HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2013.05.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
May 2, 2013
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:34 pm by Chairperson
Dittman.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Dittman, Commissioners Hunt and Kirchner
Absent: Commissioner McQuaide and Hinckle
Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Supervisor/City Arborist Disco and Parks & Recreation
Secretary, Borba.
MINUTES - Minutes of the April 4, 2013 meeting were approved as submitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was submitted to the Commissioners from Deborah Payne regarding the potential removal of 41 trees,
including 4 protected size tree, at the Hoover School site. Burlingame School District is not under City of
Burlingame jurisdiction but is trying to follow City of Burlingame policies. The School District proposes to replace
the same number of trees as removed in different locations on the property.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
OLD BUSINESS
1. Business Landscape Award
Three nominations were submitted for the Business Landscape Award.
1. Blue Line Pizza— 1108 Burlingame Ave.
2. Urban Bistro — 270 Lorton Ave.
3. Commercial Building — 1601 Bayshore Blvd
The Commissioners will conduct site visits to these location and vote at the June meeting.
2. Public Art
Commissioner Dittman discussed with the Commissioners verbiage changes to the BBC charter to include
Public Art.
NEW BUSINESS
Appeal at 1701 Davis Dr., City owned Magnolia tree removal denied by Arborist.
Park Supervisor/City Arborist Disco stated that the homeowner at 1701 Davis Drive requested the removal of the
City owned Magnolia tree, located on Coronado Way side of the property, due to the damage the roots have caused
to the surrounding sidewalk, driveway and brick planter boxes. The neighbor at 1657 Coronado Way also
requested removal.
Based on the City arborist report, the Magnolia is a healthy, well maintained tree with good vigor and form. It is in
fair to good health with no structural defects. The root system is extensive, reaching into the sidewalk, rock
planting area and has disrupted the resident's brick planter box and neighbor's driveway approach and walkway.
Tree scored 65 out of 100 with City's "Criteria for Street Tree Removal" form. A minimum score of 100 warrants
removal. Public Works removed and replaced the sidewall, driveway approach, and part of the walkway during the
recent sidewalk replacement project. Significant amounts of roots were removed during sidewalk replacement.
Chairperson Dittman inquired if the roots were invading the water main box. Arborist Disco responded that this
was not an issue that he was aware of.
Commissioner Hunt asked for confirmation that the sidewalk was replaced one week ago. Arborist Disco
confirmed that Public Works did replace the sidewalk a week ago during the 50150 side walk repair program.
Commissioner Kirchner was curious if the street was a themed block. Arborist Disco replied it was not. He also
asked if 10 feet from the face of the curb is considered a street tree. Arborist Disco confirmed that information.
Chairperson Dittman then opened the hearing to the Public.
Roland Bueno — 1657 Coronado Way. Mr. Bueno stated the following: He purchased the property on Coronado
eight years ago. His neighbor Florence Junge who is in her 90's owns the house at 1701 Davis Drive with her
nephew. The tree has grown a lot in the last few years and the roots are huge. When the concrete was lifted for
sidewalk replacement the roots were six inches in diameter. Florence Junge's walkway is lifted and it is a safety
issue and liability to the City. Mr. Bueno is requesting the Commission reverse the decision and approve removal
and replacement of the Magnolia tree.
There being no further comments from the floor, Chairperson Dittman closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kirchner asked if Magnolia tree's root systems are shallow and would further root pruning be
harmful to the tree. Arborist Disco responded that Magnolia trees do have a shallow root system and are sensitive
to root pruning, but additional root pruning can be done to this Magnolia tree and it should recover. Commission
Kirchner also inquired if there was any damage to the foundation. Mr. Bueno responded no, just cracks in the
driveway.
Commissioner Hunt asked if Mr. Bueno, in 2005 had he seen any roots or uplifting of the driveway. Mr. Bueno
responded no, but in the last few years the roots under his neighbor's planter box and his driveway has caused
cracking.
Chairperson Dittman wanted to know how long the property owner at 1701 Davis Drive had lived there. Mr.
Bueno said he thought she was the original owner and they had lived there since the 1950's.
Commissioner Hunt stated that sewer laterals throughout the City have been compromised by roots for years.
Chairperson Dittman stated that she noticed the tree roots were all headed downhill.
Commissioner Kirchner commented that there is sustainable landscaping there with the Magnolia and the Junipers.
He stated he had concerns that if the tree was to be removed and replaced, would it be watered and cared for. He
also stated that sidewalk repair from root damage happens all over the City. Commission Kirchner said it was a
tough decision but would side with the side of the tree.
Commissioner Kirchner moved that the Commission deny the appeal, since the tree is healthy and sound, and
recommend that the resident root prune and install root barriers throughout landscape. Commissioner Hunt
seconded the motion. Commissioners Dittman, Kirchner and Hunt were all in favor (3) none opposed (0) and (2)
were absent.
REPORTS
1. Parks Supervisor/City Arborist Disco
1. The Tree Crew is close to completing the April planting. 96 trees will be planted. Next planting is
scheduled for October.
2. The Park staff added new wood chips to Village Park playground and new sand to Village, Washington,
Pershing and Ray playgrounds.
3. The annual Sycamore pruning has been completed. The section pruned was behind BHS from Burlingame
Ave to Toyon Dr. The Tree Crew will now focus on the remaining varieties in this area with an expected
completion date in September/October.
4. The Landscape Crew continues routine maintenance and landscaping on City parks, parking lots, islands
and public buildings. Annual plantings will be installed soon.
5. Bocce Ball Court update: The Landscape Crew has installed new planters and shrubs plus three new picnic
tables and one BBQ pit. Final oyster shell material for bocce surfacing will be installed in the upcoming
weeks and the project is scheduled for completion by the end of May.
2. Parks and Recreation Secretary Borba
Public comment protocol
3. Commissioner Dittman
Commissioner Dittman asked that the Commission be notified if the appeal at 1701 Davis Drive goes to
Council. Commissioner Dittman will not be in attendance at the June Meeting.
4. Commissioner Hinckle
Absent
5. Commissioner Kirchner
Commissioner Kirchner will not be in attendance at the June Meeting.
6. Commissioner McQuaide
Absent
7. Commissioner Hunt
Commissioner Hunt complimented the tree crew on the Sycamore pruning; she said they did a beautiful
job.
The next Beautification Commission meeting is June 6, 2013. There being no further business, the meeting
adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
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Gina Borba
Recording Secretary