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Council reviews new roadway landscaping and tree-replanting policy with three decision points
Summary
Staff presented a revised landscaping and tree-replanting policy that creates three decision points—concept design, right-of-way acquisition and near-construction—so council can consider funding and easement purchases at those stages. Director Brian O'Connor said the policy formalizes earlier practices and aims for corridor-level consistency.
Director Brian O'Connor presented a revised roadway landscaping and tree-replanting policy that separates the policy into purpose, goals and implementation and embeds a three-phase decision-making process so the council may authorize landscaping and easement purchases at set touchpoints in project development.
O'Connor said the approach formalizes practices the city already uses: staff come to council at concept design, at right-of-way evaluation and near construction so council can decide whether to buy additional right-of-way, authorize easements, or add landscaping funds. "This phased approach provides implementation [that] allows potential design, easement acquisition and construction cost to be identified throughout project development providing Mayor and Council with the opportunity to consider funding at each decision point," O'Connor said.
Council members asked whether the multi-stage review would delay contractors or add cost. O'Connor replied the touchpoints align with staff’s current practice and should not impede road construction; members suggested the city prepare a small set of consistent corridor-level options (e.g., three character-area templates) and lower‑detail renderings to speed decisions and avoid a patchwork of aesthetics.
