HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - BC - 2015.11.05AGENDA
BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 5, 2015 @ 6:30 PM
BURLINGAME RECREATION CENTER
850 BURLINGAME AVE — Conference Room
I. ROLL CALL
II. MINUTES
III. CORRESPONDENCE
IV. FROM THE FLOOR Speakers may address the Commission concerning any matter over which the
Commission has jurisdiction or of which it may take cognizance that is not on the agenda. Additional public comments
on agenda action items will be heard when the Commission takes up those items. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State
local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda.
Speakers are asked to fill out a "request to speak" card located on the table by the door and hand it to staff, although
provision of name, address or other identifying information is optional. Speakers are limited to three minutes each,
although the Commission may adjust the time limit in light of the number of anticipated speakers.
V. OLD BUSINESS
1) 2016 Business Landscape Award
2) Residential Landscape Award for Drought Tolerant Landscapes
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1) Appeal of the Removal at 2325 Poppy Drive
VII. REPORTS
1) Staff
2) Chairperson
3) Commissioners
VIII. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Next Regular Meeting; December 3, 2015
NOTICE: Any attendees wishing accommodations for disabilities should contact the Parks & Recreation Dept. at (650) 558-7330
at lease 24 hours before the meeting. A copy of the agenda packet is available for review at the Recreation Center, 850
Burlingame Avenue, during normal office hours. The Agendas and minutes are also available on the City's website:
www.burlingame.orQ.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Burlingame Beautification Commission regarding any items on this
agenda will be made available forpublic inspection at 850 Burlingame Avenue during normal business hours.
BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
November 5, 2015
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm by
Chairperson Kirchner.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Kirchner, Commissioners Hinckle, Hunt, McQuaide and Dittman
Absent: None
Staff: Parks & Rec Director Glomstad, City Arborist/Park Supervisor Disco and Recording
Secretary Borba
MINUTES
Minutes of the October 1, 2015 meeting were amended and approved.
CORRESPONDENCE
BBC Landscape Award presentation photo was in the Daily Journal on October 26, 2015.
Peter Kelly, resident at 2325 Poppy Drive, submitted a garage repair proposal.
A copy of the 2016 Business Landscape Award Nomination form was distributed to the Commissioners.
Letter from Rudy Horak regarding gray water was distributed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
NEW BUSINESS
1. Appeal of the Removal at 2325 Poppy Drive
Arborist Disco read the staff report and noted that the Redwood tree has poor structure, codominant
leaders and included bark, which increases the chance of failure and led to his approving removal of the
tree. He also stated that each one of the trunks on the Redwood is dependent on each other. If one of the
trunks is removed, the others trunks are exposed to the elements, which could increase the possibility of
failure. Commissioner Hinckle asked if the tree would be a danger to children playing in the backyard.
Arborist Disco said the leaders are so large that a failure of any of the leaders could be a hazard to people
and the surrounding homes. Commissioner McQuaide stated that Arborist Disco said the tree is in fair to
good health. Arborist Disco stated it is in good health and will continue to grow at a rate increasing the
included bark, the trunks to expand and separate. Commissioner Dittman stated walking around town you
see a lot of the Redwoods with codominant trunks, would this be setting precedence? Arborist Disco
stated that each tree is looked at individually, including the size, number of codominant trunks, structure,
health and possible remedies to protect it.
Public Comment:
John Nordin, a frequent visitor to 2308 Hale Drive. John read a letter from the Coleman's. The letter
stated that the tree has been a part of our daily lives, the tree brought nature into view and it's the tree our
children grew up with and home many bird species. It is the tallest tree in the vicinity.
Brian Tu, a resident on Poppy Drive west of the Kelly's. He stated that his family moved to Burlingame
5 years ago because of the community and the natural beauty. He has also had plumbing issues and found
out the Redwood tree roots were blocking their sewer line.
John Kohli, a resident on Hale Drive and a neighbor to the Coleman's stated the Redwood tree sits to the
west and provides shade and a view of natural beauty.
Linda Ryan, a resident on Drake Avenue stated she is really concerned that removal will set a precedent
and destroy the neighborhood. She expressed that she wanted to let the Kelly's know the neighbors don't
want to see the tree come down because it's a part of the community.
Ed Goldman, a resident on Hale Drive stated the tree is prominent from her backyard. It's the biggest tree
in the area and he has seen a hawk at the top of the tree and a crow flying around it.
Stella Daire, a resident on Hale Drive stated when she walks out her door the Redwood is the first thing
she sees. She sees beautiful birds in the tree all the time and doesn't want to see it taken down.
Appellant:
Amanda Coleman, a resident on Hale Drive represented her family and neighbors who couldn't be at the
meeting. She stated that she understands that new residents want to make improvements to older
structures but Burlingame is called the City of Trees. She mentioned that in the Easton addition it is
flatter and there are fewer big trees; a tree that is in fair to good condition should not have to be removed.
Respondent:
Peter Kelly, owner of the property at 2325 Poppy Drive. He stated that he is not a person who wants to
take down trees. When he bought the house he was unaware of the issues related to the tree. He stated
that the root system of the tree is destroying the foundation of the garage and has made it potentially
unsafe. The estimate he received to repair the garage is $27,000.00. He stated that a structural engineer
looked at the area as well as an independent arborist to help assess the matter. The structural engineer
report said that the foundation may not be serviceable in the future unless something is done. The
independent Arborist's report stated concern for failure to the tree. Mr. Kelly expressed that the tree is
beautiful and he understands why people like it and want to keep it. He said they thought about how they
could save the tree but from safety and financial standpoint, they could not come up with one. From the
consultant's reports, he sees that the Redwood tree will continue to get bigger, continue to damage the
property and have a higher rate of limb failure. He stated that this is a huge financial and safety burden
moving forward.
Public Comment:
Commissioner McQuaide asked if the Kelly's were told about protected trees in Burlingame and if they
noticed the damage when they looked at the property. Peter Kelly stated that he didn't realize how
significant the damage was and the issues to the tree's structure. Commissioner Hinckle asked if the
Kelly's were informed by the realtor about protected trees in Burlingame. He said he was aware of
protected trees in Burlingame. Commissioner McQuaide asked if he knew that the garage had issues
because of the tree. Peter said that this is the first home they have purchased and he knew it needed work
but did not know the extent of the expense to repair or that it would be something that would continue and
the risk of limb failure as the tree grew. Commissioner Hunt asked about moving the garage and the
Kelly's said they can't afford to move the garage. Commissioner Dittman asked if there was an estimate
to remove the tree. Peter said the estimate was $8,000.00 to remove the tree. Peter stated that regardless
of what happens with the garage, Arborist Disco and the independent arborist have stated that there is a
hazard of limb failure. He said it would be catastrophic to his property or his neighbor's property if the
Redwood fails and it is a safety and liability hazard and he is very concerned.
Commissioner Discussion:
Commissioner Kirchner asked some questions that were brought up during Public Comment.
1. What is the current likelihood of the tree failing tomorrow and is there any way to predict it? Arborist
Disco stated that it is not possible to predict. Sometimes there are warning signs where the leaders start to
pull apart and you can see and hear it happening, or it can just completely fail.
2. Are Red Tail Hawks a reason to keep the tree? Arborist Disco said he didn't know if there were Red
Tail Hawks in the tree or if they needed to be protected.
3. Is it possible to prune the roots? Arborist Disco stated he would not recommend root pruning that close
to the garage. He said the tree is only three feet away from the garage and the roots will be big. Cutting
the roots will cause the tree to be unstable and lead to decay which can then move up the trunk into the
leaders. He noted that root barriers are a preventative measure for a certain amount of time and
eventually the roots will grow over or under them.
4. Is there construction? Arborist Disco stated when he went to look at the tree in September, the house
was vacant. He was unaware if the removal was tied to a remodel but his decision was made regardless
of any future construction. He stated removal was approved due to the structure of the tree and its
proximity to the residences surrounding it.
Commissioner Hunt asked if it is possible to cable the tree to secure it. Arborist Disco replied that
cabling is not used by the City because it indicates a problem with the tree and no cable is going to hold a
tree of that size to keep it from falling.
Commissioner Dittman stated that when the tree is gone, we will not see anything like it again.
Commissioner McQuaide commented we are the city of trees and we love our trees. Trees uproot garages
and sidewalks. She asked do we want to live with the consequences of trees or have a sterile
environment. She stated it is hard to live in a city where we are always finding reasons to take trees out.
Commissioner Hinckle stated it's not just living with the consequences or having a sterile environment.
She said she thinks that there are the right trees for the right place and the wrong trees planted in the
wrong places.
Commissioner McQuaide replied that the Redwood was here before we were and it is difficult because
the tree is healthy.
Commissioner Kirchner stated that when the Redwood tree was planted 80 years ago, they had no idea
what the tree was going to be today and at some point these trees become bad neighbors. Commissioner
Hinckle stated it's the wrong tree in the wrong location but it is a beautiful tree and not the right place.
Commissioner Hunt stated that for safety reasons it needs to be removed.
Commissioner Dittman stated that she can't imagine not seeing that tree. She said that she understands
that it's destroying property and about the codominant trunks and it will destroy a lot more property but it
is a magnificent tree. She expressed she didn't want to set precedence where they City can lose more
trees that have codominant trunks.
Commissioner Kirchner stated that the trees need to be reviewed on a case by case basis. He said that not
every tree with codominant leaders needs to be removed.
Commissioner Dittman asked what is special about this tree with codominant trunks and included bark
that it has to be removed compared to all the rest. Arborist Disco stated that this tree had four codominant
trunks which increase the chance of failure. He stated that each trees is reviewed on an individual basis
and he follows the guidelines that are set in the City ordinance.
Commissioner Hunt stated that if the tree did fall and the Commission denied removal, the City would be
at fault.
Motion:
Commissioner Hinckle moved to deny the appeal based on the potential liability and danger of tree failure
and the significant damage the tree is causing to the existing garage with replacement of two 24" box size
Scarlet Oaks (Quercus coccinea) to be planted in the same general area in the backyard.
Commissioner Kirchner seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-2
OLD BUSINESS
1. 2016 Business Landscape Award
The Commissioners were given a draft of the 2016 Business Landscape Award Nomination form.
Commissioner Hinckle will be chair and Commissioner Kirchner co-chair next year.
2. Residential Landscape Award for Drought Tolerant Landscapes
Commissioner Kirchner handed out revised guidelines of his original proposal. He asked the
commissioners to review and provide feedback at the next meeting.
REPORTS
1. Parks Supervisor/City Arborist
1. A Eucalyptus tree on Howard and El Camino Real will be removed next week.
2. A large Liquidambar at Carmelita and Paloma will be trimmed for safety
3. October/November street tree planting will start on November 161}i with 100 plus trees being
planted.
2. Parks & Recreation Director
1. City staff has been working with Caltrans Maintenance Architectural History Branch staff and
have identified 30 sites where trees can be replaced. Caltrans will be delivering 20-24" box size
Elm's to be planted on El Camino Real and watered by the City Tree Crew.
2. Davey Tree tagged and mapped the El Camino Real trees. Arborist Disco is reconciling
Caltrans list and Davey Tree list. He will be marking trees that he is most concerned about for
testing.
3. Staff met with Broadway BID to discuss the blight that has hit some of the Aristocrat Pear
Trees. The proposed plan is to replace with Red Spirer trees that are disease resistant. As trees
decline and need replacement there is a plan in place. In February Arborist Disco will bring the
plans for review to the Commission and community input.
3. Commissioner Kirchner
Commissioner Kirchner commented on the ongoing projects for the Commission, Complete
Streets, Floribunda/El Camino Real trees, Broadway trees, Trousdale and Art in the City. He also
asked if there is a fine if a moving van hits a tree.
4. Commissioner Hinckle
Commissioner Hinckle stated she has been contacted by a Burlingame resident about trees on her
property and trees next to her property on plot of land that is being developed. The concern is
that there are conditions for a building permit that are very specific regrading protecting the trees
during construction. How is this being enforced?
5. Commissioner McQuaide
Commissioner McQuaide commented that there are dead trees on Rivera and Skyline. She is
noticing the decline in private trees from lack of water.
6. Commissioner Hunt
Commissioner Hunt stated the Landscape Award Ceremony at the Council meeting was a great
time.
7. Commissioner Dittman
Commissioner Dittman asked if she will be notified of her replacement and last meeting.
The next Beautification Commission meeting is December 3, 2015. There being no further business, the
meeting adjourned at 7:58pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Chun c3o4 a
Gina Borba
Recording Secretary
City of Burlingame
Parks & Recreation Department
850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010
B"""�A"`E phone: (650) 558-7330 • fax: (650) 696-7216
gborba(agburlin ag me.org
October 19, 2014
John J. Coleman
Shirin Coleman
2308 Hale Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
RE: APPEAL REGARDING THE REMOVE OF THE PRIVATE REDWOOD TREE
@ 2325 POPPY DRIVE - BURLINGAME
We are in receipt of the letter appealing the removal of the Private Redwood tree at 2325 Poppy Drive.
The appeal will be forwarded to the Burlingame Beautification Commission and a hearing will be
scheduled for the meeting on Thursday, November 5, 2015. It is suggested you provide any supporting
documentation regarding the appeal for the Burlingame Beautification Commissioners review by
October 26, 2015 to the Parks Division office at 850 Burlingame Avenue or by email at
gborba@burlingame.org.
The Beautification Commission meets at 6:30 PM at the Burlingame Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame
Ave., Burlingame, (Conference Room) should you wish to attend and address the Commission regarding
this matter. The adjacent property owners are also being sent copies of this letter, pursuant to City
Ordinance, so they may attend the Commission meeting and make any comments if they wish to do so. If
you have any questions, please contact our office at (650) 558-7330.
Sincerely,
Bob Disco
Parks Supervisor/Arborist
Enclosures
CC:
Property Owner
2317 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner
2332 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner
2321 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner
2337 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner
2330 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner
2340 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner Property Owner Property Owner
2320 Hale Drive 2340 Hale Drive 2344 Hale Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010 Burlingame, CA 94010 Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner
2331 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Property Owner
2344 Poppy Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
Peter Kelly
3650 Brodrick St. #202
San Francisco, Ca 94123
City of Burlingame - Parks & Recreation Dept.
850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010 @°
BUPL1N9fkME phone: (650) 558-7300 • fax: (650) 696-7216
6
November 9, 2015
John J. Coleman
Shirin Coleman
2308 Hale Drive
Burlingame, CA 94010
RE: APPEAL REGARDING THE REMOVAL OF ONE PRIVATE PROTECTED SIZE REDWOOD TREE
@ 2325 POPPY DRIVE — BURLINGAME
At the Burlingame Beautification Commission meeting on November 5, 2015, the Commission voted 3-2, to
deny the appeal based on the potential liability and danger of tree failure and the significant damage the tree is
causing to the existing garage. Replacement of two 24" box size Scarlet Oaks (Quercus coccinea) planted in
the same general area in the backyard is required.
The Property Owner will be responsible for removing the Redwood tree and replacing with 2- 24" box Scarlet
Oaks planted in the same general area of removal. This work must be completed six months after the permit has
been issued and approved by the City Arborist.
The determination of the Commission shall become final and conclusive in ten (10) days if no appeal is filed.
Destruction, removal or other work on the protected trees shall not commence until after the ten (10) day period
has passed and a permit has been issued, or, if any appeal is filed, until the decision of the City Council.
During the period between the action of the Commission and the end of the ten (10) day appeal period, any
person may appeal the Commission determination to the City Council. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall
be filed with the City Clerk before 5 pm on the tenth day following the Commissioner's decision. The address
of the City Clerk is 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010. The appeal and noticing fee of $255 shall be
included with the written appeal (made payable to the City of Burlingame).
If you have any questions, please contact our office at (650) 558-7330.
Sincerely,
Bob Disco
Parks Supervisor/City Arborist