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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1988/08/16 Item 16 ". . . . COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT Item 16 Meeting Date 8/16/88 ITEM TITLE: Report: Removal of Coral Trees in Civic Center Plaza Area Resolution J.}ltj6 Appropriate funds from the unappropriated General Fun~reserves Director of ~ and Recreation SUBMITTED BY: REVIEWED BY: Ci ty Manager<'4 l -- (4/5ths Vote: Yes X No The Coral trees in the Civic Center area were recently pruned as the result of a large branch breaking adjacent to the breezeway outside the Parks and Recreation Office. These Coral trees have exposed roots that create problems for City maintenance staff and equipment and are a potential hazard to anyone walking on turf areas near the trees. RECOMMENDATION: Council authoriz e the removal of the nine Coral trees in the plaza area and approve plan for tree replacements. BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: DISCUSSION: Not applicable. The Coral trees in the Civic Center Plaza Area have many exposed roots that create major maintenance problems for the Parks Maintenance, Tree Maintenance and Construction and Repair Divisions. Currently, Park Mai ntenance staff cannot operate mowi ng equi pment near the tree's drip line because of the exposed roots. Staff is required to manually trim around these areas with a "line" trimmer. Over the years, this problem has gotten more severe and has affected turf growth. There is one Coral tree located in the plaza hardscape area which has lifted a large section of cement and tile that needs immediate attention. The Construction and Repair Division recommends saw-cutting the damaged area around this tree and repouring of a new cement slab and replacing the damaged tiles. The tree that presently exists in this area will be permanently removed. The annual growth of foliage of the Coral Tree requires extensive pruning on a nine to twelve month basis in order to prevent large branches from breaking and causing damage to property or injuries to people. Public Works further states that due to thei r current workload, crews must be taken off regul ar maintenance schedules to address problems created by these trees. ) 3(-,4 . '- -;. .. . .., .. ~ Page 2, Item 16 Meeting Date 8/16/88 The City Landscape Architect, Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff are in agreement that the nine (9) Coral trees in the Plaza Area should be removed. The Coral trees along Fourth Avenue do not present any immediate problem, and therefore, will not be recommended for removal. Staff recommends that only five large specimen trees replace the removed Coral trees. Attached is a plat plan of the Plaza Area which illustrates the present location of the Coral trees and the recommended areas for replacement (Attachment "A"). The replacement tree species recommended are either the Canary Island Pine or the Fern Pine. Currently there are Canary Island Pines in the plaza area. In addition, two large Fern Pine trees exist outside the Manager's and Mayor's office on the west side of the Administration building. Both trees are deep rooti ng, attracti ve and easily mai ntai ned. The 1 arge specimen trees woul d lessen the impact of the removal of the Coral trees. The Department prefers the Fern Pine. Repair and renovation of the patio area will be done by City forces. The Park Maintenance staff will renovate the damaged lawn areas, Construction and Repair Division will repair damaged hardscape areas and replace tile, and Tree Maintenance Division will cut trees and remove roots. FISCAL IMPACT: Approximately $3,500 will be required to purchase four specimen trees and materials to repair damaged hardscape area in the plaza. WPC 1029R ~~ ~ -/~~~ b the City Council of Chula Vista C~'I'r'or . , ,-<, nla Dated by the City Council of Chula Vista, California Dated 1 ~)." (' ;i~:i,,) , , 1-" ~c