TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to formulate a plan for the removal of diseased, damaged, and dead trees; and report back to City Council within 60 days.
DISCUSSION
Long Beach is a proud "Tree City, U.S.A.," and residents throughout the city value our urban forest. Street trees have many benefits, including providing shade, improving air quality, and beautifying neighborhoods. The City has taken many steps over the years to increase and protect our street trees, including coordinating numerous tree plantings and recently approving a one-time increase in tree maintenance.
The City's Tree Advisory Committee works with city staff and residents to remedy problems caused by street trees (such as roots causing sidewalk damage), and to avoid tree removal if possible. However, sometimes tree removal is necessary, such as when the trees are dead, diseased, or severely damaged. Removing such trees is important to avoid public safety hazards and potential property damage. Additionally, removal of such trees allows the planting of new trees that can enhance the neighborhood.
Tree removal should be done thoughtfully and efficiently, especially given the city's fiscal constraints. Thus, I request that city management formulate a multi-year plan to address this issue and report back to City Council for further consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT
This item has no significant fiscal impact. Should the management-proposed plan be approved by Council, it could save the city funds from reduced liability over the long run, but entail additional upfront investment.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER PATRICK O'DONNELL
FOURTH DISTRICT
COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIPSKE
FIFTH DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER JAMES JOHNSON
SEVENTH DISTRICT