Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Landscape Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents question Mariposa Landscaping expenses and oak-tree irrigation; councilors seek follow-up
Summary
Public commenters raised questions about Mariposa Landscaping costs for tree removal and hydroseeding and urged oak-friendly, drought-tolerant plantings; council members asked staff and the contractor to review arborist recommendations and address irrigation issues.
During public comment at the Oak Park MAC meeting May 28, residents raised concerns about recent landscaping work and ongoing irrigation and tree-management practices.
"I referenced questions I raised following the previous month's meeting regarding expenses included in the Mariposa Landscaping consent report," said resident Steven Kozel, who questioned costs associated with pine tree removal, olive tree replacement, and hydroseeding at Golden Eagle Drive and Kanan Road and asked for oversight and monitoring of landscaping expenditures.
Janna Orkney distributed photos and urged the council to consider drought-tolerant, lower-maintenance plantings and to follow the 2004 Arborist Study's recommendations for oak watering and care. She also flagged lingering tree stumps in medians and suggested additional planting locations along Conifer Street and Smoketree Avenue.
Councilmembers responded that the issues would be investigated. Chair Michelle Santucci said Mariposa had evaluated alternatives to annual plantings and had reduced the planting area to lower costs and water use. "Mariposa Landscaping evaluated alternatives to annual plantings and selected an option that would provide color while avoiding obstruction of the monument sign," Santucci said.
J.L. Diaz said he discussed the Arborist Study with Mariposa and that the contractor would consult its arborist on the recommendations; Diaz offered to follow up and review conditions in the field. Brian Trushinski said an earlier site visit with Public Works staff considered the Arborist Study and that the findings would be considered in future maintenance and planting decisions.
Council members directed staff to continue coordination with Mariposa Landscaping and Public Works; JL Diaz said he would meet with Ms. Orkney to better understand specific concerns. A service request for irrigation along Tamarind Street and Smoketree Avenue was noted as submitted.
No formal policy or contract changes were adopted during the meeting; councilmembers made clear they expect follow-up reporting and greater transparency on expenditures and irrigation repairs.
