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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2017.02.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION February 2, 2017 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm by Commissioner Hunt. 1:101]11W9000 Present: Commissioner Hunt, Kirchner, Hinckle, Deason and Kearney Absent: None Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Disco and Recording Secretary Borba MINUTES Commissioner Hinckle made a motion to approve the January 5, 2017 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirchner and unanimously approved. CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Kirchner provided a sustainable landscape packet. Director Glomstad shared an email from the NRPA regarding how trees save you money. PUBLIC COMMENT None C1711III :31by lei DIV 1. 2017 Business Landscape Award Timeline Commissioner Kirchner reported that the deadline for applications is June I". 2. Residential Sustainable Landscape Award Commissioner Kirchner provided a packet to the Commissioners with examples of residential sustainable landscapes in Burlingame. The Commissioners discussed the examples provided by Commissioner Kirchner regarding criteria for the award. Arborist Disco reminded the Commissioners that Sigalle Michael, Sustainability Coordinator for the City will be speaking to the Commissioners about sustainability at the March meeting. NEW BUSINESS 1. Theme Block Petition on Mills Avenue Arborist Disco presented the staff report to modify the theme block specie of tree on Mills Avenue which includes the 1100, 1200, 1300 and 1400 blocks. Mrs. Liao has acquired signatures from 75% of the residents on Mills Avenue to petition the theme tree on Mills Avenue be changed from a Sycamore to different species of tree. If the Commission approves the modification to the specie, it will be reviewed by Council for final approval. The new specie choice will be discussed between the Property Owners on Mills Avenue and the City Arborist. Currently, the trees on Mills Avenue are predominantly Sycamores. Some of the trees on Mills Avenue are under primary utility lines and have been topped. All of the Sycamores on Mills are about 20 feet tall, have anthracnose and powdery mildew which the City does not spray for and the trees are in decline. Public Comment None Petitioner Yungting Liao stated she doesn't care what the replacement specie is, she feels the Sycamores are not thriving on Mills Avenue and that the Sycamores are too big for the planting area. She would like to see something with some color be planted as a replacement. Commissioner Discussion Commissioner Kirchner stated that there is a mix of trees on Mills Avenue. Commissioner Hunt asked what size tree would be planted. Arborist Disco stated a 15 gallon tree. Commissioner Hinckle asked if the new specie would be a small statured tree. Arborist Disco stated the new species of tree chosen would be smaller than the Sycamores and be better under utility lines. Motion Commissioner Hinckle moved to approve the modification of the Theme Block tree on Mills Avenue from a Platanus acerifolia `Sycamore' to species of tree that the City Arborist and residents on Mills Avenue mutually agreed upon. Commissioner Kirchner seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. 2. Education on Urban Forest Regarding Trees and Homes Arborist Disco discussed large tree removal, removal of large stature trees and the challenges with appeals regarding large trees. Many of the trees in Burlingame were planted back in the 1920's, 1930's and 1940's and with the decrease in lot size over time, some of the trees are in inappropriate locations and in close proximity to dwellings. The City receives private tree removals permit requests each year. On average there are 6-7 permits annually that are complex and in turn 2-3 are appealed to the Commission. It appears that the large tree removal requests are increasing. Arborist Disco stated that in the last 5 years the appeals from homeowner's, some that live blocks away, has increased. Commissioner Hinckle asked if the majority of big trees are Redwoods. Arborist Disco stated that most contentious removal requests are Redwood and Oak trees. Commissioner Hinckle suggested public education, articles in the Daily Journal, eNews and other publications to get the information out. Commissioner Hunt stated that originally these trees were planted on large parcels of land that were sub divided which left a very large tree on a small lot of land. Commissioner Hinckle inquired if there was a request of the Commissioners to do something. Director Glomstad stated that if the Commissioners could be the stewards of this information to help educate the public. Arborist Disco will be posting articles in the eNews to educate the public that the City does not take trees out without significant justification and process. Commissioner Deason stated that part of the education should include the growth of the trees planted 20 or 30 years ago that would help offset the ones coming out. Director Glomstad stated this is a starting place so the Commissions has the information so they can spread the word about challenges with the large trees in the City REPORTS 1) Parks Superintendent/City Arborist a) Tuesday, March 7th is Arbor Day in Washington Park in the small picnic area. b) The Tree Crew started planting 107 street trees. It should take about 3 weeks to complete. c) The tree contactor Bay Area Tree Specialists is trimming in the Gables area and then will be in the Mills Avenue area. d) February 28th is the ECR Task Force walkthrough on ECR. The group will walk the site and looking at all the issues, the sidewalks, concrete walls, overhead wires and trees. The group will meet after to discuss the issues. e) Monday, February 6th at 6pm is the study session with Council regarding the Tree Ordinance. Council will be asking questions of staff regarding the Ordinance. If the Commissioners want to ask questions or support the Ordinance they are encouraged to attend. 2) Director Glomstad None 3) Commissioner Hunt Commissioner Hunt complimented the tree contractor Bay Area Tree Specialists on a great job trimming the Sycamores and the clean up afterwards. 4) Commissioner Hinckle a) Commissioner Hinckle asked for feedback from staff on how the Commissioners have handled the last few appeals. Director Glomstad stated the Commissioners are sensitive, have empathy and really listen to the public. The motions could be clearer and more concise b) Commissioner Hinckle stated the pillars on the ends of Burlingame Avenue are so beautiful. c) She also inquired about the replanting on Broadway. Arborist Disco stated he didn't want to over plant the bulb outs and the Parks Crew planted Lantana and Camellia's that will bloom in the spring. 5) Commissioner Kirchner a) Commissioner Kirchner inquired if the January appeal for the removal of the Sequoia tree was appealed to Council. Arborist Disco stated an application was not filed for the appeal to go to Council. b) He also stated he noticed the street tree replanting at Our Lady of the Angels church. 6) Commissioner Kearney a) Commissioner Kearney stated the staff report for the study session is online. b) She also commented that during an appeal it would be helpful at the beginning to ask if the appellant and respondent are present. 7) Commissioner Deason Commissioner Deason inquired when Sigalle Michaels would be speaking to the Commission. Director Glomstad stated at the March meeting. The next Beautification Commission meeting is March 2, 2017. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm. Respectfully submitted, /ITY,,t r .&Wf& Gina Borba Recording Secretary