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. . I . - 3. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY None - 4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Petitions and letter submitted by Gerry Benesch regarding the welfare of trees in Redwood City and specifically Garrett Park (701); (On file in the City Clerk Department.) Gerry Benesch, 3275 Oak Knoll Drive, said the City had cut down several trees in Garrett Park and expressed her displeasure at the City's lack of communication with the residents and its decision to cut down trees rather than provide a proper maintenance plan to save them. Ms. Benesch handed in another petition with more names of people supporting her opposition to tree-cutting. Ms. Benesch distributed pictures of Garrett Park and the areas now devoid of trees, and reminded everyone that the Park had been established as a green belt. Ms. Benesch said the property owner whose property was damaged by a limb that fell from one of the Park's trees said she didn't ask for the tree to be removed and would have been satisfied if it had been trimmed properly. Ms. Benesch described the City's response to her previous protestations and the explanations regarding cost of maintenance and the age of the trees the City had cut down. Ms. Benesch asked the Council to stop the City from cutting down any more trees and destroying the environment. - In response to Council questions, City Manager Everett said only unsafe trees were being cut down. In response to Council questions, Director of Public Works Services Ingram said a City tree assessment had been done and 24 trees were identified as problems. He advised that the plan was to remove all trees the arborist deemed hazardous. Director Ingram said the trees they were most concerned about had been removed, but he was unsure of the exact number. He said the criteria for removal of trees were age, location and behavior, and the trees in question had "perhaps reached their useful life in terms of making sure they didn't become hazards.". Director Ingram said tree removal was part of the management of an urban forest. Mayor Hartnett directed staff not to remove any more trees, unless there was an imminent emergency, until Council received a full report on this matter. MEMO 8/13/96 Council Members expressed their desire to know if the staffs decisions regarding tree removal were policy or safety issues. Mayor Hartnett called upon members of the audience who wished to speak to this issue. - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO.54 AUGUST 12, 1996 MINUTES Paqe No. 418 PAGE 5