Title
Review and Findings of the Walnut Tree Removal at the Oregon City Pool Property
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
No action requested at this time.
BACKGROUND:
It is imperative, as City Manager, that while providing a safe community for our citizens, how we as a City make decisions must also meet the expectations of the City Commission and Community for which we serve. I also need to be responsive when the goals and expectations of the Commission, the Community and the City Manager are not met. In this instance, it is clear that the decision to remove the healthy walnut tree from the pool property did not meet these expectations and has created a perception that the City does not follow its own standards and erodes the trust in the decisions being made by the City with the City Commission and the Community. It is also important to note that staff did not violate the Oregon City Municipal Code as it relates to the decision to remove the tree.
A review of the decision-making process leading to the removal of the tree and the failure to obtain a tree removal permit in a timely matter demonstrates that the City failed to diligently consider the alternative options identified in the walnut tree arborist report and communicate effectively. This was due to several factors, including funding concerns, internal communication, past experience with tree failures, long-term maintenance impacts and the opinion that the proposed alternatives were ineffective as a permanent repair.
It is also apparent that staff was trying to respond expeditiously to a tripping accident at the pool, one of the most visited facilities in the City of Oregon City, in an effort to address the broken sidewalk, avoid future accidents and responsibly expend the limited funds available. The Oregon City Municipal Code does not prohibit the removal of a tree from public land and specifically allows for the removal of a tree to ensure public safety or to protect public infrastructure. In addi...
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