HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-18; City Council; ; Authorizing staff to update the Carlsbad Community Forest Management PlanTo that end, a natural resources and urban forestry consulting firm was retained by the city to
create a community forest management plan. Shortly thereafter, a project team was
organized, which included the consultant, several city staff (i.e., Public Works, Library, and Fire
Departments/Divisions), Parks & Recreation Commissioners, and a Street Tree Policy
Committee member. The team ultimately drafted the CCFMP.
In April 2002, the draft CCFMP was completed. In addition to standard public noticing, the
project team also notified all Street Tree Policy Committee members that the draft CCFMP was
available for review. During the review period, staff received suggestions from the public to
add different tree species to the proposed tree list within the draft CCFMP. Staff agreed with
those suggestions, and incorporated the species into the list.
In May 2002, the CCFMP was presented to the Historic Preservation Commission, which was
responsible for the development of a companion heritage tree program. The Heritage Tree
Report (Ph. I and II) was to be incorporated as an addendum to the CCFMP, upon adoption by
the City Council. This commission supported the advancement of the draft CCFMP for
adoption. In May 2002, the draft CCFMP was presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
This commission likewise supported the advancement of the draft CCFMP for adoption.
In April 2003, the City Council adopted the CCFMP (Council Resolution No. 2003-085). The
vision statement of the CCFM P is:
Through proactive management, achievement of a safe and healthy community forest that
continues to include rich species and age diversity, provides maximum canopy cover by
utilizing available planting space, unites neighborhoods with familiar tree themes, and
replaces trees to sustain the forest in perpetuity, while fostering community support through
education and involvement.
According to the CCFMP, the document's vision statement and policies are applicable to trees
throughout Carlsbad, both private and public, but they specifically address the portions of the
community forest that the city can influence directly. Those portions of the forest that the city
can influence directly are within the Street Tree Assessment District's (STAD) public rights-of-
way. Boundaries of the STAD align with boundaries of Lighting and Landscape District No. 1.
The CCFMP is a comprehensive, functional document, divided into the following ten chapters:
1. Introduction
2. Community Education
3. Uniform Street Tree Planting Map
4. Replacing Old Age Trees
5. Removal of Trees Not in the City's Rights-of-Way
6. Tree Selection
7. Heritage Trees
8. Emergency Plan
9. Hosp Grove Management Plan
10. Operations Plan
September 18, 2018 Item #4 Page 2 of 7
As a result of changes that have occurred in the community forest since the CCFMP's adoption,
various chapters and sections ofthe document are eligible for updates. Those updates could
reflect items such as: modifications to the city's organizational structure and administrative
processes regarding the protection and enhancement of the community forest, amendments to
City Council Policy No. 4 -Street Trees and Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 11.12 -Trees and
Shrubs; revisions to tree species names, conditions and growth patterns; and the status of tree
specific reports/studies.
One example of these tree specific reports/studies, is the Carlsbad Heritage Tree Report (CHTR)
-Phase I and II. According to Carlsbad Municipal Code 11.12.020.A.4., "Heritage trees shall be
trees with notable historic interest or trees of an unusual species or size." Phase I of the CHTR -
which focuses on trees within the Historic Village District -was initially compiled by the Historic
Preservation Commission's consultant in 2002, and was brought current by that consultant in
2006 and 2007. Its scope includes both city trees and private trees proposed for heritage tree
designation because of one or more of the following characteristics: species, rarity, size, age,
shape, historic or cultural significance.
Phase I of the CHTR contains:
• Botanical and common names of the heritage tree candidates for each site, with photos
• Identifications of trees that are rare or endangered in their native habitat
• A collection of media coverage and other literature on several trees within Carlsbad
• Recommendations to be utilized in the ongoing maintenance of heritage trees
After incorporation of the latest data, Phase I of the CHTR was submitted to the Historic
Preservation Commission and the Parks & Recreation Commission for review. In November
2007, both commissions accepted the report and supported its forwarding for further action.
Upon the commissions' acceptance of Phase I of the CHTR, a ·notification letter was mailed to
the property owners of all private heritage tree candidates. In addition, Phase I of the CHTR
was posted for public review and comment from December 2007 through January 2008. In
October 2009, the City Council accepted -not adopted -Phase I of the CHTR. The report was
not adopted largely due to the cost implications of the above referenced recommendations to
be utilized in the ongoing maintenance of (city) heritage trees.
Phase II of the CHTR-which focuses on trees within the balance of the STAD-was initially
compiled by the Historic Preservation Commission's consultant in 2009, and was brought
current by that consultant in 2011. Its scope and contents are consistent with those of Phase I
of the CHTR. To date, further processing of Phase II of the CHTR has not been pursued.
Current Consideration
The recently adopted CVBMP also references trees within three distinct chapters and sections.
Chapter 1, Introduction, Section 1.5 of the CVBMP details the Goals and Policies established to
reinforce the vision of the plan. The first of the four categories of Goals and Policies is Land Use
and Community Character. Subsection 1.E of the category notes a goal to "Recognize and
support the historical roots of the Village and Barrio." Item 2 of that subsection identifies a
policy to "Support a program to identify and protect heritage trees in the Village and Barrio as
part of a future update to the citywide Community Forest Management Plan."
September 18, 2018 Item #4 Page 3 of 7
Chapter 4, Mobility and Beautification, Section 4.3 of the CVBMP details the goal to Create
Livable Streets in Carlsbad, specifically creating a safe environment for walking and biking.
Subsection 4.3.8, Provide Shade, describes street trees as being "essential for a thriving village
environment." It also indicates that street trees within the Village and the Barrio have been a
point of discussion for merchants and residents. It further provides specific recommendations
to address street trees in the plan area. Item 1 of that subsection notes "The Community
Forest Management Plan sets forth standards for planting, removal, replacement, maintenance
and the preservation of street trees. Using a similar palette of species, including the use of
more palm trees or other beach character flora, will help add to the small-town character of the
Village and help unify it with the Barrio ... "
Chapter 5, Implementation, Section 5.6 of the CVBMP details the Implementation Action Plan.
The vision and goals presented in the plan are supported by project/program recommendations
outlined in Table 5.1, Implementation Action Matrix. Row nine of the Regulatory Programs,
Plans and Studies subsection of that matrix includes a short range action to "Identify top
priority streets to plant trees to provide more shade and increase connectivity between the
Village and the Barrio (consider through Community Forest Management Plan Update.)"
As noted above, various chapters and sections of the CCFMP are eligible for updates.
Processing an update to the CCFMP would, however, require additional expenditures and
resources, including staff time from the Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Library & Cultural
Arts, Community & Economic Development, Communications, Finance, and Fire
Departments/Divisions. In addition, an update to the plan will necessitate the hiring of
qualified consultant(s), and the re-engagement of the public. Staff estimates an update to the
CCFMP would entail $135,000 in expenditures, and would take a minimum of one year to
complete. The reallocation of staff time from the above departments/divisions to update the
CCFMP will also impact work capabilities on other projects and initiatives.
Staff is recommending that the City Council authorize staff to update the Carlsbad Community
Forest Management Plan, in response to the General Plan Lawsuit Settlement.
Fiscal Analysis
Sufficient contingency funds are available in the Parks & Recreation Department's operating
budgets to account for the estimated $135,000 in expenses associated with an update to the
CCFMP.
Next Steps
Staff will seek qualified consultant(s) to initiate a process to update to the CCFMP.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Consulting services to process an update to the CCFMP are statutorily exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (Feasibility
and Planning Studies). However, the implementation of the plan will require completion of an
initial study to determine the level of environmental review that would be required to
implement the plan. This determination will occur after the plan has been updated.
September 18, 2018 Item #4 Page 4 of 7
Public Notification
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibits
1.City Council Resolution
2.Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan, 2002, (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
and available online at:
http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/depts/parks/facilities/pest management.asp
3.Carlsbad Village and Barrio Mater Plan, 2018, (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) and·
available online at: http://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?Blob1D=36580
September 18, 2018 Item #4 Page 5 of 7
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-168
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING STAFF TO UPDATE THE CARLSBAD
COMMUNITY FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN, IN RESPONSE TO THE
GENERAL PLAN LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
I XIIIBI I I
WHEREAS, on March 14, 2017, the City Council approved the General Plan Lawsuit Settlement
Agreement between the City of Carlsbad and North County Advocates (Settlement Agreement)
[Council Resolution No, 2017-228); and
WHEREAS, Section 4.3.10 of the Settlement Agreement requires that "Within 18 months, the
City shall present to the City Council for consideration an update to the Community Forest
Management Plan (CCFMP) which includes a program to identify and protect heritage trees, where
practicable, and will include provisions for protection and enhancement of the urban tree canopy"; and
WHEREAS, in April 2003, the City Council adopted the Carlsbad Community Forest Management
Plan (CFMP) [Council Resolution No. 2003-085); and
WHEREAS, as a result of changes that have occurred in the community forest since the CCFMP's
adoption, various chapters and sections of the document are eligible for updates; and
WHEREAS, those updates could reflect items such as: modifications to the city's organizational
structure and administrative processes regarding the protection and enhancement of the community
forest, amendments to City Council Policy No. 4 -Street Trees and Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter
11.12 -Trees and Shrubs; revisions to tree species names, conditions and growth patterns; and the
status of tree specific reports/studies; and
WHEREAS, one example of these reports/studies, is the Carlsbad Heritage Tree Report; and
WHEREAS, the recently adopted Carlsbad Village and Barrio Master Plan references trees within
three chapters: Chapter 1, Introduction, Section 1.5; Chapter 4, Mobility and Beautification, Section
4.3; and Chapter 5, Implementation, Section 5.6; and
September 18, 2018 Item #4 Page 6 of 7
WHEREAS, processing an update to the CCFMP would require additional expenditures and
resources, including staff time from the Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Library & Cultural Arts,
Community & Economic Development, Communications, Finance, and Fire Departments/Divisions; and
WHEREAS, an update to the plan will necessitate the hiring of qualified consultant(s), and the
re-engagement of the public; and
WHEREAS, staff estimates an update to the CCFMP would entail $135,000 in expenditures, and
take a minimum of one year to complete.
WHEREAS, sufficient contingency funds are available in the Parks & Recreation Department's
operating budgets to account for the $135,000 in expenses associated with an update to the CCFMP.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council ofthe City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That staff is authorized and directed to update the Carlsbad Community Forest
Management Plan.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on
the 18th day of September, 2018, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
M. Hall, K. Blackburn, M. Schumacher, C. Schumacher, M. Packard.
None.
None.
(SEAL)
September 18, 2018 Item #4 Page 7 of 7
Community Forest Management Plan
Chris Hazeltine, Parks & Recreation Director
Kyle Lancaster, Parks Services Manager
Sept. 18, 2018
Recommended Action
•Adopt a resolution authorizing staff to update
the Carlsbad Community Forest Management
Plan, in response to the General Plan Lawsuit
Settlement Agreement
Settlement Agreement
•March 2017, City Council approved the Lawsuit
Settlement Agreement between City and North County
Advocates, related to certification of General Plan EIR
–Agreement includes Section 4.3.10, but it does not
obligate City Council to approve an update to the plan
Agreement Section 4.3.10
•“Within 18 months, the City shall present to the City
Council for consideration an update to the Community
Forest Management Plan which includes a program to
identify and protect heritage trees, where practicable,
and will include provisions for protection and
enhancement of the urban tree canopy”
Background –Tree Policy Committee
•November 1999, the city formed a Street Tree Policy
Committee to address tree removal and tree care within
the community forest under its management
–Committee ultimately drafted a report
Committee’s Report
•Report contained accessory recommendations, including
creation of Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan
–June 2000, City Council appropriated funds and
directed staff to implement report’s recommendations
CCFMP Project Team
•Consulting firm retained by city to create a plan
–Project team organized, and included consultant,
several city staff, Parks & Recreation Commissioners,
and a Street Tree Policy Committee member
Draft CCFMP
•April 2002, draft CCFMP was completed
–In addition to standard public noticing, team also
notified all Street Tree Policy Committee members
–Staff received suggestions to add species to proposed
tree list, and then incorporated those species into list
Draft CCFMP
•May 2002, the draft CCFMP was presented to the Historic
Preservation Commission
–Commission was responsible for the development of a
companion heritage tree program
Draft CCFMP
•Heritage Tree Report (Ph. I and II) was to be incorporated
as an addendum to the CCFMP, upon adoption by Council
–Commission supported advancement of draft CCFMP.
Draft CCFMP
•May 2002, draft CCFMP was presented to the Parks &
Recreation Commission
–Commission supported advancement of draft CCFMP
Adopted CCFMP
•April 2003, the City Council adopted the CCFMP
–Vision statement and policies are applicable to trees
throughout Carlsbad, both private and public, but
they specifically address the portions of the
community forest that the city can influence directly
Adopted CCFMP
•Those portions of the forest that the city can influence
directly are defined as within the Street Tree Assessment
District’s public rights-of-way
–Boundaries of that assessment district align with
boundaries of Lighting and Landscape District No. 1
Adopted CCFMP
•The CCFMP is a comprehensive, functional document
•As a result of changes that have occurred in the
community forest since the CCFMP’s adoption, various
chapters/sections of document are eligible for updates
Potential Items in Update
•Modifications to city’s organizational structure/processes
regarding protection/enhancement of community forest
•Amendments to Council Policy 4 and CMC Chapter 11.12
•Revisions to tree species names, conditions and growth
patterns; and the status of tree specific reports/studies
Carlsbad Heritage Tree Report –Ph. I
•Focuses on trees within the Historic Village District
•Initially compiled in 2002; brought current in 2006/2007
•Scope includes both city trees and private trees
–Designated due to one or more such characteristics:
species, rarity, size, age, shape, significance
CHTR –Ph. I
•After incorporation of the latest data, Phase I of CHTR
was submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission
and the Parks & Recreation Commission for review
–November 2007, both commissions accepted the
report and supported its forwarding for further action
CHTR –Ph. I
•Upon that acceptance, a notification letter was mailed to
property owners of all private heritage tree candidates
•Phase I of the CHTR was also posted for public review and
comment from December 2007 through January 2008
CHTR –Ph. I
•October 2009, City Council accepted -not adopted -
Phase I of the CHTR
•The report was not adopted largely due to the cost
implications of the recommendations to be utilized in
the ongoing maintenance of (city) heritage trees
Carlsbad Heritage Tree Report –Ph. II
•Focuses on trees within the balance of the STAD
•Initially compiled in 2009; brought current 2011
•Scope and contents are consistent with those of Phase I
•Further processing of Phase II of the CHTR not pursued
Current Considerations -CVBMP
•Recently adopted Carlsbad Village & Barrio Master Plan
also references trees within three chapters and sections:
–Chapter 1, Introduction, Section 1.5
–Chapter 4, Mobility and Beautification, Section 4.3
–Chapter 5, Implementation, Section 5.6
CVBMP Chapter 1, Section 1.5
•Subsection 1.E notes a goal to “Recognize and support
the historical roots of the Village and Barrio”
–Item 2 identifies a policy to “Support a program to
identify and protect heritage trees in the Village and
Barrio as part of a future update to the citywide
Community Forest Management Plan”
CVBMP Chapter 4, Section 4.3
•Subsection 4.3.8 describes street trees as being “essential
for a thriving village environment”
•Indicates street trees within the Village and Barrio have
been a point of discussion for merchants/ residents
•Provides specific recommendations to address street trees
CVBMP Chapter 4, Section 4.3
•Item 1 notes “The CFMP sets forth standards for planting,
removal, replacement, maintenance and the preservation
of street trees. Using a similar palette of species, including
the use of more palm trees or other beach character flora,
will help add to the small-town character of the Village
and help unify it with the Barrio…”
CVBMP Chapter 5, Section 5.6
•Row 9, Regulatory Programs, Plans and Studies subsection
of matrix includes short range action: “Identify top priority
streets to plant trees to provide more shade and increase
connectivity between the Village and the Barrio (consider
through Community Forest Management Plan Update)”
Required -Processing CCFMP Update
•Additional expenditures [~$135k] and resources
•Hiring of consultant(s)
•Re-engagement of the public
•Minimum of a year to complete
Recommended Action
•Adopt a resolution authorizing staff to update
the Carlsbad Community Forest Management
Plan, in response to the General Plan Lawsuit
Settlement Agreement
Question and Answer