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current project is: when do the exceptions for actions to <br /> "restore utility service" and "maintain improvements such as <br /> streets and sewers" apply? While we can certainly impose tree <br /> purchasing and /or extra costs on ourselves by internal policy, <br /> irrespective of code, I want to be sure we really have code <br /> authority to require a property owner to "buy a tree" or incur <br /> extraordinary costs when they are doing a sewer repair. I'd <br /> rather not get caught bluffing on the issue when it gets <br /> pushed. While we're asking the question we probably ought to <br /> clarify whether, and under what circumstances, a tree whose <br /> roots enter a sewer is considered a nuisance under 6.010. <br /> Do you have a specific direction on this? Do you think it's <br /> something we need to run through the City attorney? I don't <br /> mean to sound like a broken record; or like I don't support <br /> the concept of tree protection as a priority, I do. Just need <br /> a little more direction on this point. <br /> Thanks. Fred <br /> P.S. This is not a note I'm sharing with staff because I <br /> don't want to confuse the direction you've already given. <br /> From: MEDLIN Johnny R <br /> To: BELLMORE Mike; FOERSTLER Kevin J; KEABLE Garry A; MCVEY Fred; LONG Jack E; <br /> SIDWELL Larry D; CAIRO Ma'Carry; PLAMONDON Scott F <br /> Cc: SHUTT Gene; GIBSON John C; HAMMITT Bob; DELESS Russ <br /> Subject: Conflicts with Underground Facilities and Trees within the parking strip <br /> Date: Tuesday, April 01, 1997 8:31 AM <br /> Hi Folks, <br /> A couple of questions came up last week which made me feel <br /> that there was a need to share what I believe to be our <br /> current policy regarding conflicts between street trees and <br /> utilities. <br /> To put this all in perspective you much first accept that <br /> street trees are to be considered a CITY ASSET of equal <br /> importance with any of the others assets we maintain <br /> (sidewalks, streets, sewers, etc.) Over the past number of <br /> years both the Public and the Council has repeatedly made it <br /> very clear that street trees are an important asset to the <br /> community and neighborhoods in contributing to their <br /> "livability ". <br /> I think one of the strongest indicators of this is where the <br /> new adopted local street plan pretty much gives full priority <br /> to space within the planting strip to the trees and requires <br /> the utilities to be placed in easements behind the <br /> right -of -way or, if that is physically impractical, under the <br /> sidewalk. Also in the local street plan, the developer of <br /> new subdivisions are now REQUIRED to provide street trees. <br /> Another indication just a couple months ago was the Budget <br /> Committee's willingness to cut funds from the Road Overlay <br /> program in order to save the street tree planting program. Or <br /> in other words, folks, the people of this city loves their <br /> trees. <br /> PLANTING OF NEW TREES: <br /> IN THE NEIGHBORWOODS VOLUNTEER STREET TREE PLANTING PROGRAM: <br /> We should try to avoid wherever possible placing a tree over <br /> the top of an existing utility. What this means is that if <br /> Page 2 <br />