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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2007.06.18Joint Council & Beautification Commission Meeting June 18, 2007 �- City Hall — Conference Room A Council Present: Mayor Nagel, Councilpersons O'Mahony, Baylock, Cohen, and Keighran Commissioners Present: Chairperson McQuaide, Commissioners, Carney, Ellis, Lahey, and Wright Staff: City Manager Nantell, Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, Administrative Secretary Harvey Mayor Nagel asked Councilmembers and Commissioners present to introduce themselves. Public Comments: None Update on Easton Drive Tree Selection: Director Schwartz stated that after Council's review of the Commission's report on the Easton Drive tree selection, the Council gave direction for three additional areas they wished to have prepared and presented by the August Council meeting: 1) Maintenance and Management Plan (Urban Forest Management Plan) 2) Roadway impacts with regard to trees (PW Traffic, Safety, and Parking Commission) 3) Confirming and/or amending the proposed list of replacement trees when a Eucalyptus tree needs to be removed on Easton Drive (Community Forum — June 28th) Councilperson Baylock asked if there were any species other than Eucalyptus species being considered? Director Schwartz noted that the Commission considered a monoculture as opposed to choosing a variety of different specie trees because the initial Community Forum, consisting of mostly Easton Drive residents, wished to maintain the existing character of the neighborhood and expressed interest in considering Eucalyptus species that were as close to the same in character. At a subsequent forum Chairperson McQuaide and Dave Docktor (Managing Arborist for the City of Palo Alto Planning Division) presented a variety of Eucalyptus species that were in keeping with the views expressed at the previous meeting. Availability of the species, however, was not known at the time. Councilperson Baylock stated that criteria should be established as to what we are trying to accomplish. Chairperson McQuaide responded that criteria was discussed and the consensus of the neighborhood was that the trees be wind hardy and not messy, and that they would have similar girth but grow to a height of perhaps 70', rather than 100' or more. Superintendent Richmond stated that it has become problematic finding Eucalyptus species that are readily available; that there are fewer and fewer growers growing Eucalyptus. The Sugar Gum, which was to be the predominant tree, is not available, and the Saligna Blue Gum, which has similar characteristics, is not readily available. However, he noted, the Citriodora lemon scented Eucalyptus available. Councilperson Baylock commented that the same problematic trees should not be planted and stated that Oaks and or Horsechestnuts might be considered. Superintendent Richmond noted that Larry Costello of UC Extension had also advised as to the difficulty of getting enough light to the young trees. Update on Easton Drive Tree Selection — (Contd.): -IN Mayor Nagel stated that what the trees shed is of importance; what is the least objectionable? She noted the Red flowering Ficifolia drips sap and has large acorns. Councilperson O'Mahony noted that the Lemon scented Citriodora has a deep barrenness. Councilperson Baylock asked how the neighborhood responded to planting Elms. Chairperson McQuaide stated that 26% of the neighbors from lower Easton who attended, and they were not open to suggestions of other species; they wanted the character of the Eucalyptus; that they had bought their homes because of the grandeur the trees gave the neighborhood. Councilperson Baylock noted that contract growing of 12-14 trees could be considered to fill in the "bald" spots. Director Schwartz stated that a specific number would need to be determined in advance. Commissioner Ellis noted that residents expressed concern about trees being planted where they are currently parking. Mayor Nagel asked for clarification on the process for recommendation to Council following the next Community Forum. Director Schwartz responded that if there is a quorum of the Commission at the Forum, and based on the input from the community, the Commission can vote on a list of trees to be recommended to the Council for the August Council meeting. Mayor Nagel asked if copies of the Urban Forest Management Plan are available to the public. Director Schwartz stated copies are available at the Parks & Recreation Department or can be emailed. Councilperson Keighran asked about the current maintenance schedule of trees in the City. Director Schwartz responded that most trees are on a 4 year grid pruning schedule, but the larger trees are mostly on a 3 year schedule and other trees are on a 4-6 year schedule. Councilperson Keighran asked about maintenance for younger trees and Superintendent Richmond stated that restaking, watering, and training of younger trees is conducted as needed during the first couple of years. Mayor Nagel recognized Jennifer Pfaff for comment. Ms. Pfaff stated that the Red Flowering Ficifolia is not a good consideration because it has big acorns. Councilperson O'Mahony stated that the Euc. Nicolii looks like it has leaves that grow very low and could be a vision problem. Director Schwartz responded that trees are routinely trimmed up and are maintained to CalTrans standards; 15' over the street and 7' over the sidewalk. City Manager Nantell asked for clarification from Council on whether the consideration should go beyond looking at Eucalyptus species; who will make the decision e.g. input from the public. The Commission identified choices and then the community was allowed input ... how would the Council like the process to go? Councilperson Keighran stated that there should be public testimony and then a conclusion should be formed by the Beautification Commission. Mayor Nagel commented that a recommendation from the public as well as other input be considered and then the Council could decide. Councilperson Keighran noted that a "professional" should be available to address the growing environment; Councilperson O'Mahony agreed that input from an "expert" is necessary. Mayor Nagel stated the Commission needs to hear all input and then make recommendation to Council. Mayor Nagel also expressed the importance of having a variety of species and asked staff if the list is based on the planting width and if the homeowner would be able to choose. Director Schwartz responded that the homeowners would be given a pre -selected list from which to choose. 2 Update on Easton Drive Tree Selection — (Contd.): Councilperson Baylock asked that the Elm be considered as well because it will grow faster than the Eucalyptus, has a large girth, and the same vase like structure. Councilperson O'Mahony stated that it will be important to have the "expert" present at the meeting so the public can hear from the "expert". Director Schwartz stated that our arborist would be available to attend the Community Forum. Update of Street Tree Planting on Blocks with Few Trees Director Schwartz reported that Commission and Staff have been surveying blocks within the City that have few or no trees; that an application for a grant with Cal Fire is being processed for the project and that Council approved $5,000 in the budget toward the project. Director Schwartz concluded that even though it may be ambitious, it is hopeful that the project can begin in November of this year. Councilperson Cohen asked what would be done where there are no planting strips. Director Schwartz responded that there are some monies within the grant that might be available for cutting out the concrete for the tree planting. Mayor Nagel noted that in her conversations with John Melvin (Cal Fire), planting a public tree within the private front setback might even be possible. Centennial Tree Planting: Director Schwartz reported that he has discussed with the Commission and the School District the possibility of having a Centennial tree planting (where possible) at each of the schools consecutively during the week of the Arbor Day celebration, as well as the planting of a larger tree on Cannon Park (Bellevue & Douglas island). He stated that the grant allows for "bonus" points to be given for the planting of larger canopy trees including trees planted in Parks and/or Schools. Director Schwartz stated that this plan would help with the grant application, would help with the schools, has received a favorable response from the Centennial Committee and that consensus from the Council would be needed before moving ahead. Councilperson Baylock stated that a deciduous tree might be considered on "Cannon" Park so there would be light for the bus stop in the area; perhaps a Valley Oak could be considered. Director Schwartz noted that the Cal Fire grant will cover the cost of a 15 gallon size tree but the Commission is considering planting as large of a tree possible through private donations; a deadline for collecting donations would be established and then the purchase of the size tree to be planted would be based on the donations received. Councilperson Cohen commented that rather than a program at each of the schools that consideration be given for the schools coming together for the planting of several Centennial trees at a designated location. Proposed Landscape Award: Commissioner Wright stated that she and Commissioner Lahey have drafted the proposed Landscape Award for the Commission's consideration and submitted to Council points of information that will be considered for reinstituting the Landscape Award. She stated the Commission will consider and be prepared to make recommendation by September. She explained that the Landscape Award would be for businesses and homes in Burlingame and would be a self nominating process. Plaques/awards that could be prominently displayed would be designed by local artists and could be of different sizes. 3 Proposed Landscape Award Wontd.): Different categories to qualify would be provided on the application for applicants to check the area -� they wish to be considered. And, a predetermined number of qualified judges, consisting of citizens and Commissioners, would choose the winners. Commissioner Wright stated there would be some cost consideration for materials for the awards and that further consideration will be needed as to when and where the awards would be presented to the winners and whether or not awards would be given each year or mid year or if the award would focus on a particular season. She added that some suggestions for presenting the award to the winners would be at a City Council meeting or Community Event; she favored a Community Event. Commissioner Wright concluded that the Chamber has indicated that they would publicize the event in the Chamber Newsletter but that the Commission will need additional help publicizing the award. Mayor Nagel asked direction from Council, if Council wished to make recommendation. The Council asked for clarification on the nomination process. Commissioner Lahey explained the nomination, application deadline, and the Committee review process. Councilperson Cohen stated that the Commission should consider: 1) Asking Landscape Architects to participate in judging the properties and, 2) Small brass plaques be used, similar to that used on the Burlingame Avenue planters; nothing customized, and something that would allow for multiple copies being reproduced each year. Following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the Commission further pursues development of the proposal for the reinstitution of the Landscape Award. Creation of a Separate Advocacy Group for Trees in Burlingame: Chairperson McQuaide stated that Urban Forestry is a hot issue amongst the Cities. The City of Palo Alto has an advocacy group, Canopy, consisting of approximately 3000 members. The group's primary focus is to educate, volunteer for projects, and fundraising. She stated that a group of interested citizens in Burlingame could help with fundraising and qualifying for grants as well as helping to educate the community, real estate companies, and homeowners as to why trees are so important to a community. Mayor Nagel responded that she and Councilperson Cohen are hosting a public forum at the Library (Lane Room) this Saturday from 9-1 lam, for citizens to present ideas for Civic projects; that this might be a good place for a tree group to present such an idea. Councilperson Baylock stated that a forum or Study Session might also be held to decide if beginning such a group would be of interest, that a group such as this would need "buy -in" from the City. She thought the Commission first might have conversation about creating such a group and then consider inviting "Canopy" to make a presentation. The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Nagel at 7:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Karlehe Harvey Recording Secretary M