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4) Brief Summary of Rules, Roles and Responsibilities in Redwood City by Gordon Mann, Superintendent of Public Works Services; Superintendent Mann/Arborist described the City's two ordinances: Street Tree (and rights of ways) and Tree Preservation (private property trees and Heritage trees.) 5) Current Procedures and Criteria for Tree Removal Requests, Approvals and Notification by Gordon Mann, Superintendent of Public Works Services; Superintendent/Arborist Mann described the City's tree removal process and the City's programs that can result in tree removal: a) sidewalk repair project; b) block pruning or emergency situations; c) service requests; and d) "Heritage" Tree permit requests. He advised that removal is indicated when a tree is dead or severely diseased, it becomes a hazard, or it cannot withstand mitigation measures such as root cutting. Other factors that are considered include the species, size of site, damage to the site, poor structure and maintainability. He described the notification process for street and park trees including notification of adjacent property owners, posting notice on trees and requesting residents to discuss the situation with their neighbors. Property owners generally initiate requests to remove a Heritage Tree and they are asked to discuss the situation with their neighbors. In large scale removals City staff contacts homeowners associations. 6) PUBLIC COMMENT AND COUNCIL DISCUSSION; In response to Council questions, Superintendent/Arborist Mann advised that redwoods are planted whenever there is room and they fit into the environment; however, many large trees that have been removed over the years have been replaced with smaller trees as the original site was inappropriate for the larger trees. He added that overhead wires and narrow median strips dictate smaller tree replacements. Superintendent Mann said that after sidewalk repair is done, new trees are planted ONL Y if the adjacent neighbor agrees to water it. New trees cost $100, and staff wants to ensure that the money is well spent and trees do not become neglected and die. Mayor Hartnett called on those people in the audience who wished to speak to the matter of the general tree policies, procedures and protocols in Redwood City. Lynette Dowling, 751 Canyon Road, Redwood City, a new resident from Southern California, described her efforts to plant more trees in her former neighborhood and how residents' buy-in ensured success of a tree planting program. She said she worked with a wonderful arborist in Southern California and suggested City staff contact him for information on appropriateness of certain trees and special barriers used to eliminate root/sidewalk problems. ADJOURNED REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 Paqe No. 519 OCTOBER 7,1996 PAGE 7