Director Wysocki and city forester Justin updated the commission on staffing and operational activity in the Forestry Division, citing new hires, tree removals and planned work.

Director Wysocki announced that Javier Hernandez has left Public Works to take a position as a city engineer elsewhere and that the city recently hired Sharee Carlet, a project manager with a master's degree in engineering who started last week.

Justin, the city forester, reported operational activity and staffing: he said the Forestry Division issued two task orders for work on 71 dead or dying trees (pruning and removal) and that crews removed 19 trees and planted 17 trees in recent months. He also said permit activity remains busy (32 and 25 permits in consecutive months) and staff continue to pursue faster permit turnaround and increased replanting requirements when the city removes trees.

Justin said the city is tracking complaints about utility pruning and removals by PG&E and Comcast and is seeking more oversight of utility contractors. "I'm trying to get them to not remove trees," he said; commissioners requested a regional meeting that includes neighboring jurisdictions and the fire department to press utility contractors for better pruning standards and fewer unnecessary removals.

Capital projects and beach access: staff said the Tenth Street stairs project is in 50% design and staff plan to open the stairs for public use while pursuing a longer-term rebuild and permitting. Design work on the sand ramp (Eighth/Washington area) continues; staff will add that item to monthly reports.

Volunteers and equipment: staff said volunteer hours have not changed substantially but contractor labor increased for invasive control at North Dunes, and the city recently acquired a skid steer and other equipment that will enable additional in-house work on dunes and other public areas.

Next steps and requests: staff will continue to prioritize maintenance, refine permit timelines, pursue PG&E/Comcast coordination, and present cost estimates and plans for larger work (North Dunes contractor needs, stair repairs, sand-ramp design) as requested by the commission.