HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2019.06.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Minutes June 6, 2019
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm by
Commission Chair Kirchner.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Kirchner, Kearney, Hinckle, Hunt and Dinuri
Absent: None
Staff. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad, City Arborist/Parks Superintendent Disco and
Recording Secretary Borba
Others: None
MINUTES
Commissioner Hunt made a motion to approve the May 2, 2019 minutes. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Hinckle and unanimously approved.
CORRESPONDENCE
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
OLD BUSINESS
1. Business Landscape Award Nominations
Secretary Borba collected the Commissioners nominations for the Business Landscape Award and will
prepare a list of the nominees that will be emailed to the Commissioners for their evaluation.
Commissioner Dinuri reminded the Commissioners that they will vote at the August meeting.
2. Residential Sustainable Landscape Nominations
Secretary Borba collected the Commissioners nominations for the Residential Sustainable Landscape
Award and will prepare a list of the nominees that will be emailed to the Commissioners for their
evaluation. Commissioner Dinuri reminded the Commissioners that they will vote at the August
meeting.
3. Commissioner Report on Solar Panels and Trees
Commissioner Kirchner reported the City needs to conform to the Solar Shade Control Act (Chapter
12 [25980-25986]) and Solar Rights Act (CA Civil Code 714) if the City does nothing to amend it.
There is no reference to either of the Solar Acts in the Cities ordinances at this time. Arborist Disco
reported he has discussed the topic of Solar Panels with City Attorney Kane and they agree it needs to
be addressed. Commissioner Dinuri stated that these acts cover any tree that is covered under the City
Municipal Code and Arborist Disco added that the Acts not only covers all City trees but also all
protected size trees. Commissioner Dinuri stated some cities have guidelines or policies they follow
and don't change or add to their Municipal Code. Director Glomstad suggested adding information on
Solar Panels to the Urban Reforestation Management plan.
Commissioner Kirchner stated it is difficult to know what came first the tree or the solar panels.
Arborist Disco stated that before a homeowner can install solar panels they would have to pull a permit
from the City. Commissioner Kirchner inquired if it would be possible for the permit process to include
a shade study and survey of the trees. Commissioner Hinckle stated that when solar panels were
installed at her home the company did a study of the current size of trees and future size of trees to
determine the location of the panel installation.
Commissioner Dinuri stated that the solar shade act protects the neighboring properties trees but
questioned what protects trees on the property of where the solar panels are being installed. The
ordinance needs to address a protected size tree on the property where the solar panels are located.
Commissioner Kirchner stated that he and Commissioner Dinuri looked at the Solar Shade Act, Solar
Rights Act and prepared an outlined that was emailed to the Commissioners which included the
statement of purpose regarding trees; methods used to research solar panels and trees; the Solar Rights
Act, Solar Shade Control Act and the Amendment; look at ordinances and policies from other cities for
suggestions, comparisons, definitions, and recommendations; and a statement of purpose.
Commissioner Dinuri and Commissioner Kirchner will prepare information to amend or add onto the
municipal code which will include what trees you can request to remove and what would be permitted,
making it clear homeowners do not have the authority to remove existing protected size trees on private
property for solar collector installation without a permit and to propose some best practices for the
Commissioners to look at. Then the Commissioners can prepare a memo signed by the Commission
with recommendations to submit to Council.
Commissioner Hinckle acknowledge Commissioner Dinuri and Kirchner for all the work they put into
researching solar panels and trees.
4. Commissioner Discussion on Updating the Description of the Beautification Commission on the
Webpage
Commissioners Dinuri and Commissioner Kirchner prepare a draft proposal to be reviewed by the
Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the draft proposal. The Commissioner will review the
draft proposal further and discuss the proposal at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Cancellation of the July 4t" Beautification Commission Meeting
Commissioner Hinckle moved to cancel the July 4' Beautification Commission meeting.
Commissioner Dinuri seconded the motion and the motion passed 4-0-1 (Hunt left meeting early).
2. Discussion of Tree Board Handbooks
Commissioner Dinuri felt the Tree Board Handbook was helpful being she is a new Commissioner.
The book provided a lot of information regarding all aspects of trees. The Commissioners all felt the
Tree Board Handbook was a benefit. Director Glomstad suggested the handbook had information on
how the Beautification Commissioners could be more active in the community to promote information
regarding trees in Burlingame. The Commissioners will discuss preparing a power point spotlighting
trees in Burlingame and Secretary Borba will look into apparel for the Commissioners.
REPORTS
1. Director Glomstad
Director Glomstad reported the Playground, Sport Court and Picnic Area at Washington Park is
scheduled to begin the week of June 17t1i or June 24tn
2. Parks Superintendent/City Arborist
None
3. Commissioner Hunt
None
4. Commissioner Hinckle
Commissioner Hinckle wanted to acknowledge all the work Commissioner Dinuri and Commissioner
Kirchner have done on the issues of Solar Panels and trees and the Beautification Commission
description on the website. Commissioner Hinckle also proposed a criteria be developed for the
Residential Sustainable Landscape Award.
5. Commissioner Kirchner
Commissioner Kirchner inquired if the City has a requirement regarding parking lots and percentage
of trees and shade they provide. Arborist Disco replied the City does not.
6. Commissioner Kearney
None
7. Commissioner Dinuri
Commissioner Dinuri inquired if there is an ordinance regarding a public nuisance of excessive weeds
on a private property. Director Glomstad stated you can call Code Enforcement and report it or use
SeeClickFix on the City Website.
The next Beautification Commission meeting is August 1, 2019. There being no further business, the
meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Gina Borba
Administrative Staff