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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2007.08.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION AUGUST 2, 2007 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:55 p.m. by Chairperson McQuaide. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson McQuaide, Benson, Ellis, and Grandcolas (late) Absent: Commissioners Carney, Lahey, and Wright Staff: Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, and Secretary Harvey Guests: John Root, Jean Silveira, and Jim Scileny The meeting time was delayed to obtain a quorum and then Chairperson McQuaide changed the order of the agenda to accommodate the guests. REPORTS — Superintendent Richmond 1. Removals (pictures distributed to Commission) a. Washington Park Monterey Pine by small picnic area. Tree has been in decline for some time and has Pine Pitch Canker. Removal to be scheduled. b. Siberian Elm at City Hall near the rear parking lot. It is infected with DED and will be replaced with a disease resistant elm. Removal to be scheduled. c. Norway Maple in Front Park failed. Heavy rot at root collar. d. A second Norway Maple in the Front park was removed; this tree was carefully inspected after the failure of the same species (d.). The removal of the two maples will present us with an opportunity to replant with trees that will be tall at maturity. 2. Tree Grant Proposal for this Fiscal Year will be submitted to CalFire early next week. 3. A memorial bench will be installed and a memorial tree planted in Washington Park on September 15 in `.. memory of Jack Friend, who died last month. Commissioner Benson Commissioner Benson requested the renovation of the Washington Park Fragrance Garden be placed on the October agenda. FROM THE FLOOR John Root, 728 Crossway commented to "get on" with the Easton Drive Reforestation plan; that the public is growing impatient. MINUTES — The Minutes of the June 7, 2007 Beautification Commission Meeting, were approved as submitted. Draft of proposed Burlingame Landscape/Beautification Award and Nomination Form (submitted by Commissioners Lahey and Wright). Beautification Commissioner's Attendance Report for Council. Letter and pictures of various Eucalyptus species to Easton Drive residents announcing Community Forum (June 28"') to choose alternative Eucalyptus species for reforestation on Easton Drive. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Bobbi Benson congratulating her on her new appointment to serve on the Beautification Commission. Copy of Rules of Procedure of the Officers of the Parks & Recreation Commission, (for Beautification Commission consideration of use of same rotational process). CORRESPONDENCE — (Contd.) Beautification Award Information (Submitted by Commissioner Wright) Staff Report regarding Replacement Tree Recommendation for Lower Easton Drive, submitted by Superintendent Richmond, OLD BUSINESS Easton Drive Tree Selection for Recommendation to Council Chairperson McQuaide reviewed the process and the ensuing discussion that took place at the June 28t' Community Forum to choose an alternative "readily available" Eucalyptus specie and noted that it was the consensus of those in attendance that only the Citriodora Eucalyptus be used as a replacement tree on Easton Drive and that, no "accent" trees be used on the corners. She also reported that the group suggested planting in some of the vacant planting areas begin as soon as possible. She concluded that the Citriodora Eucalyptus, although not as tall, (growing 50-70') is litter free, hardy, disease resistant, and will still provide a broad canopy. Commissioner Benson stated that the Citriodora is a good selection; that the neighborhood wanted to maintain the integrity, homogeneity, and similar canopy of the neighborhood. She noted that the Citriodora is shorter but the canopy has the same breadth and density as the existing Blue Gums; that it made good sense by what they chose, and that it was also the Eucalyptus of choice by the certified arborist, Parks Supervisor Disco. Chairperson McQuaide asked if there were any questions or comments from the audience. Jean Silveira asked if larger size trees could be planted. Administrative Secretary Harvey noted that property owners are routinely given the option to pay $200-$225 for the planting of a 24" box size tree as opposed to a 15 gallon size tree. W There being no further comments from the audience, Commissioner Benson then moved that the Eucalyptus "*N Citriodora be recommended to Council as the replacement tree for the lower Easton Drive area; seconded, Ellis. Motion carried 4 — 0 — 3 absent (Carney, Lahey, and Wright). Street Tree Planting Proiect Superintendent Richmond reported that the grant application is close to being ready to be submitted to CalFire and if approved will fund the planting of up to 450 trees on blocks in the City with few trees, with the project being funded over the next 3 years through the state Green Trees for the Golden State Grant. Arbor Day 2008 — Centennial Tree Planting Chairperson McQuaide commented that the Commission has been discussing the planting of one large tree at Cannon Park (island on California Drive, at Bellevue and Lorton Avenues), as well as tree planting at the elementary schools in the City. Director Schwartz stated that the School District has accepted the concept and that the Green Trees for the Golden State grant will pay for the trees planted on the school properties. Director Schwartz envisions the Arbor Day ceremony being a week long celebration instead of the usual one day celebration, so that each school can have an Arbor Day "Centennial Tree Planting" ceremony, as well as the Community participating in an Arbor Day "Centennial Tree Planting" at Cannon Park. Chairperson McQuaide added that the Commission will be seeking donations from the Community for a larger size tree to be planted at Cannon Park and Director Schwartz noted that any additional funds collected will be placed in the existing tree replacement fund. The Commission further discussed the type and size of tree to be planted at Cannon Park. Commissioner Benson stated that the certified arborist, Bob Disco, should choose the specie, size, and caliper of tree, emphasizing that planting smaller, younger trees is better for the overall health and longevity of the tree. Superintendent Richmond noted that Supervisor Disco has been in contact with a vendor and will provide further information to the Commission with regard to the type and size of tree at the September 6t' meeting. NEW BUSINESS Vision for the Beautification Commission The Commission discussed the Commission's reviewed and discussed the Commission's charter and other areas of interest that may broaden the scope and activity of the Commission such as: 1) Establishing an advocacy group similar to "Canopy" to promote and receive funding through "tree gifts", "tree walks", etc. for the education and advancement of trees in the City of Burlingame 2) Providing education and classes promoting and teaching tree and plant care. 3) Conducting a singular event inviting the public to attend and share any and all of their ideas on how to "beautify" the City so the public feels they have input and from that event, creating sub- committees to organize volunteers in getting the work done. 4) Designation of lower Easton Drive as an historic district. Chairperson McQuaide stated that it seemed to be a general consensus that the Commission can be doing more. Commissioner Grandcolas commented that the Commission needs to be more proactive about getting ideas from the public. What do they want? What can the Commission do? Commissioner Benson said the public should be encouraged to donate and volunteer. Superintendent Richmond stated it will be important to distinguish between vision and projects, to continue doing what the Council wishes the Commission to do, and to address the ongoing issue of being in attendance at the Commission meetings. Superintendent Richmond noted that as part of the proposal for the tree grant, the Commission will also be assisting with the effort to monitor the newly planted trees with regard to training, watering, and staking. Following the discussion, Chairperson McQuaide asked that Designation of Lower Easton Drive as a Historic District be placed on the October agenda and Commissioner Benson asked, in response to a letter she received from a concerned Burlingame resident, that the Elm Tree Project on El Camino be placed on the October agenda. Rules & Procedures for Officers — Rotation Process \-- Superintendent Richmond distributed a draft process for rotation of commission officers and explained that this has been used for the rotation of chairpersons on the Parks and Recreation Commission, is based on seniority, and no one is required to serve as the Chairperson. After a brief review and discussion of the process, Commissioner Ellis moved that the Rules & Procedures for Officers used by the Parks and Recreation Commission be adopted for use by the Beautification Commission; seconded, McQuaide. Motion carried 4 — 0 — 3 absent (Carney, Lahey, and Wright). Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary