March 11, 2025 City Council Meeting Written Public Comments General Public Comment Jennifer Connally From: Janice Brownfield - Sent: Monday, March 10, 2025 6:00 PM To: City Council Public Comment Subject: Public Comment Non-Agenda Item Improving our air quality takes time, but even short delays can cause significant long-term consequences for our health : including deaths, strokes, heart attacks and asthma attacks if methane emissions from landfills and nitrogen oxides from gas furnaces and water heaters are not reduced. A few years ago our City missed out in applying for and receiving a CalRecycle SB 1383 Local Assistance Formula Grant of $200,000 for education and enforcement activities. Tustin used its grant to hire a consultant and distribute kitchen food scrap pails to all residences to help reduce food waste from ending up in landfills. Now we have an opportunity for assistance in implementing organic waste recycling in multifamily housing. On March 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. CalRecycle will host a webinar "to discuss new guidance and tools available, funding updates, and share how jurisdictions and other entities are implementing programs. I Simply putting food scraps in a cart or bin for composting, keeping at least 75 percent of organic waste from landfills, would have a benefit equivalent of taking three million cars off the road, and is faster and easier than buying an electric vehicle, according to CalRecycle. Neither our health nor the City's budget can afford delays in meeting the State's mandate to comply with SB 1383. Stiff penalties from $500 per violation up to $10,000 a day can be imposed on jurisdictions. A cost-benefit analysis of improving our air quality with a transition to electric from gas furnaces and water heaters has been made by the South Coast Air Quality Management District in response to comments on its proposed rules. Our City's February 21 letter asking for a delay due to cost and housing concerns was received March 5 by the AQMD. The Third Preliminary Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121 were posted February 28 as was an 81-page presentation, including the analysis, which noted concerns of high-cost installations, increased electric bills, insufficient grid capacity, power outages and wildfires. Sometime in the spring, which begins March 20, the AQMD is to launch its Go Zero Incentive Program to offset upfront costs for those who want to switch to electric, which is no longer required in the new rules concepts. By April 1 new drafts and supporting documents, and a Socioeconomic Impact Assessment are to be released. A public hearing is scheduled for May 2, subject to change. 1 Item 8.1 MOU with Mabury Ranch Homeowner's Association for Tree Maintenance Mayor Slater and City Council Members, The Mabury Ranch HOA appreciates your consideration of the Memorandum of Agreement between Mabury Ranch and the City of Orange, which will be presented to you tonight. This MOA settles outstanding issues that have created confusion for the HOA and the City. The Mabury Ranch HOA Board stands behind this MOA and believes it represents a true compromise and partnership between the City of Orange and the MRHOA. While gaining universal support for any issue is nearly impossible, this MOA, as presented, has gained the support of six out of the seven MRHOA Board Members. This substantial majority in favor of this MOA underlines the resolve of the HOA to put this matter to rest in a collaborative manner. The signatures below represent the six Mabury Ranch HOA Board Members and their support and agreement with this MOA. A GAD COoA Nathan Swanek Cathy Clark MR HOA President MR HOA Vice-President anap Badado Con/ Feen Nancy Edwards Don Green MR HOA Secretary MR HOA Treasurer 1 47V D.elast John McCarty Sean Brunton MR HOA Director at Large MR HOA Director at Large Jennifer Connally From: adam i. howard - Sent: Sunday, March 9, 2025 4:51 PM To: City Council Public Comment Subject: Mabury Ranch tree maintenance Item #: 8.1. 3/11/2025 File #: 25-0025 I understand there is opposition to removal of 127 trees in and around Mabury Ranch. Given that many are noted for removal due to structural defects, hope that those opposed are keeping the safety hazards in mind. No one wants to see a tree cut down, but neither does anyone want life and property subject to severe risks. Sincerely, Adam Howard 1 Dear Mayor Dan Slater and Council Members, I would like to thank you for considering the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Orange and the Mabury Ranch Homeowners Association for Tree Maintenance, #8.1 on Tuesday's agenda. We are pleased that the City is now recognizing its responsibility for maintaining trees stated in the original covenant and signed by the City when Mabury Ranch Homeowners Association was incorporated in the 1970s. To clarify what was stated in City's Staff report, Mabury Ranch has a total of 400+ trees, 227 of which the City would assume maintenance for. What came as a shock to us is that City staff is recommending the immediate removal of 127 of the 227 trees in its area of responsibility. Many of these are Eucalyptus, which we understand must be removed. However 63 of the trees scheduled for removal are beautiful, healthy Canary Island Pines that line Serrano Ave. and were planted about 25 years ago. The Mabury Ranch Healthy Canary Island Pines on Serrano Board of Directors was not given a copy of the City Arborist's report and City Staff's synopsis of that report was incorrect, vague and incomplete. The synopsis listed a variety of issues but did not identify which issue was related to which tree/variety. To clarify, the Pines on Serrano are spaced appropriately and are 1.5' - 2.5' away from walls and have never posed a hazard to either walls or sidewalks. Pines are hardy, slow growing and do not require regular pruning. We are requesting that the City keep these Canary Island Pine Trees which should save the City about $30K. Here are the reasons to keep these beautiful Canary Island Pines: Lack of Consistency on How Pines Are Treated Elsewhere Removing Pine trees is not consistent with how Orange and other cities handle these trees. The City recently renovated the center medians on Katella near I-55 where there are several mature pines that are even taller than Mabury Ranch's Pines. According to Micah, the City's arborist, the City pruned these Pine trees and did not remove them. There is a Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) in Orange, California that is registered as a California Big Tree. It is located at 400 E. Chapman Avenue. The Orange City Council has denied requests to cut down this tree because it is considered historic and in the public interest. This is one of several Canary Island pines in Old Towne Orange that the City has protected. The City of Villa Park has kept Pine trees on Villa Canary Island Pine in Old Park Road that are much closer to walls and are Towne, on the California 3x the size of Mabury's Pines. Registry Villa,Park Pines are Close to Walls and Thriving The Staff reports claims that Eucalyptus are dangerous, yet it plans to keep and prune all trees (Eucalyptus & Pine) on Cannon including the Eucalyptus that are currently leaning over Cannon and pose a hazard. Why are these not being removed??? Staff Recommends Keeping Dangerous Leaning Eucs on Cannon Removing healthy trees contradicts the City's Tree Ordinance 12.32.110B Itis hypocritical for the City to require its residents follow an ordinance that it, itself does not comply with: A. The City of Orange, in order to prevent further destruction of its once vast number of majestic trees and orchards and other mature trees, finds it necessary to place reasonable restrictions on such acts of removal and destruction. The primary purpose of the subject provisions is to regulate the removal and destruction of trees from undeveloped and public interest property as those terms are defined in Sections 12.32.040 and 12.32.050. (the City's definition of "Public Interest property" as". any property, privately owned or otherwise, whether developed or undeveloped. which may include, but not be limited to.. the public interest to the City in property containing trees of historical, unique, and aesthetic value, and historic trees as defined in Section 12.32.060 and those factors affecting the public interest more particularly set forth in Section 12.32.010. S 12.32.110 Subdivisions or Grading Plan-Procedure and Requirements B: No permit shall be granted to remove healthy non-hazardous trees from any real property unless another use is to be commenced on the real property within 90 days after removal of such trees. Noise Barrier: Covenant Signed in the 2005 between the City, Mabury Ranch & Serrano Heights Developer It was only after the City agreed to plant and maintain trees in the center median of Serrano to act as a dust & noise barrier, did Mabury Ranch sign off on the agreement to put Serrano through to Weir Canyon. A noise barrier is needed even more now since the City is facilitating more cars per minute by adding additional turn lanes from Cannon. Environmental Concerns Our members have identified at least one Hawks nest in these Pine Trees. Mabury Ranch embraces wildlife and the trees that aid during bird nesting season. In conclusion, these are healthy trees that provide great aesthetic and practical benefits: Ecologically = aid in bird nesting Provide shade - trees have been found to lower temperatures up to 2 degrees Establish a noise and dust barrier from busy Serrano Help protect the walls from cars crashing into them (we have 3-4 cars per year that crash into our walls.) I ask that Council approve the Tree Maintenance Agreement but keep the Canary Island Pines. Thank you, Stephanie Tilhof Mabury Ranch Homeowner & Chair, MRHOA Landscape Committee Jennifer Connally Subject: FW: Pine Trees Dr. Ms. Coleman, I'm writing to you with a heavy heart to hear that the city is proposing to remove many trees along Serrano especially established pine trees. This affects my family very much as we live in Mabury Ranch backed up to Serrano. With increasing traffic removing a vast number of trees will affect the sound barrier as well as the dust from traffic along the road. This is not positive for our community and the environment not to mention the nice green look to our community. Please consider this to be detrimental to our city as we have had a number of trees already removed by the city in our development. We can't stand to loose anymore trees which gives the area such beauty. Thank you for thoughtfully putting a stop to this for the sake of keeping Orange green! God bless you and serving our community for the greater good. Kelly Herbeck Sent from my iPhone 1 Jennifer Connally From: Jackie Armes Sent: Mondav, March 10, 2025 12:26 PM To: Subject: Urgent Appeal to Preserve Neighborhood Trees in Mabury Ranch/Orange Dear City Council Members/Staff, I I am writing to express my strong opposition to the planned removal of trees in our Mabury neighborhood. My house backs up to Serrano Ave and can see three pine trees from my backyard. These trees are an essential part of our community, providing not only beauty and shade but also crucial environmental and health benefits. Their removal would have lasting negative effects on our local ecosystem, property values, and the well-being of residents. Mature trees play a vital role in air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering pollutants, reducing urban heat, traffic noise, and preventing soil erosion. They serve as habitats for birds and wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of our area. Additionally, studies have shown that green spaces improve mental health and foster a stronger sense of community among residents. As a psychotherapist, see first hand the importance and the effects of mental health. While I understand the city may have concerns regarding infrastructure, safety, or development, I urge you to explore alternative solutions that would allow us to maintain these trees. Pruning, root protection measures, and other sustainable urban planning practices can address potential concerns without resorting to unnecessary destruction. I, along with many of my neighbors, urge you to reconsider this decision and work with the community to find a solution that balances progress with environmental stewardship. would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this matter further and hope that the city will prioritize preserving our natural resources. Thank you for your time and consideration. look forward to your response. Sincerely, Jackie Armes Orange, Ca. 92867 1 Jennifer Connally From: Jim Herbeck * Sent: Monday, March 10, 2025 7:21 PM To: Subject: City Council Item 8.1 (March 11, 2025) Attachments: Staff Report.pdf Hello, I'm writing in regards to Orange City Council agenda item #8.1 (attached). strongly disagree with the decision to remove 62 Canary Island Pine trees located on Serrano Ave. These trees are healthy and aren't causing any issues with sidewalks or utilities. They also require minimal maintenance. With the city budget issues, strongly recommend the council reconsider the removal of these trees. Since the staff report indicates that replanting options are 'limited", we all know that no trees will be planted under the current city financial situation - leaving big bare areas along that entire stretch of Serrano. Please reconsider the removal of these specific trees identified in the report. Also, the staff report recommends removal of 21 Eucalyptus trees along Yellowstone Blvd, which my house abuts. Though I'm all for removing these trees due to the mentioned safety hazards, disagree with using my money (Orange tax payer money) to remove these trees, since all of them are located on private property (i.e., on the homeowner's side of the sidewalk along Yellowstone Blvd). Why are my tax dollars being used to remove trees from private property? Regards, Jim Herbeck Orange, CA 92867 1 Jennifer Connally From: Logan Ascher € Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 3:21 PM To: City Council Public Comment Subject: Fwd: Serrano Ave/Mabury Ranch - Canary Island Pines - Removal Attachments: IMG_6777.jpg; IMG_7399.pg; IMG_6776.jpg; IMG_7398.jpg In regards to item number 8.1 on the agenda for 3-11-2025. Hello Members of the City of Orange Counsel, As a resident of Mabury Ranch I am writing to encourage the removal of the Canary Island Palms located on Serrano and throughout the Mabury Ranch community. As you are probably aware, Mabury Ranch in recent years has been declared a brush/fire zone making it increasingly difficult for the residents to obtain homeowners insurance. This is especially true for thé residents of East Bryce Avenue who have 4 Canary sland Palms on their block alone. Although supposedly the "least flammable" of all pine trees these are still pine trees that are more flammable than other trees and their dry needles are extremely flammable. When insurance carrier reps are sent to make visual inspections they make note of the Canary Island Pines and the increased risk of fire exposure. During every Santa Ana winds the needles are blown onto our properties and at times piling 3-5 inches in height. Again this is an extreme fire risk to everyone. myself have been struck twice now by falling pine cones. Once shielding my child from the tree in our front yard and another on Serrano Avenue while walking our dog. This is a liability risk to pedestrians as well as motorists who may have a pine cone hit their windshield causing an accident. Who would be held liable for this, the homeowner or the city? Removal of the Canary Island Palms is a win-win for the city, residents of Mabury Ranch and frequent motorists of Serrano Avenue. The city reduces maintenance and liaibility, Mabury Ranch residents have lower fire risk and Serrano Avenue is safer for all. Will you please approve the removal of the Canary sland Palms? Thank you, Logan Ascher Resident of Mabury Ranch 1 March 11, 2025 City Council Meeting eComments Pamela Coleman From: oreplyegancisoeascom Sent: Monday, March 10, 2025 11:34 AM To: Subject: New eComment for City Council New eComment for City Council Guest User submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Item: 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS At this time, members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on the ager three (3) minutes per speaker unless a different time limit is announced. eComment: Dear Orange City Council, I'm writing to inform you about the vital services that Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) issues, including rent increases, repairs, and evictions. . Investigation of housing discrimination complaints to ensure all resic in multiple languages. Additionally, we would like to invite you and the community to our upcoming Virtual Fair Housing Work please visit our website at htps./prolectcheckpoint.comw2ron, www.fhca.org. YzJ10mNpdHwZm9yrw5nzlpl0m86NJAMTBIZDEZNTEOZTIy or contact us at 800-446-3247. We appreciate your time and support in ensuring that Orange residents have access to fair h This email was sent from Unsubscribe from future m Pamela Coleman From: oreplyegandisceascom Sent: Monday, March 10, 2025 12:00 PM To: Subject: New eComment for City Council New eComment for City Council Guest User submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council Item: 8.1. Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Orange and the Mabury Ranch Homeowner's Association for tree maintenance. eComment: Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, (Oppose only the removal of the Canary Pine Trees. I'm in support of everything else.) Serrano is a very noisy street. Our house backs up to it and we have been looking into ways of mitigating the road noise. Removing the Canary Pine trees would cause even more road noise and make Serrano look barren. We understand the need to remove the eucalyptus trees. However, it seems the reason for removing the Canary Pines is because they weren't planted correctly 50 years ago. I see that there is a suggestion to replace the trees "where suitable", and that the planting options are "limited". I'm afraid that if these trees are removed, no suitable replacement will be planted. May I suggest simply trimming (instead of removing) these Canary Pine trees SO they are kept in check? Thank you for your consideration, Bill Melcher View and Analyze eComments