City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: December 4, 2023
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: PG&E Request for Tree Removal at North Alta Street Entry
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive a report on PG&E’s request to remove six City trees at the North Alta Street entry due to their proximity to the electric transmission line and provide feedback and direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
On October 24, 2023, PG&E submitted a City encroachment permit to remove six City trees on the west side of the road at the North Alta Street entry due to their proximity to the overhead electric transmission line. On November 13, 2023 staff met PG&E’s Agency Liaison and their Vegetation Project Manager at the site to discuss this request. At the meeting, the Vegetation Project Manager reiterated they are seeking city approval to remove the six redwood trees as they are too close to the electric transmission line.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The North Alta Street entry received significant landscaping improvements as part of the 2016 Alta Street Reconstruction Project. PG&E’s request to remove the six trees will have a moderate impact on the landscaping at this important entry to the City.
AGENDA
ITEM
8 PG&E has offered the following options related to removing the trees under the power lines:
Option 1: Replant City-approved trees in a different location away from the utility lines because the expected tree types are not recommended for planting near high voltage lines. PG&E has offered to replace the six trees with 12 new trees. PG&E staff said they’d pay for removal of the six trees including stump grinding and will pay for the City to purchase 12 new trees, but the City would need to pay for planting the 12 new trees.
Option 2: PG&E would replant PG&E recommended vegetation in the current location. The PG&E guidance document for acceptable vegetation under high voltage lines is attached.
Regarding Option 1, should the City approve removal of the six trees, the 12 new trees could be planted somewhere else in the city and staff was thinking of planting them along Alta Street.
In conclusion, staff is seeking the City Council’s direction on Option 1, Option 2 or another approach to addressing PG&E request to remove these trees.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: This is another example of the city collaboration with PG&E to address safety concerns around their transmission power lines.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: See Vision explanation above.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ____No ____ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes X No N/A
• Housing Yes X No N/A
• Recreation Yes X No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes X No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
Two options are presented in the staff report. Staff is seeking the Council’s feedback on Option 1, Option 2, or another approach.
BUDGET IMPACT
The budget impact will depend on the selected Option. The estimated cost for Option 1 (replant 12 trees provided by PG&E in a different location) is approximately $9,000 with an additional estimated cost of $15,000 to cut down and stump grind 12 trees should the new trees replace other trees (ie, existing redwood trees in poor condition in the Alta Street median between Fourth and Fifth Streets) Option 2 (PG&E planting recommended vegetation in the current location) would be at no cost to the City.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council receive a report on P&GE’s request to remove six City trees at the North Alta Street entry due to their proximity to the electric transmission line and provide feedback and direction to staff.
SITE PHOTOS
Attachments:
1. PG&E Guide to Landscaping along Electric Transmission Corridors