Okay? All right. Good evening, everyone. My name is Katty Filippo. I'm the assistant city manager. Um and I have the pleasure to introduce the um the host of today's workshop, the sponsor. As you guys know,
this is an item that was sponsored by Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy and that it was approved by council. And so, we want to introduce the Vice Mayor who will deliver welcome remarks followed by Mr. Kenneth DeWain with our Community Planning Development Department to just
provide an overview of the program and then followed by any questions and answers that may have. So, for without further ado, Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy. All righty. Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us today as we
launch this new tree trimming workshop in the City of North Miami. I definitely want to thank my colleagues for supporting this initiative that we were able to bring before the City Council where we funded a hundred and fifty thousand dollars um into a fund for tree trimming and removal. Although, we'll
talk about the removal a little bit later because removal is a little bit more extensive as I'm learning. Um I like to tell everyone this is a new program, so this trial and error, right? You know, we've did a lot of research, um looked at what other cities were doing to try to bring forth a program
that our residents can benefit from. As you all know, June 1st is the start of hurricane season. And during 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit our city, um we saw the amount of debris removal that we had to do here in our city. Um trees, branches were falling. So, right now you
might see FPL pruning some of their trees where they leave the V. That's FPL going around, not the city. Um and then right now we're getting ready to run launch our own tree trimming program in the City of North Miami for emergency situations um where you may have a tree that needs to be trimmed or a tree that
may be hazardous or you know, you're fearful that it may fall on your roof and so forth. So, this is why this program was so essential for me to launch, and I thank my colleagues again for supporting, um, and thank you CPN D and Debbie and her team for overseeing the program because, you know, a program
has to live with a department, right? And every department is like, "I don't want no more work, right?" And I get it. I understand. I also used to work for the city of North Miami. Um, but this is a program that's for our residents, and it's a need. So, I thank you all for being a part of it. And without further
ado, I will call up our sustainability team, Mr. Kenneth, who will go who will go over the programs, the nuts and bolts. Again, you know, this is our first launch. Please ask questions towards the end. We did live stream it, so if your neighbor of yours were not able to attend, they can go on YouTube
and, you know, visit the, um, our our live stream link to learn more about this program in the city. It is a one-time funding as of right now. Um, I think next year in the budget process will and see if this is something that we have to, you know, do
recurring, or add more funding, or maybe find, you know, sponsors. Um, one thing I would do want to know about the program is that this is a grant that you will have to do some work as well, because you will be in charge of finding your own subcontractor to cut your trees. The city is not, you know,
selecting that vendor for you. You would have to, and we will pay the grant to that subcontractor. So, that's one key thing that I want to make sure that we stress tonight is that we're not cutting individuals a check. We are not looking for your subcontractors because the city wanted to make sure that we reduce the
liability on our our end, um, and ensuring that you guys can get the best deal because one person may say, "Hey, I can cut this tree for 500." And someone may tell you 1,200. So, that's for, you know, you all to do the work, right? And ensuring that you can find a a contractor that's licensed and
registered with the city of North Miami in order to receive this grant. So, without further ado, Mr. Kenneth. Excellent. Thank you so much. Thank you, Vice Mayor. My name is Kenneth Winning, Sustainability Administrator in Community Planning and Development. And we're here for the tree trimming
program. If I can Is that better? Okay, that's better. All right, so it is a new program as it was said before. So things will change, it will flow, but as we progress through the program, we will figure out what works, what doesn't works, what we can additionally include.
And so, you know, stump removal may be a part of that later and a couple of other items. So, you know, we want to make sure that we get the emergency situations taken care of for residents first because, you know, you don't want your neighbor or yourself, your family, your pet to be in the way of a of a
a limb that could actually cause harm. So, what is this program? One-time emergency tree trimming grant, up to 1,000 per tree for qualifying residents. So, you know, let's keep it at one at first unless you, you know, you have a separate application, you make the points. Hey, there's another tree in my yard
that's equally bad. You know, we'll look on a case-by-case basis and we'll go from there. It's coming from the general fund. No repayment is needed. So, isn't that wonderful? First come, first served. And so, we're helping, like I said, dangerous tree limbs. And then if you
have a very urgent case, you jump to the line, priority. You know, we is and what it's not. Like I said, dangerous limbs. Pretty easy to figure out what that is. Does it threaten life, property, safety? Like I said, your pets, your children,
your car, your house. One-time grants for verified emergencies only. Does not It's not a tree removal program. Now, if we get to a point later on, it could potentially include that, the stump grinding and so on. So, it is one of
them. You know, new program, we'll see where it goes. It's not for, you know, making the trees look pretty. It's not for aesthetic purposes. It's not for your regular maintenance. Everybody clear? Yeah. All right. Is this a good tree or a bad tree? Exactly. So, if we see this in your
yard, I mean, you have to make it easy for us that's going to be reviewing the applications. When I open up that email and I see the images and I see a tree like this, it's almost a guaranteed approve. Clearly, if that's a problem. Now, if I'm I'm struggling to see, well, which tree is it? Is there a problem?
Is it going to be hard for me to tell if that's good or not? So, disease and pest infestation. Now, that does happen. There are termites that have been flying around lately. You know, is there the bore holes? Do you see it on the tree? Do you see decay? Is the wood squishy? You know, these are
all items that we would be like, okay, yes. So, you know, don't take a picture 50 ft away. I'm not going to be able to see that, but get the picture real close if you can. Zoom in. You know, we all have phones. We can probably zoom in or get or get a a young family member to help you out there.
So, we have, you know, visible root rot decay, so on. So, if anybody's home has this particular tree in their yard, I know exactly where this is. Please come to me after. Uh and the reason why this is a problem, this tree is roughly 80 ft tall. And so,
you can see these limbs are extending close to 40 ft out over somebody's house, their car. This is dangerous. This weighs hundreds of pounds. This is the type of program This is what the program's all about is taking all this dead wood off the tree. Now, like I
said, we'll end up cutting down. As you can see how somebody did this before where they cut it down to here. It's a lot less problematic when it's this size. Once again, this is clearly a tree that is is is hurting. you know, that that's an that's an acceptable uh uh you know,
image for you to to show us. On the left, major decay. It's it's very relevant. Uh on the right, be cautious with the amount of ones you do with this. Some of them could you know, trees are going to be going over the house. And for something like this, we could cut it
back to here or there's another branch probably on the tree, cut it back here. But we what we don't want to do is just straight up and down the tree. Cuz that's bad. And uh you want to make sure that your landscape contractor, you know, does it properly because if you do that, it it
makes the one side of the tree heavier and now you're actually encouraging it to fail. So, we don't want that to happen. May I May I ask you So, the tree doesn't have to be dying but it has to be like the branch it could be alive but it has branches that
eventually Okay. The tree doesn't have to be dying. It could be alive but it might have branches that are going over roofs. So, so in most cases >> removed before they decay or before they fall.
Well, then I mean on on that basis we would need to remove every tree because it's eventually going to decay or die. So, But she's [snorts] talking about particularly the ones over the roof. So, in certain in certain instances where there is a conflict >> the it's alive I I I can see I can see
in situations like this where it is it it's necessary but we don't want to just keep going all the way up the tree. So, you know, if you have something that's clearly going to grow into your house, it it's definitely a concern. Okay. Well, we'll do the uh the questions at
the end if if you guys don't mind. Okay. No, no, no worries. No worries. So, we we can clearly tell that these trees are dangerous, correct? It's no problem. I'm going to teach everyone how to be an arborist, right? This is This is easy, right? We know these are problem trees.
Okay, so here here here's a here's a proper tree pruning. You can barely see that anything was really done, right? Now, there was a limb right here, could have been dead, whatever, and they even thinned out the tree. But, you can see you don't you don't mess with the shape, the natural shape,
you know, it's cut cleanly, it's a balanced-looking tree, it looks normal, there's no there's no bark that's been torn off from the the chainsaws. See, that's the other thing, when you're when you're looking for a contractor, there's very specific ways you have to cut a tree so
it doesn't rip, and we'll get into that. Oh, one other thing, uh it's best if you have a certified arborist who follows these ANSI A300 standards. So, that's like the methodology, that's the best ways of of pruning trees and making sure it's healthy for the tree, healthy for people.
I'm sorry. I know you said hold on till the end, but this question is important. Are we talking about trees on the swale, or are we talking about trees on the property proper? Yeah, so this is on your private property.
Yeah, so swale trees do not qualify during this. Uh in in those instances, you would want to reach out to our parks department for them to uh put it on their their tree trimming schedule. Yes, so the city of North Miami does have a um tree tree trimming I think for their swales, but
that is only um through now in our parks department, and they currently have a backlog of about 2 years. I know, it's a very long time, um but it's it's yeah, it's a very long time, but I know that the crew is very small, and
they're just now getting new equipment. Um so, that's why they've been very backlogged with um the tree trimming crew. And it takes about 4 hours per tree. So, you can imagine they're only able to do two houses a day and so forth. So, yeah, I'm sorry. If you guys
submitted a tree request through our city side. And if And if there's something that can't wait uh with parks department and the timeline, you know, send it out to community plan development say it's an urgent it's a it's a dangerous situation. I'll make sure personally that we handle it. Uh but if it's
regular maintenance, you know, it it goes through the queue just like everything else. If you can't wait for that long, you can put a tree permit in with our department and we can review it and we can you can actually hire somebody to do one of those, but it's a different step, different process, different program.
Well, we can see what's going on here, right? I I I lost it. Uh is this is this a good way to trim a tree? Right? We're We're all We're all arborists here now. >> That's mutilation. Yeah, it's mutilation. I like this. Okay, so this would be called hat racking. You know, you put your hat
here, you put your coat here, hat rack, right? That's a hat rack. So, that was one of our first ones here. Lion's tailing, we'll get into that, but that's what happens after you do this. So, when you do this to a tree, it starts sprouting all these little lion's tails. We'll get to a picture that shows that, which is bad because if it's up
happening in a hurricane is called weak attachments and they snap off and they fly. So, we don't want to trim trees incorrectly because now we we make it suffer further in the future. Removing interior branches, I don't think anyone's going to do that, but you wouldn't want to cut out all these limbs
either. That would look silly. You know, LPL does that cuz they have line clearances. Uh too close to trunk, your landscapers will know that. Torn bark, we've went over. Uh tree spikes, you know, make sure your landscape guys don't put the crampons on and just jab the tree with the metal, you know, cuz that can that
has the the possibility of getting, you know, insects in it, rot, damage. And we don't want that. Are these good trees? This is an example of not only hat racking, chop chop chop, but they've also topped it.
Which is which is a double whammy. And over here, if they would have trimmed right with the chainsaw, it wouldn't as the tree limb fell down, it wouldn't have pulled the bark with it. So now, you're going to get insects in here. You're going to get damage. And now this tree is going to suffer forever
because somebody did the wrong chainsaw cut. So, you know, when you guys have those guys out on your properties, make sure they're there out there doing the right thing. So this is the lion's tails. See how it's just tons of little fingers coming up? Those are the hurricane issues right there. That makes it incredibly dangerous for a
tree. It makes it weaker, and that tree is never going to look right. I had to throw in palm trees. People do this all the time. And uh palm trees, they love to be bushy. Don't don't chop it all off. Um people say hurricane cut. These
things have been through hurricanes. They're tough. Uh when you do this, you're actually allowing the insects and the damage and everything else to get into it. This is actually very bad for the palm tree. Now you have a center core that's dying. Now it's unstable. Now the whole tree could fall because you thought you were doing the right
thing by trimming. The left one's obvious. Now the right one, can anybody tell me why this might be a problem? Is it cables just next to it? Uh no, they're further in the distance. Oh yeah. Well, they they just hat racked
all that tree. That this this uh crap right here. They need to have air in between. They're too close. So it means the air can go right A a too close issue, I can kind of feel, but it's more about how they've trimmed the tree. Can anybody spot it?
Asymmetrical. All right, we're we're getting there. Yes. This is what's called lifting a tree. There used to be branches down here. There used to be leaves. And what they did was they just cut cut cut cut cut. And now the majority of the tree is all up top. That makes this tree unhealthy. It makes it
weaker. And this can encourage hurricanes to blow it over. You need stabilized weight over a tree. So, this is actually a bad job right here. So, this is part of the handout that I gave you. This is the more condensed version. Um this is why it's so
important for your tree trimmers to be doing the right thing. You guys are now becoming arborist, so you'll understand. Uh there is violations in the city of North Miami if if your landscapers do it wrong. And unfortunately, it goes where the violation occurred, which means your property. So, you could be liable for
tree mitigation, which could include planting more trees, could pay to the tree mitigation bank, it could include fines, going to the magistrate. Do Do we want that? Absolutely not. We don't want that. So, we just want to do it the correct way, right? So, you know, this is the stuff that we've talked about. As long as we don't
do that, we're all set. Penalties, I won't get too far into detail about that, but that's the mitigation that the costs. All right. The favorite time. The interactive time. All right, you guys have learned, so are
you ready? No, I've I've got a only a couple more. Just a couple more and then I'll answer some questions. What I want to see if you if everybody learned. So, it's your turn to tell me whether this is a good or a bad job. On the left picture, is that
It's bad, yes. Now, remember how I said how there's certain cuts that have to happen? The first cut goes under. The second cut over top. That takes the weight off the tree and it eliminates that tearing of the bark. It's that first cut that that saves the tree. And
then you clean it up. And then you won't get stuff like this over here. Good or bad? Exactly. So that this this is something that FPL would do, but also this this is also this is also something where people have good intentions. Just
imagine this is somebody's house. Oh, I don't want it to I don't want it to fall on my house. I got to trim every Well, what you've done is you've lopsided the tree. That's what we call it in arboriculture. Lopside the tree. All the weight's on that side of the tree now. This is not a healthy tree. And what's
even worse is if you do this on your property and now it falls on your your your neighbor's property, guess who's responsible for this tree? Exactly. There's only three more slides, I believe. Could be four. >> [laughter]
>> Oh, this this isn't even in the city of North Miami, but it was such a wonderful example of what what we call lopsiding. All right, this is kind of a tricky one. Is this good or bad? I hear a little bit of both. So this is So So my first indicator is it's been
topped, right? And so topped is bad. Uh and also a little bit too many limbs have been taken up here. So you're almost you know you're you're you're putting too much weight on the top. So Yeah, so this is a little bit more tricky, but we don't want to do that either. Trees aren't Trees Nature does
not look like that. We don't want to do that. All right, what about this one? Good or bad? Referring to the after photo. Perfect example of how you trim a tree. It was bushy and looked all over the place. Still kind of like that, but they
did a proper job. Perfect. They they took the the dangerous limbs away. They cleaned it up. They opened it up. And if you have any issue with electric lines, please contact FPL. Do not have your landscapers go out here and do this.
All right. I I Please. Here's the phone number for FPL. Please do that. Uh eligibility Oh. Yes. >> [laughter] >> So this is for FPL. 866-274-9098. 866-274-9098.
Oh yeah, because if there's trees near the power line, um and someone touches it, they can actually die, especially the the higher one up. Um yeah, please be very careful if they're trimming trees near power lines in the back or in the front of your house. Correct. And we have our eligibility
requirements. This is also on the website, which will be changing a little bit, but you guys understand where we're going. You have to live within the sort of the city of North Miami, 18 or older, homeowner or renter, but the renter has to have consent from the property owner to be able to qualify, residential
property, no commercial. Um you know, you have to allow the city to assess the tree, come onto the property. So please tell us if you have a barking dog, biting dog, >> [laughter] >> a gate that we need to unlock, something of that nature. Uh once again, they use the ANSI A standards by a certified
arborist. So important because these guys know what they're doing. You know, you don't want to trust somebody with a $200 in their pocket and going to big box store and hey, I'm a I'm a tree trimmer now. It's one of the most dangerous professions in the world for a reason. One one is I A 300. It's it's a methodology for the the for the right
way to trim trees. And anybody that has that certification been in a while, they will know those rules. It tells them how to cut trees, where to cut. Uh like I said before, not we don't have it yet, but the stump removal not allowed, but it could. Uh healthy trees aesthetic trimming, regular maintenance.
So, do you have a list One moment. This is I think this is the last slide. >> Yeah, I think this is Yeah. And then how to apply. Uh you can go online very easy. If you do it online and submit it, it's it's much easier for us because if you bring paper in once again now you're killing trees too cuz you got so much paper. But
now we have to we have to take the time, we have to scan it. Oh, the scan didn't work. Your photos aren't right. If you do it all online, it comes immediately to me. We can put it in a folder and it's quick and easy. So, you know, three photos of the particular area that's very important. A video really helps us
because if you have a whole forest of trees and you take pictures. I'm not really sure, but if you do a video, you're talking. Yeah, it's that limb. You see where it's decayed? And I'm like, oh yeah, I do see where it's decayed. Okay. There we go. Questions. All right, this is the I think we Do we have another mic
um Digna or just you? Okay. One moment. Let's let's let's answer some questions. Where can we find the cozy vacation Zoom for the right the 300 or whatever thing. I mean, where do we find Okay. Three trimmers. Okay. Thanks.
Sorry. You want two? Okay, my question is the trees we have between the neighbors. We have a big giant tree. It's between the my yard, but I can touch it cuz we have two two other neighbors
are so scared and the trees are very giant tree. What can I do? Is the stump on your property? Uh thanks God people like hurricane. I don't like hurricane. So, I pray every day for the hurricane. >> on your property? Where's the tree? Is it on your property or your neighbor's
property? On my property. So, Kenneth and but if the branches are going into the neighbor's That that is a that is a difficult issue and I think that the state uh that the state actually decided not to rule against it and that was just
recently and I I don't know where exactly where they are right now. Your best bet is to contact your neighbor and have you both come in with an application. Uh it's a tricky gray area because you don't want to be lopsiding a tree like I said. Um but then you also want to trim it right but then then you can't get access
to their property because if if I trip and fall and they didn't do the application, you know, it's tricky. So I I would suggest speak with your your neighbor and and do an application together. Mine's a take on that. I had a situation where my neighbors Um my That will probably have to be an
answer for That's the city manager's office. We'll we'll take that up to the assistant city manager. Um still one tree. The one tree. The one tree. Yeah. Hi. I was just talking. And so were they.
So what I'm thinking what I always said is listening I was in the middle of talking. Per tree. Per tree a thousand dollars per tree, correct? What I'm thinking is that you wouldn't get the consent form from your neighbor as you would if you're a renter so that you can ensure that Yeah.
>> Oh, let me come up here. So she was saying you'll get consent form from your neighbor. Let's say the tree branches is going into your neighbor's yard, also get a consent form, also get your neighbor to ensure that they sign the whole hold harmless agreement. I believe that's what it is well. Um so we just want to make sure that there's consent
amongst the neighbors um knowing that the liability may or may not be shared. So mine's continuation of that but it's the reverse. So my neighbor has a tree that's a danger to my property and my neighbor is refusing to do anything about it. So it's got termite infestation, it's
got things that fall on my roof. So what do we do in that situation? She says no, we'd have to get a permit. She doesn't want to deal with it. Well, for a removal you need a permit for the tree trimming. >> to trim it back, even any of that. It's infested with termites. But And you gave her the flyer and she didn't want to come to the workshop. >> give her the flyer. She They rent it,
they don't care. They live on the other side. They just have renters and they don't care about it, but it's a danger to my house. So, what can I do? It's a It's another tricky situation. I think we'll I think we'll have to defer to to legal on that question till we get >> them are going to probably be case by case. Yeah, they told me the city told me they don't want to deal with those
situations and it's my own problem. Yeah, cuz it's we normally wouldn't because that's a Yeah, it's it's on your neighbor's property, but in case that they do want to apply, let's say, you know, maybe you want to apply just to remove the the tree off of your house, but that's a question that would probably have to go before legal to
determine if we can because technically the tree belongs to your neighbor. Okay. Mhm. Um I actually have two, but I want to follow up with um what This is a problem. I have the same exact issue. Um
my neighbor, the tree is on um on my neighbor's. Technically, it's on our line, but it's on their property, but it is greatly affecting the effect is to my property. So, um I think it's something that the city should take more serious
um consideration of what the solution is to that because that is um universal in the city of North Miami. Uh secondly, uh what is the situation if you have multiple trees? Um I have about four or five trees in um
in that could be in consideration. Do we send all uh photos of all all of the trees? I believe that's what you said earlier, right? Take a video of all trees because maybe not every tree will be eligible only if you have four or five It has to be assessed. So, so and then the grant is up to $1,000. So,
maybe you said like Yeah, and maybe >> each one that I think would be a candidate? >> Correct. Yes. >> Okay. Perfect. And and I think we'll update the application process just slightly, too. I I would like in your words what's going on because I can look at pictures, but, you know, if you say, "Hey, I I saw this or I did that or
that." For example, it's what describe me a little bit more because >> I get I get just like picture picture picture video. I I approve and you know, it doesn't really tell me much. So what like I said it's a new program and what we're going to build into it.
Correct. Hi, good afternoon. 1,000 per household. Yes, sir. I uh last January my question is um one of my power lines got hit and it's on a pine
tree that's on my front yard and I was telling FPL that you should just avoid that line going to my house from the pine tree and move it. But they said that um my it's my pine tree, it's my
responsibility, they're going to do it anyway the same way to line to my house. So and I have to trim the tree. So I want to know which one's responsibility is is is it really mine or FPL's because you guys
just said it has to be And the tree is on is on your property, correct? In your backyard or your front yard? >> Front yard. Your front yard. So this program is for a tree trimming well, I guess to trim your tree. But once if you submit for this program, it would have to be assessed by our team to ensure
whether that tree can be trimmed or not. Um if it's near a power line, um I'm not sure are you guys contacting FPL? I I think I think it would be putting your contractors almost in harm's way. I would say to stay away from that. Let the professionals of FPL do it. Now FPL
does like going crazy with chainsaw. So if you're not comfortable with that situation and then that situation I'd have it hire a very good arborist that used to doing that has the certifications to work cuz they have a certification to be allowed to do that type of trimming. And those guys that work with FPL that you know, they have
side you know, Arborist companies and that they'll more than be able to take care of you but you you don't want them you know, guys been out there 8 9 hours in the day and they're just ready to get done and they just start doing this with a chainsaw cuz your your tree is going to get butchered. We had a question right here. One more I'm sorry.
No, he has one in or No. So the city is not providing a list of contractors for that same exact reasons. We cannot be held reliable for if anything were to happen on your property. That's why we're leaving it up to the homeowner to ensure that you find
someone licensed and capable to remove these trees. Right here. She has a mic in the back. >> Hi. Um on the issue with the neighbors, I had a problem with a neighbor who had trees hanging over my fence and I asked her to
take care of it and she sent me like four pages of City of North Miami rules stating that if it >> [clears throat] >> were to hang over the fence line onto my property that I was therefore and at
that point responsible for it. So it depends on where this this problem lies. If it's on your side of the fence, apparently it's your responsibility but if your tree goes to someone else's property, it therefore
becomes their responsibility. And I had to take care of her trees even though they hung over my property. So it's something you want to look up. I'm not sure if the rules have changed. This is a This is a state level issue and like I said, a few months ago they decided to
not even hear the case. It's it's and it's that's way bigger than the city. Once they make a determination, then the city will. So unfortunately at this time And have to just wait for rules to come out. Yeah, we might have to just get a legal opinion on that one. Just to make sure
that the facts are correct. Not saying that your neighbor didn't get the correct information, but bad with my neighbors who was a very nasty person to me over this. It started Yeah, it's it's started with that situation and I ended up in court.
She had a question right here. So that's why yes, some Mhm. I have two questions. To the mic, please, so we can have others hear. I have two questions. One, are you the oak tree is Florida protected,
correct? So I think that's a misconception in the city of North Miami. So every every tree other than trees that are on the prohibited list, which Miami-Dade County has a huge amount on about 30 or so and then we have a few in addition to that. They're usually invasive species.
They're bad and we remove them when new development comes through, right? So we don't spread seeds all over the place and you know, um that being said, uh all trees are protected other than that and you need a tree removal permit if you do remove trees, but also I think where the
misconception with oak trees is because they're usually larger than 18 in and so any tree over 18 in is classified as a specimen tree in the city and that has additional protection. So it may be an oak tree, usually is, but it could be other trees, anything over 18 in. So So
my question is could that be trimmed? Could that be trimmed? >> My question is could I be could that be trimmed? Cuz I have a large oak tree. I mean if it if it qualifies with the decay and and the damage and the rot >> are everywhere.
Over the roof, over my neighbor's roof. So We can we can possibly take a look at some of the roof issues because I don't want limbs to come down, but like I said, we can't trim all the limbs off the roof because then that will lopside the tree. So, we can we can look on a case-by-case basis, but I can't promise
anything right now. Okay. So, you could it could be trimmed. It's a possibility. Mhm. Wow. Okay. The other question is um the website. Where would we get the application from? >> Go back to the last website. Do we have some of the flyers too, Gabby, that has
the QR code? Yeah. Yeah, that Yeah. And she's bringing you Yeah, some cards. You have a question in the back? Oh, for the cards. Oh, we have a question right here. Oh, and oh Oh, we'll go here and then we'll go
here. Thank you. How How does this work though as far as the grant goes? The city comes out, assesses it, and then we pick the um the trimmer, and the city pays them?
So, we don't pick the trimmer. That will be the responsibility of the applicant. Um we may or may not come out to the site. Uh if you take so good of pictures and such good video, like that first picture I showed where it's just so obvious that oh yeah, that tree needs to be removed,
I don't need to go out there. Now, once you get done, yeah, we'll probably come out. Okay, they did exactly what they said. Especially if you do one of those hat racking jobs and all over I'm I'm sure we'll be out, but who's really going to be out is code compliance, and we don't even want to do that. It's a probably code compliance will be a problem for
you. It'll be a problem for us reviewing because then we have to go with then we have to do like 10 extra steps, and we don't want to do that. So, I filled out the application already. Okay. Submitted the photos. What's the next step? Uh so, we're we're still waiting for the rest of the remainder of
the the program to kind of take effect, get the right people on who's going to be reviewing what. Um and and what's your name if you don't mind me asking? Uh Mary Jo Stasco. Mary Jo, okay. Uh I'll take a look at it, and uh we'll go from there. Wonderful. Thank you.
And there's a shorting link. Thank you, KDR communications director. Um North Miami fl.gov/treetrimming. So that's the short link for the application for this grant. So tree trimming. So northmiamifl.gov/treetrimming. Right behind you, one second, ma'am.
Yeah, behind you. So I'm on 131st in North Miami Avenue. I thought it was North Miami until I needed to get a new recycle bin and it said I had to reach out to unincorporated Dade. That would be correct. I'm not sure if unincorporated has Would I be I probably
wouldn't be a No, only only for city of North Miami residents. >> That's what I figured. Okay. Thank you. >> There was one more right here. All right. I have a question. So I'm not sure if you mentioned this at first cuz I came in a little late, but I understand rock qualifies. The the tree
is for damage. What about termite damage or an imbalance one way or the other affect potentially affecting a property? Yes. So so termites, if you see the bore holes and there's clear decline in the canopy, that is
definitely a concern. So I would send those photographs in as well. But when you you know, when you type up, hey, we have termites, show me. You know, take a zoom in picture because it will be on the bark. I will be able to see it. >> Okay. Okay. And then your other question, if a tree is currently lopsided, there is actually a method in
which we can corrective prune it to take some of the weight off the other side and then that way it'll start sprouting up and and become more full again. So that that could qualify. I could see I could see that working. And another thing I want to know is that this program does not have AMI, so it is
open to all residents to apply. No AMI requirement. So sometime AMI requirement is like 80 to 120. So meaning that you have a have to you have to have a certain income limit. So there's no income limit. We wanted to make accessible to everyone um
in North Miami. What about Melaleuca trees? I was reading that they are an invasive tree and in addition to that they're they're highly toxic as far as people having allergies and all kinds of issues. What's your
position on Melaleuca trees? It has been discussed. I think for right now we're doing the dangerous limbs and and dangerous tree situations. But hopefully if this program can be successful, we might be able to jump into that and I'm glad you raised that question because I'm I'm all about
taking out invasive species. So, you know, if we do good with this and you know, residents you know, select the right trees and we you make it efficient for us, we make it efficient for you, it'll show the program works and we can expand into other areas. >> Right, because there's a Melaleuca tree by my house and
it has these huge roots which I'm certain went into my plumbing. Mhm. And I just had to have my whole house replumbed which cost me money. The insurance company paid some of it, but all the plumbing was mine and I am certain that
this tree when they removed the toilet, you could see all of the roots because they look for water. Yeah. And like I said, I know that in mangrove areas they're very you know, dangerous and so forth and you know, invasive. So, I'm really concerned about this tree.
If if you could leave your contact information and then we'll have a discussion about that later and see where we can go with it. >> Thank you. And so while this program does also include tree removal, the thing with tree removal is that you would have to pull a permit and tree removal is probably way more expensive than the $1,000 grant. So, there'll
probably be a requirement if you're adamant about replying for a tree removal that there that there may be an additional cost and that process is a little bit longer than the additional tree trimming. So, I did want to put that out there as well. No permit is required for trimming? No
permit is required for trimming. I'd like to add a caveat for uh tree removal permit application just for, you know, general knowledge. If it is one of the prohibited species, Melaleuca included, Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, you can trim it without a permit. Have fun. Now, tell us first, take some
pictures. So, Yes, because we Yeah, we want to remove without a permit. Yes, but take pictures before because if code compliance goes out there and sees a big pile, then how how do we know? It's up to It's up to the applicant or it's up to the user to, you know, provide the evidence,
but uh anything and you can look it up, the Miami-Dade County prohibited tree list. That's the where almost every one of our trees are on there. We only have a couple of others, but I'll help you out, you know, with that. >> I have a huge oak tree in my yard. I've trimmed it several times, spent
thousands of dollars trimming it. And the stump that comes from that tree, I swear, is going to my plumbing, also. So, the same issue that she has, I haven't had it yet, but I don't want to have it. But, this um couple years ago,
when they were doing voting for North Miami, one of the commissioners or councilors came out and I was showing them the tree. I said, "Can I trim it? I mean, can I get rid of it?" He says, "No, because, you know, it's a protected tree." And I'm looking at the stump and I'm thinking about my house and I'm
like, "So, I'm going to pay for, you know, the damage that it's going to cost when I had the money at that time to just get rid of the whole tree and and, you know, so that it doesn't go into my root." I even took a picture of it just to come here and show you that
I've trimmed the tree several times. Cost me thousands of dollars to trim that oak tree. So, he says, "When you trim it, he has to make sure that it stands firm and it doesn't go lopsided." So, I spent like, what, 2 years ago trimmed the tree. The tree is growing
back again from from the trimming. Mhm. So, I asked him, "Couldn't you like um cut it to the edge? You know, like when they cut the tree and it like the same way how you showed the tree with the hand off, you trim off part, you trim off the other part, and then you can
trim it closer." So, he trimmed it off and the hand is like that. So, that part of the tree is what's re-sprouting again. So, I said, "Could you have trimmed it a little closer whereas when I've seen them trim trees and it doesn't re-sprout. Yeah, the and that's the
thing with trying to get a you have to get a good contractor so they do reduction cuts to bring it back. If they trim it in the right place, the the amount of sprouting is actually far less than when you improperly prune it because now the tree's like, "Whoa, what happened?" and it just shoots out everywhere. Well, they they must know because then it so that they can keep
coming back. They don't cut it in the proper way cuz I've asked them. My mom has trimmed that tree already. And this is from 1989 I've been living there. Someone came and trimmed the tree and and it has left that dead stump. And I've trimmed it like three, four times
after that. And it just keep blooming again. Yeah, there there Like every time I come, do you want me to keep calling you? No. There there's a there's a couple of additional items I'll I'll point out not not as part of this program, but something for everyone to look into. There is something called root pruning which you can, you know, in
case you have a pipe issue. But also we have a separate uh if if we we've had situations where people come in and and do claim, "Hey, it's ruining the pipes." But we do require that you have, you know, the plumbing documentation, you see how much it's going to cost, they do the scoping, and then they provide that
professional report to us. So, there is some leniency with that. It does cost, unfortunately, but then that gives us the proof. It's kind of the same thing if somebody has a foundation issue, uh we ask for, uh you know, an engineer to show us like, "Yes, it's clearly, you know, damaging. This is how much it would cost of to fix the foundation."
So, there there is some situations, but, you know, let let's get your your your contact info after this as well. My my problem when they come to do the water, if they need to check um my water, it's right on the sidewalk. The tree is right aligned right with it. I think this is something that we can
definitely look into for a phase two. I think I I know this is like like he said, to be determined. Things like pruning, stump removal. Right now, this is the first time we've instituted this grant for the city. Right now, it's a one-time funding. Um it has to be something that we put in the budget for real current right here. Yeah, good
afternoon. Hi neighbor. I like to know um this program, I mean, if you got more than one tree, how many tree you qualify for? So, it's not a I guess a per tree um program. It's per
It's per household. So, it's up to $1,000 per household. So, let's say your house has four trees, and maybe your contract is saying, "Hey, I'll cut you a deal, four trees for $1,000 and I'll be able to trim it all." That's the price that you are now negotiating with the contractor that you're looking for.
I think we have some contractors in the building. Do we I know some were attending, so maybe they're listening and they're taking notes. I have a question. What about the biggest of the tree? Sometimes $1,000, it could be $1,000 for a small tree, but if this tree is big, I know, but right
now the grant is only $1,000. If we were able to give more, we'll have no money. Okay, this way. So, like me, for my neighbor and me, there's no access through the gate for the company come up with the
gate with the truck. It No access from the front, from the back, no way. So, if you even you walk, they cannot get it. So, what can I do? So, so the good thing is if you hire a someone who's a certified arborist,
they've actually had to train with ropes and harnesses, and they can climb trees without using the spikes. These guys are really good, but see, you have to pay the money to get the good people. They can do it without it. A ladder to get up top and then they can use ropes and leverage and shimmy right up the tree
without damaging the tree. Okay, hello. I have a question. So, I have a Well, I have several trees that are near the road. Um they're basically on private property, but they're close enough to the road due to the height of them that they pose a I would say a risk
to cars passing by, right? >> [snorts] >> So, we I actually came to see you guys on in January. And we haven't had a response back from uh the city of Miami. You said You said these are on public private property? Yeah, they're on private property, but they're tall
enough that they pose a danger to the road that they're right next to. I'd say they're maybe 11 ft into the from the road. If they have the issues that we went over before where they have the decay, the rot, they're dead, then that then that would be a qualifying That would be a qualifying factor for the
program. Yes. Okay. All right. But, like I said, we reached out and we didn't get anything back from you guys. We actually came way before this meeting and nothing. And And who did you uh reach out to initially, sir? We went to uh the building over there and we uh talked to a gentleman with an
afro. I forget his name. Akil, maybe? Okay. >> Oh, yeah. Uh Look, uh my assistant's going to take your information in the back and we're going to make sure that we forward it. So, Ruth or Gabby, um they're in my office and they'll be taking in Look, uh Gabby's coming next with >> [snorts]
>> Miami is a official Perhaps you should have Perhaps you could have a piece on your website where people can uh ask the questions and make appointments to discuss their particular cases. So, if they are legal and then you send
them to legal, if they are not, you know, So, when they submit their application for you getting everything and So, right now Mhm. Uh with you guys. I don't know. It would be just for the
>> Duly noted. No, thank you. Okay. I wish we had some energy. Any other questions for the tree trimming program? I know Just another thing, City Hall is open until 7:00 p.m. So, if you'd like to go pay your water bill or visit the building department, staff is open. We We're starting a new
program called extended city services where once a month we are opening beyond 5:00 p.m. So, if you guys would like to talk to staff in different buildings, they are here today. Can I have a question? >> I have a question. Mhm. Okay. Um there is a There's a property
across the street from me uh that is vacant. There's no house on it, but there's a dead pine tree. There's a dead pine tree on it. I have referred code. I have referred it to code and they have come out and look at it. I believe that
this um owner of this property could benefit from this if it's something that's being handled by code right now. And I think perhaps she can you know she cuz the tree has to be removed. It's a dead tree. It's peeling like like I've seen there.
Would they reach out to people like that? Would they reach out and ask them to They can, but I don't know if they can I don't know how to I don't know how to reach the resident. Uh homeowner It could be renter, but then they have to have consent from the homeowner. The house has to be occupied.
Is that Is that what that is? It's a vacant land. There's no building on it, but someone owns the property. The Yeah, that the the the owner would have to uh start the application process for that. She's not there. She's Yeah, she's a
Yeah. Yeah, but they would have to apply and that's a whole process. Like they would have to go through special magistrate. So this one is more so for people who are actually living in the home so that they can apply and No, I hear you but they would have to apply.
Yeah, no, we'll have it looked into. And something that we also want to mention is that um whoever you select as a hauler as your tree trimming contractor, they they need to be able to haul away the limbs. So the limbs cannot stay on the swell and so forth. So making sure Yeah, so make
sure they have like maybe like a chipper cuz it could be a code violation or it can also be waste pro telling you you have too much bulk out. So please be mindful with whomever hauler you select that they know that they also have to remove it as well. Um are we allowed to hire someone
Are we allowed to hire someone that mulches the trimmings and maybe distributes it right back onto your own land? Yes. That is wonderful. I'd love to hear >> We would prefer that that's what they do. We're going through a drought everyone. So you know, water retention is so critical. Mulch helps with that.
Um so that's that's a wonderful suggestion. I'd also like to take a moment and recognize we have um District 1 Councilman um Kevin Burns in the building as well. Um thank you Councilman for attending. We also have our assistant city manager assistant
senior city manager John Lorfills in the back as well who's also a North Miami native. Um Paul Bazile, our library director and North Miami resident. I don't know if you're here as a library director or cuz you're going to apply, Paul. >> [laughter] >> We have Yama with the city manager's office. She's the chief of staff. I'm
sure she's taking notes. Um you guys I'm I mentioned Katie, our new communications director as well. So her team put together the flyers and all the communication and thank you for the link tree trimming north miami fl.gov/treetrimming. Dunia, thank you for, you know, being in
the back and making sure that we record this. So, if there's anything that you Oh, and Debbie, Debbie love, Debbie love our community planning and development director is also Kenneth's boss and they'll be the one overseeing the program. So, you definitely want to know Kenneth and Debbie for this process. So,
again, thank you all for joining us um for this workshop. Share the link with your neighbors. Make sure you apply, ask questions. I think Kenneth had some cards. If not, Gabby can get you our cards and we can get you in contact with the right folks here in the city. The turnaround time because it's new, I
tell people just be a little patient with us. I think Kenneth is a team of two that'll be reviewing all of the applications. So, hopefully within the next couple of weeks or so, we can start rolling it out. Like we'll really start like paying folks. Yeah, yeah. For sure, for sure.
No, it's until funding is available. So, once the funding is depleted, the application process close. Mhm.