City Council

(2) 26-1333 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the resources needed to implement a comprehensive citywide program for planting and maintaining trees in vacant tree wells that factors in the unique watering needs of different species throughout the City. Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Padilla - Blumenfield): INSTRUCT the Bureau of Street Services to report back in 30 days on the following: a. A 3-, 5-, 10-, and 25-year staffing and resource plan, including a detailed list of the classifications and their availability, needed to plant trees in all vacant tree wells identified in the Tree Planting Prioritization Plan, specifically factoring in neighborhoods identified in the Clean Up Green Up Ordinance. b. Recommendations about the departmental resources needed to water and maintain these trees to maximize their long-term health and benefit, yearly goals for tree planting and care, how to expedite tree planting permits for community-based organizations, and any other actions needed to effectuate implementation of the plan. c. Clear metrics and a performance accountability dashboard to track Community-Based Organization tree planting activities, including permit and tree applications, inspection pass rates, and survival rates, supported by data such as container sizes, tree species, watering schedules, photos of tagged and planted trees, and project close-out reports. d. Staffing needs for long-term tree well maintenance, including recommendations on removing tree well covers where a tree may outgrow its cover, addressing broken covers, weed overgrowth, and soil depressions to improve pedestrian accessibility, reduce safety hazards, and maintain tree health. e. Staffing, funding, and resources needed to complete an updated citywide tree inventory, including procedures to maintain the inventory as a continuously updated, active living database. f. The cost of tree-related claims against the City and how improved maintenance, including innovative options, such as soil cells or modular structural cells (e.g., Silva Cells, Soil Vault, Permavoid), can enhance long-term tree health, prevent sidewalk uplift, and limit future claims. Fiscal Impact Statement: Neither the City Administrative Officer nor the Chief Legislative Analyst has completed a financial analysis of this report.