City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 05/24/2010 Item Number: A-3
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: Consideration and Approval of the Parks,
Recreation and Community Services Commission’s Recommendation to Name the
Bottle Tree as the Recommended Street Tree for the 4100 and 4200 Blocks of
Baldwin Avenue in Lieu of the Victorian Box which is Currently Recommended in
the City’s Adopted Street Tree Master Plan
Contact Person/Dept.: Eric Mirzaian Phone Number: (310) 253-6410
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [] General Fund: Yes [x] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: 04/06/2010
Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas – City Council (05/19/10); Parks,
Recreation & Community Services Commission via email on 5/10/2010; Residents along
4100 & 4200 blocks of Baldwin Avenue via post card (postmarked 5/10/2010)
Department Approval:
Charles D. Herbertson (05/12/10)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (05/19/10)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (05/19/10)
City Manager Approval:
P. Lamont Ewell (05/19/10)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council consider and approve the Parks, Recreation &
Community Services Commission’s (PRCSC) recommendation to name the Bottle
Tree as the recommended street tree for the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Baldwin
Avenue in lieu of the Victorian Box which is currently recommended in the City’s
adopted Street Tree Master Plan (STMP).
BACKGROUND:
In June of 2009, the Public Works Department evaluated the Victorian Box (Pittosporum
Undulatum) and Queensland Pittosporum (Pittosporum Rhombifolium) trees along the
4100 and 4200 blocks of Baldwin Avenue. Of the 38 trees that were analyzed, 13 were
identified to be in an advanced state of decline and were subsequently removed to
protect public health and safety. The state of decline has been attributed to a weak root
system. This leads to branch failures, heightened susceptibility to pest infestation,
excessive defoliation, and canopy decline due to a weak immune system.
Public Works staff determined the factors that led to the Victorian Box trees’ failure to
thrive also made them unsuitable as a replacement tree. However, the Culver City
Street Tree Master Plan (STMP) indicates that the Victorian Box is the recommended
tree species for this area. Therefore, staff initiated the appropriate process to replace
the recommended replacement tree species in the area. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
At the December 2, 2009 PRCSC meeting, Public Works staff recommended the
Camphor Tree as a replacement tree species in place of the Victorian Box (as approved
by the STMP) along the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Baldwin Avenue. The PRCSC
determined to concur with staff and forward a recommendation to the City Council for
consideration. This recommendation was presented to the City Council for approval at
the January 25, 2010 meeting.
At that meeting, several residents expressed concerns regarding the selection of the
Camphor Tree. As a result, staff sought input from residents of Baldwin Avenue as to
the type of tree that they would like to have planted in place of those that had previously
been removed by the Public Works Department.
DISCUSSION:
On February 10, 2010, a survey was mailed to residents and property owners of
Baldwin Avenue. The residents/property owners were given the opportunity to select
one of three types of trees to replace the trees that were removed: the Camphor Tree,
the Bottle Tree, and the Jacaranda Tree. The survey packet included a picture and
characteristic description of each tree species. Participants were provided two weeks to
respond to the survey. Of the 129 surveys mailed, 47 surveys were returned resulting
in a 36% response rate. The results were as follows:
Bottle Tree……….18
Jacaranda Tree….16
Camphor Tree……13
Based on the survey results, staff returned to the PRCSC at its April 6, 2010 meeting to
recommend that the PRCSC rescind its prior recommendation to plant the Camphor
Tree in lieu of the Victorian Box and consider recommending the Bottle Tree as the
replacement tree species for this area. The PRCSC unanimously approved this
recommendation.
All three tree types recommended on the survey have done quite well on neighboring
streets, including Elenda Street, Jasmine Street, La Salle Avenue, Le Bourget Avenue,
Lincoln Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Park Avenue. Thus, the Bottle Tree will be a
very suitable tree based on the infrastructure and local climate and soil conditions of
this area.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The cost to plant Bottle Trees in this area will be paid from the Public Works
Department tree maintenance budget (10161600). The trees will be planted by the
Public Works Tree Maintenance crew as part of their regular work program in Fiscal
Year 2009-2010. Any remaining tree planting needs will be performed by the City’s City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
tree contractor, West Coast Arborists. Staff will plant the number of trees this
current fiscal year’s budget will allow and the City’s contractor will complete the
planting of the remaining trees in Fiscal Year 2010-2011. The approximate cost for
a Bottle Tree is $125.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Survey packet sent to residents/property owners of the 4100 and 4200 blocks of
Baldwin Avenue.
2. Excerpt of the approved Minutes of the April 6, 2010 meeting of the Parks,
Recreation & Community Services Commission.
MOTION:
That the City Council:
Approve the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission’s (PRCSC)
recommendation to name the Bottle tree as the recommended street tree for the
4100 and 4200 blocks of Baldwin Avenue in lieu of the Victorian Box which is
currently recommended in the City’s adopted Street Tree Master Plan (STMP).
5/24/2010
Consideration of the Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission's Rescinded Recommendation to
Replace the Bottle Tree in Lieu of the Victorian Box as
Recommended in the City's Adopted Street Tree Master Plan
Along the 4100 and 4200 Blocks of Baldwin Avenue.
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA ITEM:
ATTACHMENTS
Pages|109| Survey packet sent to residents/property owners of the 4100 and
1-3
4200 blocks of Baldwin Avenue.|109| Excerpt of the approved Minutes of the April 6, 2010 meeting of
the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission.
4-11Charles D. Herbertson, PE LS
Public Works Director and
City Engineer
{310) 253-5600
FAX (310) 253-5626
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
9770 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, California 90232
February 10, 2010
Subject: Proposed tree replacement on Baldwin Ave
Deer Baldwin Avenue Properly Owners:
In June 2009, the Culver City Public Works Department removed 13 Victorian Box and Queensland
Pittosporuni trees that were identified to be in an advanced state of decline due to excessive defoliation and
canopy decline. In December 2000, The Public Works Department made a recommendation to the Parks,
Recreation & Community Services Commission (PRCSC) to plant Camphor Trees in lieu of the Victorian Box
as recorrirtiended by the City's adopted Street Tree Master Plan. The Camphor Tree was recommended in lieu
of the Victorian Box due to the poor performance of the Victorian Box at this location. the PRCSC approved
Staffs recommendation by unanimous vote. This approved.recommendation was then taken to the City
Council on January 26, 2010 for their approval. At that meeting, several residents expressed concerns
regarding the Camphor free. The City Council directed Staff to seek input from all the residents of Baldwin
Avenue.
Prior to returning to the PRCSC and City Council for final approval, City Staff would like to obtain your opinion
on possible tree Plantings for Baldwin Avenue_ Included in this letter is a survey providing residents with the
option of selecting one of three tree choices. The choices include the Camphor Tree, the Jacaranda Tree and
the Bottle Tree. All three of these species of trees are currently planted on surrounding streets in the area and
are performing quite Well and have been determined to be suitable replacements to the Victorian Box. Please
indicate your selection on the survey. Additionally, a photograph of each proposed tree is enclosed, as well as,
brief characteristic descriptions of each tree (Source: Street Trees Recommended For Southern Catifornia-
Second Edition).
The survey is due no later than 5:00 PM on Thursday,_ February 25, 2010. Please return the survey using the
self addressed and stamped postcard enclosed for your convenience. Surveys may also be personally
dropped off at the return address indicated on the postcard.
The residents of Baldwin Avenue will be notified of Staffs intention to take the matter to the PRCSC and City
Council; at which point the results of the survey will be announced and a final recommendation by City Staff wilt
be made_
We greatly appreciate your cooperation and participation in this survey. If you have further questions or need
clarification, feel tree to contact me at (310) 253-6410.
Thank you,
74'41:1;,,ovietri,
Eric Mirzaian
Senior Management Analyst
CC: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works Director & City Engineer
Heustaee Lewis, Maintenance Operations Manager
Steve Orozco, Street & Tree Maintenance Supervisor
Culver City Employees take pride in effectively providing the highest levels of service to enrich the qualify of life for the community by building on our
tradition of more than seventy-five years of public seivice, by our present commitment and by our dedication to meet the challenges of the future.BALDWIN AVENUE
STREET TREE SURVEY
(Please Select One)
CAMPHOR TREE:: Suitable for parkways & utility lines; rapid .
growth; no significant pest problems; shade tree;
maintains existing canopy.
JACARANDA TREE: Suitable for parkways & utility lines;
moderate growth; spectacular flowering; no significant
pest problems; shade tree
BOTTLE TREE: Suitable far parkways & utility lines; moderate
growth; drought tolerant; no significant pest problems;
maintains existing tree canopy
Surveys due no later than 5:00 PM on Thursday February 25, 2010CAMPHOR TREE
JACARANDA TREE
(CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA)
(JACARANDA MIMOSIFOLIA)
Tree in photo located at Farragut & La Sane
Tree in photo located on Jackson Avenue
BOTTLE TREE
(BRACHYCIAITON POPULNEUS)
Tree in photo located in Carlson Park-approved minutes -
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PARKS, RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA
April 6, 2010
7:00 P.M.
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commission was called to order at 7:02 P.M.
Present: Chair Vicki Daly Redholtz
Vice Chair Rick Hudson
Commissioner Mary Ann Greene
Commissioner Laura Stuart
Commissioner Marianne Kim
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Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dawn Beal.
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PRESENTATIONS
Item P•1
Update on the Annual Egg Hunt
Dave Morrison, Senior Recreation Leader, reported on the
successful annual event.
Pam Robertson, Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and
Community Services, expressed thanks to the Kiwanis Club
for their help with the event and with other City events.
The Commission posed for pictures with Kiwanis and K Kids
representatives.
MOVED BY VICE CHAIR HUDSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GREENE, AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED TO ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF
GENEVIEVE GALLAGHER.
Chair Daly Redholtz announced Bill La Pointe's retirement
as Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community ServicesC-2
Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission
April 6, 2010
Page 2 of 8
and welcomed Interim Director Pam Robinson.
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Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda
Arames White, Recreation Coordinator, discussed publicity
efforts for Global Youth Service Day on April 24 at the
Culver City Teen Center.
Discussion between the Commission and staff included: the
number of spots available; thanks to staff for their
efforts; the event as helping meet the goal of involving
youth in government; and a request for an event schedule.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Item C-1
Agenda Posting
MOVED BY VICE CHAIR HUDSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
STUART, AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE PARKS, RECREATION,
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION RECEIVE AND FILE THE
SECRETARY'S REPORT ON THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA.
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Item C-2
Approval of Meeting Minutes - March 2, 2010
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER GREENE AND SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR
HUDSON THAT THE PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 2010. THE MOTION
CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Daly Redholtz, Greene, Hudson, Stuart
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Kim
A discussion between staff and the Commission followed
regarding whether a Commissioner should vote on minutes for
a meeting that they were not present for.Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission
April 6, 2010
Page 3 of 8
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Action Items
Item A-1
(1) Rescind the Recommendation Approved in Agenda Item
Number A-2 for the Meeting Date of December 1, 2009 to
Plant the Camphor Tree in Place of the Victorian Box Tree
along the 4100 and 4200 Blocks of Baldwin Avenue; and, (2)
Consider Recommending the Bottle Tree as the Replacement
Tree Species in the Area
Staff, including Eric Mizaian, Sr. Management Analyst in
Public Works, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion between staff and the Commission included:
public notification; the survey process; neighborhood
concerns with the Camphor tree; what constitutes a
consensus; Commission consideration before Council
consideration; effects of the plantings on the area;
continuity; and education and making informed decisions.
Steven Orosco, Maintenance Supervisor, discussed
difficulties with Victorian Box trees.
Further discussion between staff and the Commission
included: additional information to help with decision
making; the City Council directive to consider
determinations regarding trees; reliance on staff
expertise; the Tree Master Plan; educating the community
about their tree options; retaining the canopy; the survey
process, criteria and the bottomline; the lack of
consensus; survey response rates; and a request to agendize
a discussion on the process.
Commissioner Stuart moved the staff recommendation.
Commissioner Kim seconded the motion.
Commissioner Greene requested that the following be added
to the motion: "staff recommendation is based on resident/
property owner input", so it will be clear that the
recommendation was based on a survey of the community.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STUART, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KIM,C-2
Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission
April 6, 2010
Page 4 of 8
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE PARKS, RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION:
1. RESCIND THE RECOMMENDATION APPROVED IN AGENDA ITEM
NUMBER A-2 FOR THE MEETING DATE OF DECEMBER 1, 2009 TO
PLANT THE CAMPHOR TREE IN PLACE OF THE VICTORIAN BOX TREE
ALONG THE 4100 AND 4200 BLOCKS OF BALDWIN AVENUE;
AND
2. (STAFF RECOMMENDATION BASED ON RESIDENT/PROPERTY OWNER
INPUT) RECOMMEND THE BOTTLE TREE AS THE REPLACEMENT TREE
SPECIES ALONG THE 4100 AND 4200 BLOCKS OF BALDWIN AVENUE.
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Item A-2
Upcoming Items to be Considered by the Parks, Recreation
and Community Services (PRCS) Commission
Chair Daly Redholtz clarified that the item had been moved
from the usual place on the Consent Calendar as the Interim
Director wanted to hear what items the Commission wanted
considered and which were priorities.
Chair Daly Redholtz discussed a recommendation for an
annual meeting with the Council subcommittee to consider
priority items to work on for the year.
Commission discussion included: an update on Global Youth
Services Day; roles of the Commission and the Parks,
Recreation and Community Services department; an update on
the effects of budget cutbacks on services provided; the
park maintenance tour; community gardens; dog park
lighting; 501c3 funding strategies; the scenic overlook
trail; a discussion on the oil land; a review of the Master
Plan; the role of the Commission in permit enforcement and
fee waivers; park regulations and ordinances; having the
Master Plan subcommittee consider tree issues, the tree
process, possibly have a study session; presentations: the
Parks Department; School Board and Council participation in
the biannual parks tour; ordinance changes; park memorials;
the resident TD card concept; the pooch path in Blanco
Park; and restructuring committees.Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission
April 6, 2010
Page 5 of 8
Pam Robinson, Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and
Community Services, indicated that many of the items could
be addressed with an update to the Commission and she
clarified that the main priority for staff for the next few
months would be the budget.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KIM, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR HUDSON,
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE PARKS, RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION RECEIVE AND FILE THE REPORT.
o0o
Item A-3
Roles and Responsibilities of the Parks, Recreation and
Community Services (PRCS) Commission
Pam Robinson, Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and
Community Services, provided a summary of the material of
record and discussed the City Council meeting of April 5,
2010.
The Commission discussed the liaison subcommittee and
whether to keep the item on the agenda each month.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STUART, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GREENE, AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE PARKS, RECREATION
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION RECEIVE AND FILE THE
REPORT.
o0o
Item A-4
Informational Report on the Committee of Permits and
Licenses
Pam Robinson, Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and
Community Services, provided a summary of the material of
record.
Discussion between staff and the Commission included:
Commission involvement; the existing code; commercial
events for parks and a policy for that; the public commentC-2
Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission
April 6, 2010
Page 6 of 8
process; the relationship between the size of the park and
the size of the event; the draft commercial policy;
guidelines for various parks; confusion with some of the
required permits; notification regarding committee
meetings, permit requirements and opportunity for public
comment; waivers; enforcement; special events permits;
whether money is charged or goods are sold; simplifying the
process; administrative vs. advisory committee; and
unpermitted events.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER GREENE, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KIM,
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE PARKS, RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION RECEIVE AND FILE THE REPORT.
o0o
Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda
None.
o0o
Receipt of Correspondence
None.
Items From Staff
None.
Items From Commissioners
Commissioner Kim encouraged participation in the senior
driving program; she discussed transit training for
seniors; and subcommittee meetings.
Brianna Frazier, Senior Management Analyst, reported that
staff was available to help with senior transit training.
Vice Chair Hudson reported requests to make Buckingham
Parkway a quiet zone on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
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o0oParks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission
April 6, 2010
Page 7 of 8
Dave McCarthy, City Attorney Liaison, reported reluctance
from Public Works regarding the quiet zone request but
noted that the Police Department had been very responsive
to noise complaints.
Vice Chair Hudson received clarification that the pool was
open and an update on the leveling project for the Little
League fields.
Commissioner Kim asked about the installation of a cross
walk at Fox Hills Park.
Chair Daly Redholtz received information regarding the
Gardens of Gratitude Event on April 24, 2010; she asked for
a report from the new Animal Services officer; and she
encouraged everyone to vote on April 13.
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:21 P.M., the Parks,
Recreation and Community Services Commission adjourned its
meeting in memory of Genevieve Gallagher to a Regular
Meeting to be held at 7:00 P.M. on May 4, 2010 in the Mike
Balkman Chambers.C-2
Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Commission
April 6, 2010
Page 8 of 8
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Eugene Paulish
SECRETARY of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commission
APPROVED
Vicki Daly Redholtz
CHAIR of the PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSION
City of Culver City, California
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the
State of California that, on the date below written, these
minutes were filed in the Office of the City Clerk, City of
Culver City, California and constitute the Official Minutes
of said meeting.
Martin R. Cole Date
CITY CLERK
By:
Ela Valladares
Deputy City Clerk