sr-092209-13d~~
c;cror City Council Report
Santa Nlonica~
City Council Meeting: September 22, 2009
Agenda Item: ~ ~rl/
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Joan L. Akins, Director, Community Maintenance Department
Subject: Establish an Urban Forest Task Force and make appointments
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council establish and appoint a seven member Urban
Forest Task Force.
Executive Summary
The formation of an -Urban Forest Task Force is a key component of the long-range
urban forest master plan. The Task Force will advise staff through the completion of a
long-range urban forest master plan on such matters as the development of the master
plan and other tree-related policies. The long-range urban forest master plan will include
an updated tree inventory, tree maintenance requirements, an assessment of the
environmental benefits of the forest and an estimate of the life expectancy of individual
trees. The purpose of the plan is to design along-range urban forest program that
addresses tree removal and replacement policies throughout the City as trees reach the
end of their life spans.
Background
On July 23, 2008, Council received a public request to consider the creation of an urban
forest commission to better engage community members with urban forestry matters.
As a result, Council directed staff to explore options for a public process and present
these approaches to Council for its consideration. Staff conducted research on various
approaches used by other cities, both locally and nationwide, on how to enhance
community involvement with the urban forest.
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On April 7, 2009, Council approved the establishment of an Urban Forest Task Force to
advise staff on the development of a long-range urban forest master plan, review
specific urban forest issues, and serve in an advisory capacity to City Council on the
master plan.
Discussion
In May 2009, an announcement advertising the availability of Task Force applications
on the City's web site was published in the Santa Monica Daily Press-and distributed
among all the incorporated neighborhood organizations, City Commissions and Boards,
as well as the City's tree notice distribution list. Due to a low response, the notice was
extended twice and the application period lasted for two months.
The notification advised the public that the Task Force would focus .on the development
of the City's long-range urban forest master plan, review specific urban forest issues
related to the master plan, serve in an advisory capacity to City Council on the plan and
recommend to Council whether a permanent commission should be established
following completion of the master plan. The Task Force will work with City staff and
Artecho, the landscape architect contracted to prepare the long-range urban forest
master plan. Together, they will gather community input and formulate
recommendations based on the input received and will focus on the following functions:
• Developing the long-range urban forest master plan
• Conducting community meetings to learn resident and business opinions regarding
the long-term management of the community forest
• Incorporating the public's input into the long-range urban forest master plan
• Making revisions to the street tree designation list
• Advising staff throughout the plan's development to create standards for
streetscape development projects
• Making recommendations for strategic goals, objectives, implementation
measures, and timelines for achievement of those goals and maintenance
procedures
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Applicants were asked in their applications to describe their experience in the green
industry; (i.e. urban forestry, landscape design or contracting, nursery production,
horticulture etc.), their experience with developing along-range master plan for a public
agency, and their interpretation of the term "Right Tree for the Right Place." They were
also asked to articulate their vision for the community forest and what they would
change about it. The qualifications for the seven-member Task Force include that at
least one member be either a certified arborist or a landscape architect, and one
member have demonstrated experience in the green industry.
r
Twenty-three applications were received with a wide variety of backgrounds. Below is a
list of the applicants with their descriptions of their employments.
1. Judy Abdo
2. David Buckholtz
3. Tom Cleys
~4 Angie Coyier
5. Nan Dowling
6. Deborah Ford
7. Susan Hartley
8. Lily Helbig
9. Daniel Jansenson
10. Peter Jensen
11.Susan McCarthy
12. Ramona Merryman
13. Grace Phillips
14. Linda Piera-Avila
15.Jerry Rubin
16. Herbert Silverstein
17. Sally Silverstein
18. Doris Sosin
19. Mary Hubbell Speech
20. Louise Steiner
21.Jodi Summers
22. Brian Varnum
23. Steven Wegner
School Administrator
IT Executive
Asset Manager
Landscape Architect
Landscape Designer
Homemaker
Attorney
Writer
Architect
Arborist/Landscape Architect
Retired
H ai rstyl ist/Cosmetolog ist
Landscape Designer
Physical Therapist.
Peace Activist
Retired
Homemaker
None
Pathologist
None
Realtor
Scientist
Attorney
Staff researched other cities that have undertaken a similar process for appointing ah
Urban Forest Task Force or Commission and found the City of Los Angeles' criteria for
appointing members to its Community Forest Advisory Committee to be effective.
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Its evaluations included the assessment of the ability of potential members to work
objectively and cooperatively with City staff, and to dedicate the necessary time for
committee work. Candidates were required to report any conflicts of interest with the
City and were evaluated on their experience in community organizing/involvement.
Candidates were also evaluated on their technical experience in areas such as urban
forest issue advocacy and their experience with urban forest management principals.
The criteria were designed to find committee members who also understood best
management practices for pruning cycles and the practice of urban forest canopy cover
succession.
The Council may select Task Force members based on the credentials and experience
of the individual applicants, the suggested criteria established by staff and other factors
that the Council may deem appropriate.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no budget impact as the initial costs for the Task Force should be minimal and
can be absorbed within the budget.
Prepared by: Walt Warriner, Community Forest & Public Landscape Superintendent
Approved:
~~_
JoanAkins, Director
Commurnty Maintenance Department
Forwarded to Council:
P(~Lamont Ewell
City Manager
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Applications can be
viewed at the City Clerk's
Office.