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, I . I . . citizens, and she pointed out there was no appeal process within staffs policies, procedures and protocols. Ms. Peterson added that the tree ordinances should be '-- amended to include enforcement and penalty provisions. Cliff Keely, 776 Canyon Road, Redwood City, recommended that the area be turned into some sort of wooded grove with native trees, open to the public. In response to Councilman Claire's questions, Mr. Parenti said it was his understanding that all his neighbors along Bain Place wanted the trees removed. Sue Keely, 776 Canyon Road, Redwood City, asked the Council to try and remove the emotions attached to this issue and rely on the professional arborists' opinion when making the final decision. In response to Council questions, Director Ingram advised that he had hired an independent arborist to provide a hazard assessment and report on the general health of the trees. Director Ingram reported that the independent arborist concurred with staff's concerns, but focused on optional remedies rather than removal, except for one tree. Director Ingram said the three options presented to Council were based on the independent arborist's report; however, it should be noted that excessive pruning was inappropriate to good urban forest management, as the more pruning one does, the more pruning has to be done in the future, which increases deformities, poor health, and maintenance costs. L In response to Council questions, Acting Superintendent Gibbons said the fence line is the property line of the Hetch Hetchy right of way, and the subject trees are in the right of way. Councilwoman La Berge suggested that since tree removal was such a sensitive issue, staff needed to communicate more strongly with a wider group of people interested in trees, including neighborhood associations. She suggested that staff might distribute flyers in the neighborhood affected by a tree removal. 9) Council Action on Staff Recommendations for Garrett Park; Vice Mayor Howard said she was very moved by Marilyn West's account of what those remaining trees meant to her and appreciated the comments of all the speakers, and felt very, very strongly about tree preservation herself. For those reasons, she said, it was necessary to go beyond the emotional issues surrounding the importance of trees in Redwood City and to rely on the experts. Vice Mayor Howard said the three City certified arborists and the independent arborist concurred that there was a safety hazard with the trees. She said if there was a safety hazard and people were at i risk like the children in the Park and adjacent homeowners, that although she was L very emotional about the issue, she had to support the staff. Vice Mayor Howard asked that neighbors be included in the plans for future hedges and trees in the area. ADJOURNED REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 1996 MINUTES MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 PAGE 10 Page No. 522