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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-11; Status of the City of Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan Update; |Lancaster, Kyle | Barberio, Gary|To the members of the: ~ITY COUNCIL Oatfl ~ CA .L CC ..:!_ CM '✓ coo _-L._ DCM (3) L July 11, 2019 Council Memorandum To: Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council From: Kyle Lancaster, Interim Parks & Recreation Director Gary T. Barberio, Deputy City· Manager Via: Elaine Lu key, Chief Operations Office {cityof Carlsbad Memo ID# 2019083 Re: Status of the City of Carlsbad Commu ity Forest Management Plan Update This memorandum provides the status of the Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan (CCFMP) update, since the prior memorandum on this topic; dated March 14, 2019 (attached). Background As part of the General Plan/Climate Action Plan lawsuit settlement agreement, North County Advocates expressed their desire that the city update the CCFMP. In March 2017, the City Council approved the General Plan Lawsuit Settlement Agreement between the City of Carlsbad and North County Advocates (Council Resolution No. 2017-228), which includes Section 4.3.10 that states: "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." The agreement didn't obligate the City Council to approve an update to the CCFMP. Discussion On Sept. 18, 2018, the City Council received the attached Staff Report, and adopted Resolution No. 2018-168 authorizing staff to update the CCFMP. As noted in the Staff Report, the update required 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. The update also necessitated the hiring of qualified consultants, and the re-engagement of the public. Staff estimated costs of $135,000 and a minimum of one year to complete the update to the CCFMP. Since the prior memorandum on this topic, dated March 14, 2019, Parks & Recreation staff have taken the following actions toward completing the update to the CCFMP: Mid-April 2019: Determined that consulting arboriculture firm had completed GPS surveys/inventory refinement for Lighting and Landscaping District No. II Community Services Branch Parks & Recreation Department 799 Pine Avenue, Suite 200 I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2826 t Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council July 11, 2019 Page 2 Late May 2019: Early June 2019: Mid-June 2019: Late June 2019 Early July 2019 Received initial draft of the update to the CCFMP from consulting arboriculture firm Received initial draft of the updates to Heritage Tree Reports from consulting historian/arborist Instructed consulting arboriculture firm to proceed with GPS surveys/inventory refinement for urban forest interface areas Completed Parks & Recreation staff's review of initial draft of the update to the CCFMP and returned document to consulting arboriculture firm for addressing a variety of edits/modifications Completed Parks & Recreation staff's review ofinitial draft of the Heritage Tree Report and returned document to consulting historian/arborist for addressing of a variety of edits/modifications Received second draft of the update to the CCFMP from consulting arboriculture firm Received second draft of the update to Heritage Tree Reports from historian/arborist Incorporated second draft of the update to Heritage Tree Reports into second draft of the update to the CCFMP Forwarded second draft of the update to the CCFMP to North County Advocates representatives (as per the settlement agreement) and city interdepartmental staff for preliminary review and comment Forwarded second draft of the update to the CCFMP to a consulting environmental resource firm for a proposal to review the document and provide its findings relative to the California Environmental Quality Act Approved proposal from a consulting environmental resource firm Determined that consulting arboriculture firm had completed GPS surveys/inventory refinement for urban forest interface areas Received comments on second draft of the update to the CCFMP from North Count Advocates representatives and city interdepartmental staff Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council July 11, 2019 Page 3 Next Steps Parks & Recreation staff wil.1 consider the comments received from North County Advocates representatives and city interdepartmental staff, and will then return the document to the consulting arboriculture firm (and historian/arborist) for addressing a variety of edits/modifications. Once Parks & Recreation staff receives the revised draft of the update to the CCFMP, it intends to post the document for public review. The posting is anticipated to take place in mid-August 2019. Staff will then consider the input received from the public and arrange for addressing of additional edits/modifications as needed. The final draft of the update to the CCFMP is scheduled to be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission (specific to the Heritage Tree Reports), the Parks & Recreation Commission, and the City Council in September 2019, for potential adoption. Attachments: 1) Council Memorandum dated March 14, 2019 2) Staff Report dated Sept. 18, 2018 cc: Celia Brewer, City Attorney Scott Chadwick, City Manager Kristina Ray, Communications Manager Tim Selke, Parks Superintendent ro the members of the: CITYCO~~IL ACM.J/..CA CC ✓ Date ~kllJli CM JL COO_ Council Memorandum March 14, 2019 To: From: Via: Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council Chris Hazeltine, Parks. & Recreation Dire3tor · Elaine Lu key, Chief Operations Officer ··V Attachment 1 · {cityof Carlsbad Re: Status of the City of Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan Update This purpose of this Memorandum is to provide a status of the Carlsbad Community Forest Management Plan {CCFMP) update. Background In negotiations to settle the lawsuit against the city's certification of the General Plan Environmental Impact Report, North County Advocates expressed their desire that the city update the CCFMP. In March 2017, the City Council approved the General Plan Lawsuit Settlement Agreement between the City of Carlsbad and North County Advocates (Council Resolution No. 2017-228), which includes Section 4.3.10 that states: "Within 18 months, the · City shall present to the City Council for consideration an update to th~ 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." The agreement didn't obligate City Council to approve an update to the CCFMP. Discussion On Sept. 18, 2018, the City Council received the attached staff report, and adopted a resolution authorizing staffto update the CCFMP. As noted in the staff report, the update requires 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. The update also necessitates the hiring of qualified consultants, and the re-engagement of the public. Staff estimated costs of $135,000 and a minimum of one year to complete the update to the CCFMP. Since the City Council's authorization to proceed, Parks & Recreation staff has taken the following actions toward completing the update to the CCFMP: Sept. 20, 2018: Oct. 11, 2018: Solicited consulting arborist firm's services for' compilation of update Held meeting with consulting arboriculture firm to review anticipated scope of work, and request a proposal Parks & Recreation Department Administration 799 Pine Avenue, Suite 200 I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2826 t Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council March 14, 2019 Page 2 Oct. 19, 2018: Oct. 24, 2018: Nov. 1, 2018: Nov. 8, 2018: Nov. 14, 2018: Dec. 13, 2018: Dec. 14, 2018: Dec. 19, 2018: Jan. 8, 2019: Jan. 10, 2019: Jan. 14, 2019: Completed execution of a services agreement with historian/arborist to bring current the Heritage Tree Reports (Ph. I and Ph. II) Instructed consultant to proceed with requisite field inspections and administrative tasks Received proposal from consulting arboriculture firm for compilatipn of update Negotiated cost reduction on proposal from consulting arboriculture firm Approved reduced proposal from consulting arboriculture firm Held meeting with consulting arboriculture firm.to co.mmence services -Instructed firm to proceed with GPS surveys/inventory refinement Instructed firm to proceed with administrative tasks Held teleconference with city's Communication Manager to review upcoming needs for public outreach on the update to the CCFMP Corresponded with city's Sr. Program Manager to request participation in outreach/review of update, to incorporate Climate Action Plan principles Held meeting with consulting arboriculture firm to review progress on surveys, inventory, and administrative tasks -Provided firm with responses to specific inquiries on each service, and instructed its staff to continue Corresponded with the city's Senior Planner to ensure measures related to Village & Barrio MP are addressed, per the ·california Coastal Commission -Committed to providing California Coastal Commission opportunity to preview the revised list on Approved Species of Street Trees Determined that historian/arborist's work on Heritage Tree Reports was progressing on track -Verified field inspections had been completed, and administrative tasks were due to be completed by April Determined that consulting arboriculture firm had completed GPS surveys/inventory refinement for Lighting and Landscaping District No. I · Instructed firm to proceed with GPS ~urveys/inventory refinement for Lighting and Landscaping District No. II Honorable Mayor Hall. and Members of the City Council March 14, 2019 Page 3 Jan. 22, 2019: Jan. 24, 2019: Feb. 7, 2019: February 2019: Next Steps Received draft of revised list on Approved Species of Street Trees from consulting arboriculture firm and performed departmental review Instructed consulting arboriculture firm to proceed with revision Corresponded with city's Assistant Fire Chief to request participation in outreach/review of update to the CCFMP, to incorporate fire prevention/safety standard Received proposed edits from the city's Assistant Fire Chief on the Emergency Operations Chapter of the current CCFMP Instructed consulting arboriculture firm to incorporate the proposed edits into the update to the CCFMP Conducted multiple email communications with consulting arboriculture firm on several chapters and subsections of the update to the CCFM P Instructed consulting arboriculture firm to proceed with a variety of additions/modifications to the update, including those related to tree protection and preservation; expansion, maintenance and sustainability of the community forest; tree trimming standards and best maintenance practices; integrated pest management; tree removal and replacement policies; and risk management By early spring, Parks & Recreation staff ·anticipates receiving the initial draft of the update to the CCFMP from the consulting arboriculture firm, as well as the current Heritage Tree Reports from the historian/arborist. Staff will then review the documents, and coordinate the editing as needed. Staff will next engage the public for review of the documents in the spring. Staff will consider the input received from the public, and provide instruction on editing and completing the draft update to the CCFMP (including the Heritage Tree Reports) by mid-summer. Staff will then present the final draft of the update of the CCFMP to the Historic Preservation Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and the City Council in September, for potential adoption. cc: Celia Brewer, City Attorney Scott Chadwick, City Manager Gary Barberio, Assistant City Manager Kyle Lancaster, Parks Services Manager Tim Selke, Parks Superintendent Meeting Date To: Ftorn: Staff Contact: Subject September 18, 2018 Mayor and Crty Council Scott Chadwick, City Man.ager Ky le Lancaster, Parks Services Manager ky le,.la1tr;:aster@ca rlsbadc~.gov o,r 760~434~2941 Attachm~ 2 CA Review __ Authorizing staff to update the Carlsbad Commun ity Forest Management Pli;lin Reoo·mmended Action Adopt a resolution authorizing staff to update the Carlsbad Community forest Management Plan, in response to the General Plan Lawsuit Settlement Agreement. Executive Summary Section 4.3.10 of the Carlsbad General Plan Lawsuit Settlement Asreement executed in March 20171 between the City of Carlsbad and North County Advocates, states ''Within 18 months, the City shall present to the City Council for consideration an update to the Community forest Management Plan (CCFMP} whith includes a program to identify and .protect heritage trees; where practicable, and will include prov1sions for protection and enhancement of the urban tree canopy.'; ln response, staff is asking the City Council to consider an update to the CCFMP. Discussio,n In negotiat,ions to settle the lawsuit against the city's certification of the General Plan Environmental Impact Report, North County Advocates expressed their desire that the city update its community forest management plan .. In March 2017, the Ctty Council approved the General Plan Lawsuit Settlement Agreement between the Clty of Carlsbad a,nd North County Advocates (Council Resolution No. 2017-228 ), which includes Section 4.3.10 that states: "With in 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 lndude provisions. for protection and ,enhancement of the urban tree canopy. u The settlement agreement does not obligate the City Council to approve an update t<0 the plan. Background In November 1999, the city formed a Street Tree Policy Committee to a.ddress. tree removal and tree care within the community forest under its management. The committee ultimately drafted a report. That report contained accessory recommendations,. including the creatio n of a CCFMP. In June, 2000, the City Council appropriated funds and directed staff to implement the report's recommendations (Council Resolution No. 2000~183). September 18, 2018 Item #4 Page 1 of 7 To 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 1/ee 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 CCFMP 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 of the 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 Preservati.on 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 forwardingfor 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 t rees 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 t ime from t he 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 t he 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 l·:XIIIBII 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 of the 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: M. Hall, K. Blackburn, M. Schumacher, C. Schumacher, M. Packard. NOES: ABSENT: None. None. September 18, 2018 (SEAL) ,,,11111,,,, ,,, \-SBAo 111, ,, ~ .......... C ,.,. ,'(,J't',,,• ~U,\".._••.,"f( ,.,. 21.1.. .•.. t. -·~, -...~~ :: 0 : · 'i · · · .': 0 :: = : : A) -->-: :~: ~~~.... /.-_:. -:..,...v ·•.. • •. · ,· ltem"#4,' .. ;t~g~-7 of 7 ''""'''"