SUNSET POINTE LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE / LA COUNTY PARKS LLAD 2, ZONE 21
MEETING JANUARY 12, 2009
The Tree Trimming commenced on Dec 8, 2008 at Control area #1 of Sage crest/Foxtail Ct. Typically 6-10 workers are there daily and spread into 2 crews. Some have also been trimming along Hazelcrest behind the hotels as well. Presently working Controller area #2 off of Sagecrest/Wintergreen. Next area is Controller #3 Sagecrest/ Coriander area.
Frank Madero reported that because it’s been so long since the trees have been trimmed, cutting is limited to trimming to handle heavy winds as well as branches that endanger/shock and protect the health of the trees. Trees are generally not being topped at this time, but rather thinned out. More trimming will be needed in 1-3 years that will be part of the new overall maintenance contract to be bid in fall 2009. Madero pays a visit to the site daily. Some trees have been red tagged for removal. Target for completion of trimming is by the end of March 2009.
Currently, American Heritage is on a month-to-month “contract” for general maintenance. Patrick indicated a target date of next fall to request bids for a new overall maintenance contract which would include tree trimming within that contract. The new maintenance contract would be for 5 years, but after 2 years there is the option to renew/continue annually. The current basic LMD maintenance costs amount to approximately $187,000 per year [including $70,000 for water]. Revenue from assessments amounts to approximately $225,000 annually.
Wes Perryclear provided an in depth look at the irrigation upgrade process, lines to be replaced, and the type of equipment to be used. His handouts included Schematic cost estimates for irrigation Improvements, aerial mapping, project development schedule chart, valves, security device and the ET 2000 Controller. Focus will be on efficient use of irrigation to minimize usage and costs as water costs increase. This should have a positive impact on LMD costs, which are currently $70,000 per year for water. The irrigation project is currently estimated at $344,000, but could increase as the design unfolds in more detail. Jim Lynn provided input on the original system having been an original owner.
Jim Lynn will work with Wes Perryclear to provide input for the irrigation upgrade project
Concern about slope stability and fire buffer area was expressed relating to the appropriate ground cover behind and immediately abutting houses overlooking Lyon Canyon on Sagecrest Circle on the south and southwest facing slopes from roughly The Old Road [S] to Laurelcrest. To better address this issue, and get more input Bill Westcott will contact LA County Fire Department personnel who live in the area, Jim Lynn will contact a geo tech expert who lives in the area and Patrick will contact a Building and Safety Rep. The goal is to have these representatives present at the next meeting to provide input for decision making, specifically input on fire resistant ground cover, the extent needed and slope stability.
Community newsletter-
Patrick will add some additional information regarding ground cover, passage of assessment, how bids will be sought in the fall for maintenance, how tree trimming is to be taken in stages to protect the health of the trees. etc. He will email a copy to Bill Westcott by the end of the week, who will distribute copies to the other Committee members for review and comment.
The meeting was concluded at noon.
The Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 10 AM at Patrick’s office.
