Title
Consider a resolution removing the monarch designation for three trees on the site of the proposed Kalahari Resort.
Body
Kalahari Resorts is preparing its site plan for approximately 180 acres near the southeast corner of S. Kenney Fort Blvd. and E. Palm Valley Blvd. There are a total of 10 monarch trees on-site, of which Kalahari proposes to preserve seven and remove three. In accordance with Sec. 43-23 of the Code of Ordinances, removal of a monarch tree requires City Council to first remove the monarch designation from those trees. All monarchs are listed below, and the three proposed for removal are noted with "R":
#40008 - 45" live oak
#40019 - 39" live oak
#40021 - 39" live oak
#40028 - 37” live oak - R
#40033 - 40” live oak - R
#40110 - 34” pecan - R
#40114 - 60" live oak
#40117 - 50" live oak
#40130 - 29” cedar elm
#40315 - 35" cedar elm
The 35-inch cedar elm tree is the champion cedar elm, meaning it’s the largest known of its species in the entire city. According to the city’s forestry manager, the previous champion measures 31 inches in diameter. The locations of all trees are depicted on the attached site plan. Monarchs proposed for removal by the developer are noted with a red circle, and monarchs to be preserved are noted with a green circle.
Note: measurements are the diameter of the trunk at four and a half feet above ground level. Tree #40032 on the site plan is a 38-inch live oak, which is a monarch under normal circumstances. Upon evaluation by staff it has been determined that this tree is in poor health. Its monarch designation was removed administratively, so it does not appear on the list above.
It is the purpose of the Code to preserve and incorporate the city's oldest growth trees into development projects. Planning and Development Services staff have a well-established record of working with developers in designing around these unique, uncommon trees while exercising flexibility to ensure development goals are...
Click here for full text