Sacramento Preservation Commission Meeting – May 15, 2024

The Sacramento Preservation Commission convened on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 5:31 PM at City Hall, 915 I Street. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement and pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of the consent calendar. The main agenda item was a review and comment on the Draft Sacramento Urban Forest Plan, presented by staff from the Department of Public Works. Commissioners discussed tree preservation, historic trees, and the plan’s alignment with preservation goals. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the April 17, 2024 meeting. (Motion by Chair McSlavkin, second by Vice Chair Nayyar; 6-0-1, with Commissioner Montemayor absent.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke on either the consent calendar or the discussion item. No public comments were made on matters not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

Draft Sacramento Urban Forest Plan Public Release (File ID: 2024-01016)

Rachel Patten, Program Specialist with the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability, presented the plan. Key points:

• The plan is a 20-year framework to protect, expand, and maintain Sacramento’s urban forest, aligning with the 2040 General Plan and Climate Action & Adaptation Plan.
• Sacramento has an estimated 1 million trees, with 19% canopy cover. The goal is 35% canopy cover by 2045, requiring planting at least 25,000 trees annually.
• Four key recommendations: (1) Treat trees as critical infrastructure, (2) Prioritize tree planting in underserved neighborhoods ("City of Trees for All"), (3) Protect existing trees, and (4) Increase funding and staffing.
• The draft plan is in a 60-day public review period (April 26–June 21, 2024).

Commissioners raised questions and comments:

• Commissioner Merker asked about policies for mature trees near historic buildings and whether climate change impacts on insurance cancellations were addressed. Staff noted the plan does not currently include specific policies for historic structures but is open to feedback. Insurance concerns were discussed but not included in the plan.
• Vice Chair Nayyar inquired about outreach to Native American communities (not yet done), noted that Old Town Sacramento’s historic district has never had trees and suggested avoiding planting there, and asked about policies for heritage trees (tree species of significant size). Staff explained that the city’s tree protection ordinance defines private protected trees, but the plan lacks specific historical resource tree policies.
• Chair McSlavkin shared historical quotes about Sacramento’s tree legacy and noted that the plan references “Trees of Significance” (ERC 3.7) but questioned whether it covers historically significant trees beyond size. Staff deferred to provide further details.

The Commission did not take a vote; the item was reviewed and commented upon as part of the public input process.

Director’s Report

Stacia Cosgrove, Principal Planner, provided updates:

• The California Preservation Foundation selected the African American Experience Historic Context and Survey Project for a 2024 Trustee Level Preservation Design Award (ceremony May 31).
• The LGBTQ+ Historic Experience Project held its first public outreach meeting on April 18 (attendance ~50) and a second meeting is scheduled for May 23 at the Hart Senior Center.
• In celebration of Preservation Month, a historic district bike tour on May 11 drew ~35 cyclists.

Commissioner Comments – Ideas and Questions

No additional comments were made.

Key Outcomes

• The Commission approved the April 17, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0-1).
• The Commission provided feedback on the Draft Sacramento Urban Forest Plan, which will be considered by staff during the public comment period. No formal action was taken on the plan.
• The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM.