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apologized and subject to remedies per the City contract with Saunders Construction. <br />Despite this incident, however, the City Forester previously shared that the tree's root <br />system was in decline and has been impacted previously by construction in and around <br />the tree as Louisville developed. The city does apologize that the subcontractor's <br />actions were not discovered in a timelier manner. <br />BUDGET: <br />As presented at the December 7 PPLAB meeting, the estimated cost to fence the area <br />and leave the two cottonwood trees was $50,573 assuming an 8 foot wide concrete trail <br />and 6 foot chain link fence. A decorative 6 foot wrought iron fence would add $4,420 to <br />the estimated costs. <br />The cost to remove both trees is estimated at $5,000 and the cost to landscape the <br />area, if the trees are removed, is estimated at $15,000 for a total estimated cost of <br />$20,000. <br />ALTERNATIVES: <br />1. Remove both native cottonwood trees as determined by the City Forester as <br />authorized per section 8.12 of the Louisville Municipal Code <br />2. Leave the two cottonwood trees onsite, reroute the trail away from the fall zone <br />and fence the area to discourage activity within the hazard zone. <br />Some pros for alternative #1: <br />A. Removes a City safety and liability concern. <br />B. The City's insurer is not supportive of leaving the trees siting public safety and <br />liability to the City. <br />C. Removal sooner, rather than later, is a proactive and not a reactive action based <br />on the trees continued decline. <br />D. The 2nd opinion, by a certified master arborists states that "all things considered, <br />public safety is the priority. If the trees are removed any possibility of injury will be <br />mediated." <br />Some cons for alternative #1 <br />A. Lose a piece of Louisville when the trees can be retained <br />B. Dead or alive the trees host wildlife. <br />C. Add interest to the landscape, viewed as a landmark and <br />landscape. <br />for a few more years. <br />add character to the <br />Some pros for alternative #2 <br />A. Reduces a safety concern and allows the trees to remain. <br />B. Continues to pay homage to a piece of Louisville's past. <br />C. Continues to serve as a host/sanctuary for wildlife. <br />D. Postpones removal of the two cottonwood trees. <br />5 <br />