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..... Park & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 22 2000 Page 2 .. . between the City, PCC, YMCA, Police Activities League (PAL), and Redwood City Elementary School District has been formed to offer a free swim program to first and second grade students to instruct them on water safety. The City would provide the facility; PCC would provide certified staff; YMCA would provide facility and staff; PAL would provide assistance and participants; and the School District would provide students for the program and busing from the schools to the pool. Manager Beth stated that the City and PCC have applied for a $25,000 grant from USA Swim Organization to fund the test program. In order to make the pools usable year round, both Herkner and Hoover pools would need to be "bubbled" at a cost of $10,000 to $20,000. He also mentioned that it currently costs approximately $10,000 per month for chemicals, heating and staffing when the pool is in full operation during the summer. The Commissioners liked the idea of the free swim program concept and looked forward to receiving updates from Manager Beth. ITEM 2 - REPORT ON TREES ON REDWOOD SHORES PARKWAY Commissioner Slusser provided the Commissioners with a copy of an article from the March issue of the Pilot newsletter regarding the planned removal of several eucalyptus trees on Redwood Shores Parkway. He reminded the Commissioners that a Redwood Shores homeowner appealed to the Commission in October 1999 to have these trees removed after his permit was denied by the Public Works Department. The Commission was informed that these trees and others in Redwood Shores were infected with the parasite that causes the leaves to drop, leaves a sticky residue, and eventually kills the tree. At the time of the appeal, there was no natural enemy of this parasite to correct th is problem. The Commissioners voted at their October meeting to allow the trees to be removed and the homeowner was advised of the decision. The Pilot article states that notices were placed on the trees prior to their February 7, 2000 removal and a citizen appealed to the City Council and a temporary stop order was issued. Commissioner Slusser was upset because the article stated that the City did not follow proper procedure, when in fact, the procedure was followed precisely as it should have been. He mentioned that he attended a meeting of the Redwood Shores Homeowners Association where this matter was discussed and there was no consideration given to the plight of the homeowners. The Commissioners discussed the issue and Superintendent Hover agreed to research the history of this issue and provide it to the Commission. Commissioner Slusser said although the article in the Pilot states there is a natural enemy of the parasite, he has discovered that the tests are not conclusive. The wasp that has been identified to be a natural enemy of the - parasite may also be a problem for other insects in the area, and bringing the wasp into the area may create additional problems. He also stated that if and when the wasp is available, it will not be available for another 6 to 18 months. The homeowners living next to these infected trees have had to deal with tree droppings and sticky residue for the past four years. Commissioner Slusser said he has examined the 37 eucalyptus trees on Redwood Shores Parkway and has found only three trees are not infested. The Commissioners agreed to go to the City Council on Monday, March 27 to bring this matter to the Council's attention.