HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 05 29 Informational 104 Northern Way Tree PlantingCOMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 104
May 29, 2012
Special Meeting
REQUEST:
Informational X
Consent
Public Hearings
Regular
KS
City Manager
RS
Department
The Community Development Department, Arbor Division, wishes to inform the
Commission of plans to commence with planting trees in the rights -of -way along a portion
of Northern Way in response to the recent Progress Energy Distribution Line Trimming
efforts.
SYNOPSIS:
The Arbor Division intends to replace several large existing canopy trees with smaller
ornamental trees to prevent and mitigate future damage to Progress Energy Power
Distribution Lines along a section of Northern Way located between Grizzly and Wildcat
Courts, in the Northern Way right -of -way.
CONSIDERATIONS:
There are rights -of -way throughout the City that contain both overhead power lines and
large canopy trees. The canopy trees are pruned on a rotating schedule every three years by
Progress Energy to maintain utility line clearance. This pruning has deformed many of the
trees, making them unattractive and more prone to fail prematurely. In an effort to be more
proactive, City Staff plans to remove several canopy trees from the rights -of -way where
they are located in areas that may affect power lines and replace them with lower growing
trees. The trees slated for removal are primarily small to medium sized oak trees that have
not yet become a problem but will in the near future. These canopy trees will be replaced
with smaller growing ornamental trees that will not mature to a height that will cause
interference with utility line clearance. In addition, these trees should remain structurally
stable and attractive, thereby increasing safety and enhancing the aesthetic appearance of
the area.
Informational 104 PAGE 1 OF 2 - May 29, 2012
Replacing canopy trees that are interfering with utility lines is a long term project intended
to be completed in phases as funding becomes available. The first removal and
replanting will take place in the rights -of -way along Northern Way between Grizzly and
Wildcat Courts. The plant material for this area of replanting will be donated by Progress
Energy and installed by City Staff. Staff will water and fertilize the trees through the one
(1) year establishment period and contractors will be utilized for maintenance pruning post
establishment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Progress Energy is donating $500 to purchase trees for the initial phase of our program.
Additional money to purchase trees will be obtained from the Arbor Fund, which is derived
from permit fees and tree banking donations.
COMMUNICATION EFFORTS:
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.
In early March, information was sent via an E -Alert and published in Tuscawilla Today
notifying residents of the proposed work in the rights -of -way along Northern Way. Letters
were mailed to thirty -nine (39) residents that front Northern Way, from Tuscora Drive to
Winter Springs Boulevard. The letters provided detailed information on the purpose of the
work, where it would take place, the types of trees to be planted, and requested input from
residents. The City Arborist received a total of five responses from the mail -outs, all
without opposition to the project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests the City Commission receive and review the information provided in this
Agenda Item.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Informational 104 PAGE 2 OF 2 - May 29, 2012