Town of Yountville
Staff Report
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Agenda Item #: {{section.number}}E
Yountville Town Council Staff Report
DATE: March 5, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: John Ferons, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: John Ferons, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution 24-4250 Approving a Budget Adjustment to the Public Works Parks Maintenance Tree Trimming Budget from General Fund Contingency in the amount up to $70,000 and Authorizing Town Manager to Execute Tree Contract for the Removal of Five Redwood Trees along Hopper Creek parallel to Heather Street between Oak Leaf Ct and Oak Circle.
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
The Town values its urban forest and as such it is in the best interests of the Town and its residents that Public Works staff plan for the care and maintenance of Town trees on public property and budget annually for the planting, maintenance, and removal of Town trees. That plan and budget is based on normal weather patterns, scheduled maintenance, and minor unforeseen pruning needs.
The El Nino weather pattern of February of 2024 brought storms of epic proportions to the Napa Valley. In addition to above average rainfall, the storms also included significant wind events. It is the effects of the wind on the Town trees that is triggering the need for a budget adjustment to perform additional tree work outside of the typical annual work.
More specifically as a result of the storms, the row of Town Redwood Trees along Hopper Creek parallel to Heather Street from the end of Oak Leaf Court to Oak Circle, suffered several failures of various degree. As a result, Town staff enlisted the Town Arborist to perform an inspection on the row of trees and make any recommendations based on the findings.
As is represented in a Staff Informational Report later on this meeting’s agenda, there are five redwood trees within the row of redwoods that are hazardous and need to be removed. This budget adjustment will provide funding for the Town to hire a tree contractor to remove the five trees which is work beyond the annual budget.
The budget adjustment will move $70,000 FROM General Fund Contingency leaving a balance of $362,327 in that fund TO Parks Maintenance Fund 01-4320-4210 Contract Services. The resolution will also authorize the Town Manager to sign the three contract for said work.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
Is there a Fiscal Impact? Yes
Is it Currently Budgeted? No
Where is it Budgeted? N/A
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? Discretionary
Is there a Staff Resource Impact? Nominal
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Is item Identified in Strategic Plan? Yes
If yes, Identify Strategic Goal and Objective. Quality of Life: The Town enhances the livability of Yountville by providing well-maintained public facilities, parks, and trails, and quality programs and events.
Briefly Explain Relationship to Strategic Plan Goal and Objective. The urban forest is a valuable asset to the quality of life in the Town of Yountville, be it public or private trees. The Town strives to maintain the livability of the urban forest by enlisting the expertise of an arborist and providing the resources to implement the recommendations of the arborist.