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Home My WebLink About2021-08-31; City Council; ; Dead Heritage Tree –Follow-up to a Report on the Disposition of a Tree Stump and Burl on Grand AveMeeting Date: Aug. 31, 2021 To: Mayor and City Council From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager Staff Contact: Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director kyle.lancaster@carlsbadca.gov, 760-434-2941 Subject: Dead Heritage Tree – Follow-up to a Report on the Disposition of a Tree Stump and Burl on Grand Avenue District: 1 Recommended Action Adopt a resolution directing staff to grind the stump and burl of a dead heritage street tree and remove the wood chips from the public right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue, east of Jefferson Street. Executive Summary On June 22, 2021, the City Council received a staff report presentation on the disposition of a dead heritage street tree stump and burl on Grand Avenue (Exhibit 2). At the conclusion of the presentation and discussion, the City Council approved a motion directing staff to return with a staff report regarding the costs of relocating the heritage tree stump and burl, as an art piece, to a city park (Exhibit 3). This report provides a summary of the feasibility and potential costs of such a relocation, as well as a fourth option offered by a local artisan. Discussion On June 28, 2021, Parks & Recreation staff met onsite with Transportation staff and representatives from the city’s contractual service provider for trees, West Coast Arborists. Parks & Recreation staff provided a link to the agenda item on the stump and burl from the June 22, 2021 City Council meeting, and further detailed the interest in determining the feasibility and cost of relocating the stump and burl, from a Eucalyptus tree that died in 2019, to a nearby city site, such as Magee Park. Transportation staff acknowledged the probable impacts to both the southern adjacent sidewalk and the northern adjacent street curb and gutter and estimated the cost of the associated sidewalk, curb and gutter work at $6,000. West Coast Arborists representatives expressed significant apprehension over the feasibility of removing the stump and burl in one piece. Although they were willing to attempt the removal, they believed the stump and burl would likely break into an undetermined number of pieces during the process. West Coast Arborists representatives estimated the cost of the associated removal and transport work at $26,000 (Exhibit 4). Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 1 of 29 On June 30, 2021, Parks & Recreation staff met virtually with Library & Cultural Arts staff. Parks & Recreation staff again provided a link to the agenda item on the stump and burl from the June 22, 2021, City Council meeting and further detailed the interest in determining the feasibility and cost of carving the stump and burl into an artistic element, such as a bench. Library & Cultural Arts staff committed to consulting with, and seeking assessments from, two local artisans who specialize in natural materials. Parks & Recreation staff and Library & Cultural Arts staff met onsite with the two local artisans – Jason Xavier Lane of JXL Studio and Paul Henry of Paul Henry Furniture – on July 13, 2021. Library & Cultural Arts staff advised the artisans of the assessment parameters, including the source and quality of the wood material, its suitability for carving in place versus being carved at another location and the other factors that had been identified. At the request of the artisans, Parks & Recreation staff also cut blocks of about a square foot each from the top of the stump and gave one to each of the artisans for further analysis at their studios. On July 19, Library & Cultural Arts staff forwarded the artisans’ assessment reports (Exhibits 5 and 6) to Parks & Recreation staff. The shared themes of the assessment reports included: General to Eucalyptus material • Eucalyptus wood is not commonly the first choice of materials for woodworking artisans • Eucalyptus wood tends to be difficult to carve or conform by woodworking artisans Specific to the Eucalyptus material from the Grand Avenue tree • The stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures • The stump and burl are not desirable for carving artwork onsite • The stump and burl are not viable for carving a bench onsite • Portions of the stump and burl have the potential for carving artwork or a bench off-site The artisans were not asked to provide a detailed cost estimate for carving this particular stump and burl, or portions of it. They were instead asked to provide a range of past woodworks for which the project scope and cost could be considered as comparisons. In response, the artisans’ assessment reports include photos of 12 selective woodworks, ranging in cost from about $3,000 to $45,000, depending upon the size, scope and complexity of the wood, and particularly excluding eucalyptus. Staff determined the median cost of those 12 selective woodworks to be $8,000. In addition to commenting on each of the three referenced options for disposition of the stump and burl, Mr. Henry offered a fourth option be considered: “Leave it alone.” In Mr. Henry’s opinion, “The stump is not a liability hazard, impinges on the sidewalk only a few inches, and in fact shows evidence… this (tree) was one of many important trees in Carlsbad.” Should the City Council wish to pursue this option, staff would recommend making a fresh, level and aesthetically pleasing cut across the full diameter of the stump, approximately one foot below its predominantly existing height. Staff would also propose the addition of an interpretive panel regarding this heritage tree, or the city’s heritage trees program, mounted on a steel pedestal, adjacent to the stump and burl. West Coast Arborists representatives estimated the cost of the associated work at $5,500 (Exhibit 7). Staff estimated the cost for fabrication and installation of an interpretive panel at $3,500. The wood resulting from the fresh, level cut across the stump Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 2 of 29 could be delivered to a local artisan or mill, for carving artwork or cutting and assembling it for other purposes, at their own discretion. This option does not address the expressed desire of the adjacent property owner that the stump and burl be removed from the public right of way. Options The following options are provided for the City Council, with option one recommended by staff: 1. Grind the stump and burl and remove the wood chips from the public right of way; repurpose the wood chips as mulch Pros • Acknowledges the procedure to grind the stump and burl is consistent with previous street tree removals, under the Community Forest Management Plan Appendix D (Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 11.12 - Trees and Shrubs) • Supports staff’s determination to not pursue this particular repurposing, due in part to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of the location • Recognizes the Arts Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission did not act to consider an item on this concept • Accounts for two local artisans’ assessments that eucalyptus wood is not commonly the first choice of materials for woodworking artisans and tends to be difficult to carve or conform • Accounts for two local artisans’ assessments that this specific Eucalyptus stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures, are not desirable for carving artwork onsite and are not viable for carving a bench onsite • Addresses the expressed desire of the adjacent property owner that the stump and burl be removed from the public right of way • Avoids the significant costs associated with removing and relocating the stump and burl, carving it off-site, and repairing the sidewalk, curb and gutter damage, estimated at $40,000 Cons • Does not address the expressed desire of the resident that the stump and burl be carved into a public bench • Does not increase public awareness of large heritage tree species in the Village • Incurs grinding costs and wood chip removal costs, estimated at $2,000 2. Seek citizen input, design, and carve stump and burl into a public bench. Pros • Increases public awareness of large heritage tree species in the Village • Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having extended use and being further memorialized, while continuing to serve a purpose beyond typically associated public benefits, as detailed in Community Forest Management Plan Chapter 6 • Addresses the expressed desire of a resident that the tree stump and burl be carved into a public bench Cons • Creates inconsistency with the standard for right of way furnishings in the Village • Provides limited access for disabled persons (i.e., as called for under the Americans with Disabilities Act) Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 3 of 29 • Commits to initial costs of $10,000 for associated work performed by each trade • Requires high level of maintenance to preserve wood as smooth-surfaced bench • Lacks specific budgetary funding for the initial carving and ongoing maintenance • Does not support staff’s determination to forego this particular repurposing, due in part to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of the location • Does not recognize the Arts Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission and Historic Preservation Commission did not act to consider an item on this concept • Does not account for two local artisans’ assessments that Eucalyptus wood is not commonly the first choice of materials for woodworking artisans and tends to be difficult to carve or conform • Does not account for two local artisans’ assessments that this specific Eucalyptus stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures, are not desirable for carving artwork onsite; and are not viable for carving a bench onsite • Does not address the expressed desire of the property owner that the stump and burl be removed from the public right of way 3. Remove, relocate, design and carve stump and burl into an art piece or bench. Pros • Increases public awareness of large heritage tree species, in the city and Village • Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having extended use and being further memorialized, while continuing to serve a purpose beyond typically associated public benefits, as detailed in Community Forest Management Plan Chapter 6 • Addresses (or potentially addresses) the expressed desire of a resident that the tree stump and burl be carved into a public bench • Meets the expressed desire of the property owner that the stump and burl be removed from the public right of way Cons • Entails the ancillary removal and replacement of curb, gutter and sidewalks • Risks the likelihood the stump and burl would break into undetermined pieces • Commits to initial costs of $40,000 for associated work performed by each trade • Requires a high level of maintenance to preserve the wood as an artwork/bench • Lacks specific budgetary funding for the initial work and ongoing maintenance • Does not support staff’s determination to forego this particular repurposing, due in part to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of the location • Does not recognize the Arts Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission and Historic Preservation Commission did not act to consider an item on this concept • Does not account for two local artisans’ assessments that eucalyptus wood is not commonly the first choice of materials for woodworking artisans and tends to be difficult to carve or conform • Does not account for two local artisans’ assessments that this specific Eucalyptus stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures, are not desirable for carving artwork onsite and are not viable for carving a bench onsite Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 4 of 29 4. Make level cut and leave stump and burl in place; install adjacent interpretive panel. Pros • Increases public awareness of large heritage tree species in the Village • Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having extended use and being further memorialized, while continuing to serve a purpose beyond typically associated public benefits, as described in Community Forest Management Plan Chapter 6 Cons • Commits to initial costs of $9,000 for associated work performed by each trade • Requires a moderate level of maintenance to preserve the wood as a remembrance of a heritage tree • Lacks specific budgetary funding for the initial work and ongoing maintenance • Does not recognize the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of the location • Does not address the expressed desire of the adjacent property owner that the stump and burl be removed from the public right of way Fiscal Analysis To date, in addition to staff time and resources, $1,500 has been expensed for the two artisans’ assessment reports on the review of this stump and burl. The estimated $2,000 in costs for option one on the disposition of this stump and burl would be funded through the Street Tree Maintenance District Operating Budget. Sufficient funds are available to address these costs. The costs for options two, three and four lack budgetary funding for the initial work and the ongoing maintenance. An applicable funding source would need to be identified and a corresponding appropriation would need to be approved for any of those three options. Should the City Council provide direction to pursue one of those three options, staff could return to the City Council for adoption of a resolution appropriating the funds. Next Steps Staff will act in accordance with the City Council’s direction regarding the tree stump and burl. Environmental Evaluation The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(h) – Existing Facilities, which applies to the maintenance of existing landscaping, including native growth, that involves negligible or no expansion of use. Public Notification and Outreach This item was noticed in keeping with the state's Ralph M. Brown Act and it was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date. Exhibits 1. City Council resolution 2. June 22, 2021 City Council staff report 3. June 22, 2021 City Council meeting minutes 4. West Coast Arborists’ proposal for removing and relocating the stump and burl 5. Jason Xavier Lane - JXL Studio assessment report on the stump and burl 6. Paul Henry - Paul Henry Furniture assessment report on the stump and burl 7. West Coast Arborists’ proposal for level cutting the stump and burl Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 5 of 29 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-202 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA DIRECTING STAFF TO GRIND THE STUMP AND BURL OF A DEAD HERITAGE STREET TREE AND REMOVE THE WOOD CHIPS FROM THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF GRAND AVENUE, EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET WHEREAS, in early 2019, staff identified a large Eucalyptus street tree (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) on the south side of Grand Avenue, immediately east of Jefferson Street, to be in declining health; arid WHEREAS, the subject street tree was designated as a heritage tree as part of the City Council's adoption of the city's updated 2019 Community Forest Management Plan; and WHEREAS, in that report the tree was listed in poor condition and of declining vigor; and WHEREAS, in July 2019, the tree was re-evaluated and found to be in an advanced state of decline, suffering from a combination of lyrp psyllid and tortoise beetle infestations; and WHEREAS, after monitoring the tree's condition for a few months after treatments, the tree was subsequently determined to be dead; and WHEREAS, the Community Forest Management Plan's Chapter 8 -Community Green Waste, Wood and Tree Recycling Program, includes a Tree Material Recycling Policy; and WHEREAS, staff intended to (and subsequently did) arrange for the salvaged wood from this tree to be delivered to local mills for woodworking projects; and . WHEREAS, in early November 2019, Mr. Don Christiansen inquired with staff about the possibility of repurposing the tree trunk as a historic public art piece or bench; and WHEREAS, staff advised Mr. Christiansen of the intent to deliver the salvaged wood from the tree to local mills and then consulted with Library & Cultural Arts Department staff on his inquiry; and Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 6 of 29 WHEREAS, the Library & Cultural Arts Department staff did not have an interest in repurposing the subject tree trunk in this manner-due in part to the limited visibility of this location; and WHEREAS, Mr. Christiansen later provided Public Comment on the concept of repurposing this tree's trunk into a public art piece or bench at the November meetings of the Arts Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission; and WHEREAS, none of the three Commissions acted to docket an item on this concept at a future Commission meeting; and WHEREAS, on Nov. 22, 2019, the subject dead tree was removed to the stump; and WHEREAS, on Dec. 4, 2019, Mr. Christiansen sent an email to the City Council requesting that the stump and burl. not be removed, and that citizen input be solicited for the "highest and best use" of what remained; and WHEREAS, staff refrained from grinding the stump and burl in order to bring an agenda item on the request to the City Council for consideration in the spring of 2020; and WHEREAS, due largely to the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, which the city began experiencing in March 2020, and staff's need to address those impacts and other priorities, staff • deferred action on this item for the City Council's consideration; and WHEREAS, during that deferral period, the owner of the adjacent property indicated his desire is for the stump and burl to be removed from the public right of way; and WHEREAS, during that deferral period, Mr. Christiansen also continued to indicate his desire is for the stump and burl to be carved into a public bench; and WHEREAS, on June 22, 2021, the City Council received a staff report and presentation on the disposition of the stump and burl and directed staff to explore the costs of relocating it, as an art piece, to a city park; and Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 7 of 29 WHEREAS, staff commissioned two local artisans who specialize in natural materials to prepare assessment reports of the stump and burl; and WHEREAS, the two artisans' assessment reports indicate Eucalyptus wood is not commonly the first choice of materials for woodworking artisans; and tends to be difficult to carve or conform; and WHEREAS, the two artisans' assessment reports indicate portions of the stump and burl have the potential for carving artwork or a bench off-site; and WHEREAS; the costs associated with removing and relocating the stump and burl, carving it off- site, and repairing the sidewalk, curb and gutter damage, has been estimated at $40,000; and WHEREAS, the two artisans' assessment reports also indicate this specific Eucalyptus stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures; are not desirable for carving artwork onsite; and are not viable for carving a bench onsite; and WHEREAS, the stump and burl remain intact today, awaiting further action by staff, based on the direction received from the City Council; and WHEREAS, staff recommends grinding the stump and burl and removing the wood chips from the public right of way and repurposing the grindings as mulch; and WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in the Street Tree Maintenance District Operating Budget to address the costs of the grinding and the removal of the wood chips; and · WHEREAS, the City Planner has considered the potential environmental effects of this project and has been determined it to be exempt from environmental review per CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(h) -Existing Facilities, and that no exception to the exemption as set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 applies. II II Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 8 of 29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. ' 2. That the City Council directs staff to grind the stump and burl of a dead heritage street tree and remove the wood chips from the public right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue, east of Jefferson Street. 3. That sufficient funds are available in the Street Tree Maintenance District Operating Budget to address these actions. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 31st day of August, 2021, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Hall, Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Norby. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. MATT HALL, Mayor ~v~ fir< FAVIOLA MEDINA, City Clerk Services Manager (SEAL) Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 9 of 29 Exhibit 2 June 22, 2021 City Council staff report (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 10 of 29 Exhibit 3 June 22, 2021 City Council meeting minutes (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 11 of 29 JOB LOCATION S.Side of Grand Ave, E. of Jefferson St. SCOPE OF WORK Excavation of large significantly decayed stump for art creation purposes. WCA will not guarantee stump viability or stability based on its decayed condition. To be clear, there will likely be significant collapse and decayed wood separation in the process of excavation. Price includes large crane rental, air spade usage, and excavator. Price also includes significant traffic control road closure, transportation of remaining stump or parts of the stump to the nearby park, and backfilling the exhumed hole with backfill dirt. WCA will not be responsible for exhuming root under the sidewalk and or street. Also, WCA will not be responsible for damage to any associated utilities that will be affected by the excavation process. Note there is a water main running directly under the stump. CUSTOMER INFORMATION Main Contact Billing ContactTIM SELKE TIM SELKECITY OF CARLSBAD 1166 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE CARLSBAD, CA 92008 760.434.2857 tim.selke@carlsbadca.gov CITY OF CARLSBAD 1166 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE CARLSBAD, CA 92008 760.434.2857 tim.selke@carlsbadca.gov Inventory Needed Link Funds to Job #Purchase Order #DIR Project ID # Yes DESCRIPTIONQTY U/M UNIT PRICE TOTAL 1.00 Stump excavation/ transport/ backfill Lump Sum $26,000.00 $26,000.00 $26,000.00GRAND TOTAL: COMMENTS Work to be performed by Liuna Local 89 Tree maintenance laborers. DISCLAIMER: West Coast Arborists, Inc. ensures the quality of work performed, however, we do not ensure the customer's/city's entire tree population from failure. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below ground. Arborists cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy or safe under all circumstances. The controlling authority must manage trees and accept some degree of risk. Only work identified in the scope of the proposal and in the contract line item is included in our quote or invoice. All work will be completed in accordance with ANSI A300 standards. Price reflects payment under prevailing wage rates under the wage determination: Tree Maintenance Laborer and report of certified payroll to the Department of Industrial Relations as applicable in accordance with state labor laws. CA Contractors License 366764 Federal Tax ID: 95-3250682 CA DIR Registration 1000000956 ISAAC ONTIVEROS 07/16/21 ESTIMATED BY TITLE DATE DATETITLEACCEPTED BY AREA MANAGER WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC. 8163 Commercial Street La Mesa, CA 91942 858.566.4204 Phone 858.566.4098 Fax WCAINC.COM Proposal # 70190 PROPOSAL FOR TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICESPROPOSAL FOR TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES Printed on: 7/16/2021 10:53:12 AM Page 1 of 1 Exhibit 4 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 12 of 29 Attn: Tonya C. Rodzach Public Art Coordinator City of Carlsbad 1775 Dove Lane Carlsbad, CA 92011 Carlsbad Heritage Tree Stump Artist Assessment July 16, 2021 Artist Assessment by: JXL Studio - Jason Lane Design/Build 1955 Julian Avenue San Diego, CA 92113 license #967007 (619) 865-7694 jxlstudio@gmail.com Stump Site Inspection The stump site inspection was performed by Jason Lane on July 13, 2021 at 800 Grand Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Description of Stump • Eucalyptus Cladocalyx / Sugar Gum stump • Lower burl area is approximately 10 feet in diameter by 10-30” high. • Upper trunk area is approximately 6 feet in diameter by 30-42” high. ASSESSMENT OF THE STUMP Quality of the wood The wood is very hard and heavy, with some areas of rot radiating from the center, with cracks and fissures distributed over the stump. The below-ground condition is unknown and could possibly involve more rot than the exposed areas. Aesthetically, some of the areas of the burl that make up the perimeter of the stump have interesting, if not beautiful, organic textures and patterns. Recommendation on quality of wood and source materials viability Because of the nature of Eucalyptus wood and the condition of the stump, the wood is not suitable for fine milling or joinery. It could, with careful cuts, be harvested to produce some large “slab” chunks. However, these would contain the voids created by the rot, cracks, and fissures, and it would be important to address the design with those in mind. Also, the sample pieces of wood provided by the city show that after cutting, the wood harvested from the stump remains heavy and fairly stable but produces more small cracks and fissures over its surface when drying. Possible work of art: Carving in place vs. Removal/Salvage In this case, carving in place is not recommended, as the wood exposed to the earth will continue to be in a state of decay/ rot that will spread upward. Although the condition of the wood below the surface is unknown, it does look as if enough could be harvested onsite with a portable mill or chainsaw during removal to fabricate a bench or piece of artwork. As stated above, the voids and defects and future patina should be considered by the artist and integrated into the final design. Regard- ing locating a potential art piece in situ or relocating it to another public location, I would recommend receiving community feedback to inform the decision. In any case, a potential bench or art piece should be designed to be placed above the ground/ earth to prevent further rot. 1 Exhibit 5 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 13 of 29 Wood treatment If the wood is used for an exterior art piece or furniture, I would recommend a bi-yearly treatment with a penetrating wood oil. Although the condition after removal and milling is unknown, wood exposed to the outdoors will have some degradation over the years, even with regular maintenance; this patina should be integrated into the design of the piece. Maintenance recommendations/ Best practices • Keep wood separated from the earth/dirt. • Seal with a penetrating wood oil or similar exterior wood finish every 6-12 months. • Artwork/furniture design should allow for water drainage/run-off. Additional recommendation for future Heritage Tree removal If and when further Heritage Trees need to be removed for safety and such trees are of special concern to the community as to be memorialized, it is recommended that an artist/designer/woodworker be involved in the removal. This will ensure the best possible use of the whole tree is achieved, even if the resulting artwork is inspired by but not made from the tree itself. ARTIST BIO AND HISTORY OF WOODWORKING Artist bio Jason Xavier Lane is a designer, craftsman, and partner in the award-winning design team Bells & Whistles and principal of JXL Studio. The son of two artist/draftspersons, Jason was studying philosophy when he became involved in the performing arts. In 1999, he transitioned from fabricating theater props and custom homebuilding to the world of design and the craft of woodworking and began producing custom furniture, architectural elements, and stage props for select clients. This led to an invitation to join Bells & Whistles and the development of a fruitful collaboration producing many award-winning and pub- lished hand-crafted interiors. In his current venture, JXL studio, he has created a hands-on atelier dedicated to designing and building objects and interiors in the applied arts tradition, inspired by subtle forms of modern architecture and the cinematic visuals of masters like Kubrick and Fellini. He is a member of the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Guild and the storied Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, the oldest professional organization of craft artists in Southern California. Experience with materials Experience includes work with locally harvested slabs and salvaged lumber and slabs, as well as all hard woods and soft woods, prototyping foam, concrete, and steel. 2 Disclaimer: The recommendations in this letter, although based on practical site observation, are to be taken as subjective and not scientific. Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 14 of 29 3 These examples of work, ranging from originally $8,000 to $45,000 sampling of previously sold works of wood art. Hexagon Entry and Chandelier Location: Starlight Little Italy Materials: Ipe, wood and steel Dimensions: 96” x 120” x 96” (Hexagon Entry) and 256” x 256” x 50” (Chandelier) Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 15 of 29 Tessellation #1 Location: Liberty Station Arts District Materials: Concrete, steel, salvaged wood and plantings Dimensions: 84” x 24” x 120” 4 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 16 of 29 Bowtie Cabinet Location: Los Angeles International Airport Furniture as Art exhibition Materials: Claro walnut, zircote, steel Dimensions: 44” x 36” x 18” 5 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 17 of 29 Mountain Wall Relief Location: Campfire Restaurant, Carlsbad Village Materials: Walnut and alder wood 288” x 94” x 1” 6 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 18 of 29 Rolling Pin Wall Screen Location: Piper Restaurant, Oceanside Beachfront Materials: Beech, hornbeam, and white oak wood Dimensions: 120” x 120” x 6” 7 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 19 of 29 Entry Suite Furniture Location: San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park Materials: Washed white oak, brass, steel Dimensions: Multiple sizes 8 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 20 of 29 Paul Henry Furniture 2633 State St. Carlsbad, Ca. 92008 760-434-4270 www.paulhenryfurniture.com REPORT ON A EUCALYPTUS TREE STUMP Background: On July 8, 2021 I was contacted by Tonya Rodzach of the City of Carlsbad and asked to offer an assessment of a tree stump on Grand Ave. in the Village. After meeting with her and other Carlsbad ofﬁcials at the site, and after much discussion, I was asked to prepare a report that offered my opinion as to the artistic merit, physical attributes of the material, constraints of the site, and other factors, that may impact the decisions on future actions regarding the stump. This then is that report. Bona Fides: I have been a professional wood worker for nearly 50 years. (Documentation in appendix 1). For most of that time I maintained a workshop in the Village of Carlsbad. I am familiar with most aspects of wood processing, although I specialize in ﬁne furniture and antique restoration. While on faculty at Palomar College Woodworking for 20 years, I worked alongside the giant mill that turned local trees into hardwood lumber for the students, and lucky faculty, to use. With few exceptions we did not take eucalyptus wood. Exhibit 6 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 21 of 29 The Material: Eucalyptus has a well deserved reputation as being difﬁcult to work. The lumber wants to twist and check, and even as ﬁrewood its interlocked grain makes it difﬁcult to split. A high silica content will dull tools very quickly and it is highly resistant to sandpaper. Most anything you can do with eucalyptus you can do much more easily with a different species. The Stump: Several years after being cut, the tree has the expected end checks and radial splits, but the wood is intact and not likely to crumble or rot in the near term. The cut is irregular, not ﬂat, with a careless chain saw divot on the top. The root base shows the glory of what once was a legacy tree, like many of the others in the Village. (See, for example the eucalyptus that still stands at Washington St. and Carlsbad Village Drive.) These are important historical markers. The Discussion: Many ideas were discussed at our meeting. My ﬁrst was to commission a wood carver to create a bench there. But the site is not suitable for much public use as it is directly next to a large backﬂow preventer. I would not recommend that idea. It followed that the stump could be dug out in its entirety and moved to a more suitable location for carving. Considering the above discussion of the quality of the material, this too is inadvisable. Plus the amount of effort and considerable expense to the city for digging out and re-landscaping the two sites make this a really bad idea. I deﬁnitely do not recommended this. That seems to leave just two options. The ﬁrst would be to grind out the stump and use the chips as mulch. Since Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 22 of 29 eucalyptus rots very slowly it does not create good compost, but rather can be used as topper to retain moisture. This is possibly a useful idea, but one that I ﬁnd costly and entirely unnecessary. The stump is not a liability hazard, impinges on the sidewalk only a few inches, and in fact shows evidence of this was one of many important trees in Carlsbad. My Recommendation: It seems to me that the last option is the best - Leave it alone. The ragged cut is not aesthetically pleasing, but not a hazard, and while this could be cleaned up to create a ﬂat surface I do not think it necessary. There is a Shinto tradition in Japan that identiﬁes natural objects that have a particular essence due to their age or place in nature, an essence they call Kami. Often these objects are wrapped with a white cord both to honor the object, and also to alert you to the fact that this is something special. I visited a temple that was built around an enormous tree stump, 60 feet across that was once one of the oldest living things on the island. It is very impressive whatever your beliefs. I do not normally ascribe to things not scientiﬁcally provable, and I certainly do not suggest that the City of Carlsbad should adjust its public policy for such a thing. But I believe that there is truth in the Shinto tradition and, as it relates to the stump in question, it seems a bit of hubris and disrespect to want to remove something that is still older than our father and grandfathers without a signiﬁcant and urgent reason. I recommend leaving the stump as it is. Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 23 of 29 PA U L H E N R Y 2633 State St. Carlsbad, Ca. 92008 760-434-4270 www.paulhenryfurniture.com SOLO EXHIBITIONS: “Small Ideas” samples, models, mockups Encinitas Public Library, Encinitas, Ca. (Sept 3 - Oct 8, 2013) “A Small Gathering of European Nobility”, David Zapf Gallery, San Diego, Ca. (May - June 2000) “Acquired Histories - New Furniture”, David Zapf Gallery San Diego, Ca. (Feb - March 1997) GROUP EXHIBITIONS: Artifacts Oceanside Museum of Art February 17 - July 8, 2018 By Hand National Biennial Craft Exhibition 2016 / 2018 Blue Line Arts, Roseville, Ca 37th Annual Contemporary Craft Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, Az February 12 – April 24, 2016 San Diego Botanical Gardens Sculpture Exhibition, May 2014 - April 2015 Allied Craftsmen Today Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego (June 15, 2013 - Jauary 2014) Juried Biennial 2000 / 2009 / 2012 Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad Ca. Mass Consumption Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Az. (June – August 2008) New West Coast Design Museum of Craft+Design San Francisco, (Jan – April 2008) Three Point Perspective with David Fobes and Wendy Maruyama David Zapf Gallery; San Diego, Ca. (June 2005) American Society of Furniture Artists (ASOFA) Touring Exhibition: Houston (May 1996), Atlanta (July, 1996), New York (Oct., 1996) APPOINTMENT: City of Encinitas, Commission for the Arts 1999-2001 INSTRUCTOR: Furniture Design and History; Palomar College, San Marcos, Ca. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland Or., July 2004 PUBLISHED ARTICLES: “Ruhlmann’s Torpedo Leg”, Woodwork Magazine, April 2008 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 24 of 29 In my normal work I try to source materials that are locally harvested whenever possible, and obtained through Palomar College as well as other Urban Forest retailers. These have included: Redwood from a tree cut in Balboa Park, Torrey Pine from Leucadia and Del Mar, Tipuana tipu which is a Dalbergia related to Rosewood, and several specimen species such as Coral, Silky Oak, Carob, Macadamia, Avocado, and Sycamore . Domestic woods that are not grown locally include Poplar, White Oak, Cherry, Walnut, and Maple, and are frequently found in my work. I am also fond of using reclaimed wood such as redwood from old hot tubs, Douglas ﬁr from construction remodels, and cedar fence boards. When appropriate I will also use exotics and imported tropicals such as Mahogany and Wenge. I will often use these expensive and valuable species in a veneer form which is more cost effective and less wasteful. A good deal of my work is in antique restoration, following the American Institute of Conservators guidelines for responsible restoration. I have given several national presentations to professional groups such as the Furniture Society and the Mingei Museum SD in methods to conserve, repair, and reﬁnish antique furniture in ways that do not diminish the historic value of the piece. Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 25 of 29 These examples of work, ranging from originally $2,800 to $6,200, are a representative sampling of previously sold works of wood art. Federal Cabinet (1997) Mahogany, reclaimed red oak, ramin, anigre, tire tread, gold leaf New Empire Gueridon (2000) Burl Eucalyptus veneer, Pau Amarillo, Ebonized cherry, reclaimed glass, found objects. Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 26 of 29 Palme d’Or Cabinet. (1997) Palmwood, Maple, Reclaimed 19th c. Walnut legs, ebonized cherry New York 1825. (2012) Reclaimed Mahogany panels, poplar, anigre, ball chain, found objects. Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 27 of 29 Elizabeth I. (2000) Bleached basswood, Sapele, Siblings cabinet (2019) Ramin, Reclaimed Chinese panels, Walnut, Izombe veneer Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 28 of 29 JOB LOCATION S.Side of Grand Ave, E. of Jefferson St. SCOPE OF WORK Flat topping of large, significantly decayed stump with the use of a Lucas Mill. WCA will not guarantee stump viability or stability based on its decayed condition. The stump will be made as flat as possible given the advanced state of decay. Price includes transport and use of Lucas Mill and disposal of removed wood material. CUSTOMER INFORMATION Main Contact Billing ContactTIM SELKE TIM SELKECITY OF CARLSBAD 1166 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE CARLSBAD, CA 92008 760.434.2857 tim.selke@carlsbadca.gov CITY OF CARLSBAD 1166 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE CARLSBAD, CA 92008 760.434.2857 tim.selke@carlsbadca.gov Inventory Needed Link Funds to Job #Purchase Order #DIR Project ID # Yes DESCRIPTIONQTY U/M UNIT PRICE TOTAL 1.00 Stump flat top with Lucas Mill Lump Sum $5,500.00 $5,500.00 $5,500.00GRAND TOTAL: COMMENTS Work to be performed by Liuna Local 89 Tree maintenance laborers. DISCLAIMER: West Coast Arborists, Inc. ensures the quality of work performed, however, we do not ensure the customer's/city's entire tree population from failure. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below ground. Arborists cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy or safe under all circumstances. The controlling authority must manage trees and accept some degree of risk. Only work identified in the scope of the proposal and in the contract line item is included in our quote or invoice. All work will be completed in accordance with ANSI A300 standards. Price reflects payment under prevailing wage rates under the wage determination: Tree Maintenance Laborer and report of certified payroll to the Department of Industrial Relations as applicable in accordance with state labor laws. CA Contractors License 366764 Federal Tax ID: 95-3250682 CA DIR Registration 1000000956 ISAAC ONTIVEROS 07/30/21 ESTIMATED BY TITLE DATE DATETITLEACCEPTED BY AREA MANAGER WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC. 8163 Commercial Street La Mesa, CA 91942 858.566.4204 Phone 858.566.4098 Fax WCAINC.COM Proforma # 70476 PROFORMA FOR TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICESPROFORMA FOR TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES Printed on: 8/2/2021 8:10:18 AM Page 1 of 1 Exhibit 7 Aug. 31, 2021 Item #8 Page 29 of 29 Dead Heritage Tree: Follow-up to Stump and Burl on Grand Avenue Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director Parks & Recreation Department Aug. 31, 2021 Recommended Action •Adopt a resolution directing staff to grind the stump and burl of a dead heritage street tree and remove the wood chips from the public right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue, east of Jefferson Street Tree in Decline Stump and Burl •On June 22, 2021, City Council received a staff report Considered two options: 1.Remove stump and burl from the public right of way 2.Seek citizen input, design, and carve stump and burl into a bench Stump and Burl Stump and Burl Stump and Burl Stump and Burl •After receiving report, City Council approved a motion: –Staff was to return with costs of relocating the stump and burl, as an art piece, to a park Option 3 •Remove, relocate, design and carve stump and burl –Probable impacts to curb, gutter and sidewalk on Grand Ave. •Costs of ~$6k for associated replacement work –Strong apprehension over feasibility of removal in one piece •Costs of ~$26k for associated removal, transport and unloading Option 3 •Remove, relocate, design and carve stump and burl –Assessments by two artisans specializing in natural materials: •Eucalyptus wood is not the first choice of material for woodworking •Eucalyptus wood tends to be difficult to carve or conform Option 3 •Remove, relocate, design and carve stump and burl –Assessments by two artisans specializing in natural materials: •The stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures •The stump and burl are not desirable for carving artwork onsite •The stump and burl are not viable for carving a bench onsite •Portions of stump have potential for carving artwork or a bench off-site Option 3 •Remove, relocate, design and carve stump and burl –Assessments by two artisans specializing in natural materials: •Provided woodworks for project scope and cost comps/$8k median cost ─Grand total costs: ~$40k Option 4 •Make level cut on it and add adjacent interpretive panel –One of the local artisans offered the concept of ‘leave it alone’ –Staff suggest making level cut and adding an interpretive panel –Grand total costs: ~$9k Summary of Options •Four options provided: 1.Grind it and remove chips from the public right of way 2.Pursue citizen input, design and carve it into a bench 3.Remove, relocate, design and carve it into an art piece 4.Make level cut on it and add adjacent interpretive panel Option 1 •Grind it and remove chips from the public right of way –Costs of ~$2k; sufficient funds identified and are available Option 1 •Pros –Acknowledges procedure is consistent with previous removals –Supports staff’s determination to not pursue this repurposing –Recognizes the three Commissions did not act to consider item Option 1 •Pros (Continued) –Accounts for artisans’ assessments that eucalyptus wood: •Is not a first choice of materials in woodworking and difficult to carve –Accounts for artisans’ assessments that this specific stump: •Contains rotting, significant cracks and fissures, making it less desirable Option 1 •Pros (Continued) –Addresses the expressed desire of the property owner –Avoids ~$40k associated with removing and relocating it Option 1 •Cons –Doesn’t address the expressed desire of a resident for a bench –Doesn’t increase public awareness of heritage trees in Village –Incurs ~$2k grinding costs and wood chip removal costs Option 2 •Pursue citizen input, design and carve it into a bench –Costs of ~$10k; funds yet to be identified and appropriated Option 3 •Remove, relocate, design and carve it into an art piece –Costs of ~$40k; funds yet to be identified and appropriated Option 4 •Make level cut on it and add adjacent interpretive panel –Costs of ~$9k; funds yet to be identified and appropriated Recommended Action •Adopt a resolution directing staff to grind the stump and burl of a dead heritage street tree and remove the wood chips from the public right of way on the south side of Grand Avenue, east of Jefferson Street Comments & Questions Community Forest Management Plan •Chapter 6, Page 37 –When a heritage tree reaches the point of needing to be removed out of safety or practicality concerns, the tree may have an extended use and be further memorialized through the Green Waste, Wood and Tree Recycling Program [Chapter 8]… Community Forest Management Plan •Chapter 6, Page 37 (continued) –…By capturing this valuable wood product, the tree may continue to serve a purpose beyond the typically associated public benefits. It may become art in the form of carving, or tables that others may admire. Community Forest Management Plan •Chapter 8, Page 319 –Any trees that are cut down, dismantled or harvested by the city are subject to be potentially repurposed. Community Forest Management Plan •Appendix A, Page 383 (CMC) –11.12.090. D. All tree removal, whether by city or applicant, shall include the removal of the stump and the removal of all stump grinding chips and the backfilling of the hole created by stump removal with a good quality top soil suitable for the replanting of a replacement tree. Actions Related to this Tree •In this case, staff intended to –and subsequently did – arrange for the salvaged wood from the tree to be delivered to local mills for woodworking projects –Don Christiansen asked about the possibility of repurposing the tree trunk as a historic public art piece or bench Actions Related to Tree •Staff advised him of the intent to deliver wood salvaged from the tree to local mills and offered to consult with the Library & Cultural Arts Department staff on inquiry –Wasn’t an interest in repurposing the tree trunk, due in part to the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of this location Actions Related to this Tree •Mr. Christiansen later provided public comment on the concept of repurposing this tree’s trunk into a public art piece or bench at the November 2019 meetings of the Arts Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission –None of the three Commissions took action on this concept Actions Related to this Tree •On Nov. 22, 2019, the tree was removed to the stump, and the stump itself was scheduled for grinding and removal within the following two weeks –On Nov. 25, 2019, Mr. Christiansen left a message for staff, expressing thanks for consideration of his request and suggesting similar consideration for other dead heritage trees Tree’s Stump and Burl •On Dec. 4, 2019, Mr. Christiansen sent an email to the City Council requesting that the tree’s stump and burl not be removed, and “that citizen input be solicited for the ‘highest and best use’ of what remains…to create an artistic and historic bench” –City Manager instructed staff to refrain from the removal Recommendation and Comment •Mr. Christiansen’s comment to staff’s recommendation: –Thank you for the straight forward response. I continue to see the stump as a low cost starting point to display historic functional art. The more “the Village” is torn down and replaced with multi story buildings the more important it is to keep some reminders of the way things were. [6/11/21 email] Option 2 •Pursue citizen input, design and carving of tree stump and burl into a public bench Option 2 •Pros –Increases public awareness of certain large heritage tree species in the Village –Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having an extended use and being further memorialized –Addresses the expressed desire of a resident for a bench Option 2 •Pros (Continued) –Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having an extended use and being further memorialized, while continuing to serve purpose beyond typically associated public benefits, CFMP, C. 6 –Addresses the expressed desire of a resident for a bench Option 2 •Cons –Creates an inconsistency with the standard for the city’s right of way furnishings in the Village –Provides limited access for disabled persons [companion pad] –Commits to ~$10k for associated work by each trade –Requires a high level of maintenance to preserve the wood Option 2 •Cons (Continued) –Lacks specific funding in budget for carving and maintenance –Doesn’t support staff’s determination to not pursue –Doesn’t recognize the three Commissions didn’t act to consider –Doesn’t account for two local artisans’ assessments that Eucalyptus wood is not first choice of materials in woodworking Option 2 •Cons (Continued) –Doesn’t account for artisans’ assessments that this specific stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures –Doesn’t address the expressed desire of the property owner Option 3 •Remove, relocate, design and carve stump and burl into an art piece or bench Option 3 •Pros –Increases public awareness of certain large heritage tree species in the Village –Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having an extended use and being further memorialized Option 3 •Pros (Continued) –Addresses (or potentially so) the expressed desire of a resident –Addresses the expressed desire of the property owner Option 3 •Cons –Entails removal and replacement of right of way hardscape –Risks likelihood stump and burl would break into several pieces –Commits to ~$40k for associated work by each trade –Requires a high level of maintenance to preserve the wood Option 3 •Cons (Continued) –Lacks specific funding in budget for carving and maintenance –Doesn’t support staff’s determination to not pursue –Doesn’t recognize the three Commissions didn’t act to consider –Doesn’t account for two local artisans’ assessments that Eucalyptus wood is not first choice of materials in woodworking Option 3 •Cons (Continued) –Doesn’t account for artisans’ assessments that this specific stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures Option 4 •Make level cut and leave stump and burl in place; install an interpretive panel Option 4 •Pros –Increases public awareness of certain large heritage tree species in the Village –Acknowledges concept of heritage trees having an extended use and being further memorialized Option 4 •Cons –Commits to ~$9k for associated work by each trade –Requires a moderate level of maintenance to preserve wood –Lacks specific budgetary funding for the initial work and ongoing maintenance Option 4 •Cons (Continued) –Doesn’t recognize the limited visibility and pedestrian activity of the location –Doesn’t address the expressed desire of the property owner Option 4 •Cons (Continued) –Doesn’t account for artisans’ assessments that this specific stump and burl contain rotting, significant cracks and fissures