146-1998 LTC
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
http:\\ci.miami-beach.f1.us
L.T.C. No. 146-1998
LETTER TO COMMISSION
October 16, 1998
TO: Mayor Neisen o. Kasdin and
Members of the City Co ission
FROM: Sergio Rodriguez
City Manager
SUBJECT: REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF ELEVEN (11) CALLOPHYLLUM TREES
LOCATED ON ALLISON ISLAND.
The intent of this memorandum is to provide you follow-up information related to the above
referenced subject. As you are aware, this item was originally included in the September 23, 1998
Commission agenda (C2-C). Based on bids received, the cost to relocate is $37,950. The cost to
remove/dispose is $4,400. At the time, the Administration was requesting authorization to award a
bid to have the Callophyllums either relocated or disposed. The Commission discussion focused on
the actual value of the trees, the cost versus the benefits of relocating them and the potential of
disposing the trees and replacing the lost canopy with other trees. The discussion concluded with the
Commission deferring the item and instructing the Administration to review the various options,
keeping in mind the questions raised.
In response to the Commission's directive, the Administration compiled the following information:
. Based on information provided from the Rotating Landscape Architects currently under
contract with the City of Miami Beach, it is difficult to place a value on these mature
Callophyllums. Current pricing for the purchase of a Callophyllum from an industry nursery
grower is approximately $8.00 per foot, but this pricing does not specifically relate to such
mature trees. Based on previous experience, it is the Parks Administration's estimate that the
value of the Callophyllums is approximately $2,000 per tree. Additionally, it was the
landscape architects' opinion, that in general, such mature Callophyllum trees do not transplant
well and the potential of the trees dying from shock when transplanted was highly possible.
Therefore, the removal and disposal of the trees and replacement of the lost canopy with other
trees was recommended,
. The value of these trees is not solely based on their replacement cost, but is more directly
related to the shade canopy they provide, When assessing and permitting the removal of shade
trees, Miami Dade County's Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM)
evaluates the amount of canopy that must be replaced prior to authorizing the removal of the
tree. This shade canopy must be mitigated and an agreed replacement number and type of
trees must be approved. The permit to remove the trees is then issued by DERM. Based on
the scope of work for the Allison Island Beautification project, it is anticipated that the new
materials to be planted should significantly address the DERM mitigation shade/canopy
requirements. If the proposed planting plan does not satisfy the DERM mitigation standard,
the City will purchase and install additional shade trees to address the canopy replacement
required by DERM. Funding for the purchase and installation of these trees would be taken
from the Allison Island Beautification project.
. The new landscaping is one component of a capital improvements program that also includes
the installation of new water lines, storm drainage and the resurfacing of the street. The
removal of these trees is being done at the request of the homeowners on the island. The
original design plan left the trees in place with them being reshaped, however the residents
requested a revised plan. In addition to the above stated work, the homeowners decided to
underground their electric, telephone and cable utilities. The cost of this under grounding is
being paid by the residents through an approved assessment. The under grounding was
recently completed by the various utility companies, The utility companies involved
accomplished the under grounding of their utilities and subsequently removed the above
ground wiring and poles with the Callophyllum trees in place and therefore they have no
responsibility to financially participate in the removal of these trees.
The bid that was issued requested prices for the removal and relocation and/or disposal of the trees
based on the condition and potential for transplanting of each tree. The low bid included a price of
$400 per tree for removal and disposal. Based on the information related to value of the trees, their
potential for surviving the transplanting process, the City's ability to mitigate the canopy requirement
and the expressed preference of the residents of Allison Island to have the trees removed the
Administration is proceeding with the removal and disposal of these trees.
Should you have questions, please advise.
c: Janet Gavarrete, Assistant City Manager
Robert Parcher, City Clerk
Kevin Smith, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks
Judy Ford, Director, Procurement Division
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