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Ms. Gutierrez said that the prior owner had the tree thinned a couple of times, but did <br />not have the tree topped or cut back. She mentioned that they had a tree specialist look at the <br />tree. The tree specialist felt that they could thin it out, but the limbs that extended over the <br />house should be cut back or removed and if that is the case, the limbs that go into the light <br />fixtures should be removed. In this case 30 % of the tree would be removed and the tree would <br />not be very attractive. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis asked if the 20% guidelines covered trimming? <br /> <br /> Mr. Fulford said that the guidelines cover 20% trimming during any growing season. <br />The reason for this is to prevent the tree from going into shock. The 20 % is a rule of thumb. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis asked if over the course of two years, could a tree be reduced up to 40 % ? <br /> <br /> Mr. Fulford said yes and that other trees have been reduced by more than 40 % and much <br />more and survived. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michellotti asked if reducing the tree by 40% would be a possible solution? <br /> <br /> Mr. Fulford said yes this could be tried. He mentioned that the Gutierrezes have been <br />wonderful through this whole process and he would not mind investing some time and effort in <br />trying to resolve this. He said their biggest concern is with the insurance company, and the <br />limbs over their roof and the limb going to the street light. He felt that staff could work on <br />eliminating these issues right away. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis asked if this would help the bird problem? <br /> <br /> Mr. Fulford said it would be unlikely. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelotti commented that she did not feel the city planted the tree. There are no <br />other trees like this along the city corridors. Is it the same type of sycamore that is along <br />Foothill? She said it is a beautiful tree, but if it doesn't reach maturity until 200 years then the <br />Gutierrez's have good cause to be concerned. The tree is quite enormous now. She said that <br />she could see future problems coming with this tree. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis said that she wanted to save the tree but that the tree will need management. <br /> <br /> Mr. Pico said that he felt the tree deserved to be saved and would like to give it a <br />chance. <br /> <br />Pleasaton City Council 2/18/97 <br />Minutes 11 <br /> <br /> <br />