March 4, 2025
TO: City Council
REQUESTED BY: Arthur Mullen, Chief of Public Utilities
APPROVED BY: Robert A. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resident Complaint Regarding Tree Removal Request RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction to the City Manager on how to resolve the resident complaint regarding a tree removal request.
BACKGROUND:
A resident has submitted multiple complaints over the course of four years requesting the removal of two Afghan Pine trees located in the public parkway adjacent to her property in the Center Channel of Rancho San Jacinto, along Esplanade Avenue between Villines Avenue and Meridian Street. While the resident has expressed concerns regarding the trees, the reasons stated do not align with the conditions outlined in the municipal code for removal.
ANALYSIS:
Municipal Code 12.20.060, Section 2, grants the Superintendent of Public Works the authority to remove trees or shrubs from parkways only under specific conditions, including:
• If the tree is dead, diseased, damaged, or in a dangerous condition. • If the tree interferes with the construction or removal of buildings. • If the tree interferes with the alignment or realignment of streets, highways, alleys, or driveways within the city.
Upon inspection, Public Utilities staff determined that the trees are in good health, do not pose a danger to the public or infrastructure, and do not obstruct any current or planned construction or realignment projects. City staff has spent a considerable amount of time communicating with the resident to no avail and has expended funds to determine the health of the tree.
A certified arborist has confirmed that the trees are healthy and well maintained, and each tree is valued at $9,830 for a total of $19,660 for both trees. Removing the trees would cost the City approximately $5,920.
NEED FOR DIRECTION:
Given that the requests do not meet the criteria for removal from the Public Utilities Department, staff requires direction from the City Council on how to proceed. Denying the request aligns with municipal code and urban forestry policies, which have been shared with the resident several times, while approving the removal would require an exception to existing regulations.
As this was not an item in the Approved Budget for FY 24/25, if the removal is approved, the $5,920 expense would be allocated to the Rancho San Jacinto section of LLPD #1, thereby increasing the subsidy of that fund from the General Fund’s unallocated Fund Balance.
OPTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Deny the request in accordance with municipal code 12.20.060 Section 2 and direct the City Manager to send a formal letter to the resident of the City Council’s decision.
2. Approve the resident’s request and direct the City Manager to have staff proceed with removal, as well as increase LLPD #1 budgeted appropriations by $5,920.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact if the request is denied.
However, if the removal is granted by the City Council, an additional budgeted appropriation in the sum of $5,920 would be approved for the LLPD #1 budget, subsidized by the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS:
Estimated tree value #1
Estimated tree value #2
WCA Quote for tree removal 94791
Center channel pine trees screenshot