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Resident asks council to consider repurposing 75-year-old Canary Island pine; staff to agendize
Summary
A longtime resident asked the council to consider repurposing the Canary Island pine (formerly at Library Park, known as "Milton") into public furnishings or art; staff said West Coast Arborist and Angel City Lumber salvaged the trunk and staff will agendize the issue for council consideration.
Brian Shepherd, a resident and property owner of more than 35 years, used the public-comment period on March 18 to urge the council to consider repurposing a Canary Island pine that had stood in Library Park for about 75 years. Shepherd said the trunk was salvaged after the tree was removed for disease and is now at Angel City Lumber for potential reuse.
Shepherd requested the council direct staff to place an agenda item to discuss options — for example, making benches, tables or design pieces — and mentioned a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by community members to cover transportation and milling costs for the more than 45-foot trunk. He suggested the city could honor the tree’s history and display reclaimed pieces in public spaces.
City Manager George (first name used in presentation) said staff has worked with West Coast Arborist and Angel City Lumber; staff acknowledged the tree had been diseased and said they would agendize the matter for a future council meeting so the council could consider what portions of the trunk are salvageable and whether the city wants to pursue art or furnishings from the reclaimed wood.
Council members signaled support to agendize the item and asked Shepherd to bring concrete design ideas if the item returns to an agenda.
