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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2009.06.04BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION DUNE 4, 2009 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Lahey. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Lahey, Commissioners Benson, Dittman, McQuaide, and Wright. Absent: Commissioner(s) Carney and Hunt Staff: Parks Supervisor Disco, Admin. Secretary Harvey, and Jane Gomery (Public Works) Guests: Judy Dostal Schneider & Realtor Bobbi Maniscalco (1812 Easton Drive); Jennifer Pfaff MINUTES — Minutes were approved with the following corrections: 1) Under OLD BUSINESS/Broadway Planters, (page 2, last paragraph, last sentence) corrected to read: "Commissioner Benson concluded that some of the adopted planters on Burlingame Avenue had been abandoned and are not being watered and now Commissioner Benson had begun watering those planters too. " 2) Under OLD BUSINESS/Street Tree Fundraising — Art in Park Booth (June 13 or June 14), (page 3, first paragraph, second sentence) ... "Commission could purchase California flower seed packets for $25 for 50 packets that could be given to anyone that donates toward the tree fund " Staff Report and all related correspondence regarding the appeal of the denial for the removal of a City -owned Monterey Pine tree at 1812 Easton Drive. Letter to Judy Dostal Schneider, 1812 Easton Drive, and all surrounding property owners, informing of the hearing scheduled for June 4, 2009 regarding the appeal of the denial for the removal of a City -owned Monterey Pine tree at 1812 Easton Drive. (4) Nomination forms submitted for the 2009 Business Landscape Award. Broadway Planiers/Maintenance Jurisdiction document. FROM THE FLOOR There was no comment `From the Floor'. Order of Agenda was changed at the request of Chairperson Lahey, in order to accommodate those present for the scheduled hearing. Further, Chairperson Lahey recused herself from the hearing (because she is a property owner on Easton Drive) and Vice Chair Wright chaired the meeting for the hearing. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of the Denial for the Removal of a City -owned Cupressus Machrocarva (Monterey Cypress) (a, 1812 Easton Drive - V. Chair Wright asked Parks Supervisor Disco to review the Staff Report with the Commission. Supervisor Disco reviewed with the Commission the background history dating back to December 2005 when the property requested removal due to root damage to the sidewalk, brick wall, and driveway. Because the tree was healthy, the Parks Supervisor denied the request and item was appealed to the Beautification Commission. The appeal was denied in July of 2006. The applicant appealed the Commission's decision to the City Council in September of 2006 but the City Council postponed a decision on the appeal and referred the applicant back to the Beautification Commission for a decision to be made after the Commission had established a long range reforestation plan for Easton Drive. The appellant has now submitted documentation and has again requested the Commission reconsider removal of the tree due to root damage to sidewalk driveway, brick fence and gate, as well as paint damage to the property owner's car caused during entering and exiting driveway. NEW BUSINESS - Appeal of the Denial for the Removal of a City -owned Cupressus Machrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) (a, 1812 Easton Drive — (Contd.) Supervisor Disco stated that the health of the tree is relatively the same as in 2006 (65% healthy), however damage to the driveway and sidewalk had slightly increased due to the continuing growth of the roots and the root flare. He further noted that this situation is unique in that root pruning on the Monterey Cypress cannot be done to mitigate the situation because Cypress tree roots will not regenerate once cut. Supervisor Disco stated that this was a difficult decision because though the tree is in decline, it is still healthy. However, the Commission could make further recommendation and could also consider the financial burden to the homeowner for damage and repairs to the property and if those might outweigh the justification for keeping a tree that had been determined to be only 65% healthy. Supervisor Disco noted that if the Commission were to decide to uphold the appeal, as part of the motion the Commission would also need to determine: 1) Who would pay the cost removal of the Monterey Cypress? 2) Who would pay the cost of the stump removal? 3) Who would pay the cost for the purchase of a 24" box size Eucalyptus citriodora tree? Commissioner McQuaide noted that the roots are pushing up the sidewalk and driveway and asked if ramping over the roots could be done? Supervisor Disco stated that the roots would continue to grow and ramping over the sidewalk in this situation would be a difficult transition. Commissioner Benson asked if shaving down the roots could be done? Supervisor Disco stated that it would expose the root(s) to possible decay and shaving or pruning roots would be too close to the root buttress. Commissioner Benson asked if gravel for the driveway could be used? Supervisor Disco stated that gravel or asphalt for the driveway could be an option, although the asphalt would crack over time. Commissioner McQuaide commented that this is a problem with all trees and why would this be a unique situation? Supervisor Disco responded that this tree is in decline, is only 65% healthy, it is a Monterey Cypress tree on a street (lined with Eucalyptus trees) that has a reforestation plan in place, root pruning could not be conducted on this specie tree unlike other species, and the roots are causing significant damage and cost to the property owner. Commissioner Dittman asked what the cost would be for removal of a tree this size? Supervisor Disco stated a "1 somewhat larger Eucalyptus tree on Easton removed by the City's contractor cost over $10,000 for removal of the tree and stump, and the replanting of Eucalyptus citriuodora, so he thought the overall cost might be in the $5,000 to $8,000 range but clarified that if removal were approved by the Commission, City crews could conduct the removal and replacement planting. Commissioner Benson asked where the new replacement tree would be planted? Supervisor Disco stated the new tree would be planted closer to the curb. There being no./urther questions or clarifications to Staff from the Commission, V. Chair Wright opened the hearing to the audience. Judy Dostal Schneider stated she requested removal of this tree because the tree is destroying her home; the roots of the tree have caused a safety issue for persons walking on the sidewalk, are lifting her driveway and her brick fence is about to "keel" over. Ms. Schneider continued that the tree should not be able to remain and destroy the beauty of her home; when she looks out the window all she sees is "trunk", and the tree obstructs her view from getting in and out of her driveway. Ms. Schneider concluded her comments stating that damage to her home is a relevant consideration; that this is the third time she has requested removal of the tree, her neighbors support her request, and that this tree is not part of the "canopy of trees on Easton". Bobbi Maniscalco stated that she is Ms. Schneider's realtor, noting that Ms. Schneider does not currently plan to sell her property but if she should at some future time, the damage caused by the tree would need to be disclosed because the roots will continue to grow and cause more damage. Ms. Maniscalco stated that has also observed how dangerous it is for Ms. Schneider getting in and out of her driveway. There being no further comments from the audience on this item, V. Chair Wright closed the public hearing. Commissioner Benson commented that she would be in favor of approving the removal of the tree because it is only 65% healthy and in decline, the curb is crumbling, the property owner will be spending a lot of money fixing the brick fence and as part of the reforestation plan in place on Easton Drive, a Eucalyptus citriodora would grow well over the next 10 years. NEW BUSINESS - Appeal of the Denial for the Removal of a City -owned Cupressus Machrocarva (Monterey Cypress) (a,1812 Easton Drive — (Contd.) - Commissioner McQuaide stated that this is a tough decision but added that, she had a hard time removing a beautiful tree, that the tree had already been "limbed", and although damage had occurred to the sidewalk, driveway, and fence she did not feel that the tree was a "safety" hazard, concluding that as with all the trees on Easton Drive, a resident would just see "trunk", but that is the beauty of all high canopied trees. Commissioner Dittman stated that while walking down Easton Drive, she had seen the tree but had not noticed the driveway problem nor had realized that the tree was in decline. She added that not being able to prune the roots did seem to make this tree a unique to other situations. Commissioner Wright added that she had also walked by this property. She stated that the sidewalk is a safety hazard and she believes it to be dangerous to community members, the value of the property is compromised due to the damage to the driveway, sidewalk, and fence, and the cost of repairs as well as the money already spent by the property owner, outweigh the justification for keeping the tree. Commissioner McQuaide responded that repairs would need to be made whether the tree remained or not; at the time of repair the fence could be moved, different landscaping and/or a different type of entrance could be considered, but the tree is a real asset to the street and the homeowners and other options to removal should be considered. Commissioner Benson countered that the driveway is used everyday by the homeowner and the driveway goes up and down; taking out this one Cypress tree that is in decline, when a reforestation plan is in affect to replant with a Eucalyptus citriodora, would not affect the historic nature of Easton Drive. Following the discussion, Commissioner Dittman moved that the Commission uphold the appeal of the denial, and approve the removal of the Monterey Cypress tree at 1812 Easton Drive, because the tree is in decline, and is a unique situation because root pruning is not an option; and that, the property owner be responsible for the cost of the stump removal and the purchase cost of a 24" box size Eucalyptus citriodora tree; seconded Benson. Motion carried, 3 (approved/Benson, Dittman, and Wright), 1 (opposed/McQuaide), 1 (recused/Lahey), and 2 (absent/Carney and Hunt). Secretary Harvey informed the appellant that she and surrounding property owners would be notified by mail of the Commissions decision, that anyone could appeal the Commission's decision to Council by the date so indicated in the correspondence, and that if no appeals had been received by that date, the Parks Division would be contacting her to schedule the removal and the replacement of the tree. Chairperson Lahey resumed her position as chair of the meeting and returned the posted order of the Agenda. OLD BUSINESS Broadway Planters/Clarification of Maintenance Jurisdictions on Broadway/Ideas for Volunteer Opportunities — Secretary Harvey referenced the Broadway Planters/Maintenance Jurisdiction document that she had developed with input from Supervisor Disco (Parks), Jane Gomery (Public Works), and Ross Bruce (BID) in order to help clarify maintenance responsibilities on Broadway for fiuther assessment of needs. After reviewing with the Commission the different areas of responsibility, Supervisor Disco stated that the Parks crews had weeded and cleaned up leaves in the bulb out; and in keeping with the original streetscape plan would be planting 5 gallon size lantana and lavender plants in the empty spots in the bulb outs (including planting in the bulb out in front of Broadway Grill that had been removed by the business owner). Supervisor Disco also reported that repairs had been made and a watering cycle had been added to the irrigation in the BID pots. OLD BUSINESS - Broadway Planters/Clarification of Maintenance Jurisdictions on BroadwavAdeas for Volunteer Opportunities — (Contd.) - Jane Gomery, Public Works Project Manager for the Broadway Streetscape was introduced. Ms. Gomery reported on the history of how the different maintenance jurisdictions became established as part of the overall Streetscape Project on Broadway, BID's input on the project, as well as the BID's monetary contributions, maintenance agreements, and etc. Commissioner Benson stated that Ross Bruce indicated that BID has hired Community Gate Path to maintain the BID maintenance areas and that the Historical Society has agreed to take 3 of the large pots to place at the Burlingame Avenue train station. Jennifer Pfaff asked if installation of a water spicket is required when a new business comes in on the Avenues. Supervisor Disco stated that he did not know the answer to Ms. Pfaff's question and Secretary Harvey referred Ms. Pfaff to the Building/Planning or Public Works Department for that information. Chairperson Lahey thanked everyone for the information and asked that the Commission consider all that had been reported and then asked that this item be tabled to a future meeting. Secretary Harvey added that two Commissioners, Benson and Carney, had turned in ideas with regard to future volunteer opportunities. Voting for Winner of the 2009 Business Landscape Award - Chairperson Lahey then opened up the discussion from the floor and recognized Jennifer Pfaff. Jennifer Pfaff stated that she had been in attendance at the Council meeting last year when the first Business Landscape Award had been presented to Solo Bambini. She had noticed Earthbeam doing an amazing job providing the community with beauty around the entire corner fronting their business, using incredible planters. She concluded her comments that she thought Earthbeam is the most beautiful business and anyone, not just customers, could go by and sit and enjoy. The Commission discussed the 4 nominations: • Carr, McClellan, Ingersoll, Thomson & Horn (216 Park Road) • Earthbeam Natural Foods (1399 Broadway) • Le Croissant Cafe (1151 Broadway) • Broadway Grill (1400 Broadway) It was the general consensus of the Commission that all the nominees had met the overall criteria worthy of the award. Following the discussion, Commissioner Wright moved that Earthbeam Natural Foods, 1399 Broadway, be chosen as the winner of the 2009 Business Landscape Award because the landscaping enhances the beauty of the street, enhances the atmosphere, and is outstanding; seconded, Benson. Motion carried (5 — 0 — 2 absent/Carney and Hunt). Commissioner Wright stated she would contact Dale Perkins who has again agreed to do the water color rendering of the winning business; Secretary Harvey noted that this year, Mr. Perkins would be reimbursed for the cost of materials. The Business Landscape Award Committee consisting of Commissioners Wright, Benson, and McQuaide will reconvene to arrange for publicity and notification of this year's winner; Secretary Harvey added that a letter would also go out to the winner on Commission letterhead. The award will be presented to the winner at a September 2009 Council meeting. Street Tree Fundraising — Art in the Park Booth — Sunday, June 141h — --IN The Commission briefly discussed the Art in the Park booth. Commissioner Dittman agreed to pick up and return display items and flyers at the Rec Center and will set up the booth. Commissioners Dittman, Hunt, and Carney agreed to operate the booth for the day. 4 NEW BUSINESS Consideraton of Cancellation of the July 2. 2009 Beautification Commission Meeting Due to July 4"' Holiday Schedule Following a brief discussion, it was a general consensus of those present that the meeting of July 2nd be cancelled until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission on August 6, 2009. REPORTS Supervisor Disco 1) City Attorney Gus Guinan confirmed that "proxy voting" on City agenda items is forbidden and would violate the Brown Act. 2) Jane Gomery (PW) clarified that the BID is responsible for the large Broadway Planters and may do with them as they wish. 3) CalTrans is scheduled to plant ivy on the new wall on Rollins Road but will not be doing any landscaping until after completion of the overpasses; approximately in another 1 or 2 years. 4) Pine tree near W.P. Tennis Courts was removed and would be replaced with and Accolade Elm in October. 5) Corrections were made with to the updated Urban Forest Management Plan with regard to Rotation of Officers and Commission meeting time. 6) P.G.& E. will be trimming the Eucalyptus trees on the west side of El Camino between Bellevue and Floribunda Avenues including a large Eucalyptus on the north west comer of Bellevue. Commissioner Wright Commissioner Wright proposed that the winner of last year's Business Landscape Award, Solo Bambini, be invited to attend this year's award presentation to Earthbeam in September. The Commission was in agreement with the proposal. Commissioner Benson Commissioner Benson reported that she trimmed plants in the Burlingame Avenue planters and will be replanting red geraniums on Broadway from the old Wells Fargo building off Burlingame Avenue. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene arvey Recording Secretary