Mountain View Parks and Recreation Commission and Urban Forestry Board Meeting - June 10, 2026

The Parks and Recreation Commission, acting as the Urban Forestry Board, met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. in the Maple Room and via video conference. The meeting included deliberation on two heritage tree appeals, an update from the nonprofit Canopy, and a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget for the Community Services Department. The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 5.2 – 500 W. Middlefield Road Appeal: Three residents spoke in favor of preserving the redwood tree, emphasizing its beauty and the community's love for trees. The appellants (Gina and Dave Gwynn) and an arborist (Evan Fuller) presented their case for removal, citing root damage to the patio and fence. Public speakers included Linda Jekel, Monica Spiller, and Cheri Duperrault, who all expressed a desire to save the tree and suggested alternatives such as modifying the fence or using permeable paving.

Discussion Items

Heritage Tree Removal Appeal – 961 Eichler Drive (Item 5.1)

• The item was initially scheduled but the appellant (Elizabeth McManett) was not present. The board voted 5-0 to hear Item 5.2 first. After discussion, the board voted 4-1 to continue Item 5.1 to a date to be determined by staff working with the appellant. Staff will also issue a notice to protect the tree from further damage during the interim.

Heritage Tree Removal Appeal – 500 W. Middlefield Road (Item 5.2)

• Urban Forest Manager Russell Hansen presented the staff report on a coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens, 30-inch diameter) located in the HOA common area. Staff found the tree in good health with fair structure and recommended denying removal. The tree has caused minor lifting of patio pavers and fence bowing. Staff suggested root pruning and fence modification as alternatives to removal.
• The appellants argued that the tree poses a safety risk and continues to damage their property; they expressed willingness to plant a replacement tree. The arborist noted that cutting roots near the trunk could compromise tree stability.
• All five commissioners expressed support for staff's recommendation. They emphasized the tree's value to the community and the need for the HOA to explore alternatives before removal. The board voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution denying the appeal, upholding staff's decision, and denying removal of the heritage tree.

Canopy Annual Update (Item 5.3)

• Canopy representatives Aubrey Knier, Evany Wang, Uday Bhuma, and Michael DeBroeck presented accomplishments from the past planting season. Key metrics: over 200 trees planted (nearly double the previous year), 320 unique volunteers engaged, 27 trees cared for in workshops, 50 bilingual educational lessons delivered, and a youth urban forest steward program launched. Canopy aims to plant 300 new trees annually in partnership with the city. The contract, currently funded on a one-time basis, is proposed to become ongoing at $125,000 per year.
• Russell Hansen provided an update on the invasive shot hole borer (ISHB) threat. One suspect tree in the San Ramon area is being tested; a trapping program has begun. ISHB has been confirmed in Sunnyvale and is difficult to control, with high mortality rates in infested trees. Sycamores, oaks, and box elders are primary hosts. A heat map of sycamore density has been created to guide monitoring.

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating Budget (Item 5.4)

• Senior Management Analyst Lindsay Wong presented recommended adjustments for the Community Services Department. Non-discretionary items include a $77,000 increase for ActiveNet transaction fees and a landscape maintenance contract increase. Discretionary items include funding for the Pride Celebration, Magical Bridge programming, a new park maintenance worker position for trails, and making the Canopy contract ongoing ($125,000) plus an additional $200,000 for tree planting. Limited-period items include power washing, ellipticals for the senior center, teen programming, and biological services contracts at Shoreline. Capital outlay items include wood chipper safety shields and a new projector.
• The budget was presented to City Council on June 9 and is scheduled for adoption on June 23. The council had no questions regarding CSD's requests. Commissioners noted the timing of budget presentation after council review and expressed interest in earlier input for future budget cycles.

Commission/Staff Announcements, Updates, Requests, and Committee Reports

• Community Services Director John Marchant reported: City Council approved the purchase of an additional 0.86-acre parcel at 975 Terra Bella, bringing the total to 3.2 acres for a new park. The Pride celebration will be held June 20 downtown. Summer camps are starting, and the Sailing Lake Café is under construction but the lake remains operational. World Cup-related activities include a soccer pitch downtown and foot golf at Cuesta Park.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5.1 Continued: The appeal for 961 Eichler Drive was continued to a future date to be determined by staff (4-1 vote). Staff will notify the appellant and protect the tree from damage.
• Item 5.2 Denied: The Urban Forestry Board denied the appeal and upheld staff's decision to deny removal of the heritage redwood at 500 W. Middlefield Road (5-0 vote).
• Budget Presentation: The Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget adjustments were presented as recommended, with council adoption expected on June 23.
• Canopy Partnership: The presentation highlighted a successful planting season and the proposed transition of the Canopy contract from one-time to ongoing funding.