June 17, 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission and Urban Forestry Board

Okay, I'm now going to call to order the June I'm sorry, the Wednesday, June 17, 2026 meeting of City of Mountain Views Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Board. Uh Allison, let's conduct a roll call.

Okay, we have Commissioner Bryant, Commissioner Davis,

Commissioner Sylvester,

Vice Chair Summer, and Chair. We have since our last meeting of the year, we have a little musical company

behind behind us. Um, let's see. Uh, we'll now go on to the approval of the minutes from the June 10th meeting which was just last week. So, this we remember them pretty well probably from then. Um, first of all, I just want to see if there's any public comment on the June 17th or June 10th. With that, I'll bring it back to the commission to see if anybody would like to make a motion.

So, comment first.

Tell me if I'm wrong. The minutes indicate a campus approval or motion to postpone the meeting. I think so.

I probably mumbled it. So, if you didn't update that and I can bring them back the next time.

Yeah, I can change that.

I'm sorry. I did not hear that.

Clear on which which vote it was.

Um, it was to continue item 5.1 to a date to be determined and you voted no.

Okay. So I'll make a motion to approve this as amended.

Second.

All right.

Okie dokie.

And we Okay. We have Commissioner Bryant.

Yes.

Commissioner Davis.

Yes.

Commissioner Sylvester.

Yes.

Vice Chair Summer.

Yes.

And Chair Mitch.

Yes.

Passes 50. Okay. Okay, we'll now move on to oral communications from the public. Uh, this portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the commission on any matter not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes and state law prohibits the commission from acting on non-aggenda items. If you're in the room and would like to speak, please fill out a blue card. And if you're online, please use raise hand feature Zoom. Allison Flynn will recognize you. So this first one again is the items that are not on the agenda. So this is one of the two tree appeals. This would not be the time to speak. So is there anybody?

Yeah, you'll have an that's not for now.

Not now.

Yeah, later. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. Okay. Any there anybody in the room?

All right. We'll now close public comments.

Um, someone Diana is on and she said the music. It's not loud. here. What's happening at um

hi board. Um it sounds a bit garbled. I will say that. Do we have any opportunities? Um, I'm checking with it. We have somebody here comes to our rescue. So, we pause for a second.

Yeah, maybe we can pause those online. We're going to pause for a minute or two to see if we can uh we have band music outside and just want to see if we can make this as clear as possible for people online. If we can't find the micro business here. Are we sure they go to eight?

That's what it says online is it says 4 to 8 p.m.

does.

Oh yeah, that I could not tell. half hour.

I guess the alarm is building across the street. If I can ask myself as a result of these like I any uninvited.

It's not working out. It's not you, it's me.

Sorry.

No more tree for a

I can't do anything else. Yes, they asked me not to

bad something rect.

Sorry about it. I don't know.

I don't know if we put something on such a nice pan last time.

Well, there is a here. Let me show you. We have two microphones in the ceiling.

One is

you see how that one's red now.

So that one's muted. So the sound is only going through this one microphone. That's one option you guys have.

When the audience does talk, you may want to talk. Okay,

it's really the only audio option I have for people. Unfortunately, we don't have any like handful next weekend. That's right.

Okay,

Diana, can you hear me very well right now?

Yeah, the sound actually sounds much better.

Break right now. When they start back up, they will turn the volume down.

Oh, wow. lot of gold.

We'll see how low how much lower. Even the staff working out there said it was loud. So,

thank you. Appreciate it.

Absolutely. Thank you.

All right, we're going to proceed to item 5.1 on the agenda. We'll try to speak up just to be clear right now at the end of the break, but we'll speak loudly. Um, this is a heritage tree removal application appeal at 560 Franklin Street. Um, before we start, I'm going to go through the procedures on this one. And I also want to introduce our two city attorneys. Um, so first of all, our city assistant city attorney Francesca Serrano will be representing city staff and senior assistant attorney Dave Wilggas will be representing the urban forest report. The process on this one is we will start with a staff report. We will then move on to the appellant who will have 10 minutes. We will then go to the applicant who will have 10 minutes. Then it will come to the urban forestry board for questions. We'll then open it up for public comment and then staff will have two minutes and this time the order gets flipped and so the applicant will have two minutes, the appelllet will have two minutes and then PRC will uh deliberate deliberate and make motion and vote. Um for the just to introduce the players on this um the owner is Michael Hock and Robin Lynn. The applicant is Kyle Smith and the accountant is Timothy Lee. Um the applicant um Kyle Smith I don't know whether he is here or not but whether he is here or he wants to allocate some of his time to the owner that would be that would be fine because he's probably representing the I will turn it over to forestry manager Russell Hansel.

Thank you commissioner. Um so again we're here this evening to talk about 560 Franklin Street Heritage Tree appeal. Um, on the slide that's currently visible, you can see the overall layout of the property. The yellow dot with the red circle around it is the location of the tree in question that we're here for the appeal hearing. Um, that tree itself is one London London plane or platinus acerogia. It has approximately a 24 inch diameter. Um, it has good to fair health. um when we investigated or we inspected it and ultimately it had what we felt was poor structure. Um the application itself from the property owner or excuse me from the property owner's representative um check the box for the tree is in poor health and that the tree removal is necessary to construct new improvements. Um I'll get to that in a second. Um on the photographs that we can see on the screen here um it shows the existing condition before the prior it shows the condition at the time of the application which shows the prior home behind it. The tree to the left is the tree in question again that we're here for an appeal hearing on. And then there was some question about the tree to the right. Ultimately that tree was removed by PG& improperly. they did not have proper permits for that tree and we are currently working through that resolution with them and the owner that once we figure out where we're going with everything else we'll figure out where that replant or otherwise may go. Uh but P Gen has committed to removing the remaining stump as well as giving a replant to the property owner so that they can replant it properly. If we look on the photo to the right um that shows kind of the alignment of the tree to the home. Um, it's a little bit difficult to see here, but basically as you're standing on the street and you're looking at the tree, it comes approximately, I would say, three feet in front of the existing garage. It still does have, you can't see it in this photograph, um, because the black car is there, but ultimately the existing um, driveway approach was maintained during construction. Um, so that is still an option to maintain that driveway path. It just doesn't line up really easy. It makes it challenging for visibility for pedestrians or for cars that may be passing by as somebody's trying to back out. You know, there's just there's ultimately a little bit of challenge in terms of the alignment. Um, if we go to the rendering that was provided to us from the property owner and their u developer or their contractor, um, we can kind of see the overall scenario that we're talking about where that driveway approach currently is lined up with the property line to the left. as you go to the right, I believe that driveway is nine feet across currently, um, is what the measurement on that one was, where the driveway that's behind it, they're trying to expand that to 18 feet to accommodate two cars in the actual private property portion of the driveway. Um, and so you can see that creates some alignment issues where trying to pull in, especially if you were coming down towards the driveway and turned right into the driveway to almost make a U-turn to get back into that second spot. There's just some challenges there ultimately. And so, um, to widen that driveway apron, we're already at the point where we're concerned about root loss or otherwise. And so it's really a scenario where we feel like either that current driveway approach is maintained or we actually take the tree and we allow them to expand it to 18 feet. Um again another drawing that's kind of representative. You can see I've got the 18 ft circled in the middle of the driveway in the red circle. You can see the two lines in red that are the driveway um as it's proposed. And then as we get to the approach at the bottom, you can see that yellow is where we've highlighted the existing approach. The green circle is where the tree is located. And then that red circle or the red line, excuse me, would be where that apron feathers out a little bit. We always feather out our aprons just a little bit to provide some turning space as they go into that. And so that's for the angle or that's the reason for the angle on the line or the red line to the right there. So, those are the overall scenarios that we're looking at in terms of the layout. When we get to the tree itself, the photograph on the left, um I've got a couple three arrows there showing um where basically the tree has previously been headed as well as that you can see that it has been what we call V-shaped pruned to provide adequate clearance. PG& has certain um requirements that they have to meet for the electrical grid. Typically that means at least three to five feet of direct clearance. They also tried to prohibit anything from growing over the top of the lines that could fall and actually cross phase those lines, create power outages or otherwise. And so that's the concern we have with the existing tree is just that V-shaped pruning and the overall lateral limb structure is just less than ideal. It is more prone to limb failures or other issues. Um, if we look at the tree to the right or the photo to the right, I've taken a couple uh arrows as well to show where we have made some structural cuts on those limbs in order for them to proceed um with the construction of the home while all of this was kind of considered and and so forth. Um, they did need to gain access to that because they had their building permit. We worked with them to actually take those pruning cuts back to where we could as best we could to match up with the prior heading or reduction cuts. Um, but in at least one of those cases, you can see the the one to the top of the screen there. Um, we actually had to come back an extra foot or so um to provide adequate clearance for the crane to be able to lift the modules um or the panels for the home itself. So overall, the work that was done doesn't really impact or doesn't affect the way that we're looking at the structure of the tree because they are simply reducing some end weights that we would have been concerned about anyway. So that's why we allowed them to proceed with those pruning cuts. Um and so ultimately where we ended up with is that we found the condition of the tree required its removal because of the V-shaped pruning by the pre by the PG& contractor. Um, we felt that the tree that the staff's evaluation found that the removal of the heritage tree was necessary to construct improvements under building permit 25 11295. And then as the tree um as the tree impeded construction of the new driveway. Um staff's evaluation found that the tree or found that the aesthetic qualities and function of the trees do not provide significant benefit because of the reductions and so forth that are being done for the electrical clearance. And then lastly staff's evaluation of the tree found that the tree should be removed due due to good forestry practice as ultimately that tree itself should typically grow to 70 80 feet plus just doesn't have the space underneath the lines etc. it will be requiring ongoing maintenance by PG to maintain that. The tree ultimately just will not fulfill its full potential and so kind of all of those factors we felt that it met more than just one of those criteria. That's why we have approved the tree. There is one additional note that I wanted to provide this evening. Um there were some questions about um kind of the uh pro how the property owner proceeded with construction under the permit and if it would have been affected if we hadn't or if we'd have done the appeal previously. Long story short, property owners originally filed this appeal or filed this application. Um we did allow for the removal of the magnolia in the backyard. Um that that one ultimately was right within the footprint of the building or otherwise and it just couldn't be saved and also had some other issues. So, we approved that one. This second one was approved, but it was appealed because of the delays. When we had talked to the property owner about when we were going to be able to conduct the hearing, they were concerned about cost overruns. And so we had a conversation with them, actually multiple conversations with them. And ultimately through those conversations, we kind of agreed that they could in fact proceed with construction knowing full well that we may not finally approve this tree and they may be dealing with the current design and they willing to accept those consequences knowing that ultimately it may be denied and they have to work around it. So, I just wanted to be clear with that that the owners did work with us very closely to kind of get to that point as well. So, that's where I'll stop and see.

Thank you very much. Um, we'll now move on to the Helen. Uh, Timothy Lee has your time. You'll have up to 10 minutes. And again, you'll have two minutes two more minutes later on.

Hold on a second. You want to turn the microphone on?

Oh, there it goes.

Thank you for your time. Uh, consideration. First of all, I'm really a proponent of all our city chapters regarding street trees and heritage trees. I believe in the benefits of the air or handling the air quality oxygen, the absorption of carbon dioxide and oxygen gas. And I firmly believe that those issues have been exposed to or in chapter 32. part about the existing driveway. I I looking at it and it's on the side of where the deep driveway is. So that although it might be awkward in it's accessible. The other thing is by widening the existing driveway or allowing a driveway

may actually reduce on street parking on street parking at the library very limited. So I I said well the use of datacing goons to London plane streets within a year. And these London trains have survived under these very adverse conditions under the under the wires inadequate. They have survived and they are living and they're producing. oxygen gas that they are trading living organism contributing to the community and the environment for a driveway. So basis of my appeal is that should have idea of the wise use of alternatives. It's a new driveway wise use for the life plane tree which has survived many years. Incidentally, I wonder if the ring fountain done the one that was cut down and so that it's it has survived all together and I think that allow it to survive more that thank you. Thank you.

All right. Uh, we'll now move on to the

and I don't know whether that's going to be Kyle Smith, Michael Hock, or Robin

Lynn. Okay, go ahead. And if you wanted any of those other folks are here and I'll just start you um

yeah thank you so much um forestry department Russell and Matt um thank you so much for your thoughtful work preserving and expanding forest slightly Louder.

Yeah,

thanks.

Louder. Okay.

I'm sorry. Uh your job looks hard from the outside, so I'm sure it's much harder on the inside. So, really appreciate uh you both she separating us through um this process and still trying to honor uh the charter of the department. So, thank you very much. Also, thank you so much again to the uh commission, the committee for your time and consider consideration. Uh, I know there's so many competing community priorities and as a longtime lurker, uh, I I find that it's been very, uh, you've deliberated them very thoughtfully. So, thank you again for, um, taking the time to consider this.

Uh, yeah. Okay. So, I'm, you know, Robin, I'm the homeowner and applicant. Um, in the past, I've spent quite a bit of time advocating for parks and open space in Mount View. So, I appreciate um kind of the challenges related to that. Um I'm also a woodworker, so it's not like I, you know, want to burn trees down or anything. So, I appreciate the value of our our precious um uh trees and forest. Um so, this isn't so this is to say I didn't come to this application lightly. Um next slide, please. Uh but ultimately I think for three reasons um we decided to file this application. Um mainly uh the first is community safety, the second is around biodiversity and the third is the need to create a compliant site design. Next slide please. So I'd like to really talk about the concept of right tree, right place. Um I absolutely support preserving heritage trees where possible. Um I whenever possible. I think we should also really consider

we think about heritage the heritage trees today. We also need to think about what are the heritage trees that our future generations will inherit. You know a tree planted today um can become the heritage tree of tomorrow but only if it's given the opportunity to thrive. Um the London plane tree in question um is you know it's a little small here but it's classified by on the city tree list as a large scale tree not suitable to be planted under oh thank you under high voltage lights um and and as a result of that that's why PG& has come um periodically to I guess it out orally pruning. Um, in contrast, the types of trees that are allowed under high high voltage power lines are small scale trees. Um, and the one that we would replace this tree with is one of those trees. Um, in other words, I think if if we think about today, if I were to apply to plant a London plane tree under in that same location, I city policy nor staff would approve this application. They'd be like, no way. Um, next slide, please. And rightfully so. Um I think both the arbor our arborist and the staff reports describe a tree that has required this repeated directional pruning by PG because of its location. Uh yes, the tree has survived, you know, all these repeated interventions, but I would say survival isn't the same as thriving, right? If you look at this tree, I mean, even with less on it, um it's still not like how we would want a tree to be represented in our city, right? Um and you know as as uh as has been stated um this directional pruning can contribute to weak attachments and long-term structural concerns.

So I guess I wanted to take us through a little bit of what it would look like if the appeal was granted and the and the tree was allowed to remain which is totally you know fine as well if that's the decision of the committee. Um, I think what it would mean is that we would continually have to have ongoing intervention in order to make this coexistence work between the tree and lines. U PG& would have to we would rely on PG& to come make sure that they continually uh directionally prune it. um and the city would have to continue to manage the remaining canopy and monitor it for potentially um the remaining branches.

In other words, like commits us to a status to an ongoing cycle of maintaining the situation or a species of tree that isn't well suited to the site. Um again, this is right tree, right place. Uh and this is why that concept is so important, right? Rather than relying on indef indefinite pruning or maintenance to manage the conflict between the tree and power line, we have an opportunity right now to replace it with a species that can thrive, mature, that can become tomorrow's heritage tree. And I believe this is a better long-term outcome both the community and our urban forest. Next slide, please. Um, so in other words, this isn't like a choice between tree today or no tree. It's actually a choice between maintaining a large tree in a location where it's going to require ongoing intervention that will potentially eventually weaken it to the point where it needs to be removed or replacing it with a species that's suited to the site that can mature that can really contribute to our urban um can urban forest and the canopy that we all want. Um next slide please. So I think the second thing that um you know in following along with silently what the committee what the committee have gone through are kind of been working on over the years is um looking at the biodiversity plan which I guess will be reviewed next week or so um by city council and looking at London Plains it's actually pretty close to I guess the 10% limit biodiversity kind of guardrails that we've put on the city. Um and so, you know, it represents a significant share of the city's tree population while our proposed um replacement is still, you know, a little further behind. So I think approving this application would not only reduce our commit or would would not reduce our commitment to the urban canopy would actually strengthen it and create a more diverse and resilient urban force for future generations. Uh next and yeah so the last reason is in order to create the code compliance site right we worked with the urban forestry public works department we tried to find alternative site designs that would not only meet um city code construction codes but also preserve the tree I think if we had found such a solution we would have obviously ly found it. Uh we would have al obviously pursued it. I think it was very unfortunate that during this time a gening contractor came and randomly chopped down the other tree for unknown reasons. Um so that's probably what's you know not not helpful for any of us right. Um but I think given the fact that public group public works determine that there are no other uh driver configurations and um urban forestry ultimately the removal. Um and next slide lastly I wanted to just kind of touch on the impact to our build. like our build is relatively small. Um, but even small delays have had meaningful impact. All total, this has in a 20-month project, this has represented a three-month delay, which sounds like a little, but it's actually 15%. There's all the carrying costs, the um the work that city staff, that our engineers, architect, builders, additional work that they've had to undergo. Um, I raised this not because I want to complain. It's more just a real example of the impacts that our policies very well-intentioned can have financially on um myself and potentially builders, right? Mountain View is under a lot of pressure build and um I think it's really uh just indicative of the challenges that people face. Um next slide. So anyway, I wanted to really just thank you all. I think the main point is thriving urban forest is what we all want and I think this is uh one of the ways that we can

accomplish it. Thank you.

Thank you. And you'll have a little bit more time later. Um, so now I'm going to bring it back to the urban forestry board for questions. And I think let's for questions let's start on this end and then when we do the other maybe the I'll just start talking while you're doing that.

Thank you. Sorry. It's my understanding that the lower wires, the thick ones are phone and cable and those are the ones that are Jason the tree power lines with the high. Is that correct?

That is correct. Yes.

Sorry.

Yes. tree is actually quite wondering about driveway variations that were not city standard. Do we have any information? We know what those variations were. Share with us what are

in terms of kind of the different designs that were considered or what's to bring it into compliance or both.

Right.

Okay. So ultimately what we were trying to do is figure out how closely we could shift it towards the tree without cutting so many roots that we basically became concerned. We also talked about even shifting it to the other side now that that other tree was gone and if we could get alignments. There were multiple kind of discussions that we had in terms of that. Um, in terms of code compliance, the only one that I'm going to speak towards that I'm aware of was that typically we want driveways approximately 5 feet from a property line. We don't typically want them right up against the property line any longer. We try to create that, but they do allow variances. They do allow them to remain right up against the property line.

In terms of the driveway, five feet from the edge.

No. Well, yes, that is a forestry practice as well, but what I was what I was meaning to say is five feet from the property line to the start of a driveway approach. So, right now that apron is right at the property line. We were trying to shift that over even as little as three, four, five feet to get that accomplished. When we did that, we were still just to even get a little nine foot driveway or otherwise that was usable that would meet code requirement. Um, we were still way too close to the tree. we were going to be cutting into roots or otherwise that we were further concerned about the structure.

Yeah. Yeah. Well, um I know lots of driveways that are on the property mine including mine and it's very my neighbor and that's it done in commercial areas. Um, so talk to me about this variance, driveway variance process that all is occurring at the staff level.

Again, I won't speak to that because that's typically something that's handled under the permit with public works, but I would say yes. It's, as far as I know, that never rises to council or commissions or

Okay. So they just make a discretionary decision based on what they're seeing and decide about what what to uh you know what makes sense given the parking or I assume it's

again I can't speak to that other than to say that is my understanding that staff based on what they know have been approved previously or otherwise is allowed to do that at the staff Think about a couple other ways to do it and still

um that you saw provided to those conversations with the idea of switching down to a 9 foot. So they would have to the car that's the farthest to the right would have to kind of make a hard maneuver to get to that.

That is correct. Yes. Um, that's all I have. Thank you.

My mind once again is the villain here. Um, is there nothing more the city can do in terms of demanding accountability than having can we demand a little more satisfaction?

There are mechanisms within the ordinance that we can do that. The problem is is that they are somewhat subjective based on appraised values which can be very difficult to assign especially for a tree that's been removed. While we may have street views, it's about how current those street views are, etc. And kind of establishing that value because it's heavily weighted on health, structure, all kinds of other things that we may not be able to actually assign good values to. And so

that's not even question. Question for the property. Were you the property owner when that uh tree was removed by

uh yeah I went there and happened to be there that day. They were and then by

with no notice and

no

it was a contract. So data

yeah ultimately PG&E had gone through a transition with contractors that they do that frequently every year or two they rebid their contracts and that frequently results in new contractors coming in. One of the things PG& does is they hire one contract uh consultant company to do all their auditing and put I'll say temporary um work assignments into their database for what should be done. In this case, they did that. They called it out for removal. What typically happens is PG then reviews all of those decisions before they get reassigned to a contractor. In this case, that P Gen step got missed. The original consultant identified it for removal and their contractor immediately jumped on the removal and took it down. um

they identified health

don't know but typically yes it's health and and just overall risk presented okay um you a number of times staff report that the condition of treat removal is required as structure is poor due to the shade. So all the way down the street you've got identical tree forms. So anybody along Franklin?

Negative.

I would not.

There are additional considerations. I the form of the tree is significant. Okay. Um is it true that the city just think that the city is responsible?

Again the way property owners are responsible for the tree. That's the bottom line. By code property owners are responsible for the tree and its maintenance. The city does try to supplement those services or supplement that by providing services such as pruning, removal or planting so that we have better control over that and that we know that it's being done proper.

That is correct. And in a testing situation like before the commission for a home, you would come and do that if there was a safety issue potentially. Yes, we we would ultimately default back to PG& to make sure the lines are cleared and everything first. Well, but just the line clearance aspect of it. Once we know that it's clear and it's safe, that's typically when we send our guys in. um they are trained in electrical hazard. I feel comfortable with them working there, but we just typically it's a default. It helps us to kind of have them do that first. When we have done that in the past, we actually have staff out there on site talking with the contractor from Pen working through the tree as they do.

Thank you. That's it.

Yes. Thank you. Sorry, I'm breaking the sound. I have a number of questions uh for staff. Um we're looking at this tree. Um you mentioned that there are concerns about its structure. Um questions about its health. You said it could be in poor to mix condition. So I have a few questions around that. How risky is this tree in terms of uh limb failure? especially the ones over the street or that might go over the new house like how how bad is this?

Sure. So, within our industry, we have a tree risk assessment formula um that we use. In this case, we did not use that formula. So, I don't have a hard answer for you, but just as a quick evaluation off of this, I would put it at probably a high risk. Okay? What we have is limited um moderate, high and extreme that those are typically so it would be high but not extreme. Typically on the extreme because it's a balance as well. That risk assessment also takes into consideration not just the tree itself but any potential targets. And so ultimately that's where we go with this one is that not so much targets um a little bit over the street because it's a fairly significant parking on that street because of the library and some of the other activity in downtown. There's frequently cars that are parked underneath that. If you look at the street views, almost every one of them has cars there. Um and so that's one of the targets we would look at. The other target at least for well other two would be sidewalk. We don't see that one as as high of a risk because the structure of the tree, the issue is more further out from the tree itself. But then as well once that new home was constructed, the branches as they existed previously would have presented a opportunity to strike that home or otherwise which would have increased that risk break.

Thank you. And in terms of the health tree, is there um evidence of disease or infestation or anything else that makes you rate it potentially poor?

Um absolutely. Um, sycamores in general do have um, disease issues, anthrachnos, leaf, pest, leaf scale, um, etc. So, they have all of those. This is one of our I'll say non-cultivar trees. This is the standard um, London plane. Um, that ultimately in that case um, it is susceptible. Powdery mildew, anthrachnos, leaf scale. Um, I'm sure there's a couple of other ones that I could probably list, but yes, um, they were present. I would simply say those are not always fatal issues. They do create stress. They do create other issues. Um, but typically they will not kill the tree. So with that said, um what do you think of the potential longevity of three eggs given there's a lot of unknowns but

sure

is it towards the end of its life. Is it potentially in the middle of its life?

I'm not precisely sure on when it was planted.

Um and so it's always very subjective to kind of say that. Um, I'll answer that by saying that I do feel the tree would be around maybe not thriving but surviving likely for another 10 to 15 years. I think that is fair.

And one more question for you. Um, I know we last week we talked about our concern about the overall canopy on Franklin given the trees cross on the

at the library.

Would the creek burrle be the best choice of tree to provide enough canopy.

It it in terms of canopy, it's going to be very similar to anything else we would recommend. I would simply say we are not as big of a fan. While it is only 5% as the property owner presented, we still we like to keep those numbers as low as possible and there are a lot of crepe myrtles. Um the other concern with crate myrtles in general is there is a pest glassywing sharpshooter. Um I don't know if you guys watch the news much about Costco lately. Costco brought in a bunch of vines that were infested with this pest and they are scrambling to find them and get them back out because very very dangerous to our wine industry. They carry Pierce's disease and can absolutely devastate an entire vineyard very very quickly with the fungus that they carry. So crank myrtles would be typically avoided but we would try and find something similar that the property owner would be supportive of.

And then I just have one more question and this is for the applicant. Um, I know the report talked about the potential for redesigning the driveway, moving it, maybe shaping it, curving it. Um, I'm curious if you have estimates on the cost of doing that and also how much delay it would cost for overall projects if you had to change the shape of the driveway.

Yeah, we did consider flipping it. Unfortunately, um I think her older that would have sent us back half a year and some of it um since it's a they already kind of fabricated some of it

and so they would have had to scrap that. Um, and also I believe public works since all the driveways on that on the Franklin are on the left. They didn't necessarily want for those reasons.

Thank you.

Yes. A couple of questions. Um ju just looking at at the structure of the tree. to the house statement or question.

Uh statement and you say yes or no.

So yeah, absolutely. Um pruning is an option to mitigate some of the risk that it is presented to the home. I would simply say anytime we take a large canopy tree and we try and maintain it smaller, it doubles or triples our maintenance cost because the frequency in the tree response and and and

then just just following up on what Commissioner Davis said about

what is the difference with Sure. So, ultimately it was really kind of that combination of factors. Um, you know, health and structure were part of the consideration. Obviously, the driveway construction and so forth were also something that we consider. Doesn't have to be done that way and we fully recognize that. But that's where we kind of went, well, the health and structure is bad. They're trying to get this driveway into their home so that it makes it, I'll say, less intrusive to their drive path or otherwise. And then as well, just the overall structure because this one again, if we look at the picture here, you guys can't I guess you can see my mouth when it's not in presenter, but you can see that it was previously headed right here. This is an old cut. There were also old cuts that were made over here, here, and here that ultimately those create structural weaknesses. Any branch that grows from that point out is going to be weakened. And so those were I'll say the kind of cumulative effects is that the health wasn't necessarily the best. It was good to fare and then ultimately the structure was an issue because of the driveway construction or otherwise. We just felt this one was kind of rising to that level of is it contributing much to the forest given we're going to have to keep it headed back down to keep it under the lines off of the house etc. Is it really going to do that? And so that was the other criteria where good forest practices is kind of where we relied on that as well. But it just made more sense in this case to go ahead and allow for removal. Um, another question I'm not sure about that is highly desirable for So what you're referring to is then if we did enlarge the driveway to the 18 foot plus that's going to take one additional parking space away from the community in terms of that we did not consider that. No is the only thing I can tell you.

Absolutely. Yes. By by taking another nine feet or so, it is going to change the parking layout where you may lose a parking spot.

So, I submitted a lot of questions. All right. I just I I want to drill down on the driveway.

Okay.

Could you put up the slide?

That one

the driveway just because

or that one

at least on my computer is a little bit blurred. So, can you show me where the new driveway would be under the plan and where the pad for the second part? Oops. Sorry. And so in this case, what we have currently is these two yellow lines at the bottom is the existing apron or driveway approach that goes across the park strip. Right.

And so then if you follow this yellow line here straight up, that is basically the existing driveway as it sits now.

And so what they're looking to do is shift it further over to where they get some additional space, not just the limited eight or nine feet here where they get the full 18 feet out of that driveway. And then we would have this other apron kind of installed right here at this red line. Does that answer your question?

Yeah. So, so the the left side wouldn't be changing at all.

Correct. That's the property line.

So, that would still the ramp that's there is still could still be there, but it would be a bigger it become wider or something like that.

Correct. As it's been presented to date. Yes. So car in theory would try to see where the garage is the one garage.

It would end right about here at the we're between set back and line that that's going to be the approximate location of the garage.

Okay. So the second car would park where allow the first car.

Correct. that that was part of the challenge is that ultimately if you have one car parked in the driveway that garage becomes inaccessible. So it would be a shuffling situation. You would either have to be in the garage first and then park in the driveway or shuffle cars to be able to accommodate it because it doesn't as it existing now you would have to shift a little bit to get into the garage.

Is that still the case? I mean where would under the new I'm looking at old red lines. Where would the new car where would the second to get through

side by side 18 feet across. That's that gives you nine feet each for both parking spots,

right? I just

into the garage.

Yeah.

Yeah. Again, I think that one maybe this is the better drawing. And let me kind of zoom back out a little bit that this one's the better kind of drawing where you can see if you have a car parked that goes halfway across the driveway, it's blocking at least one of those panels. This set of panels would ultimately be blocked by that car that's parked here. If you parked it here, it would be a similar situation because it's a very short distance from that edge of garage to where the sidewalk is. There's not a lot, you know, it's not a 50 foot driveway where you can pull in, go around the car, and then come back.

It literally you're just right there.

How's it different?

Use that picture. I mean, if the driveway extends where black circle is, how is you're still going to have to

ultimately the car that parks Well, true. Perhaps in terms of the garage, you're absolutely correct. There is still some alignment issue there, but it does allow them to park two cars in the driveway where next to the library, otherwise where parking is somewhat limited, it accommodates them putting two cars there. I mean, you know, one of the questions was just whether um whether there was an alternate potentially an alternate driveway layout that could maintain the existing driveway added adjacent concrete area second thereby designing around the tree and the response was there is or was a second driveway design that was considered. So, I mean, I guess can you tell me what that other one was that was considered? I mean, was it just this?

Sure.

So, the the biggest difference that you're going to see that we considered was the swapping of the driveway from that left side to the right side that to accommodate it even on the leftand side. You're absolutely correct. It's still not a perfect scenario because any car that kind of parks where my cursor or that yellow or orange arrow is is still going to create a little bit of an obstruction for somebody coming into the driveway. And so that was the reason kind of widening that driveway allowed both cars to pull in and at least park in the driveway without obstructions or otherwise having to shuffle.

All right. Any other

I was just wondering there was a garage

there is a garage door.

Yes. Correct. Yeah. That if we go back to this photograph and then I'll zoom back in for you here

with a onecar garage.

Correct. Correct.

So we're basically trying

ultimately yes. It would be one in the garage, two in the driveway. It could be potential to hold three cars. Yes.

So I have a question might be familiar with the don't know what that is. UC Berkeley's Brow Plaza they sycamores are cut down to these nubs every year. It's actually a technique. So is that something we can do with a mature tree or do you need to start with it small?

It is better to do when they are younger but no you absolutely you absolutely could start that with an older tree. The issue is is that when you polard those they tend to grow very very fast. Um bub uh park we have an area that's in that park where we have polararded those. We let them go a maximum of two years um between polardings that we're trying to do and they literally grow 40 to 50 feet if we do them any longer.

Correct. Yeah. Very narrow branches, very tall upright.

Yes. Correct. And that's where we went with the doubling and tripping of costs.

Sure.

All right. Any other questions before we go through our second rounding pondering questions. Any any other questions?

All right. Uh we'll now open it for public comments. And is there anyone in the room? If you are, if you could fill out a blue card. Uh, and if there's anyone in line, use the raise hand feature. See Mr. Make his way to

My name is Bill Lambert. I'm speaking as a homeowner and a resident of Mountain View. Um I have to say what I have to say is very short. Just go to the next slide. I won't use this one. Work this over. Um I am uh supporting the staff position and I want to say also that I'm good friends with Michael Howlet and Rob Lynn. Um so to me this is a very simple case. Uh the uh uh there's criteria in the heritage tree ordinance uh for that must be met to remove a heritage tree and not all four of them need to be met but it's a balancing act as you've uh heard. Uh this is a rare case where the staff has found that all four criteria are met here for removal of a heritage tree. We have the condition. Uh we have the necessity of uh of uh uh um improvements which is uh in construction. Um the poor form of the uh of the tree and uh forestry practices addressing the high voltage lines. Um and what we have here from the appel uh the appellant Mr. Lee what he has argued is really that heritage trees form a very important natural resource for our community and he's absolutely right about that and that's exactly what the heritage tree ordinance recognizes and addresses. As you know the threshold for moving a heritage tree is very very high. It's very rarely that purse removing a heritage tree. So this is not um you know I don't think that the staff is being remiss in um in you know exercising their their analysis. But I also would say too that the appellant really has not provided any facts, has not provided any expert uh uh analysis to counter the arguments made by the city staff and I think that really is required. Um I also want to uh mention something about uh uh Robin Lynn's presentation where she really emphasized how much you supports her tree. Um you you should you should be reminded that Robin and I worked together with Friends of Mountain View Park and that organization was really responsible for uh keeping um the Monaloma field open and preventing the Mountain View Wisman School District from completely fencing that thing off. So recognizing the value of the parks, the canopy, um and the environment in Mountain View, you know, Robin has worked hard in supporting. So really that's all I have to say and I I would request that uh permission the uh appellants uh to uh um reverse the uh decision of the city staff. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else in the room wishing to provide public comment on this? Is there anyone in the line?

We do. We have a mayor screen here.

Hello everyone. Um first of all I want to thank everyone for the time today. I am the builder for Robin and also representing the architectural side. Um the staff had really valid questions and I just wanted to point some fact around them. Anything in the design that we offered and we tried to change and find different solutions during the process had to be coordinated between the different departments of the city. If it's public works, if it's the arborist, if it's planning department and also building department and all the solution that we were able to receive and which was presented today, it's the best solution was after following all the building codes all across um to one of the questions um that I heard is if we can expand the concrete path in a different way and that's following under an issue with the planning department because you have a ratio that need to be applied between heartscaping and landscaping. and the location of the driveway have to be following based on the public works requirements. So we have done our best to find the best solution for this house and the community and of course offering a replacement for the tree. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Greenberg.

Anyone else online?

All right. Uh we'll now close public comment and bring it back to the staff for up to two minutes for any final words.

Sure. You know staff really doesn't have any additional comments. Um it truly for us just came down to the cumulative kind of criterias when we saw so many criteria were being met that this was an opportunity to replace a tree that could present problems, challenges or otherwise with something that's better suited, perhaps accommodate two new replants along that park strip um as it sits currently um with the other tree. You're going to have competing canopies. even though we may put a smaller tree back in that park strip, it's still going to be competing with that sycamore kind of a thing. And so it just ultimately we had a lot of different factors that we were looking at and we just felt that this was a good forestry practice to replace a tree that could be problematic with something better.

Thank you. Okay, now we flipped the order from the first time through and we'll go to our applicant Lynn for up to two minutes if you have anything else. I just wanted to thank you all again for and Russell and Matt for for shephering us through it. It was uh I know there was a lot of shephering just and thank you for your great questions trying to decision.

Thank you. Okay, we'll now move to the Mr. Lee. You have an extra two minutes if you would like. That's a difficult decision. Okay. However, I I feel still feel that it's easy for people to deal with a clean canvas and so they could bring in new ideas. How we are dealing with a canvas which is existing as it's existing tree existing organism. The other thing is London tree street trees are quite resilient to pruning and I I believe that there lifespan some of these have been 200 years and so that in any kind of a treatment of a London plain tree and I believe some have been survived severe pruning and trained in a heart situation and with that I leave it to you to make the decision. And uh I hope that you do well. Thank you.

Thank you. All right. Uh we'll now there's definitely a lot to unpack in this in this uh in this this item. Um and I'll as promised um now I'll go back to urban forest board deliberations and that's okay.

Sure. Um, so, um, I walk down this block five at least a couple times a week, and I had actually never realized as I walked down the the block and enjoyed the shade that the trees had taught that that they were only so tall and no taller. I truly never realized it until I went and looked at it from a distance because the pedestrian experience on that block is wonderful. There was plant strip, there was shade. Um, and uh, this is what we want in terms of the kind of pedestrian space where we can walk pleasantly and in shade. And and no amount of prick myrtles is going to give us that kind of canopy. And no prick myrtle is a heritage tree. it it's just not that kind of tree. I have two of them myself. Um, so this is very difficult because the house is there and a few months ago we had a similar situation on Questa Avenue where there was also a a pre-planned previously approved house where a we were asked to approve a tree being taken out. It was a driveway. absolutely had to be there. But the house was hadn't been built yet and we said no. And the house was built and the tree is thriving and there we go. And now we're presented with a the house is there. Uh and you know I I also asked a lot of questions and my questions must have been very similar to yours because the answers that you received answered my questions. Uh to me it seems like that tree was condemned before it could come to the PRC for asking for help. Um there is also for me if this is true there is basically a taking of public space. There is a taking of shade and now there is also taking of a parking spot which doesn't belong to the homes. Uh and that's a parking spot in front of the library and it's shaded. So this this is basically a taking from the public. Uh, also all the trees along that block, it's the same kind of tree. I'm sure they're all more or less the same age. They must all have been planted more or less at the same time. They're all pruned in a similar way. And although one of the commissioners asked asked uh the attorney last week about whether our decisions created a precedent and he said, "No, every case by itself." Nevertheless, when we talk, we frequently say,"Well, last year we decided so, so we should be consistent." And to me, saying, "Yes, this tree is not in the right place, so let's take it out." Is basically saying to all the homeowners both along that street and in many other places in town where you have old trees, "Yes, go ahead. This tree shouldn't be here. Let's just put in a lot of great myrtles and the canopy will not happen because the power lines are more important, our parking spaces are more important, our driveways are more important. So, I have very serious problems with this. Uh, and I was very interested in hearing what my fellow commissioners think about this and where where you land on it because this to me it's really critical that it's it's a whole blog and that's only the first step because there's lots of other blocks that are simple. Um so I I will have more things to say later but I I wanted to start there.

Um well first of all I want to thank um the passion that that both parties have shown for trees and for heritage trees and their role and their value in our society. Uh it all it always makes this decision so hard when everyone cares so much. Um, I am leaning towards supporting the staff recommendation to deny the appeal. Um, there are a lot of challenges in this discussion, but I really think that this tree, especially given that it's high risk for failure, uh, and damaging cars parked that are going to the library or other people who live in the neighborhood or potentially falling on a person. I take that very seriously. I also think the tree is probably as we look at it overall is end is nearing the end of its life. Um, and it would be good to start with a new tree that could become a a heritage tree in the future. Um, unfortunately I I do not like the idea of having a great myrtle there. I don't think that's a great choice in terms of a future heritage tree, but that is something I think we could work on. So that's where I'm landing here. Commissioner Davis, first of all, just say I appreciate the step. I know you guys have to balance a whole set of issues and are doing everything you can individual residents of the community and as much as I antagonize you. I know it's hard and appreciate the homeowner for the work that you've done in Mountain View. And uh I completely agree that you know this that you wouldn't put that tree you wouldn't approve that tree under um it's not the ideal um but the tree has been there for 60 years and for all the reasons that Mr. what I have stated. I think it does sort of I think I don't know maybe misreading it but I think a lot of what I saw in the staff report was okay how do we accommodate this problem to me the as I said the thing that really gets my PG& I think PG& should pay it's redone list but Um because I think had it not been for that action other designs could have occurred flip the driveway the other side. Um, but at the moment I decided I'd like to see if rethink how we uh I I think the city code requires a 9 foot highway. Anything above that is advantageous but again it's at the expense of community parking a little bit. exactly know whether it's a full parking space or half a parking space but yeah at the moment I would lean towards this be an interesting one Um, it always feels very uh we're always so very particular and and almost precious talking about a a one tree for an hour and you know and then I then I remember that our heritage tree ordinance is asking us to think this hard about every tree we remove and I also believe that it's important for the appellent to get through process. And so, while it may seem like we're nitpicking, I think that's what we're we're um there's a lot a lot here that uh you know, it's troublesome. Um I feel like the tree removal permit having been delayed to the very end till after building permit issuance until after construction is always has already started. Um that that's not how this process should work. The the horse left the barn there. Anything that we could have done to save the tree, those options are gone. And that's not how it's supposed to be. I think some of that has happened because there was not the same level of planning review given that the state approved that building. It wasn't as much staff discretion there or maybe there was none. I I you know haven't dug into that issue. Um but I I I personally think that the the forestry board has has no discretion here. I think that um removal It's a done deal. Um there is no question that this tree serves the community purpose. I completely think that it does. And I also agree with some of the other commissioners observations that you know there's similar situations just a couple of houses down where this this same tree species has the be pruning but the difference is they're not building a home. And uh this tree because of what pruning was needed in order for the crane has now got a very inferior form. And so I do think this is an appropriate situation to hit reset, move the tree and plant something that belongs under those power lines. Um there there's so many situations where a large tree was standard under a power line in Mountain View and those trees have to be in order to um you know allow for the functioning utility and we should be planting species under there that that don't require mutilation. And you know, yeah, you could continue to prune this, but for in my mind, it's better to have a situation where your your maintenance is reduced so we aren't spending all our money pruning the these silly trees. So, I think I'm going to support the um deny the appeal and um support staff's decision. That's I'm doing that reluctantly. But I think in this case the combination of factors which um include the poor form nature of the improvement and um the other factors discussed in the that report that that leads me to support the denial of the

right. Um, so I guess that brings it to me. Um, you know, I I've looked at this a couple different times. You know, it's a it's a fairly mature London plane tree that seems generally healthy. Um, I think it would be a beautiful tree if the main central limb hadn't been topped off at a fairly low height. Um, but unfortunately it has been. Um I the exaggerated E-shapes probably not a great structure long term. Um you know I was going to comment on on you know the arborist protection plans didn't account for brain mobility. Um but now it actually sounds like maybe cutting those limbs actually might have been good for the tree. Um anyway, I just I think it's sad that this tree has been topped off the way it was. You know, other similar trees on the block and and I really tried to look at them seem to have had less aggressive pruning which let them develop more completely while still avoiding the PG& wire. Um, you know, it's certainly possible this tree was growing in a different way than the others at the time of the topping and it didn't have other pruning options. Uh, we don't know. But I I you know, you got to get fine on this, but I I don't see all those trees as being the same. and they're they're all a little bit different and I I think each one would be a different um situation. Although I did consider the whole precedent precedent thing. Um, I do sympathize with wanting a driveway space for a second car because the sort of the opposite of this is that being across the street from a public library probably makes on street parking difficult for the owner or if the owner is having anybody come come visit them. I'm not, as I sort of harped on it, I'm not entirely swayed by the necess necessity of relocating the driveway. I think that if this were a magnificent tree, there would probably be a way to build onto the existing driveway to allow path for a second car. But that alternate option um is far less preferable for the owner who's now pretty far along in their development plans. So for me, the driveway argument isn't totally compelling in itself, but as with the um staff report, it's an element in this whole thing. Um, so for me, you know, again, a lot of this comes down to bits and pieces of different things. Um, you know, when I look at the straight of the the state of the tree, you unfortunately it's in a poor location and it's a victim of its pruning history. Um, it just seems like and it's it's it's a nice tree. Um, but again, it may be getting towards the end of its life. when you have extended weight on some of those ve branches, it I don't know how that how that would be. Um it just seems like this might be a situation where we're better served by replacement trees that could be located where they could flourish or it could be a different species of tree um planted under the fire. Um, so I will probably be leaning towards denying the appeal and upholding the staff decision to approve removal. Um, but I wanted to make a couple of extra other comments. Um, first I absolutely want to thank Mr. Lee um for his concerns and the points he made about wanting to save this tree. I think in the meetings in the, you know, seven plus years that I've been on the commission, um, I'd estimate that 90% or more of the time, this commission leans on the side of preserving heritage trees for a lot of the same reasons that that he made in his appeal. Um, this one to me just has a lot of things going against it. Um, but I I don't know how the final decision will go for sure, but thank you for caring and for taking the time um to speak on behalf of of a Heritage Tree. Um, and I'll probably maybe echo a little bit of what Commissioner Summer said. You know, I don't feel great about many of the events that transpired along the way to getting where we are. um you know the retraction of the removal application to facilitate building approvals um significant limbs needed to be cut um in order for the crane to move materials um you know that the PG& removing a nice tree well who know I don't know whether it was nice or gone because wasn't there for me to look at um you know and to me the the driveway plants seem to say almost got a gentle nod um before the tree decision was final. It just I think you said pre-ordained and I I just think that um you know um in a lot of ways it felt like it was going to be a foregone conclusion that this tree would be removed. So anyway, those are those are my thoughts. Um it's a difficult one. all these ones are difficult and we we have to try to look at them case by case. Um so that's where

so having started I'd like to uh take my my turn now. Um, in this case, the way I look at it, I we've all said that the process was really bad. The the PG& is just another obviously thing that should not have happened. Uh, the the wink and the nod of yes, go ahead. of course will you'll be able to take out the tree is is it's difficult not to believe that that must have happened. It's very sad that the applicant in the middle of a building process of homeowner, I don't know if you were the applicant, the appellant, whatever, but you should not have had to wait so long that once the process starts, it should continue smoothly. Absolutely. Uh on the other hand, saying, well, we'll think about the tree later on, but of course, it will have to come out is kind of asking the trouble. So I think the city the process should have been improved upon rather than saying oh just continue with it will be fine. That that's really problematic. Um we're supposed to look at these issue tree by tree but I can't look at this tree by tree in this case. This is not tree by tree. This is block by block of any number of four blocks to say a tree that will thrive or a tree that will be able to grow into a heritage tree in that location. A new tree will never be more than a tiny little tree that will not really as far as biodiversity. critters that it will support the birds, the butterflies, it won't support anything. Create merch. What it will be is a tree because the city said we need to put a tree in. So, let's not talk about thriving trees or biodiversity or canopy. That will not support anything. As we widen the driveway, I assume instead of two trees, there'll be one tree. another loss for the community as we say, well, it's too big a tree. It shouldn't be under the power lines. One option is to underground the power lines. When we have new buildings coming in, new blocks being developed, the power lines aren't up in the sky. They're underground. And then the community can have the blessing of a liveable environment of of canopy of shade of of of mitigation.

If if we agree on this then on any of our straits where there are old trees, we're saying take out the old trees. They really shouldn't plant it here. Plant the gravel. It'll be that I mean they bloom very brutally when they're not covered in mold which they frequently are. Um, so I don't think I can support this, but but I ask the commissioners who if you vote for it, look at the conditions that you agree with. And if you're saying yes, this tree shouldn't be under the power lines and it has been pruned to be away from the power lines and therefore its structure is poor and good forestry conditions required to be taken out because it won't have room to thrive. You're basically saying take out trees on the old trees and you're taking away canopy. So be careful about what you're proving. Okay. If if and I was trying to decide how how would I vote on this, it seemed to me though I don't think I'm going to vote for it. It seemed to me that the only thing I could agree about with what staff has been saying is they want to put in a driveway so if they got the tree. So that's the condition of adding improvements. That's the only one that I would have felt in any way comfortably voting for. And then as I believe said what's more important the old tree or winding drive you know in new developments the standard parking you park one car after the other and although it's not always the most convenient thing though it's really inconvenient that's what new developments have. Um, so that's for the members of thinking supporting this to think about, but you can you can if you want to vote for it needs to be taken out of the driveway, but I would ask you not to drive. Yes, it's under power. Let's take it out. Any other commissioner comments or if not um I 100% agree that the process was broken here and I hope we don't um regarding undergrounding. There is a P gen undergrounding fund that I think the rate payers pay into and it accumulates up and then they can underground blocks. But it's in a community like Mountain View, it's always completely over subscribed. It'll be 50 to 200 years before these residential neighborhoods get underground. So that that is a uh you know wouldn't it be wonderful kind of thing but it really only is happening in new development wholesale subdivisions. Uh this is this situation is the exact reason that I remember 18 months or two years ago I asked that we do some case studies in the urban biodiversity and forest plan to so that we could start to confront the tradeoffs in these types of issues. Um, in my mind, a large tree doesn't belong on the side of the street that has a power line. You need to do them on the other side. And yeah, okay, we're dealing with an existing condition. But here we have an applicant coming along uh building their dream home as they're allowed to do. And um reality is the power lines are there and we have to figure out how to accommodate development. I don't think it's this is that different than the subdivision plans that we never see that are all decisions made by the community development department where they remove every single tree on a 20 acre property to build a large apartment building. this is not that different. And that happens all the time. And I hate it. I hate it that there's such a big difference between how we decide things and how they decide things even though we're all looking at the same ordinance. But ultimately, I think it comes down to, you know, what's reasonable and what, you know, where we should be spending our money. So in my mind with this situation, the um with the construction of the driveway and then the realization that the power lines are in fact actually there and it's one lot um big tree, especially one that is mutilated beyond recognition. Um in this case, I do support fellow commission and I guess that's why we have people on the commission I reject the the foregone conclusion has been you know a travesty of bad decisions power lines but you know what Franklin Street is ripe for um a lot of redevelopment and every single house on has already been rebuilt there to pull the same thing as build a house and take out the tree. U there's a there's a lot of unfortunate aspects to this, but Commissioner Bryant on this that you know our I'm here to preserve the trees even when there are circumstances that that are less desirable. I think I think we're taking the tree out to I think a modification to the driveway and even that sounds like it's not an ideal situation. So, um I I think I the the votes already cast as far as I can tell, but I will I'll be around those supporting staff. Any other comments from commissioners?

Um for me, it's not about removing the tree to make room for the driveway. I think the tree is in worse structure for golf and presents risk. Um it is pretty clear that moving the driveway that you said that or seems to be out of the barn at this point. So I didn't hear any compelling ways to move that driveway um or or make a parking pad somewhere else that would work. Um so my vote to go along with staff recommendation is based almost exclusively on the health of the tree. um and not about trying to create a driver um and not my concern is also not about it being under the power lines per se. It's how this tree exists right now.

I disagree with the health of the tree issue. I disagree. There's a thousand trees in Mount that exact form under power lines and deal with it. U tree 60 years old. Uh I think it's got much more than a decade left to live. I I uh my my judgment is the health of is it most beautiful form? No. But that's because it's been closed.

So we'll agree to this degree.

But let me add that when you walk along Franklin and you walk tree, you don't see the structure. You feel the canopy protecting you. Uh it's not about the structure of the tree. As far as I could I can see taking it out. It's completely about the driveway. But you know, we each make our own.

So I I don't have a whole lot to add. I guess I want to clarify that when I said foregone conclusion or whatever, it wasn't foregone for me. I would have been totally willing. I mean, it didn't matter.

I mean, no, I mean, no, I'm saying it it might have been a foregone conclusion in some people's mind, but I would have been completely willing to go against this foregone conclusion. Um, this was a this was a hard one, David. And uh, and for me it's the it's the combination of of game. It's it's a combination of multiple criteria um, bits and pieces on on each one. And uh I I don't have more to I don't know if there's more comments or if somebody wants to make a motion.

I'm ready to make a motion, but there's comments. I don't want to cut anybody off.

Regret. I move that we adopt a resolution of the urban forestry board of the city of Mountain View to deny the appeal uphold staff's decision and approve the removal of one heritage tree at 560 Franklin Street be read in title only further further reading waved that one to the memorandum resolution

motion by commissioner summer is there a second

I'll second with I guess regarding as well.

A motion and a second. Is there any further discussion before we have a vote?

Commissioner Bryant,

no.

Commissioner Davis,

no.

Sylvester,

yes.

Summer,

yes.

And

yes.

All right. Think of a time. for the time when that concludes that one. I

I thank everyone who uh spoke on this and uh I think a lot of people are passionate and um their views on this is a difficult difficult difficult one. All right, enjoy your new house. Are we ready to move on to the next one or should we take Did you want to take a break?

I'd like to take a

Let's take a brief break. Also, what time do you have?

We can come back at 7. That'll give us about five six minutes.

Okay. So, I have about It's about 7:42 or 7:43 now. We'll reconvene at 7:50. So, seven minutes. help people know all are we on being recorded or

you are good for So yes, video is active All right. There's no

I know. Actually, let's

looks like we have everybody back. Allison, are we good by the way?

All right. Uh, we're going to reconvene and we have item 5.2, uh, the heritage tree removal application appeal from 2714 Preston Drive. And um I'm going to start by just to have a clean uh ape of everything. I'm going to reintroduce our two attorneys. I think everybody was here the first time, but um assistant city attorney Franchesca Serrano will be representing city staff and senior assistant city attorney Dave Wilggas will be representing the urban forestry board. Uh the process on this one is a little bit different just because it's slightly different. Um so the uh order on this is staff will have uh will make their presentation. The appellant will then have 10 minutes. Uh the urban forestry board will then have questions. Uh we'll open it for public comment. Staff will have two more minutes. The appellant will have two more minutes. And then it'll come back PRC. Um, the players on this one, I have the owner, Norm Steinberg. Uh, I have the applicant, Ty Williams, who was probably acting on behalf of the owner, and the appellent is Richard Steinberg. So um for the purposes of this Richard Steinberg will be the person who uh will have the time but he is he can um allocate time to any to any of the others who might

yeah I'll be speaking to family.

Okay.

Um so with that I will turn it to forestry manager Russell Hansen.

Excellent. All right. So, again, we're here this evening to talk about uh tree appeal hearing for 2714 Preston Drive. in the overview that we have here to the left. Um, I just want to clarify, there was some confusion in the staff memo that you guys had received. And so I just want to clarify when we're talking about the trees here, there was one pine tree located very close to the side fence at the top of the picture and then another tree just adjacent to that to the left of that. The numbers one and two got reversed, but in terms of the presentation, we're trying to clarify that. So, the tree that is listed in yellow that we are here for the appeal is actually labeled tree number one on the application. Tree number two was the one closer to the street that had half dead. Um, one of the main leaders was dead. That one would be identified as tree two in this. And so, we're considering tree number one. We'll go there. If there's confusion or otherwise, please let me know. We can do what we can to clarify that to make sure everybody's on the same page. But ultimately, so tree number one is the tree to the left. Um, as you can see in this photograph, the tree is a pinus radiata, otherwise known as a moderate pine. It has an approximate diameter of 38 in. It's in pretty good health and ultimately the structure is fair on the tree itself. Um on the application that we received for this tree, the property owner checked the boxes um that the tree is dead and that removal for was necessary to construct improvements. Um unfortunately that second box was checked in error. So it really is just related to the health of the tree and the tarpentine beetles and the potential that this tree is going to die. So, as we look at the trees individually, tree number one, again, the one under consideration here. Um, you can see on the left a little bit better angle, a little bit better color on the tree itself. So, you can see that it's fairly healthy. Um, the closeup to the right that we're looking at is evidence of red tarpentine beetle being present on the tree. However, we felt that the number of strikes or otherwise were still fairly low that the tree could potentially be saved, could be treated to reduce the potential future infestations or the accelerated, I'll call it decline of the tree. Um there's also at the bottom of that tree significant amount of surface roots that are there. Um it does prohibit use of that turf a little bit. Um there are some tarpentine beetle strikes on those roots but again our feeling is that they were far more limited than on the other tree that that is something that could potentially be treated or otherwise to allow for preservation of that tree. When I talk about tree number two as it should have been presented this is the tree closer to the fence line or that exterior street. You can see on this one far more dieback in that one entire leader of the tree leaving just the other one. And then if you look at the photograph on the right, we had multiple strikes on that one. I'm going to say probably close to a couple dozen strikes that we were easily able to identify. Once we start to reach infestation levels like that, there really isn't much we can do. There's a lot of activity that's occurring inside of the tree that we cannot see. And basically what this insect does is it creates what we call galleries or tunnels inside of the tree, inside of the wood, similar to termite damage or otherwise where they literally carve out sections. They live in those tunnels. Ultimately what they truly do is they strangle the tree because they attack that cambial layer that not directly responsible for the moving of water. That's the xyllem and the phum. Um but ultimately it impacts the flow of water or otherwise through the tree so that it leads to their decline. And so in this case we agreed tree number two was far enough gone. It had far enough strikes etc. We allowed for removal of that one but on tree number one he denied it that ultimately in this case that a second so I can read them well enough. Staff's evaluation of tree number one did not find that the condition of the tree required its removal as health and structure are good and there is no evidence of nuisance damage or interference that cannot be addressed through corrective pruning or other means. To that extent we're talking chemical treatment to prevent future infestations or at least significantly reduce them. Um second criteria that we were talking about staff's evaluation of the tree did not find the tree needed or the tree removal of the heritage find that removal of the heritage tree. Let me slow down and start over. Staff's evaluation of tree number one did not find that removal of the heritage tree was necessary in order to construct improvements as there were no improvements in proposed and the applicant acknowledged that this check box this box was checked in error. In terms of criteria number three, staff's evaluation of tree number one found that the tree and structure are good, health of the tree and structure are good and that the tree provides significant value and benefit to the neighborhood. And then lastly, staff's evaluation of the tree did not find that the tree should be removed to good forestry practices as no facts support this criteria were provided. And so again, our general feeling to kind of summarize all of that is that while we do agree there is beetle activity on the tree and that there is potential for this tree to decline and die, we also felt that the tech attacks were fresh enough that if that other tree were removed in a timely manner, that would remove some of the beetles that were in the area and hopefully reduce the likelihood of infestation. We also feel like there are applications of chemicals or otherwise um that can be applied to the tree that if beetles do decide to attack the tree or otherwise that it would prevent them from doing that because it would ultimately kill those bugs that were trying to attack the tree. So that's what I have for you this evening on this one.

Thank you. Uh we'll now move on to the appellant Richard Steinberg. up to 10 minutes and you can allocate any money you think.

Appreciate that. Um I'm Norm Steinberg. I'm um the son of Steinberg, my dad and wife Marty over there. So anyways, uh and my brother's on the line as well. Um so first we want to thank you and express our appreciation to the urban forestry board for hearing our heritage tree appeal. I'd like to begin with a brief background. quest of providing the best quality of life for their children. Our parents, Richard and Harriet, moved to Mountain View in 1971, buying a house at 2714 Preston Drive that has been our home for 55 years in counting. Growing up at 2714 wasn't only great because of the friends we made and continue to keep, but also notably watching a mini forest develop before our eyes, including three redwoods that continue to stand tall today. With our parents originally coming to California from New York, having several trees in the yard was gratifying as we still recall our dad comparing the climate and scenery of Mountain View to the uncomfortable humidity and concrete dominated landscape prevalent from where they grew up. Not surprisingly, not surprisingly then, we were exposed to nature, particularly the Sierras, at a young age. And it was not by accident that when I first became eligible, I purchased a lifetime senior pass to the national parks. I mention all this to let the board know that our family do not view the outdoors and in this case trees as something to be taken for granted. Rather, we appreciate its beauty, its purpose, and what they provide. In the many decades residing on Preston Drive, the family have been outstanding and responsible stewards, providing regular maintenance services to the trees on our property. We don't come here to make an appeal haphazardly or based on lack of respect or convenience. Quite the contrary, our appeal to remove the pine in question along with its closely neighboring pine which has been approved to come down is about acting in a safe, responsible, practical manner. How did we get here today? Last year we noticed two pines not look healthy and upon more observation became very concerned. The trees are not only close proximity to our home, but also the homes behind and to one side of us. Should this tree fall, the structure hit would not only cause extreme damage to it, but more importantly could result in death if people are present at the time. Equally, if the tree were to fall to the side where the street and sidewalk sits, pedestrians, including children, will positively be in harm's way, again, likely resulting in death. He contacted a certified arborist, Ty Williams, with urban tree management to examine the health of the trees in question. Mr. Williams inspected the trees in February 2026. As you know, Mr. Williams prepared a letter which was included in our appeal application as well as submitted to you by Mountain View staff in advance of this meeting. The staff's the Mountain View staff's recommendation to deny our appeal is based on city's inspection by arborist Matt Feheiml back in March of this year. Although both trees have beetle infestation, Mr. Feistl said tree one might not be approved. This came as a surprise as just a month earlier arborist said both trees should come down due to pitch canker, a disease leading to tree death. Mr. Feimma went on to say that if we observe changes to the tree in question to contact him and he would come out to the house again. There have been highly noticeable and increasing disease to tree number one since the time Mr. Feimo visited. This strengthens our position. The denial notice refers to tree one as a quote tree without major signs of decline or drought stress that there is minimal evidence of bark beetle attacks on the tree. staff letter states its reasons for their recommendation to deny our appeal. I will go through these reasons now with our response. Mountain View staff notes boring insect holes were identified on two roots. Our response, there are now at least three roots showing bore insect holes. Number two, staff identified evidence of bark beetle frra on both trees. Tree one has significantly less damage with only one section of the lower trunk exhibiting evidence. Our response, there is pitch canker disease and additional crass has been discovered. Three staff notes the pine did not appear to contain any major dieback or dead branches that usually result from a bark beetle attack. Our response is that today shows a noticeable increase of dieback and dead branches. Fourth staff disagree with the claim that removing only tree two will expose tree one to more beetles. If tree two is removed in a timely basis, it will reduce the potential spread of beetles to tree one. Our response is that tree one already has beetles and will get hit uh hard by more beetles and multiply as soon as the first tree gets removed. Just don't believe tree one will make it much longer. and thus it makes sense to remove them both at the same time. And fifth, staff believe that tree one may remain in good condition for several years providing continued benefit to the community. Our response is when Mr. Feist and I spoke in March. It's more like a couple three years. And admitting this is subjective, he told me kindly uh to keep an eye on tree one, especially when the weather gets warm. Although the city's initial inspection reported the pine to be overall healthy with minimal pest and no disease issues identified, this is clearly not the case today and thus makes practical sense to remove both trees at the same time. I recently took pictures of the tree which I'll show now. Um, also included is a photo of the root system as there is concern that roots from both pines could be intertwined or interconnected. Um, a definitive answer cannot be given understandably affecting the stability of tree one once tree two is no longer there. And this is the reason for the denial letter calling for the careful removal of tree number two. Okay, we're ready for Okay, so here's um uh the fir these three p next three first three pictures show a dieback on uh tree number one. So we can go to the next one and the next one. Thanks. And now the next slide um uh just a sample of frra uh that is is now seen. Uh next please. Some more FRA. Uh next please. Okay. So these um so two of these uh root areas is what um where the bore holes were noticed initially. I want to take a picture of all three the same. And now I'll show you how it's it's visible on three areas now. So we go to the next one. There's one. The next one different route. Next one. You can see the bore holes on on that one. So we got at least three that we're aware. Okay. Next please. Okay. Okay. So, now we're going to see SAP and symptoms of um of the canker uh uh the pitch canker disease. Um there's that. Next, please. That please. Next one, please. This is throughout the tree and and I don't I don't believe this was the case when Mr. Bry was there. Um okay. Okay. And then and this is the final slide where I tried to capture the roots to show you that it's a crazy maze. And uh so just we I just don't know um if we're going to be able to do a proper, you know, cutting down of tree number two, what that might do in terms of tree number one. So wanted to point that out. The stability factor is unknown and I don't know how we would be able to assure it would be okay. All right. So that was that concludes my 10 minutes. I guess I went over it looks like.

Still got a minute or two. Still got 10 minutes.

Okay. Well, I'll save my closing remarks for for the end. But but if you have any questions and again I just want to thank you having sat through since I do have a few seconds. Having sat through the first or listened through the the first presentation and deliberations, uh I can I can say firsthand I really appreciate everything folks do. So,

thank you.

All right. Um we'll now up for questions and flip this time.

Sure. I just ask staff to respond to to what you just heard. This is the health of the trees is is not something I can have opinion about. So I depend on staff to tell me if you are the slice that we thought does not present evidence of of like progressive problems that is more than would be expected. what how does that respond?

Sure. So, first and foremost, I I just want to kind of bring up the fact that we're talking about two different pathogens. Um, when we talk about pine pitch canker, that is typically something that is not not as commonly fatal. I'll say um that trees can absolutely live with pitch canker for dozens of years, decades ultimately. Um it really just depends on how healthy they are, the conditions that they're growing in, etc. So absolutely some of some of the photographs they showed that showed that kind of blister or bubble would be what I would consider that pitch canker. That is that that is a sign that that's what we're dealing with ultimately. That is basically a plugging of the vascular system right adjacent to that strike that causes it to ooze out that sap and form that bubble. Um but it typically is very localized and again not problematic unless you get hundreds of strikes across the tree. In the case where we looked at the tree, we did not feel that it was rising that absolutely there are dozens of pitch cankers or otherwise in the tree. Um but just don't feel like it rises to that level that pitch canker is a problem. When we talk about the tarpentine beetle that is a far more aggressive, far more problematic pest or pathogen. um absolutely attacks the tree, gallerizes the tree and creates a problem for the vascular system where it just can't transport water or sugars and starches within the trunk of the tree any longer and so the tree completely collapses in very quick order. Um not unexpected that the tarpentine beetle has seen some additional activity um especially given the warm spring that we had. the beetles um in general this year we find have come out far earlier than typical and so to see them restriking that next tree or otherwise is to be expected. Um again we haven't seen or heard anything that gets us to the point where we feel like it has risen to the point where that tree is going to die in the near future. That's where we went with if we actually get that other tree out, remove some of that pest or otherwise it reduces the likelihood, then we do the chemical applications or otherwise any that are remaining or even the ones that are already in the tree should they reemerge as a part of their normal life cycle to go infest another tree or otherwise they will chew through those chemicals. Those chemicals, it's a trunk application typically um that we use. you can do a systemic um injection on it as well. Ultimately, what ends up happening is the pest chews through that wood that has been treated. It kills the pest. So, it can actually emerge from the tree and fly and infest another tree or come back and get on this tree even in a different location higher up or down lower otherwise. And so, not disputing either of those cases. It's just staff's opinion ultimately that they don't rise to the level just yet. And if we take these proactive steps as soon as possible, there is the potential that we can save that tree for a number of years.

So I so the chemical applications of the tree that is taken out or to the tree

free to be preserved. Sorry. Um and and another question about the stability. If if one trade truly is taken out, does that directly impact the stability of the treatment space?

It will have an impact, but staff does not believe it's going to be a significant impact. If we think about tree roots are not uniform, right? That's the first place I will start. But if we think about them in a somewhat uniform way like we do the upper canopy of a tree, typically it's fairly uniform. It just depends on where it's grown. In this case, not too many obstructions on that ground plane where we feel that it would been prohibited like it would be against a roadway or otherwise where water is not getting into a soil. The tree will adapt by putting more roots in another direction kind of a thing. So in this case, we felt like it was fairly uniform. If you consider that circle of the canopy to be kind of equivalent to the root system of that same tree and you simply take out a tree that is within that circle because we absolutely agree that these roots are going to be intermixed that ultimately that stump is within the root system of the tree that's to be preserved. We don't necessarily have to grind that entire area where all of their roots are for the tree being removed. we can just simply grind the stump and any of the directly adjacent surface roots. So our area becomes much smaller. If you think about the full canopy is 100% you're talking five or 10% of the root system that's going to be impacted. It's going to be impacted. It's going to have an influence especially a tree that's being infested or infected with this pest. We don't have the scientific research behind it 100%. But we are convinced that that these trees when they become stressed or otherwise reduce release pherommones or otherwise that are attractive to these pests. And so by doing that stump grinding there is the potential that that fresh wood chip or otherwise may attract some pests. But that's where we went with that chemical treatment in conjunction with the removal is that would prevent any new pest from arriving and in further infesting the tree that's to be preserved.

Okay. Thank you. Those are questions.

Um, how long will it take if the beetles are not treated for it to become an infestation that may impact the livelihood longevity of the tree?

Very subjective. It's going to be different for every tree. But I will say I have seen trees get infected their very first year die. I have seen that more typically it's three to four years. is a chemical the only way to treat the beetles because it's expensive and it's also toxic.

Absolutely. Um yes, ultimately um one of the chemicals that can be used is less toxic. It is more directed towards the specific insects or otherwise. So not necessarily toxic to humans or otherwise. Um it's based off of the chrysanthemum plant that that is used. They use an extract of that is what we use

like a pythian type

prime prime. Yes, correct. Pythoid is what we also use. Um ultimately the problem with that chemical is we do fear that that is more of a broad spectrum where it will potentially affect bees and other beneficiary in insects that we don't want to impact. And so it's that balance again of using something that's more isolated. The other chemical typically is done as a trunk application bottom 10 ft. Um, and it doesn't get up into the canopy or otherwise. So, it's not as impactful to these other insects or otherwise typically because you don't get a lot of bees that land on the trunks. They're typically up where the flowers or the pollen or other things are. Um, and so yes, um, those are really the only two treatments. There are no um I am not aware of any other beneficial insects or otherwise that are predatory to towards this insect towards this pathogen. Um and then beyond that no mechanical controls or otherwise we you know we can't put metal bands around the tree or anything along those lines to kind of prevent that. They will find a way around that and still attack the tree.

Um and on the canker I know you said it's usually not fatal but should that be treated and is that also a chemical? There is no treatment for the pine pitch canker.

Um, one more question. Are there other species nearby that could also have these beetles or get canker infestation? Anything in the yard or nearby?

Not that I am aware of. Um, and again, this is more of a pine problem. It would not go after redwoods that they also have in the yard. It would not go over most of our broad leaves or otherwise. It's good to know.

Very unique to our pines. They are a pine beetle

and the canker is also a pine.

Yes, pine pitch canker.

Thank you.

Question. I think my question is over answered just to so there's not a concern of spreading to surrounding trees because they're for the most part. Correct. the longer we leave these in here. This insect is not like some of our others. It does have a good flying range, so it can go several miles while it's spreading. So, absolutely, there are other trees that could potentially be impacted, but that goes back to removal as soon as possible and treatment of where we do see it occurring otherwise to prevent it from spreading further.

My questions were answered.

Um,

okay. Um, maybe I have one or two. Um just a question for the applicant. Have you ever treated either of the trees um for any of the disease or anything like that? So like even when you saw the first one progressively getting a tree number

well we just yeah we just noticed it last year and that's when we immediately called an arborist up. Um, yeah.

Um, yeah. I guess the question for you, I mean, if this was your tree, would you would you treat it immediately or Yeah. I mean, if you were to keep it.

Yeah. I it typically when we're reviewing these applications um you know I hard to say this completely but I always look at a tree and go well if this is my tree in my yard what would I be doing with it? Would I be seeking to treat it or would I be seeking to remove it? That that is one of the questions that I ask myself about every single tree. And in this case I likely would make the decision that yeah, we can save it. We can get the other tree taken out, get a replacement, let it grow for a couple years. Then if this one does continue to decline or die, even if they treat or don't treat, you have the ability. You've got one that's already started to regrow, now you can take this one out and replant. Yes, it is going to result in additional cost. The two mobilizations for the contractor, it all comes at a cost. Um, but again, the benefits that the tree provide, we felt were sufficient enough to act on preservation for now.

All right. Any other questions? Yeah, that that treatment is brought competency in the arborist community. That's a common thing to deal with.

Yes, 100%. Most pest control companies, so pi piper and those types of organizations don't even have to be tree companies,

but the pest control companies can treat that. It's very common.

And is there a way to uh determine the efficacy after treatment? You have to wait and see. Yeah, ultimately it it is effective. I know that just from personal experience that these are chemicals or treatments that I have applied when I was private sector treating trees that allowed us to reduce the amount of additional infestations or otherwise. So anecdotally, yes. Scientifically, yeah, I could probably come up with a research paper when they originally did it because they can't label it for a tree unless they've tested it against a pest on a specific tree or otherwise. And so you would be applying off label which is illegal and and and and so typically yes they've been proven to be effective but I don't have that research at hand. Any other questions? All right. Uh let's open it up for public comment. First checking in the room if there's anybody who would like to speak who's not. All right. Is there anyone online who would like to speak?

Yes, I like to speak. Can everybody hear me?

Yes.

Hi, I'm Brett Steyberg. I'm the youngest uh son of uh of uh Richard Steinberg and and Harriet Steinberg who passed away uh a few years ago, my mom. Uh the biggest concern I have is safety. If those if that tree were to fall as a result of being unstable either from the beetles or for the removal of the tree next door or or even weather for that matter, uh it is extremely tall. It's going to take out the neighbor's house. It's going to cause loss of life. And listen, I love trees. I mean, I I I live in the hills. I'm surrounded by pine trees. Uh, I'm all about, you know, saving trees, but this is a scary situation. God forbid that tree were to go and there's nobody can tell us that it that that can guarantee that tree would not fall sometime uh in the near future. And I'm the one who discovered uh you know the the original you know sap uh on the tree when I was you know visiting on the tree that has been approved and by the you know from the time we called the arborist you know to the time you know he came out to see it you know half the tree was already dead. It moved pretty quick. Uh and and every time I visit my parents' house, I've always looked at those trees and up and until that one time, they were totally healthy and and it moved quick. So my biggest concern is safety, safety, safety, safety. Thank you. I appreciate your time.

Thank you.

Anyone else online?

No.

All right. Um, we'll come back to staff to see if they have you have another two minutes if you'd like.

Sure. I

No, I don't have anything further to add. I'll stop.

Great. Um, back to to you guys. Okay. Thanks. Thanks again. Okay. The closing statement here. Although the arburous inspection from earlier this year shows tree one is having less infestation than tree number two, it is clearly diseased is rapidly increasing as evidenced by pitchkanker disease, increased dieback and frra and additional root exposure to insect bore holes. Rather than wait some period after tree number two has been removed to begin the process to remove tree number one. makes practical sense from a safety and economic view to take this action at the same time. As noted earlier, should tree number one fall, it will not matter which direction it goes. Barring a miracle, it will either crush our house, a neighbor's house, or land in the sidewalk and street where families and their pets regularly pass by. This very real potential of human tragedy and devastation can be completely eliminated by removing both trees. Now, tree one already has beetles. We believe the infestation will substantially worsen when tree two comes down and the beetles as the beetles go to tree one and then reproduce. Additionally, it is unknown what effect the root system may have on the stability of tree one when tree two is removed. Not taking both trees now places human lives at risk. We respectfully ask the board to grant our request to remove pines one and two at the same time. Thank you again. Thank you.

Okay. Um we'll come back to the urban forest board um for deliberation comments and Sandy if you'd like to start. Sure. Sure. I I enjoyed hearing the applicant's story of living in Mountain View all these years and growing up on the property and it's clear that um you all love the place and care deeply for it. Um and thank you for your concerns urban forest. Um I looked at all the materials that provided um visited the site as much as we could. Obviously we didn't you know get permission to go into the backyard but looked at it from uh multiple viewpoints on on the neighboring streets. Um, thank you for sharing the photos of the current condition and it's clear that things have changed a little bit since SAS um, evaluation a couple months ago. Um, I do find myself uh thinking that um, it would be best to um, deny the appeal and support staff's decision. Um, and uh, lot makes a lot of sense when I'm hearing from from the city's urban forester that pesticide treatment as soon as possible. Um, is the way to go and then we'll we'll see how things um, move forward. um don't think that we've met the criteria for removal in the cartridge tree ordinance and um the tree is healthy um showing minimal decline and uh uh with the removal of the neighboring tree um what I'm hearing ing is that we don't have concern for any um sudden you know tree loss or falling down. Um so I'm going to move on from there and would like to my fellow commissioners have to say what I have to say is a question. So, procedurally or policy wise, uh should should the commission agree with the staff decision, but the homeowner was to find a rapid deterioration deterioration of the tree soon. Could from procedural standpoint, would you then quickly approve a removal or would it have to necessarily go through the whole or could our our resolution stipulate agreement with staff contingent upon the ability to quickly make another determination of exists that detective is Sure. Good.

So, well, I don't want to burden the homeowner with other lengthy process. You know, my inclination is I mean, I think this we're we're kind of in a position where this is true argiculture. You know, probably beyond our understand. But I if if in fact danger became more evident because there was a rapid investation, I'd like to see them take action. Well, yeah, I can answer that. And under 32.31 um you know if there is a material change in circumstance like you're suggesting um they could appeal to the director and have this reassessed.

Could it be fasttracked and and not get in a long queue um take six months or something?

Right. So the the reason we're here tonight for the process was because of the denial of the removal and so if there were if there was enough evidence for staff to make that recommendation then that process would be faster.

So Mike I I greatly appreciate the homeowners concerns and and appreciate your your residence about you. Uh but I also really respect the professional capabilities of staff and go with the staff recommendation contingent upon the fact that if the situation changes quickly

um I too was was deeply moved by the family's story and their commitment to the safety and beauty of their neighborhood. It is beautiful neighborhood. I got to try to visit the tree, too. It's a little hard from the outside, but u definitely understand what it it was like to grow up with that tree and see olive over 50 plus years. Um with that said, I think I will be going along with staff's recommendation. I am a little concerned about treating the tree with pesticides of either the more natural type or the more chemical type. Uh, but I think in this case it might be a good first option. But I also second Commissioner Davis's idea that something goes wrong and a tree declines very quickly that can this be fasttracked for a discussion with Russell's team to if the tree goes a rapid decline versus going through a really long process to review the tree. That would be my where my concern is right now. Um, yeah, that's what I have to say. Yes, I I too from outside your two trees. One clearly needs to go and the other one at this point looks great from the outside. I understand your your your concern that that tree should should uh should progress as rapidly as the other tree. And obviously since one tree progressed so quickly, you would like to just deal with it. Easy to understand that. And yet the tree looks fine at this point. I don't have the professional knowledge to to judge what should be done and what will happen. I have to trust our our judgment on that. I think it's been our experience that if a tree is in rapid decline, staff will deal with it expeditiously because the matter of of safety is is obviously everyone's main concern. Uh so committee is is charged with trying to protect uh our heritage trees and in this case I don't the right be for taking out. So I will be supporting staff's recommendation. So for myself, you know, when I visited the site, again, we can't get into the backyard, but I did maneuver around to different vantage points. Um, tree looked to be in pretty good health. Um, it's definitely one of the larger trees on the block, you know, and together with the adjacent redwoods, you know, that cluster of trees definitely stands out in the neighborhood. And you know, I would say that, you know, if the pine weren't there, the redwoods, which are even taller, would remain standout trees in the neighborhood. So, so that's um a good thing. Um, you know, just from my vantage point, um, you know, I thought the tree was mostly lush. Um, I thought that there were some brown needles. Um, but it didn't appear to be entire branches. Again, I couldn't get to every spot of the tree. Um, so that just seemed to me to be sort of normal sort of seasonal die off, but again that was just from my vantage point. Um, there were plenty of new green sprouts and needles on all areas of trees. So it did appear to be generating new growth. Um so at the present time, you know, again, we're relying like others on staff opinion um that the tree remains healthy and that the beetle infestation at this point isn't pervasive and it's treatable. And so I think it would be important to to try to to try to treat it. Um, I did ask myself as as I was leaving, you know, if the dead pine didn't exist and we were only looking at this tree in a vacuum, would we be contemplating removing it? And I again, that's probably not a perfect question, but but I don't think we I don't think we would be looking at removing that tree if it was just but there are interdependencies, so it's a not completely a valid question. Um but again as as has been stated if if conditions change and the beetle starts to kill off significant portions of the tree um that would constitute a change in circumstance and would allow for a uh reapplication and I would hope that um you would apply immediately and I hope that it would be addressed um immediately. Uh and again, you know, the city code states that we need to uh render decisions with the emphasis on preserving heritage trees. Um so again, we want to try to do everything possible at the current time to try to preserve the tree. So like others, I I will be siding on the side of denying the appeal and upholding the staff decision to deny removal at the present time. I don't know if there's any other comments or if somebody wants to make a motion. I'll do both. U Mr. Greenberg, you have a really impressive I'm sorry. Sorry. You have a really impressive family and everyone's really well spoken. So, congratulations. Uh however uh I'm going to move that we adopt the resolution of the urban forestry board of the city of Mount V to deny the appeal and uphold staff decision and deny the removal of one heritage tree at 2714 drive to be read only further. So, uh, we have a motion by Commissioner Davis, second by Commissioner Summer. Any discussion before the vote?

Bryant.

Yes.

Davis.

Summer.

Yes.

Yes.

All right. So, that concludes that item. Thank you very much for everyone participating in that.

Well, thank you for hearing us.

I wish you luck. I mean, I hope that the tree

only a matter of fact

survives.

I hope enough to realize your sons. You have your sons that'll help.

That's right. Goodbye, Russell. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Have a good night. All right. Uh we'll move on to item 5.3 which is the fiscal year 2627 parks and recreation urban forestry board work plan. um the process on this just quickly. We'll have a staff report. Uh we'll take questions. We'll open it for public comment and then it'll we'll bring it back to the PRC for discussion and a motion um of some sort. So, I will turn it over to Director John uh to take this.

Good evening once again, commissioners. Uh so as you're aware this time every year we come forward with uh our annual work plan for the next fiscal year and that is attachment one to the staff report. Um at the top of our uh of the attachment shows our ongoing work items and then our fiscal year specific items that we've identified so far. And again, as you are all aware, this is a continuing process of of adding and moving as we go, but this is a a snapshot as of today of what we have uh upcoming. And so, some of the things I want to highlight is the uh Thompson Park concept and and name recommendation moving forward. Uh we've talked about getting together with the visual arts committee and I'm not sure if you've noticed that uh the city council is approving the a new position uh for leading that effort. So that's exciting. um as well as um the review of the recreation financial assistance program that we are looking at May. That is one of the um short-term items that are identified in the um parks and recreation strategic plan. So looking forward to to bringing that and I we have the ability uh for some of those other short-term items to bring more of those forward within the fiscal year. Um and as you'll see at the end of the the end of uh June coming forward with the biodiversity and urban force plan implementation progress update and then uh it is staff's uh plan to come back in September when we come back into um after the the summer break to bring the parks and recreation strategic plan uh for that update as well. That's why you don't see it on this um on this work plan item so that we're not um doing too much in one and allowing the the fiscal year to end and we're able to bring a full plan of um data and um information to you. So, uh with that, I'll turn it back to the chair and I'm happy to answer questions.

All right. Uh well, we ask questions and we can be a little less formal on this one. So, anybody who has questions, feel free. Well, really my question was about the strategic plan. So you're saying it it doesn't appear here because it's outside the fiscal

the fiscal year. So it'll be in the calendar year but not in the fiscal year.

Okay. So

yeah. So again, the the plans are getting parks and recreation strategic plan was just adopted coming up on the end of the fiscal year. Same thing with the biodiversity plan. And so in theory, we want to be in a place where we can get on a fiscal year cycle to report.

So this veres comment, but I'll say it anyway. It would give many people less heartburn if you made a little note saying the strategic plan will be coming in that calendar year but not just to be clear. Yeah. And

can I repeat that? Not to leap over everybody, but so are you saying that it's because it was just adopted, you would go a year before any kind of reporting?

And not to say we won't be bringing information to you at the end of the meeting and and providing updates. But for the for the formal

annual report which is pro which is designated within the the plan itself, that's when we would be bringing those. Again, we're creating dashboards um and other ways for the public and you to see our progress moving forward. And so as the the timeline moves on at the end of the meeting, if there's a question, we can answer those. But we are actively in the process of developing how we can introduce the dashboard so that we're providing ongoing updates through the process. So, are you saying that it wouldn't it would be after June 2027 that

for the parks and rec strategic plan would be after this the summer break in September which is after this?

Yeah, because this work plan goes all the way till June of 2027. You're saying something like July a September 2027, right? Okay. Well, Can I make a comment about that? Let's

We'll do the comments.

Okay. All right.

Only questions.

Yeah. I mean, that's questions and then we'll do the question is weather.

Yeah.

Couple question. It's interesting the uh the range of great separation. I had thought that was like way off in the future. Is that is that more our design that they are? snowware.

You'll learn more as this comes comes to you. I am not in a position to provide much detail on that one at the moment.

Okay. And then um so again congratulations on the terabella acquisition. There will will there be anything to share or talk about on that next year and a half?

Could be. So that possibly could work. Okay. And now for my traditional rant here.

So

yeah, this is just questions. Come back. Bring it back.

Can can I conclude my comment with the why can't

this isn't comments. This question still come.

Yeah. So this gonna end as a question

going to make a question. as an urban forestry board whose um apparently sole function is to adjudicate an ordinance which is presumably being updated but for which we have absolutely no visibility into the timing the scope the wouldn't it question wouldn't it be good to share at least at some level with the commission there's stensible role is to uh manage this topic. I have some understanding of the update on the heritage tree ordinance.

So the and I will look to the assistant director for clarification if necessary. The biodiversity urban forest plan has that as an action item.

Okay. And so that's getting adopted next week in theory and that puts us in a position to start working on those and putting together the overall plan, right? I don't know if you have any anything else to to add to that.

No, it's a big it's a big ordinance. Like I said before, we're going to phases and actually I was just mapping out my suggested suggestion for phases. we're meeting with the city attorney next week or the week after before she goes out on maternity leave to talk about what that looks like and how we're going to map that out. So, we're already working on it. Um going to be a big lift, but it's important we need to do it and get started.

And so, yes, once we have a that mapped out, we can give some general milestones and timelines

through this group of be willing to share some input. All right. Uh, other questions?

I'm sorry, I just had a couple questions. Pickle ball. Is that just going to be sort of a pleasant surprise? It'll happen and we don't want to put it on the official because talk to me about

pickle ball is the fastest growing sport in America.

How's that for an answer? very quiet.

I mean, I would assume that sometime the next year, right, there might be a pickle ball. I don't know. Is there a reason to not?

Uh, it's too early to say. Um, keep an eye out on future council agendas.

Sorry. So, it could be a pleasant surprise. We're not gonna count.

No, if it's coming to us anymore,

that's true. too. Um, and then just another question you probably won't be able to answer, but when I saw the grade separation, you know, it it struck me that Cal Train is talking about all sorts of potential cuts and, you know, if things don't pass, um, you know, they're going to cut service and Yeah. So anyway, just a question that you might not be able to answer, but are cities Powalto and Mountain View going to move forward a little slower on grade separation because they want to make sure that Cal Train is a ongoing although maybe the grade separation should happen regardless of the train. If you have any comments on it,

all I can really say is uh that design from what I understand is funded Um, as far as construction goes, the city's interested in looking at a number of a variety of funding sources, um, state and otherwise. Uh, and where they are on that, I don't know. Um, and that's going to have to be part of the the staff report that moves forward.

Any other questions? All right. Uh, public comment has left. Is there anybody Is there anybody on

online that uh

has questions? Okay. So, I'll just bring it back to us if any other comments before we uh move to push this along. Well, I do have a comment that it feels like too long to go till September 2027 before we have any discussion or agenda item about the strategic plan.

I guess the question could be could there be an item on here? Would you not want to put it on here um to not have the full annual report, but to just have a midyear progress update or something like that? I'm thinking it's kind of a good opportunity to put some of the work, you know, the behind the scenes staff work in front of the public and I mean because otherwise it looks as if it's on a shelf, but I mean I obviously it's a part of this is setting fast work plan too. So

I'm gonna look at assistant director to see if she has any comments. I I can add color, but do you have anything to say in response to that?

Yeah, I do. I thought both plans should be on and that's why biodiversity plan is on. I think even if I don't have all the data, which is going to take a while to produce, I know the opportunity to provide that feedback to you. Um, that's why it's on there. So, I'll be coming with an update as much as I can whatever we're working on behind the scenes. um it may not be pretty, you know, we might not have a dashboard up and running quite yet, but um at least it's it's a checkpoint. It's an opportunity to have that dialogue and ask questions and um so I I I suggested speak on there to add.

Yeah. So, thank you. Number one,

I don't really know. Oh well, like I said, I don't know anymore.

So, I think what we can do is because we I think it's on a quarterly basis, we give some highle updates um up to the city manager's office of where we are on certain items. So, um whether that's within the um monthly report or we can provide those to you. Um you can ask questions as we forward. Um, but that's another way that we can provide those updates uh where we're at and then if at the end of the meeting you have questions regarding what we submit can we can chat about those. So that would that would kind of get the the report that you prepare for the city manager out in the public and the public could read it, but then there really wouldn't be any opportunity for them to comment or share their feelings about one direction or another.

At a starting point, we're going to be bringing some of those initial items moving forward as we can. And

well, I know there's a ton of short-term Yeah. projects that you know aren't that are that are going to be moving forward and it's going to start showing up on capital programs and things like that and in budgets and such but feel like we ought to be able to tie it back to the strategic plan at about the one-year level and not because that summer break is what sort of bothering me. I feel like June would be perfect. Perfect timing page of 27. I mean, I feel even the uh something more like a free dash that's kind of like the implementation plan piece that you're going to build the dashboard out of.

We're so early in that process. Uh yeah, I see I see

I don't know what what commissioners think.

I mean I just you know I'm just you know I see your I wouldn't want to do it in June. It looks like we have a lot of stuff in June and we're probably going to have heritage free appeals. Um but in May there is the review of the recreational financial assistance program which is part of the strategic plan and I don't know if maybe there could be a piggyback on that. Just a brief I don't know I'm just throwing it up. I don't want to create. Well, anyway, that's

that was going through my head, too. Back to one of the action items,

other comments.

Yes. U so I won't be here next year. Um, I think it's it's a great idea to have um to have updates coming up along the way, but I hope that there will also be a PRC meeting both for the biodiversity plan and for the strategic plan to you know, council member Schultter was talking about adaptive management. the lessons learned and adaptations needed or maybe adaptations not needed but presumably this is new presumably there will be adaptations needed and having that as as kind of a working PRC meeting to look at what has h at what has happened there been roadblocks that were not expected uh things that went a lot more smoothly or things that need to be changed for for years. So I'm hope those are two completely separate things from the updates versus the the working us through. Um, just to to to continue what was being said about the heritage tree ordinance, I I hope one of the lessons learned for me from two humongous plans on is let's not give the PRC and the community finish. Let's not go have staff or consultant work with it and then present the community and the PRC with the finished product and say do you like it or don't you like it? uh I hope the PRC can be part of a process like for example the process that hasn't been talked about in the whichever two plants which is very difficult for me to keep separate which plants is what the the idea of the the tree plet and the plant plet of of having like a group that will work on it with representatives from advocacy groups um that kind of work with the community and the PRC should be done for the street or too because it'll just make the whole process rich and much easier to deal with the results. I'm hoping that becomes part of the work plan you're seeing and I'll be watching listening to you guys.

Any other comments?

Okay,

I I'll just kind of um you back on what Commissioner Bryant just said. Um I mean, you know, I love co-creation type processes. Um they do however take away the council discretion and except that I think so does delivering a completed product. So I know that it's a constant struggle to figure out where to gather public input, how how you know much to involve people in things. Um, ordinances are the last place you want to have a big giant committee process. But there might be something that could preede the ordinance development because you know ordinances are technical and legal technical expertise and legal expertise to write them. But as to the policy p perspective, you know, separating that out, having some kind of workshop proceeding, ordinance development might be a good way to go, but I'm not sure that belongs in PRC meeting. So with the legal language, of course not. That's what the lawyers are for. But what do we want? What trees do we want? What is the result we want? That is work for the PRC. And it it doesn't take away for the PRC to be working on this doesn't take anything from council for staff to to work on it. bring it to the PRC then work on it together. That council wants that because they are so so pressed with all everything that they need to do that getting a product that the the advisory body has looked at is is helpful to them. And if they don't like it, they can say no and they frequently have. That's not a problem. We are advis. But the product will be better if it gets around of the advisory body as community representation and the legal language. For goodness sake, that's for the lawyers.

All right. I don't know if there's more comment. I don't know if we want to move this forward. I don't know if director Marant has um are you going to maybe add a line about the strategic plan or you know

Yeah, we within number 13 review part of the review of the financial assistance program state a high level uh parks strategic plan update in advance of the annual update in September. That way it's being weaponized as

okay with that amendment.

Um the one unless there's other comments um does anybody know you want to make a motion to approve this amended work plan and forward it on to city council?

I'll make that motion. Um I move we approve the fiscal year 2627 parking commission and river plan um shown in attachment with the addition line item 13 as a moment ago and uh to be forwarded to council questions. We have a motion. Is there a second?

I'll second.

Any further discussion?

Yeah, I'll I'll support this and vote for the motion. Um I just editorial will say I don't feel like there's any heavy lifting and I don't feel like I feel we're a sounding board. There's arguably three things here that you know are calling for advisory input. The election of office, the acknowledging annual report, acknowledge annual report, acknowledge annual report. That's a lot of listening. You know, can presentation that's just a lot of listening to stuff and we're not advising anyone really. So, I mean, this is great. Send it to council, get it approved. I realize this is just this is a procedural thing you have to do. um just I I don't know that we're functioning as an advisory body by providing much advice except we may talk more than you want but I'm not sure

give us five minute time limit or something like that.

I mean item two on on on work items. I mean I think that showed up here because of discussions we had here last year. Okay. at this time

and I I think that the uh park design will be uh substantive

and I will I as I looked at this as well I I thought the same thing it is it's likely however we have a lot of irons in the fire right now

and there are some things that I can't that I can't speak to because council has not taken action yet and that I know that those as long as council approves that those are going to be part of a additional work items.

And so I'm in this difficult place right now to put everything into the work plan.

My little editorial comments.

Be careful what you wish.

All right. Um if there are no other comments, let's uh vote.

Mr. O'Brien. Yes, Davis.

Yes.

Sylvester.

Yes. Vice Chair Summer.

Yes.

And Chair Mitch.

Yes.

All right. Uh that takes us to item six. Uh commission staff announcements, updates, requests, and committee reports. Director.

So, this is our last meeting before our summer break. We'll be back in September. Hope you enjoy some time off. Um just a reminder this Saturday is Pride event. So hopefully you are able to come out and see it for our second annual. Um obviously our summer concerts on the plaza and others are taking place. We this will be the end of our first week of summer camps. So far so good. Everything's been going well. Um and it's great to see all the activity at the pools and parks and and everything else. So, it's great to see. Um, above and beyond that, I mentioned council will be meeting uh for their final meeting before break as well on Tuesday next week. Um, that agenda should be posted by the end of the day tomorrow. I suggest you take a look at it. Um and uh within that is also um the fiscal year budget. Um that's coming forward. Um

will you be presenting at that meeting?

I will not be presenting. No, I will be I will be present at the meeting. Yes.

Even in closed session,

I will know. Um uh there is a long list of uh items coming toward the end of the fiscal year that typically happens. This one is even longer um with almost 30 incent items I believe um to to bring forward. Um so I I do encourage you to to look at the agenda when it's out. If you have questions once that is out here, feel free to reach out to me. Right. Any other

announcements? What about commissioners? Well, I I just have a question comment. We we were discussing the situation in Dyn and in the worst in the worst uh scenario is going to look extremely different from what it is right now as in Franklin Street. the both the back and the front of the library. And I I hope I hope staff is beginning to think about what the options will be.

Yes. I want to preface with we don't have all the facts and we need to look at what options there are um moving forward and um while I trusted Russell we also need to verify right of what what's happening and and whether there's options to um to look um and as we go through this process, yes, of course, there's there has to be some some plans in place to start preparing for what might be

right. Well, I I mean even things like the the climbers on the library, the planting spaces in front of the library. If if if lots of if even more trees grow, uh then something to make the place pleasant again, even temporarily while staff figures out the the long-term implications. That will require both budgeting and a lot of creative thinking. And it will it's not something to do immediately. It doesn't require a lot of thinking. So I I hope you you will put that in process. Any other commissioner comments?

Right. Uh our next meeting is Wednesday, September 9th at 6 o'clock back at Rankstar presumably. Yes. And uh with that I hope everybody has a nice summer and we will adjourn

over the summer break.