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I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD EUGENE, OREGON TO Commissioners Dyer, Anderson, Smith, Hendrickson, Gibbons FROM Marty Douglass Ctb , — DATE June 9, 1994 SUBJECT EWEB /City of Eugene Tree Trimming Agreement EWEB and the City of Eugene have entered into an agreement that addresses tree trimming practices, for utility purposes, on trees located on street right -of -way or other city -owned property. The agreement became effective on June 1. The agreement is the culmination of eight months of work by a Joint Tree Trimming Task Force in which issues of coordination, removal, frequency and preferred methods of tree trimming were discussed. During this period both entities contracted the services of an outside consultant to conduct a two -day seminar on environmentally - sensitive tree trimming methods, at which EWEB - contracted crews and city crews were participants. Following that training, extensive tree trimming in the Whiteaker Neighborhood was undertaken, using a public process agreed upon by the Task Force and outlined in the agreement. Included in that process was an on -site visit by EWEB and City representatives in which the project was discussed with local residents. Very little neighborhood criticism was voiced. Extensive trimming in the University neighborhood is currently underway, again using the principles contained in the agreement. The agreement sets forth procedures for EWEB and the City to follow prior to conducting routine or emergency tree trimming. The procedures include EWEB notifying the City of an upcoming project, consulting with the City on the impact and extent of the trimming work necessary, and notifying the affected public of the upcoming project. In cases of emergency or isolated trouble - related trimming, prior notice would not be necessary. This agreement insures pre - project coordination and communication between EWEB and the City, as well as public notification. It re- emphasizes EWEB's legitimate need to conduct tree trimming, and recognizes the interests of EWEB's customers /Eugene residents in protecting the urban forest. It promotes a deliberative and cooperative approach to tree removal and replanting, when necessary. And, because of the City's involvement, it helps insure thkt our programs will be better coordinated in the future. A side benefit, although an important one in my opinion, has been the establishment of routine personal contact between EWEB Electric Operations and City Public Works /Maintenance personnel. I would like to acknowledge the hard work given to this effort by Laurie Power, Environmental Manager, Dave Koski, Electric Operations Manager, and Brad Edwards, Tree Trim Coordinator. As EWEB's representatives on the Task Force, each brought different perspectives to the process and was willing to openly discuss the issues in good 7 9 42390 3E')