Three Noteworthy 3 June 2010 Forest And Beach Commission Agenda Items

UPDATE: After nearly 90 minutes of public comments, the Forest and Beach Commissioners, namely Chairperson Joe Ford, Commission Members Leslie Kadis and Victoria Lynch, decided by consensus not to vote on the agenda item, "Proposal from the City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Road pathway between 8th Avenue and Martin Way" because the full compliment of five Commission Members were not present at the meeting. In the meantime, according to Chairperson Joe Ford, representatives from both sides are to meet and confer with City Forester Mike Branson for the purpose of reaching an amicable arrangement.

ABSTRACT: Three noteworthy 3 June 2010 Forest and Beach Commission Agenda Items, namely a Proposal from the City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Road pathway between 8th Avenue and Martin Way, Proposed Service Learning Project by Students from Carmel River School in Coordination with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to place Interpretive Signs and Artwork along the Scenic Road Pathway and Del Mar area of Carmel Beach and Arbor Day event for 2010, are presented. MEMORANDA, prepared by City Forester Mike Branson, are reproduced. And LETTERS & EMAILS FROM RESIDENTS FOR & AGAINST THE PLANTING OF TEN MONTEREY CYPRESS TREES ALONG THE SCENIC ROAD PATHWAY (17 writers for and 28 writers against), are presented, including the names of writers and their positions for or against the planting of Monterey Cypress trees. REASONS STATED FOR & AGAINST THE PLANTING OF TEN NEW MONTEREY CYPRESS TREES ALONG SCENIC RD. PATHWAY are also presented.

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Tour of Inspection – 1:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting – 2:00 p.m.

City Hall, Council Chambers
East side Monte Verde St. between Ocean & 7th Avenues
Carmel, California

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
COMMISSION MEMBERS: JOE FORD, CHAIRPERSON
LESLIE KADIS
VICTORIA LYNCH
TODD HORNIK
TOM LEVERONE

VI. APPLICATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
IF YOU CHALLENGE THE NATURE OF THE PROPOSED ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION, OR PRIOR TO DELIBERATION OF THE ITEMS ON THE TOUR OF INSPECTION/PUBLIC HEARING.

1. Consideration of a proposal from the City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Rd. pathway between 8th Ave. and Martin Way. The applicant/owner is the City of Carmel.

MEMORANDUM

TO: Joe Ford, Chairperson
Members of the Forest and Beach Commission

FROM: Mike Branson, City Forester

DATE: 26 May 2010

SUBJECT: Consideration of Proposal by the City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey Cypress trees along the Scenic Road Pathway.

This item is continued from the 6 May meeting.

The City of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest are proposing to plant ten new Monterey Cypress trees along the Scenic Road Pathway between 8th Ave. and Martin Way in an effort to replace removed and dead trees and to enhance areas that currently have no trees growing. I have reviewed the proposed locations and have found ten locations that would be conducive to planting new trees.

The selection of each tree location was done to minimize direct view impacts to the homes along Scenic Rd. The city has endeavored to prune other young trees in this area to promote good branch structure and progressively lift the canopy to promote upward growth to avoid the feeling of a green wall along the pathway. It is obvious that these trees are capable of growing to 30-60+ feet tall at maturity and view impacts to homes on San Antonio may be impacted to a certain degree as the years go on. Not planting any new trees will eventually lead to a landscape that may have unhindered ocean view but is devoid of Carmel’s forest character that was established and promoted by the city founders.

This item is before the commission to allow public input on the proposed locations and to get approval for the proposal from the commission for all or some of the planting locations.

Notices of this hearing were mailed and hand-delivered to all of the properties along Scenic Rd. from Eight Ave. to Santa Lucia Ave. and those along the west side of San Antonio between Eighth and Santa Lucia Aves. The planting locations along the Scenic Rd. Pathway were also posted. A copy of the notice, map and cover memo are attached.

I have received 39 letters and emails regarding this project and they are attached to this memorandum. An article in the May 21, 2010 Pine Cone is also included.

LETTERS & EMAILS FROM RESIDENTS FOR & AGAINST THE PLANTING OF TEN MONTEREY CYPRESS TREES ALONG THE SCENIC ROAD PATHWAY:

FOR (total 17 writers):
Dean De Korth
Maria Sutherland
Robert Condry
Wendy Kubitskey, Owners Circle Double Bar LLC (Nightcaps, Scenic Rd.)
Richard Dalsemer
Kathleen Coss (former Chair Forest & Beach Commission)
Carny Price
Barbara Davison
Linda Anderson
Suzanne Paboojian
Francyne Laney
Clayton Anderson (former Forest and Bach Commission Member)
Shirley Humann
Robert E. Kohn (former Forest and Beach Commission Chair & Member)
Barbara Livingston
Mark Farina
Greg D’Ambriosio

AGAINST (total 28 writers):
Warren E. Spieker, Jr. (Scenic Rd. & Ocean Av, Carmelo 3 N.E. 11th Av.
Wayne and Shirley Moon
Marquerite & John Krisher
Diane Watson (The Crow’s Nest 2 S.W. San Antonio/10th Av.
Kathleen and Mark Haller (Scenic Rd. & 10th Av., S.E. Corner)
Mary Louise and William Shellooe (Scenic Rd., Sea Urchin & Periwinkle)
Dody Jernstedt (Scenic Rd. 6 N.E. 13th Av.)
Steve Schatz (San Antonio Av. 3 S.E. 11th Av.)
Stan and Sharon Meresman (Scenic Rd. & 13th Av., N.E. Corner
Robert Shapiro (San Antonio Av. & Santa Lucia Av., N.E. Corner)
Mike McCarver (San Antonio Av. & 11th Av., N.W. Corner
David and Joan O’Reilly (San Antonio Av. 6 S.W. 8th Av.
Ron Donati (San Antonio Av. 2 S.W. 11th Av.)
Lisa Schatz
Laurel Theren, the Robert Theren Family (8th Av. & San Antonio Av.)
Stephen Schott (Scenic Rd.) (against, unless replacing diseased or dead cypress)
Louis and DanielYiannikos (Scenic Rd.)
Joan Lawson
Frederick M. and Joanne M. O’Such (San Antonio Av. & 9th Av., S.W. Corner)
Elsa Reddy

REASONS STATED FOR & AGAINST THE PLANING OF TEN NEW MONTEREY CYPRESS TREES ALONG SCENIC RD. PATHWAY:

FOR:
• Cypress trees on Scenic “give Carmel Beach its unique beauty.”

• “The planting of 10 cypress trees…these have been long overdue and badly needed to improve our walkway.”

• “...the Cypresses that are to be planted along Scenic will recreate an ambiance, an aesthetic value, interesting patterns of light and shadow and framing for views of the beach and the ocean for resident and visitor alike.”

• “It is crucial that we maintain our Cypress tree canopy along Scenic, without it we lose much of our special identity as Carmel-by-the-Sea...Scenic belongs to all of us…We need these new trees to replace those already lost as well as those that are nearing the end of their life.”

• “I cherish the view of the ocean through our magnificent cypress trees.”

• “I always admire both the view of the Ocean and the view of the Trees. Both are important. One is not more important than the other. Both are principle characteristics of our beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea..The new trees would be planted to take the place of those Cypress trees that are ageing and will need to be replaced...they will enhance their views.”

• “Carmel’s Local Coastal Program requires that you maintain the cypress as the predominant tree on the beach bluff. As Forest and Beach Commissioners, you are obligated to ensure the health and perpetuation of these magnificent trees on the Scenic Walkway...plant 10 cypress on the beach bluff, almost all of them in locations where former cypress have died or been removed.”

• “The Cypress is one of the two distinctive trees that identifies this part of the California coastline...I support the proposed planting of cypresses along the Scenic corridor, which I believe will add to not only the experience of our beach and coastline for residents and visitors alike, but also enhance and add value to properties whose views are framed by these Cypresses.”

• “I strongly urge you to replace our missing Cypress trees for the sake of artists and all appreciators of the beauty of our beach.”

• “The trees of Carmel define the character, charm and uniqueness of Carmel that attracts residents and visitors from all over the world.” Carmel’s “guidelines are clearly stated in the Carmel Forest Management Plan, which says, ‘any tree removed will be replaced by one or more trees in an appropriate location to the missing tree.’ There are far more than ten locations along Scenic Road where cypress have died or been removed and not replaced.”

• “People around the world know Carmel by “the village in a forest.”

• “The property value of homes along Scenic Road will be increased by maintaining an irregular planting of cypress trees to frame the view of our gorgeous beach.”

• “The cypress tree is a signature of the Carmel Coast...”

• “The population of Monterey cypress along Carmel’s shoreline are an integral part of our communities urban forest. This resource plays an important role environmentally and for enhancing and stabilizing both public and private scenic values.”

AGAINST:
• “...additional trees in this location would deny the visitors and residents what we are also in Carmel for, which is to view out beautiful Pacific Ocean.”

• “The scenic value along Scenic Drive for residents and visitors is the view of the beach and the ocean. Additional trees are a hindrance to that view…We don’t think the city should have a policy of intentionally obstructing ocean views for the residents.”

• “...the city has become far too thickly populated by unkempt, often potentially dangerous and damaging trees.”

• “...we believe that homeowners that purchase homes along Scenic and San Antonio also have the right to the views they paid such a premium for.”

• “...the natural coast line was meant to look like (i.e. few or no trees on the coast itself)...more trees mean more somewhat costly clean up and damage repairs from fallen branches during major coastal storms…We have chosen to permanently live on Scenic not because of the trees but because we Cherish our ocean views.”

• “What makes Carmel unique are the ocean views…These trees would negatively impact the view, and over time their adverse impact would only increase.”

• “The location of the proposed new trees conflicts with the reason that many residents and tourists who are attracted to Carmel come to our town – to walk along the path or drive on Scenic to view the ocean, the beach and the waves breaking on the beach…This proposal of additional trees along Scenic further blocks their view and enjoyment of the coast, and to some extent the character of our town that we all enjoy so much.”

• “Further blocking those views detracts from their enjoyment of living in their home as well as impacting the economic value of their property (likely lower future property values/tax revenue for the town).”

• “Blocking of our views will detract from out enjoyment and decrease the economic value of our property and our taxable basis and assessed value.”

• “Homeowners in that area, such as myself, paid large premiums for our property to enjoy the ocean views. Visitors to the Carmel Beach area come to enjoy the ocean views and the beach, not to see the trees.”

• Trees “will obstruct the only clear view of the water from our house.”

• “These trees will block views of homeowners along Scenic Road.”

• “My concern is that additional trees will block the beautiful views and could therefore diminish the values of properties that were purchased because of the views.”

• “...we’re concerned about planting them in locations that block ocean views and would reduce the value of the property.”

• “In those few areas where we have an unobstructed view, we would desperately like to keep what we intrinsically purchased and believed would be left as is.”

• “...we didn’t buy ocean-front property to see trees. There are plenty of trees currently on Scenic.”

• “...the addition of ten Monterey Cypress trees along Scenic Avenue, before an equal number of trees are removed, will diminish or even block the already limited views of the Pacific Ocean, for residents and tourists.”

Scenic Road: City to decide if it needs more trees- Residents, visitors may prefer to see the sea, MARY BROWNFIELD, The Carmel Pine Cone, May 21, 2010

VII. ORDERS OF BUSINESS

1. Consideration of Proposed Service Learning Project by Students from Carmel River School in Coordination with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to place Interpretive Signs and Artwork along the Scenic Rd. Pathway and Del Mar area of Carmel Beach.

MEMORANDUM

TO: Joe Ford, Chairperson
Members of the Forest and Beach Commission

FROM: Mike Branson, City Forester

DATE: 26 May 2010

SUBJECT: Consideration of Proposed Service Learning Project by Students from Carmel River School in Coordination with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to place Interpretive Signs and Artwork along the Scenic Rd. Pathway and Del Mar area of Carmel Beach.

I have been approached by Seaberry Nachbar of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to assist with a service learning project for students at Carmel River School to place interpretive signs and artwork at various places along the Scenic Rd. pathway and at the Del Mar area of Carmel Beach.

The service project focuses on marine debris, ocean ecosystems, and the MBNMS. Students will develop signs and artwork to educate visitors and residents on the ocean, ocean life, and the impacts of marine debris.

Ms. Nachbar will be at the meeting to further outline her proposal and speak on current efforts for this program at Carmel river State Beach. I have attached an email from Ms. Nachbar, forwarded to me by Planning Services manager Sean Conroy, which provides more details on this program.

This is a good opportunity to get local students involved in the environmental and cultural issues that have an effect on the management of Carmel Beach. Final approval of any new signs will be required by the Planning commission before installation.

From: Seaberry Nachbar [mailto:Seaberry.Nachbar@noaa.ogv]
Sent: Friday, April 09, 2010 3”05 PM
To: Sean Conroy
Subject: River School Service Learning Project

Hi Sean,
Thank you for talking to me earlier this week. As I said on the phone, I am currently working with River School to develop a service learning project that would focus on marine debris, the ocean ecosystem, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Our idea was to have students at River School develop interpretive signs and artwork that informed visitors and locals about the ocean, ocean life, and potential impacts of marine debris. These signs could be located along scenic pathway and at the bottom of Ocean Ave. In addition, I have already had discussions with colleagues at CA State Parks about a sign or two at Lagoon Beach.
This way any visitor or local who is walking along scenic from Ocean to Lagoon Beach would see these signs and learn from these signs. The signs would be limited, we are not talking about a lot, and would not be static but interchangeable so multiple students could compete for their artwork to be displayed in these visible hot spots.

The idea for all of this arose at the surprise of the lack of signs along this very popular spot, especially at the bottom of Ocean. And as all of us know, after a busy weekend the amount to trash along the beach is quite surprising. By creating this learning project for the students at River we would be informing and education locals and visitors why it’s so important to remove your trash from the beach and stash it in a proper receptacle and provides the kids from River an opportunity to feel empowered and to feel connected to their own community and to learn about the ocean out their back door.

We do have some funds to help with this project and we would like the students to fund raise much of it as well. I know this may be too much for the council, but at a minimum we would like to suggest some interpretive signs at the bottom of Ocean.

In addition to this component, we would like to have the kids involved in the restoration of this pathway and removal of invasive species.

Please let me know how to proceed and if this is an option for them.
Thank you for your time,
Seaberry

Seaberry Nachbar

B-WET Program Manager
California
Education Coordinator
NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program
299 foam Street
Monterey CA 93940
Phone: (831) 647-4204
Mobile: (240) 472-9892
Fax: (831) 647-4250
E-Mail: seaberry.nachbar@noaa.gov
Website: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov

2. Consideration of an Arbor Day event for 2010.

MEMORANDUM

TO: Joe Ford, Chairperson
Members of the Forest and Beach Commission

FROM: Mike Branson, City Forester

DATE: 26 May 2010

SUBJECT: Consideration of an Arbor Day event for 2010.

This item is continued from the 1 April and 6 May 2010 meetings.

After discussion during the 3 May meeting, an ad hoc committee of commissioners Leverone and Hornik was appointed to work with the Friends of Carmel Forest and staff to develop an “Arbor Day” program for 2010.

Commissioner Leverone met with the FOCF Board of Directors and they have developed a draft program (copied from Tom’s emails)”

Date: Sunday October 10, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Sunset Center, Carpenter Hall
Featured Species: Cypress
Program: T. Leverone to speak on concise salient points of Forest Management Plan; speaker on care of trees (TBD by FOF); speaker arranged by FOF to discuss the Cypress as a species and the uniqueness of that tree to our area; attempt to have a speaker from Tree City USA and one from Re-Leaf; brochure provided by Steve (FOF) regarding Cypress tree; static display by middle school showing stages of tree growth; tree giveaway; giveaway of small packets of greeting notes featuring cartoon of Dennis the Menace planting a tree, gifted to FOF by Hank Ketchum; display of various local artists’ works featuring Cypress trees, one work perhaps to be featured as a cover for an Arbor Cay 2010 Brochure; refreshments.
We also need to request that if all this is OK’d we add a link to the Carmel website to discuss Arbor Day 2010, apparently from Maria Sutherland (I don’t have her contact).

If this is all acceptable and passes, the thought is to stay in this vein for the next two years and feature successively Monterey Pine and Oak as the species of the year.

Currently the desire is for probably 2 compensated speakers, $275 for a room and $35 for lunch each, and we wish to have a buried art exhibit featuring Cypress trees, paintings and photography. Wish to give $500 to 1st place, $250 to 2nd; Then cookies and coffee at Sunset Center, whatever that may cost. I was again told the Center would be no cost for a city sponsored event.

The Commission should discuss and reach a consensus on the draft agenda and budget to make a recommendation to the city Council for co-sponsorship of the event with the FOCF.