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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2007.03.01BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MARCH 1, 2007 �' The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson McQuaide. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson McQuaide, Carney, Ellis, Lahey, and Wright Absent: Commissioners Grandcolas and O'Connor Staff: Superintendent Richmond and Secretary Harvey MINUTES - The Minutes of the February 1, 2007 Beautification Commission Meeting, were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to the Beautification Commission from Superintendent Richmond, informing the Commission of the Arbor Day ceremony on Monday, March 5t' at Cuernavaca Park. Letter to Mrs. John Chaney from Superintendent Richmond informing that the Commission voted 5 - 0 - 2 (absent) to deny the appeal for the removal of one private Spruce tree at 2827 Arguello because it is a healthy tree and that root pruning and placement of root barriers would mitigate the concerns expressed, noting that the Commission's decision could be appealed to the City Council. Letter to Mrs. Evelyn Reed from Superintendent Richmond informing that the Commission voted 5 - 0 - 2 (absent) to deny the appeal for the removal of two private Redwood trees at 2022 Trousdale because the trees are healthy and that pnu ing and thinning of the trees would help to mitigate the concerns expressed, noting that the Commission's decision could be appealed to the City Council Letter from Walter and Evelyn Reed requesting the Commission's decision to deny the appeal to remove two Redwood trees at 2022 Trousdale Drive be appealed to the City Council. Industry standard, ISA Tree Hazard Evaluation Form, that will be used by the designated Arborist reporting on Easton Drive trees. FROM THE FLOOR - None OLD BUSINESS Street Tree Reforestation Project Chairperson McQuaide stated that she has received from several Commissioners, lists of streets with few trees. She clarified that the Commission needs to identify streets and areas that are void of trees rather than individual addresses. Superintendent Richmond added that once the streets/areas are identified the Commission will need to develop a plan or strategy designed to generate public support and enthusiasm as well as a strategic plan for funding the project. Consideration of Reinstating of Landscape Award Commissioners Lahey and Wright submitted a draft of a proposed Beautification Commission Award policy as well as Award Rules and Standards. Commissioner Lahey stated that they envision a perpetual plaque being awarded to a small and large business and when the plaque moves on to the next recipient, a certificate with a Centennial design would be left in place. If desired, an artists pencil rendering of the business could be commissioned by the business. Dale Perkins, Art Consultant for the Burlingame Elementary School District, has offered to do the art work. She concluded that the Committee would like to see the award presented at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in December; this year being the first presentation of the award. Consideration of Reinstating of Landscape Award — (Contd.) -� Commissioner Wright stated that other artists will also be asked to look at businesses with the Committee. The areas currently being considered for review are Burlingame Avenue, Broadway, the Burlingame Plaza, the Bay front, with the possibility of expanding and including Howard Avenue. Commissioner Lahey commented that any small or large business would be eligible and that businesses would self -nominate. The Commission would evaluate and select the award recipient and the Beautification Commission would make the presentation at the Tree Lighting Ceremony. She added that since the goal would be to present an award 2 times each year, awarding 2 plaques and 2 certificates, the Commission would need to decide which other public event might be appropriate for this type of award presentation. Commissioners Lahey and Wright encouraged the Commission to look over the policy, rules, and standards and submit any ideas, changes, comments and/or suggestions to their email addresses. Arbor Day — Monday, March 5«, 2007 na,10:00 am — Cuernavaca Park Superintendent Richmond reported that John Melvin from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will be coming to present the Tree City USA Award and that Burlingame Intermediate School will be the only school not attending. Several Crabapple and several Crape Myrtles will be planted in the lawn area, West of the children's playground. Chairperson McQuaide stated that Commissioner Grandcolas drafted a format for a presentation to be made at the ceremony, but if he is unable to attend, another Commissioner will need to make the presentation. Commissioner Lahey volunteered to bring cookies for the event. Arbor Day — 2008 The Commission tabled this item to the April 5, 2007 meeting. —IN REPORTS - Superintendent Richmond 1. Update on Easton Library Eucalyptus Plan: Arrangements have been made for Kevin Kielty to assemble a team to further investigate the roots on the tree. This will involve exposing the roots to a greater depth and performing any required tests. Kevin will report back on the health of the tree and its roots and on what actions are possible over the roots in the street. Kevin will then begin to reassess all the street trees with the ability to perform additional tests as needed. 2. A copy of a tree hazard evaluation form that is common in the industry has been included in Commission packets. Kevin Kielty will use this form when evaluating the trees on Easton. Staff recommends that the Commission consider adopting this standard for purposes of a reforestation plan for Easton Drive. We will agendize the document for April and fully discuss it at that time. Bob uses it frequently for his work on Street Trees. 3. Tree Pruning Contractor is completing work on Burlingame Avenue in the vicinity of Washington Park. 4. Permission granted to PG&E contractor to remove two small Eucalyptus trees behind City Hall, which have been repeatedly headed back. The trees are both 6-10" diameter. They probably began as volunteers. PG&E was also permitted to remove a large dead limb on a Euc at Easton/ECR SW corner by church parking lot. 5. City Crew continues to work West of ECR and North of Carmelita. 6. 2022 Trousdale appeal of the denial was appealed to City Council. 7. Elms were removed by the Cal Trans contractor on ECR; there was a lot of DED this year on ECR. We received no notice, so it took us and members of the community by surprise. Director is discussing future notification and replacement plans with the new Cal Trans district administrator. REPORTS — (Contd.) Chairperson McQuaide - Chairperson McQuaide reported that the Beautification Commission's meeting with Council has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Chairperson McQuaide reminded the Commission of the Commissioner's Dinner to be held at the Broadway Grill on March 9"'. She stated that Mayor Nagel has asked that each Commissioner provide a sentence or two about themselves for introductions at the Commissioner's Dinner and the information should be sent to Vice - Chair Grandcolas' email address because he will be speaking on behalf of the Commission that evening. Chairperson McQuaide reported that she and Vice -Chair Grandcolas have received several complaints from citizens that the entrances to Burlingame are "pathetic" and should be improved. Chairperson McQuaide shared information emailed to her from Mayor Nagel regarding the Budget Study Session. Commissioner Lahey — Commissioner Lahey reported that the Cleanup Task Force has scheduled the first Cleanup Day for Sunday, April 29 h from 8 to 10 am. Litter cleanup in City parking lots will be the focus; the meeting location will soon be announced. The Citizens for a Better Burlingame will be doing planting, painting, etc. on the same day. Commissioner Lahey concluded that several new trash cans with ash trays have been recently installed by the City. Commissioner Wrizht - Commissioner Wright stated that she is hopeful that something will be done to improve the entrances to Burlingame. Superintendent Richmond noted that some improvements, such as the planting of Accolade L- Elms in the median islands, will be part of the Mills -Peninsula Hospital project. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm. Respectfully submitted, F 7 Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary OR