City of Mountain View  
Minutes - Final  
Parks and Recreation Commission and Urban Forestry Board  
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  
7:00 PM  
Maple Room and Video Conference, 201 South  
Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View, CA 94040  
This meeting was conducted with a virtual component.  
1.  
CALL TO ORDER  
Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.  
2.  
ROLL CALL  
5 -  
Present  
Commissioner Ronit Bryant, Commissioner Steve Filios, Commissioner Sandy Sommer, Vice  
Chair Joe Mitchner, and Chair Jonathan Davis  
3.  
MINUTES APPROVAL  
3.1  
Minutes Approval  
M/S Mitchner/Filios - To approve the June 11, 2025 minutes.  
Yes:  
5 -  
Commissioner Bryant, Commissioner Filios, Commissioner Sommer, Vice Chair Mitchner, and  
Chair Davis  
4.  
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC  
Speaking virtually regarding meeting process, Heritage tree removals, and the Biodiversity and Urban forest  
Plan: Bruce England  
5.  
NEW BUSINESS  
5.1  
Heritage Tree Removal Application Appeal-1158 Cuesta Drive (Modesto Ash)  
Urban Forest Manager Russell Hansen presented a report.  
Speaking from the floor and/or virtually:  
-Stefan Bittner  
-Oscar Hernandez  
-Leslie Friedman  
M/S Sommer/Filios – To note in the minutes that the appellant has withdrawn their appeal and states that  
they intend to retain the tree therefore the Commission will not need to take any action.  
Yes:  
5 -  
Commissioner Bryant, Commissioner Filios, Commissioner Sommer, Vice Chair Mitchner, and  
Chair Davis  
5.2  
Heritage Tree Removal Application Appeal-1158 Cuesta Drive (Liquidambar)  
Urban Forest Manager Russell Hansen presented a report and answered the Commission's questions.  
Speaking from the floor and/or virtually:  
-Alex  
-Oscar Hernandez  
-Stefan Bittner  
-Leslie Friedman  
-Rashmi  
M/S Sommer/Bryant - To approve the appeal and overturn staff’s recommendation for removal of one  
Liquidambar Heritage Tree at 1158 Cuesta Drive because the criteria for removal of the Heritage Tree under  
MVCC 32.35 (a)(2) regarding the necessity of removal to construct the improvements has not been met, and  
no other criteria for removal under MVCC 32.35 have been met.  
Yes:  
5 -  
Commissioner Bryant, Commissioner Filios, Commissioner Sommer, Vice Chair Mitchner, and  
Chair Davis  
6.  
COMMISSION/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES, REQUESTS, AND COMMITTEE  
REPORTS  
Community Services Director Marchant rovided an update on upcoming meetings.  
Commissioner Bryant asked a question and Urban Forest Manager Russell Hansen answered regarding  
unhealthy trees in Centennial Plaza and other areas of the City.  
7.  
ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m.