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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2012.06.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION June 7, 2012 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 pm. by Vice Chair Dittman. ROLL CALL Present: Vice -Chair Dittman, Commissioners Hinkle, Kirchner, and McQuaide, and Chairperson Hunt (arrived at late at 7:05 pm) Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Park Supervisor/Arborist Disco, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests: Fernando and Uma Velayos (1433 Cortez Ave.), Travis Culwell (1427 Montero Ave.), Joe and Janelle Becerra (1437 Cortez Ave.), and Eric Zankman (1512 Cabrillo Ave.) MINUTES - Minutes of the May 3, 2012 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE All related correspondence from Applicant and Appellants regarding the approved removal of 2 Private Redwood trees at 1433 Cortez Ave. Article in the spring edition of the Burlingame Historical Society's `Record' publication regarding the Howard/Ralston Tree Rows on El Camino Real and the new listing on the National Register of Historic Places. �...- PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments. Vice -Chair Dittman asked if the Commission would consider moving the appeal item under New Business to accommodate those attending the public hearing. Commissioner Hinkle moved the public hearing be the next item on the agenda; Commissioner Kirchner seconded. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Anneals to the Aunroval to Remove 2 Private Redwood Trees Z 1433 Cortez Avenue Parks Supervisor/Arborist Disco reviewed his Staff Report noting his recommendation for removal was based on: Tree # 1 has grown close to the garage and will eventually damage the foundation; Tree #2 has a history of limb failure and poor structure (due to past topping) and now has three co -dominant leaders, and both trees have heavy lateral limbs and have not been properly maintained. Arborist Disco added that an independent arborist report submitted by the applicant recommends removal based on: "trunk deformities ... damaging to neighbor's garage". Arborist Disco stated that based on Chapter 11.06.060 of the Urban Reforestation and Tree Protection Ordinance (d)(1) ..."the condition of the tree with respect to ... the proximity to existing or proposed structure" ... and (d)(7) ... "The economic consequences and obligations of requiring a tree to remain", he approved the removal of both Redwood trees, including replacement requirements. Commissioner Kirchner asked Arborist Disco why would someone prune or top a tree. Arborist Disco responded that "topping" is not an acceptable practice, but that it was probably done to control the height of the tree. There being no further questions from the Commissioners, Vice -Chair Dittman opened the public hearing. NEW BUSINESS - Appeals to the Approval to Remove 2 Redwood Trees (a,1433 Cortez Avenue (Contd.) Applicant Fernando Valeyos, 1433 Cortez Avenue, stated he and his wife purchased the property 2 years ago and liked the "park like setting" and is requesting removal due to safety concerns and damage to his neighbor's -� property. He stated that over 10 years ago the neighbor repaired damage to his garage caused by the same tree. Applicant Valeyos also cited dropping limbs, one as large has 15 feet long, have ripped out the P.G.&E. line and have fallen into the easement. Applicant Valeyos stated that the rear neighbor (Appellant at 1432 Cabrillo Ave.) had not suffered the consequences of these two trees that he and his neighbor (at 1437 Cortez Ave.) had; the damage to the garage and the safety issues posed by the trees affect both he and his neighbor the enjoyment of their properties. Applicant Valeyos concluded that he and his wife love their yard and plan to replace the trees with large canopied trees to keep the "park like setting". Joe Becerra, 1437 Cortez Avenue, stated in 1997, he received a settlement for damage caused by the tree closest to his garage. He stated that in order to save the tree at that time, the garage was rebuilt and "angled". He concluded his comments stating, there is no place to move his garage and the large limbs that fall from the tree pose a hazard to himself and to his property. Travis Culwell, 1427 Montero Avenue, stated the 2 Redwood Trees are beautiful when seen from a'/2 mile distance and acknowledged that the removal of these two trees has been a local neighborhood concern. He stated there are concerns about what mechanisms allow for removal of big trees particularly during construction or re -development of properties, and the general concerns of living in an urban forest, i.e., big trees versus small houses having a hard time co -existing. Janelle Becerra, 1437 Cortez Avenue, stated she is frightened of big trees but admitted it is heartbreaking when the removal of a large tree is necessary. She added "If one of them were to fall down ... they are beautiful, but scary". Commissioner McQuaide asked Applicant Velayos if when they had purchased the property, had they considered the issues with the large trees on the property. Applicant Velayos responded that they were drawn to the "park -like ---� setting", but learned things about the property after living on the property for awhile. Commissioner Kirchner asked Applicant Valeyos if he knew what the cost would be for removal of the two trees. Applicant Valeyos responded "No". Commissioner Kirchner asked the neighbor, Mr. Becerra (1437 Cortez Ave.), if he had plans to improve his property. Mr. Becerra stated there are no plans; his children are gone and he and his wife are done improving the property. Vice -Chair Dittman asked Mr. Becerra if the trees were removed, would the garage be rebuilt. Mr. Becerra responded that the garage is used for storage and there are no plans to rebuild the garage. Vice -Chair Dittman asked Applicant Valeyos for clarification, if the tree had only lost two limbs. Applicant Valeyos stated that the two limbs that had recently fallen were smaller in scale, but he had heard from his neighbors that larger limbs had fallen before they had moved into the property. There being no further questions or comments, Vice -Chair Dittman closed the Public Hearing. Vice -Chair Dittman asked Arborist Disco what would make a Redwood tree drop limbs. Arborist Disco stated that the limbs likely came from Tree #2 because it had been topped, is poorly structured, and is in poor condition. Commissioner McQuaide commented that Redwood trees drop limbs; she has a Redwood tree that is growing under her foundation, and it is a beautiful mature tree, but it drops limbs. Vice -Chair Dittman asked Arborist Disco if Tree #2 could be pruned enough to make it safe. Arborist Disco responded that the tree is in decline; any pruning to keep it safe would need to be extensive, frequent, and consistent. Arborist Disco added that his decision to approve the removal of Tree #1 (next to the garage) was based on the ordinance with regard to trees that are part of a grove; i.e. that removal of the one tree in a grove could have a negative impact on the remaining tree due to the elements. 2 NEW BUSINESS - Appeals to the Approval to Remove 2 Redwood Trees 61433 Cortez Avenue (Contd.) Commissioner Hinckle commented that she does not consider these trees attractive, one appears deformed, and the other tree with the large burl will damage the neighbor's garage. She added that Redwood trees are not "landscape" trees and are inappropriate species for small back yards; big trees and small houses do not work well together. Commissioner McQuaide responded that the City Council had voted to retain the grand canopies in the City of Burlingame whenever possible. She stated that there are not many large trees in back yards, just small trees, and believes it a disservice to the City when large trees are removed due to development and play yards. She concluded that it is true that these trees are not perfect, and safety issues always come up when someone wants to remove a tree, but these are tall trees, and the majority of garages in Burlingame are used for storage, as was confirmed by the neighbor (Mr. Becerra) in his comments. Commissioner Kirchner noted that the 24 people who "see the trees" from a distance, signed the petition to save the trees; however, the closest neighbors to the trees (which have gotten too big), are having liability issues. He stated that if you own a tree, you are responsible to your neighbors for any damage caused by the tree, therefore even though it is painful to see large tree(s) removed, these trees are too big, will continue to get bigger, and will continue to pose a risk. Commissioner Hunt stated the trees should come out adding she too has a healthy, 100 year old, Redwood tree in her backyard; but these two Redwood trees are in bad shape and are not located in an area where this large tree should be. Vice -Chair Dittman stated she also has a Redwood tree that is close to her home; she asked Arborist Disco if Tree #2 was removed, could Tree #1 (tree closest to garage) live on it's own; that it is a difficult decision to just say "take out these trees". Arborist Disco responded that the tree would continue to grow and it would still damage the garage. Following the discussion, Commissioner Hinckle moved to deny the appeal, and to approve the removal of two Redwood Trees at 1433 Cortez Avenue, based on the recommendation of the City Arborist, due to future damage to the neighbor's garage, frequent falling limbs, and the financial burden to property owner for structural repairs to neighboring garage foundation; seconded, Hunt. Motion carried 3 — 2 (opposed/Dittman and McQuaide). OLD BUSINESS 2012 Landscape Award Selection Commissioners Hinckle and Dittman confirmed that the 14 business sites nominated had met all eligibility requirements. The Commission discussed the different sites and weighed in on which property they believed contributed the most. After a process of elimination, Commissioner Hunt moved that Carr, McClellan Law Offices at 216 Park Road be the recipient of the 2012 Business Landscape Award because they had been nominated repeatedly for this award, the landscaped business enhances the area, is consistently maintained, and is deserving of the award; seconded, McQuaide. Motion carried unanimously. Administrative Secretary Harvey stated she would send a letter from the Commission to the winning business once approved by Committee Chair Hinckle; Commissioner McQuaide stated she would notify Dale Perkins (local artist) so he may begin his art rendering, and she would also notify John McQuaide (local photographer) to take a photograph of the business for publicity purposes. The Commission also expressed the desire to send letters of appreciation to the other nominees. Administrative Secretary Harvey stated she would send a draft letter to Committee Chair Hinckle for approval before sending out to the nominees. The Commission approved the revisions to the draft of the Business Landscape Award publicity submitted by Director Glomstad at the May meeting. The publicity will be mailed with the Burlingame Business water bills in July and August and would also be placed in the Fall Recreation Brochure. REPORTS — Staff 1) Renovation/resurfacing of the Laguna Tennis Courts is nearing completion. 2) The City has agreed to enter into a continuation of the contract with Timberline Tree Service for --� tree pruning of the large Eucalyptus trees and stump removal throughout the City. 3) The process has begun for the Parks Division to fill 2 vacant positions: 1 Park Maintenance Worker, 1 Tree Maintenance Worker, and 1 promotional Park Maintenance Leadworker. 4) The California State Office of Historic Resources Studies have completed the re -inventorying and retagging of the Howard/Ralston Historic tree row on El Camino Real. The re -inventory also included identifying newer trees and trees that may need staking. 5) Leaf Blowing Ordinance goes into effect on July 1, 2012. Residents have been notified through the Water Bills informing them of the restrictions and schedules for leaf blowing in the City. 6) Parks Supervisor Disco will be serving on the Dog Park Task force which will convene next week to discuss options and alternatives. 7) SMUHS District has begun resurfacing the Burlingame High School parking lot. Parks & Recreation is working with the contractor so access to the Parks Corporation Yard remains open. The project will not be completed until the end of summer. Commissioner Hunt Commissioner Hunt reported that copies of the Trees, What's the Big Deal" Parks and Recreation brochure was mailed to 236 Burlingame/Hillsborough newcomers to the area. Commissioner Elinckle Commissioner Hinckle noted that the plantings in the merchant's pots are not consistent. Commissioner McQuaide responded that the Burlingame Garden Group planted some of the merchant pots and someone removed the plants; she also noted that irrigation is broken in some of the pots. Parks Supervisor Disco stated that the merchant's pots are a poor design, requiring continual repairs to the irrigation by Parks staf% and is an ongoing maintenance issue because the pots keep getting moved and bumped by cars. --� Commissioner McOuaide Commissioner McQuaide reported that the Burlingame Garden Group also cleaned the Easton Drive stairs and that, Mollie Stones agreed to donate 5% of each purchase to the Burlingame Garden Group for anyone who requests a Community card. Commissioner Kirchner Commissioner Kirchner commented that there seemed to be misunderstandings with regard to property developments and the processes/criteria required for tree removal and requested this item be placed on a future agenda for further discussion. Arborist Disco agreed and would like to provide the Commission the current policies and ordinances. It was a consensus of the Commission that the item be placed on the August 2°a agenda. Commissioner Dittman Commissioner Dittman reported a large dead tree is located at Rosedale, on the south east side of El Camino Real. Arborist Disco responded that the tree is in the CalTrans right of way and has been scheduled for removal along with a few other dead trees. Commissioner Dittman also reported that street signs are blocked by City tree branches, west to east, at Hillside and Columbus Avenue. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm. Respectfully submitted, ,.-11-s xlXA6PRW mwwe* Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary