On May 3, the Miami Herald published a story with respect to the City of Coral Gables and their approach to treating the cause of the staining produced by the Black Olive trees. In the report, the City's approach to addressing the issue eliminates the root cause by treating for the caterpillar that creates the staining. The article goes on to report an 80% - 90% reduction in the stains.

In the Town of Miami Lakes we receive numerous complaints about the stains from the Black Olive and have even seen request for removal line mature trees due to property damage caused by the stains.

I would like to have a discussion with my colleagues with regard to exploring the City of Coral Gables approach to this issue, and contemplating if it could be added as a best practice in our Town. I also believe that by sharing this information with our residents and HOA's we could mitigate the damaged caused by the Black Olive while preserving our tree canopy.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/coral-gables/article229930249.html

*This item requires the waiver of Section 7.2 of the Special Rules of Order

Fiscal Impact: Minimal (for only the exploration of the idea - if we move forward with the process it'll be TBD)

Guiding Principle: 2, 6

Objective: 1.6, 2.4, 4.5