City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: April 7, 2025
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Request from PG&E to Remove Trees at the North Alta Street Entry
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council receive an update on PG&E’s request to remove five City Trees at the North Alta Street Entry and Authorize Issuance of an Encroachment Permit for the replacement of the five trees with ten Ceanothus ‘Frosty Blue’ Shrubs.
BACKGROUND
PG&E is requesting that the City allow them to remove five redwood trees in the landscaped area on the west side of Alta Street just north of 10th Street due to their proximity to the overhead electric transmission lines. The trees are considered a potential hazard and not allowed under PG&E’s “Guide for Landscaping Along Electric Transmission Corridors”.
As the Council’s aware, the North Alta Street entry received significant landscaping improvements as part of the Alta Street Reconstruction Project in 2016. It’s important to note the five redwood trees were planted much earlier than the Alta Street Reconstruction Project.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
Staff discussed this matter several times with PG&E’s Agency Liaison and their Vegetation Project Manager. Staff then discussed replacement landscaping options with Smith & Enright’s project manager who oversees their landscape maintenance contract with the City. They are recommending that the redwoods be replaced with Frosty Blue Ceanothus for the following reasons:
AGENDA
ITEM
9 • It’s included in PG&E’s “Guide for Landscaping Along Electric Transmission Corridors” • The shrub has medium blue flowers that will complement the existing entry planting • At maturity, the shrub will be six to eight feet tall • It’s very wildlife friendly to humming birds, butterflies and bees • It’s tolerant of clay soil and hard frost
If authorized by the City Council, PG&E will engage Davey Tree Service to remove the five redwood trees and reimburse the City for Smith & Enright cost to plant ten Frosty Blue Ceanothus shrubs.
In conclusion, staff recommend that the Council authorize the issuance of an Encroachment Permit for the removal of the five redwood trees to be replaced with ten Ceanothus ‘Frosty Blue’ Shrubs.
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 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
The Council could decide not to approve issuance of the Encroachment Permit for this tree work and direct staff to develop other approaches to the replacement plantings.
BUDGET IMPACT
The is no budget impact to this staff report.
CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended the City Council receive an update on PG&E’s request to remove five City Trees at the North Alta Street Entry and Authorize Issuance of an Encroachment Permit for the replacement of the five trees with ten Ceanothus ‘Frosty Blue’ Shrubs.
Attachments:
1. Site Photos
2. PG&E Guide to Landscaping along Electric Transmission Corridors