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Discussion in reference to PW FY 2024- 2025 Tree Planting Budget/ Goals Summary
Current Tree Planting Strategy
Internal Goal: Public Works aims to plant 100 trees annually. This goal, maintained informally for years, is not always met due to other departmental demands.
Net Tree Gain: This goal does not account for trees removed. For example, if 43 trees are removed and 100 trees are planted, there is a net gain of 57 trees.
Funding Sources: The tree planting budget often relies on the tree-removal fund, which has decreased in the past fiscal year for unverified reasons. The 2023 tree ordinance may have reduced tree removals for development, contributing to this decrease, as well as a dip in building permits for new homes.
Analysis of Current Strategy
Ordinance Misinterpretation: The ordinance aims to reduce tree removals but does not address tree canopy expansion. Using the ordinance to justify reduced tree planting contradicts the original goal of canopy expansion.
Funding Issues: The reduced tree-removal fund has led Public Works to propose planting fewer trees in lean fiscal years.
Council Intentions and Motions to expand the canopy:
3- 12- 19: Councilmember Lowenstein " supported increasing the number of trees." 8- 17- 21: Councilmember Horvath " supported canopy growth throughout the city." 3- 15- 22: Lowenstein " suggested a compromise when taking a historical tree down to fund and plant at least five trees to increase the canopy." 1- 17- 23: Councilmember Emdee " spoke about growing the City' s canopy and becoming a Tree City USA... referenced council' s commitment to plant 200 trees per year with the goal of planting 1, 000 trees in the city." 8- 9- 23: Motion by Councilmember Obagi, seconded by Councilmember Nehrenheim, to establish a " goal and policy to replace the removal of any tree on a 1: 1 basis in the city and regulate the unfettered removal of trees in an effort to preserve and grow a desirable tree canopy in Redondo Beach."
1- 17- 23: Councilmember Horvath noted " there has been Council consensus to expand the City' s canopy."
Recommendations
1• Clarify Tree Planting Goals and maintain current " internal PW" goal:
o Establish specific tree planting goals for 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. o Align these goals with the council' s intention to grow the canopy. o While the council irons out official goals, keep the 100 tree a year goal
2. Funding and Budget Planning:
o Identify funding needs and sources, especially in lean fiscal years. o Explore public/ private partnerships, grants, and memorial tree programs to supplement funding.
3. Utilize PW commission in environmental and tree discussion:
o develop creative solutions and partnerships to achieve tree planting goals. o Delegate planning and problem- solving tasks to reduce the burden on Public Works.
4. Promote Urban Trails:
o Focus on expanding and maintaining trees along sidewalks and urban trails to enhance community access to nature.
o Recognize the importance of tree canopy for exercise, meditation, and neighborhood aesthetics.
By setting clear goals, securing diverse funding sources, and leveraging community partnerships, Redondo Beach can effectively expand its tree canopy and meet the community' s environmental and recreational needs.
Mara Lang
6. 11. 24
City Council Agenda item L. 2