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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-17; Parks & Recreation Commission; Minutes Minutes of: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 5:30 P.M. Date of Meeting: Oct 17, 2022 Place of Meeting: Council Chamber CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Martinez called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Vice Chair Martinez, Commissioners Thorp, Allemann, Steketee, Sebahar and Winston Absent: Chair Luna arrived at 5:39 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Winston and a second by Commissioner Thorp, the minutes of the Sept 19, 2022, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting were ap- proved. AYES: Vice Chair Martinez, Commissioners Thorp, Allemann, Steketee, Sebahar and Winston NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Chair Luna PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR: None PUBLIC COMMENT None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 1. APPEAL OF THE APPROVAL TO REMOVE A CITY STREET TREE – 1972 MARCASITE PLACE Parks Services Manager Todd Reese presented the recommended action, background and the specific factors related to street tree removal. On Nov. 23, 2010, the city’s Planning Division ac- cepted the landscape plans for the La Costa Greens development. This included 60 Tipuana tipu (Tipuana) street trees to be planted within approximately three-foot wide parkway strips. The Tipuana species was not then, nor has been since, on the approved species list for city street trees. The street trees are owned by the city and are in city’s inventory, however they are privately maintained by the La Costa Greens Association (Association). The tree maintenance services are performed by the Association, according to city standards and schedules, in lieu of the homeown- ers being assessed through Lighting and Landscape District No. 2 and the city performing tree maintenance services. Mr. Reese stated on May 25, 2022, that staff received a written request for the removal of a city street tree (Tipuana Tipu) within the public right of way at 1972 Marcasite Place from Toni Daugh- erty, resident of property. Staff conducted a thorough evaluation of the subject street tree and the site conditions. Requests to remove street trees can be submitted by the Association or resi- dents, then reviewed by staff for compliance with removal criteria, on a case-by-case basis. Review of the application to remove a tree shall proceed as follows: A city arborist shall inspect the property and recommend approving or denying the application in a written report submitted to the city manager, acting through the Parks & Recreation Director or designee. • The city arborist may authorize a tree’s removal after finding either of the following circumstances: o The tree is a hazard to life or property, and removing it is the only feasible way to eliminate the hazard o The tree is dead, dying, diseased or damaged beyond reclamation. If the city arborist does not find either of the above circumstances for removing a tree, a priority rating depending on the following factors can be considered for a tree removal. • Service life • Damage to utilities and/or sewer lines • Damage to hardscape • Conformity of the existing tree to recommended species list. • The highest priority removal shall be given to trees meeting all four factors. The second priority will be given to trees meeting three factors. • Three of the four above factors for removal (Sec. 11.12.090.C.3) apply to this par- ticular street tree – i.e., “its non-conformance to the approved street tree species list, its nearing the end of useful service life in the planting site, and its damage to utilities.” On Sept. 28, 2022, Jarrod Cuzens, resident of 1951 Marcasite Place, filed an appeal to the Parks & Recreation Commission over the pending removal of this street tree (Exhibit 5), and submitted a 2021 ‘Tipu Tree Report’ from Tree Life Consulting (Exhibit 6). Mr. Reese explained the recommended action is to receive Jarrod Cuzens’ appeal of the approval to remove a city street tree at 1972 Marcasite Place, which was based upon criterion in the Carls- bad Municipal Code and City Council Policy, and make a determination in support of the approval to remove the street tree. Commissioner Winston asked if there has been any actual damage to the property for this tree? Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster stated yes, there was some water utility damage at this location. Commissioner Thorp asked the age of the tree? Will the trees be replaced with the same tree? Mr. Lancaster mentioned the trees were planted in 2010 so they are 12 years old. The tree would be replaced with a two to one net as is part of the community forest management plan. A different species of tree would be planted potentially, with a honey locust from the approved city tree list. Commissioner Sebahar asked if the city anticipated that all of the trees would need to be removed and replaced? What is service life, what does this mean? Mr. Lancaster replied that at this time we do not know that all trees would need replacement. Staff has received a handful of requests from the 60 trees that were planted initially. Each tree removal would need to meet the city criteria and a request would need to come from either the resident or the Association. Service life is defined in the Municipal Code chapter 11.12 under the definition section; when the tree outlives its life based on benefit versus cost. Commissioner Steketee questioned if the cost of service life includes the annual trimming and digging around the roots for irrigation? Mr. Lancaster explained in this case cost of service was damage to the utilities and potential hard- scape or other damage to the residence. Mr. Jarrod Cuzens presented his argument for the ‘Appeal to the Parks & Recreation Commission’ over the pending removal of this street tree. He lives on Marcasite Place where five trees have already been removed and five more are already scheduled for removal. Mr. Cuzens provided several pictures of the trees for the commission to see. The trees have grown, many over 30 feet in height providing a gorgeous canopy, aesthetic appeal and shade to the neigh- borhood. These sentiments are echoed by the city’s own Community Forest Management Plan as quoted “an important desire of the residents of the City of Carlsbad is to maintain and enhance a healthy lifestyle in the community”. On March 10, 2020, residents were notified by the Association that the trees were going to be removed. Many neighbors contacted the Association and asked them to reconsider the decision. The decision was reached by the Association to delay the removal of the trees to a later time. In September of 2021 without notice, the Association began removing trees on an adjacent street, Cobalt. The Association sent a letter informing the residents that there had been numerous com- plaints about trees lifting walkways, driveway aprons as well as a situation where roots were breaking water mains. Mr. Cuzens referred to the Tree of Life Consulting arborist report, a copy was provided to commissioners. Mr Cuzens stated his concern that the four trees slated for re- moval are adjacent to each other, and the proposed removal will have a dramatic effect to the street. Commissioner Sebahar asked if the damage here is to the public hardscape/utilities or city hard- scape/ utilities? Mr. Lancaster explained the damage was to the water utilities and the city has received bills for damage at the service line. The hardscape damage is to public and private hardscape. Chair Luna, where did the request for removal originate? Mr. Lancaster stated the request came from the individual homeowner. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Winston and a second by Commissioner Thorp, to deny the appeal by Jarrod Cuzens and accept staff recommendation to remove the tree at 1972 Marcasite Place was approved. AYES: Chair Luna, Vice Chair Martinez, Commissioners Thorp, Allemann, Steketee, Sebahar and Winston NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None 2. APPEAL OF THE APPROVAL TO REMOVE A CITY STREET TREE – 1976 MARCASITE PLACE Parks Services Manager Todd Reese presented the recommended action to receive Jared Cuz- ens’ appeal of the approval to remove a city street tree at 1976 Marcasite Place. • On July 14, 2022, staff received a written request for the removal of a city street tree (Tipuana Tipu) within the public right of way at 1976 Marcasite Place from Mike Cal- houn, resident of the property. • Staff conducted a thorough evaluation of the subject street tree and the site condi- tions. • Three of the four factors for removal (Sec. 11.12.090.C.3) apply to this street tree – i.e., “its non-conformance to the approved street tree species list, its nearing the end of useful service life in the planting site, and its damage to hardscape.” • On Sept. 28, 2022, Jarrod Cuzens, resident of 1951 Marcasite Place, filed an appeal to the Parks & Recreation Commission over the pending removal of this street tree Mr. Reese stated the recommended action is to receive Jarrod Cuzens’ appeal of the approval to remove a city street tree at 1976 Marcasite Place, which was based upon criterion in the Carlsbad Municipal Code and City Council Policy and make a determination in support of the approval to remove the street tree. Commissioner Steketee asked where the damage occurred at this location? Mr. Reese stated the damage in this case was to the hardscape sidewalk and driveway apron. Commissioner Sebahar asked when the cracks exist in the sidewalk is there a liability to the city? Does city is quickly plant trees to replace the trees that are removed by this process? Mr. Reese replied that there is a standard in the city when the separation is large enough to cause a tripping hazard. Mr. Lancaster explained the Association is required to plant at least the first tree within 45 days according to their maintenance agreement. Mr. Cuzens added the damage to the hardscape is not visually obvious. He does not believe the damage is measurable. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Winston and a second by Chair Luna, to deny the ap- peal by Jarrod Cuzens and accept staff recommendation to remove the tree at 1976 Marcasite Place was approved. AYES: Chair Luna, Vice Chair Martinez, Commissioners Thorp, Allemann, Sebahar and Winston NOES: Commissioner Steketee ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None 3. APPEAL OF THE APPROVAL TO REMOVE A CITY STREET TREE – 1980 MARCASITE PLACE Parks Services Manager Todd Reese presented the recommended action to receive Jared Cuz- ens’ appeal of the approval to remove a city street tree at 1980 Marcasite Place. • On Aug. 8, 2022, staff received a written request for the removal of a city street tree (Tipuana Tipu) within the public right of way at 1980 Marcasite Place from Astrid Chen, resident of the property. • Three of the four factors for removal (Sec. 11.12.090.C.3) apply to this street tree – i.e., “its non-conformance to the approved street tree species list, its nearing the end of useful service life in the planting site, and its damage to hardscape.” Mr. Reese stated the recommended action is to receive Jarrod Cuzens’ appeal of the approval to remove a city street tree at 1976 Marcasite Place, which was based upon criterion in the Carlsbad Municipal Code and City Council Policy, and make a determination in support of the approval to remove the street tree. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Winston and a second by Commissioner Allemann, to deny the appeal by Jarrod Cuzens and accept staff recommendation to remove the tree at 1980 Marcasite Place was approved. AYES: Chair Luna, Vice Chair Martinez, Commissioners Thorp, Allemann and Winston NOES: Commissioner Steketee, Sebahar ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None 4. APPEAL OF THE APPROVAL TO REMOVE A CITY STREET TREE – 1984 MARCASITE PLACE Parks Services Manager Todd Reese presented the recommended action to receive Jared Cuz- ens’ appeal of the approval to remove a city street tree at 1984 Marcasite Place. • On Aug. 8, 2022, staff received a written request for the removal of a city street tree (Tipuana Tipu) within the public right of way at 1984 Marcasite Place from Astrid Chen, resident of the property. • Three of the four factors for removal (Sec. 11.12.090.C.3) apply to this street tree – i.e., “its non-conformance to the approved street tree species list, its nearing the end of useful service life in the planting site, and its damage to hardscape.” Mr. Reese explained the recommended action is to receive Jarrod Cuzens’ appeal of the ap- proval to remove a city street tree at 1976 Marcasite Place, which was based upon criterion in the Carlsbad Municipal Code and City Council Policy, and make a determination in support of the approval to remove the street tree. Commissioner Sebahar asked how the tree removal process works? Mr. Lancaster stated the tree is cut down and the stump is removed or ground down. Mr. Cuzens reiterated that he did not see the hardscape damage. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Winston and a second by Commissioner Allemann, to deny the appeal by Jarrod Cuzens and accept staff recommendation to remove the tree at 1984 Marcasite Place was approved. AYES: Chair Luna, Vice Chair Martinez, Commissioners Thorp, Allemann and Winston NOES: Commissioner Steketee, Sebahar ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None 5. DEPARTMENT REPORT Recreation Services Manager Mick Calarco reported that we have wrapped up the statistically reliable input process for the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update. The results are currently being tabulated and staff looks forward to bringing it back to the commission in the future. Benchmarking is currently under way with the removal of Doral, Florida, as a comparison city. Mr. Calarco mentioned diversity, equity and inclusion services. Staff met with the school, counselors and the parents to come up with a comprehensive plan to work with a particular individual. This plan allows us to easily provide these services on an as needed basis. Mr. Calarco stated that staff is working with stakeholders to update the Aqua Hedionda La- goon brochure and regulatory signs at public access areas. Mr. Calarco reported on the several past and upcoming events from Parks & Recreation. • Día de los Muertos Open House, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, October 29 – 30 • Festival of Lanterns, Alga Norte Aquatic Center, November 5 • Holiday at the Rancho, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, December 3 Parks Services Manger Todd Reese gave an update on current park projects: • Veterans Memorial Park: The park consists of a 93.7 acres site, with 54.9 acres that will be preserved and 38.8 acres that will be developed. July 26, 2022, City Council adopted the final master plan. Anticipated project completion is spring 2025. • Village H South Off-Leash Dog Area, on October 11, 2022, City Council deprioritized the project prior to adopting the 5-year Carlsbad Strategic Plan. • Monroe Street Pool Renovation: In January 2021, the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council selected concept three - the largest project scope. • Stagecoach Community Garden: It will be the newest community garden, located at the former maintenance yard of the park. Staff has already received proposals from design firms for the requisite services. Mr. Reese mentioned the upcoming Trails Volunteer event on October 22, 2022, 8:30 a.m. at Carlsbad Oaks North Trail. Chair Luna appreciated the update on future Capital Improvement Projects and asked to have estimated cost and completion dates added. Mr. Lancaster replied we will be happy to supply that information next time we report on the projects. Commissioner Steketee congratulated staff on their work on the diversity, equity and inclu- sion. Commissioner Sebahar asked with the deprioritized Village H project what are the other pro- jects that will be the focus. Mr. Lancaster mentioned Veterans Memorial Park, Robertson’s Ranch Community Park, Zone 5 Recreational Facility and Stagecoach Community Gardens. COMMITTEE/CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Commissioner Allemann reported on the Growth Management Committee/Carlsbad Tomor- row. Looking at the standards throughout the city and make determinations on what stand- ards need to be changed or modified. Good conversations on open space and parks & recrea- tion, Mr. Lancaster and staff did a wonderful presentation on a variety of the standards and what we are looking at and how we compare to other cities. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE COMMISSION MEETING Parks & Recreation Master Plan update Ethics and public records act. ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 7:22 p.m. _____________________________ Charlene Buckalew Administrative Secretary