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City staff reviews two tree-protection ballot measures after petitions filed
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Summary
City officials told the council they are reviewing two notices of intent to circulate ballot petitions: one to create a city arborist position with preservation authority and another to expand Monrovia's tree-preservation ordinance. Staff will prepare ballot titles and summaries by the May 1 statutory deadline.
Monrovia city staff said on April 21 they are reviewing two proposed initiative petitions that would expand local tree protections, including one measure to establish a city arborist position with authority over preservation decisions. Chelsea Strauss, representing Richards, Watson & Gershon while the regular city attorney was unavailable, told the council her office had received "two notices of intent to circulate petitions for initiative measures." She said the city must provide a ballot title and summary by the statutory May 1 deadline.
The measures emerged after residents and advocates raised concerns about Monrovia's 32-year-old tree-protection ordinance during public comment. City Manager Dylan Feek said staff will coordinate with the city attorney's office and bring information to council, potentially as a study session, if proponents proceed with circulation. "At some point in time, we'll bring an item to the city council and do it as a presentation, perhaps a study session to share the information that's been presented if the petitioners seek to proceed with circulating the petition," Feek said.
Strauss described the two proposals in general terms: one would establish a city arborist position with authority over preservation and planning; the other would significantly expand existing tree protections in the Monrovia Municipal Code. Both require additional steps, including collecting certified voter signatures before they can appear on a future ballot. Strauss said her office will produce the draft ballot titles and summaries required by law.
Advocates in public comment urged updates to Monrovia's tree protections to reflect new science and to preserve canopy and heritage specimens. Councilmembers noted neighboring jurisdictions have recently updated ordinances and suggested staff ensure any city response is carefully scoped.
If proponents gather sufficient signatures, the city would be required to place the measure(s) before voters unless otherwise invalidated; council and staff would also have an opportunity to present city analysis and fiscal impact information as the process proceeds. Councilmembers asked staff to prepare background materials and to return to the council with next steps if the petitioners choose to circulate.
The city clerk and city attorney's office are the initial points of contact for proponents and staff advised residents to follow the formal submittal process rather than seek contract discussions during public comment. The council did not take formal action on the initiatives at the April 21 meeting.
