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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2009.02.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 5, 2009 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Lahey. Chairperson Lahey welcomed new Commissioners Karen Dittman and Mary Hunt and asked that they introduce themselves to the Commission. Following the introductions, the meeting was called to order. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Lahey, Commissioners Benson, Carney, Dittman, Hunt, and McQuaide Absent: Commissioner Wright Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Interim Parks Superintendent Foell, and Admin. Secretary Harvey Guests: Jean Ann Carroll (1525 Meadow Lane); Eric & Daniele Botelho (1529 Meadow Lane); Paul Sahlin (1537 Meadow Lane); Charles Voltz (725 Vernon Way); Avery Diamond (1604 Easton Drive); Susan Gambrioli (1541 Westmoor Road); Mark Zagorski (1536 Westmoor Road); Erin Stannard (1528 Westmoor Road); and Sharon O'Byrne (1533 Meadow Lane). MINUTES — Minutes were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Erin Stannard (1528 Westmoor Road) appealing the City Arborists approval to remove a protected Redwood tree at 1533 Meadow Lane. Letter to the Burlingame Historical Society from Superintendent Foell thanking them for the generous donation of $1,200 for placement of a bench in the Washington Park Fragrance Garden in memory of Marilyn Short. Beautification Commission Responsibilities: Municipal Code 3.28.050 Powers and duties. Draft letter to Realtors (composed by Commissioner McQuaide) requesting they provide important information to their clients with regard to City of Burlingame tree policies. Responsibilities on Broadway for Parks Division Staff verses Broadway Merchants responsibilities submitted by Superintendent Foell. FROM THE FLOOR Avery Diamond, 1604 Easton Drive, stated his neighbors are complaining about leaf blowers and asked where he could direct those concerns. Director Schwartz commented that staff would contact him and refer him to the Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Burlingame. There being no further comments 'From the Floor', Commissioner Lahey requested and the Commission approved that the meeting order be changed to accommodate the public who were in attendance. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of the Permitted Removal of a Private Redwood Tree A 1533 Meadow Lane Superintendent Foell informed the Commission and the public of the hearing process and procedure and the Agenda was corrected to read. 1533 Meadow Lane. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of the Permitted Removal of a Private Redwood Tree (a) 1533 Meadow Lane — (Contd.) "1 Arborist Porter reported that the applicant at 1533 Meadow Lane requested a permit to remove the Redwood tree due to safety concerns and surrounding hardscape. Arborist Porter stated that he approved the removal because, although outwardly the approximately 80 year old Redwood tree looks good, it is quite structurally unsound, having multiple co -dominant trunks. He noted that the tree could be pruned and the leaders cabled to help make the tree safer but that it might not be a long term remedy, would be cost exorbitant to the homeowner, and would not necessarily be guaranteed. Commissioner Benson asked Arborist Porter to comment on the tree's lean and the close proximity to the other tree on the property. Arborist Porter responded that the multi -trunks are leaning outward; all the weight of the limbs is on the outside; the two leaders are pushing apart, and the tree is within 10 feet of another Redwood tree. Commissioner McQuaide asked if removal of this Redwood tree would affect other nearby Redwood trees. Arborist Porter stated removal of this tree should not affect the nearby Redwood tree. Chairperson Lahey asked what Arborist Porter might recommend to make the tree safe. Arborist Porter stated that removing the middle leader which is beginning to rot and fall apart at the top, would leave a big cut on the trunk, inviting pathogens, but should be done if the tree is to remain. He added that thinning the branches on the outside to reduce the weight and cabling the remaining leaders could help to alleviate safety concerns. Commissioner Carney asked Arborist Porter if nothing were done to the tree how fast might the tree decline. Arborist Porter responded that the next major storm could cause some problems with the tree but that, he could not say how fast the tree would "decline". "1 Arborist Porter addressed other Commission questions with regard to future growth rate of tree, effectiveness of corrective pruning, and when asked by Commissioner Benson about wind breaks in the area, Arborist Porter noted that this Redwood tree and the Redwood tree on the adjacent property are the wind breaks. Chairperson Lahey opened the public hearing. Appellant Erin Stannard, 1528 Westmoor Road, stated that the tree is old and beautiful and hates to see the tree be removed because the trees affect property values and privacy. Ms. Stannard added she hoped trimming and cabling could be done; that, the Commission would uphold the appeal; and that removal of the Redwood tree not be approved. Applicant Sharon O'Byrne, 1533 Westmoor Road, stated she did not want to remove the tree but became concerned about the trees safety after an independent arborist expressed concern about the central leader, that the tree had been topped approximately15-20 years ago, and instructed her to monitor movement during windy days. Ms. Byrne commented that Christmas Day was very windy and it was at that time she observed the central leader move, leading her to apply for a permit to remove the tree. She concluded that she could not bear the responsibility if something were to happen to someone because of the tree. Paul Sahlin, 1537 Meadow Lane, stated the previous owner planted the tree in 1941-42 as a living Christmas tree, noting that the tree is situated near a P.G.&E., Cable, Telephone easement. He stated that P.G.&E. has "butchered" the tree but has not trimmed or maintained the tree for a number of years now. Mr. Sahlin stated that the tree only poses a minor nuisance to his property, is a beautiful tree, and would be unfortunate if the tree had to be removed. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of the Permitted Removal of a Private Redwood Tree (a, 1533 Meadow Lane — (Contd.) Jane Carroll, 1525 Meadow Lane, stated that everyone loves the tree and it provides a habitat for the L birds, that it should be the homeowners call if safety of a tree is questionable and the homeowner should be able to decide as to what makes her feel safe or not. Eric Bottello, 1529 Meadow Lane, stated his property takes the brunt of the tree noting that during recent, storms limbs just missed his windows, but hit and damaged the fence. Mr. Botello continued that the roots are lifting the hardscape on his property. He is concerned about future damage to his homes foundation, that they love the tree, but believes the pros and cons need to be weighed with regard to the safety concerns. Mark Sagorsky, 1536 Westmoor Road, stated that the tree is beautiful, he can see it from his back yard and that it would be very sad to see the tree removed. Mr. Sagorsky noted that the City Arborist stated that the tree is approximately 80 years old but heard that the tree was planted in 1942, making it younger.. He concluded that this tree is one of the important things in the neighborhood. It attracts wildlife and provides habitat. Mr. Sagorsky concluded that the tree's health and stability should be reassessed. Susan Gambrioli, 1541 Westmoor Road, asked if tree had actually caused any damage, and had it been documented? Ms. Gambrioli concluded that she "loves" having the tree in the neighborhood, hopes that the appeal will be upheld, and that the tree will not be approved for removal. Chairperson Lahey closed the public hearing. The Commission further discussed. Commissioner McQuaide asked Arborist Porter if newly placed flagstone could affect the tree's roots if covered and if root pruning would be harmful. Arborist Porter responded that root cutting could make a tree less stable, but that some root pruning could be done by a qualified arborist. Commissioner Benson asked if there were any evident signs of decay. Arborist Porter responded that there were no outward signs of decay. Chairperson Lahey stated that there are a few trees in the neighborhood, she struggles with removal of a Redwood tree and asked how pruning/cabling the middle spur would keep it safe. Arborist Porter responded that cabling keeps branches from splitting during high winds and added 2 to 3 cables at the top of the tree could make it safer. He concluded that although cabling can be done, the City of Burlingame has not performed cabling on trees because anything man made can fail. Commissioner Benson asked if cabling is used as the last resort. Arborist Porter responded that cabling is not necessarily a last resort, but is used as a tool in maintaining trees. Commissioner Carney asked what the cost might be to trim the tree and install cables. Arborist Porter responded that to cable a tree it could cost $4,000 - $5,000 and trimming might cost anywhere from $2,000 - $3,000 because it would require a climber. Chairperson Lahey stated that if removal were approved she expressed concern that the tree would only be replaced with one 24" box size tree. Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz clarified that the Commission could make other requirements with regard to replacements. Commissioner Benson then moved that the appeal be denied, and the tree be approved for removal as per Arborist Porter's findings: The tree is structurally unsound, having multiple co -dominant trunks; the tree's root system is causing some damage to surrounding hardscape; and that replacement with one 24-inch box size tree be required; seconded, Carney. Motion failed 3 — 3 — 1 (absent/Wright). NEW BUSINESS Appeal of the Permitted Removal of a Private Redwood Tree (a) 1533 Meadow Lane — (Contd.) Commissioner McQuaide moved the appeal be upheld and removal not be approved because there other options are available; seconded, Hunt. Chairperson Lahey stated that she would like to have more information before approving removal of this tree and asked if the motion could be amended to include "further information from an independent, certified arborist be submitted by the applicant for the Commissions reconsideration". Commissioner McQuaide approved the amendment to the motion; seconded, Hunt. Commissioner Benson commented that obtaining an independent arborist report for the Commission's reconsideration would be solely up to the property owner, noting that Arborist Porter routinely protects trees and she knows he had a difficult time approving removal of this tree. The motion was restated as amended: Commissioner McQuaide moved the appeal be upheld and the tree not be removed because there are other options available, but that, finther information from an independent, certified arborist can be submitted by the applicant for the Commission's reconsideration; seconded, Hunt. Motion carried 5 —1 (opposed/Benson) — 1 (absent/Wright). Chairperson Lahey advised the applicant and appellant would receive written confirmation of the Commission's decision as well as appeal procedures. Following the hearing, Chairperson Lahey returned to the agendized order of business. OLD BUSINESS Arbor Day/Saturday, March 7, 2009 (i , 9:00 am — Bayside Park/Report Superintendent Foell reported that 17 new Redwood trees would be planted at Bayside Park. The ceremony will be held on Saturday in hopes of generating more participation from service clubs and families in the City. Superintendent Foell also noted that since the City's "Tree fund" (used to replace and add City street trees) would be depleted after the street tree planting in the spring, the Arbor Day ceremony would serve as a "kick off' for a fundraising campaign to replenish the fund. Superintendent Foell stated that he developed flyers that can be distributed throughout the community. Commissioner Hunt suggested the Commission distribute flyers to the local service clubs in the City and suggested that names of donors could be placed in the Recreation brochure. Superintendent Foell asked the Commissioners to notify the Parks office as to how many flyers each will need for distribution. Business Landscape Award 2009 Commissioners reported that information had been handed out to businesses in the local business districts. Two applications have been received to date and the deadline for receiving applications is April 1. Commissioner Benson reported that she had contacted the Rotary Club to promote the award but had no response to date. Commission asked that this item be continued to the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS Networking with Realtors Rei!ardinp- Community Tree Information Commissioner McQuaide submitted a draft of a letter for local realtors and asked the Commission to review. Commissioner McQuaide reported that she spoke with a representative from the San Mateo County Realtors Association and may speak to that group at a future meeting. Commissioner McQuaide stated that if the draft is approved, she would like to include a flyer that would communicate City's tree policies and the benefits trees provide to community; realtors would then distribute the flyers to their clients. The Commission approved the draft letter. Superintendent Foell will develop the flyer to accompany the letter to the realtors. Commission's Level of Involvement — Broadway Planters Chairperson Lahey asked that this be placed on the agenda for further discussion and stated that she would like to see the Commission have a "hands on" project but noted that a full commitment would be required. Commissioner Benson stated that she continues to maintain and plant the merchant's planters and has been for the last 5 years; BID pays for replacement plants and faux plants, but there is ongoing cost due to vandalism and irrigation problems as well as ongoing maintenance due to litter and cigarette butts. Superintendent Foell submitted to the Commission for their review: Beautification Commission Responsibilities: 3.28.050 Powers and duties and Park Division Responsibilities and Broadway Merchants Responsibilities on Broadway. Superintendent Foell advised that the Commission can take on other projects that are not specifically requested by Council but before taking on big projects, it is always best to check in with Council. Following a brief discussion, it was a consensus of the Commission that this item be tabled to the April meeting when all the Commissioners could be present. Commission's Volunteer Monitoring of Grant Trees/Guidelines Superintendent Foell stated that the planting of 172 street trees had been completed and that volunteer monitoring for the grant match can begin. He stated that staff developed a checklist to be used for monitoring the tree plantings and divided up the list for the Commission to conduct the monitoring. Superintendent Foell then reviewed the checklist with the Commission. Superintendent Foell asked that the Commissioners complete the inspections and turn in their checklists at the March 50' Commission meeting. Street Tree Fundraising Committee Superintendent Foell stated that a fundraising effort is needed to raise money for the City's Street Tree Fund. The Parks Division currently plants replacement trees and new trees in the City's planter strips, 3 times each year. Funds raised in the community will be used to replenish the tree fiend that will soon be depleted after spring 2009 street tree planting. Superintendent Foell asked that Commissioners volunteer to serve on a Street Tree Fundraising Committee to help develop fundraising strategies. Commissioner Benson thought a good slogan that Fiona Hamilton suggested during the centennial tree planting discussions could be used as part of the fundraising campaign: "$100 for 100 trees for the next 100 years." Chairperson Lahey and Commissioner Ditttiian volunteered to serve on the Street Tree Fundraising Committee and will report back to the Commission at the March 5`h meeting. REPORTS Superintendent Foell 1) P.G.&E. crews are inspecting trees that may be interfering with lines and requested permission to perform several removals. Supervisor Disco has issued permits for the removal of several small sucker trees in different locations in the City. 2) Complaints were received from the Broadway merchants regarding trees blocking signs; City tree crew will conduct some selective pruning on the Broadway trees. 3) Rocca Restaurant on Broadway received complaints from several patrons and requested a small planter be removed that is near the handicap parking. Supervisor Disco granted the request; crews will move the planter and the owner of Rocca Restaurant will be responsible for watering the plants in the relocated planter. 4) Commissioners Dinner will be at the Rocca Restaurant on Broadway on Friday, March 130'. Contact the City Manager's office for more information. REPORTS Superintendent Foell — (Contd.) ''IN 5) Council is requesting 2 Commissioners from each City Commission to serve on the Walk of Fame Committee. Commitment will require one meeting for 1.5 — 2 hours. Chairperson Lahey and Commissioner Dittman volunteered to serve on the Council's Walk of Fame Committee. 6) Superintendent Foell commended the Commission on the well organized way in which they conducted the evening's public hearing. Commissioner Carney Commissioner Carney reported that new plantings at the entry of Mollie Stones grocery store look very nice. Commissioner McQuaide Commissioner McQuaide confirmed with staff that the item, Beautification Commission Meeting Start Time, be placed on the March 2009 Agenda. Commissioner Benson Commissioner Benson stated she conducted 2 rose pruning workshops with 8 Master Gardeners in the Washington Park Rose Garden and the Park Road Rose Garden, and trimmed the plants on Burlingame Avenue and Broadway. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 1.1