Yolo County Grand Jury
• 2022-2023
Davis Trees Final 5.23.23 the Forest for the Trees a Report on a Davis Resource Trees are poems that the earth writes
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 4 findings
F1
The City does not adequately inform homeowners about their responsibilities for maintaining City-owned trees on private property. This can result in inadequate or no watering of established Street Trees, especially those on rental properties managed by agents.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the City clarify its expectations that private property owners maintain City-owned Street Trees on their property so that Street Trees do not suffer early decline that forces early removal at City expense. Publication of specific expectations for watering and coordination with other landscaping is needed. This outreach effort should include extra measures to communicate with absentee owners and property managers. This should be done
F2
The City does not enforce compliance with Chapter 37 obligations to maintain City Street Trees.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The City should enforce compliance with Chapter 37 obligations to maintain City Street Trees.
F3
The voter-approved ballot language in adopting the 2018 Measure H is clear and precise. However, the laws implementing Measure H substitutes “street lighting” for “street trees,” contrary to the voters’ intent.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the City develop a means to incentivize the proper care of City-owned Street Trees on private property by providing a water allowance for this purpose, or similar measures such as making available appropriate irrigation materials and consultations with property owners. This should be completed
F4
Chapter 37 fails to provide current and accurate information as to which officials or agencies are responsible for overseeing the various elements of the City’s tree program. This information is not available on the City’s website. RECOMMENDATIONS
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that the City amend the language of Ordinance 2521, now DMC sections 15.14.010, 15.14.040, and 15.14.070, to effectuate voter’s intent in adopting Measure H. This should be completed
Additional Recommendations 2
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R5The Grand Jury recommends that the City post on its website a simplified summary of annual revenues received from Measure H and related appropriate annual City allocations and expenditures. This should be completed
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R6The Grand Jury recommends that Davis Municipal Code, Chapter 37, be amended to clearly identify responsible departments and officials charged with overseeing each element of the City’s tree program. This information should be clearly posted on the City’s website. This should be completed by January 1, 2024. REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses to its Findings and Recommendations from the Davis City Council END NOTES (1) https://ballotpedia.org/Davis,_California,_Measure_H,_Park_Maintenance_Parcel_Tax_(Ju ne_2018) Measure H Parcel Tax (2) https://content.qcode.us/lib/davis_ca/pub/municipal_code/files/ordlist.pdf (3) https://library.qcode.us/lib/davis_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/chapter_37 (4) https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/urban-forestry/city-of-davis-urban-forest- management-plan (5) https://www.cityofdavis.org/home/showdocument?id=5638 2002 UFMP (6) https://www.cityofdavis.org/home/showpublisheddocument/17344/637813053672630000 (7) 1 In 1977, the City received recognition by the National Arbor Day Foundation and continues to receive this award annually. https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/urban-forestry. (8) 1 02/06/2018 City Council Minutes. https://documents.cityofdavis.org/Media/CityCouncil/Documents/PDF/CityCouncil/Council /Meeting/Minutes/2018/Minutes-2028-02-06-City-Council-Meeting.pdf APPENDICES
Commendations 1
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CM1The Davis City Council should be commended for its Urban Forestry Program, and in particular, its innovative new Urban Forest Management Plan. Under its memorandum of understanding with the City, Tree Davis has sponsored educational events, in coord- ination with City staff, for multiple audiences. These outreach efforts have resulted in the development of an active volunteer program and a valuable volunteer list.