366 Plaza Street ZVAR-2002-12 Letter 05.06.2009
May 6, 2009
Mr. Michael Fogg
366 Plaza
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
SUBJECT: Tree Maintenance in Plaza median
Dear Mr. Fogg:
I am writing in response to your April 29th letter requesting the City “manicure” an oak tree located in the Plaza median in front of your home. As you note in your letter, you are
a long time resident of Atlantic Beach. Thus you are undoubtedly aware of the City’s strong commitment to the protection and preservation of healthy trees. I want to assure you that
the City also takes a proactive approach to the health and maintenance of trees located on City-owned property. We contract with a Certified Arborist for the routine appraisal of general
health and condition of public trees, and we also engage him on a case-by-case basis whenever we receive reports that a tree is an imminent danger or safety hazard, as was the case
when you contacted me last September regarding this same tree. Upon such findings and recommendation of the Arborist, the City takes immediate action to remove or correct any instance
which threatens the public health, safety or general welfare.
In the case of the oak you reference, the Arborist examined the tree last fall and found it to be healthy and of no impending danger to houses or vehicles. Thus, no further action was
taken with this tree. However, you were told at that time that you may employ sound arboricultural practices and prune any portions of the tree extending across the right of way line
and encroaching upon your property. Likewise, I explained to Ms. Willis that any portion of the tree beyond the sidewalk, including the large limbs that hang over your driveway, could
be trimmed or cut.
Please understand the City has neither the manpower nor the budget to maintain all public trees to the aesthetic approval of adjacent property owners. Finally, there are numerous legitimate
tree services that frequently work within the City. I
am sure any one of them would be willing to perform the services you require. However, your lack of equipment to complete the work yourself does not make this a City responsibility.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact me at 247-5834 or by e-mail
at rcarper@coab.us.
Sincerely,
Ricky L. Carper, P.E.
Public Works Director
cc: Jim Hanson, City Manager
Erika Hall, Tree Board Liaison
RC/LS