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NNW HAMMITT Bob From: MEDLIN Johnny R To: ANDERSEN Chris F; MEISNER Scott Cc: BELLMORE Mike; HAMMITT Bob; PLAMONDON Scott F; DOUGLASS Marty (EWEB) Subject: EWEB Tree Pruning on Adams Date: Thursday, March 19, 1998 12:32PM Hi Chris and Scott, Yesterday from 4:30 to 5:30 staff from EWEB, EWEB's pruning contractor and City of Eugene held an on site "curb- side" meeting for residents of Adams between 3rd and 5th. This is the area which comments have expressed the greatest concern for upcoming pruning. To advertise the meeting on March 13th EWEB delivered an information packet door -to -door to all the residences and sent the packet to 7 additional people outside this area who had earlier in the month called to EWEB with questions /concerns about the pruning. Information provided included a meeting invitation, the EWEB /CITY intergovernmental agreement, the fact sheet about directional pruning, and PUC line clearance requirements. This information provided was in addition to EWEB's March 5th general mailing of the tree pruning fact sheet to approximately 3,000 customers in the Whitaker area informing that pruning within the area was to occur. This fact sheet was sent out to provide educational information once it became clear that citizens in the area had concerns about the pruning method being used. This fact sheet was based on a similar one EWEB and the City developed and used 4 years ago when directional pruning was first adopted as the standard. Since the directional pruning method is healthier for the tree being pruned, as opposed to topping or rounding off the top, most peoples objections are resolved when provided this material. It is interesting to note that our Urban Forestry office has only received three calls asking questions as a result of this mailing. The meeting yesterday was only attended by two citizens. Lynn McDougal and Millie White. Very little concern was expressed about the method of pruning being used. The conversation centered around possible removals (Lynn), subsequent replanting, and if replanting occurred - where and what species would be planted (Millie). Both Lynn and Millie indicated an appreciation for EWEB and the City to be willing to meet with them. Regarding removals, none are yet planned. Our intergovernmental agreement with EWEB requires them to notify us whenever they find a tree with serious decay or other problems which make them suspect the tree may be hazardous. City staff (certified arborists by the International Society of Arboriculture) then perform the hazard assessment which includes resistograph measurements and coring. If that assessment leads to a recommendation to remove the tree we would post the tree for at least 10 days to allow public comment and education. Any removal is mitigated by planting of at least two trees within the local area. Considering the age and condition of some of the trees within this area I would not be surprised if the EWEB contractor does find a couple possible problem trees at which we will need to look closely. EWEB's plan is to start pruning again on Monday the 23rd. Their contractor has been instructed to contact EWEB staff if approached by concerned citizens wanting additional information. EWEB has agreed that they will notify the city and a staff person from each agency would (together) meet with any concerned citizen to further explain the program and talk about any specific issues. Both EWEB and Urban Forestry staff feel that most citizen concerns which might arise will likely be quickly resolved by providing educational materials and that will be our plan. Marty Douglass is providing a summary of last nights meeting to the EWEB Comissioners. Please let me or Scott Plamondon know if you need additional information. Thanks Johnny Page 1