The Brookings City Council is encouraging public comment on an arborist report concerning the condition of trees at Azalea Park and the recommended removal of nine trees.
The report by certified arborist Brian French is available for review on the City’s website at http://or-brookings.civicplus.com/Archive.aspx?ADID=554. Public review copies are also available at the City Recorder’s Office at City Hall and the Chetco Public Library.
The 146-page document inventories and provides condition ratings for 62 trees located in Azalea Park.
“The City Council requests written comments that will be considered during a City Council workshop concerning this matter on September 18,” said Mayor Jake Pieper. “Written comments and related documents should be provided to the Recorder’s Office at City Hall no later than September 11 to allow for the Council to review the materials prior to the meeting.”
“We are looking for information supported by documentation that will assist the City Council with making decisions concerning the future of trees that had earlier been identified as potential hazard trees at Azalea Park,” Mayor Pieper said. “While we will take public comment at the workshop, citizens can make a more meaningful contribution by providing information in writing.”
The workshop will be held in the Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 p.m. French will attend to provide background.
Plans to remove as many as 60 trees were placed on hold in May after a number of citizens expressed concern. French recommends the removal of nine trees and that another six be further evaluated by climbing and taking core samples. He also recommends that a number of other trees receive substantial pruning and close monitoring…and could become candidates for removal.
“Staff will be obtaining cost estimates for the removal and pruning work and will have this information available at the workshop,” said City Manager Gary Milliman.
French is founder of the Portland based tree care company Arboriculture International. He has been a climbing certified arborist since 2002 and is an International Society of Arboriculture qualified tree risk assessor. Serving as coordinator for the Oregon Champion Tree Registry and Portland Heritage Tree Program Chair, his work focuses primarily on the preservation of significant, old trees and associated flora and fauna. He served as the Municipal Arborist in Beaverton and has performed extensive volunteer work for organizations like the Audubon Society of Portland.
No decisions will be made at the workshop. “This is an information exchange opportunity,” Pieper said.