Agenda Item # 6.B.
Council Agenda Report
To: Mayor Silverstein and the Honorable Members of the City Council Prepared by: Mary Linden, Executive Assistant
Approved by: Steve McClary, City Manager
Date prepared: January 25, 2023 Meeting date: February 27, 2023 Subject: Mid-Year Commission Activity Reports
RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Receive and file mid-year activity reports from the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission, Malibu Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Public Works Commission; and 2) Amend Commission assignments for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, if appropriate.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
Additional funds may need to be allocated if changes are made to any Commission’s Work Plan.
WORK PLAN: This item was not included in the Adopted Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2022- 2023. This project is part of normal staff operations.
DISCUSSION: At its June 18, 2022 Regular meeting, the City Council approved Fiscal Year 2022-2023 assignments for the City’s Commissions (excluding the Planning Commission). In an effort to improve communication between the Commissions and the Council, and to keep the Council informed of the Commissions’ efforts on behalf of the City, the Council requested mid-year written reports from each Commission.
The Commissions met regularly during the first half of the year and focused their work plans on accomplishing the tasks listed in the assignments. Attached are summaries of commission activities from the first half of the year (July through December 2022), along with the corresponding Fiscal Year 2022-2023 assignments for each Commission.
Following review of the mid-year reports, the Council may take this opportunity to amend assignments for the remainder of the year, if appropriate, for any of the Commissions.
City Council Meeting
02-27-23
Item
6.B.
Agenda Item # 6.B.
The Commission Chairs will be asked to attend this meeting to answer questions from the Council or provide additional clarification of the accomplishments included in the reports.
ATTACHMENTS: Mid-Year Activity Report and Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Assignments for:
1. Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission
2. Malibu Arts Commission
3. Parks and Recreation Commission
4. Public Safety Commission
5. Public Works Commission
City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
Recycled Paper
TO: Mayor Silverstein and Honorable Members of the Malibu City Council FROM: Chair Cooper Norby and Members of the Youth Commission DATE: December 1, 2022
SUBJECT: Youth Commission Mid-Year Activity Report
As directed by the City Council at its June 13, 2022 Regular meeting, the Youth Commission submits the following summary of its activities during the first half of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (July through December), approved at the Commission's Regular meeting on December 1, 2022:
• Volunteered twenty hours of community service at various City events and programs • Conducted a canned food drive on November 19 and 20, 2022, and collected over 40 canned food and non-perishable items for the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu Thanksgiving Baskets Program
• Created voter registration public service announcements, which were included on the Community Services Department's social media platforms
• Hosted a CineMalibu movie night on October 22, 2022. The Commission collected over 150 new pairs of socks, which were donated to the non-profit organization, The People Concern.
• Collected toy donations for the Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation on December 10 and 11, 2022
ATTACHMENT 1
City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
\\mlb-admscsrv\common\Commissions-Committees\Assignments\FY 2022-23\Youth Commission.docx Recycled Paper TO: Members of the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission FROM: Steve McClary, City Manager
DATE: June 16, 2022
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Commission Assignments
At its Regular meeting on June 13, 2022, the City Council approved the following assignments for the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission in Fiscal Year 2022-2023:
1. Each Commissioner will volunteer at two City events and provide ten hours of volunteer service
2. Co-sponsor six community service projects that benefit non-profit organizations
3. Create public service announcements related to voter registration, which may include a Voter Registration Drive (new)
4. Coordinate a community movie night benefitting a non-profit organization
5. Coordinate a teen health and wellness event or program to encourage physical fitness and mental wellness
6. Host an informational Youth Government Summit with representatives from local government agencies and non-profit organizations
7. Develop and host a life skills program for high school students
8. Create a program to promote environmental sustainability (new)
9. Review opportunities for teen outreach and communication to increase attendance and awareness at programs and events
10. Facilitate a workshop that incorporates a teambuilding exercise
11. Develop a cultural program to celebrate or bring awareness to the Chumash Native American Tribe (new)
12. Conduct a joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission to coordinate a program, project, or event
13. Make oral reports as needed to the City Council on Commission activities
14. Submit a mid-year written report to the City Council on Commission activity City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Mayor Silverstein and Honorable Members of the Malibu City Council FROM: Chair Cherin and Members of the Malibu Arts Commission DATE: November 22, 2022
SUBJECT: Malibu Arts Commission Mid-Year Commission Activity Report As directed by the City Council at its June 13, 2022 Regular meeting, the Malibu Arts Commission submits the following summary of its activities during the first half of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (July through December), approved at the Commission’s Regular meeting on November 22, 2022:
• Closed the Art of Surf exhibition in August 2022 and curated two art exhibitions at the Malibu City Gallery: The S. Heather Edwards exhibition took place from October to November 2022, and the Music Inspired Art exhibition took place from December 2022 to January 2023 and featured 20 local artists.
• Reviewed and provided feedback on marketing, social media, and website content for the Malibu Arts Commission website
• Reviewed and provided feedback on the Arts in Education program, which included multi-week poetry workshops at Malibu Middle School and distance learning classrooms • The Art and Business Ad Hoc Committee met with the Malibu Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities to promote artists in local businesses, which has resulted in the formation of the Art Share Program and community art events.
• Provided feedback regarding art events, programs, and projects • Conducted a Call for Artists for the Caltrans Solstice Canyon Creek Beautification Project. The Commission drafted art submission guidelines, reviewed artist proposals, and recommended muralist Jules Muck for the project.
• Discussed options for an Arts Center in Malibu. To gain community feedback, the Commission will release a Malibu Arts Center survey in early 2023.
• Provided Commission updates to the City Council
ATTACHMENT 2
City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
\\mlb-admscsrv\common\Commissions-Committees\Assignments\FY 2022-23\Malibu Arts Commission.docx Recycled Paper TO: Members of the Malibu Arts Commission
FROM: Steve McClary, City Manager
DATE: June 16, 2022
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Commission Assignments
At its Regular meeting on June 13, 2022, the City Council approved the following assignments for the Malibu Arts Commission in Fiscal Year 2022-2023:
1. Facilitate regular art exhibitions and related events at City facilities and businesses
2. Review and recommend policies, procedures, and projects in accordance with the Art inPublic Places Ordinance
3. Provide feedback regarding advertising, marketing, website content on the Malibu Arts Commission website and arts programs and events within Malibu and outside City limits (revised)
4. Work with staff to facilitate arts programs, screenings, and events, including Arts in Education outreach in Malibu schools and partnerships with local organizations such as the Malibu Film Society (revised)
5. Provide opportunities for and coordinate meetings with Malibu business owners and artists to promote, recognize, invest, and exhibit local artists
6. Provide feedback regarding updates for arts events, programs and projects
7. Review and provide feedback regarding Commission branding (revised)
8. Assist Planning staff on the development of a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) regarding thedisplay of art throughout the City
9. Provide input regarding the current Temporary Use Permit process to allow temporary pop-up galleries, performances, screenings, and events in spaces in Malibu (revised)
10. Explore a Performing Arts Center and advise the City Council on Commission recommendations (revised)
11. Explore an Artist in Residence Program
12. Explore opportunities for a professional arts consultant to work with the Arts Commission
13. Develop relationships with commissions from other cities to exchange ideas and explore a partnership event (new)
14. Explore the development of a Malibu creative directory (new)
15. Make oral reports as needed to the City Council on Commission activities
16. Submit a mid-year written report to the City Council on Commission activity City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Mayor Silverstein and Honorable Members of the Malibu City Council FROM: Chair Skophammer and Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission DATE: November 15, 2022
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Commission Mid-Year Activity Report As directed by the City Council at its June 13, 2022 Regular meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission submits the following summary of its activities during the first half of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (July through December), approved at the Commission’s Regular meeting on November 15, 2022:
• Reviewed and provided feedback regarding Community Services Department programs and projects
• Continued public education outreach on the Earth Friendly Management Policy by working with students at the afterschool programs at Malibu Elementary School and Webster Elementary School
• Recommended two award recipients for the 2022 Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award • Worked with staff to create a public service announcement video on rattlesnake warnings and installed warning signs at City parks
• Reviewed the Parks Master Plan and recommended Council consider adding an item to the Work Plan in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 of constructing a multigenerational recreation center with a swimming pool and library services on the Heathercliff property • Reviewed and evaluated options for replacing the Malibu Bluffs Park Snack Shack and recommended Council consider adding an item to the Work Plan in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 of replacing the current Snack Shack with a like-for-like structure • Reviewed Malibu Bluffs Park improvement options regarding eliminating various storage containers and beautifying the area between the baseball fields • Reviewed and provided feedback regarding removing invasive, non-native seedlings at Trancas Field
• Reviewed trail clearance and erosion mitigation efforts at Charmlee Wilderness Park • Provided feedback regarding monthly staff updates on parks, programs, facilities, and projects
ATTACHMENT 3
City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
\\mlb-admscsrv\common\Commissions-Committees\Assignments\FY 2022-23\Parks and Recreation Commission.docx Recycled Paper TO: Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Steve McClary, City Manager
DATE: June 16, 2022
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Commission Assignments
At its Regular meeting on June 13, 2022, the City Council approved the following assignments for the Parks and Recreation Commission in Fiscal Year 2022-2023:
1. Provide feedback on the Legacy Park Rehabilitation Project
2. Provide oversight, feedback, and recommendations for public education, outreach, implementation, and awareness of the Earth Friendly Management Policy
3. Conduct a special meeting to tour City parks
4. Facilitate public outreach and design meetings regarding amenities and potential placement of park enhancements or equipment in City parks
5. Review and provide feedback regarding Community Services Department programs and projects
6. Nominate and recommend recipient(s) for the 2022 Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award to City Council
7. Review the Department’s program offerings and make recommendations, as appropriate, including the incorporation of various programs at local schools
8. Provide feedback on outdoor programming relating to rehabilitation or integration of native habitat
9. Review the Parks Master Plan and make recommendations regarding the priority of facilities and amenities at existing and potential future City Parks
10. Review and recommend to City Council revisions to the Park Rules, Dog Park Rules, and Municipal Code 12.08 - Parks, Beaches and Other Recreation Areas
11. Provide recommendations for mentorship and docent programs to incorporate community leaders, retired professionals, athletes, business owners, or college students
12. Review information regarding Malibu youth sports organizations and related field space needs
13. Conduct a joint meeting with the Youth Commission to coordinate a program, project, or event
14. Provide recommendations to the City Council regarding the removal of invasive species to decrease fire risk
15. Review and provide feedback regarding monthly staff updates on parks, programs, facilities, and projects
Parks and Recreation Commission
Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Assignments
\\mlb-admscsrv\common\Commissions-Committees\Assignments\FY 2022-23\Parks and Recreation Commission.docx Recycled Paper
16. Review and provide feedback regarding the Permanent Skate Park and fundraising efforts
17. Review and provide feedback regarding the Charmlee Nature Center reopening and programs (new)
18. Make bimonthly oral reports to the City Council on Commission activity
19. Submit a midyear written report to the City Council on Commission activities City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
Recycled Paper
TO: Mayor Silverstein and Honorable Members of the Malibu City Council FROM: Chair Frost and Members of the Public Safety Commission DATE: December 7, 2022
SUBJECT: Public Safety Commission Mid-Year Commission Activity Report As directed by the City Council at its June 18, 2022 Regular meeting, the Public Safety Commission submits the following summary of its activities from the first half of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (July through December), approved at the Commission’s Regular meeting on December 7, 2022:
• Received regular updates from and provided feedback to the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons regarding wildfire risks and the Public Safety Department’s fire prevention activities, including but not limited to Home Ignition Zone Assessments and the installation of Beacon Boxes
• Received regular updates from the Public Safety Department regarding activities related to homelessness
• Provided a recommendation to the City Council regarding a community education campaign in support of a voluntary program for use of Knox Box keys utilized by Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station to provide Sheriff’s Department emergency access to gated communities and gated properties
• Formed an Impound Yard Ad Hoc Committee to explore sites for a permanent impound yard and a Summer 2023 temporary impound yard
• Received a report and provided feedback to staff on the City’s plans for activities during National Preparedness Month
• In a joint meeting with the Public Works Commission, received a status update from Caltrans representatives on Caltrans capital improvement projects on Pacific Coast Highway • Conducted the annual review of public safety services, including reports from the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Lifeguards and Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) • Received a report from the Los Angeles County Fire Department regarding the County’s new ZoneHaven evacuation zone project
ATTACHMENT 4
City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
\\mlb-admscsrv\common\Commissions-Committees\Assignments\FY 2022-23\Public Safety Commission.docx Recycled Paper TO: Members of the Public Safety Commission
FROM: Steve McClary, City Manager
DATE: June 16, 2022
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Commission Assignments
At its Regular meeting on June 13, 2022, the City Council approved the following assignments for the Public Safety Commission in Fiscal Year 2022-2023:
1. Review and provide input on the City’s Emergency Preparedness Program and public safety activities
2. Conduct an annual review of Fire Department and Lifeguard services, inviting Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors to attend
3. Review the Summer Beach Enforcement Operation Summary report
4. Review the proposed Summer Beach Team deployment schedule
5. Perform post-disaster assessment of City response, as needed
6. Assist staff with planning and production of the Public Safety Expo
7. Make recommendations regarding the implementation of emergency warning sirens
8. Provide feedback regarding the City’s emergency alerts and advisories procedures
9. Provide recommendations regarding enhancements to the Evacuation Plan
10. Provide suggestions to the Sheriff’s Department regarding Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) responsibilities and priorities
11. Search for a permanent location for an impound site
12. Search for an alternative to the Heathercliff property for location of a temporary impound site for summer 2023
13. Provide input and feedback on potential Fire Prevention and Hazard Mitigation grants and projects
14. Make bimonthly oral reports to the City Council on Commission activity
15. Submit a mid-year written report to the City Council on Commission activities City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
Recycled Paper
TO: Mayor Silverstein and Honorable Members of the Malibu City Council FROM: Chair Major and Members of the Public Works Commission DATE: November 10, 2022
SUBJECT: Public Works Commission Mid-Year Activity Report As directed by the City Council at its June 18, 2022 Regular meeting, the Public Works Commission submits the following summary of its activities from the first half of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (July through December), approved at the Commission’s Special meeting on November 10, 2022:
1. Received reports on the status of the City’s current and upcoming Capital Improvement Projects and Disaster Projects for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
2. Received an update on grants the City is seeking for future projects.
3. Received an update on Caltrans’ Capital Improvement Projects.
4. Received an update on Los Angeles County Public Works- Waterworks District 29 Capital Improvement Projects.
ATTACHMENT 5
City of Malibu
M E M O R A N D U M
\\mlb-admscsrv\common\Commissions-Committees\Assignments\FY 2022-23\Public Works Commission.docx Recycled Paper TO: Members of the Public Works Commission
FROM: Steve McClary, City Manager
DATE: June 16, 2022
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Commission Assignments
At its Regular meeting on June 13, 2022, the City Council approved the following assignments for the Public Works Commission in Fiscal Year 2022-2023:
1. Review and make recommendations to the City Council on Capital Improvement and Disaster Projects
2. Review and make recommendations to the City Council for an updated five-year Capital Improvement Projects Plan
3. Report on the status of Los Angeles County Waterworks, District 29 infrastructure and make recommendations toward long-term solutions
4. Review utility undergrounding options within the City
5. Review parking issues citywide
6. Review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding the City’s public encroachment policy
7. Review the maintenance and monitoring of the City’s landslide assessment districts
8. Review and make recommendations on the Pavement Management Plan
9. Review the operation and maintenance of the Civic Center Water Treatment Plant
10. Review and make recommendations on offsite Private Development mitigation measures that are constructed within the public right-of-way
11. Work with Caltrans on a large redesign of Pacific Coast Highway over a long-term period of time
12. Incorporate discussion of alternative transportation modes, such as bike lanes, in all road improvement projects
13. Make bimonthly oral reports to the City Council on Commission activity
14. Submit a mid-year written report to the City Council on Commission activities
Agenda Item # 6.C.
Council Agenda Report
To: Mayor Silverstein and the Honorable Members of the City Council Prepared by: Joyce Parker-Bozylinski, Contract Planner
Reviewed by: Richard Mollica, Planning Director
Approved by: Steve McClary, City Manager
Date prepared: February 7, 2023 Meeting date: February 27, 2023 Subject: Southern California Edison Vegetation Management Program RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1) Receive an update on the Southern California Edison (SCE) Vegetation Management Program; and 2) Direct the Planning Director to send a letter to SCE Vegetation Management revising the terms to remove the requirement to report heavy trimming (branches greater than 7 inches) or removal of non-native trees unless the work constitutes major vegetation removal as determined by the City’s contract biologist.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this project is included in the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 in Account No. 101-2001-5100-00 (Professional Services).
WORK PLAN: This item was included in the Adopted Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 as Item 1n (Oversight of SCE Annual Vegetation Maintenance Program).
DISCUSSION: After the November 2018 Woolsey Fire, staff worked with SCE to reach an agreement on how SCE’s Annual Vegetation Management Program would be conducted to ensure that any tree trimming or removals complied with the City’s Local Coastal Program. The SCE Vegetation Management Program is an ongoing annual program and includes hazard tree assessments, tree pruning and removal, brush removal, and weed abatement. California regulations require utilities to trim trees or vegetation that could start a fire or be a danger to the public. Hazardous trees that are dead, dying, or diseased due to drought or bark beetle infestation are also removed as part of the program.
City Council Meeting
02-27-23
Item
6.C.
Agenda Item # 6.C.
After the Woolsey Fire, there was an active dead or damaged tree removal and trimming program around the utility lines in Malibu. This program included trimming trees to the California Public Utilities Commission’s tree pruning standards which recommend a minimal clearance at the time of trimming in high fire areas of 12 feet. Due to time constraints, City staff prepared a letter dated May 3, 2019 (Attachment 1) that outlined the City’s expectations regarding the SCE Annual Vegetation Management Program as implemented post-Woolsey Fire. This letter has served as a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and SCE. On May 13, 2019, an SCE spokesperson made a presentation to the City Council and stated that SCE agreed to comply with the requirements outlined in the letter.
The letter required SCE to notify the City of any heavy work/heaving trimming, which was defined as trimming into limbs/branches/trunks greater than 7 inches in diameter, on both protected and non-protected trees. Chapter 5 (Native Tree Protection Ordinance) of the LCP identifies protected trees as Native Oaks (Quercus species), California Walnut (Juglans californica), Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Alder (Alnus rhombifolia), or Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) tree, that have at least one trunk measuring six inches or more in diameter, or a combination of any two trunks measuring a total of eight inches or more in diameter, measured at four and one-half feet above natural grade.
The City was divided into grids and SCE identified which trees were scheduled for trimming or removal in each grid and that information was then posted on the City’s website for residents and other interested parties. The City hired a consulting arborist to conduct site inspections of each tree proposed for trimming or removal and provide recommendations either concurring with the SCE tree assessment or making alternative recommendations. For instance, in some situations, the City’s contract arborist may recommend leaving the tree stump to allow for new growth to occur instead of removing a tree completely or recommend denial of one or more of the branches identified by SCE for removal. This program is still ongoing and includes a request from SCE for trimming or removal, a site inspection by the City’s contract arborist, a report to staff from the City’s contract arborist, an authorization to proceed with the trimming or removal as recommended by the City’s contract arborist, and then a final inspection by the City’s contract arborist to ensure the trees were trimmed or removed per the City’s contract arborist recommendations. The SCE Vegetation Management Program is a two-part process that includes an initial site inspection to identify trees that should be trimmed or removed and then, once the City approves the work recommended by the SCE inspectors, tree trimming companies contracted by SCE complete the work.
Since it has been over three years since the Woolsey fire, and nearly all of the tree removals and trimming related to the fire have been completed, staff wishes to update the City’s May 3, 2019 letter regarding expectations for SCE’s work on trees in City as follows:
Agenda Item # 6.C.
Action Plan Item #2 - Prior to conducting any trimming work, SCE will provide the City with a list of all trees (protected or not protected) that are proposed for heavy work or removal, including the diameter of the limbs/trunks over 7 inches. SCE shall provide the City with a list of all work proposed on protected trees or in ESHA prior to commencement of work. SCE shall not trim beyond the previous cuts without prior approval of the City.
Staff is proposing to revise Item # 2 under the Action Plan to remove the requirement for SCE to provide a list of non-protected trees proposed for heavy trimming. Currently, SCE requests for trimming both protected and non-protected trees mainly consist of having seasonal growth trimmed back to the previous year’s cut. Requiring the reporting and inspection by the City Arborist of non-protected trees is no longer recommended.
Action Plan Item #7 – SCE has already conducted the pre-inspections in the western portions of Malibu based on its 12-month trim cycle. To address the City’s concern about the unburned fuel loads in the east port of Malibu, SCE will immediately begin pre inspections in the east portion of Malibu (east of Malibu Canyon Road) to ensure there are no threats requiring immediate remediation while work proceeds in the west where pre-inspections have occurred.
Staff is proposing to remove Item 7 in the letter since it is no longer relevant.
Shothole Borer Beetle
Staff was contacted by a Malibu resident concerned about several aspects of SCE’s tree trimming and removal program including the amount (12 feet around each tree) of trimming and the proper disposal of trees that have died due to the shothole borer beetle. These beetles can cause dieback and eventual death of both protected and nonprotected trees. In order to prevent the spread of the beetle, the trees must be chipped to a certain size and disposed of properly. The Office of the Los Angeles County Agriculture Commissioner has an active program (Attachment 3) to identify infested trees and utilize contractors to have heavily infested trees, known as amplifier trees, cut down, chipped, and taken away for proper disposal. The County offers free training on identifying and properly disposing of infested trees. SCE inspectors and tree trimmers working in the unincorporated area north of Malibu recently attended a training program to identify and remove or trim trees infested with the beetle. SCE has indicated they use the same inspectors in Malibu as in the unincorporated area so these inspectors have already been trained but SCE has agreed to have the tree trimming companies that contract with SCE in Malibu undergo the same training. Staff is proposing to memorialize this training requirement in the revised SCE letter to ensure both SCE inspectors and tree trimmers are properly trained to identify the shot hole borer and the proper way to dispose of an infected tree.
Agenda Item # 6.C.
Staff will continue to work with the City’s contract arborist to monitor and coordinate with SCE and its contractors on the implementation of SCE’s annual vegetation management program. The staff’s focus is ensuring native trees and Environmental Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) are protected concurrently with these fire hazard reduction programs.
ALTERNATIVES: The Council could direct staff to make additional changes to the letter.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. May 3, 2019, SCE Agreement Letter
2. Draft Revised SCE Agreement Letter
3. Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner PowerPoint Attachment 1
City of Malibu
23825 Stuart Ranch Road · Malibu, California · 90265-4861 Phone (310) 456-2489 · Fax (310) 456-3356 · www.malibucity.org 1 ATTACHMENT 2
February 17, 2023
Matthew Saddler
SCE Operations Manager
Vegetation Management
1440 S. California Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016
Via. Email: [email protected]
Re: SCE Vegetation Program in Malibu
Dear Mr. Saddler:
This letter is a follow-up to the City’s May 3, 2019 letter (attached), which provided Parameters (definitions) and an Action Plan for the SCE Vegetation Program in Malibu following the Woolsey Fire. The City appreciates SCE working with the City Arborist to comply with the letter to date. Since it has been over three years since the fire, and nearly all of the tree removals and trimming related to the fire have been completed, we are updating the City’s expectations for SCE’s work on protected trees in City limits going forward. Please see the following updated Action Plan items 1 and 2:
Action Plan updates
1. On a grid-by-grid basis, SCE or their contractors shall provide the City Arborist with a list of all protected trees within City limits that are scheduled for trimming. The list shall indicate which (if any) protected trees will require whole tree removal or “heavy work” (pruning of branches 7 inches diameter or larger).
SCE is no longer required to submit a list of non-protected trees regardless of the scope of work.
2. The City Arborist shall be notified of all protected trees identified for removal or heavy work by SCE’s Drought Resolution Initiative (DRI), Hazard Tree Management Program (HTMP), and all other initiatives/programs that may be developed by SCE in the future. Malibu’s protected tree species are as follows:
• Native Oaks (Quercus species)
• California Walnut (Juglans californica)
• Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)
• Alder (Alnus rhombifolia)
• Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Action Plan items 3 through 9 in the May 3, 2019 letter will remain the same, except for item 7 which is no longer relevant and can be disregarded going forward.
In addition to the changes noted above, a new item will be added to the Action Plan. 2 \\mlb-admscsrv\common\City Council Agendas\2023 Agendas\230227\_230227 Word Versions\Item 6C\Attachment 2 DRAFT SCE Letter.docx Recycled Paper
3. All tree inspectors and tree trimming companies working for SCE in Malibu must attend a training program offered by the Office of the Los Angeles County Agriculture Commissioner to identify and properly dispose of trees (protected and non-protected) infested with the shot hole borer.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Richard Mollica
Planning Director
Attachment: May 3, 2019 Letter to SCE
cc: Mayor and Honorable Members of the City Council
Steve McClary, City Manager
Alison Lancaster, Contract Arborist
Andrew Thomas, SCE Government Relations
Los Angeles County
Department of
Agricultural Commissioner/
Weights & Measures
Invasive Shothole Borers
Attachment 3
ISHB – What are they?
•ISHB are ambrosia beetles
• They are fungal farmers
• The females have a
specialized structure called
mycangia that carries the fungi
• The adults and larvae solely feed on fungi
•Most ambrosia beetles attack stressed or dying
trees
ISHB Biology
•Native to Southeast Asia,
accidently shipped with wood
packing materials around 2003
•Now found throughout Southern
California, Israel, South Africa,
and throughout the world’s
Mediterranean ecosystems
•A pregnant beetle leaves a
mulch pile, firewood, or a tree
and…
•Bores into a tree, inoculates the
tree with fusarium fungus, and
lays eggs
ISHB Biology
• Offspring mate with each
other and continue to
create tens of thousands of
beetles
• The beetles eat the fungus
and continue to create
galleries in the tree
• As a tree starts to die, the
beetles leave and the cycle
continues
Photo by J.Kabashima
Effects on trees
• Galleries physically weaken the
structural integrity of the tree and
can create hazardous trees
• The real,and often fatal, damage
comes from the tree’s response to
the fusarium fungus
• In defense, the tree shuts off that
portion of the xylem.
• If too much fungus, the tree
basically shuts off it’s nutrient
supply system and branch dieback
or tree death occurs
• ISHB prefers healthy and irrigated
trees
• ISHB will infect a wide variety of
native and non-native tree species
Beetle entry hole and dark fusarium fungus with medium
ball point pen for scale (Photo by R. Burnap, ACWM)
Effects on trees
Native and non-native tree species impacted
ISHB has been found in these species but are
less likely to have branch dieback
Reproductive hosts (tree that
supports beetle reproduction and
can grow the fusarium fungus)
Field ID
Look for brown staining,
gumming, frass (sawdust),
and the entry hole
Project Goal
There will be 2 projects running concurrently:
1. Trapping (UC – IPM grant $160K)
2. Amplifier Tree Removal/Pruning (CalFIRE grant $600)
3. Share Data
Goals: Determine location of ISHB infested trees, remove amplifier trees, and prune trees that can survive
infestation
End Date: April 2022
ISHB Trapping
Detection will be accomplished through
trapping and visual surveys
~ 3,000 traps deployed in LAC
From March to September
Trap duration 1 month
Staff will install them and then check
them a month later
All staff will in uniform and in
white trucks
Trap Types
County will use option B – a sticky trap with a lure
Amplifier Tree
Removals/Pruning
1. Utilizing contractors, amplifier
trees will be cut down, chipped,
and taken away for proper
disposal
2. We will not remove trees with
nests
3. Permits will be attained when
required
4. Our staff will monitor removals
and pruning
Entomology laboratory
Our entomologist will assist with sample
Identification, and can help residents with
their garden pest questions as well.
Plant Pathology laboratory
Our plant pathologist has been assisting field staff with ideas on how to sample, sample preparation for
submission, and tracking data.
Our lab currently has the ability to check
soil for nematodes and SOD
Plant root stock being
inspected for diseases
Contact info
• Max Regis
• 562-622-0427 office
• 562-857-4760 cell
• [email protected]
• Rachel Burnap
• [email protected]
Agenda Item # 6.D.
Council Agenda Report
To: Mayor Silverstein and the Honorable Members of the City Council Prepared by: Mary Linden, Executive Assistant
Approved by: Steve McClary, City Manager
Date prepared: January 12, 2023 Meeting date: February 27, 2023 Subject: Grant Writer
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Direct staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for contract grant writer services.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
Should the City contract with a grant writer, it will be necessary to appropriate funding for those services.
WORK PLAN: This item was not included in the Adopted Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2022- 2023.
DISCUSSION: By consensus at the January 9, 2023 City Council Regular meeting, the Council agreed with Councilmember Riggins’ suggestion to bring back an item for the Council to consider whether the City should contract with a grant writer. The City has previously used Grant Consultants, but the use ended in 2017.
Grant funding from outside agencies is an important funding source for City’s like Malibu.
Over the last number of years, City staff have done an excellent job of obtaining Grant funding and these funds provide millions of dollars towards the completion of important projects throughout the City.
Currently, staff must research grant funds available for their department’s projects or programs, prepare and submit required grant applications, monitor projects for compliance with the grant specifications, and prepare and submit reports required by certain granting agencies. In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, with an increasing number of grant-funded projects underway in the City, a Grants Analyst position was created within the Finance Department to improve efficiency and allow Finance to provide greater financial oversight.
City Council Meeting
02-27-23
Item
6.D.
Agenda Item # 6.D.
This position focuses on the use of the funds once obtained and the reporting requirements of those funds.
With staffing shortages, it would be helpful to look to obtaining help in the effort to identify new grant sources and having help in the research, writing of the applications, and compliance oversight through contracting with an outside Grant writing firm. In addition to potentially providing the City with much needed new funding for critical projects and programs, the cost of contracting with a professional grant writer would be offset, at least in part, by freeing up staff time required for researching and submitting often extremely detailed grant applications. Time currently spent by staff performing these functions would instead be focused on the implementation of the projects.
Should the Council authorize the contracting of a grant writer, staff would issue an RFP for those services. Broadly speaking, the scope of work for a grant consultant shall include but not limited to the following:
• Create a task timeline with due dates
• Ensure the proposed project meets the grant agency's requirements • Review similar successful grant applications and apply where possible • Collect information on the project
• Meet with staff to create an accurate scope of work, budget, timeline, narratives, and cost analysis
• Obtain letters of support when necessary
• Draft proposals and send to staff for review
• Incorporate staff edits in final drafts
• Submit completed application timely
• Monitor the funding agency until grant awards are announced Once a candidate is selected, the agreement and any necessary funding allocations will be presented to the Council for approval.
Staff recommends the Council also consider making the agreement effective July 1, 2023 and including the cost in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, which would negate the need to have the item go to the Administration and Finance Subcommittee for individual consideration prior to being presented to the City Council.
Should the City Council wish to consider adding a grant writer position to staff, it is recommended to have that discussion as part of the preparation for the Fiscal Year 2023- 24 budget year.
ATTACHMENTS: None.