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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-249 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROPRIATING $370,000 FROM GAS TAX FUNDS TO OP226 FOR SAFETY TREE TRIMMING, PRUNING, AND REMOVAL, AND AMENDING THE CONTRACT WITH WEST COAST ARBORISTS TO INCREASE THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT IN FISCAL YEAR 2015-16 FROM $150,000 TO $520,000 (4/5 VOTE REQUIRED)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
Public Works is requesting an additional appropriation of $370,000 to OP226 from Gas Tax Funds to trim, prune, and remove trees in the City's rights-of-way and parks where there is a 10-year backlog of over 5,000 trees which are in critical need of these services. Trimming the trees is necessary to ensure ongoing traffic safety along City streets; enhance the appearance and image of the City; improve the air quality and the environment for City residents; and clear right-of-way obstructions.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 4 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
Currently, the City's partial urban forest tree inventory stands at an estimated 35,000 trees. Based on an average 5-year trim cycle, the City should be trimming about 7,000 trees annually; whereas, it trims 1,200 trees per year at a cost of $150,000. The deficit for 2015 alone is 5,800 trees, with a funding shortage of approximately $700,000. Due to multi-year budget constraints, it is estimated that the current backlog is 15,000 trees.
The City has experienced an increase in the number of tree failures and requests for tree service citywide. In response, the City Council...
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