Title
Special Trees Replacement Request- Marine Avenue
Recommendation
1) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15304 of the CEQA Guidelines because the removal of a dead, damaged, and/or diseased tree is a minor alteration of the condition of land and/or vegetation and none of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption set forth in the Guidelines apply; and
2) Approve the removal and replacement of four (4) Special City Eucalyptus Gum trees located at 210, 217, 224, and 315 Marine Avenue with a mix of new Eucalyptus Gum trees species, including Lemon-Scented Gum and Silver-Dollar Gum, as there is consensus by staff and consultant arborists on these four trees. The removal of these four trees would take place in September. Replacement of these four trees as well as the planting of the five current vacant tree wells would follow as soon as sidewalk and curb reconstruction work is completed.
3) Determine if Level III testing should be conducted prior to the removal of the of six (6) Special City Eucalyptus Gum trees located at 220, 300, 301, 312, 319, and 326 Marine Avenue. If determined necessary, staff would recommend the additional testing for these six trees be conducted in the next couple months. Upon further detailed review and evaluation of this additional testing information by the consulting Arborist and the City Arborist, the City Arborist will determine which of the six special trees, if any, can remain. The other trees (possibly up to all six) not approved to remain will be scheduled for removal and replacement (with a mix of new Eucalyptus Gum tree species, including Lemon-Scented Gum and Silver-Dollar Gum) this coming winter. Replanting of these trees would follow as soon as sidewalk and curb repair work is completed.