HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2006.02.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
February 2, 2006
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by
Chairperson McQuaide.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson McQuaide, Carney, Ellis, Grandcolas, Lahey, Lauder, and O'Connor
Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Supervisor Disco, and Secretary Harvey
Guests: Mr. and Mrs. Gilson and Tim Auran
MINUTES
The minutes of the January 5, 2006 Beautification Commission meeting were corrected to read under:
New Businesss/Anneal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Deodar Cedar_ Tree 0) 1480 Vancouver
Avenue (Paragraph #3/Tim Auran's comment) " ... that, information he found on the Internet
indicates that a Deodar Cedar's life expectancy is 25-50 years ... ". Minutes were approved as
corrected.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Mr. and Mrs. Gilson, 1480 Vancouver Avenue, informing them
that their appeal of the denial for the removal of the Deodar Cedar tree on their property had been tabled
to the February meeting so the Commission could ask questions and receive clarification from Arborist
Porter before rendering a decision.
Flyer announcing Commissioner's Workshop, Saturday, February 250'.
Status Report: Easton Reforestation
Copy of emailed questions from Commissioners Lauder and McQuaide to Arborist Porter, regarding the
appeal of the denial to remove a protected Deodar Cedar tree @ 1480 Vancouver Avenue.
Copy of letter (submitted during meeting by Mr. and Mrs. Gilson) from Dolores Burnett, 1477 Bernal
Avenue, (also bearing a handwritten note from Sue and Herb Wei, 1470 Vancouver Avenue, agreeing
with comments in the letter), requesting the Deodar Cedar tree at 1480 Vancouver Avenue be removed
because the tree is ... "enormous", "blocks sunlight", "plugs gutters; dirties yard" ... , and fears the tree
will fall.
FROM THE FLOOR -
There were no comments from the floor.
OLD BUSINESS
Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Deodar Cedar Tree Q,1480 Vancouver Avenue -
Arborist Porter submitted copies of the questions emailed to him from Commissioners Lauder and
McQuaide and verbalized his answers to the Commission. Arborist Porter stated: He could not speculate
as to whether the broken limb was the result of the current construction or not, but no more than one third
of the foliage had been removed to repair/remove the fallen limb and the tree was still viable. All the tree
protection measures required during construction have now been re -installed as well as the protective
fencing. Any tree limb that has never been trimmed may, in fact, be heavy enough to cause the same sort
of damage that was caused to the new construction. The only thing that makes this tree potentially
dangerous is that it is in need of pruning. For every uninformed comment on the web regarding the life
expectancy of this particular tree species, there are many more that claim life expectancy for the Deodar
Cedar to be 100 yrs. plus; even that of a documented case of a Deodar Cedar tree on an island in Japan to
�. be over 5000 yrs old!
OLD BUSINESS -
Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Deodar Cedar Tree (a, 1480 Vancouver Avenue — "1
Contd.
In conclusion Arborist Porter stated that winter is the best time to do any trimming on trees because there
is less bug and disease activity. The tree is stable and only needs pruning; and if proper tree pruning is
performed, and the overall condition of its structure is maintained, this tree will live for many years to
come.
The Commission then asked Arborist Porter questions pertaining to structure and stability of the tree.
Arborist Porter stated that the roots of this tree flair out (as with most other trees), are healthy, and will
not be impacted by the construction. He reiterated that routine trimming of the tree every 4-5 years will
many maintain the health and integrity of this tree.
Following the Commission's comments, Chairperson McQuaide invited the appellants to comment.
Mrs. Gilson commented that P.G.&E. have "hacked" the Cedar tree over the years as well as the number
of Cable companies that are now in the City. The previous owner of the property was "scared to death"
of the tree but had never maintained the tree. Mrs. Gilson stated that she and her husband are concerned
about the neighbors complaints and then submitted a letter to the Beautification Commission, from
Dolores Burnett (1477 Bernal), (bearing a note from Sue and Herb Wei [1470 Vancouver]) which
requests permission for the Deodar Cedar tree be removed because the tree is ... "enormous", "blocks
sunlight", "plugs gutters; dirties yard", and fears the tree will fall. Mrs. Gilson concluded that she and her
husband are happy to keep the tree and that now all are aware of the dangers of the tree, and "we've
tried". Mr. Gilson added that he had spoken to the City Attorney and was told that if something should
happen to the tree (if removal was not approved) the City would be liable.
Chairperson McQuaide closed the hearing and stated that she believes the tree would be safe if it was
maintained.
Commissioner Ellis noted that on the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website, the Deodar
Cedar tree is reported to be one of the hardier and disease resistant varieties of this specie. In addition, the
information also noted that trees with a 70% rating (as to condition and health) could be returned to an
excellent condition; this tree was given a 70% rating on the Mayne Tree report. Commissioner Ellis also
pointed out that the Mayne Tree report showed all the trees on the property that were recommended for
removal and the Deodar Cedar tree was not one of them.
Commissioner Grandcolas noted that he has a large Cedar in his front yard and sometimes has concerns,
particularly during storms, about the tree falling over. Arborist Porter stated that this tree is not in danger
of falling over and explained that trees do not have a "tap root" like some people believe. He stated this
tree's roots, as with other trees, flair out from the tree and are anchored within the top 12 to 18 inches of
the soil; the roots are not and have not been impacted and there are no indications that this tree is
susceptible to falling over. To make the tree safe, this tree only needs to be pruned (reducing the end
weight of the heavy limbs) and shaped by someone who is qualified.
Commissioner Lahey stated that this is the last large tree on the block, will provide a nice canopy and
shade in the summer and, that good pruning would help with the neighbors sunlight concerns as well as
the other concerns expressed.
Commissioner Lauder commented that the tree enhances the neighborhood, and routine pruning and
maintenance should allow for this tree to go on for many years.
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OLD BUSINESS -
Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Deodar Cedar Tree Q 1480 Vancouver Avenue —
Contd. -
Following the Commissioner's comments, Commissioner Grandcolas moved to deny the appeal to
remove the Deodar Cedar at 1480 Vancouver Avenue, because pruning the tree will improve the health
and safety of the tree, seconded (Lauder). Motion carried unanimously.
Chairperson McQuaide thanked the applicant's and informed the applicants that they would be notified in
writing of the Commission's decision and that the decision could be appealed to the City Council for
further consideration.
Chairperson McQuaide then changed the order of the Agenda and requested the Long Range
Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive item be discussed at the end of the business items so Commissioner
Lahey could leave and would not be present during that business item.
OLD BUSINESS —
Arbor Day Ca, Arguello Drive Entrance to Mills Canyon Park
Supervisor Disco stated that two Valley Oaks, two Blue Oaks, two Black Oaks, and 2 Redbuds will be
planted in the area to replace trees that were damaged and subsequently removed due to the storm in
December. Correspondence inviting the elementary and intermediate schools as well as City Officials
will be sent soon. [Due to State Exams in the public elementary school system, the date of the Arbor
Day Celebration has been changed to: Monday, March 6`" @ 10:00 am.]
NEW BUSINESS —
P.G.&E. Pruning Practices in the City of Burlingame — Committee Report
Commissioner Carney reported that she contacted Frank Reagan, P.G.&E. representative, regarding the
practice of "topping" of the trees to clear lines and was told that it is P.G.&E.'s prerogative; that property
owners are notified for permission to access property, but if no response, P.G.&E.'s contractors have
�-' permission to access the property to trim the trees. When Mr. Reagan was asked about "tunneling" he
responded that it would depend on the tree's condition and safety issues as to whether that type of pruning
could be done. When she asked about the tree trimmers qualifications, Mr. Reagan responded that the
trimmers are certified. Commissioner Lahey reported that while recently in the Portola Valley/Woodside
area, she noticed that the trees near lines are trimmed nicely and would be willing to take pictures and
contact other cities regarding P.G.&E. pruning practices in their cities.
Commissioner Grandcolas stated that the P.G.&E. tree trimming contractors do not take the time to
properly prune the trees and the current practice is ruining the health of the trees in the City of
Burlingame. Commissioner O'Connor noted that prior to P.G.&E. filing Chapter 11, trees under lines
were trimmed appropriately. She suggested that the Commission follow the example of BULB. P.G.&E.
responds to public pressure and the Commission could ask the Council if they would agree to support the
Commission's endeavor to work on developing a plan of trimming that is healthy for the trees.
Commissioner Grandcolas that noted that P.G.&E. and SBC put money aside every year for
undergrounding lines in well traveled thoroughfares, and suggested that "tunneling" and undergrounding
lines be part of the discussion and plan development.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Grandcolas volunteered to draft a proposal to be presented to
Council enlisting their support as the Commission prepares to dialog with P.G.&E. to discuss options to
improve current pruning practices and methods on trees under utility lines in the City of Burlingame.
Commissioner Lahey stated she would take pictures of trees trimmed under utilities in Portola
Valley/Woodside and comparable pictures of trees in Burlingame; other Commissioners agreed to take
pictures as well.
� Commissioner Lahey excused herselffrom the meeting at 7: 05 pm.
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OLD BUSINESS —
Lone Ranae Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive — Committee Report ..�
After reviewing the Easton Reforestation summary submitted by Superintendent Richmond, the
Commission discussed options for presenting a Community forum for Easton area residents. Chairperson
McQuaide submitted a draft of a letter that could be sent to the residents inviting their input in the
reforestation plan on Easton and stated she would check with OLA Catholic Church and/or the First
Presbyterian Church to arrange for a possible meeting site. After a date is set, staff will send the letter to
Easton Drive residents inviting them to the forum and the public will be notified and encouraged to come.
REPORTS —
Parks & Recreation Director — Director Schwartz reported that at the Council's Annual Goal Setting
Session the public had opportunity to comment on areas of concern within the community. Council has
asked staff to review and respond to concerns expressed in their particular area. Director Schwartz stated
that this item will be agendized for the March 2°d meeting.
Superintendent —
1. Tree planting will begin shortly.
2. The three Monterey Cypresses on Forestview were successfully removed.
3. PG&E's District Vegetation Management Supervisor, was extremely helpful in preventing the
City from being charged for the power shut down on the Forestview project. She also arranged
for her crews to remove a hazardous 30' stem on a eucalyptus tree on Burlingame Avenue at
Myrtle. Our contractor would have required a crane, which would have been extraordinarily
expensive.
4. February 25 Commissioners' Workshop in San Mateo; we will send in a single registration check
for our group. RSVP deadline is Thursday, February 9a'. Call or e-mail Karlene.
5. Crews from the California Conservation Corps are performing emergency repairs to portions of
the Ed Taylor Trail in Mills Canyon that were washed out in the recent storms.
Lauder —
Commissioner Lauder reported that she and former Commissioner Nancy Locke continue to meet and
clean the 101 triangle at Broadway, and have recently begun propagating the ice plant in the area.
There being no further business, Chairperson McQuaide adjourned the meeting at 7:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
LKarlene Harvey All
Recording Secretary
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