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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2013.06.18BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION June 18, 2013 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson Dittman. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Dittman, Commissioners Kirchner, Hunt and McQuaide Absent: Commissioner Hinckle Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, City Attorney Kane, Parks Supervisor/City Arborist Disco and Parks & Recreation Secretary, Borba. MINUTES - None CORRESPONDENCE The Commissioners received an email with the information on Donna Wright's funeral services. PUBLIC COMMENT Deborah Payne commented on the replacement trees and the clean-up of the rear of the property at 2220 Summit Drive at Hoover School OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 1. Appeal at 2220 Summit Drive at Hoover School Site for the approved removal of two private Black Acacia trees. Arborist Disco presented his reasons for his approval to remove the two private Acacia trees at 2220 Summit Drive. Acacia #1 is in fair condition, has been topped and has poor structure. Acacia #2 is in fair condition, has poor structure and was topped at one time. Acacia trees are considered an invasive plant and are often removed because of their high rate of limb failure. Open Public Comment — 3 minutes Diane Haggerty wanted to address the child safety issue as far as limbs falling on children. She informed the Commission that she didn't think the Acacia trees would pose a danger to school children. Appeal Hearing-10 minutes Appellant Deborah Payne informed the Commission that the two Acacia trees should be looked at together with the two Oaks that were approved for removal by the Commission at the June 6t1i meeting. She told the Commission it is important to look at the whole scheme of things and that the four trees are important for the beautiful canopy on Summit Drive. She expressed concern about the number of other trees that have been removed, the quality of life and well being of the neighbors after the trees are removed, fire hazards, erosion from runoff, visual impact and aesthetics after the trees are removed. Respondent Dr. Robert Clark stated that, as the BSD continues to experience growth in enrollment, they have had to increase capacity for students and that the purchase and re -opening of the Hoover School is for that expected growth. The BSD has worked with the community to design Hoover School which included public notices, town hall meetings and open houses on the site. Both Acacia trees lie in the footprint of the new passenger drop off. He stated for all the trees they have removed they have replaced them with new trees. Rebuttal — 2 minutes Deborah Payne stated she wanted to know what the landscape plan was at the site and know the types of trees and sizes of trees and where they will be planted. Commissioners Discussion The Commissioners discussed the matter. Commissioner Dittman wanted to know if the BSD had a landscape plan. Dr. Clark said yes, but not with him. Commissioner McQuaide stated that the lack of the Black Acacias is going to make this a pretty sterile looking site. Commissioner Kirchner moved to deny the appeal and uphold the removal of the two Acacia trees because, due to construction, they could become a hazard and probably will not survive. He recommended replacement of the acacias with four 24" box size trees, two evergreens and two deciduous, to be planted uphill, which is behind the retaining wall. Commissioner McQuaide seconded the motion as read and the motion passed 4-0. Cancellation of July 2, 2013 Beautification Commission Meeting It was moved by Commissioner McQuaide to cancel the July 2, 2013 Beautification Commission meeting and seconded by Commissioner Hunt and the motion past 4-0. REPORTS 1. Parks Supervisor/City Arborist Disco/Secretary Borba a. Business Landscape Award winner Urban Bistro was sent their congratulatory letter that was prepared by Commissioner Kirchner. The letter was also email to the Commissioners 2. Commissioner Dittman a. Commissioner Dittman asked that the Business Landscape Award be placed on the August agenda. She would also like to view the landscape plan at 2220 Summit Drive the Hoover School Site. 3. Commissioner Hinckle a. Absent 4. Commissioner Kirchner a. None 5. Commissioner McQuaide a. Commissioner McQuaide met with Dale Perkins regarding the watercolor for the Business Landscape Award winner. Commissioner McQuaide reported Mr. Perkins had a lovely design for the watercolor and would be charging us for materials. Commissioner McQuaide did not know how much that would be. 6. Commissioner Hunt a. Commission Hunt asked that the Fresh Market be placed on the August agenda. b. She also asked Commissioner McQuaide where the money would come from for the watercolor materials that Mr. Perkins is requesting. The next Beautification Commission meeting is August 1, 2013. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm. Respectfully submitted, girta Xamtba Gina Borba Recording Secretary