Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2006.09.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 7, 2006 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Vice -Chair Grandcolas. ROLL CALL Present: Vice -Chair Grandcolas, Carney, Ellis (late), Lahey, and Lauder Absent: Commissioners McQuaide and O'Connor Staff: Parks Superintendent Richmond and Secretary Harvey MINUTES — The Minutes of the August 3, 2006 Beautification Commission Meeting, were approved as submitted. Letter to Ken & Susan Graven, 10 Clarendon Road, informing them that the appeal for the removal of a City owned Ligustrum tree in front of their address would be placed on the September 7, 2006 Beautification Commission agenda for consideration. Staff Report: Appeal of Denial of Request to Remove the Ligustrum at 10 Clarendon Road. Memo from Director Schwartz and Superintendent Richmond to the Beautification Commission regarding Street Tree Planting in Vacant Areas. \.. Letter to Palo Alto City Manager, Frank Benest, requesting permission to "borrow" staff member Dave Docktor (Eucalyptus expert) to be present at the Easton Drive Long Range Reforestation Community meeting on October 5, 2006, in order that he might share his expertise with those in attendance. FROM THE FLOOR - None OLD BUSINESS — Lone Ranee Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive - Item was moved to the end of the meeting for discussion to occur after Commissioner Lahey's departure. City Blocks with No Trees The Commission reviewed the memorandum from Director Schwartz and Superintendent Richmond. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Carney moved to adopt the Plan to Add Street Trees in Vacant Areas and that the following steps should be incorporated into the plan: • Request funding from the City Council to begin the program • Commission to identify and prioritize areas of Burlingame that would benefit from additional street trees • Letters to residents of prioritized areas informing them of the project and how to participate • Commission to look for additional funding sources (donations, grants, etc.) Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lauder and motion carried 4-0-3 (absent/Ellis, McQuaide, O'Connor). The Commission then discussed possible funding options and decided to place this item on a future agenda for further discussion. NEW BUSINESS — � Request for Removal of City -Owned Ligustrum (Privit) Tree a, 10 Clarendon Road - Superintendent Richmond stated that the property owner has requested removal and replacement of the City -owned Ligustrum tree because of the production of berries that stain the sidewalk. Supervisor Disco denied the request and referred the applicant's request to the Commission. Supervisor Disco's Tree Evaluation Report states that the tree, planted in 1979 is in good health; that it does produce berries that stain the sidewalk, but it is in good health and is routinely pruned. Superintendent Richmond noted that the Ligustrum lucidum was removed from the official street tree list in the late 1980's early 1990's for unknown reasons and occasionally past Commission's have approved removal of City street trees that bear fruit or berries. Commissioner Carney asked if the tree would get any taller. Superintendent Richmond stated, no, that the tree had reached its mature height. Commissioner Ellis noted that it is the largest tree on the street. Commissioner Lauder stated that she could see that the tree could be a nuisance with the seeds staining the sidewalk Commissioner Lauder wondered if the tree would hinder the growth of the adjacent Liquidambar. Superintendent Richmond replied that the Liquidambar specie is very hardy and it's growth would not be hindered if the Ligustrum were to stay. Vice -Chair Grandcolas asked if there had been any precedent for this specie being approved for removal. Secretary Harvey stated that some years ago removal was approved of a City owned Ligustrum that had grown more like a shrub than a tree. Vice -Chair Grandcolas opened the meeting to the floor for comment. Mr. Graven then submitted '1 information he had found on the internet with regard to the Ligustrum specie, noting that the tree's thick pollen comes off in profuse amounts in the middle of the summer, covering cars and lawn so deep that it won't grow. He added following the immense pollen drop, the berries drop, staining the sidewalk and anything under it including cars. Mr. Graven further noted that "Floridata" notes that the tree is an "invasive plant". In conclusion, Mr. Graven stated that he loves trees and if approved, would like to have another tree planted that he could nurture in the same manner he has nurtured the City owned Liquidambar. Following Mr. Graven's comments, Vice -Chair Grandcolas closed the meeting to the floor. Vice -Chair Grandcolas commented that though the tree is a nice tree, it is not a recommended street tree and is a relic from the past; and that, the property owner has requested a more suitable tree be planted to add to the area. Commissioner Lauder stated that she would uphold the appeal to remove and replace the tree. Following the discussion, Commissioner Ellis moved that the Commission uphold the appeal because of the noxious fruit complaint and recommend that a permit be given to the property owners to remove and replace the tree from the Official Street Tree list at their expense; seconded Carney. Motion carried S — 0 — 2 (absentlMcQuaide, O'Connor). Superintendent Richmond advised the applicant of appeal procedures to Council and that notification of the Commission's decision would be forthcoming in the mail. -� REPORTS - `- Superintendent 1. Costa Rica removals —presented Supervisor Disco's arborist reports and pictures re: the scheduled removal of 6 black locusts on Costa Rica. 2. Tree Crew is continuing to work on Bayside Eucs as it is able. 3. Tree Contract with Timberline was approved by Council; the Notice to Proceed has been issued. Work has begun on Skyline Blvd. Early emphasis will also be on stump grinding. 4. Bayfront Cleanup is September 16. Assembly points are Embassy Suites and El Torito. 5. Reminder from Mayor and City Manager to the Commissions of the importance of attendance and punctuality in serving on City Commissions. 6. The 1812 Easton appeal was held over until a recommendation comes from the BBC on the Easton Drive Long Range Reforestation Plan. 7. Arbor Day is only six months away. Any ideas from the Commission as to the location or for any new elements that might be added to the event should be considered and discussed. 8. PG&E Arborist will join us in November; she's on vacation now. 9. Fall tree planting will begin shortly. Grandcolas - Vice -Chair Grandcolas stated he viewed the CalTrans safety video for the Adopt -A - Highway program. He also reported that he received a call from a local newspaper reporter asking questions regarding the Easton Drive Long Range Reforestation Plan and that the reporter was under the impression that the plan was to remove the Eucalyptus lining the drive and replace the trees. Grandcolas attempted to make it clear to the reporter that "the plan" was "long range" and that removal of any one of the Eucalyptus on Easton Drive would only occur when it was at the end of it's natural life span and/or was in decline or determined to be unsafe. Lahey - Commissioner Lahey stated that she is glad to be back after a brief time away. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that the Italian Stone Pine tree on the corner of Marin and Oak Grove Avenue has ivy growing up the trunk. Carney - Commissioner Carney reported that she has noticed several children's swings being placed on City street trees and will call the Parks office with a list of addresses. At this time Commissioner Lahey excused herself from the meeting for the following agenda item. OLD BUSINESS Long Range Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive - Finalize October S`h Community MeeiinF Superintendent Richmond noted that clarification was needed as to the general consensus of the Commission for the agenda for the October Commission meeting, will it focus on one thing i.e. that the Community meeting be the only item on the agenda or that a brief Commission meeting be held to discuss other agenda items prior to the Community meeting. Also, does the Commission wish to be seated front facing the audience or not. After brief discussion, the Commission's consensus was that the only item on the October 5a` agenda should be the Community Meeting; that the Commission be seated up front before those in attendance; and that the Commission/Community Meeting will begin at 7:30 pm. OLD BUSINESS — (Contd.) Long Range Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive — Finalize October 5 h Community Meeting Superintendent Richmond reported that a letter had been sent to the City Manager of Palo Alto requesting permission to "borrow" Dave Docktor to be present at the Community meeting so that he could share his expertise with regard to the Eucalyptus specie. He also stated that Chairperson McQuaide will make the introductions at the Community meeting, Director Schwartz will show colored slides of different Eucalyptus species, and Dave Docktor will share his expertise with regard to the different species. Superintendent Richmond commented that the Community meeting will focus on the trees and species and that any comments or questions that surface with regard to parking would be put aside and referred to the Public Works Department and Traffic & Safety Commission. He also said that he and Director Schwartz would be meeting again with Chairperson McQuaide to finalize plans for the meeting. There being no further business, Vice -Chair Grandcolas adjourned the meeting at 6:40 pm. Respectfully submitted, tKarlene Harvey Recording Secretary