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In addition to the City Council's concern for tree preservation, tree issues have become a concern <br /> for some property owners and citizens, some with planned construction projects in their <br /> neighborhoods, some who are interested parties. A few projects, such as Broadway Place and <br /> East Bank Bike Path, have prompted City staff to ask questions that the Tree Team has struggled <br /> with, such as: <br /> - What are the priorities among disparate objectives -- structural soundness, public <br /> safety, capacity, design life, low maintenance costs, the project's intended <br /> purpose, reasonable price for construction, and preserving trees? <br /> - When excavation occurs (to judge impacts of construction on tree roots), is it best <br /> done before construction begins? <br /> - How do we write specifications so we can be specific enough for contractors to <br /> bid appropriately? <br /> - How do we work together to accomplish the goals of both work units? <br /> - How much impact to tree root zones causes the need to remove a tree? Different <br /> areas of town have different soil characteristics and development patterns and <br /> history. How will we take these into account? <br /> - Historically, how much impact have projects had on street trees from root zone <br /> impact? <br /> Analysis <br /> After 13 meetings over the course of several months, the Tree Team has accomplished much, yet <br /> there remains debate among the Team about issues such as the added cost/benefit of planting <br /> trees in such close proximity to streets and sidewalks where damage is certain to occur to both <br /> streets /sidewalks from trees, and to trees from construction; and about the 30% critical root zone <br /> and posting of notice -to- remove requirements for the Tree Removal Permit. <br /> Both of these issues have to do with public perception. It is generally felt that the public is <br /> pleased with having good tree canopy, however, does the public know about the added costs of <br /> placing trees in the right -of -way? In reference to the posting requirements in the proposed Tree <br /> Preservation Ordinance, the issue is with public perception of posting, or actually removing, trees <br /> outside the path of the improvement. <br /> The Team made changes to its current processes as shown in the attached "ideal" process flow <br /> map. These changes involve the Urban Forestry staff in the beginning stages of the design <br /> process (scoping stage), and continue their involvement through the construction phase. <br /> Research and evaluation of which trees may be impacted by construction is moved to the early <br /> stages of the design process, and decision - making is moved to the design stage of the process <br /> instead of the construction stage. The "ideal" map also shows more interaction with the public <br /> when trees are impacted by potential construction. <br /> Other considerations were outlined by the Team in the form of "Guidelines for Evaluating <br /> Design" and "Guiding Principles" to be used in the decision phase of the process. Such <br /> considerations as tree health and survivability, safety, location, legal and planning goals, cost <br /> 2 <br />