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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