11-17-97 v TREE CONSERVATION BOARD
Minutes of meeting of November 17 , 1997
The Board held its regular meeting on Monday, November 17 ,
in the Commission Chambers of City Hall . Present were :
Hope Van Nortwick, Chairperson Rick Bell
Mae Jones Susan Bullock
Judy Jacobson
Staff: Carl Walker, Coordinator George Worley, Designee
The meeting was called to order at 7 : 30 PM by Chairperson,
Hope Van Nortwick, who then introduced and welcomed new Board
member Susan Bullock.
The first application before the Board was for removal at Lot
#7 , Sevilla Gardens . Mr. & Mrs . Lawrence Lester, homeowners,
were present with their builder, Sandy Griffis . Ms. Griffis
explained that she and the Lesters were not familiar with the
Tree Ordinance but had calculated that a contribution to the
Tree Fund as mitigation would be very costly.
She then explained that special efforts had been taken in the
planning of the house in order to save and protect 2 large
oaks , measuring 42" DBH and 36" DBH . She distributed to the
Board a copy of an expense breakdown showing costs that the
Lesters had assumed in order to save these two trees ( see
attached ) . Included was a cost of $5377 .00 for placing the
house on pilings in lieu of a slab foundation. This should
ensure that the roots of the two trees will not be disturbed
during construction.
Judy Jacobson expressed that she felt consideration should be
given for these special efforts . It was also brought out
that the positioning of the house on the lot was made so that
a lesser number of trees would be removed.
Rick Bell stated that he felt some of the tree measurements
shown on the survey were incorrect . According to his measure-
ments, some trees had a larger DBH, and some a smaller.
Discussion followed as to whether the applicant should be
given any relief due to their efforts in saving the two
large oaks on the property. There was also discussion on
the trees to remain on the lot to be used as mitigation.
Following this discussion, a motion was made by Rick Bell to
accept the proposal , taking in to account the extreme mea-
sures, including placement of the house on pilings , to save
the 36" and 42" DBH oaks , crediting this total of 78" DBH
against the 100" DBH to be removed, leaving 22" DBH to be
mitigated, requiring replacement on site of three 4" DBH oaks
and to save the 18" DBH palm indicated on the survey as miti-
gation for the 13" DBH palm to be removed. Judy Jacobson
seconded and the motion unanimously carried.
Mr. & Mrs. Brodeur were present for the review of the appli-
cation for Lot #13 , Sevilla Gardens. Action on this item was
deferred by the Board at a previous meeting . Mr. Brodeur
provided a accurate survey of the property involved and also
distributed to the Board a copy of the report on the condit-
ion of several trees on the lot furnished by The Davey-Big
Tree Company ( see attached ) .
The Board discussed the condition of the trees listed on the
report and also calculated the number of DBH inches of pro-
tected trees proposed for removal , taking into consideration
those to remain on the lot as mitigation.
Judy Jacobson moved to accept the application, as filed, with
the removal of the 12" DBH oak to be mitigated by replacement
of 6" DBH oak planted on site , removal of 12" DBH sweetgum to
be mitigated by saving 6" DBH magnolia designated on the tree
survey, and removal of a 13" DBH palm to be mitigated by 6 . 5"
DBH of palm to be saved on site , as shown on the plans . Mae
Jones seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Under old business , Hope Van Nortwick advised that she had
been contacted by elected officials to see if any amendments
were needed to the Tree Ordinance . During discussion, mem-
bers expressed that while the current ordinance might be less
than perfect, it was satisfactory at this time and amending
it was not necessary.
The historic tree/area designation was also discussed. Mae
Jones reported that she had talked to Mr. Shepard but an
intern had not yet been secured by him. Hope Van Nortwick
asked for a progress report on the plans for Bull Park. Carl
will provide an update at the next regular meeting.
Judy Jacobson moved to approve the minutes of the last meet-
ing, as written; Mae Jones seconded and the motion passed
unanimously.
- 2 -
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned
by Mae Jones at 9 : 00 PM.
Carl E. Walker
Board Coordinator
- 3 -
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
TREE CONSERVATION BOARD
RE: LOT 7
SEVILLA GARDENS
In your assessment of the proposed tree removal, please consider the following items that we
have planned, to protect the wellfare of the remaining trees. (42' and 36' oak trees)
1. Certified Arborist $ 55.00
Earl Piety
5960 Phillips Highway
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
(904) 733-4455
2. Piling option per arborist's recommendation, in lieu of $5377.00
Slab foundation or bridge
3. Geotechnical Engineering - soil testing (already performed) $ 500.00
AGES
P.O. Box 331373
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
(904) 249-7002
4. Tree Surgeons in lieu of bulldozing trees $1200 (Approximate)
5. Certified arborist to be present for supervision $ 165.00 (Approximate)
of tree removal.
Total $7297.00
Please consider the above expenses and efforts on our part to preserve the remaining trees when
assesing proposed tree removal.
Respectful bmitted,
Lawrence and Lorraine Lester
THE DAVEY- BIG TREE EXPERT CO. T, ;
8555 PLUMMER ROAD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32219
f
October 27. 1997
Thomas J. Brodeur
2949 Sanctuary Boulevard
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
Dear Mr. Brodeur:
After meeting with you on Lot 13 in Sevilla Gardens. I can make the following recommendations
regarding the trees on your property.
The only tree located in the area of the house/driveway footprint that can be transplanted is the
13" palm by the curb. The remainder show either signs of rot and/or disease. or they are poor
specimens with little esthetic appeal. A few are simply too large to move. I have numbered the
trees on the forward portion of the lot, and will refer to them by number. I understand you are
most concerned with the Live Oaks, so I will address those first.
Live Oaks:
#1 12" single trunk. This tree is to large to transplant.
#2 5" single trunk. Too close to #1 to transplant.
#5 7" single trunk. The main trunk is only 15' tall, and the majority of it is rotting. Canopy
is scraggly/non-existent. The tree is dying.
#6 16'77"double trunk. The 7" trunk is rotten and dying. and makes the soundness of the
other trunk questionable. Neither specimen is worth saving.
#7 9" single trunk. Advanced signs of disease ertd,decaratgrourtd.:level.:.Its.canopy is very
thin. In addition, the trunk leans far to the west side of the lot. It would be better if it
were removed, as it will pose a threatto-the-surrounding it falls.
#8 12" single trunk. This tree is close enough to#7 to give the appearance of a double-trunk
tree, but in fact they are two separate trees. Like#7,there are extensive signs of disease
and decay at ground level. Its canopy is thin/non-existent. In addition. the trunk leans far
to the west side of the lot. It would be better if it were removed.
EXPERTS IN INSTALLATION, REMOVAL, AND CARING OF TREES
(904) 768-8733 FAX (904) 768-2298