TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to assess on a case-by-case basis whether or not removal of a City-owned tree is warranted because of the damage to public and/or private property and the continuing liability to the City.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach has many mature trees in parking strips (the space between the sidewalks and the streets) in front of residences. These trees were planted at a time when arborists were not concerned or knowledgeable about the damage the trees can cause to sidewalks, curbs, streets, sewer lines and plumbing.
Long Beach has also become a designated "Tree City, USA" and adopted regulations which require that trees be preserved, and their removal can only be approved by the City Tree Committee and only for reasons concerning the health of the tree.
The Fifth Council District has the most sidewalk and mature trees. As these trees mature they are causing lifted sidewalks and damage to other City infrastructure as well as residential and business sewer and plumbing lines. When a resident or business requests that the "offending tree" be removed and replaced, they are told "no."
Most recently, the Los Altos United Methodist Church, 5950 E. Willow St., has requested the removal of several ficus trees that continue to invade the church's sewer lines. Over the past six years, the church has expended over $32,000 in sewer line repair because of the trees. The same trees have severely damaged the public sidewalks which are potential hazards and which are slated for repair in the next few weeks. However, unless the offending trees are removed and replaced, the damages and hazards will continue.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIPSKE
FIFTH DISTRICT