HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2013-133 N.C.S. 9/16/2013Resolution No. 2013-133 N.C.S. of the City of Petaluma, California SUPPORTING THE MAYOR SIGNING LETTER TO THE SCTA BOARD REGARDING THE LOSS OF TREES DUE TO HIGHWAY 101 WIDENING WHEREAS, Construction work within the 101 Corridor has resulted in significant loss of trees and a reduction of the tree canopy within the City limits; and, WHEREAS, significant additional tree loss is expected as part of the Marin Sonoma Narrows C-2 Project through the City of Petaluma; and, WHEREAS, tree loss cannot be fully mitigated within the freeway right of way; and, WHEREAS, adequate information has not been provided by Caltrans or the project sponsor Sonoma County Transportation Authority; and, WHEREAS, City of Petaluma Council and the Petaluma Tree Advisory Committee seek assistance in minimizing the impact of the tree loss; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City hereby: Supports the Mayor of Petaluma to sign the attached letter to the SCTA addressing the City's concerns and request for action. Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved o Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the Wh day of September, ton 2013..by the following vote: City Attorney AYES: Vice Mayor Albertson, Mayor Harris, Healy, Kearney, Miller NOES: Barrett ABSENT: Glass .ABSTAIN: Noone� �/'�/� � �(" / ATTEST: LJ �--�✓u `—"—� City Clerk Vice Mayor Resolution No. 2013-133 N.C.S. Page I CITY OF PETALUMA POST OFFICE BOX 61 PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061 David Glass Mayor Chris Albertson Teresa Barrett September 16, 2013 Mike Harris Mike Healy Gabe Kearney � Kathy Miller Counm7nwmbers TO: David Rabbitt, SCTA Representative Mike Harris, SCTA Representative RE: Tree Loss Within Petaluma City Due to Highway 101 Widening Understanding of Impact & Potential Mitigation At the request of our Tree Advisory Committee, the Petaluma City Council would like to reiterate Petaluma's concern regarding the loss of trees in the 101 corridor in the Petaluma area as a result of the highway widening and associated interchange upgrades. The most recent information indicates that upwards of 2,000 trees have been or will be removed in conjunction with the highway work in Petaluma. This represents a significant degradation of Petaluma's urban forest City managers office along our segment of the "Redwood Highway." L Engfish Siret ' Petaluma CA 94952 We acknowledge that Petaluma's situation is not unique and that communities to Phone (707) 778-419 Fax (707) 778-4419 s to replace our north are also awaitinglandscapingfundlace trees that have been F-,>,oii. removed. In particular, we acknowledge and appreciate the Authority's decision rvn,grgl.°°loin R°- °.a` to redirect Measure M landscaping funds to be the required local match for the $45 million in CMIA funds to replace the Petaluma River Bridges. Economic Development We acknowledge that the environmental documents call for trees to be replaced, Phone (707 778-4 Fox (707}) 778-4586 86 although man will not be able to blaced within the 101 corridor. There is a a )' e replaced frustration that the necessary planning* work for the replacement work is being Housing Division deferred due to lack of funds. Phone (707) 7784555 Fax (707)778- 4586 We have the following specific requests: • We would like to receive timely updates, as Caltrans and SCTA refine Human Resources Division Phone (707) 778-4534 their plans, of the count of trees to be removed in the Petaluma area. Fax (707) 778-4539 . We would like SCTA to advocate for landscaping plans which will define where, and how many trees can be replaced on site,.as well as identifying rnfarmuran reeiuorng- Division778-4417 s ecific locations for off -site mitigation. P g Phone (707) Fax n07) 776-3623 • We would like SCTA to advocate for funds for both on -site and off -site tree replacement. Risk Mmrog ement Division Phone (707) 776-3695 Fax (707) 776-3697 Resolution No.2013-133 N.C-S- Paget The City of Petaluma is committed to working collaboratively with SCTA and Caltrans to define the tree loss in Petaluma and working towards plans for replanting trees to mitigate that loss for the greater community. "]hank you for your consideration. We look forward to discussing this issue with you further. Sincerely, Chris Albertson Vice Mayor, on behalf of the Petaluma Tree Advisory Committee cc: Suzanne Smith, SCTA Petaluma City Council Petaluma Tree Advisory Committee Larry Zimmer, Petaluma Capital Improvement Manager Dan St John, Petaluma Director of Public Works & Utilities Ron De Nicola, Petaluma Building & Grounds Manager Jennifer Williams, Secretary to Tree Committee Resolution No. 2013-133 N.C.S. Page 3