: Junipero Av. @ Rio Rd & Ridgewood Rd.

PROJECT SITE PHASE 4:
Carpenter St. – Forest Rd. between 6th Av. & 8th Av.
7th Av. between east of Forest Rd. & Hatton Rd.

PROJECT SITE PHASE 1: 3rd Av. between Carpenter St. & Hatton Rd.

PROJECT SITE PHASE 7: Hatton Rd. between Mountain View Av. and Martin Rd.)

“Discover the Beautiful Flanders Mansion" Nature Walks

WHO: Flanders Foundation
“Flanders Foundation is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to restore and maintain the Flanders Mansion (at 25800 Hatton Road in Carmel-by-the-Sea), one of Carmel's most historic houses.”

WHAT: “Discover the Beautiful Flanders Mansion" Nature Walks in 2008!

WHEN: Saturdays, once a Month on June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20 and October 18, 2008 @ 10:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

WHERE: Nature Walk through Mission Trail Nature Preserve from Rio Road Entrance across from the Carmel Mission to the Flanders Mansion.

WHY: Learn about the history and biology of Mission Trail Nature Preserve, Flanders Mansion and the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden.

MORE INFORMATION:
The Nature Walk will include a historical/nature talk provided by environmentalist Joyce Stevens, former Carmel-by-the-Sea Fire Chief and noted "birder" Bill Hill and Melanie Billig, President of the Flanders Foundation, who will discuss the history and biology of Mission Trail Nature Preserve, Flanders Mansion and the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a brown bag lunch. Complimentary cold drinks will be provided by the Flanders Foundation.

NOTE:
Please make reservations by calling 831-626-3826.

INFORMATION ON FLANDERS FOUNDATION:
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE FLANDERS FOUNDATION

VISION STATEMENT OF THE FLANDERS FOUNDATION

PUBLICITY AND SUPPORT

ACT NOW TO SAVE CARMEL'S ASSETS

DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT FLANDERS

DIRECTORS AND ADVISORY BOARD

email: info@flandersfoundation.org

Mailing Address:
Flanders Foundation
P.O. Box 1414
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Phone: (831) 626-3826

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST & SUPPORT!

Forest Theater Public Consensus: Preserve Ambiance & Community Theater in Rustic Setting of Monterey Pines with Essential, Affordable Improvements

ABSTRACT: The "Agenda" for the Special City Council Meeting/Workshop held yesterday, Thursday, June 19, 2008, at the Forest Theater consisted of “Proposed Changes to the Forest Theater Plan.” "Proposed Changes to the Forest Theater Plan" covered 11 areas, namely FENCE, PARKING, CONCESSION STAND, RESTROOMS, ACCESS FROM SANTA RITA, STAGE, UNDER-SEATING SPACE, CONTROL BOOTH, LIGHTS AND SOUND, LANDSCAPING and SEATING. “Proposed Changes to the Forest Theater Plan” is reproduced with accompanying "Objectives for Meeting" and "Next Steps." After each of the 11 areas, Public Consensus is presented. Finally, COMMENTS are made with regard to the Meeting/Workshop and kudos to the Carmel Residents Association (CRA) and a prescient blogger.

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Speical City Council Meeting
Thursday, June 19, 2008

On site at the Forest Theater
On Mountain View at Santa Rita

IV. Orders of Council
A. Workshop to receive input and provide policy direction on the proposed Forest Theater Renovation Project.

Proposed Changes to the Forest Theater Plan

Context: on May 25th, Rich, Paula and Sue toured the Theater with the McCann plans in hand. Following summarizes our thoughts, input we have had to date form the public and our concern for costs:

1. FENCE: Remain with a 6’ perimeter grape-stake fence. Could be double-sided. Add green to soften fence and absorb some sound. Grape-stake is more “Carmel” but will not provide the barrier for sound and light flowing out or coming in that a stucco fence would.

Public Consensus: Retain perimeter grape-stake fence; by hand count, majority favored a double-sided grape-stake fence. Vegetation planted in Forest Theater also favored to soften fence.

2. **PARKING: Stay with parking inside the fence. Reconfigure whole area for maximum parking and move trash enclosure elsewhere to better landscape the area for forest and maximum parking. Remove and replace shrubs, sick and dying trees. Mark stalls for parking spaces as opposed to current haphazard system. Omit on-street parking plan on Mt. View and Guadalupe, but leave existing parking on those two streets. There is the potential for two ADA spaces near CET’s entrance as well as perhaps four on north side of entrance from Santa Rita, if built. If Santa Rita not accessible, will have to rely on access from parking lot to CET and theater.

Public Consensus: Retain parking within the Forest Theater, against perimeter parking on Mt. View Av. and Guadalupe St. Mark parking spaces with natural materials favored.

3. **CONCESSION STAND: Utilize what we have although we need weather tight coverings to protect the two serving windows. Shield lights from audience. Add ticket booth to this building. Do away with the proposed concession/ticket booth.

Public Consensus: Remove existing Box Office and add Box Office to existing Concession Stand.

4. RESTROOMS: Can be moved closer to one another by doing away with the flex space or just construct one building with separate entrances. Why are entrances to both at the south end: shouldn’t they both face NE? Since there is a public restroom inside CET, moving entrances to the north end would be more advantageous for the stage patrons, but remain accessible to CET. Add 911 phone to outside of restrooms.

Correction: Marcia Gambrell Hovick, Children’s Experimental Theatre (CET) Artistic Director, stated there was not a “public restroom inside CET;” there is a restroom, but it is not available to the public.

Public Consensus: Additional restroom facilities needed. Inadequate information about Flex Space between Men’s & Women’s Restrooms to form consensus.

5. ACCESS FROM SANTA RITA: As drawn, this road would provide the ADA access to allow tickets to be picked up easily. Some handicapped parking can be on the north side of this access road inside the fence. Would there need to be an ADA ramp from here to seating area?

Public Consensus: Provide ADA access from Santa Rita St. to the Forest Theater.

6. STAGE: Build as shown, except don’t build (at least initially) the “optional additional space” room shown on the Under-Seating fold-out. What is cost if this room is built now?

Public Consensus: Existing Stage area inadequate; need more than 1 toilet and 1 sink for actors.

7. UNDER-SEATING SPACE: Eliminate the under-seating corridor.

8. CONTROL BOOTH: If possible, eliminate the underground level of the control booth and use instead the area to the east for storage.

Public Consensus: Eliminate underground corridor. Inadequate information about requirement for transformers underground to form consensus.

9. LIGHTS AND SOUND: Plans seem to be fine. Please provide number and height of poles and number and size of speakers.

Public Consensus: Uncertainty about whether there exists a decibel cap value.

10. LANDSCAPING: Native drought resistant plants and trees are needed for the whole enclosure and particularly along the back to dampen sound and light of theater from existing homes. Removal of sick and dying growth noted above #2.

11. ** SEATING: Could this be phased and done after everything else or left with the center aisle and use the same concrete foundations, just new bench seats that have a more comfortable back angle? Where is ADA seating and how many seats have been allocated for them? Please provide costs for both seating plans: as is and new lower area with two aisles.

** Indicates cost savings from original proposal.

Objectives for Meeting:

1. Obtain public and council input.
2. Reach consensus on as many items as possible.

Next Steps:

1. Send revisions to McCann for redraft/comment
2. Request breakdown of costs for revisions

FOREST THEATER & GROUNDS
MASTER PLAN PROGRAM ELEMENTS

FOREST THEATRE, CARMEL
PROPOSED AUDIENCE CENTER
07-23-07

COMMENTS:
• Public dissatisfaction and opposition to the Forest Theater Foundation/McCann Pre-Design for the Forest Theater prompted Mayor Sue McCloud to preempt further growing dissatisfaction and opposition by formulating her “Proposed Changes to the Forest Theater Plan.” Her “Proposed Changes to the Forest Theater Plan” consisted of 11 areas, namely FENCE, PARKING, CONCESSION STAND, RESTROOMS, ACCESS FROM SANTA RITA, STAGE, UNDER-SEATING SPACE, CONTROL BOOTH, LIGHTS AND SOUND, LANDSCAPING and SEATING, which made up the agenda for the Special City Council Meeting/Workshop.

• Approximately 75 individuals attended the Special City Council Meeting/Workshop and about 62 comments were made by members of the public; public consensus was achieved on a majority of items. The duration of the Special City Council Meeting/Workshop was approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

• One member of the public suggested that prior to expending $65,000 for the Schematic Design, another Pre-Design with elevations should be completed and distributed for public review and another public meeting scheduled and held for public comment purposes.

• The majority of public comments reflected the audience members’ vision of the Forest Theater as a community theater in a rustic setting of towering Monterey Pine trees. Hence, preserving the traditional Forest Theater ambiance means a renovation plan for essential, affordable improvements, such as additional restrooms for actors and patrons, ADA compliance measures, et cetera.

• Contrary to comments made by City Administrator Rich Guillen about Richard F. McCann, President, Principle-In-Charge, particularly with respect to his places of architectural practice, Richard F. McCann’s “independent professional career began in 1976 when he established R.F. McCann & Company Architects in Seattle and later a second office in Hollywood, both operating as full service firms providing all phases of performance facility design. California proved fruitful, the Seattle office was closed, and in 1988 he moved the Hollywood firm to Pasadena where he remains an integral part of all design and technical components on every project.”

• Kudos to the Carmel Residents Association for mobilizing public support for a “far more simple solution than the large-scale, multi-million-dollar proposal by the Forest Theater Foundation.”

• Kudos to the prescient blogger who wrote, “Yes - my prediction is that the Foundation won't actually give a presentation. The whole thing will be run by Sue, who will dictate who talks and for how long. Then "policy direction" will (conveniently) be whatever Sue decides! She just wants to get something done by 2010, whether or not it's good for the community or the theatre groups. Another prediction - she'll do anything to protect her stupid concession stand, even though the theatre groups all (apparently) think it not working. Otherwise, why would they have asked Mr. Macann to redesign it.”

Sunset Center’s SEASON LAUNCH & COMMUNITY MEETING

ABSTRACT: A SYNOPSIS of yesterday’s Sunset Center’s Season Launch & Annual Community Meeting by Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. (SCC) is presented. SUNSET CENTER 2008-2009 SEASON PERFORMANCES information is presented; specifically the eighteen acts (three acts in six categories) and their respective performance dates. Informational COMMENTS are presented.

SYNOPSIS: Yesterday, Wednesday, June 18, 2008, Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. (SCC) hosted Sunset’s Center’s Season Launch & Annual Community Meeting. After hor oeuvres in the lobby, Executive Director Peter Lesnik enthusiastically addressed the attendees about new happenings at Sunset Center. As attendees then entered the Theater, SUNSET CENTER 2008-2009 SEASON PERFORMANCES booklets were given to the attendees. Once seated in the Theater, Executive Director Peter Lesnik gave a visual presentation of Sunset Center’s upcoming Season beginning in September 2008. The new season’s eighteen acts in six categories of three acts per category were presented. The six categories and the acts in each category are, as follows:

BROADWAY
An Intimate Evening with Bebe Neuwirth: Friday, October 3, 2008

Irving Berlin’s I Love a Piano: Sunday, November 30, 2008

Footloose: Friday, January 30, 2009

DANCE
Best of MOMIX: Saturday, November 1, 2008

Tango First Century: Saturday, February 28, 2009

Ballet Preljocaj les 4 Saisons: Wednesday, April 15, 2009

INTERNATIONAL
Soweto Gospel Choir: Thursday, October 9, 2008
YouTube

U Theatre’s Sound of the Ocean: Saturday, November 8, 2008

Danu: Thursday, March 12, 2009

LEGENDS
Best of Doo Wop: Friday, January 23, 2009

Nat King Cole Long Live the King: Saturday, March 28, 2009

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular: Friday, April 17, 2009

FAMILY
It’s Magic: Saturday, September 20, 2008

GrooveLily’s Striking 12: Sunday, December 14, 2008

Cirque le Masque: Sunday, April 26, 2009
YouTube

CHILDREN
Jungle Jack Hanna: Sunday, October 26, 2008

A Kid’s Life!: Sunday, March 15, 2009

The Tweaksters! Fabulous Feats of Physical Fun: Sunday, May 17, 2009

NOTE: Click on hyperlinks for information about acts.

COMMENTS:
• Executive Director Peter Lesnik’s theme was “visual and programming” changes; a new look for lobby, updating website, et cetera.

• Executive Director Lesnik spoke of lower ticket prices as a way of attracting a broader audience, beyond the confines of Carmel. The Season Order Form 2008-2009 includes "Two Ways to Save - Series Packages or Creat-Your-Own Series!" with Single Tickets, 3-5 shows @ 10% off per ticket, 6-18 Shows @ 15% off per ticket. Series Packages range from $44.00 to $132.00 for Level I and Level II and Single Tickets range from $15.00 to $55.00.

• Executive Director Peter Lesnik introduced a new program, Arts & Education Program, to begin late autumn 2008.

• After Executive Director Peter Lesnik’s presentation of the new season, the five SCC Board of Trustee members conducted Q & A. Chair Jim Price, Secretary Deanna R. Adolph and Treasurer David S. Parker were present, along with two new Trustees since May 2008 who replaced Michael L. McMahan, Vice Chair, and Steven Hillyard. Their comments included an aim to “build capacity” and make Sunset Center more of a regional center. The Treasurer presented SCC’s finances, including the expectation that Budget 2009 Revenue of $1,123,353 would be lower than Actual/Projected 2008 Revenue of $1,142,711, while Budget 2009 Expenditures of $1,836,353 would be lower than Actual/Projected 2008 Expenditures of $1,883,833. Performance Revenue was Actual/Projected 2008 of $601,387 and $474,500 for Budget 2009. For 2009, SCC expects a net zero with the City’s subsidy of $713,000, down from $750,000 in FY 2007/08. Additionally, revenue from grants is anticipated to increase from $10,000 in 2008 to $151,046 in 2009; an anticipated grant would amount to $275,000 over three years. Note: It was noted that the City is lending SCC the City’s grant writer.

Attendance Encouraged: Community Workshop on the Forest Theater Foundation/Richard F. McCann Forest Theater Design

ABSTRACT: WHAT, WHEN & WHERE, MISCELLANEOUS & COMMENTS as pertains to the Community Workshop on the Forest Theater Foundation/Richard F. McCann Forest Theater Design are presented. Photos are shown of trees within the excavation zone (18 feet) for the proposed perimeter parking along Mountain View Av. and Guadalupe St. Selected pertinent REFERENCES from the City’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element are reproduced.

WHAT:
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Workshop Format

WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 2008 @ 4:30 P.M.

WHERE: Forest Theater
Mountain View Av. & Santa Rita St.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.

MISCELLANEOUS:
The Forest Theater is the “oldest outdoor community theater west of the Rockies,” established in 1910.

The Forest Theater Outdoor Stage, a Theatre under the Stars, is a unique open-air theatre. Framed by towering Monterey Pine trees and Coast Live Oak trees, audience members view dramatic performances under the stars and moonlight.

History of the Forest Theater

COMMENTS:
• Carmelites are encouraged to attend this Workshop to voice your visions for updating the Forest Theater, your concerns about the Forest Theater Foundation/Richard F. McCann Design, et cetera.

• The Forest Theater Project must be consistent with the City’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan, including issues involving “significant trees.”

PHOTOS:
View of Forest Theater Trees in proposed excavation zone from Guadalupe St. near Guadalupe St. Gate along Mountain View Av. to the Mountain View Av. Gate at corner of Santa Rita St.
“Significant” Monterey Pine Trees along Guadalupe St.

View of Monterey Pine Trees along Mt. View Av. near Guadalupe St. Gate

View of Coast Live Oaks Trees

View of Coast Live Oak Trees

View of “Significant” Monterey Pine Tree

View of Cypress Tree

View of Monterey Pine Tree near Mountain View Av. Entrance

View of Site of Proposed Perimeter Parking along Mountain View Av.

View of Site of Proposed Perimeter Parking along Guadalupe St.

REFERENCES:
General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element

P5-59 Avoid encroachment within the root protection zone of significant trees. Removal of significant live Monterey pine trees to facilitate residential development is prohibited unless necessary to provide viable economic use or protect public health and safety. (LUP)

O5-42 Recognize the natural resources and scenic quality of Carmel as a coastal community and allow uses in the community that are consistent with local needs and the California Coastal Act. (LUP)

P5-182 Continue to ensure that development, whether commercial or residential, does not diminish the village character by excessively blocking important public views, private views or disturbing natural topography, significant trees, or native growth. (LUP)

P5-209 New development shall be sited and designed on the most suitable portion of the site while ensuring protection and preservation of natural and sensitive site resources by providing for the following:

Minimizing disturbance of natural areas, including significant trees, native vegetation, and root structures;

Collaboration between Architect, Carmelites, City & Forest Theater Foundation Key to the Success of Forest Theater Design

ABSTRACT: Internet research yielded information about the design process; specifically the sequential steps in the design process and a brief description of each step. In general terms, the design process consists of Scoping, Feasibility, PROGRAMMING, SCHEMATIC DESIGN, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS and CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION. The generic design process information is presented as a guide to the design process used by Richard F. McCann for the Forest Theater. Informational and opinion COMMMENTS are presented.

SYNOPSIS OF DESIGN PROCESS:
PROGRAMMING: GATHERING INFORMATION
Architecture is collaboration between architects, clients, sites and materials; yet long after the architect departs, the client, site and new structure remain. In order to ensure our buildings are successful expressions of our client's desires, we begin each project by learning as much as possible about you and the elements that will contribute to the project.

We generally begin by interviewing you; listening to you describe your needs, dreams, and patterns of living. You may be asked to convey moods you are looking to capture, materials and textures you like, and may find it helpful to provide us with drawings or photographs of spaces or houses you admire.

At the end of the programming stage, we will prepare a list of intentions and rough sketches of spatial adjacencies specifically derived from you and your site.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN: EXPANDING IDEAS
During schematic design, we formulate a concept -- a theme -- which turns our written description and adjacent diagram into spatial definition. This theme, much like the topic sentence in a paragraph, directs our design work. We now begin to create rough drawings that explore scale, appearance, and adjacencies. The form and extent of the project emerges from these studies.

Schematic design is perhaps the most important time we spend interacting with clients. At this stage, we have frequent meetings in order to keep clients abreast of our work and direction. During these meetings, we present drawings that describe design ideas with respect to your budget. In addition to plans, elevations and sections -- drawings used to communicate among design professionals and contractors -- we prepare perspective drawings and models which we find to be more useful for visual communication with clients. These drawings are intended to convey potential room locations, placement of doors and windows, as well as new furniture arrangements.

We provide several options for organizing space to meet your functional needs, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of each. We also introduce you to new construction methods, materials, and alternative uses of space. Throughout schematic design we expand your design options as well as challenge your and our own assumptions to ensure that the project design is exactly what you want.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: EDITING IDEAS
After reviewing the options completed in schematic design, we all work together to choose a future design direction. In most cases, we find that the chosen direction is a compilation of several ideas from the schematic design phase. At this point, we continue to define -- through plans, elevations and sections -- the size of rooms, types of materials, and exact placement of the building. In addition, we begin perspective sketches of details, as well as more refined perspectives of the project as a whole.

During this phase, we study the whole building as a system, including specific construction issues which may affect the final project. Just as the intangibles of architecture are important to you -- your favorite place where the sun streams in during February -- the tangibles are just as crucial. What is the most appropriate heating system? What is the best roofing in this climate?

We ask and answer these questions with you. During this phase, a fairly accurate cost of construction may be obtained from the drawings we prepare.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: DOCUMENTS FOR THE CONTRACTOR
In order to convey all of the discussions, decisions and drawings that result from programming, schematic design, and design development as precisely as possible, a set of detailed documents are prepared. This set informs the builder of the appearance and construction detail of the trim, built-ins, doors, and surface elements. These documents outline the expected level of performance and quality, both in written and drawn format.

Construction documents ensure the final product matches the product you ultimately envisioned after working through the design process. They also ensure the bids you receive from contractors reflect the details and quality you expect. In addition to securing design decisions made by you and the architect, construction documents also minimize change orders and stressful snap-judgments made on the job site.

At the end of this stage, we continue to work with you, as your advocate, to select a contractor (when necessary) and/or sub-contractors.

CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION: THE ARCHITECT AS ADVOCATE
During this stage we operate as our clients' advocate to ensure work is performed to the standards and quality described in the contractual documents we prepared. As part of our role, we answer contractors' questions, communicate details when requested and make regular job site visits. Since the actual construction is often a busy and stressful time for our clients, our presence during construction is usually appreciated.
(Source: LOCUS ARCHITECTURE, http://www.locusarchitecture.com/)

COMMENTS:
• Generally speaking, prior to the SCHEMATIC DESIGN, PROGRAMMING: GATHERING INFORMATION is accomplished. PROGRAMMING: GATHERING INFORMATION means not only the architect listening to his clients concerns, et cetera, but the beginning of collaboration between the architect and his clients towards a successful conclusion.

• Generally speaking, SCHEMATIC DESIGN is “perhaps the most important time” spent interacting with clients. “At this stage, we have frequent meetings in order to keep clients abreast of our work and direction.”

• In the “Understanding Design” section of R.F. McCann & Company Architects website, it states, “Design work doesn’t begin until we are confident we understand the parameters of the task and develop a clear understanding of client priorities.”

• In the “Firm Profile” section of R.F. McCann & Company Architects website, it states “R. F. McCann & Company Architects is successful for two reasons - superior design and superior client relations. Design as we practice it is evolutionary, benefiting from continuous participation with the client, consultation with interest groups, and preemptive involvement with jurisdictional agencies.”

• Thus far in the process, the perception created by the Forest Theater Foundation and Theatre Architect Richard F. McCann, based on their public interactions with Carmelites, is that the “client” for the Forest Theater is the Forest Theater Foundation when in actuality Richard F. McCann’s “clients” are Carmelites, the City which owns the property in trust for Carmelites and the Forest Theater Foundation. In other words, the design process has not been characterized as of yet as a collaboration between Richard F. McCann, Carmelites, the City and the Forest Theater Foundation. Furthermore, for any Forest Theatre project to be successful there must be a collaborative process whereupon all parties understand the process, know their concerns are being addressed in the design and feel the final outcome is derived from consensual agreement on all the design issues.

State Water Resources Control Board Hearing on Cease and Desist Order for California American Water

UPDATE: According to Senior Planner Sean Conroy of the City’s Community Planning & Building Department, City Attorney Don Freeman will be the only person representing the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea at the SWRCB Meeting in Sacramento, CA. on June 19, 2008, not thirteen people as noted on the NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPEAR.

ABSTRACT: The State Water Resources Control Board will hold Public Hearings to determine whether to adopt, with or without revision, a draft Cease and Desist Order (CDO) for California American Water. In issuing its draft order in January, the State stated Cal Am violated Order 95-10 by diverting water in excess of its water rights, threatening fish and other wildlife in the river corridor. Cal Am maintains it has not violated Order 95-10 by limiting its annual take to 11,285 acre-feet and pursing a desalination plant.

The Hearing will commence on Thursday June 19, 2008, at 9:00 A.M. and continue, if necessary, on Friday, June 20, 2008, at 9:00 A.M. in the Coastal Hearing Room Joe Serna, Jr./Cal EPA Building 1001 I Street, Second Floor, Sacramento, CA. If the draft CDO is adopted, another public meeting will be held on July 23-25, 2008 to determine any modifications to the draft order.

An ADDENDUM consisting of announcements in The Carmel Pine Cone about a FOREST THEATER MEETING on June 19, 2008 at 4:30 P.M. is presented. And COMMENT on a Conundrum: The “mayor, council members” are to attend a FOREST THEATER MEETING on Thursday, June 19 AND attend the State Water Resources Control Board Hearing on Cease and Desist Order for California American Water in Sacramento on Thursday, June 19, 2008?

DRAFT Cease and Desist Order WR 2008-00XX-DWR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Via FAX 03/14/2008
NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPEAR
Cease and Desist Order Hearing for
California American Water
Carmel River in Monterey County

Sue McCloud, Ken Talmage, Rich Guillen, Heidi Burch, Don Freeman, George Rawson, Andrew Miller, Sean Conroy, Brain Roseth, Joyce Guiffre, Gilbert Neill, Walter Kieser and/or David Zehndr

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
WATER RIGHTS
Hearings Program - California American Water (CAW) CDO Hearing

In response to a request for hearing made by California American Water (CAW), the State Water Board will hold a hearing in the matter of the unauthorized diversion of water by CAW - Cease and Desist Order WR 2008-00XX-DWR – Carmel River in Monterey County.

• Submitted Policy Statements
o Sue McCloud, Mayor – Carmel-by-the-Sea

Good afternoon chair and member of the board:

I am Sue McCloud, Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea. I would ask that the 4 Carmel Council members who are here with me stand to show their support of these remarks. There are several Monterey Peninsula Mayors present this afternoon as well and 3 of us have City Council meetings today. It would therefore be appreciated if they could speak following me.

We understand that today’s session is to deal with policy statements. However, it is very difficult to focus on policy when no determination has yet been made whether Cal-Am is in violation of Order 95-10 and if so, to what degree. Once that determination has been made, we would then be in a position to weigh in.

Our concern is procedural: first determine if Cal-Am is in violation; then ask the public and the cities how this would affect them; and then and only then ask for policies that would address reasonable remedies. Assemblyman John Laird, sent you a very thoughtful letter on March 25 which also outlines a two step process: namely, to defer consideration of the draft order until the various studies and EIRs undertaken by the PUC are completed and for the Board to fully coordinate with other state entities to help the community find the least costly and most environmentally beneficial solution.

This Peninsula is a one crop economy, and that is tourism, which accounts for the majority of our revenues. In turn, there are many in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties who derive their income from working in our tourist industry. Thus, their jobs will be adversely affected buy any drastic reductions without a new water source.

If we are facing rationing and a moratorium on hookups, if we are facing a loss of jobs in the tri-county area due to drastically reduced water supplies, if we need to address the resultant pain and suffering of our residents, we will all have to work collaboratively to develop the policies to address your concerns as well as those of the community.

For our part, Cal-Am customers have voluntarily conserved water and in the process we have earned the title of top per capita conservers in the state. There is probably little additional water to be saved via conservation.

The Monterey County Mayors’ Association wrote you March 20 opposing the CDO which “will have a very severe ‘domino effect’ on the economic well-being of this large County”. It asked that the formal hearings planned for June be held here locally.

In conclusion we endorse Assemblyman Laird’s two priorities and ask also that you not enact the CDO with its adverse economic and social impacts, but that you first determine if there has been a violation of Order 95-10 and then allow us the time necessary to develop policies and to spend our time and resources to bring new water sources online.

Thank you.

o Carmel Inkeepers Association

o Assembly Member John Laird

ADDENDUM:
FOREST THEATER MEETING SET
"THE CARMEL City Council will hold a special meeting at the Forest Theater Thursday, June 19, to discuss plans for its proposed renovation. The meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. and will allow the mayor, council members and the public to hear details of how the venue, which opened in 1910, might be updated and improved. The Forest Theater Foundation is raising money for the project, which city taxpayers will also fund, and proponents hope at least some of the work will be done by the time the theater celebrates its centennial. For more information, call (831) 620-2000."

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Special Meeting
Thursday, June 19, 2008
4:30 pm

On site at the Forest Theater
On Mountain View at Santa Rita

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Orders of Council
A. Workshop to receive input and provide policy direction on the proposed Forest Theater Renovation Project.
V. Adjournment
(Source: The Carmel Pine Cone, June 13-19, 2008 pg. 9A)

COMMENT:
• A Conundrum: The “mayor, council members” are to attend the FOREST THEATER MEETING on Thursday, June 19 AND attend the State Water Resources Control Board Hearing on Cease and Desist Order Hearing for California American Water in Sacramento on Thursday, June 19, 2008?

City Council Member Karen Sharp: “one of the things that we’re most concerned about is the health and safety of our actors, our community”

ABSTRACT: At the Special City Council Meeting on May 20, 2008, during City Council deliberations on the Forest Theater Pre-Design by theatre architect Richard F. McCann, City Council Member Karen Sharp voiced concerns about “health and safety.” A COMMENT is made regarding Karen Sharp and her articulated concerns about “health and safety.” And a REFERENCE hyperlink is provided.

Carmel-by-the-Sea
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Special Meeting
Tuesday, May 20, 2008

VI. Orders of Council
A. Receive conceptual design presentation from the Forest Theater Foundation and provide policy direction

After statements from Community Services Director Christie Miller and Forest Theater Foundation President Walt deFaria, the Forest Theater Pre-Design presentation by Richard F. McCann and public comment, City Council Members deliberated on the Forest Theater Pre-Design. During deliberations, City Council Member Karen Sharp stated, as follows:

“...I think we all are in agreement, one of the things that we’re most concerned about is the health and safety of our actors, our community and so forth and I think the stage, the Children/s Experimental Theatre is imperative, it is imperative that those two areas are really looked at very carefully and for the health and safety also the bathrooms and the ADA compliance...”

COMMENT:
• Given City Council Member Karen Sharp’s concern about “health and safety” issues, it is noteworthy that Karen Sharp, a daughter of a firefighter, has not assumed a leadership role and vocally advocated for the Carmel Professional Firefighters by supporting our Firefighters in their desire to consolidate the Carmel Fire Department with Monterey and Pacific Grove Fire Departments.

REFERENCE:
Archived Video
Special City Council Meeting
May 20, 2008
(Beginning 1:36:22 – 1:37:48 Ending)

HIGHLIGHTS of the Special City Council Meeting & BUDGET QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

ABSTRACT: Highlights of the Special City Council Meeting & BUDGET QUESTIONS & ANSWERS are presented. For FY 2008/09, the total revised budget is $14,285,494; estimated total Reserve Balance is $10,344,540. Selected BUDGET QUESTIONS & ANSWERS are presented with TOPIC headings, including FOREST, PARKS & BEACH, OUTSOURCING POLICY, FOREST THEATRE and STREET PROJECTS. COMMENTS are made on acted upon items. At the end of the 2 hours 26 minutes meeting, Council Member ROSE moved adoption of the 2008/09 through 2010/11 Triennial Budget, seconded by Council Member TALMAGE, and carried unanimously. Hyperlink REFERENCES are provided.

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

IV. Orders of Council

B. Consideration of a Resolution adopting the Fiscal Years 2008/09– 2010/11 Triennial Budget.

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
General Fund Budget Summary - Revenues and Expenditures
FY 2006-07 Thru FY 2010-11
Revised FY 2008/09: $ 14,285,494

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Reserve Balances
FY 2008-09 Projected Balance
Estimated FY 08-09
Total $ 10,344,540

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
TRIENNIAL BUDGET
FISCAL YEARS 2008/09 - 2010/11
BUDGET QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

TOPIC: FOREST, PARKS & BEACH:
Q.1. Why isn’t there a provision for a full-time person to water trees? The proposed new director of the Forest, Beach and Public Services Department will have no impact on tree watering because he/she will oversee other areas besides the preservation of the forest.
Response:
The existing funding level for a person to water trees is $20,200. The funding level to make this position a full-time person is $52,000, which includes benefits. This is a job duty that could easily be outsourced to the City’s contract landscapers and a cost comparison should be performed prior to increasing the existing funding. Trees on the City tree list are considered drought tolerant once established.

COMMENT: A second part-time tree waterer was added to the budget for FY 2008/09 as a contract employee as a cost of $20,200; two part-time tree waterers for a total cost of $42,400. Note: Nine of the 15 public speakers spoke in favor of budgeting for a tree waterer.

Q.2. In times of near drought conditions, is it reasonable to hire a full-time tree waterer? Should the City focus on planting trees that are more drought tolerant? Should we postpone re-plantings until our future water supply is more certain?
Response:
All of the trees on the City tree list are considered drought tolerant once established. Our tree watering program utilizes the non-potable spring water from the Del Mar area and is independent of the local potable water issues. The City is committed to planting new trees. However, whatever hourly level this position is allocated will determine the number of trees that can be planted and sufficiently supported each year.

Q.3. Why is the Forest Study Implementation cost for 2008-09 only $20,000 and not the $50,000 approved by the City Council?
Response:
Approximately $30,000 of the total $50,000 approved for this project will be spent in the current FY 2007-08. The remaining $20,000 will be spent in FY 2008-09.

Q.7. On Page E-11 Forest, Parks, & Beach, what is covered by Outside Labor & Contractual Services?
Response:
Outside Labor covers the hiring of private companies to perform tree removals, tree pruning, stump grinding, tree planting, trail clearing, fuel and invasive plant removal, bridge and stairway repairs, pest control, independent consultant services, irrigation installation and repairs, and other services as required. Contractual Services covers an annual contract with a single private tree company for tree related service for the fiscal year up to the budgeted funds.

Q.5. If fires are not going to be banned on the beach, can monies be spent to clean up the fire areas each Monday? Also, money for reclaiming of Mission Trail Park from invasive species should be included in the budget.
Response:
The proposed budget includes spending $10,000 annually in contracted labor costs to assist City staff with the beach cleanups on Monday mornings from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Public Works internal staff will continue to clean up trash and will use additional contracted staff, if necessary.

In regards to Mission Trail Nature Preserve (MTNP), some invasive plants are cut and removed in the fuel abatement zones, but not plants such as live ivy, acacias and eucalyptus in other areas. Additional funding would be required to specifically target invasive species in MTNP. The City could contract with the California Conservation Corps or other private contractors for this service.

Q.17. What is the status of the Scenic Road beach restroom project either at 10th or 13th to replace the temporary porta-potties?
Response:
Staff is currently reviewing an architectural services proposal to complete a conceptual design of the Scenic Road beach restroom.

TOPIC: OUTSOURCING POLICY:
Q.4. With an annual budget of $14 million and $10 million in reserve funds, why does our city outsource so many projects which could be done by competent, professional in house City employees?
Response:
The primary purpose to outsource is to augment in-house staff. The benefits of outsourcing include cost savings, improved quality, specialized knowledge, access to a large talent pool and risk management mitigation.

TOPIC: FOREST THEATRE
Q.15. Are there plans for a public meeting to review the concept of the Forest Theater remodel? How can the public obtain a copy of the booklet given to City Council members on this plan?
Response:
The public will have ample opportunity to review and give input to the project as it goes forward in the process. A workshop has been tentatively scheduled for June 17, 2008. The McCann pre-design concept is available at the reference desk at Harrison Memorial Library.

COMMENT: Mayor Sue McCloud announced that the meeting for June 17, 2008 was canceled; a future date was not announced.

TOPIC: STREET PROJECTS
Q.12. The Nichols Study said the city needs to spend ~ $660,000 to maintain city streets at their current state. How much will be spent next year on City streets from all sources (Including 1B money, TAMC, etc.)?
Response:
For FY 2008-09, the proposed capital projects budget includes a total of $515,600 for street and road projects. Due to limited staff resources, staff recommends focusing on the proposed street and road projects and add additional projects if resources and funds are available by mid-year.

COMMENT: Library dry sprinkler system (1/2 match to Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees $45,000 from Unrestricted Reserve Fund) was added to the Budget for FY 2008/09 at a cost of $45,000; the $45,000 was taken from Street Projects, although Council Member Ken Talmage advocated for the $45,000 expenditure to come from the Capital Reserve Fund.

ADDENDUM:
Other changes to the 2008/09 through 20010-2011 Triennial Budget, specifically FY 2008/09:
•Total Budget changes for FY 2008/09 amounted to $68,940.
• On the recommendation of Mayor Sue McCloud, the banner permit fee was eliminated; banner permit fees generated $2,000.00 annually.
• Added $14,000 expenditure for the Carmel Chamber of Commerce for the mailing of their free "Guide to Carmel" Visitor’s Guide.

REFERENCES:
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 10, 2008
Agenda Packet

Archived Video
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 10, 2008
Duration: 2 hours 26 minutes

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CALIFORNIA
DRAFT BUDGET
FISCAL YEARS
2008/09 THROUGH 2010/11

FRIENDS OF CARMEL FOREST Advocate Full-Time Tree Waterer & Encourage Carmelites to Send Emails & Attend Budget Meeting in Support of Tree Waterer

WHO: Friends of Carmel Forest
Established in 1989, Friends of Carmel Forest is a non-profit group “committed to the enhancement and perpetuation of Carmel's forest environment. The group encourages greater public awareness and concern for the trees through educational programs and publications as well as tree planting, tree surveys, and other activities.”

WHAT: At the Special City Council Meeting on the 2008-2011 Triennial Budget, urge the City Council to budget for at least one full-time tree waterer to guarantee a healthy and sustained forest.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 @ 4:30 P.M.

WHERE:
City Hall Chambers
E/s Monte Verde St. between Ocean Av. & 7th Av.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.

HOW:
Attend and speak at the Special City Council Meeting on the 2008-2011 Triennial Budget in support of a full-time tree waterer.

Send an email to City Council Members and City Administrator by clicking on www.carmelforest.org, click on "TAKE ACTION" and then click on “click here to send an email” or send your own email to Mayor Sue McCloud one--cloud93921@aol.com; Vice Mayor Ken Talmage kktalm@aol.com; City Council Member Paula Hazdovac pjhaz@hotmail.com; City Council Member Gerard A. Rose gfitzrose@aol.com; City Council Member Karen Sharp karensharp@yahoo.com; City Administrator Rich Guillen rguillen@ci.carmel.ca.us.

WHY:
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s “urbanized” forest is in a state of senescence. In November 2007, the Friends of Carmel Forest completed survey on city property and found a 20.4% decline in Monterey Pines, and a 36.5% decline in Coast Live Oaks, both native trees. Therefore, many new, young trees need to be planted to replace the hundreds of dead and dying trees which have been removed and are being removed at an alarming rate.

Newly planted, young trees require water to ensure their survival.

“Water is the single most limiting essential resource for tree survival and growth.”

Essential Water
"Of all the resource components of stress impacting tree survival and growth, water stress is the most prevalent. Water is the single most important substance for tree life, comprising 80% of tree substance. All the life processes of a tree take place in water — food making, food transport, food storage, food use, and defense. Water is a reagent in chemical reactions, a chemical bath for other reactions, a transporter, a hydraulic pressure liquid, a coating, buffer, and binder. Water is a universal liquid workbench, chemical scaffold, and biological facilitator."

"Water is essential for tree life. As such, it is aggressively gathered, carefully guarded, and allowed to slowly escape in exchange for work energy. The largest single use of water in a tree is for transport of essential materials from roots to leaves. This transport is called the “transpiration stream” and occurs in columns of dead xylem cells within the last few annual rings of the tree. Living cells surrounding this xylem lift system assist with monitoring the water stream. Clearly, water is critical to this basic process."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
FRIENDS OF CARMEL FOREST
ABOUT US
PROGRAMS
EDUCATION
NEWS
GET INVOLVED
CONTACT US
email: info@carmelforest.org
Phone: 831-624-3208
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 344
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

The “Signature” Trees of Carmel-by-the-Sea:
MONTEREY PINE
Pinus radiate

COAST LIVE OAK
Quercus agrifolia

MONTEREY CYPRESS
Cupressus macrocarpa

Photographic Tour of Mission Trail Nature Preserve Maintenance Work: Week of June 2-6, 2008

ABSTRACT: During the week of June 2-6, 2008, contract workers were in Mission Trail Nature Preserve doing maintenance work on Serra Trail. Photos documenting their maintenance work are shown. Selected, relevant excerpts from the City’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan regarding Mission Trail Nature Preserve are presented as REFERENCES. A COMMENT is made regarding maintenance and implementing the City’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan.

Dangerous dead Monterey Pine branch hanging precariously over Mission Trail Nature Preserve (MTNP) Pedestrian Bridge near Mountain View Av. Entrance

Two workers with equipment removing dangerous Monterey Pine branch over MTNP Pedestrian Bridge

Dangerous Monterey Pine branch after removal

View of MTNP Pedestrian Bridge after dangerous Monterey Pine branch removal

Serra Trail blocked off at northern end; Chipper to left

Debris at side of Serra Trail

Workers adding branches to chipper on Serra Trail

Ladders used for tree pruning

Serra Trail blocked off at southern end

CREW AND EQUIPMETN WORKING Sign at southern end

Stump of recently cut Monterey Pine tree along Serra Trail

View of cleared area of fallen tree onto Serra Trail and cut logs

View of thick carpet of non-native invasive plants in MTNP; ivy and poison oak remain throughout MTNP.

REFERENCES:
Selected, relevant excerpts from the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan regarding Mission Trail Nature Preserve.

General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element

Environmental Setting

Residential development occurs on almost all land in the city, except for seven parks, several mini-parks, a compact centralized commercial area and some privately owned parcels in Pescadero Canyon. Approximately 68 acres of public open space and approximately 10 acres of privately owned undeveloped land are under the City’s jurisdiction. Most of the parks in the City are developed to support passive and active recreational activities. Of the City’s public lands, Carmel Beach, Mission Trail Nature Preserve, and the proposed Rio Park (outside City boundaries), support the most intact and highest quality natural resources.

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
In addition to the urbanized Monterey pine forest, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea has other environmentally sensitive habitats including wetlands, riparian forest, wet meadow, and coastal terrace prairie. In 1995, the City completed a detailed study of environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs) (Jones & Stokes, 1995), which includes specific recommendations for City policies and practices. Relevant policies and recommendations derived from this document are incorporated into this section of the Land Use Plan. Figure 5.3 shows a map of the currently designated ESHA’s. The location and types of ESHAs found in Carmel include:

Mission Trail Nature Preserve supports Monterey pine forest; central coast arroyo willow riparian forest along wetland drainages; coastal terrace prairie; wet meadow; and known occurrences of special-status plant and wildlife species, including Hickman’s onion, and Monterey dusky footed woodrat, which are state and/or federal species of special concern, as well as potential habitats for other special-status species. (LUP)

Mission Trail Nature Preserve
Mission Trail Nature Preserve lies along much of the City's eastern boundary and is the largest ESHA in the City. It contains a wide variety of habitat types. To describe this area the Preserve is divided into four planning units: Martin Road Parcel, Park Proper, Flanders Mansion/Rowntree Native Plant Garden and Outlet Meadow. The Preserve supports a vegetation mosaic consisting of Monterey pine forest on inland granitic bedrock and oldest dunes, central coast arroyo willow riparian forest, wetland drainage, wet meadow, coast live oak woodland, coastal terrace prairie and horticultural plantings. (LUP)

Martin Road Parcel supports coastal terrace prairie and a population of Hickman’s Onion (a federal species of concern).

Park Proper supports Monterey pine forest on inland granitic bedrock and oldest dunes, central coast arroyo willow riparian forest, wetland drainage, Cottonwoods and coast live oak woodland that is suitable habitat for Monterey dusky-footed woodrat, a federal and state species of special concern.

Flanders Mansion/Rowntree Native Plant Garden supports Monterey pine forest on inland granitic bedrock with horticultural plantings.

Outlet Meadow supports central coast arroyo willow riparian forest, wetland drainage, wet meadow, coastal terrace prairie, and Coast Live oak woodland. (LUP)

Management guidelines for Mission Trail Nature Preserve should be implemented that respond to the following issues of habitat quality and enhancement and control of invasive vegetation:

Reduce erosion and loss of native coastal terrace prairie vegetation

Enhance the habitat value of the coastal terrace prairie

Monitor and protect the Hickman's onion population

Maintain and enhance habitat for the Monterey dusky-footed woodrat

Prohibit removal of native vegetation from riparian forest habitat

Reduce the introduction and spread of invasive horticultural species

Survey for special status plants periodically and manage as appropriate. (LUP)

Goals, Objectives and Policies
Urban Forests, Parks and Open Spaces
O5-21 Optimize public use of City parks. (LUP)

P5-105 Implement the recommendations of all existing Master Plans considering prioritized needs and available funding:
a. Mission Trail Nature Preserve Master Plan

Mission Trail Nature Preserve
G5-8 Preserve the forested tranquil atmosphere of Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)

O5-25 Preserve and enhance the vegetative diversity in Mission Trail Nature
Preserve consisting of Monterey pine forest, central coast willow riparian forest, wet meadow, coast live oak woodland, redwood, box elder, cottonwood, coastal terrace prairie and horticultural plantings. (LUP)

P5-119 Remove by hand nonnative shrubs and their roots invading these areas during late spring when soils are moist and before seed/seed pods become viable. (LUP)

O5-27 Reduce the introduction and population of invasive horticultural species in the Preserve. (LUP)

P5-122 Organize volunteer work groups to remove non-native plants from the Preserve. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection crews from Gabilan Camp could be used to assist in this effort. (LUP)

G5-9 Protect, maintain and enhance the rare coastal habitats and associated plants and animals within Mission Trail Nature Preserve. (LUP)

O5-28 Prepare annual maintenance plans for habitats within the Preserve. Encourage native vegetation to re-establish on sites previously mowed, cut, or invaded by exotic species. (LUP)

P5-124 Consider removal of both intentionally introduced plants and invasives by instituting an annual program through joint efforts of contract workers and volunteers. (LUP)

G5-10 To preserve the natural drainage of Mission Trail Nature Preserve and enhance wetlands. (LUP)

O5-31 Maintain natural drainage patterns except where erosion or human safety problems may be created. Maintain the existing creek bed and preclude it from becoming debris clogged. Encourage/allow the channelized ditch to revert to a more natural channel in order to enhance the Preserve’s wetlands (riparian forest, wet meadow) and natural character. (LUP)

P5-131 Remove fallen trees and limbs from the stream channels as needed. Place natural boulders and creek cobbles to prevent erosion only in situations where private property or public safety is at risk. (LUP)

P5-132 Repair stream bank deterioration as it occurs, and remove inert debris and new growth to the extent that they prohibit water flow within the established channel. Projects of this nature shall be reviewed by the Forest and Beach Commission, similar to its review of street projects. (LUP)

P5-137 Clean and grade road shoulders and maintain culverts at least twice yearly, to insure continuous drainage. The Forest and Beach Department will trim vegetation to the extent necessary to allow access by the City maintenance equipment and fire apparatus. (LUP)

O5-33 Maintain the Rowntree Native Plant Garden within Mission Trail Nature Preserve as an area where the general public can view and study native California plants and trees. The goal is that the knowledge gained will lead to an expanded use of California native plants in private landscapes. (LUP)

G5-11 Maintain Mission Trail Nature Preserve using great care to avoid degradation of resources. (LUP)

O5-35 Implement the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Master Plan maintenance provisions. (LUP)

P5-149 Repair stream bank deterioration as it occurs, and remove inert debris and new growth to the extent that they prohibit water flow within the established channel. (Annually: September - October.) (LUP)

P5-150 Clean and grade road shoulders and maintain culverts to ensure continuous drainage. Trim vegetation to the extent necessary to allow access of equipment (Annually: September - October.) (LUP)

P5-151 Remove fallen limbs and trees from stream channels (As needed.) (LUP)

P5-153 Mow meadow grasses to reduce the risk of fire (June.) if consistent with special status plant management needs. (LUP)

P5-154 Maintain the Serra Trail to allow access of emergency vehicles (Semiannually.) (LUP)

P5-155 Remove dead/hazardous trees only as needed. Leave dead trunks in place when not hazardous to provide habitat for woodpeckers and other fauna. (LUP)

P5-156 Conduct trail maintenance and clearance (June - August.) (LUP)

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
G5-12 Identify, protect and manage Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs) to ensure their long-term integrity and the biological productivity of these habitats. (LUP)

O5-38 Manage environmentally sensitive habitats in Mission Trail Nature Preserve to maintain and enhance their natural integrity. Preserve and protect Mission Trail Nature Preserve native plant, wild animal and bird populations. (LUP)

General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Open Space, Conservation & Scenic Highways Element

Supporting Information
Open Space
Forestry Management Plan. This Plan establishes criteria for the preservation of the health of all of the City owned trees and foliage within Carmel and specifies techniques for cutting, planting and other aspects of a proper maintenance schedule. Part of this plan is the continuous inventory of all trees, including those on private property. The inventory illustrates that despite the development which has occurred in Carmel over this past decade (1976-86) the supply of trees has not been adversely affected, but has been improved with younger, more vigorous members of the same species. As noted in the Forestry Management Plan, the City Forestry Department plants on an average of over five hundred trees per year.

Table 7.1: Carmel-by-the-Sea Recreation Facilities/Open Space
Facility Acreage Facilities/Use Zoning Designation
Mission Trail Park/Arboretum 35.0 Nature walks, jogging, picnicking, bicycling P-1

Note:
P-1 = To preserve publicly owned park and beach lands for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations, and to prevent the destruction of natural open spaces.

Urban Forest. Although Carmel has no commercial forests, the urban forest, for which Carmel-by-the-Sea is noted, is a valuable resource and should be protected, preserved and enhanced. To this end, the Guide to the Management of Carmel's Forest, Beaches, and Parks (1981), provides specific direction and guidelines for the maintenance and enhancement of this valuable resource. Due to the complex nature of the Plan and the extensive continuous inventory and updating, the Plan should be consulted for specific policies relating to Carmel's urban forest. Several portions of the Plan were cited under Open Space discussions and should serve as a foundation for future action.

COMMENT:
• Hopefully, the maintenance work done this past week was the beginning of a regular maintenance program after years and years of minimal maintenance and not fully implementing the City’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element and General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Open Space, Conservation & Scenic Highways Element as it pertains to Mission Trail Nature Preserve, a unique and special open space in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.