Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2018 03 01

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VI. Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda Dean Johnson From: Robert Cole Sent Tuesday, January 30, 2018 3:17 PM To: Dean Johnson Cc Heather Balser Subject: PPLAB 02/01/2018 Discussion - Cottonwood Trees at Rec Center Please share these comments with the members of the board for their February 1 discussion: As I write this on Tuesday, January 30, the contractor at the Rec Center has again removed the root zone protection fence around the west cottonwood, and is laying retaining wall foundation adjacent to the trunk, as well as performing additional grading. You are asked by staff to reconsider your previous decision to retain 'the trees, as earlier "unauthorized work" by the contractor cut Into the tree root zone atter removing the protection fence. According to the report of an independent arborist in your packet, the recent "unauthorized work" has so badly compromised the roots of the west tree he believes It should be removed immediately. Staff Is asking you to agree to that, just as they always have. Does it seem too coincidental and convenient that the damage to the root zone occurred after the Board decision to retain the trees, but before the Independent arborist could inspect the trees? With the protection fence again removed and more work performed in the root zone today (Tuesday) do you realistically have any options for reconsideration? This situation looks like blatant disregard for the role of public process, for the time and effort of the neighbors in raising the original issue. and complete disrespect by staff of the role of the PPLAB. If one believes this "unauthorized work" was only that, what penalties will be Imposed on the contractor for the damage and lost value? Will those penalties cover the cost of new landscaping that will effectively mitigate that loss for the neighbors? Will the neighbors be Invited to review and comment on those plans for mitigation, and will their comments be seriously considered? The the Rec Center expansion site plans changed on the east side adjacent to the neighbors just before construction started. Those changes impacted the neighbors and the trees, and occurred without any public notice. How can the public and neighbors be assured they will not face other unwelcome surprises? It is difficult to maintain public confidence in government. Thorough, fair and transparent public processes help, but are exhausting. When events occur that circumvent the public process, it is even more difficult to regain trust. Thanks for listening; I wish you luck in your discussion. Robert Cole 1