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opportunity for cultivating community interests is extremely enlightening and inspiring. 7A Page 3 Tree Task Force Recommendations: The Tree Task Force developed their recommendations though a process lead by the facilitator. First, the group determined "what is" (e.g. the existing conditions related to topic of trees, codes, policies, and practices in Redwood City). From this information, the Task Force drafted "Context" and "Findings" statements. These statements were considered by the group as a whole and were retained only if approved via group consensus. The Context and Findings statements led to the proposal of Recommendations. The resulting twenty- four Recommendations from the Community Tree Task Force are provided in Attachment 1 along with the Tree Task Force's full report to the City Council. The Recommendations are comprised of the following seven categories: Vision, Current Urban Forest Conditions, Current Policies and Procedures, Enforcement, Maintenance, Education, and Budget. Highlighted Recommendations: Staff notes that while all of the Recommendations are important and a result of a consensus process, several of them are of special interest and are highlighted here: . Vision: The 1998 Task Force and resulting report included visionary statements, but did not result in a Council adopted vision. This Community Tree Task Force has prepared language for a specific vision for Redwood City's urban forest for the Council's consideration. . Establishment of a Tree Advisory Committee: This recommendation has many short and long-term possibilities. A Tree Advisory Committee could serve as the first level for appeals for both private and public property tree decisions. Such a committee could also support staff though their own research and would be called upon to support public education with respect to Redwood City's urban forest. This group could also be called upon to consider acknowledgement ot special trees meeting certain criteria as "Landmark" trees. . Education: The topic of community education was the area of greatest support by the entire Tree Task Force. Most of the related context, findings, and recommendation in this category were accepted by the group unanimously. . Increased Choices for Homeowners: Two recommendations specifically increase the ability for homeowners to make more choices about the types of trees planted in the right-ot-way in front of their properties. as well as the removal of "nuisance" trees from their own properties. . Replacement of Banned Trees List with a Recommended Species List: This recommendation will result in cleaning up the old code and providing more choices over time. . Protection of Right-of-Way: This recommendation acknowledges that the landscape planting strip is a community asset that provides a buffer between pedestrians and cars; helps capture storm water run-off when allowed to remain as pervious surface; and should continue to be the preferred location for planting street trees. The Council's Statement of Purpose for the Community Tree Task Force included nine specific tasks. which are addressed within the Tree Task Force's report (Attachment 1. page 21). Staff notes that the Tree Task Force has fully achieved these purpose statements in almost all cases. All of the topics were discussed and in that the range of issues covered by the Tree Task Force was so broad, not all could be fully developed. The creation of a standing Tree Advisory Committee as recommended by the Tree Task Force is one possible option for Council to consider for concluding any remaining or partially Page 3 of 4