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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2013.08.01BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION August 1, 2013 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chairperson Dittman. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Dittman, Commissioners Hunt, Hinckle and Kirchner Absent: Commissioner McQuaide Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Supervisor/City Arborist Disco and Parks & Recreation Administrative Secretary, Helley. MINUTES - Minutes of the June 6, 2013 and June 18, 2013 meetings were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC COMMENT None OLD BUSINESS 1. Business Landscape Award Commissioners discussed moving the Business Landscape Award presentation from September 16' to October 7t' Council meeting. Staff will request to move the date. NEW BUSINESS 1. Appeal at 505 Howard Avenue. Private Palm tree removal denied by Arborist. Arborist Disco presented the reasons for the denial of removal of the private Palm tree. The tree is in good condition, shows no signs of disease and appears to be structurally sound. The Palm tree needs to be properly maintained by periodically removing the dead fronds. Open Public Hearing — 3 minutes to speak None Appeal Hearing — 10 minutes Appellant Mr. Mannina, property owner at 135 Dwight Road had his attorney, Mark Hudak speak on his behalf. Mr. Hudak stated his client views the Palm tree as dangerous. The large Palm fronds fall in his driveway and backyard. He stated the fundamental problem is the location of the tree, it is difficult to get equipment in to trim it, and the tree needs to be climbed in order to trim. With pictures, Mr. Hudak stated the tree is a documented danger. Respondent Jennifer and Daniel Weisman, property owners at 505 Howard Avenue stated they were aware the previous owners did not maintain the Palm tree. Until they received the letter from Mr.Mannina's attorney they were not aware that the large Palm fronds were falling on Mr. Mannina's property. The Weisman's had several estimates for tree trimming and want to keep the tree but when they received the letter from Mr. Mannina, they decided to go through with the Private Tree Removal process to maintain good relations with their neighbor. Rebuttal — 2 minutes Appellant Mr. Hudak stated that his client was confused; they thought the respondent's wanted to remove the tree. Mr. Hudak questioned if the promise of maintenance to the tree would be followed. Respondent — None Commissioners Discussion Commissioners discussed the trimming practice of climbing the tree with spikes and if it is harmful to the tree. Arborist Disco stated it can be harmful to the tree, but it is done often if there is no other option. Commissioner Hinckle moved to deny the appeal since the Palm tree is healthy and sound. The property owners do not wish to remove the tree; and promise to maintain the tree as required to mitigate future fronds falling. Commissioner Kirchner seconded the motion as read. The motion passed with Commissioners Hinckle, Kirchner and Dittman in favor and Commissioner Hunt opposed. (3 to 1) The decision of the Beautification Commission can be appealed to the City Council within ten days of the Commission's action. In Order to appeal, an appeal letter and $255.00 appeal fee, payable to the City of Burlingame must be submitted to the city clerk before 5pm on the tenth calendar day on August 21, 2013. 2. BSD Landscape Plan at Hoover School Arborist Disco stated BSD will send finished plan as soon as they have it. 3.2014 Business Landscape Award The Commissioners discussed new ways for obtaining nominations for the Business Landscape Award. Commissioner Kirchner made motion to modify the process for gathering nominations for the Business Landscape Award to promote through electronic means and commission nominations. Commissioner Hinckle seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. 4. Fresh Market Commissioner Hunt reported that there is a lot of debris left after the Fresh Market. She reported it to the Chamber and they will be monitoring it. REPORTS 1. Parks Supervisor/City Arborist Disco 1. The Community Garden is being built at Bayside fields. Three small trees were taken out, the ground was leveled and fences being built. 2. Parks Division is interviewing for a new Park Maintenance Worker I. 3. The Parks Division is in contract with CalFire and the Department of Corrections to have a fire crew twice a week for 4 hrs a day to recreate a shaded fuel break in Mills Canyon. They are currently working from Arguello to Sebastian removing all weeds and wood debris. They will be working in the Canyon until December. 4. A meeting is scheduled for Saturday 8/10 to get the community input on improvements at Bayside Dog Park. Discussion will include improvements for shade, water and seating. 2. Commissioner Dittman Commissioner Dittman inquired how the Council voted on the Hoover School Appeal. She also asked why the Public Art proposed change to the charter was not on the agenda. Director Glomstad stated that there was more work to be done before it was ready to be presented to Council. 3. Commissioner Hinckle Commissioner Hinckle reported hearing concerns that the businesses are suffering during the Burlingame Avenue streetscape construction. 4. Commissioner Kirchner Commissioner Kirchner would like to do a scrolling power point presentation of previous Business Landscape Award winners and highlight the new one at the Council presentation. He would like to have the 2014 Business Landscape award time line placed on the next agenda. 5. Commissioner McQuaide Absent 6. Commissioner Hunt Commissioner Hunt stated she will start up her stop sign visibility campaign. The next Beautification Commission meeting is September 5, 2013. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. Respectfully submitted, gittac Xamt6a Gina Borba Recording Secretary