Park Commission Meeting

City of Piedmont Park Commission Agenda Wednesday, April 2, 2025 5:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA Call to Order Public Forum This is an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda. Regular Agenda 1. Approval of Park Commission Minutes for March 5, 2025 2. Election of Chair and Vice Chair of the Park Commission 3. Update on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 4. Update on Subcommittee’s Street Tree Species List 5. Update on Arbor and Earth Day 2025 6. Consideration of Heritage Tree Nominations for 2025 7. Update on City Playground Equipment a. Linda Beach Tot Lot Equipment and Replacement Project 8. Update on City Parks a. Piedmont Park Bridge b. Linda Off Leash Park Closure 9. Monthly Maintenance Report: Park, Open Space, and Street Tree Update for the Month of March 2023 Announcements, old business and consideration of future agenda items Adjourn Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Park Commission are available for public inspection in the Public Works Department during normal business hours. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (510) 420-3040. Notification at least two business days preceding the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]

This agenda notice was posted in accordance with G.C. Sec. 54954.2(a).

DRAFT PIEDMONT PARK COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, March 5, 2025 A Regular Session of the Piedmont Park Commission was held on March 5, 2025, in the City Hall Council Chambers at 120 Vista Avenue. The agenda notice was posted in accordance with G.C. Sec. 54954.2(a). CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Tom Smegal called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Jack Fischrup, Barbara Giuffre, Arden Hall, David Johnson, Tom Smegal, and Shanna Wagnor Absent: Commissioner Kimberly Moses Staff: Director of Public Works David Gonzales, Parks & Project Manager Nancy Kent, Public Works Supervisor Nick Millosovich, Communications Program Manager Echa Schneider, and Fire Chief Dave Brannigan PUBLIC FORUM There was no Public Testimony on the matter. REGULAR AGENDA The Commission considered the following items of regular business. Minutes Resolved, that the Park Commission approves the meeting minutes of February 5, 2025. Moved by Fischrup Seconded by Giuffre Ayes: Fischrup, Giuffre, Hall, Johnson, Smegal, Wagnor Noes: None Absent: Moses Update on Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Fire Chief Dave Brannigan presented the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update, which also included the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps update and the 2025 Fire Code adoption. The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is a 5-year roadmap to make Piedmont more resilient. It is a FEMA required plan. It is a study of the specific ways Piedmont could be impacted by natural disasters, like earthquakes, wildfires, and severe weather. It provides a roadmap of actionable items for before, during, and after, that would prevent or eliminate some of the impacts, if a disaster happens. The different phases of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan include hazard identification, risk assessment, mitigation strategy, and the plan adoption. Areas reviewed that can help reduce risks of hazard impacts when they occur include evacuation infrastructure, building codes, and critical facilities. Public involvement is very important. There have been some recent fires in California. Fires often start in vegetation. Wind-driven, dry fires quickly spread to structures, which can exceed the capacity of fire departments to respond and the water supply. With modeling and technology, it has been learned how fires spread through regional fire path modeling, wind patterns, vegetation, and structural fuels.

Park Commission Minutes February 5, 2025 Fire Chief Brannigan stated the 2025 Fire Code will be adopted and happens every three years. The Fire Code will include Building Code modifications and vegetative management requirements. Should the 2025 Fire Code include education and enforcement and be city wide? For the vegetative management in public spaces, the three items to review include the elimination of ladder fuels, tree canopy spacing, and species-specific removal. Areas can be developed to a beautiful fire safe landscaped design. Some residents have issues with their insurance coverage. The program Safer from Wildfires include items that can help reduce the likelihood of their insurance being cancelled and reduced rates. The items included in the Safer from Wildfires program include Class A- fire rated roof, 5-foot ember resistant zone including fencing in Zone 0, ember- and fire-resistant vents, non-combustible 6 inches at the bottom of the exterior walls, enclosed eaves, upgraded windows, cleared vegetation, weeds, and debris from under decks, removal of combustible sheds and other outbuildings, and defensible space compliance. Firewise communities are neighborhood initiated along with community risk assessment and a 3-year action plan. Red flag days can initiate the fire weather policies which could include parking restrictions on narrow streets, lifestyle restrictions, and pre-emptive relocation. The community can get involved with mitigation actions by submitting suggestions online. The suggestions will inform City’s 5-year mitigation strategy (LHMP). It is important to see the desire from the community for changes from the status quo. A Mitigation Strategy Workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 5:30-7:30 pm, at Piedmont Community Hall. Commissioners asked questions and made suggestions. There was no Public Testimony on the matter. Update on Street Tree Species and Specifications Commissioner Johnson state the subcommittee had a meeting and discussed the goal over the next 3-5 years to increase the number of trees planted each year in many of the vacant spots and to recommend a variety of trees that haven’t been planted very much and the aspects of soils etc. that make trees thrive. There was no Public Testimony on the matter. Update on Arbor and Earth Day 2025 Ms. Kent stated volunteers are needed with the leaf blower kid activity. The event will include the big trucks, art project, adult and kid raffle, owl-naming contest, and Heritage Tree announcements. Event posters will be distributed. Commissioner Hall stated the event will also include an exhibit on rafters in Piedmont, Be Green will be on site, a recycling exhibit, exhibit on City park projects, snacks will be available, and Piedmont organizations will be invited. Commissioners asked questions and made suggestions. There was no Public Testimony on the matter.

Park Commission Minutes February 5, 2025 Update on Heritage Tree Nominations for 2025 Ms. Kent discussed the Heritage Tree Nominations. Two nominations have been received so far. The policy allows up to five trees to be nominated. For this year’s nominations, the Park Commission can consider reviewing the back log of trees that were nominated previously. The nominations close on March 21, 2025. The selected trees will be voted on at the April meeting. Commissioners asked questions and made suggestions. There was no Public Testimony on the matter. Update on City Playground Equipment Ms. Schneider briefed the Commission on the Linda Beach Tot Lot Equipment and Replacement Project. There were 46 responses received for the online survey. Results from the online survey included the tot lot is a safe enclosed place, the 2-year-old age group was the consistent age at the tot lot, the biggest priorities are the swings, slide, and the climbing structure, and the rubber matting is the preference. Themes have been discussed within the group. Common themes include bathroom access, seating for adults, fencing/gate is very important, and appreciation for project and input opportunities. Ms. Kent stated they are focusing on getting ADA access from Linda down to the sand area. Commissioners asked questions and made suggestions. There was no Public Testimony on the matter. Update on City Park and Open Space Projects Ms. Kent stated that the Piedmont Park bridge was made possible from the Prop. 68 per Capita grant. The contractors have been on site and have done the piers and abutment. The prefab bridge may be brought in on Monday, March 10, 2025, and dropping it in place. The project is on schedule. The coast live oak located in the central median planter at Piedmont Park was in decline. Arborist, Darya Barar, HortScience/Bartlett Consulting met with staff, performed a root collar excavation and resistograph test. It was recommended to remove the dense mulch and sand layer, expose more of the taper of the trunk, and grade it back. There is some decay. It is a Heritage Tree. Ms. Kent stated that in partnership with PBF, six metal benches are being restored in Crocker Park and will include a commemorative plaque. Teak backless benches will be installed at Oakland Avenue. Commissioners asked questions and made suggestions. There was no Public Testimony on the matter. Consideration of Appointing Members to the Subcommittee for the Purpose of Drafting an Annual Report to City Council Chair Smegal stated the drafting of an annual report to City Council will be handled informally by Commissioner Giuffre and Chair Smegal and will not need a subcommittee. There was no Public Testimony on the matter.

Park Commission Minutes February 5, 2025 Monthly Maintenance Report Public Works Supervisor Nick Millosovich stated staff was busy with routine maintenance and with storm preparation. There were 8 yards of sand bagged up. The Corp Yard was and is still fully stocked with sandbags. There was no major flooding. Staff planted 4 trees over the last month. Five dead trees were removed from Bushy Dell Creek by One Source Tree Services. Hercules Tree Service started the annual tree trimming. Staff has begun checking the irrigation systems. Linda Dog Park was shut down for most of February due to poor drainage and was not safe. Requests for street sweeping can by made at City Hall. Commissioners asked questions and made suggestions. There was no Public Testimony on the matter. ANNOUNCEMENTS, OLD BUSINESS, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson Smegal adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m.

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration: 2025 Arbutus ‘Marina’ Strawberry Tree • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ): ok ( not on PG &E list) • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 27” • Deciduous or Evergreen: E • Size:35’x 35 w • CA Native: No • Attributes: Nice form from nursery, attractive bark, white flowers and limited fruit • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : Fire Resistant • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location to view in Piedmont: Hampton Park, Upper Dracena park

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Cercis occidentalis • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) Yes on PG &E list • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 27” • Deciduous or Evergreen: D • Size:10’ x 10’ • CA Native : Y • Attributes: purple flowers, • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : Fire Resistant • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location to view in Piedmont; Park Heritage trees at Wildwood Entrance to Piedmont Park

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Lauris noblis’Saratoga’ • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 27” • Deciduous or Evergreen: E • Size:20x15 • CA Native: No • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location to view planted in Piedmont:

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Lynothamnus f. asplenifolius • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 40” • Deciduous or Evergreen: E • Size:40 x 30 • CA Native: Y • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location to view planted in Piedmont:

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Carpinus b. ‘Fastigiata’ • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 40” • Deciduous or Evergreen: D • Size:40 x 30 • CA Native: N • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location to view planted in Piedmont :

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Quercus chrysolepis_Canyon Live Oak • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 60” • Deciduous or Evergreen: E • Size:40+ tall 30+ wide (calscape) • CA Native: Y • Attributes: upright, columnar form (calscape) • Wildlife benefits: butterflies, • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location to view in Piedmont:

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Quercus lobata Valley Oak • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 60” + • Deciduous or Evergreen: D • Size:60 tall+ 50 wide ( Calscape) • CA Native: Y • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: birds, butterflies • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Locations to view in Piedmont: Dracena Park: near tot lot

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Quercus suber Cork Oak • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 60” + • Deciduous or Evergreen: E • Size:30 tall+ 30 wide ( Boething) • CA Native: N • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location planted in Piedmont: Private tree: corner of Lorita and Park Way

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Platinus racemosa CA. Sycamore • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 60” + • Deciduous or Evergreen: D • Size:20 tall+ 50 wide calscape) • CA Native: Y • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location planted in Piedmont: Street Tree: Park Way

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Aesculus californica CA. Buckeye • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : Yes on PG &E list • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 60” + • Deciduous or Evergreen: D • Size:13 tall+ 40 wide ( Calscape) • CA Native: Y • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location planted in Piedmont: : Dracena park

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Olea ‘Swan Hill’ Swan Hill Olive • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 60” + • Deciduous or Evergreen: E • Size: • CA Native: N • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location planted in Piedmont:

DRAFT: Street Tree Species for Consideration:2025 Afrocarpus gracilor Podocarpus • Suitable under high voltage transmission lines ( will be pruned by PG &E ) : no • Water needs per WUCOL: Low • Minimum tree basin or parking strip width: 40” + • Deciduous or Evergreen: E • Size:2o tall-20 wide ( Boething) • CA Native: N • Attributes: • Wildlife benefits: • Firescape Attributes ( Firescape Marin) : no data • Climate Adaptive Attributes: • Location planted in Piedmont: Street Tree:

April 2025 Flowering Horse Chestnut Street Trees along Highland Ave. 2025: Nomination: 1

April2025 Redwood Trees above Coaches Field in the Corp. Yard 2025: Nomination : 2

April 2025 Purple Leaf Plums in at Beach Elementary 2025: Nomination: 3

April 2025 Single Crepe Myrtle on Harvard Two Residents nominated this tree- both can be recognized as nominators! 2025: Nomination: 4 and 5

April 2025 Flowering Purple Leaf Plum Street Trees on Lexford and Huntleigh Rds. 2025: Nomination: 6

April 2025 Horse Chestnut in Upper Dracena Park off Park Way 2025: Nomination: 7

April 2025 Southern Magnolia in Lower Dracena Park 2025: Nomination: 8

April 2025 Coast Live Oak at Aquatics Center 2025: Nomination: 9

April 2025 Island Oak at the Mountina/Bellevue Circle 2025: Nomination: 10

UPDATE: Piedmont Park: Pedestrian Bridge Installation April 2, 2025 The bridge dropped in place on the abutments. The bridge arriving at the site. Maneuvering the bridge up the path