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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2015.06.04BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION June 4, 2015 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chairperson Kirchner. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Kirchner, Commissioners McQuaide, Hunt and Hinckle Absent: Commissioner Dittman Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, City Arborist/Park Supervisor Disco and Recording Secretary Borba MINUTES Minutes of the May 7, 2015 meeting were amended and approved. CORRESPONDENCE 1. June 27t1i Commissioner Workshop reminder. 2. May 4' joint session with Council outline from Commissioner Kirchner for current and future items for the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT None OLD BUSINESS 1. 2015 Business Landscape Award The 2015 Business Landscape Award nominee packets were handed out to the Commissioners. The Commissioners will vote at the August meeting. 2. Tree Planting on Trousdale Commissioner McQuaide will put her ideas for planting trees on Trousdale in writing and submit it at the next meeting. 3. Recognition of Dale Perkins Commissioners discussed different ways to recognize Dale Perkins. Commissioners will continue the discussion at the August meeting. NEW BUSINESS 1. Appeal at 1101 Vancouver Avenue — Illegal Pruning of City Owned Trees Arborist Disco read the staff report. Commissioner Hinckle asked if it is possible the trees will regenerate themselves. Arborist Disco stated they would but their structure has been compromised. The new growth is sucker growth and it is more susceptible to limb failure. Commissioner Hunt stated that the City and real estate agents need to inform new residents of the City Tree Ordinances and policies. Public Comment — None Appellant — Lily Mak the resident at 1101 Vancouver Avenue stated they moved to Burlingame two years ago and are sorry; they did not know they could not trim City Trees. She stated the reason they trimmed the trees was because the children from Roosevelt School pulled the branches off. The branches were hanging down and hit the kids in the face when they walked by. She requested the Commission revoke the fine and said they wouldn't touch the trees again. Commissioner Discussion — Commissioner Hunt stated that if the integrity and structure of the trees is compromised then we do need to remove and replant replacement trees. Commissioner Kirchner asked the Appellant the purpose behind cutting the trees so severely. The Appellant stated that they wanted to keep the trees small with no flowers because they get all over. Commissioner Hunt stated that the trees need to be replaced and suggested; the Appellant should pay for the replacement costs but waive the fine. Commissioner Hunt moved to deny the appeal since the City owned street trees were illegally trimmed beyond repair based on Chapter 11.01.035 of the Street Tree Ordinance, and to eliminate the fine of $1,532.00 for the appraised value of the trees but charge $1,008.00 for the removal and replacement of 4-24" box size trees by the City staff. Commissioner Hinckle 2" d the motion and it passed 3-1. 2. Appeal at 1608 Davis Drive — Arborist Denied Removal of City Owned Magnolia Arborist Disco read the staff report. Commissioner Kirchner asked if the Magnolia could be root pruned. Arborist Disco stated yes but delicately. Magnolias are very susceptible to root pruning and there are limitations to root pruning Magnolias. Commissioner McQuaide asked if there were any reports of the sidewalk being a tripping hazard. Arborist Disco said not that he is aware of. Public Comment — None Appellant — Leoni Wohl the resident at 1608 Davis Drive requested respectfully that the tree be removed since the roots are 2 to 4 inches above ground and root pruning is limited. She stated they plan to re -landscape to use less water. She said that the roots make it impossible to landscape around. Appellant Steven Wohl said he has seen people stumble walking by and that he has also stumbled over the lift in the side walk. He said that the roots are more aggressively coming to the surface, have ruined the lawn and are close to the water line and sewer lateral. He stated that they would like to have a tree in their front yard that is more appropriate and that they take good care of their house and take pride in the way it looks. Commissioner Discussion - Commissioner Hunt asked if the drought causes the roots to come to the surface. Arborist Disco stated it can cause the roots to come to the surface. Commissioner McQuaide asked when they do landscaping can they leave more of a circumference around the tree to accommodate the roots. Arborist Disco stated that there is the option to leave more room and some root pruning can also be done. Commissioner Kirchner asked if there have been any problems with the sewer line. Appellant stated there has not been a problem with the sewer line but the roots are close to the walkway, drive way and water meter. Commissioner Hinckle moved to uphold the appeal based on the homeowner's statement that the evasive roots interfere with public safety and the ongoing functionality of the residence, and recommended the City remove the tree and replace it with 2 trees of appropriate size for the planting area. Commissioner Kirchner seconded the motion and it passed 3-1. 3. Residential Landscape Award for Drought Tolerant Landscapes Commissioner Kirchner will put something together and bring it to the August Meeting. 4. July 2, 2015 BBC Meeting — Cancelled Commissioner Hinckle moved to cancel the July 2, 2015 Beautification Meeting. Commissioner Hunt seconded the motion and it passed 4-0. REPORTS 1. Parks Supervisor/City Arborist Watering letters were sent out to residents who have had trees planted in the last year and a half to water young trees 5 gallons twice a month. Included with the letter was the new tri fold brochure. "Trees — "A Big Deal" tri-fold brochure was translated to a 2 page layout and posted on the website. The information is being converted to Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese and will be posted on the webpage when completed. Commissioner Hunt will provide Gina with the addresses of new residents in Burlingame quarterly and Gina will send out the brochure to them. The Parks crew is watering trees every day. The recordings at the BBC meetings will be deleted after the minutes are approved. The Broadway/101 landscape presentation is available upon request. The Tree Ordinance is anticipated to be reviewed by Council in August. The proposed modification to the Themed Streets Policy is anticipated to go to Council in August. 2. Parks & Recreation Director CAC (Community Advisory Committee) - The CAC is looking for BBC Commissioners to join. Commissioners McQuaide and Kirchner volunteered. 3. Commissioner Kirchner Commissioner Kirchner stated the timeline for Floribunda Caltrans solution will be the end of the year; he will reach out to Jennifer Pfaff for an update. He also reported on complete streets, where Carolan Avenue is being made thinner for the Summer Hill development. He would like to see the landscape plan when it becomes available. 4. Commissioner Hinckle Commissioner Hinckle inquired about ivy growing on trees and whose responsibility it is. Arborist Disco stated it is the responsibility of the homeowner; the Parks office will send out a letter to residents to inform them to remove the ivy if it is a threat to the tree. 5. Commissioner McQuaide Commissioner McQuaide is concerned that we are going to lose a lot of trees because of the drought. 6. Commissioner Hunt None 7. Commissioner Dittman None The next Beautification Commission meeting is August 6, 2015. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:00pm. Respectfully submitted, gina 53o46ac Gina Borba Recording Secretary