One Noteworthy 7 October 2010 Forest and Beach Commission Agenda Item

UPDATE II:
Five Monterey Cypress trees approved for planting along Scenic Road by Forest and Beach Commissioners, as follows:

Tree #1: 20’ south of 8th Ave. steps to beach. 35’ west of Scenic Rd.
Spoke to property owner directly across the street from this location and he was supportive of planting a new tree next to the large old cypress. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #2: 10’ north of vehicle ramp to beach, between 8th & 9th Aves.
Same owner as above was in favor of a tree at this location. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location. This is a location of a large cypress that was removed in 2004-05 and not immediately replaced.

Tree #3: 20’ south of 9th Ave. crossing, along Scenic pathway.
No direct contact. This is a dead cypress and it should be removed and replaced.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #5: Approximately 80’ south of 10th Ave. crossing, in planter area between Scenic Rd. and path. No direct contact, but both properties directly across from this site wrote letters in support of planting.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #9: Between 13th & Santa Lucia Aves., on the south side of the point at 13th Ave.
Contracted one resident at this location; concerned abut maintenance of existing trees and the city managing its future maintenance obligations.
Recommend planting at this location. A tree at this location will provide additional visual interest to the site but not wall off significant views of Carmel Beach.
(Source: Commission OKs five trees for Scenic Road, MARY BROWNFIELD, October 1, 2010)

UPDATE I: Of the eight Monterey cypress trees recommended by City Forester Mike Branson to be planted along Scenic Road, the Forest and Beach Commission voted on each tree and approved the planting of five Monterey cypress trees, denied the planting of two Monterey cypress trees and took no action on one Monterey cypress tree, according to Margi Perotti, Administrative Coordinator.

ABSTRACT: One noteworthy 7 October 2010 Forest and Beach Commission Agenda Item, namely provide direction of 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 Aveue and Martin Way, is presented. The MEMORANDUM from City Forester Mike Branson is transcribed. City Forester Mike Branson recommended planting Monterey Cypress Trees #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #7, #8, #9 at designated locations and holding off planting Trees #6 and #10 at designated locations.

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
FOREST AND BEACH COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Regular Meeting – 1:30 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

V. 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 and provide direction 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: 29 September 2010

SUBJECT: Review and provide direction on a proposal by the city of Carmel and the Friends of Carmel Forest to plant ten new Monterey cypress trees along the Scenic Road pathway.

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 Avenue and Martin Way in an effort to replace removed and dead trees and to enhance areas that currently have no trees or only old mature trees growing.

Prior to the meetings where this proposal was agenized numerous emails and letters, both pro and con, were received and considered by the commission. After discussion during the 3 June 2010 meeting, staff was asked to try to meet with property owners in the immediate vicinity of the proposed new trees and look at the particulars of each site and work for some compromise solution.

I met with or spoke to several property owners in the immediate vicinity of the proposed planting sites; although the majority of the homes are unoccupied or are vacation rentals.

Some of the questions and comments I received are:
Is the city going to plant this many trees every year?
Ten trees at once are too many.
Why plant where there are no trees and never have been?
It will be directly in my view.
Will the city be able to maintain the new trees if it isn’t doing a good job with the existing trees?

Other observations:
Sense of history, visions and perceptions relate to times they are in their homes or since the homes were purchases.
There is a need to replace trees now to have trees in the future and have different life stages.
Several persons like the older trees but object to planting new trees – a bit of a conflict.

The selection of each tree location was done to minimize direct view impacts to the homes along Scenic Road. 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 views but is devoid of Carmel’s forest character that was established and promoted by the city founders.

This is the staff evaluation and recommendations for each location.

Tree #1: 20’ south of 8th Avenue, steps to beach. 35’ west of Scenic Road
Spoke to property owner directly across the street from this location and he was supportive of planting a new tree next to the large old cypress. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #2: 10’ north of vehicle ramp to beach, between 8th & 9th Avenues
Same owner as above was in favor of a tree at this location. No other direct contacts.
Recommend planting at this location. This is a location of a large cypress that was removed in 2004-05 and not immediately replaced.

Tree #3: 20’ south of 9th Avenue crossing, along Scenic pathway.
No direct contact. This is a dead cypress and it should be removed and replaced.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #4: Between 9th & 10th Avenues, 20’ north of north 10th Avenue stairs to beach.
Spoke to property owner across the street. They were not in favor of planting next to the old cypress tree at this location. Other neighbors are absentee owners (one home is for sale).
Recommend planting at this location. This old cypress is located between tow properties and should be replaced when removal is eventually required; a new tree planted here will hopefully have a good head start and it will be mostly hidden from view by the large girth of the current tree.

Tree #5: Approximately 80’ south of 10th Avenue crossing, in planter area between Scenic Road and path.
No direct contact, but both properties owners directly across from this site wrote letters in support of planting.
Recommend planting at this location.

Tree #6: Approximately 160’ south of 11th Avenue, in planter area between Scenic Road and patio.
Contact with new property owner on San Antonio Avenue. She is not in favor of a new tree at this site. There is a young tree doing well at the south end of the same planter area.
Recommend holding off on this site. This was the location of a single tree that was removed about 7 years ago. Since the other tree is now growing well, staff will endeavor to promote its growth and structure as the replacement for the old tree. The existing tree is also located more in between two properties.

Tree #7: Between 12th & 13th Avenues, approximately 200’ north of 13th Avenue, 15’ west of pathway.
Contacted several residents in this area concerned about view obstruction. Placement of the tree between two properties and down slope lessened concerns but objections remained.
Recommend planting at this location. While there are no trees currently in this location, one tree planted on the slope will provide some visual interest to the site but not be a large visual obstruction with proper maintenance to foster good growth and development.

Tree #8: Between 12th & 13th Avenues, approximately 60’ north of 13th Avenue, 10’ west of pathway.
Contacted three neighbors in this location who were not opposed to this specific tree, but planting plan in general. One resident would like to see some pruning of the existing trees in this area to assure the city has a commitment to the long term maintenance of new trees and old trees.
Recommend planting at this location. There was a tree planted here several years ago that was sprayed with an undetermined substance that killed the tree. This will replace that lost tree.

Tree #9: Between 13th & Santa Lucia Avenues, on the south side of the point at 13th Avenue
Contracted one resident at this location; concerned about maintenance of existing trees and the city managing its future maintenance obligations.
Recommend planting at this location. A tree at this location will provide additional visual interest to the site but not wall off significant views of Carmel Beach.

Tree #10: Between Santa Lucia Avenue and city limit, approximately 75’ south of Santa Lucia Avenue
No contacts in this area. There is a new tree just south of the pathway fork to the public restrooms.
Recommend holding off on planting at this location. This location is in or very close to the area of the ADA access for the proposed permanent public restroom construction at Santa Lucia Avenue. It may be premature to plant this site and then have to remove or relocate a new tree. There is a site further to the south in a planter east of the pathway where there had been a cypress tree growing since the pathway was built. The tree was damaged by a vehicle several years ago. The FOCF has planted several trees in this location which have died from unknown reasons (possible poisoning) and I suggest another attempt to replant this site.

‘MINUTES’ for Five Noteworthy 14 September 2010 City Council Agenda Items

“MINUTES”
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Archived video streaming

City Hall
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

V. Announcements from Closed Session, from City Council Members and the City Administrator

C. Announcements from City Administrator
1. Receive report on the new CRFA Ambulance.

Public Safety Director George Rawson introduced Dave Jedinick. Jednick presented a photo of the new Carmel Fire and Carmel Regional Fire Ambulance, a city vehicle for the JPA. The new ambulance allows for maximizing "fire and EMS capabilities." The Carmel Fire Department took deliver on August 20.

VI. Public Appearances
Anyone wishing to address the City Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City that are not on today’s agenda may do so now. Matters not appearing on the City Council’s agenda will not receive action at this meeting but may be referred to staff for a future meeting. Presentations will be limited to three (3) minutes, or as otherwise established by the City Council. Persons are not required to give their names, but it is helpful for speakers to state their names in order that the City Clerk may identify them in the minutes of the meeting. Always speak into the microphone, as the meeting is recorded. The City Council Chamber is equipped with a portable microphone for anyone unable to come to the podium. If you need assistance, please advise City Clerk Heidi Burch as to which item you wish to comment on and the microphone will be brought to you.

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment.

Carl Iverson spoke about Carmel Heritage Society's Antique and Collectible Appraisal Day on Saturday, October 2 from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M., including six antiques expert appraisers at First Murphy House, Lincoln St. & 6th Av.

Skip Lloyd again advocated for an independent review of the personnel situation over the last eight years, including settlements and the review to be made public at completion. Lloyd presented a review of Jane Miller’s public court record, including five “similar elements” claims between 2003 to 2008. Until the review is conducted and made public, a “cloud of doubt will linger and the city will not be able to move on,” he stated.

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

VII. Consent Calendar
These matters include routine financial and administrative actions, which are usually approved by a single majority vote. Individual items may be removed from Consent by a member of the Council or the public for discussion and action.

F. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing co-sponsorship between the Forest and Beach Commission and the Friends of Carmel Forest (FOCF) of an “Arbor Day” event on Sunday, October 17, 2010.

I. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the City Administrator to sign and file a financial assistance application in the amount of $715,000 with the State Water Resources Control Board for storm drain improvements under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

Mayor McCloud opened and closed the meeting to public comment.

Council Member TALMAGE moved to approve the Consent Agenda Items A-L and N, seconded by Council Member HAZDOVAC, and carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BURNETT, HAZDOVAC; SHARP; TALMAGE & McCLOUD
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

VIII. 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 City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

B. Consideration of an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to approve the Carmel Sands Redevelopment Project and to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration. The Carmel Sands Lodge is located on the northeast corner of San Carlos Street and Fifth Avenue. The appellant is Barbara Livingston.

Mayor Sue McCloud announced at the beginning of the meeting that the agenda item was pulled by the Carmel Sands Lodge owner and will be continued to a future city council agenda.

Council Member HAZDOVAC moved to continue the agenda item to the October 2010 regular City Council meeting, seconded by Council Member SHARP, and carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BURNETT, HAZDOVAC; SHARP; TALMAGE & McCLOUD
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

CLARIFICATION: The Carmel Sands Project was pulled due to a resident informing the City that the international orange snow fencing was supposed to be in position delineating the ridge lines, heights, et cetera, of the project at least ten days in advance of the city council meeting. Since the snow fencing was not in position, the item had to be pulled and continued.

ADDENDUM:
V. Announcements from Closed Session, from City Council Members and the City Administrator

B. Announcements from the Mayor and City Council members (Council members may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or report on his or her activities).

City Council Member Jason Burnett asked for information about why his three agenda item requests were not on the agenda and the grounds for not including them on the agenda, as requested. The mayor basically stated that she preferred to talk to him in private, not in public, about this matter. Mayor Sue McCloud cited short staffing and the persons responsible for placing items on the agenda as the mayor, vice mayor, city clerk and city administrator.

NOTE:
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Municipal Code
Chapter 2.08
CITY ADMINISTRATOR*
2.08.060 Powers and Duties.
E. Support of the City Council. The City Administrator shall be responsible to the City Council for the preparation of agendas, for the provision of all necessary clerical functions for the Council, and the maintenance of necessary records.

City's Reforestation Program: One Tree at a Time

ABSTRACT: Photographs depicting the planting process of one of the Monterey Pine seedlings planted today by our city’s most recently hired part-time tree planter and waterer, Shandra, are shown. Steve Brooks of Friends of Carmel Forest assembles the stakes and enclosures and makes the laminated strips "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY,” while Shandra obtains the seedlings from Carmel Middle School or Rana Creek Nursery and plants and waters the seedlings in public rights-of-way locations determined by City Forester Mike Branson.

Shandra planting Monterey Pine Seedling
S/s Seventh Av. between Forest Rd. & Guadalupe St.

Planted Monterey Pine Seedling

Shandra securing Stake & Attached Enclosure

Shandra affixing laminated strip, "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY,” to Stake

View of laminated strip, "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY"

Planted Monterey Pine Seedling with Stake & Enclosure
S/s Seventh Av. between Forest Rd. & Guadalupe St.

View of City’s Non-Potable Water Truck (capacity 500 gallons)

This afternoon, Shandra, our City’s part-time tree planter and waterer planted about five trees in Carmel-by-the-Sea’s public rights-of-way. One of the Monterey Pine seedlings was planted on the south side of Seventh Avenue between Forest Road and Guadalupe Street; the planting process was photographed. Shandra was recently hired as a part-time tree waterer on or about February 2, 2009; she joins Kimberly, the other part-time tree waterer. Since that time, Shandra has planted approximately 30 trees, including Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress and a Canary Pine in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Steve Brooks of Friends of Carmel Forest assembles the stakes and enclosures and makes the laminated strips "THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY,” while Shandra obtains the seedlings from Carmel Middle School or Rana Creek Nursery and plants and waters the seedlings in locations throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea determined by City Forester Mike Branson.

NOTE: Special thanks to Shandra for taking the time during her planting and watering schedule to provide information about our city's current tree reforestation efforts and her job as part-time tree planter and waterer.

A More Resident-Friendly Notice Needed to Encourage a Forestry Partnership Between the City and Carmel Residents

ABSTRACT: The City planted a Monterey Pine seedling near a Monterey Pine tree stump in the pubic right-of-way on the south side of Second Avenue between Lincoln St. and Dolores St. Affixed to a wooden stake is a laminated strip with the Seal of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and statements. A COMMENT is made regarding a successful reforestation program.

Monterey Pine Seedling
Location: S/s Second Av. between Lincoln St. & Dolores St.

Monterey Pine Seedling (right) and Monterey Pine Tree Stump (left)
Location: S/s Second Av. between Lincoln St. & Dolores St.

As depicted in the digital photos above, the City planted a Monterey Pine seedling near a Monterey Pine tree stump in the pubic right-of-way on the south side of Second Avenue between Lincoln St. and Dolores St. Affixed to a wooden stake is a laminated strip with the Seal of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and statements, as follows:

THIS TREE IS PUBLIC PROPERTY IN PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY

You may be cited under Municipal Code, Chapter 12.28 if you remove, prune or damage this tree. If you question this tree’s location or health, contact the City Forester at 620-2070. DO NOT take action of your own !

COMMENT:
• Evidence around Carmel-by-the Sea that the City is planting seedlings is encouraging. However, for a tree reforestation effort to be successful, the City must be proactive and endeavor to form a partnership with Carmel residents based on education, particularly the environmental, social, economic and aesthetic benefits of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s “signature” forest. To that end, a more resident-friendly notice affixed to a wooden stake next to a planted seedling would read, as follows:

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is committed to preserving and enhancing our “signature” forest of Monterey Pine, Coast Live Oak and Monterey Cypress. This pitch canker resistant pine seedling is planted in the public right-of-way in your neighborhood as part of the City’s ongoing Reforestation Program. For more information on our Reforestation Program and how you can help, please contact the City Forest at 620-2070.

Moreover, wherever the City Forester approves the planting of trees in the city’s public right-of-ways, City Staff Members should contact nearby residents and explain to them the locations of newly planted trees, reasons for planting the trees and encourage them to assist the city as good stewards of our forest and trees.

ADDENDUM:
Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code
Chapter 12.28
TREES AND SHRUBS*

12.28.060 Permit for Cutting Trees and Shrubs on Public Property.
A. Any person desiring to remove or prune any portion of a tree or shrub, except genista, growing in or upon any public street, way, park, or place within the City, or any person desiring to cut any wood, foliage, or roots from any tree on private property when more than one-half of the basal cross-sectional area of such tree is on City property, shall apply therefor to the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach on forms provided by her/him. There shall be a fee for this permit process as established from time to time by resolution of the City Council. If, in the opinion of the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach, the tree or trees should be removed because of disease, infestation, or clear and present danger to persons or property, she/he shall cause the tree or trees to be removed. In all other cases, the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach shall:
1. Place the application on an agenda of the Forest and Beach Commission, which shall act as provided for in Chapter 2.32 CMC; and

2. Notify the applicant of the time and date of the meeting at which the application shall be considered; and

3. Give notice of the action of the Forest and Beach Commission to the applicant.

B. Any permit granted under this chapter is nontransferable and shall expire one year from date of issuance. The Director of Forest, Parks and Beach or Forest and Beach Commission may condition a permit on replacement trees being planted at a place, of a species and of a size designated by the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach or Forest and Beach Commission. The person requesting the permit may also be required to pay the cost of obtaining and planting the replacement trees.

C. In exceptional circumstances in which it would cause substantial loss or inconvenience to delay removal until the Forest and Beach Commission’s next meeting, the Director of Forest, Parks and Beach may approve removal providing such approval unquestionably conforms to the policy and the practice of the Forest and Beach Commission. The Director of Forest, Parks and Beach will report her/his action at the next meeting of the Forest and Beach Commission. (Ord. 95-3 § 1, 1995; Ord. 81-4 § 1, 1981; Ord. 75-10 § 1, 1975; Ord. 257 C.S. § 1, 1972; Ord. 214 C.S. § 1, 1970; Code 1975 § 1231).

12.28.185 Violation – Penalty for CMC 12.28.170, 12.28.172, 12.28.180 and 12.28.210.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of CMC 12.28.170, 12.28.172, 12.28.180 or 12.28.210. A violation of any of the provisions or failure to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of such sections shall constitute an infraction. Any person convicted of an infraction under the provisions of such sections shall be punishable by fine only as follows: Upon a first conviction, by a fine not exceeding $250.00, and for a second conviction or any subsequent conviction within a period of one year, by a fine not exceeding $500.00.

B. Cutting, removing, or trimming of trees on public property without a permit shall be a misdemeanor.

C. In addition to the penalties provided for herein, any violation of such sections may be addressed by civil action. (Ord. 95-3 § 1, 1995; Ord. 88-13 § 4, 1988).

ACTIONS TAKEN: Five Items on City Council September 9, 2008 Agenda

AGENDA
Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
4:30 p.m., Open Session

VII. Consent Calendar
These matters include routine financial and administrative actions, which are usually approved by a single majority vote. Individual items may be removed from Consent by a member of the Council or the public for discussion and action.

E. Consideration of a Resolution to authorize co-sponsorship between the Forest and Beach Commission and the Friends of Carmel Forest (FOCF) of an “Arbor Day” event on Thursday, October 30, 2008 and authorize City funds in an amount not to exceed $1,250.

H. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing Architectural Resources Group (ARG) for site evaluation and construction costs estimates on the Flanders Project in an amount not to exceed $11,500.

ACTION TAKEN:
Council Member ROSE moved approval of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member HAZDOVAC and carried unanimously.

VIII. 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 City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

B. Consideration of an appeal of a decision by the Forest and Beach Commission approving the removal of a 30-inch diameter black acacia at a property at 2922 Santa Lucia Avenue. The appellant is Sue McCloud, property owner of the home next door, on the east side.

ACTION TAKEN:
Council Member ROSE moved to grant an appeal of the Forest and Beach Commission’s decision approving the removal of a black acacia tree, overturning the Forest and Beach Commission’s decision. The motion was not seconded.

Council Member TALMAGE moved to uphold the Forest and Beach Commission’s decision approving the removal of a black acacia tree with the adoption of 6 points proposed by appellant Sue McCloud and the planting of 2 24” box olive trees unless other trees mutually agreed upon by Susan Page and Sue McCloud, seconded by Council Member SHARP and carried by the following role call:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: HAZDOVAC, SHARP & TALMAGE
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ROSE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

X. Resolutions

B. Consideration of a Resolution entering into an agreement with Carver + Schicketanz to prepare plans and bid documents for the proposed new permanent restrooms at Santa Lucia and Scenic Road in an amount not to exceed $55,759

ACTION TAKEN:
Council Member ROSE moved approval of a Resolution approving Phase I minus some items, seconded by Council Member TALMAGE and carried by the following roll call:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: HAZDOVAC, ROSE, SHARP, TALMAGE & McCLOUD
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

XI. Orders of Council

C. Receive report and provide policy direction regarding the hiring of three new firefighters.

ACTION TAKEN:
Unanimous consent by COUNCIL MEMBERS HAZDOVAC, ROSE, TALMAGE, SHARP & McCLOUD to authorize the exploration of hiring three new firefighters.
Note: "Staff recommends the Council authorize three firefighter positions to bring the fire engine minimum staffing up from two to three" or an additional firefighter (a third firefighter) for 3 shifts.

Five Agenda Items on September 9, 2008 City Council Agenda

ABSTRACT: Five Agenda items on the September 9, 2008 City Council Agenda are highlighted, including Resolutions involving co-sponsorship between the Forest and Beach Commission and the Friends of Carmel Forest for an “Arbor Day” event, Flanders Project site evaluation and construction costs estimates and the proposed new permanent restrooms at Santa Lucia Avenue and Scenic Road plans and bid documents; Public Hearing involving an appeal of a decision by the Forest and Beach Commission approving the removal of a 30-inch diameter black acacia; and an Order of Council regarding the hiring of three new firefighters. A SYNOPSIS for each agenda item is presented including selected excerpts from City Council Agenda Item Summaries.

AGENDA PACKET
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2008

VII. Consent Calendar
These matters include routine financial and administrative actions, which are usually approved by a single majority vote. Individual items may be removed from Consent by a member of the Council or the public for discussion and action.

E. Consideration of a Resolution to authorize co-sponsorship between the Forest and Beach Commission and the Friends of Carmel Forest (FOCF) of an “Arbor Day” event on Thursday, October 30, 2008 and authorize City funds in an amount not to exceed $1,250.

SYNOPSIS:
Staff Recommendation: Adopt a resolution to approve co-sponsorship of the event and authorize expenditure of city funds up to $1,250.

Description: The Forest and Beach Commission is requesting co-sponsorship with the FOCF, an official City support group, for an “Arbor Day” event from 1:00-3:30 pm on October 30, 2008, at Carpenter Hall. Kelaine Vargas, from the Center for Urban Forest Research, will present a speech, “Money Does Grow on Trees: The Economic Benefit of Trees to the Community”. There also will be a three-person panel discussion on “Fostering the Contemporary Urban Forest.”

Important Considerations: During its July meeting, the Forest and Beach Commission unanimously approved a recommendation that the City Council approve cosponsorship of this event with the FOCF. City sponsorship of this event meets one of the standards for recognition as a Tree City USA in 2008 and allows the Forest and Beach Commission to perform one of its identified duties under Municipal Code Chapter 2.32.060(D).

H. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing Architectural Resources Group (ARG) for site evaluation and construction costs estimates on the Flanders Project in an amount not to exceed $11,500.

SYNOPSIS:
Staff Recommendation: Adopt the resolution.

Description: ARG will perform the following three tasks for the Flanders Project:
A. Site evaluation to understand existing conditions of the Flanders structure and gather information from the City’s planning and building maintenance staff;
B. Update the previous construction cost estimate that will describe each task and associated costs; and
C. Revise the cost estimate report based on comments received from the City’s legal counsel and staff.

VIII. Public Hearings

B. Consideration of an appeal of a decision by the Forest and Beach Commission approving the removal of a 30-inch diameter black acacia at a property at 2922 Santa Lucia Avenue. The appellant is Sue McCloud, property owner of the home next door, on the east side.

SYNOPSIS:
Staff Recommendation: Uphold the decision of the Forest and Beach Commission.

Description: During its regular meeting of April 3, 2008, the Forest and Beach Commission unanimously approved (4-0) an application by Ms. Susan Page for the removal of a 30- inch diameter black acacia located on her property at 2922 Santa Lucia Avenue. The Commission’s approval was contingent upon the applicant planting a 24-inch box specimen tree in the same area following removal of the acacia tree.

Important Considerations:
The acacia tree has been topped and heavily pruned for many years, resulting in multiple leaders with poor points of attachment to the main structural limbs of the tree. This type of pruning also frequently leads to decay of the limbs and an increased risk of limb or tree failure over time. Continued heavy pruning to limit growth and weight of the tree canopy can limit the stress on the limbs, but the risk of significant limb failure always remains due to past pruning practices. Staff recommended allowing removal of the tree and replanting with a 24-inch box fruitless olive tree.

X. Resolutions

B. Consideration of a Resolution entering into an agreement with Carver + Schicketanz to prepare plans and bid documents for the proposed new permanent restrooms at Santa Lucia and Scenic Road in an amount not to exceed $55,759

SYNOPSIS:
Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

Description: At the City’s request, Mr. Rob Carver of Carver + Schicketanz submitted a proposal to provide an analysis and develop bid documents for the construction of permanent restroom facilities at Santa Lucia and Scenic Road. The scope of work is divided into the following phases:

Phase One
• Gather information regarding permit requirements from various public agencies;
• After initial project analysis, meet with the appropriate Boards & Commissions to seek project input; and
• Develop a schematic design.

Phase Two
• Complete architectural design;
• Prepare bid documents; and
• Perform construction administration (as needed).

Decision Record: The Local Coastal Program, adopted in June 2003, states that restroom facilities must be provided consistent with the volume of visitors to the beach and Beach Bluff Pathway. In addition, reference is made to replacing the current restroom facility at Santa Lucia and Scenic Road with a permanently constructed facility.

XI. Orders of Council

C. Receive report and provide policy direction regarding the hiring of three new firefighters.

SYNOPSIS:
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that City Council approve hiring three additional firefighters.

Description: Adding three firefighters will ensure that a 24/7, stable level of staffing is maintained in accordance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines.

City Funds: $324,000 annually

Important Considerations: The ambulance assigned to the fire station is staffed with two medical responders, both of whom are cross-trained as firefighters. When the ambulance is committed to medical calls, these firefighters are temporarily unavailable, consequently depleting front-line firefighter capability. Adding three new firefighters will resolve this problem by ensuring a constant staffing level.

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

Carmelites' Pleas to Restore Carmel's "Urbanized" Forest

"Signature" Monterey Pine (Upper Canopy) and Coast Live Oak (Lower Canopy) trees of Carmel's "Urbanized" Forest

ABSTRACT: In celebration of Earth Day and the environment, Carmel’s “urbanized" forest is featured; specifically, Carmelite Dick Dalsemer's remarks at the City Council’s Budget Meeting on April 17, 2008. His remarks focus on the need for the City Council to support the Forest and Beach Commission’s goal of hiring a permanent, full-time tree water/maintenance person beginning in FY 2008/09. Dalsemer’s remarks are transcribed and a link to a video/audio presentation of his remarks is provided. COMMENTS are made about analogous remarks in support of a full-time tree water/maintenance person by Carmelites Clayton Anderson and Steve Brooks.

At the City Council’s Budget Meeting on April 17, 2008, during the public comment period, Carmelite Dick Dalsemer spoke about Carmel’s urbanized forest and the need to budget for a permanent, full-time water/maintenance person as recommended by the Forest and Beach Commission. Dalsemer’s remarks, as follows:

“Dick Dalsemer. I’m a citizen of Carmel and also a member of the Friends of Carmel Forest. And I would like to also talk to you about the idea, the goal, that you got from the Forest and Beach Commissioners to have a full-time tree water/maintenance person. I think it’s absolutely vital from an economic standpoint as well as other standpoints. As you know, one of the reasons that Carmel is losing trees on City property much faster than they can be replaced is because there is no one to nurture planted trees…that is to say, we have a less than half time, or we have had a less than half time person to do that, but working, I believe 18 hours a week, she’s only been able to handle 24-25 new trees a year which is not replacing the trees that we’re losing. And…we have a deficit, if that’s the right word, of about 340, 350 trees that need to be replaced, should be replaced and haven’t been. It’s going to take a long time to do that."

“I think that Carmel’s urbanized forest is one of the most important reasons for visitors coming to stay here and tourism, as we all know, is the most important segment of the City’s economy. If you continue to allow the forest to disappear…something that will in all likelihood continue at an even faster rate because so many of our trees now are reaching the end of their lives and so are coming down in even larger numbers, I think, in the future. You will be seriously damaging our economy and the City’s already inadequate revenue stream. The longer that you fail to budget for at least one full-time tree water/maintenance position, the more expensive rejuvenating the forest will become in the future. If you don’t begin to act now, to allow adequate tree replacement that will eventually result in a forest that has parity, a healthy forest we used to have 20 to 30 year ago, the situation is just going to get increasingly difficult to deal with and more and more expensive. City Council’s which may find themselves in a position of having to choose in the future between spending a much larger percentage of the City’s budget on reforestation or…replacement of trees that formerly existed or saying we’ll just let the forest disappear which will undoubtedly have a really negative effect on the economy of the City as well as the quality of life.”

“Again, I urge you to include in your budget a permanent full-time water maintenance person beginning with this next fiscal year in order to begin to prevent what is already an acute problem from becoming even more serious.”

“Thank you.”

COMMENTS:
• View video/audio presentation of remarks by Dick Dalsemer (Beginning 29:34-33:20 ending), Clayton Anderson (Beginning 6:55-9:06 ending) and Steve Brooks (Beginning 25:34-28:28 ending)

• At the City Council Budget Meeting, the Friends of Carmel Forest pledged a grant of $5,000.00 for FY 2008/09 to the City to assist defray the expense associated with a full-time water/maintenance position, according to Clayton Anderson, President of the Friends of Carmel Forest.

Invitation to Plant a Tree: Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress & Coast Live Oak Seedlings

WHAT: Friends of Carmel Forest’s Annual Tree Giveaway of Pine Pitch Canker Resistant Monterey Pine Seedlings, Monterey Cypress and Coast Live Oak Seedlings.

WHEN: Monday, January 28, 2008, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

WHERE: Carmel-by-the-Sea Post Office Parking Lot
N/s 5th Av. between Dolores St. & San Carlos St.

WHO: The Board of Directors of Friends of Carmel Forest Sponsors the Annual Tree Giveaway

WHY: Augment Carmel-by-the-Sea’s “Signature” Forest of Upper Canopy Monterey Pine & Monterey Cypress Trees and Lower Canopy Coast Live Oak Trees and Augment Age Diversity in our "Urbanized" Forest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please call Event Chair Dick Dalsemer @ 620-1514 or Clayton Anderson @ 624-3208.

NOTE: Planting and Tree-Care Information will also be provided.

Making A Difference In Our "Urban Forest:" Friends of Carmel Forest & California ReLeaf

 
Location: N/s Ocean Av. & Del Mar Av.
Newly Planted Trees: A Cypress Grove of 12 Cypress Trees (5'-6' Height) 

In late October 2006, Friends of Carmel Forest & the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, with the financial assistance from California ReLeaf, planted a total of about 32 total trees; 12 Pine Trees (3'-4' Height), several small Pine Seedlings and 20 Cypress Trees (5'-6' Height), including an impressive Cypress Grove in the Sand Dunes, just north of Ocean Av. near Del Mar Av., thereby augmenting the number and diversity of trees in Carmel-by-the-Sea's "urban forest!"

Friends of Carmel Forest & California ReLeaf

 
Location: N/s Ocean Av. & Del Mar Av.
New Planted Trees: 3 of the 12 Cypress Trees in a Cypress Grove of 12 Cypress Trees (6' Height) 

Friends of Carmel Forest & California ReLeaf

 
Location: S/s Ocean Av. between Carmelo & San Antonio Av.
Newly Planted Trees: 6 Pine Trees (3'-4' Height) & 2 Cypress Trees (5'-6' Height) 

Friends of Carmel Forest & California ReLeaf

 
Location: S/s Ocean Av. between Camino Real & Carmelo
Newly Planted Trees: 6 Cypress Trees (5'-6' Height) & 6 Pine Trees (3'-4' Height & several small Pine Seedlings 

California ReLeaf Grant to Friends of Carmel Forest

 
Dead "Ghost" Monterey Cypress Tree
Location: Carmel Beach, North of Del Mar Avenue 

Friends of Carmel Forest, a nonprofit organization established in 1989, whose mission includes the “Environmental Beautification” of Carmel-by-the-Sea and, as the “officially-designated support group of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea," assisting the city preserve the city’s Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress and Coast Live Oak Trees, is a 2006 California ReLeaf grant recipient. The $2,310 grant will cover the costs of purchasing and planting Monterey Pine and Cypress Trees along the south side of Ocean Avenue between San Antonio and Camino Real and on the Carmel Beach, north of Del Mar Avenue, and maintaining the trees during the grant period.

California ReLeaf was founded in 1989 and incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004. Their mission is “To empower grassroots efforts and build strategic partnerships that preserve, protect, and enhance California’s urban and community forests.” To accomplish their mission, California ReLeaf administers a Tree-Planting Grant Program; the program is funded through a contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Since 1992, California ReLeaf has granted more than $2.2 million to community-based groups throughout the state.

For those interested, individuals can subscribe free to California Trees, California ReLeaf’s newsletter, which features news and commentary on urban forestry programs and concerns statewide. To join the California Trees mailing list, please email your name and mailing address to caltrees@californiareleaf.org.

Additionally, Friends of Carmel Forest, is a member of the California ReLeaf Network, a statewide alliance of approximately 80 community-based organizations that “share the common goals of planting and protecting trees, fostering an ethic of environmental stewardship, and promoting citizen involvement.”

As the planting of the Monterey Pines and Cypress Trees is scheduled for the month of October 2006, Friends of Carmel Forest are seeking volunteers to water the trees once a week once planted. For information, please call the President of Friends of Carmel Forest, Clayton Anderson, (831) 624-3208.