June 9, 2025
To: Mountain View Mayor and City Council members
Subject: Oppose Excessive Appeal Fees – Support Stronger Tree Protection Instead
Dear Mayor Kamei and Councilmembers,
The undersigned organizations oppose the proposed increase in Heritage Tree removal appeal fees1. Raising the fee from $50 to $650, and eventually $1,250, unfairly burdens residents who are often stepping forward to uphold the City’s own tree protection goals.
If the true goal is to preserve the urban forest, the City should substantially increase tree removal and penalty fees, not make appeals prohibitively expensive. Discouraging public participation through high fees undermines both transparency and environmental stewardship.
Please reject these proposed fees and pursue stronger protections and accountability for tree loss.
Sincerely,
Shani Kleinhaus
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
James Eggers, Chapter Director
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Silja Paymer
GreenSpacesMV
1 Council Agenda June 9: Item 6.3: Modifications to the City of Mountain View Master Fee Schedule