Exhibit 8.Applicant Response to Consulting Arborist Peer ReviewMonarch Consulting Arborists LLC - P.O Box 1010, Felton, CA 95018
831.331.8982 - rick@monarcharborist.com Page 1 of 2
MEMORANDUM
To: Richard Gessner Date: 07/01/2025
From: HMH, Cliff Bechtel, Pinnacle,
Origins, Trees360 Job No.: 4545.04
Subject:
Response to Monarch Consulting
Arborist S-25-005 Planning
Memo
June 24, 2025
Ryan Safty
Community Development Department
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
I was asked to review the plans and the applicant’s arborist report and provide findings and
recommendations. The arborist’s report was provided by Trees 360 Degrees dated April 25,
2025. The report is thorough, complete, and contains all the required information regarding the
project.
During the site assessment the following questions came up:
1.Tree protection fence materials and potentially the locations and timing. The report states the
following:
For larger extended areas or areas far enough away from construction impact, it is recommended
that heavy-duty, plastic orange barrier construction fencing be used. LRCC would prefer to limit
the use of chain link fencing to high-impact areas only if the orange netting is not suitable for
adequate protection. The project arborist or Town consulting arborist will determine this on a
case-by-case basis.
The ordinance states the following:
Sec. 29.10.1005. Protection of trees during construction.
(a)Protective tree fencing shall specify the following:
(1)Size and materials. Six (6) foot high chain link fencing, mounted on two-inch diameter
galvanized iron posts, shall be driven into the ground to a depth of at least two (2) feet at no
more than ten-foot spacing. For paving area that will not be demolished and when stipulated in a
tree preservation plan, posts may be supported by a concrete base.
EXHIBIT 8
Monarch Consulting Arborists LLC - P.O Box 1010, Felton, CA 95018
831.331.8982 - rick@monarcharborist.com Page 2 of 2
MEMORANDUM
It may be possible to provide a scaled back tree protection material but this will need to be
discussed and approved by planning. One option is to have regular monitoring of the fence in
lieu of more sturdy fence. Again, since this is in conflict with the ordinance approval for the
particular areas and materials will need to be reviewed and approved.
The applicant in consultation with the project arborist has subsequently incorporated a
proposal for orange fencing as noted below into the plan set which is also detailed in the final
arborist report dated July 1, 2025 along with the justification requested by Planning staff.
Monarch Consulting Arborists LLC - P.O Box 1010, Felton, CA 95018
831.331.8982 - rick@monarcharborist.com Page 3 of 2
MEMORANDUM
2. Tree removals and any bird or wildlife studies.
The contractor is responsible for any required biological surveys or reports prior to removing any
trees. Nesting birds are protected both locally and through the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The applicant understands and acknowledges its contractor will be responsible for all required
surveys and reports prior to tree removal, and that final approvals will include such conditions.
3. Tree removals outside the construction areas but recommended for removal by the consulting
arborist (Trees 360 Degrees).
I am in agreement with these recommendations but if Trees 360 Degrees performs this work it
could be construed as a conflict of interest.
The additional 47 trees recommended by the project arborist have been incorporated into the final
arborist report and the updated plan set, both dated July 1, 2025.
The tables in the planning submittal TI-1, TI-2, TI-3, and TI-4 are different than those provided
in the report (PDF Pages 34 through 101). The table from the report is more thorough and
complete and should replace those in the planning submittal.
The table in the TI plan sheets 1-11 has been udpated to match the inventory in the final arborist
report dated July 1, 2025.
A proper T-1 sheet needs to be developed and should be broken dow per area for all fence
locations during each construction phase.
The applicant has added fence locations and material types (orange vs. Chain-link) to the
TP plan sheets as requested.
Richard J. Gessner
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist® #496
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® WE-4341B
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified to year 2029
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank