SEWER LATERALS
The council voted unanimously to keep intact a municipal policy that enables residents to seek reimbursement for damages to their sewer lines as a result of the roots of city trees.
The decision came after the council listened to a report on the city's liability policies regarding sewer line damage. When a city-owned tree is to blame for interference with a particular line, the homeowner is eligible for reimbursement for repair of the damages.
WHAT IT MEANS
Maintaining the existing standards means that residents can qualify for reimbursement if they complete five requirements.
The resident must choose a contractor for repairs; the resident must obtain proper permits; the resident must expose the damaged line before replacing or repairing it; the contractor must confirm the damaged condition of the pipe with city inspectors; and the resident must submit a claim form with the city clerk.
VOTE: 5-0
STREET TREES
The council listened to an overview on the role of trees in the community in terms of their aesthetic appeal and benefit to the environment.
The more than 35,000 trees in Burbank serve a number of purposes, including providing shade, obstructing high winds and stabilizing soil, Park, Recreation and Community Services Department officials said.
WHAT IT MEANS
Among impending changes to the city's tree landscape is a reforestation program in the Magnolia Park District. The program would replace ficus trees that merchants complain crowd the sidewalks and require considerable maintenance due to leaf and berry droppings.
To mitigate the ficus' aggressive root structure, the city has already broadened tree wells in the area.
NO VOTE
