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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2008.05.01BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MAY .2008 i The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Carney. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Carney, Benson, Ellis, Grandcolas, Lahey (arrived @ 6:05p), and McQuaide Absent: Commissioner Wright Staff: Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, and Admin. Secretary Harvey Guests: Pat Giomi (1445 Balboa), Jennifer Pfaff (615 Bayswater), Elizabeth Watson (2305 Poppy), David Ferenc (City of San Mateo) MINUTES — The minutes of the April 3, 2008 Beautification Commission were approved as corrected to read: (Pg. 3/ P3 aar graph) Recommendation on Suspension of Current Street Tree Planting for New Plan Evaluation: Superintendent Richmond noted that this item as well as the proposal will be on the April 7' Council agenda ... and (4` Paragraph), It was the consensus of the Commission that Chairperson Carney and Commissioners Lahey and McQuaide attend the April 7`h Council meeting on behalf of the Commission. Added to read: (Pg. 4/under Reports. Commissioner Ellis reported that she attended all the Arbor Day tree planting ceremonies at the elementary schools as well as the Centennial Tree planting in Washington Park. Memorandum from City Attorney Anderson, dated March 20, 2008, to All City Commissions and Boards regarding the Ralph M. Brown Act. Letters dated April 5, 2008, from property owners at 17 & 18 Clarendon appealing the denial of the removal of certain Oak trees at 15 Clarendon Road. Copy of letter to property owners on the April 2008 street tree planting list, informing them that Council directed postponement of the April 2008 tree planting until a citizen's proposal to change the current street tree selection process/planting policies could be reviewed by the Beautification Commission for further recommendation to the Council. Copies of letters from five property owners, commenting on the delayed April 2008 planting, as well as addressing components of the proposal to change the current street tree selection process/planting policies. Copy of: City of Burlingame Street Tree Facts. (Data obtained for City's tree inventory software) Staff Report from Superintendent Richmond, dated April 23, 2008, to the Beautification Commission commenting on components of the proposal to change the current street tree selection process/planting policies in the City of Burlingame. Copies of Suggestions for Changes to Street Tree Policies and Plantings from Pat Giorni and Jennifer Pfaff dated May 1, 2008, (received at the May 1, 2008 Beautification Commission meeting). The Atmospheric Value of Trees submitted by Commissioner Grandcolas, (received at the May 1, 2008 Beautification Commission meeting). FROM THE FLOOR None. OLD BUSINESS Business Landscape Award Election - Action `-- Commissioner Benson reported that the Landscape Award Committee received two nominations from the community: 1) Solo Bambini, 1150 Howard Avenue, and 2) Broadway Grill, 1400 Broadway. Commissioner Benson reported that the Committee recommends the award be presented to Solo Bambini because the property added custom made pots and plants with attractive colors, was well maintained, and was well coordinated with the neighboring property. Commissioner Lahey also noted that the business had a unique charm and was "eye catching". After a brief discussion, Commissioner McQuaide moved that Solo Bambini be the recipient of the 2008 Business Landscape Award; seconded, �... Commissioner Ellis. Motion carried 6 — 0 —1 (absent/Wright). Business Landscape Award Election — Action (Contd.) Commissioner Lahey stated a letter would be sent to the winning business informing them of the Commissions decision and of the award presentation at a future Council meeting. She also noted that artist Dale Perkins would be contacting the owners of Solo Bambini regarding the pen and ink illustration to be provided to the winning business. Proposed Changes to the. Street Tree Selection/Planting Policies — Superintendent Richmond stated that the Commission is in receipt of the Staff Report dated April 23`d as well as the City of Burlingame Street Tree Statistics, of which, along with letters from 5 property owners commenting on the delayed April planting components of the proposal, would be reviewed together with Supervisor Disco's recommended additions and changes to the existing Official Street tree lists. He added that Director Schwartz would be facilitating the gathering of comments from the Commission as well as from the public before Commission decides on its recommendation to Council. He noted that the Commission is also in receipt of additional information received at tonight's meeting from Pat Giorni and Jennifer Pfaff. Superintendent Richmond and the Commission reviewed the Staff Report, dated April 23, 2008, addressing information relevant to the suggestions raised by the proposal: Dominant Species, Planting Strip Limitations, Inventory Upgrade, and Status of Current Tree Planting Programs. Street Tree Statistics was then reviewed as well as correspondence received from 5 property owners, most of which reflected disappointment with the postponement of the April tree planting, generally expressing property owners having choice in tree selection as part of the process, but not necessarily wanting predominate species on blocks to determine those selections. Supervisor Disco then presented to the Commission his recommended revisions to the Official Street tree lists and commented that he generally added and retained species on each list that had larger, taller canopies that could be � supported by the existing planter strips. He removed species that were smaller in scale, weaker in structure, or had a high rate of pest/disease issues. He also stated that he retained "ornamentals" and "evergreens" because there should be a mix of trees in the urban forest. He noted that of the 45 species currently being offered for street tree planting, the recommended selection had now been reduced to 33 different species. Supervisor Disco concluded that purchasing availability from local vendors is "key", and that he would continue researching to make further recommendations as other species become available. Superintendent Richmond stated that a new inventory system is needed by a qualified company that would at the same time, be able to include new attributes, but is not something that could be efficiently conducted by volunteers or staff. He noted that current removal and replacement had been stalled by the current process. He added that staff now also needs to begin the process with property owners for the fall 'Green Trees' grant selection and planting. Chairperson Carney then opened and Director Schwartz facilitated the meeting discussion from the Commission and public regarding the proposed changes to the street tree selection/planting policies. Jennifer Pfaff, 615 Bayswater, stated that property owners have been able to choose what has been planted in the City - owned planter strips since 1972 which she believes has created a "mish mash" of trees throughout the City. She stated that she hopes property owners will have "limited" choice because streets and planter strips belong to the City, and that "themed" streets be retained noting that few streets had "themes". Ms. Pfaff explained that property owners are transient and should not be able to choose the type of tree in the city - owned property, and that "ornamental" trees should be removed from the tree lists because they are not long lived, noting however, that retaining "evergreens" on the list is o.k. because they do help to add a mix. With regard to sidewalk issues, Ms. Pfaff commented that the old sidewalks did not have rebar like the newer sidewalks and have less movement, and that the extra money should be spent to enlarge the planter width so that larger trees can be planted. Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa, stated that letters from the City should be sent to homeowners who live on blocks with "no �. theme" by giving the homeowners on the block 3 choices (selected by staff); the winning selection would then be the "theme" tree for the block or area. Ms. Giomi concluded that policy should be changed so that every block in the City would have a "themed" planting. Elizabeth Watson, 2305 Poppy Drive, commented that the homes in Burlingame are very individual, and each has "a look", adding that she lost the city -owned Oak tree during the past storm and that the Oak tree gave a grand look to her home, noting that nothing would replace it. Ms. Watson commented that she researched all 15 trees on the list she received, as to the size and shape of the tree, before making her selection and that she would really react if she had only 3 trees to choose from. Proposed Chances to the Street Tree Selection/Plantinc Policies — (Contd.) Ms. Watson continued that she does not think the City should dictate to property owners shade or no shade, or color or no color; that there are so many different reasons why a homeowner would choose a particular tree in front of their home, that having a choice of the type of tree is a critical part of her house and is integral with her property value, as well as how a tree impacts her well-being and comfort. Ms. Watson concluded that she would strongly disagree if she could not have that "choice", and that she would also find only having 3 choices of trees very offensive. David Ferenc, stated he lives in San Mateo, is a tree man and works in Burlingame, but had previously lived in Burlingame for 46 years. He stated that Burlingame is a wonderful community and the most beautiful example of diversity of tree species can be found in Washington Park. Mr. Ferenc added that because of pest and disease and the lack of interesting diversity he is totally against monocultures on blocks and thinks entire streets should have diversity. Following the comments, Chairperson Carney closed the discussion to the public and brought the item back to the Commission only. Director Schwartz facilitated while the Commission discussed the different components of the proposal, including predominate tree planting, existing "themed" streets, diseases and monocultures, property owner choice, vacant planting sites in the City, "good" trees with tall canopies, "grand" trees, diversity, ornamentals, evergreens, recommended changes to existing tree lists, reducing smaller trees from lists and adding taller species, limitations of planter strip widths in the City, ADA compliance, "meandering" sidewalks, existing "themes" vs. sidewalks, delays in planting, impacts on Tree City USA status, use of Green Trees grant funds, etc. Following the facilitation and the discussion it was a consensus of the Commission that after review and consideration of the proposal, the following recommendation be made to Council: • Retain existing "themed" streets in the City of Burlingame by replacing with existing specie, if the dominant tree on the street is a tall tree even if it disrupts sidewalks • Do not create "themed" streets where they currently do not exist and allow the property owners to choose off of the appropriate tree list • Revisions be made by staff to the official street tree lists to contain trees that only have the tallest, most significant canopies • Retain "ornamentals" and "evergreen" tree species that have the tallest, most significant canopies on the official tree lists • Include some larger species from 6' planter strip list to the 3-6' planter strip list where possible or change dimensions of planting strip requirements • Create larger planting spaces throughout the City where possible • Only remove and replace trees when an existing tree must be removed • Tree planting should begin as soon as possible Chairperson Carney thanked Pat Giomi and Jennifer Pfaff for their work. Ms. Pfaff asked Supervisor Disco to reassess the purchasing availability of the Accolade Elm and the Zelkova, that they may be more accessible. Supervisor Disco responded that he would research availability of those species again. REPORTS - Superintendent's Report 1. Removals: �..► a. Two Hawthorns failed in the heavy winds two Saturdays back. b. There were two trees on Easton that Kevin Kielty strongly suggested be removed in the near future — one a pine with a dead top and a cypress with an irregular top and continuous limb drop. Bob will keep you updated as any planning unfolds. 2. First search for new Superintendent did not result in a job offer to a candidate; the process has begun again. Superintendent Richmond will be doing projects for Director Schwartz as a partial interim measure. Parks is �... also filling other openings—Leadworker, Tree Worker, Park Maintenance Worker. 3. Parks tree crew is pruning current grid section. 4. Thanks to the Commission from Superintendent Richmond for all the productive time together. Best wishes as the Commission continues to work on issues of great importance to Council and the entire community. REPORTS — (Contd.) Commissioner McQuaide Commissioner McQuaide commented that she will miss Tim Richmond that he had been very helpful during her term as chairperson of the Commission and has appreciated his support over the years. Commissioner Grandcolas Commissioner Grandcolas submitted The Atmospheric Value of Trees information sheet explaining the economic and environmental value tree play due to the oxygen production and carbon removal in the atmosphere. He reported that the Green Ribbon Task Force will have a booth on May 18`h at the Fresh Market and invited any. of the Commissioners to join him in handing out information with regard to trees. Superintendent Richmond commented that the Parks Division has flyers that addresses the benefits of trees in the environmental that Commissioner Grandcolas may wish to use. Commissioner Grandcolas then thanked Tim stating he had been extremely helpful to the Commission and would be missed very much. Commissioner Lahev Commissioner Lahey stated that she has enjoyed Tim's input and guidance and that she has learned a lot from his insight and knowledge. Chairperson Ellis Commissioner Ellis thanked Tim and has appreciated all his help to the Commission over the years. Commissioner Ellis reported that she attended the Training Workshop for Commissioners that was recently conducted. Commissioner Benson Commissioner Benson reported that she attended the planting day on Burlingame Avenue on April e, planted 28 Lavender plants in the Broadway "bulb outs" renovated the Mills Canyon Kiosk, cleaned up the entrances to Mills Canyon, and announced that on Friday, May 9, 300 ninth graders will be visiting the Mills Canyon for a nature walk. Commissioner Benson thanked Tim for helping to revive the Friends of Mills Canyon group by working with them. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm. Respectfully submitted, ct< Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary