MEMORANDUM TO: Urban Forestry Board FROM: Kim McKnight, Project Coordinator, Parks and Recreation Dept. DATE: May 5, 2015 SUBJECT: Historic Cemeteries Master Plan The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) presented a briefing on the Historic Cemeteries Master Plan to the Urban Forestry Board on April 15, 2015. The board deferred action to May 20, 2015 to allow additional time for board review and response and to hear feedback from PARD Forestry staff. The master plan and associated appendices can be accessed by visiting the following website: https://www.austintexas.gov/cmp Of special interest to Urban Forestry Board Members will be the following chapters and appendices that include tree-related topics and recommendations: •Chapter 3: General Management Guidelines•Chapter 4: Oakwood Cemetery•Chapter 5: Oakwood Cemetery Annex•Chapter 6: Plummers Cemetery•Chapter 7: Evergreen Cemetery•Chapter 8: Austin Memorial Park Cemetery•Appendix E: Tree SurveyPlease do not hesitate to contact me at 512.974.9478 should you have questions.
City of Austin Historic Cemeteries Master Plan Kim McKnight, MSHP Presentation to Urban Forestry Board April 15, 2015 Process to Date •2012: Parks Board Working Group to identify issues and concerns •Summer, 2013: 6 meetings to develop Scope of Work •Fall, 2013: RFP issued •March, 2014: Contract with AmaTerra Env. Executed; includes tree assessment and survey •Community Meetings •April 30, 2014: Carver Branch Library •June 26, 2014: NW Recreation Center •August 23, 2014: Ruiz Branch Library •November 2, 2014: Zilker Botanical Garden •January 24, 2015: Carver Branch •January 23-March 9, 2015: Draft Master Plan Posted to Website for Community Review •Early April, 2015: Post revised draft for Boards, Commissions & Council Community Engagement •6 Scope of Work development meetings •5 public meetings •Board and Commission process •Media releases •Monthly newsletters throughout entire process placed in libraries and recreation centers •Email notices •City website and project website •Signage in Cemeteries •Extensive outreach through more than 70 social media outlets •Interviews with 25 Stakeholders •Outreach targeted to Community Registry, Austin Neighborhoods Council, Save Austin’s Cemeteries, Preservation Austin, African-American Cultural Heritage District The draft Master Plan Part I: Introduction 1.Introduction 2.Natural, Historical, and Cultural Contexts Part II: Cemetery Management Guidelines 3.General Management Guidelines 4.Oakwood Cemetery 5.Oakwood Cemetery Annex 6.Plummers Cemetery 7.Evergreen Cemetery 8.Austin Memorial Park Cemetery Part III: Policy and Funding Recommendations 9.Regulations and Laws 10.Cemetery Oversight 11.Emergency Preparedness 12.Historic Designations 13.Grave Ornamentation 14.Funding and Revenue 15.Partnerships and Programs Tree Survey •Rehabilitation •Spatial Organization and Circulation •Vegetation, including trees •Grave Markers, Plot Curbs, Plot Fencing •Fences •Site Furnishings •Benches, Signs and Kiosks General Management Guidelines Cemetery Treatment Guidelines for Individual Cemeteries •Vegetation Conditions •Marker Conditions •Drainage •Buildings and Facilities •Appearance •Boundary fencing and screening •Wayfinding and interpretation •Preservation and protection •Visitor amenities •Entrance and Access •Vulnerability •Expansion Cemetery Treatment Guidelines related to trees •Importance of Vegetation •Historic Cemetery Trees •Preserving •Removing •Replacing •Planting New Trees •Trees of Special Concern •Post Oaks •Crape Myrtles •Eastern Red Cedar •Preserving Historic Shrubs and Perennials •Invasive Plants •Cemetery Lawn Care •Analyze •Prepare •Plant •Maintain •Irrigation Process Going Forward Please note that this is a tentative timeframe and subject to change: •April, 2015: Present draft plan to Urban Forestry Board & Historic Landmark Commission •May, 2015: Present final draft plan to Land Facilities & Program Committee, Parks and Rec Board •June, 2015: Present final draft plan to Planning Commission & Open Space, Environment & Sustainability Committee of the …
City of Austin Draft Cemetery Master Plan Tree Care Work Plan and Gap Analysis Definitions Historic Trees: Individual trees and other plants within the cemeteries are considered historic if they were either growing or planted within the period of significance of a cemetery, or if they are part of a pattern of vegetation from the period of significance. Protected Trees: Any tree 19” in diameter at breast height, ~4.5’ from grade (DBH), regardless of species or condition Heritage Trees: as having a diameter of 24 inches or more in DBH, and is one of the following species: Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, cedar elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, all oaks, pecan, Arizona walnut, and Eastern black walnut. Summary of Maintenance Tasks and Estimated Costs Analysis • Preserve historic trees by developing a tree protection, preservation, planting, and maintenance plan for each cemetery in collaboration with an ISA Certified Arborist and PARD Urban Forestry o An MOU between DS & PARD will require a tree mitigation plan to be developed and reported on a semi-annual basis. Estimated 624 hours of labor/year required. • Perform bulk density testing of CRZs to determine levels of soil compaction, and then aerate using an air-spade as needed. o Soil testing was estimated to take 50 hours/year in labor and $6142/year in testing fees. • Fertilize trees annually with a slow release organic fertilizer, preferably compost, as determined necessary by soil testing. o Compost could be combined with mulch and applied to as much of the CRZ as possible to meet this requirement. Estimated 6867 hours of labor/year required, based on half an hour per tree with a three person crew, average DBH of 17”, and 4578 trees. Cost of materials based on $35/cubic yard of a mulch and compost mix, an estimated 2826 cu yds to cover the ¼ CRZ of 4578 trees with an average DBH of 17”. Soil testing was estimated to take 50 hours/year in labor and $6142/year in testing fees. • Mulch all trees, covering as much of the Critical Root Zone (CRZ) as possible, while keeping a mulch free area around trunks o Compost could be combined with mulch and applied to as much of the CRZ as possible to meet this requirement. Estimated 6867 hours of labor/year required. Cost of materials based on $35/cubic yard of a mulch and compost mix, an estimated 2826 cu yds. to cover …
Cemetery Draft Master PlanLara SchumanCity of AustinParks and Recreation Urban ForestryTree Care Work Plan and Funding Analysis •Preserve trees during excavation or construction•Perform soil testing for nutrients and compaction•Fertilize or compost and mulch all trees•Prune levels following three priority levels•Explore alternative options for mitigating risk before removing a tree•Inspect all trees following storms and perform maintenance as necessaryTree Care Highlights Funding Gaps IdentifiedItemHoursAdditional CostsRateCurrent Level of FundingRequired Level of FundingFunding GapTree protection/site plan review62430.53$ 1,588.00$ 19,051.00$ 17,463.00$ Soil Testing ‐ nutrients and bulk density506,142.00$ 30.53$ ‐$ 7,668.50$ 7,668.50$ Composting & Mulching686798,910.00$ 91.23$ ‐$ 725,386.41$ 725,386.41$ Level 1 inspection & maintenance225285,763.00$ 28.66$ 50,000.00$ 292,211.50$ 242,211.50$ Level 2 pruning2277131.23$ ‐$ 298,810.71$ 298,810.71$ Level 3 pruning2277131.23$ ‐$ 298,810.71$ 298,810.71$ Cabling/Bracing/Propping inspection time71928.66$ ‐$ 20,606.54$ 20,606.54$ Cabling/Bracing/Propping installation costN/A17,000.00$ N/A‐$ 17,000.00$ 17,000.00$ Inspection following storms22528.66$ ‐$ 6,448.50$ 6,448.50$ Maintenance following storms138131.23$ 5,511.66$ 18,109.74$ 12,598.08$ Totals57,099.66$ 1,704,103.61$ 1,647,003.95$ Plan to Implement1.Use inventory to perform Level 1 inspection and maintenance work2.Develop a MOU with Cemeteries, PARD Forestry, and City Arborist to protect trees during excavations and construction3.Train cemetery staff in proper tree care practices4.Pursue additional funding to support higher level of service Help Needed•Recommendations for changes•Support of the plan with changes so it can go to City Council•Advocacy for funding to meet the gap identified Thank You!austintexas.gov/department/urban-forestryLara.Schuman@austintexas.gov
Suggested Changes to Ordinance #20141211-204 PART 20. City Code Section 2-1-144 (Environmental Board) is amended to read: “§2-1-144 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION [BOARD]” (B) The Environmental Commission [Board membership] should [may] include: [a Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District board member or staff person who has professional expertise in geology. hydrology, or ecology; and members who have:] (1)[Persons who have:] Members who have demonstrated concern for and the desire to improve the status of the natural resources and living environment of the City; (2)[A person who has] One or more persons who have professional expertise or who have demonstrated expertise in geology, hydrology, civil engineering, land planning, ecology, arboriculture, urban forestry, or landscape architecture; and 3) [Expertise in arboriculture, urban forestry, or landscape architecture] One Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District board or staff person who has professional expertise in geology, hydrology, or ecology. (C) A member described in Subsection (B) (3) need not be a City resident. (D) Not more than [three] five members should be employed in land development or related activities. (E) The department director and the director of the Development Services Department [the urban forester, the city arborist, and the director of the Parks and Recreation Department] are [shall be an] ex officio members of the commission [board] for the purpose of deliberation on a matter relating to [the] their respective departments. [for which each of them works.] (F) The commission may: (4) [Study, investigate, plan,] Advise, and recommend any [action, program, plan, or legislation] issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the [care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees and shrubs and other landscaping in public parks, along streets, and in other public areas.] enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest. (G) The commission shall: (2) Develop, establish and oversee implementation of a comprehensive urban forest plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees [in parks, along streets and in other public areas] within the city’s jurisdiction, and revise as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. (H) (15) The [all matters pertaining to the City’s] urban forest. (A)(B)(C)(D)(E)(F)§ 2-1-183 - URBAN FORESTRY BOARD.The Urban Forestry Board membership should include persons with expertise in arboriculture, urbanforestry, or landscape architecture and persons who represent diverse regions or interests of thecommunity.The urban forester, city arborist, the director …
FY 2016 Financial ForecastForecast Presentations:www.austintexas.gov/financeonline/finance/index.cfmAngela Means, Financial Services Division Manager Organization OverviewFY16 PARD Budget Forecast FY16 Revenue ForecastCapital HighlightsUnmet Service DemandsNext Steps Respondents rate overall satisfaction with Parks and Recreation at 75%Measure20132014PARD Overall Satisfaction73%75%National Average67%67%****Ranked # 3 in national survey of satisfaction with parks and recreation programs and facilities**** 4 Community Services (46%)Parks, Planning, Development & Operations (36%)Requirements$38.7MFTEs313.25Requirements$30.0MFTEs308.75Requirements$83.5MFTEs681.75Requirements$14.7MFTEs59.75Total PARD BudgetSupport Services, Other (18%)General Fund: 85%; Golf Ent. Fund: 9%; Other: 6% General Fund Budget Increase‐$2.5 millionEmployee Insurance, Wage Adjustment IncreasesFleet Maintenance and FuelCity Support Services Department Cost DriversEmergency Cold Weather Shelter: ($16k)◦Contractuals, Commodities and Temp StaffForestry Transfer to PDRD: ($725k)◦5 FTEs, Contractuals, CommoditiesParking Meters: ($125k)◦Contractuals◦Butler Shores, ESB‐MACC, Walsh Boat •$70.9MFY 15 Budget•$73.4MFY 16 Forecast•3.5%% Change Forecast HighlightsSouth Austin Senior Activity Center◦12,311 Square foot –Activity Center◦750 square foot –Renovated Facility◦New Programmable Space; Restrooms◦Contractuals and Commodities ($25k)Facility Services◦Brandt Rd/Onion Creek (25 acres); ($5k)◦Copperfield Neighborhood Park (9 acres); ($2k)◦Oakwood Cemetery ($6k)◦Old San Antonio Rd/Brown Homestead (6 acres); ($66k)1 FTE: Maintenance Worker II◦Tom Lassetter–South Austin Playground ($19k)◦Zilker Caretaker Facility Redevelopment ($2k) Forecast HighlightsNortheast Park District Grounds◦Mueller ($10k)◦Pomerleau(1,929 acres); ($4k)◦Upper Boggy Creek Trail ($8k)Central South Park District Grounds◦Brush Square ($3k)◦Brush Country Pocket Park/Westcreek(1 acre); ($2k)◦PoncianaPark (5 acres); ($6k)◦Shoal Creek Greenbelt/Downtown Library ($9k)Park Ranger Program: ($84k)◦1 FTE: Park Ranger Program Supervisor◦Contractuals and CommoditiesConstruction Administration ($62k)◦1 FTE: Heavy Equipment Operator I Department Revenue Changes: $0.2 millionTotal department revenue of $10.2 million, an increase of $196 thousand from last fiscal year.The conservative growth estimate factors in elements, such as (but not limited to), cemetery sales, parking meter revenue, and the impact of the financial aid program.•$10.0MFY 15 Revenue•$10.2M*FY 16 Forecast•2%*% Change* Does not include requested Fee changesGeneral Fund Major Accomplishments◦Auditorium Shores Trailhead◦Southern Walnut Creek Trail◦Dove Springs District Park Playscape◦Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake◦Bartholomew Municipal Pool RenovationFY 2016‐2020 (Projects in Progress)◦Colony District Park Phase 1 Improvements◦Gus Garcia District Park Phase 3 Improvements◦Northern Walnut Creek Trail Phase 1◦MontopolisCommunity and Recreation Center◦Zilker Metropolitan Park Phase 1 Improvements◦Republic Square Phase 2 Improvements◦Waller Creek District Park and Open Space Safety, Security, and AccessRequestFTEsCostWalter E. Long Master Plan0.00350,000$ Trails and Playground Safety3.001,518,595$ Staffing for Programming8.00498,910$ Museums and Cultural Facilities Grounds Maintenance2.00107,584$ Master Planning, Long‐Term Planning and Parkland Survey0.00350,000$ Community Engagement and Marketing0.00100,000$ Forestry1.00270,177$ Parkland Development Coordinator1.0087,407$ Park Rangers and Equipment5.00374,277$ Nature‐Based Programs Staffing2.00132,607$ Recreation Program Instructor for Aquatics1.7597,656$ TOTAL23.753,887,213$ May/June Boards and Commissions Public EngagementCouncil Forecast WorksessionsJuly 30Proposed Budget Presented to CouncilAugust 10, 12Council Budget Work SessionsAugust 20, 27Budget, Tax Rate and Utility Rate …
APR '15MAR '15FEB '15JAN '15DEC '14NOV '14OCT '14SEP '14AUG '14JUL '14JUN '14MAY '1412-Month TOTALTree Permits12772161812141671692902282472432492722,753Native Inches Removed3965007761972764884625905044584893015,436Inches Mitigated165350374123146932002664762074152693,083Percentage Mitigated42%70%48%62%53%19%43%45%94%45%85%89%57%Poor Condition or High Risk3,1522,8951,7341,6211,3581,6073,5183,6193,0153,4713,5023,53933,031Tree Permits2161213111214212040333722251Trees PlantedNR553,9755,40044257123NRNRNRNRNR9,854Trees Removed38481615016161741882320398Native Protected Removed372201200000317Inches Removed31,035898765602198243177421971102832384,788Trees DistributedNR1027713101313110460900888Site Plans Approved4311633182818242919171815266Caliper Inches Surveyed18,4729,0569,93814,78511,23227,9655,39030,9586,4553,1371171,135138,639Caliper Inches Preserved10,7876,8625,1147,3647,48512,4603,64118,3254,4848903531077,757Percentage Preserved58%76%51%50%67%45%68%59%69%28%30%27%56%Native Inches Removed7361.51790453273983,74715,5051,74912,6331,9712,2478282559,841Inches Planted/Mitigated25,2375741,5072,3631,8616,8271,0665,0611,7731,3058259448,250Percentage Replanted343%32%33%32%50%44%61%40%90%58%100%72%81%Subdivisions Approved13141714933182012241612202Funds Received$38,152$238,261$22,000$154,150$25,400$69,238$80,498$66,945$39,980$88,650$25,100$15,225$863,599Fund Amount (Per Inch)1911,19111077112734640233520044312676$4,318Grants Appropriated$30,000$0$782$0$0$15,000$6,000$0$12,000$0$610$45,795$110,187City Arborists (5)5885364023103113354894374804675535705,478Oak Wilt Arborist (1)672312201413274229543949389Environmental Inspectors (12)4,0774,4375,4084,4664,3003,9873,9983,1893,3613,5893,8763,58948,277Landscape Inspectors (2)357038453742442961474347538General Permit Inspectors (4)NR711751668190157411401381441371103,1871 - Tree Ordinance Review Applications (mostly protected size trees on proposed single family construction lots or protected size trees which are diseased/dying)20-May-152 - High-risk trees within parks and right-of-ways3 - Trees with trunks greater than 8" in diameter (dead and invasive species not included)4 - Site Plan Corrections, Extensions, and Boat Docks not includedNR - Not ReportedMonthly Report"April 2015"InspectionsUrban Forest Replenishment FundPermitting and ReplenishmentTree PermitsPublic PropertyElectric UtilityCommercial Site Plans
APR '15MAR '15FEB '15JAN '15DEC '14NOV '14OCT '14SEP '14AUG '14JUL '14JUN '14MAY '1412-Month TOTALTree Permits12772161812141671692902282472432492722,753Native Inches Removed3965007761972764884625905044584893015,436Inches Mitigated165350374123146932002664762074152693,083Percentage Mitigated42%70%48%62%53%19%43%45%94%45%85%89%57%Poor Condition or High Risk3,1522,8951,7341,6211,3581,6073,5183,6193,0153,4713,5023,53933,031Tree Permits2161213111214212040333722251Trees PlantedNR553,9755,40044257123NRNRNRNRNR9,854Trees Removed38481615016161741882320398Native Protected Removed372201200000317Inches Removed31,035898765602198243177421971102832384,788Trees DistributedNR1027713101313110460900888Site Plans Approved4311633182818242919171815266Caliper Inches Surveyed18,4729,0569,93814,78511,23227,9655,39030,9586,4553,1371171,135138,639Caliper Inches Preserved10,7876,8625,1147,3647,48512,4603,64118,3254,4848903531077,757Percentage Preserved58%76%51%50%67%45%68%59%69%28%30%27%56%Native Inches Removed7361.51790453273983,74715,5051,74912,6331,9712,2478282559,841Inches Planted/Mitigated3,2185741,5072,3631,8616,8271,0665,0611,7731,3058259426,231Percentage Replanted44%32%33%32%50%44%61%40%90%58%100%72%44%Subdivisions Approved13141714933182012241612202Funds Received$38,152$238,261$22,000$154,150$25,400$69,238$80,498$66,945$39,980$88,650$25,100$15,225$863,599Fund Amount (Per Inch)1911,19111077112734640233520044312676$4,318Grants Appropriated$30,000$0$782$0$0$15,000$6,000$0$12,000$0$610$45,795$110,187City Arborists (5)5885364023103113354894374804675535705,478Oak Wilt Arborist (1)672312201413274229543949389Environmental Inspectors (12)4,0774,4375,4084,4664,3003,9873,9983,1893,3613,5893,8763,58948,277Landscape Inspectors (2)357038453742442961474347538General Permit Inspectors (4)NR711751668190157411401381441371103,1871 - Tree Ordinance Review Applications (mostly protected size trees on proposed single family construction lots or protected size trees which are diseased/dying)20-May-152 - High-risk trees within parks and right-of-ways3 - Trees with trunks greater than 8" in diameter (dead and invasive species not included)4 - Site Plan Corrections, Extensions, and Boat Docks not includedNR - Not ReportedMonthly Report"April 2015"InspectionsUrban Forest Replenishment FundPermitting and ReplenishmentTree PermitsPublic PropertyElectric UtilityCommercial Site Plans
Tree Work- April 2015Problem Speciesdbh# of treesBrush OnlyDatesidewalk obstructionpoison ivy10' X 5'4/1/2015street light obstruc.arizona ash14"14/1/2015ROW tree limbcedar elm14"14/1/2015ROW tree limbcedar elm18"14/1/2015street light obstruc.red oaks12"24/1/2015Private limb downarizona ash43"14/2/2015ROW tree limbligustrum5"14/2/2015sidewalk obstructionamerican elm9"14/2/2015sidewalk obstructionamerican elm6"34/2/2015sidewalk obstructionamerican elm7"84/2/2015sidewalk obstructionboxelders4"44/2/2015sidewalk obstructionboxelders6"74/2/2015sidewalk obstructionchinaberries12"84/2/2015sidewalk obstructionchinaberries8"24/2/2015sidewalk obstructionhackberries4"94/2/2015sidewalk obstructionarizona ash17"14/2/2015sidewalk obstructionchinaberries8"74/2/2015sidewalk obstructionamerican elm9"44/2/2015sidewalk obstructionamerican elm20"14/2/2015sidewalk obstructionamerican elm11"24/2/2015sidewalk obstructionmimosa16"14/2/2015ROW tree limbhackberry14"14/2/2015ROW tree removalhackberry14"14/3/2015ROW limb downhackberry28"14/6/2015ROW limb downhackberry8"14/6/2015ROW low limblive oak26"14/6/2015ROW low limblive oak19"14/6/2015ROW low limbred oaks26"14/6/2015ROW low limblive oak36"24/6/2015ROW low limbcrape myrtle15"14/6/2015ROW low limbred oaks15"14/6/2015ROW low limblive oak30"14/6/2015ROW tree limbslive oak23"14/6/2015ROW tree limbslive oak41"14/6/2015ROW tree limbscedar elm18"14/7/2015ROW tree limbscedar elm35"14/7/2015ROW median maint.yaupon15"84/7/2015ROW broken limbcedar elm20"14/7/2015ROW sign obstr.live oak10"14/7/2015Private limb downarizona ash26"14/7/2015ROW median maint.yaupon17"44/8/2015ROW median maint.yaupon15"24/8/2015 ROW median maint.chinese pistache8"24/8/2015ROW low limblive oak26"24/9/2015Private hanging limbarizona ash32"14/9/2015ROW low limbgumbumelia17"14/9/2015ROW low limbuitex26"14/9/2015ROW low limbligustrum32"14/9/2015ROW low limbarizona ash28"14/9/2015ROW low limbligustrum20"14/9/2015Private low limblive oak30"14/9/2015Private tree downbradford Pear12"14/9/2015ROW broken limbamerican elm36"14/10/2015Private tree downred oaks22"14/13/2015ROW median maint.yaupon hollies 4"54/14/2015ROW median remove hercules club10"14/14/2015ROW median remove gumbumelia10"14/14/2015ROW median maint.crape myrtle12"14/14/2015ROW median maint.mexican plum8"14/14/2015ROW median maint.live oak12"14/14/2015ROW tree removalhackberry17"14/14/2015Private limb downarizona ash22"14/14/2014ROW tree removalchinaberries5"24/15/2015ROW tree removalgumbumelia10"14/15/2015ROW broken limbpecan25"14/15/2015street light obstruc.arizona ash28"14/15/2015ROW median maint.yaupon hollies 15"104/15/2015Private broken limbmulberry22"24/16/2015ROW tree trimmingcedar elm10"14/16/2015ROW tree trimminglive oak10"54/16/2015ROW tree trimminglive oak12"14/16/2015ROW tree trimminglive oak15"14/16/2015ROW tree trimminglive oak18"14/16/2015ROW tree trimminglive oak20"24/16/2015ROW tree trimminglive oak15"14/17/2015ROW tree trimmingcedar elm12"14/17/2015ROW tree trimmingashe juniper8"44/17/2015Emergency tree call14/19/2015Emergency tree callarizona ash14/19/2015Emergency tree callarizona ash14/19/2015Emergency tree callcedar elm14/19/2015Emergency tree callarizona ash14/19/2015Emergency tree callhackberry14/19/2015Emergency tree callsycamore14/19/2015Emergency tree callcedar elm14/19/2015Emergency tree callarizona ash14/19/2015Emergency tree callarizona ash14/19/2015Emergency tree callcedar elm14/19/2015Emergency tree callpecan14/19/2015 Emergency tree callhackberry14/19/2015Emergency tree call14/19/2015Emergency tree call14/19/2015Emergency tree call14/19/2015Emergency tree call14/19/2015Emergency tree call14/19/2015ROW broken limbarizona ash12"14/20/2015Private broken limbarizona ash16"14/20/2015Private broken limbchinaberry18"14/20/2015Private broken limbhackberry10"14/20/2015ROW tree downarizona ash18"14/20/2015ROW tree downcedar elm16"14/20/2015brush in medain15' X 5'4/21/2015brush in ROW80' X 5'4/21/2015ROW tree removalgumbumelia10"14/21/2015ROW split treechinaberry12"14/21/2015Private limb downmesquite16"14/21/2015ROW tree splitamerican elm12"14/21/2015ROW tree downcedar elm14"14/21/2015Private tree downhackberry14"14/21/2015Private low limbcedar elm14"14/22/2015Private low limblive oak14"14/22/2015ROW broken limblive oak16"14/22/2015ROW broken limbcedar elm15"14/22/2015ROW tree downarizona ash14"14/22/2015private brush in ROWcedar elm10' X 5'4/22/2015ROW tree limbcedar elm14"14/22/2015ROW tree limbhackberry18"14/22/2015Private limb downarizona ash20"14/22/2015Private limb downcedar elm20"14/22/2015Private hanging limbarizona ash8"14/22/2015ROW sidewalk obstr.chinaberry10"14/23/2015ROW sidewalk obstr.american elm12"24/23/2015ROW sidewalk obstr.hackberries10"124/23/2015Private broken limblive oak20"14/23/2015ROW tree trimmingarizona ash14"14/23/2015ROW tree trimmingpecan15"14/23/2015ROW brushbrush40' X 5'4/23/2015ROW tree downlive oak10"14/23/2015ROW tree limbslive oak22"14/23/2015ROW tree limbsloquat15"24/23/2015Private tree downhackberry15"14/23/2015Private tree downchinaberry12"14/24/2015ROW tree limbbradford pair8"14/24/2015ROW tree removalbradford pair8"24/24/2015Private split limbarizona ash28"14/24/2015ROW broken limbamerican elm14/24/2015 ROW split treechinaberry14"14/27/2015ROW broken limbarizona ash16"14/27/2015ROW broken limbcedar elm14"14/27/2015ROW broken limbpecan20"14/27/2015ROW broken limbarizona ash15"14/27/2015Private limb downarizona ash26"14/27/2015ROW broken limbamerican elm14"14/27/2015ROW broken limbashe juniper15"14/27/2015ROW broken limbchinese elm15"14/27/2015ROW tree downligustrum14/27/2015ROW tree downgumbumelia15"14/27/2015Private tree downailanthus15"14/27/2015Private limb downcedar …
Date ApprovedParkAddressSpeciesDBH (in)ConditionTree Risk (i.e. Moderate, High, etc.)Highest Risk Part and Defect TypePrimary Target4.9.15Eastwood Neighborhood Park3001 Harris Park Ave.Hackberry20PoorHighTrunk: Extensive decay and rot throughout trunk with a 10° Lean, away from defect. Park users and Grounds Maintenance staff 4.9.16Eastwood Neighborhood Park3002 Harris Park Ave.Hackberry21PoorHighTrunk: Extensive decay and rot throughout trunk with a 18° Lean, away from defect. Park users and Grounds Maintenance staff 4.30.15Blunn Creek Nature Preserve1200 St. Edwards Dr.American elm23fallenalready failedtrunk failed and damaged a private fenceprivate propertyPARD Urban Forestry - Program Park Tree Permits April 2015
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, April 15, 2015, - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas URBAN FORESTRY BOARD MEMBERS: APPOINTMENT : Christopher Kite, Chair Council Member Laura Morrison, Place 4 Peggy Maceo (Vice-Chair) Council Member Kathie Tovo, Place 3 Len Newsom Council Member Bill Spelman, Place 5 Patrick Brewer Mayor Lee Leffingwell Nicholas Classen Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole, Place 6 Ryan Fleming Council Member Mike Martinez, Place 2 Keith Brown Council Member Chris Riley, Place 1 URBAN FORESTRY EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS : Michael Embesi, City Arborist, Development Services Department Pat Fuller, Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department – Director Designee Vacant, Urban Forester, Development Services Department John Clement, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department – Director Designee AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of March 18, 2015. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS E. URBAN FORESTER EXECUTIVE LIAISON REPORT – Emily King, Interim Urban Forester, Development Services Department, including: • Austin Urban Forest Plan Implementation Monthly Update • Status of Prominent Tree Care Program approved by UFB in September 2014 F. ACTION ITEM BRIEFINGS 1. Present Urban Forestry Board 2014 Annual Internal Review. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. 2. Draft Cemetery Master Plan: Presenter: Kim McKnight, Project Coordinator, Park Planning and Design Unit, Parks and Recreation Department. 3. Heritage Tree Removal at Upper Bull Creek Greenbelt. Presenter: Lara Schuman, Urban Forest Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 4. Planting of appropriate tree species on land managed by Public Works. Presenter: Rob Grotty, Urban Forest Program Manager, Public Works. G. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation regarding the Urban Forestry Board 2014 Annual Internal Review. Presenter: Chris Kite, Urban Forestry Board Chair. 2. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to the City Council on the Historic Cemeteries Master Plan related to trees and vegetation. Presenter: Urban Forestry Board Member Nicholas Classen. 3. Discuss and provide recommendations regarding removal of Heritage Tree at Upper Bull Creek Greenbelt. Presenter: Peggy Maceo, Urban Forestry Board Vice-Chair. 4. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council on planting of appropriate tree species on land managed by …
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, April 15, 2015, - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas Board Members in Attendance: Board Chair Chris Kite, Board Vice-Chair Peggy Maceo, Board Members Patrick Brewer, Len Newsom, Keith Brown. Board members Ryan Fleming and Nick Classen absent. Staff in Attendance: Parks and Recreation Department Pat Fuller, Division Manager, Director Designee Lara Schuman, Urban Forestry Program Manager Development Services Department Michael Embesi, City Arborist Lynn Tozser, Program Specialist, UFB Liaison Public Works Department Rob Grotty, Urban Forestry Program Manager Watershed Protection Department John Clement, Environmental Program Coordinator MEETING MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER Board Chair Kite called the meeting to order at 5:40 pm B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of March 18, 2015. Motion made by Board Member Brewer, Seconded by Board Member Brown to approve the meeting minutes of March 18, 2015. Approved by Board Chair Kite, Board Vice-Chair Maceo, and Board Members Brewer, Newsom and Brown. Board Members Classen and Fleming absent. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Sharon Blythe, Item F2 Jim Mallicote, Item F2 D. ANNOUNCEMENTS Lara Schuman’s new title is Urban Forestry Program Manager Forklift Danceworks Trees of Govalle performances this past weekend. Both were very successful. Educational events included: o Root collar clearing – APF o Firewise – AFD/WPD o Invasives – WPD o Girdling roots – Texas Forest Service o Ask an arborist and general tree info – TreeFolks o Tree tags – appraisals and benefits of trees – PARD UF o Critical Root Zones – PARD UF o NeighborWoods – TreeFolks o Mulching – TreeFolks Upcoming work at Deep Eddy Pool/Eilers Park: o Raising some low limbs o Clearing volunteer hackberries and paper mulberries from fence o Vine removal from trees o Crown cleaning of trees Combining the Urban Forestry Program with the City Arborist Program (from Parks and Recreation Department to the Development Services Department) will be completed on October 1, 2015. A celebratory, end of the planting year and potluck will occur at Tree Folks this Saturday. See their website for more information. Texas Forest Service has a one day seminar (April 30th) in …
MAR '15FEB '15JAN '15DEC '14NOV '14OCT '14SEP '14AUG '14JUL '14JUN '14MAY '14APR '1412-Month TOTALTree Permits12161812141671692902282472432492723402,816Native Inches Removed500776197276488462590504458489301925,133Inches Mitigated350374123146932002664762074152692503,168Percentage Mitigated70%48%62%53%19%43%45%94%45%85%89%272%62%Poor Condition or High Risk2,8951,7341,6211,3581,6073,5183,6193,0153,4713,5023,5394,02933,908Tree Permits2121311121421204033372220255Trees Planted553,9755,40044257123NRNRNRNRNRNR9,854Trees Removed38161501616174188232021335Native Protected Removed322012000003111Inches Removed3898765602198243177421971102832382183,971Trees DistributedNRNR13101313110460900101810Site Plans Approved4163318281824291917181517252Caliper Inches Surveyed9,0569,93814,78511,23227,9655,39030,9586,4553,1371171,1352,100122,267Caliper Inches Preserved6,8625,1147,3647,48512,4603,64118,3254,484890353101,05468,024Percentage Preserved76%51%50%67%45%68%59%69%28%30%27%50%56%Native Inches Removed1790453273983,74715,5051,74912,6331,9712,247828251,04653,525Inches Planted/Mitigated5741,5072,3631,8616,8271,0665,0611,7731,3058259470523,718Percentage Replanted32%33%32%50%44%61%40%90%58%100%72%67%44%Subdivisions Approved1417149331820122416127196Funds ReceivedNR$22,000$154,150$25,400$69,238$80,498$66,945$39,980$88,650$25,100$15,225$12,318$599,504Fund Amount (Per Inch)NR4254251273464023352004431267662$2,967Grants Appropriated$0$782$0$0$15,000$6,000$0$12,000$0$610$45,795$45,000$125,187City Arborists (5)5364023103113354894374804675535705155,405Oak Wilt Arborist (1)231220141327422954394976398Environmental Inspectors (12)NR5,4084,4664,3003,9873,9983,1893,3613,5893,8763,5893,17042,933Landscape Inspectors (2)NR3845374244296147434761494General Permit Inspectors (4)NRNR668190157411401381441371101331,8581 - Tree Ordinance Review Applications (mostly protected size trees on proposed single family construction lots or protected size trees which are diseased/dying)4.15.152 - High-risk trees within parks and right-of-ways3 - Trees with trunks greater than 8" in diameter (dead and invasive species not included)4 - Site Plan Corrections, Extensions, and Boat Docks not includedNR - Not ReportedMonthly Report"March 2015"InspectionsUrban Forest Replenishment FundPermitting and ReplenishmentTree PermitsPublic PropertyElectric UtilityCommercial Site Plans Site Plans Approved416Subdivisions Approved143030Caliper Inches Surveyed6072.5Caliper Inches Surveyed29839055.59055.5Caliper Inches Preserved4262Caliper Inches Preserved260068626862Percentage Preserved70.1852614Percentage Preserved87.1605770.7577720.757772Native Inches Removed1406.5Native Inches Removed3831789.51789.5Inches Planted/Mitigated498Inches Planted/Mitigated76574574Percentage Replanted35Percentage Replanted200.320760.32076Non-Native Inches Remove404Non-Native Inches Remove0'01-MAR-2015' AND '31-MAR-2015'
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014 _Urban Forestry Board_ The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: May study, investigate, plan, advise, report, and recommend any action, program, plan, or legislation which the board determines necessary or advisable for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees and shrubs and other landscaping in public parks, along streets, and in other public areas. Develop and establish a comprehensive urban forest plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in parks, along streets, and in other public areas, and submit it to city council for adoption before implementation. See Section 2-1-183 of the City Code for additional duties. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. • Actions related to Austin’s Urban Forest Plan: o Received approval in January from the Environmental Board. o Presented it to City Council in February, and received final approval in March. o Recommended that City Council increase the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Urban Forestry annual budget by $500,000 for staff support to implement the plan. o Recommended that City Council direct the City Manager to have seven key departments work closely with the Urban Forester on implementation of the plan: PARD, Public Works, Planning and Development Review, Austin Water Utility, Austin Transportation, Austin Energy, and Watershed Protection. o City staff provided updates about implementation of the plan at monthly Urban Forestry Board (UFB) meetings in 2014. Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # • We made the following recommendations to the City Council and/or the City Manager: o Recommended that City Council increase annual funding for the care, maintenance, and planting of public trees by $12.5 million from the current $3.8 million to the $16.3 million level need for the recommended level of service in a July 2014 report by staff to City Council in response to Resolution #20130627-070. o Developed and recommended a process for implementation of a pilot program for the care and maintenance of prominent trees in the urban core in response to City Council Resolution #20120426-076. o Recommended requiring the use of green infrastructure and sustainability incentives within the development of CodeNext. o Recommended that an appropriate board be allowed to review and comment on …
Your Department with a Heart! Protected Size Removal Examples Rob Grotty Urban Forestry Program Manager CITY OF AUSTIN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Austin’s Groundbreaking Team 21” Arizona Ash Your Department with a Heart! Your Department with a Heart! 22 inch American Elm Your Department with a Heart! 29 inch Cedar Elm Your Department with a Heart! 31 inch Water Oak Your Department with a Heart! Questions?? Rob Grotty (512) 974-9198 rob.grotty@austintexas.gov CITY OF AUSTIN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Austin’s Groundbreaking Team
