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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2006.01.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION January 5, 2006 N-4.1 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson McQuaide and then introduced new Commissioners Ellis and Lahey. The Commission welcomed the new Commissioners. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson McQuaide, Carney, Ellis, Grandcolas, Hesseignri; Lahey, Lauder, and O'Connor Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Parks Superintendent Richmond, and Secretary Harvey Guests: Mr. and Mrs. Gilson and Tim Auran MINUTES The minutes of the December 1, 2005 Beautification Commission meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter(s) from Superintendent Richmond to Commissioners Hesselgren and Webb, thanking them for their service on the Beautification Commission. Letter(s) from Superintendent Richmond to the newly appointed Commissioners Ellis and Lahey, congratulating them and providing them with information for the upcoming Commission meeting of January 5, 2006. Staff report from Arborist Porter regarding the denial of the removal of a protected Deodar Cedar Tree @ 1480 Vancouver Avenue and documentation regarding the appeal. FROM THE FLOOR - There were no comments from the floor. Chairperson McQuaide changed the order of the Agenda to accommodate the appellants from 1480 Vancouver Avenue. NEW BUSINESS Anneal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Deodar Cedar Tree Q 1480 Vancouver Avenue - The Commission reviewed Arborist Porter's report and expressed concern over the recent removal of a large limb on the Cedar tree [noticed during their site inspection] as well as other trimming on the tree that had recently been done. Superintendent Richmond noted that the Urban Reforestation Ordinance only speaks to issues or concerns if the crown had been trimmed by more than one third and that anything thing less or any type of pruning other than that could not be addressed. The Commission noted and further discussed removal of many other trees on the property for the building project. Superintendent Richmond clarified that the other trees on the property were under the protected size and removal of those trees was part of the Planning process and the approval of the project. Following the Commission's comments, Chairperson McQuaide invited the appellants to comment. Mr. Bob Gilson reported that the recent pruning on the Cedar tree was due to a large limb falling and damaging a portion of the new roof and French doors; the large limb was removed, branches that were broken when the limb fell, and a few other limbs that were close to the house were also removed. Mr. Gilson stated that Richard Huntington from Mayne tree stated in his Arborist Report that the tree has reached its life expectancy and would fail and Ralph Osterling had also said that the tree would fail. Mr. Gilson commented that the limbs on the tree are brittle and are constantly breaking off, he is concerned about the liabilities this tree could cause. He clarified that the only trees that were removed on the property were those that were within the foot print of the project and that the Oaks on the Adeline side would remain. Mr. Gilson concluded his comments stating that he plans to replace the trees with large trees. NEW BUSINESS —t Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Deodar Cedar Tree Q,1480 Vancouver Avenue — (Contd.) Mrs. Gilson stated that neighbors are also concerned about the tree; she then submitted a letter from her neighbors. She stated that P.G.&E. has ruined the tree with the trimming they have done over the years. She added that she and her husband like trees and even took measures to save a large Redwood tree at a property they previously owned, but that they are fearful of this tree and the liabilities if the tree were to remain. Commissioner O'Connor asked Superintendent Richmond if there was any record of neighbors complaining to the department. Superintendent Richmond stated that he is not aware of any complaints to the department. Commissioner O'Connor asked the appellants if they will be occupying either of the homes when they are completed. Mr. Gilson stated they would not be occupying either of the homes. Tim Auran, Real Estate agent on behalf of the Gilson's, stated that information he found on the Internet indicates that a Deodar Cedar's life expectancy is 5-20 years and submitted a copy of the Internet information. Mr. Auran reported that the property owner's have received letters from Mrs. Burnett on Bernal stating her concerns and her recollection that the tree was planted back in 1922; he noted that the Mayne Tree report and Mr. Osterling's report state that the tree is brittle because of it's age. He submitted pictures of the tree to the Commission and added that the branching of the tree goes straight up and is very tall. Superintendent Richmond asked Mr. Gilson if his primary concern was over dropping limbs or of whole tree failure. Mr. Gilson responded that the tree has lost a number of big branches so the tree, at this age, must be brittle. Commissioner Ellis asked the appellant how often the tree has been maintained. Mr. Gilson responded that starting many years ago P.G.&E. has "hacked" the tree on the easement side. Mrs. Gilson added that she does not believe the tree was maintained by the previous homeowner and P.G.&E.'s trimming has ruined the structure of the tree; she concluded that they would like to replant with a nice large tree in the same area that would be safe. Mr. Auran noted that this large tree is also overshadowing the neighbors Oak tree which is "1 native to the area. Chairperson McQuaide closed the hearing. Commissioner Ellis noted that Mayne Tree's Report states the rating of the condition of the tree at 70% which indicates the tree is at the low end of a good tree; that the other trees that were removed on the property were all under the 70% rating. Chairperson McQuaide noted that according to City Arborist Porter's Staff Report, proper maintenance and pruning of the brittle limbs would mitigate the safety problem. Commissioner Lacey commented that this is one of only 4 trees from Adeline Drive and removal would create a void. She stated that proper pruning is important and Cedars are known to live many years, adding a lot to the landscape, and providing housing for wildlife. Commissioner Grandcolas remarked that improper pruning by P.G.&E. is a problem throughout the City and this tree is one more example of P.G.&E's poor pruning practices but he added that falling branches and needles from trees comes with the territory of tree ownership. He concluded that since the rating on this tree (70%) is on the low end of a good tree, he would be interested in information from Arborist Porter about the possibility of this tree "tipping over". Commissioner Lauder also stated that she had questions she would like to ask Arborist Porter to help with her conclusion. Superintendent Richmond responded that the Commission has the option of tabling this agenda item and carrying it over to the next meeting when Arborist Porter could be present. Following the discussion, Commissioner Carney moved that the item be tabled to seek more information from Arborist Porter; Commissioner Ellis seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Richmond informed the appellants to present any additional documents they wish to be considered one week prior to the next meeting so they can be forwarded to the Commissioners for their review and asked the Commission to email to Secretary Harvey any questions they may have for Arborist Porter for his review. 2 OLD BUSINESS Long Range Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive — Prior to the discussion, Director Schwartz informed the Commission of the Conflict of Interest Guidelines when an item on the Agenda addresses an issue that is within 500 feet of a Commissioner's place of residence or business (or as with the Easton Drive Reforestation Plan, within the general area that will benefit the Commissioner), the need for the Commissioner to recuse themselves from any decision making process and removing themselves from those portions of the meeting where decisions are being made on that given item. Superintendent Richmond stated that he had contacted Larry Costello (UC Extension) to meet with him and discuss his observations of the Easton Drive area. The meeting that had been arranged for earlier in the day was cancelled due to a conflict with Mr. Costello's schedule. Mr. Costello has reviewed the Mayne Tree report and the meeting has been rescheduled for a meeting on site to discuss his observations and suggestions with Superintendent Richmond and Supervisor Disco on Friday, January 6`h. Superintendent Richmond also stated he would also arrange a time when the Committee (Commissioners, Lauder, McQuaide, and O'Connor) and Superintendent Richmond can meet with Mr. Costello to discuss the Committee's specie selections and any other suggestions Mr. Costello may have. Beautification Commission Meeting Time — After the Commission discussed the current meeting time of the Beautification Commission and as to whether a change to the meeting time was needed, the Commission decided not to make any time changes for the meeting at this time. NEW BUSINESS Arbor Day — Tuesday, March 7`h at Bayside Park — Superintendent Richmond stated since the distribution of this Agenda, several Eucalyptus Globulus 'Navas' at the Arguello entrance to the Mills Canyon blew down in a storm. It has been determined that the remaining trees should be removed. Supervisor Disco has requested that with the Commission's permission the Arbor Day ceremony be conducted in that area instead and replanting with a species native to the area. After a brief discussion, the Commission agreed to change the Arbor Day planting site to the Arguello entrance to the Mills Canyon. REPORTS — Parks & Recreation Director — Director Schwartz has met with the City Attorney regarding the Bay View Tree Policy and will forward the policy to the Council for the February 6`h Council agenda. Director Schwartz has emailed Mr. Stallings of the progress and will send a finalized draft to Mr. Stallings before the February 6 h Council meeting should he wish to make any comments to the Council. Superintendent — 1. Supervisor Disco met with a rep. from PG&E and the Timberline foreman on Forestview regarding the Cypress removals. PG&E will need time to plan the process of turning off the power and notice effected customers. PG&E said Walnut Avenue will be without of power as well because the main comes down Walnut and branches to Forestview. Contractor will only need to have the power to be out 1 day instead of 3. Supervisor Disco is trying to schedule the removals for the end of January if the weather is good. 2. Period for selecting new trees for winter planting is now closed. 3. I spoke with City Planner Monroe concerning the Commission's interest in the North End Plan. The Commission is encouraged to read the report that was drafted from the North Burlingame Specific Plan, which set out a plan for the gateway at Millbrae. The North Burlingame/Rollins Road specific plan is on line; Planning would welcome Commissioners reading it. There were two years of public meetings and �-- hearings in developing this plan. The next steps in implementing the plan are not yet firm. Opportunities to participate may be available. 3 REPORTS — Superintendent — (Contd.) 4. Storm damage: Douglas Fir in the rear of Washington Park, several Eucs at the Arguello entrance to Mills Canyon; (the latter will take time to clear). Attempts to clear will not be done until soil has stabilized. Other scattered limbs were downed throughout the City but there were no reports of property damage from City trees. 5. February meeting: shall Randy and I request that the PG&E rep attend and be placed on the agenda to discuss tree pruning by PG&E crews? The Commission discussed having a P.G.&E. representative meet with the Commission at the February meeting. Commissioner O'Connor suggested that it would be more effective for the Commission to meet with a representative that has decision making authority. Following a brief discussion, it was decided a Committee be formed and the item be placed on the February 6 h Agenda for further discussion. Chairperson McQuaide appointed Commissioners Carney, Lahey, and O'Connor who volunteered to serve on the Committee, and asked the Committee to meet and begin to formulate some ideas, questions, and concerns to discuss with a P.G.&E. representative. Mc uaide — Chairperson McQuaide stated that she would like to agendize the Commission's participation in the design process for the North entrance to Burlingame that could be passed on to the City Planner; she added that the Commission may also be able to assist in securing funds for the project. Commissioner Grandcolas agreed that he would like to see the Commission's participation as well but felt the funding issue at this time should be secondary. Superintendent Richmond reiterated his suggestion that Commissioners read the online report before agendizing the issue. There being no further business, Chairperson McQuaide adjourned the meeting at 7:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 4