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RES 2014-19 HERITAGE TREE PROGRAMRESOLUTION NO. 2014 -19 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington, repealing Resolution No. 2006 -11 and passing Resolution No. 2014 -19 continuing the Heritage Tree Program and transferring application review and approval authority from the Community Forestry Commission to the Historic Preservation Commission. WHEREAS, Resolution No. 2006 -11 established the Heritage Tree Program for the City of Bainbridge Island; and WHEREAS, Resolution No. 2006 -11 vested application review and approval authority for the Heritage Tree Program with the Community Forestry Commission; and WHEREAS, the Community Forestry Commission is not currently meeting; and WHEREAS, in early January, 2014, the City Council authorized the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee to review the City's tree and landscaping regulations; and WHEREAS, because the Heritage Tree Program is designed to recognize trees that, among other things, have historical or cultural significance, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended the transfer of application review and approval authority for the Heritage Tree Program to the Historic Preservation Commission; and WHEREAS, on May 1, 2014, the Historic Preservation Commission agreed to accept the transfer of application review and approval authority of the Heritage Tree Program; now, therefore, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE ISLAND DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Resolution No. 2006 -11 is hereby repealed in its entirety. Section 2. The purpose of the Heritage Tree Program shall be to accomplish the following: A. Increase public awareness of trees in general; B. Draw attention to and protect those trees that are unique examples of genus, species or cultivar, form, size or other desirable features; C. Provide publicity for increased awareness of the purpose and activities of the City of Bainbridge Island and the Historic Preservation Commission; D. Encourage public participation in the identification and perpetuation of Heritage Trees throughout the City. Section 3. The definition of "Heritage Tree" is a tree or stand of trees that is particularly desirable because it has valued, unique characteristics that set it apart from other similar trees. Valued, unique characteristics include uncommon genus, species, cultivar, form, size, or location; historic, cultural, or habitat significance; or other desirable features. Section 4. The process for nomination shall be as follows: A. Any individual interested in identifying and preserving heritage trees may nominate a tree or trees on any Bainbridge Island property for Heritage Tree status. B. The City Council may nominate a tree or stand of trees on City property for Heritage Tree status. C. Heritage Tree nominations shall be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission on forms provided by the City. D. The nomination shall include (1) a description of the tree nominated; (2) the characteristics that merit the tree being designated for Heritage Tree status, including the history of the tree, if known; (3) a photograph of the tree; and (4) a map locating the tree. E. The owner of the property on which the nominated tree is located shall agree to the nomination by signing the consent statement on the nominating form. F. The owner of the property on which the nominated tree is located must agree in writing to allow the tree to be placed on a City map of Heritage Trees and for the City to install a plaque or other appropriate identification (1) selected by the City with concurrence of the owner and (2) paid for and installed by the City. G. To inform future property owners, the owner of the property will be encouraged to record a notice to title indicating the location of the Heritage Tree on the property. H. Upon recommendation by the Historic Preservation Commission, the Council may remove designation of any tree as a Heritage Tree if it finds that such designation is no longer appropriate. Section 5. The authority and process for designation of Heritage Trees shall be as follows: A. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consider Heritage Tree nominations at their regular monthly meetings, using the Heritage Tree Designation Guidance Document to make their determination. No tree may be given Heritage Tree status unless a quorum of Commission members discuss and vote in favor of the Heritage Tree nomination. B. Criteria to be considered by the Historic Preservation Commission for recommending a nomination for Heritage Tree status shall include the following: L The tree(s) nominated shall be a specimen tree that exhibits exceptional characteristics worthy of standards for such trees in the City. 2 ii. The tree nominated shall exhibit unique features that are notable (e.g., unique specimen of a genus, species, form, size, location, or significant historical, cultural, or habitat features). iii. The owner of the tree agrees in writing to the Heritage Tree designation and has complied with the nomination steps set forth above in Section 3. C. All Heritage Trees will be identified and recorded in a register maintained by the Historic Preservation Commission. D. Notice of all trees identified as Heritage Trees by the Historic Preservation Commission shall be forwarded to the Mayor. All designated trees, including names of the nominator and the property owner, will then be acknowledged in a Mayoral Proclamation at a City Council meeting. Section 6, The City will provide the owner with a professional arborist's assessment of the health of the tree and recommendations for maintaining the tree according to accepted pruning and care standards. Section 7. A Heritage Tree or stand of Heritage Trees is retained by the property owner and does not become the property or responsibility of the City. The property owner is responsible for all maintenance and liability issues pertaining to the tree or trees. Prior to removal of a Heritage Tree, a property owner must consult with the Historic Preservation Commission. However, a Heritage Tree designation does not prohibit a property owner from developing a property and /or removing the Heritage Tree or Trees subject to the City's Tree Retention Regulations. If a property owner removes a Heritage Tree or stand of Heritage Trees, the plaque or identification marker shall be returned to the City. PASSED by the City Council this 91h day of September, 2014. APPROVED by the Mayor this 9`h day of September, 2014. By: �_• C.. Y. V36, -, Anne S. Blair, Mayor ATTEST /AUTHENTICATE --0- a 51)-A= Rosalind D. Lassoff, Clity Clerk FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: August 27, 2014 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: September 9, 2014 RESOLUTION NUMBER: 2014 -19 C HERITAGE TREE NOMINATION FORM The City of Bainbridge island welcomes your interest in nominating a tree for the Heritage Tree Program. Preserving a community's unique, cultural or historic resources is an autobiographical undertaking which provides a lasting reference of place for future generations. A Heritage Tree is a tree or stand of trees that is particularly desirable because it has valued, unique characteristics that set it apart from other similar trees. Valued characteristics include uncommon genus, species, cultivar, form, size or location; historic, cultural, or habitat significance; or other desirable features. Any individual may nominate a tree or tree stand for Heritage status; however, the owner of the property on which the nominated tree is located must agree to the nomination by signing a consent statement on the attached nominating form. The City of Bainbridge Island will consider Heritage Tree nominations using the attached Heritage Tree Designation Guidance document to make their recommendation. Upon acceptance of a nomination, the City will list the tree or tree stand on the register and the City will provide the owner with a professional arborist's assessment of the tree or tree stand. A Heritage Tree or stand of trees is retained by the property owner and does not become the property or responsibility of the City. The property owner is responsible for all maintenance and liability issues pertaining to the tree or trees. Prior to removal of a Heritage Tree or tree stand, a property owner must consult with the City of Bainbridge Island. However, a Heritage Tree designation does not prohibit a property owner from developing a property and /or removing a Heritage Tree. Please submit the enclosed forms with the required information and photos to: Jennifer Sutton Planning and Community Development City of Bainbridge Island 280 Madison Ave. N Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 For help or information call the Department of Planning and Community Development at: (206) 780 -3772 or email: pcd a bainbridgewa.gov . NOMINATOR INFORMATION: Property nominated by: Property owner Names(s): Mailing Address: Telephone: Email Address: PROPERTY OWNER(S) INFORMATION: Names(s): Mailing Address: Telephone: Email Address: PROPERTY INFORMATION: Address or Location Tax Parcel # City Other I /we are the owners of said property and hereby acknowledge this nomination. I /we understand I /we reserve the right to withdraw this tree or tree stand from the register at any time we so choose. Signed: Date: Printed: Signed: Date: Printed: TYPE OF TREE OR TREE STAND: Genus: Species: Diameter at Breast Height (Db11): Estimated Age of Tree: HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE NARRATIVE: (Describe reasons for nomination as a Heritage Tree or tree stand. Please see the attached Heritage Tree Designation Guide for help with this section). DOCUMENTATION: Attach any supporting information or evidence: Required: Assessor's Map: Mark location of tree or tree stands on property. A copy of this map may be obtained from the Department of Planning and Community Development between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Photographs: Include a 4 x 6 photograph of nominated tree. Optional: Written Sources: Attach, in proper bibliographical form, any books, magazines, newspapers, videos, or movies that you used to research /establish significance. Oral History/Interviews: Attach /include in proper bibliographical form, oral histories /interviews, etc., you used to research /establish significance. Historic Maps and Photographs: List names and /or types of maps used in research. Include copies and photographs when possible. Heritage Tree Designation Guide Individual trees or tree stands may be designated Heritage Trees because they exhibit valued, unique characteristics that set them apart from other similar trees. Valued, unique characteristics include uncommon genus, species, form, size, location, historic significance or other desirable feature(s). Heritage Trees may be designated for any of the following characteristics: Specimen. A tree of exceptional size, form or rarity. Size. Any tree with a dBH of 36 inches or more. Species. Locally important native trees or trees and tree stands that are associated with the character of the community. Species that are rare in the area, with the exception of non- native, invasive tree species. Age. Trees of exceptional age. Historic, Cultural or Habitat Significance. Trees associated with notable local or regional historical or cultural events, persons, structures or landscapes. Trees planted as commemorative trees. Trees that serve as important habitat for valued wildlife. Ecological Value. Trees or tree stands with high ecological value due to their location, size, species and /or condition. Aesthetics. A tree with special aesthetic value due to its form or function it serves in the landscape (for example, a landmark pair of trees that frame an entrance). Location. Trees valued for their particular location.