HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem VIII - Terrace Tree Policy Proposal (002) ushkosh
TO:
FROM: Steven Wiley, Assistant Planner
DATE: September 24, 2018
RE: Adopt an Internal Department Policy to Install Terrace Trees during Street
Reconstructions
BACKGROUND
During the fall 2017 semester, UW-Oshkosh Environmental Studies students worked with the
Sustainability Advisory Board on four projects. One student group researched and created a
terrace tree proposal that would allow for the installation or re-installation of terrace trees
during street reconstructions. The student recommendation involved the creation of an
ordinance or an internal department policy to allow for terrace trees. Students presented this
proposal at the December 4th, 2017 SAB meeting. Staff then discussed the terrace tree proposal
internally and with the SAB and together decided that an internal department policy would be
most appropriate given the recent updates to the Trees and Vegetation chapter of the
Municipal Code.
ANALYSIS
A comprehensive study and review was submitted by the UW-O Environmental Studies
students and is part of the public record within the Sustainability Advisory Board web page
and includes extensive research from similar communities throughout the state. Programs like
this have been very successful elsewhere and have served to install trees as part of the street
reconstruction process and have provided a more complete streetscape that serves multiple
environmental, public health and storm water mitigation benefits. Installation of trees
immediately following construction also integrates the landscaping well with newly installed
underground and overhead utility structures that limits conflict with the utility grid and other
permanent infrastructure.
City Hall,215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1 130 Oshkosh,W 154903-1 130 920.236.5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
ushkosh
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of the trees and installation shall be funded by an addition to the assessment to
adjacent property owners at a rate of 0.05% of the total assessment for the project to be held in
a fund specific to tree planting in the affected area with any additional funds applied to
replacement due to mortality or future damage resulting in removal of the trees.
RECOMMENDATION
The City of Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board recommends that an internal department
policy be developed to install terrace trees whenever streets are rebuilt and where it is suitable
to include terrace trees as a landscape amenity. Costs for the purchase and installation of
terrace trees in these locations would be included as part of the street reconstruction
assessment to property owners. Determination of the practicality and specifics of tree planting
within these project areas will be made by the Department of Public Works, Engineering
Division along with the Department of Parks, Landscape Operations Division.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved:
Steven Wiley Mark A. Rohloff
Assistant Planner City Manager
City Hall,215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1 130 Oshkosh,W 154903-1 130 920.236.5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us