HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 04 11 Consent 304 Specimen Tree Removal - 1451 Whitehall BoulevardCOMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 304
REQUEST:
Informational
Consent
X
Public Hearings
Regular
April 11, 2016 KS KL
Regular Meeting City Manager Department
The Public Works Department, Arbor Division, asks that the City Commission consider the
request of Mr. Joseph Weber to remove one specimen tree from his property at 1451
Whitehall Boulevard in the Georgetowne subdivision.
SYNOPSIS:
Joseph Weber of 1451 Whitehall Boulevard is requesting permission to remove one
specimen tree from his property. The tree is in close proximity to his home. Section 5 -8(b)
of Chapter 5, Tree Protection and Preservation, provides that specimen trees shall not be
removed except for extraordinary circumstances or hardships and only by approval of the
City Commission.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Based on an assessment of the tree made by City Arborist, Stephanie Monica, in February
of 2016, approval of the request to remove the tree is recommended. The live oak is
approximately 30" in diameter. Several large limbs broke out of the tree during a previous
storm and some were cut back to the trunk, resulting in a cavity with associated internal
decay. Pruning the limbs away from the house over the years has also made the tree "one -
sided" in form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If the request is approved, the applicant will pay a $25 arbor permit fee to the Arbor Fund.
COMMUNICATION EFFORTS:
Consent 304 PAGE 1 OF 2 - April 11, 2016
This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission,
City Manager, City Attorney /Staff, and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and
the City's Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the
respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals
noted above, and which is also available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's
Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, Media/Press Representatives who have
requested Agendas /Agenda Item information, Homeowner's Associations/Representatives
on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This
information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional
copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the
City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff
is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested
individuals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the request of Mr. Weber to remove
one specimen tree from his property at 1451 Whitehall Boulevard. The tree is close to the
home, has decay due to large limb removal, and has poor structure. Staff finds that this
qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance or hardship as referenced in Section 5 -8(b) of
Chapter 5, Tree Protection and Preservation.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Photographs (2 pages)
Consent 304 PAGE 2 OF 2 - April 11, 2016
Photograph 1: Large limb at codominant junction with decay
Photograph 2: Proximity of tree to home