To: Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Department or Agency Name(s): Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Staff Name and Phone Number: Monica Delmartini 565-7260
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): 1st District
Title:
Title
Emergency Roadside Hazard Tree Removal at Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve due to Glass Fire
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the General Manager of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to execute a contract with Kingsborough Atlas Tree Surgery Inc. for a not-to-exceed total of $344,675.04 for emergency post-wildfire hazard tree removal at Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve. (First District)
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Executive Summary:
The Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve is a 960-acre property that was purchased by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District in 2006 for its natural resources, scenic vistas, and sensitive habitat. The Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve is located northeast of the city of Santa Rosa and east of Calistoga Road.
The Glass Fire began on September 27, 2020 and ultimately burned 67,484 acres, including almost all of the Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve. The fire impacted trees at varying severity across the Preserve and resulted in numerous dead or dying trees that pose a hazard to two roads that lie partially within or along the Preserve’s boundaries. These two roads, Plum Ranch Road and Erland Road, are regularly used by members of the public, and there is an urgent need to mitigate tree hazards on Ag + Open Space-owned land along these road corridors.
Discussion:
The 2020 Glass Fire burned the Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve (“Preserve”) almost entirely. The fire resulted in moderate to severe impacts to trees along both Plum Ranch and Erland Roads. A segment of Plum Ranch Road lies within the Preserve boundary, and a segment of Erland Road abuts the Preserve along its northern boundary. Both are private roads that are regularly used by members of the public to access adjacent private residential property.
A large number of dead or dying trees resulting from the Glass Fire pose a safety hazard to these two roads and their users. Since the fire, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (“Ag + Open Space”) has worked with Kingsborough Atlas Tree Surgery Inc. under the County’s Blanket Purchase Order to complete an assessment of tree hazards along the Preserve-adjacent portions of these two roads and to mark identified hazard trees for removal. Kingsborough Atlas Tree Surgery Inc. has identified 143 trees damaged by wildfire along Plum Ranch Road that are at risk of falling into the roadbed, and 453 likewise damaged and hazardous trees along the Preserve’s frontage on Erland Road.
Staff researched FEMA guidance for this situation, and believe that Ag + Open Space is not eligible under FEMA's Public Assistance program to be reimbursed for removal of the trees in question. This is because the roads are private, and the Ag + Open Space-owned Preserve is an undeveloped property. This interpretation is consistent with direction from FEMA to Ag + Open Space staff during previous discussions regarding eligibility for reimbursement from damage due to the 2017 Sonoma Complex fires. Ag + Open Space is not eligible for insurance reimbursement because our property insurance only covers structures.
Ag + Open Space staff solicited cost estimates from four licensed tree service providers to safely fell these trees and appropriately treat the resulting slash. Two of these providers were not available to do the work until summer, one was non-responsive, and Kingsborough Atlas Tree Surgery Inc. submitted an estimated cost of $344,675.04 and stated they would be able to begin the work in early March. Due to the urgent need to complete the work as expediently as possible in order to protect life and property, a formal Request for Proposal was not undertaken.
Ag + Open Space requests that the Board authorizes the General Manager to execute a contract with Kingsborough Atlas Tree Surgery, Inc. for a not-to-exceed total of $344,675.04 for emergency hazard tree removal at Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve.
Prior Board Actions:
Fiscal Summary
Expenditures |
FY 20-21 Adopted |
FY 21-22 Projected |
FY 22-23 Projected |
Budgeted Expenses |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
$344,675.04 |
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Total Expenditures |
$344,675.04 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$344,675.04 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$344,675.04 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Adequate appropriations are existing in the FY 20-21 budget.
Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Attachments:
1. Saddle Mountain Open Space Preserve Hazard Tree Removal Project Location Map
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
1. Agreement with Kingsborough Atlas Tree Surgery Inc.