Welcome South Dakota Municipal League

Transcription

1 Welcome South Dakota Municipal League History of Street Tree Trimming in Sioux Falls Ordinance was adopted in 1957 requiring property owners to care and maintain street trees. Forestry Division was created in 1970 to address tree removals caused by Dutch Elm disease. In the 80s to mid 90s the Forestry Division would trim street trees when time allowed but never made a complete cycle through the city. From the mid 90 s to 2005 street tree trimming was driven by complaints of low hanging branches and property owners were required to trim. Project T.R.I.M. (Tree Raising Improvement Methods) was adopted by the Mayor and City Council in Project T.R.I.M. Project T.R.I.M. is a 5 year cyclic street tree trimming program designed to address low hanging branches over streets and sidewalks. Both public and private trees (approximately 1/3 involve private trees/shrubs), that impact the Rightof Way, are inspected and brought into compliance with city code. 1

2 Forestry District Map There are 5 geographic districts. Each district is divided into 3 areas which are inspected once every 5 years. Project T.R.I.M. Steps Survey area for ordinance compliance Windshield survey takes approximately 10 days per year Two people (one driver and one recorder) Send letter to property owner with due date On average 34% of properties surveyed need trimming ,342 properties survived, 2,835 letter were sent to property owner or 30%. Inspection of property after due date Process stops if trees are in compliance Project T.R.I.M. Steps Leave note if more trimming needed On average 29% of properties receive a door hanger ,835 letters sent, 912 door hanger were posted or 32% Inspection after extension due date Process stops if trees are in compliance Trimmed by Forestry Crew ,342 inspected, 120 were trimmed by the Forestry Crew or 4% 2

3 Ordinance Clearance Heights The established heights of branches over streets and sidewalks in Sioux Falls are: 16 feet over arterial and collector streets 12 feet over all other streets 10 feet over sidewalks Tree Complaints 5 Years Before Project TRIM Past 5 Years of Project TRIM Average Tree Complaints Per Year Average Tree Complaints Per Year (61% decrease) Population of Sioux Falls in ,975 Population of Sioux Falls in ,500 (44% increase) 3

4 Project T.R.I.M. The geographic areas are also used to make sure all city properties are inspected at least once every 5 years. o parks were inspected for compliance and trimmed if needed. o 2016 Other city properties were inspected for compliance and trimmed if needed. (ex. Libraries, Fire Stations, Detention Ponds, Medians, etc.) City Budget Impacts Current cost of Project T.R.I.M. o $47,300 annually Estimated cost of Contracting Trimming o $659,000 annual budget increase Estimated cost of City Crew Trimming o $580,000 annual budget increase (6 FTE) o One time start up cost $735,000 (Equipment and Warm Storage) Computerized Irrigation Began with the final development of Harmodon Park. In 2010, we added 3 weather stations which completed the transition park system wide at the cost of $55,000. Less than 10% of the park system is irrigated, approximately 270 acres. 4

5 Computerized Irrigation Began with the final development of Harmodon Park. In 2010, we added 3 weather stations which completed the transition park system wide at the cost of $55,000. Less than 10% of the park system is irrigated, approximately 270 acres. Toro Sentential is the system used to control our systems based on evapotranspiration (ET) watering. ET value is set based on GPM of each head. This method limits the human element of programing the irrigation system. Also, all programs are set at the computer not at the irrigation controller. The system incorporates the use of radio controls which allows the operator to make adjustments in the field without going to the controller or computer. We estimate that we used 15% less water irrigating using the Toro Sentinel system. Field Usage Facility Priority Usage Guidelines Listed are guidelines used for assigning priority status for scheduling games, practices, camps, tournaments, meets, etc., at City facilities. The City exercises the right to allow other organizations, leagues, or teams facility usage as deemed appropriate by staff. The department s goal is to maximize facility usage without compromising the quality of the facility. Field Usage First Priority The longest standing organization/league based in Sioux Falls that has met the Parks and Recreation Criteria for Facility Reservation Status has first priority for usage. Second Priority Second longest standing organization/league based in Sioux Falls having met the Parks and Recreation Criteria for Facility Reservation Status has second priority for usage. Third Priority Organizations/leagues based in Sioux Falls not having met the Parks and Recreation Criteria for Facility Reservation Status have third priority for usage. 5

6 Field Usage Fourth Priority Individual teams based in Sioux Falls not having met the Parks and Recreation Criteria for Facility Reservation Status have fourth priority for usage. Tournaments that have historically used our facilities have the first right of refusal for the corresponding date the next year. State, Regional, and National Tournaments may hold priority over other requests we played host to 54 tournaments Harmodon baseball fields have seen 700+ games/practices (not including tournaments) Special Events held on City Property All events on public property route through Parks & Recreation Applications Processed with 22 being first time events 2016 Estimated attendance of 402,223 Special Events held on City Property Parks and Recreation plays a major role in the success of some of the city s best known events. The department is primarily responsible for facility and park rentals, and assists event organizers in navigating the City s special events application and permitting process. 6

7 Special Events held on City Property A special event application is required for events or activities that are open to the public, held outdoors on Public Property, a City street, Downtown, or in a City Park. Our goal is to assist the event planners in coordinating the services needed from the City of Sioux Falls to ensure the event is safe and successful. Event committee is represented by 10 City Departments. Each department plays a specific key role in the success of the event. Event applications have been denied after a careful review of its impact to the community and city resources. Thank You! Questions??