HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2007.11.01BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 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, Benson, Grandcolas (left early), Carney, Ellis, Lahey, and Wright
Staff: Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, and Secretary Harvey,
Guests: Alexander & Eleftheria Ossipoff and Kim Demosthenes
MINUTES — The minutes from the October 4, 2007 meeting were approved as submitted.
Landscape Award document for editing.
Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Annette Tam, 260 Cresent Avenue, informing her that the Commission
denied her appeal of the denial to remove and replace the city -owned Sycamore at 260 Crescent Avenue.
Letter and documents from Superintendent Richmond to Jennifer Pfaff addressing her concerns regarding tree
removal and replacements at 1604/1610 Chapin Avenue.
News Advisory from California Oak Mortality Task Force, announcing a community meeting on: Sudden Oak
Death in San Mateo County, held at Hillsborough Town Hall on Thursday, October 25, 2007.
Email from Director Schwartz copied to Council and other official City groups regarding Elm removals on El
Camino Real and a subsequent meeting with CalTrans to discuss replanting and long term maintenance.
�. Letter from Kim & Paul Demosthenes, appealing the denial of their request, to remove and replace a city -owned
Liquidambar tree at 1644 Balboa Avenue.
Staff Report from Supervisor Disco regarding request for removal and replacement of a City -owned
Liquidambar tree at 1644 Balboa.
Staff Report from Supervisor Disco regarding the overall maintenance plan for the Helen D'Arcy Fragrance
Garden.
FROM THE FLOOR
None.
The order of the agenda was changed to accommodate the appellant from 1644 Balboa Avenue.
NEW BUSINESS
Appeal of the Denial of the Request for Removal and Replacement of City -owned LiquidambarTree at
1644 Balboa Avenue
Supervisor Disco reported that the appellants has requested removal of the city -owned Liquidambar because
they are concerned that the roots are invading their existing landscape and causing their patio, pathway, and
driveway to lift and crack. He noted that the sidewalk is also significant uplifted, causing a tripping hazard, is
sloped, and could be an ADA issue. Supervisor Disco stated that Liquidambar trees are the second most
common street tree in the City of Burlingame, are susceptible to limb breakage/failure, and are responsible for
most tree related claims in the City. He added that this particular tree is healthy, but is relatively small, and will
continue to grow larger causing ongoing damage to the sidewalk and as well as the hardscape on the private
property. He concluded that the property owner was advised that some root pruning and placement of root
barriers could mitigate their concerns.
NEW BUSINESS - Appeal of the Denial of the Request for Removal and Replacement of City -owned
LiguidambarTree at 1644 Balboa Avenue — (Contd.)
Supervisor Disco then suggested several options for the Commission's consideration when rendering their ..�
decision:
1. Deny the appeal, since the tree is healthy and sound, and recommend that the resident root prune and
install root barriers throughout landscape.
2. Uphold the appeal because tree is young and future cost to resident will be significant even if root
barriers were installed. Recommend City remove liquidambar and resident purchase 24 inch box
approved tree for replacement.
3. Uphold the appeal because of future cost to resident and a permit be given to property owner to remove
and replace the tree from the Street Tree list at their expense.
4. Uphold appeal and City removes tree and replaces with standard 15 gallon tree.
Commissioner Benson asked if the tree could be replaced with a 24" box Robinia. Supervisor Disco stated a
replacement tree would need to be planted. Commissioner Ellis asked about the growth pattern of the roots.
Supervisor Disco noted that the hump in the lawn is a root, and that the roots appear to be heading toward the
driveway and the retaining wall; however, the roots have not been potholed and traced out by an Arborist.
Chairperson McQuaide noted that Balboa is a beautiful block and many of the sidewalks in the area have been
replaced and/or patched; she feared that if removal of this tree were approved, it might set precedent for other
liquidambars on the block. Commissioner Camey noted that because this particular tree seemed to be raised up
more than others in the area, it would not set a precedent. Commissioner Lahey stated that she hesitates to
approve removal because it may set precedent but wondered why this tree is different from the rest and
expressed concern about roots in the sewer lateral. Supervisor Disco stated that root pruning had been done
before but the tree is only 2 feet from the sidewalk, too closed for this tree specie. He added, though the sewer
lateral was replaced, roots may have entered at a separation in the lateral joint. Superintendent Richmond noted
that feeder roots will go to the path of least resistance. Commissioner Benson stated that roots from the
privately owned "Princess" tree might be causing the problem with the property owner's front gate that was
mentioned in the letter.
Chairperson McQuaide opened the hearing to the floors.
Kim Demosthenes, property owner, stated that the tree also produces thorny pods that she has caused her to fall
but she is mostly concerned with alleviating the potential hazards and costs that the roots will cause and believes
the situation is not going to get any better. She noted that she has an elderly mother and there are children in the
neighborhood and is concerned about the liability posed by this tree. She concluded that the sewer back up was
even more distressing and does not want to have any more damage caused to her property.
Mr. Ossipoff, 1645 Balboa Avenue, stated that a city -owned Liquidambar is causing problems to their property
too and stated that the City finally agreed to pay for repairs to his driveway; same kind of tree causing the same
kind of problems.
Kim Demosthenes added that they are willing to cooperate with the City, but "the fix" is too severe and root
pruning can only be done 6' out from the trunk of the tree on her side of the property, leaving her very little
lawn area, noting that cutting the roots on her side of the property 2' out from the trunk, would cause the tree to
become unstable because of the previous root pruning done on the sidewalk side.
Chairperson McQuaide closed public comment.
Commissioner Benson noted that there are 3 areas of concern on the sidewalk side, also the slope by the front
door, the sloping driveway, and the separation between the brick planter seems unsafe as well. Commissioner
Grandcolas stated that he has two city -owned Liquidambars in front of his home; it was "a pain", but the roots
were cut, root barriers placed and the driveway and sidewalk were replaced and there have not been any
problems in 14 years; the remedy worked. He concluded that the roots might have caused shifting of the sewer
line, causing some separation, but roots do not invade sewer lines. Supervisor Disco clarified that root barriers
are not necessarily a permanent fix, that eventually root barriers can be compromised over time.
NEW BUSINESS - Appeal of the Denial of the Request for Removal and Replacement of City -owned
LiquidambarTree at 1644 Balboa Avenue — (Contd.)
Commissioner Lahey stated that she is torn over the decision whether or not to remove this tree and wondered if
the sloping nature of the property has caused this Liquidambar to create more lifting of the sidewalk than others.
Commission Lahey concluded that this is a beautiful street, believes approving removal of this tree would set a
precedent, and would like to see root pruning and the placement of root barriers tried first before losing such a
beautiful tree.
Commissioner Ellis commented that there is no clear indication that the damage to the porch and the driveway is
actually caused by the roots that instead the damage could be caused by settling.
Commissioner Wright feels the request to remove and replace the tree based on the existing damage is
legitimate; the roots are causing a hazard and are very pronounced.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Carney moved that the Commission uphold the appeal and that the
City remove the tree and replace with a suitable 15 gallon size tree; seconded, Wright, Commissioner Benson
stated that cost for removal and replacement should be at the expense of the homeowner. Motion failed. 2 —
approved (Carney and Wright) to 5 — opposed (McQuaide, Benson, Ellis, Grandcolas, and Lahey).
Commissioner Benson then moved to uphold the appeal and permit the property owner to remove the
Liquidambar and replace the tree with a 15 gallon standard size tree at the property owners expense;
seconded, Ellis. Chairperson McQuaide stated that she thought the replacement tree should be a 24" box size.
Motion failed. 3 — approved (Benson, Carney, and Wright) to 4 opposed (McQuaide, Ellis, Grandcolas, and
Lahey).
Commissioner Benson further discussed the replacement size of the tree, stating that a 15 gallon size tree would
be best in this small garden and would grow best.
Commissioner Wright noted that she thinks the City and the property owner should share the cost of removal
and replacement; 50-50. Commissioner Wright then moved that the Commission uphold the appeal to remove
and replace the city -owned Liquidambar and that the cost be shared between the property owner and the City,
50-50. There was no second on the motion, and the motion failed
Commissioner Lahey moved that the appeal be denied because the tree is healthy and sound, and suggested
the property owner consider following the recommendation to prune the roots and install root barriers;
seconded, Grandcolas. Commissioner Lahey stated that roots lifting sidewalks is a City wide problem, this is a
healthy tree, and is not posing any danger. She added that sidewalks are a "hot topic' in Burlingame and until
the City decides on a policy with regard to sidewalk repair the Beautification Commission should support
preserving the trees. Commissioner Wright stated that she believes the trees roots are posing a hazard.
Commissioner Lahey added the Commission needs to consider if sidewalk concerns outweigh the benefits of the
tree, and must be very careful not to make a decision to remove a healthy tree just because it is inconvenient or
located in a bad spot. Commissioner Grandcolas agreed and stated the benefits of a tree are "worth a shot at a
fix" before removal is considered. Commissioner Ellis stated she would like to see root barriers placed first to
see if that might work before approving removal of a healthy tree. Supervisor Disco commented he referred this
item to the Commission because of similar issues in the City regarding trees and sidewalks that he is faced with
on a daily basis. Motion carried. 5 approved (McQuaide, Benson, Ellis, Grandcolas, and Lahey) to 2 opposed
(Carney and Wright).
OLD BUSINESS
Proposed Landscape Award Proposal Revisions
The Commission reviewed the Landscape Award document and approved the final revisions. The final
document will be forwarded to the City Council accompanied with a Staff Report recommending approval at the
December 3rd Council meeting. Commission representatives will attend the meeting to address any questions
the Council may have.
Commissioner Grandcolas left the meeting at 6: 50 pm.
OLD BUSINESS - (Contd.) -�
Arbor Day 2008 - Centennial Tree Planting
Superintendent Richmond reported that the Centennial Tree Planting at Canon Island has been slated for
Saturday, March 8`h at 10:00 am. Publicity for the event and an article requesting donations to purchase the tree
will be included in the Spring Recreation Brochure. The Commission briefly discussed inviting a representative
from the forestry department and having event broadcast on the Cable television station. Superintendent
Richmond stated the Commission can begin to plan and organize the event at next month's meeting.
Arbor Day 2008 - Tree Planting at Local Elementary and Junior High School
Superintendent Richmond reported that he and Supervisor Disco have so fax met with 5 principals to discuss tree
planting ceremonies at the schools. All are very enthusiastic and most have expressed interest in having small
ceremonies with a representative group of students.
Rotation of Chairperson at November 1, 2007 Commission Meeting
Superintendent Richmond reported that until appointments are made by the Council, rotation of the chair would
be postponed.
NEW BUSINESS
Fragrance Garden Update
Supervisor Disco reported that the garden was dedicated in 1981 in memory of Helen D'Arcy, an active citizen
who spearheaded donations for the blind. The original garden was developed by staff and focused primarily on
plants with fragrance. Several years ago family members asked that the garden be renovated. Over the past
couple of years staff has removed plants that were not part of the original design and is making every effort to
bring the garden back to the original design and intent of 1981. Supervisor Disco reported that 40 plants were
planted last fall and this year the path in the area will be repaved by a paving contractor. Weeding, annual
pruning, and deadheading is conducted by Parks staff as time allows. After completion of the planting,
anticipated by the end of the summer, ongoing maintenance needs will be determined as well as renovation and
relocation of the sign and the possible placement of a bench near the garden.
Commissioner Benson asked how much money was initially given for the garden and how much money will be
spent for the renovations. Supervisor Disco stated he did not have those monetary figures available but that
each budget year he allocates expenditures for the garden. Commissioner Benson stated she would like to clean
out the garden and would like plans to put bulbs in. Supervisor Disco responded that staff routinely works on
the garden. Commissioner Benson stated that there are boulders in the garden and wanted to know who is doing
the planning; that it would be nice if the look could be maintained. Supervisor Disco responded that he picks
the plants and decides how the plants are grouped and bases his decision on what is available at certain times of
the year and that he is planning on planting herbs that were part of the original design. Commissioner Benson
added that he should plant herbs that flower, that the garden needs to be filled in. She added that edging plants
that flower and calendulas and osteospornum should be planted too. Supervisor Disco responded that the
calendulas would develop mold because of the lack of sun. Commissioner Lahey commented that she has been
watching the progress of the garden and can see that a lot of work is being done.
El Camino Real Elm Tree Planting Proiect Update
Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz reported that 4 Elms have been removed this week, and that there are 9
more Elms, marked with a red "R" that CalTrans has slated for removal. The City Manager, PW Director and
he, along with representatives from Senator Yee's office, met with CalTrans representatives in Oakland to
discuss replanting these 13 trees in addition to the 9 more that were removed last February. Staff also asked
CalTrans to make a presentation to the City Council with regard to a long range plan, following up with the
Beautification Commission conducting a public workshop for Community members. City Staff will meet with
CalTrans representatives again in 2-3 weeks to discuss putting a process in place, so that replacement trees
would be planted in a timely manner. He concluded that the replacement trees on El Camino are disease
resistant Elms, the 'Frontier' and the `Accolade' and the State Office of Historic Preservation has stated that any
trees removed are to be replaced on a one to one ratio.
4
REPORTS —
Superintendent Richmond
1. Tree Removals
a. DED Elms on El Camino Real by Cal Trans.
b. Monterey Cypress with Root Crown decay at Easton and Bernal. Rot is clearly visible on the
remaining stump (cut stump photo shown to Commission).
c. 877 California Drive eucalyptus is scheduled.(report/pictures from Supervisor Disco)
d. Catalpa removal considerations on Vancouver. (report from Supervisor Disco)
2. Sudden Oak Death in Mills Canyon. Kevin Kielty has completed his assessment of the presence of the
disease. He found 61 of the 261 trees that he mapped (and tagged) to be showing symptoms of the
disease. Parks will be treating selected trees this month with Agri Fos. Superintendent attended a
public meeting at the Hillsborough Town Hall regarding Sudden Oak Death. It was oriented to
homeowners and provided helpful information. All the literature is downloadable from the California
Oak Mortality Task Force website.
3. Kevin Kielty has also completed his current assessment of the trees on Easton Drive, updating his 10/04
report; it will be available to the Commission at its next meeting. Kevin will attend the meeting to
answer questions, if we agendize the report for the December meeting.
4. Tree planting is continuing. Should finish shortly.
5. Future Agendas
a. Arbor Day final choices
b. Install new Chairperson
c. Review report on condition of tree on Lower Easton Drive from Kevin Kielty. Kevin will
attend to review his findings and answer questions.
d. Liquidambar Street Trees general discussion.
Chairperson McOuaide
Sk., Chairperson McQuaide stated that she has enjoyed serving as chair to the Commission; that it has been a
challenge but that much had been accomplished.
Commissioner Ellis
Commissioner Ellis reported that she attended the Sudden Oak Death workshop sponsored by the Town of
Hillsborough and feels it would be very beneficial for the Commission to sponsor a community workshop for
Burlingame residents. Commissioner Ellis also asked that the discussion with regard to removal and
replacement of the female Gingko trees on Donnelly be revisited and placed on a future agenda.
Commissioner Benson
Commissioner Benson reported that she planted 5 — 5 gallon shrubs at Mollie Stones but due to lack of irrigation
the plants died so will use seed the next time she plants in that area. She also cleaned the planter strips on the
500 block of El Camino Real, painted trash cans on Broadway, and attended the planting of the Citriodora tree
in front of the Easton Branch Library.
Commissioner Wrieht
Commissioner Wright expressed her concerns about the appearance of the northern entrance to Burlingame on
El Camino and hopes improvements in the area will come soon.
Commissioner Wright also stated that the Commission is a good group of dedicated people, but feels that
meetings go on too long and thinks there may be ways to move meetings along somehow by perhaps setting
time limits for discussion, and/or having more committees to conduct some of the work. She concluded that it
might be appropriate to look at how formal meetings are conducted.
REPORTS — (Contd.)
Commissioner Lahev
Commissioner Lahey reported that she attended the final Cleanup Task Force event and the next event will
occur sometime in April.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Karle a Harvey
Recording Secretary
6