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Staff is concerned that bringing these issues to Council independently may not <br /> be efficient and may create conflicts with previously adopted policy or <br /> planned policy discussions. Outlined below are alternative actions that the <br /> Council Officers may wish to consider and recommend to the full Council for <br /> action. <br /> Alternative Actions: <br /> 1. Direct staff to prepare code language requiring planting of street trees as <br /> a condition of development using a "voluntary compliance" approach for new <br /> single family residential sites. <br /> 2. Direct staff to address the street tree policy issues along with the <br /> broader issues in a worksession prior to the public hearing on the UFMP. <br /> Recommendation <br /> The following recommendation is planned to be presented to the <br /> Council Officers at the June 8, 1994 meeting. <br /> Staff recommends that,a worksession be scheduled in September /October to <br /> address the multiple policy issues that are related to the street tree <br /> program. <br /> Additional Background <br /> A. Street Trees - The Council will need to address policy issues <br /> regarding spacing. physical restrictions. existing trees, size. <br /> location. specifications for planting, establishment responsibilities, <br /> etc. For new single family subdivisions, timing of the planting would <br /> likely be immediately prior to final occupancy to avoid damage due to <br /> the home and site construction or shortly afterward if the season is <br /> inappropriate for planting. Staffing needs would need to be addressed <br /> since tree planting inspection is not a typical role for a building <br /> inspector and enforcement resources might be necessary depending on the <br /> code language adopted. ( Attached is a copy of the Springfield model <br /> ordinance regarding street trees for your review). <br /> B. Right -of -way - Street Standards - Based on Council direction, staff <br /> are preparing recommendations regarding street standards for new <br /> development. Currently a more flexible set of standards exist for <br /> unimproved local streets and the goal will be to provide more <br /> consistency. The issue that will arise is how much right -of -way will be <br /> necessary with the reduced width options and how will that effect <br /> placement of utilities, street trees and sidewalks. Councilor Keller <br /> has voiced a desire to review the TRIP adopted standards for sidewalk <br /> locations. <br /> C. Standards for Pruning or removal of trees - A recent incident <br /> involving severe over - pruning of street trees on River Road has <br /> highlighted two missing elements in the current regulations. For the <br /> River Road situation. fifteen street trees were pruned by abutting <br /> property owners so severely that they were effectively destroyed. These <br />