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4.75 LEISURE, CULTURAL & INFORMATION SERVICES Parks & Recreation Administration Mr. Griffiths advised that costs for contracting for tree maintenance averaged $30 per man per hour so it is more economical to do the work themselves; but that they are falling behind in tree trimming because, of the three authorized positions in the Tree Trimmer classification, only one is filled, but that they have several applicants; that they 0161" do have a training program, and once the new Trimmers are hired, they will move into an entirely new training program mandated by Cal OSHA wr recently which requires that they provide for aerial rescue, CPR, First Aid and the like; that they plan to try a block trimming pro- gram, to move into an area, prune all the trees, replant where neces- sary, move out and then not go back for five years, but that numerous citizen calls for special tree trimming takes up much of their time. Mr. Griffiths described a new law which says that only qualified people may trim trees and that if power lines are involved, they must be trimmed by the owner's representative, meaning that PG&E would have to contract with a professional tree service to clear their power lines, but they are telling us we cannot trim any of our trees where they have power lines, and they will not do the work themselves. Parks & Recreation is trying to arrange with PG&E to get a training program going so that the City can become "owner's representative", and thus able to trim its own trees. Discussion continued regarding the serious damage to sidewalks caused by street tree roots; the fact that Redwood City is one of the few cities that provides sidewalk repairs, whereas most cities consider this the responsibility of the property owner. Mr. Fales advised that he will be recommending that other than tree problems, damaged sidewalks be the responsibility of the property owners. �•-- Park Facility Maintenance Mr. Griffiths responded to questions regarding the objective of a feasibility study for contract maintenance of sprinkler systems and advised that they have done an inventory of what they have. He re- ferred to his report to the City Manager regarding an experiment this year to omit spraying of selected trees to determine the effec- tiveness of the program and whether the expenditure for spraying is necessary. (The Council recessed at 10:15 a.m. for ten minutes) Community Leisure Services Mayor Biagi reported that the School District has received the re- port from their consultants regarding a site study, and is willing to meet with the Council , and that this will provide a good basis for negotiations. They will contact the City through Superintendent Kenneth Hill . Municipal Athletics & Aquatics In response to question, Mr. Griffiths advised that the Community Pool and landscaping will be complete and the opening is set for .% May 16. Mr. Fales stated that a program received from the Parks and Recreation Director will be going to the Committee and then to Council . Center Operations & Special Interest Classes No discussion. Adj.Mtg. 2/21/81 Page 4 I ,