Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2007.06.28Beautification Commission Meeting Community Forum �.. Long Range Reforestation for Easton Drive June 28, 2007 @ 7:00 pm First Presbyterian Church — 1500 Easton Drive Commissioners Present: McQuaide, Benson, and Ellis Absent: Carney, Grandcolas, Wright Excused: Lahey Staff: Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, Secretary Harvey Audience: Jennifer Pfaff (615 Bayswater Avenue); Joann and Peter Garrison (2905 Adeline Drive); Jean Silveira (2331 Poppy Drive); Hing & Lillian Dear (1911 Easton Drive); Mike Bohnert (1201 Carmelita Avenue); Steve Warden (736 Acacia Drive); Jay Martin (1340 Bernal Avenue); Laurie Livingston (1285 Cabrillo Avenue); Kris Cannon (1304 Bernal Avenue), - Susie and Sam Leahy (1719 Easton Drive); Augustine Chou (City Hall); Russ Cohen (City Hall); Terry Nagel (City Hall). Welcome and Introductions Chairperson McQuaide welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. Chairperson McQuaide stated that, based on comments at the first forum a consensus was reached to keep the same look or character of the neighborhood by replacing with a Eucalyptus variety that had wind stability, had little or no fruit, but would grow from 60 to 80', having a similar trunk girth to IN-1 the existing Blue Gums. She explained that at the last forum, three Eucalyptus species were selected as possible replacements, the Sugar Gum Eucalyptus as primary tree, the Eucalyptus Nicolii as corner trees, and the Eucalyptus ficifolia as the replacement tree when the tree in front of the library was to be removed. Since that time, it has been realized that the Eucalyptus ficifolia drops flowers and has large fruit, and though the Sugar Gum Eucalyptus is beautiful, it is only available in the United Kingdom; no suppliers grow them, but that the Eucalyptus Nicolii variety, favored as corner trees, is readily available. Chairperson McQuaide continued that tonight's forum will focus on arming a Eucalyptus specie as the replacement tree on Easton Drive, and if affirmed, selecting and reaching consensus as to which readily available Eucalyptus specie(s) would be used as the primary tree and what if any would be used as corner trees, and the replacement for the tree fronting the Easton Branch Library. She concluded that staff will present pictures of Eucalyptus species for consideration and that consensus reached at this meeting will be further discussed at the Beautification Commission meeting of August 2nd. A recommendation from the Commission will be forwarded to the City Council. Director Schwartz introduced new commissioner, Bobbi Benson, and Commissioner Ellis, and noted that Commissioner Susie Lahey, would not be participating as a Commissioner but is attending the meeting and in the audience observing as an interested homeowner on Easton Drive. Director Schwartz also introduced Parks Division staff: Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, and Secretary Harvey; and Public Works engineer Augustine Chou, and representatives from the Traffic, Safety, and Parking Commission, Steve Warden and Mike Bohnert. Community Forum and Discussion — Easton Drive Tree Selection -IN Director Schwartz noted that replacements of the Eucalyptus trees will occur gradually happening over the next 20 years as existing trees require removal. He explained that since the last forum it has been suggested that perhaps other tree species (such as Redwoods and Elms) be considered as replacement trees on Easton Drive. Director Schwartz then asked for input from the audience on the specie selection. The discussion included some comments and concerns with regard to: Planting locations on Easton Drive; planting in empty planting sites; parking concerns; El Camino Real Eucalyptus tree removal and replacements with Elms; City policy that trees are planted in vacant sites only if approved by the property owner; watering/maintenance practices of City trees, etc. Additional comments from the audience were: If the Easton Drive Eucalyptus need removing, they should be replaced with a Eucalyptus specie, otherwise Easton Drive would not be the same; an important and majestic grove of trees should only be replaced with the same variety of tree; and that some streets, like Easton Drive, warrant larger trees and a uniform selection because of the historic significance of the street (entrance to an estate). Following the discussion, Director Schwartz asked for a "thumbs up" consensus affirming that the Eucalyptus specie be the favored replacement tree on Easton Drive. Consensus was reached affirming that only the Eucalyptus specie be considered as the replacement tree for Easton Drive and there were no contrary comments. Superintendent Richmond then presented pictures of several Eucalyptus species: Eucalyptus Citriodora (readily available), Eucalyptus Nicolii (readily available), and the Eucalyptus Saligna (contract grown only). Supervisor Disco noted that the existing Eucalyptus Globulus is not available, and he does not believe the next closest to that, the Sidney Blue Gum, is readily available. He noted that because the Easton Drive Eucs will be removed one by one, as necessary, contract growing can only be considered for growing a larger quantity of trees. Commissioner Warden stated that several more trees may also need removing and replacing in the near future; Councilmember Cohen clarified that if the intent is reforestation, then planting in the existing vacant planting sites as well as any projected removal sites, might be enough to consider contract growing. Supervisor Disco agreed, but that it would depend on the minimum number of plants the contractor would be willing to grow, and the resulting cost. Director Schwartz asked for audience discussion and input. Some comments from the audience included: Planting in city -owned planter strips used for parking; residents willingness to "give up" parking places; planting with the Iron Bark Eucalyptus on the corners; keeping the same variety on both sides of the street; and consideration of putting a planter strip down the center of Easton Drive. Superintendent Richmond noted that at the previous forum expert David Docktor presented a list of 3 large alternatives to the Blue Gum: the Sugar Gum or Cladocalyx is not readily available, and the Sidney Blue Gum can be contract grown from seed or the City can purchase a minimum of 1000 seedlings at a cost of $1000. This requires space to grow 1000 seedlings, and the man power to care for the seedlings. Superintendent Richmond noted, however, that the Eucalyptus Citriodora 'Lemon Scented Gum', with copper colorations in the trunk, thin bark, broad canopy, with growth to 100' is readily available. He noted that one will soon be planted in front of the Burlingame Recreation Center. Supervisor Disco stated that the girth of the trunk is approximately 90", the debris from trunk is virtually non existent, the tree has small fruit, and a grove of this specie Eucalyptus exists in the City of Palo Alto. Chairperson McQuaide noted that the Eucalyptus Citriodora meets the desired characteristics: wind tolerant, frost tolerant, fast growing, height but it has a smaller trunk girth than the Blue Gum or Sydney Blue Gum. 2 Community Forum and Discussion — Easton Drive Tree Selection — (Contd.) Following the discussion, Director Schwartz stated that staffs recommendation is for the Eucalyptus Citriodora to be planted as the primary replacement tree on Easton Drive and asked the audience for a "thumbs up" consensus of that recommendation. Consensus was reached to plant the Eucalyptus Citriodora as the primary replacement tree and there were no contrary comments. Supervisor Disco then presented pictures and commented on the accent trees previously considered for use on corners and in front of the Easton Branch Library if the existing Eucalyptus tree is removed: 1) Eucalyptus Nicolii — Grows to 50', has very narrow leaves; lacey and soft looking; bark is rough and does not shed. Supt. Richmond noted that this specie is readily available and Chairperson McQuaide added this tree would allow for better visibility on the corners. 2) Eucalyptus ficifolia — Grows to approximately 50% showy red flowers that drop off with large seed capsules. The tree also drips nectar. Some comments and concerns from the audience were as follows: All the trees on Easton Drive should be the same; corner trees should be repositioned when planted with traffic visibility taken into account; all the trees should be the same, no accent trees, and the corner trees should be planted at a safe distance from the corner; and planting something different, and something with flowers, would detract from the fabulous renovation to the Easton Branch Library; the same tree should be planted all along Easton Drive; where are accent trees going to be planted?; how far from the corners? (PW would be consulted); why would you plant accent trees on an avenue with grand trees? Following the comments and discussion, Director Schwartz asked for a "thumbs up" consensus of planting the same specie Eucalyptus, all along Easton Drive, including the corners and in front of the Easton Branch Library. Consensus was reached to have no corner or "accent" trees and there were no contrary comments. Director Schwartz summarized the conclusions of the forum to be discussed at the next Beautification Commission meeting of August 2" d: 1) Eucalyptus to be the only tree genus to be considered as suitable for Easton Drive tree replacement. 2) The favored Eucalyptus specie to be considered is the readily available Eucalyptus Citriodora. 3) That there be no corner or "accent" trees; Eucalyptus Citriodora be the sole replacement tree all along the lower Easton Drive. Director Schwartz noted that Traffic, Safety, and Parking Commission will meet in Council Chambers on July 12th at 7:00 pm and will be discussing the Easton Drive tree replacement and making recommendation to the Council. The Beautification Commission will be meeting in City Hall's Conference Room "A" on August 2nd at 5:30pm, and will be discussing the Easton Drive tree replacement plan and making a recommendation to Council. Community Forum and Discussion — Easton Drive Tree Selection — (Contd.) Some closing comments from the audience were: Promote the restoration of Easton Drive and try to get people interested and enthusiastic about having a new Eucalyptus tree planted in vacant planting sites fronting their homes; on streets that have historical value, the City should approve the planting of larger canopy trees; try to identify and report on trees that have been removed in the past and try to determine what the reasons are for the empty spaces. Chairperson McQuaide thanked everyone for their input and reminded everyone to attend the upcoming Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission and Beautification Commission meetings. There being no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm. Respectfully submitted, 1 Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary M