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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2017.09.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Approved Minutes September 7, 2017 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Hunt. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Hunt, Hinckle (arrived at 6:35), Kearney, Kirchner and Dinuri Absent: None Staff: Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Disco and Recording Secretary Chandra Others: None MINUTES Commissioner Kearney noted that the address for the Business Landscape Award is 1427 Chapin Avenue. Commissioner Kirchner made a motion to approve the July 6, 2017 minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kearney and unanimously approved. CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC COMMENT Matt Feemster, a resident in Burlingame commented regarding ivy growing on trunks of trees. He stated that it can be harmful to the trees and asked if there was a program to remove the ivy. He also commented that there are areas of Burlingame where the trees are sparse. He wanted to know if there is a process for residents to recommend addresses where trees be planted. Mr. Feemster also stated that large bare concrete walls of Parking structures are unsettling in a City and suggested ivy be planted to transform the look of the area. OLD BUSINESS 1. Business Landscape Award Recognition Update Commissioner Kirchner stated he will present a slide show at the award ceremony during the Council meeting on October 16, 2017. 2. Residential Sustainable Landscape Award Recognition Update Commissioner Kirchner stated the award will be presented at the Council meeting on September 18, 2017. Arborist Disco showed the Commissioners the garden plaque that will be presented at Council to the award winners. Commissioner Hinckle inquired if something like the garden plaque could be done for the Business Landscape Award for outdoor recognition. Commissioner Kirchner will present a power point at the Council meeting award ceremony. NEW BUSINESS 1. Welcome New BBC Commissioner — Qiva Dinuri Commission Chair Hunt welcomed Commissioner Dinuri to the Beautification Commission. 2. Oath of Office — Qiva Dinuri Commission Chair Hunt read the Oath of Office to Commissioner Dinuri and she was sworn in. 3. Appeal to the Denied Tree Removal Permit at 2714 Easton Drive Arborist Disco read the staff report regarding the denial to remove a Cedar tree at 2714 Easton Drive. Commissioner Kirchner asked if this is a common problem. Arborist Disco stated there are two issues with the Cedar tree; honeydew from the aphids and sap that is dripping from the tree. The dripping is seasonal and tends to happen more in the summer. Commissioner Hinckle asked Arborist Disco if the tree did not fall in his criteria for removal. Arborist Disco stated he is mainly looking at health and structure but there is language in the ordinance for economic consequences and obligation to the homeowner to consider. Commissioner Dinuri inquired if excessive sap is an indication that a tree is sick. Arborist Disco stated it could be. Commissioner Hunt also inquired about the sap and asked if it could be tested. Public Comment Brian with Davey tree has been involved with the property since the reconstruction in 2012 and has provided tree protection and care during the process to current. He stated the honeydew from the aphids can be treated and washed off fairly easily. Davey has also provided care by way of trimming this Cedar tree which could result in increased sap. He stated that the tree has many cones which are a likely culprit for a lot of the sap also. He believes in saving and caring for trees. He doesn't see any feasible way to keep the tree health and manage the current concerns. His recommendation was to remove the tree and plant a replacement. Arborist Disco asked if there were any roots cut during construction. Brian stated no significant roots were lost during construction. Commissioner Hunt asked what will happen if the tree is removed, to the tree that is intertwined with it. Brian noted he would not expect a change to the tree and the branches will not reach the hardscape of the property. Commissioner Hinckle stated there was so much protection put in place for the preservation of the tree and now they wanted to remove it. Brain stated the plan was always to keep the tree; these issues were unforeseeable developed over time. Arborist Disco stated the hardscape was not there before renovation so it is hard to tell when the issue started. Secretary Chandra read a correspondence from Gary Debal the Architect of the renovation project who strongly supports the removal of the Cedar tree. Appellant Bill Cunningham -Corso the property owner stated they purchased the house 5 years ago. At that time the hill was a forest setting with no hardscape. Mr. Cunningham -Corso stated that he terraced the hill and planted gardens and loves the trees. During renovation preserving the tree was a top priority. He doesn't know what happen during the renovation process to stress the Cedar but it happened. It has been 3 years since the completion of the project and the sap is there every year and accelerating. They have trimmed the tree and power washed the hardscape; the quotes are expensive and the tiles are shot from excess cleaning. They can't use the front yard or steps because it is sticky. They reached the point where it is not working anymore. He said the trees would be replaced. The Ordinance does state safety hazard and economic obligation and the Cedar does fall in those parameters. Commission Discussion Commissioner Kirchner stated that there has to be compelling issues to remove a tree, the Commission is here to protect the trees but the cost to maintain the tree is large. Commissioner Hunt stated she thinks the sap issue needs to be looked into further. Commissioner Kearney addressed the safety issue regarding the stairs stating that the railing and stairs are sticky and if someone takes a fall it is going to be bad. She stated the Ordinance does state tree removal for economic consequences. Commissioner Dinuri stated that she did see the safety issues and the damage to the surface, it's pretty extensive. Commissioner Hinckle spoke to the aesthetics of tree removal. She stated it is more pleasing to have two small trees lower down then the one large up above. Commissioner Kearney moved to uphold the appeal based on the economic consequences and obligations to the homeowner by requiring the tree remain; Chapter 11.06.050(d) (7) of the Municipal Code and requested the City Arborist to determine the type, location and number of replacement trees(s). Commissioner Kirchner seconds the motion. Motion passed 4-1 (Hunt). REPORTS 1. Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Arborist Disco reported on Burlingame Avenue Eucalyptus trees; he is waiting on a final report for the inspection of health and structure of 15 trees. On September 19th PG& E will turn off power and Bay Area Tree Specialists will be removing 2 Eucalyptus trees on the 300 block of Burlingame Avenue. Arborist Disco stated he is having the trees on Easton assessed for health and structure and will come up with a plan to take to council. 2. Director Glomstad None 3. Commissioner Hunt Commissioner Hunt stated there are 3 Sycamores on Bernal that look stressed. Arborist Disco will inspect. 4. Commissioner Hinckle Commissioner Hinckle inquired about Broadway landscaping. Arborist Disco stated he just walked Broadway with City Manager Goldman, Council Member Keighran and Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad A list of possible improvements is being developed. Arborist Disco is waiting to hear from the BBID for direction on the planter pots. 5. Commissioner Kirchner Commissioner Kirchner inquired about ivy growing on street trees. The City issued a letter to the homeowner and the homeowner needs to remove the ivy. Arborist Disco reported that ivy is considered ground cover and the homeowner is responsible for the removal of anything in the planting strip but the tree. 6. Commissioner Kearney None 7. Commissioner Dinuri Commissioner Dinuri thanked everyone for the nice welcome and hopes to learn a lot while on the Commission. The next Beautification Commission meeting is October 5, 2017. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. Respectfully submitted, Gina Borba Administrative Staff