Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 06 08 Consent 305 Specimen Tree Removal 243 MortonCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 305 REQUEST: Informational Consent X Public Hearings Regular June 08, 2015 KS KL Regular Meeting City Manager Department The Public Works Department, Arbor Division, asks that the City Commission consider the request of Ken Foster of 243 Morton Lane to remove a specimen sweetgum from the left side of the house due to the potential damage the tree will cause to his septic tank and drainfield. SYNOPSIS: Ken Foster is requesting a permit to remove a specimen sweetgum from 243 Morton Lane due to the damage the tree may cause to the septic tank and drainfield. 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, approval of the request to remove this tree is recommended. The sweet gum is within 10' of the house and is within 5' of the septic tank. A hole dug by the resident exposed the actual septic tank and tree roots were visibly growing over the tank. The tree is growing over the drainfield and could potentially cause damage to the septic tank and drainfield. FISCAL IMPACT: If the request is approved, the applicant will pay a $25 arbor permit fee to the Arbor Fund. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: Consent 305 PAGE 1 OF 2 - June 08, 2015 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 Ken Foster to remove one specimen sweet gum from 243 Morton Lane based on the fact that the tree is growing within 5' of the septic tank and over the septic drainfield. 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: Attachment A- Photographs Consent 305 PAGE 2 OF 2 - June 08, 2015 Attachment A- Photographs Photograph 1 -Full representation of sweet gum tree Photograph 2- Tree located 10' from house and growing on top of septic tank