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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2006.12.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 7, 2006 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, Carney, Ellis, Grandcolas (departed at 7:05), and Lahey Absent: Commissioners O'Connor (illness), and Wright Staff: Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, and Secretary Harvey Guests: Bobbi Benson MINUTES — The Minutes of the November 2, 2006 Beautification Commission Meeting, were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Memo from Superintendent Richmond, to the Commission, regarding the fruiting Gingko trees on the West end of Donnelly Avenue. (Attachment: Florel specimen label). Burlingame Beautification Commission Award (Historical documentation). FROM THE FLOOR — Bobbi Benson reported that she has been picking up litter around the City and has filled in plants on Burlingame Avenue in front of Plaza de Paws. Mijana Restaurant has replanted their planter and Ms. Benson noted that she is happy to see that they are taking "ownership" of their planter. She stated that the City continues to be dirty and she will be out picking up trash on the 500 block of El Camino. She concluded that it is her hope that the Beautification Commission will take a more proactive approach in "beautifying" the City by being more aware of how and what is needed to beautify the City, appointing a sub group for Art in the City, and by sending letters to businesses encouraging them to fill in their landscaping and offering suggestions as to what to plant. The Commission briefly discussed Ms. Benson's comments. Commissioner Ellis noted that a policy for donating Art to the City is already in place and Commissioner Grandcolas stated that the charter for the Commission is narrowly defined to the care and concern of trees in the City of Burlingame. He thought it might be helpful to begin by identifying the source of trash in the City i.e., overflowing bins, bins left uncovered, etc. OLD BUSINESS P.G.&E. Prunin! Practices in the City of Burlingame Superintendent Richmond reiterated that the Commission needs to identify trees that have been pruned inappropriately by P.G.&E. and a representative is needed from the Commission to meet with City Staff and P.G.&E. representative, Erin Parks. Commissioner Ellis and Carney volunteered to attend the meeting. It was acknowledged that Commissioner O'Connor is very interested in this item and may also attend the meeting if she can be available. Superintendent Richmond will arrange a meeting time with Ms. Parks for sometime in January. Street Tree Plantine in Vacant Areas — "Street Tree Reforestation Project" The Commission discussed process and whether to focus on business areas or residential, tying project into the Centennial celebration, soliciting donations, etc. Superintendent Richmond stated that a strategy needs to be developed before proceeding and that, Director Schwartz at the last meeting, suggested that the Commission identify a couple of residential areas that needed planting. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that a Street Tree Reforestation Committee be developed to determine planting areas for the project. Chairperson McQuaide and Commissioners Carney and Wright will serve on the Committee. OLD BUSINESS - Considerafion of Reinstating of Landscape Award Commissioner Lahey stated that she thought a committee should be formed to determine the different criteria to be used for establishing an award: Business or residential, advertising, how and where; what is important, what is beautiful, etc. Chairperson McQuaide stated it would be best to start with businesses and that the Commission could also work with the Chamber in promoting the award. Commissioner Lahey stated that she serves on the Burlingame District Cleanup Task Force and would be willing to serve on a committee to establish criteria and a process for presenting a landscape award to Burlingame businesses. It was the consensus of the Commission to pursue reinstatement of the Landscape Award. Chairperson McQuaide then appointed Commissioners Lahey and Wright to serve on the Landscape Award Committee. Arbor Day — Monday, March 5th (New Date) 2007 (i� 10:00 am — Location TBA Superintendent Richmond noted that the day of the celebration was changed due to a conflict with the Public schools and the areas for planting at Village Park will not be suitable due to the close proximity to California Drive and traffic/safety issues. Superintendent Richmond stated that Cuernavaca Park, on the corner of Hunt and Alcazar, is being considered for the location; that the area near the playground could use some small shade trees and would not obstruct views. He concluded that letters had been sent to area residents who may have concerns about views. The Commission agreed to have the Arbor Day ceremony at Cuernavaca Park. The Commission discussed ways in which to promote Arbor Day to the public and how the Commission could more fully participate in the Arbor Day ceremony so the public could better understand the work of the Commission. Commissioner Grandcolas stated that it would be a good time to inform the public of the Commission's vision and goals. The Commission discussed different groups that could be targeted and the possibility of having the ceremony on a Saturday. Director Schwartz stated that the purpose and intent of the Arbor Day ceremony should first be determined. Who is the day aimed at? Is it for children? If so, the Commission is doing a good job at celebrating and educating the children about the importance of trees, and perhaps the Commission could consider reaching out to groups such as the Mother's Club, nursery schools, and other neighborhood groups. Following the discussion, the Commission decided to further discuss its participation in the Arbor Day event at the January meeting. NEW BUSINESS Consideration of Changing Commission Meeting Time Superintendent Richmond noted that Commissioner O'Connor had asked that this be reconsidered because there are times when she will be late due to her work schedule and commute traffic. After a brief discussion, the Commission decided to continue to meet at 5:30 and make no changes at this time. 2008 Arbor Day Ceremony The Commission tabled this item to the March 8, 2007 Commission meeting. Fruit Bearing Gingko Trees on the West end of Donnelly Avenue Superintendent Richmond stated that these trees were part of a discussion at the Burlingame District Cleanup Task Force because of the noxious fruit and it has been forwarded to the Commission for a recommendation. —IN Chairperson McQuaide stated that she is frustrated about issues such as this, when development gets in the way ... that the tree was there before the development and all trees have problems. She stated that the City must stay true to being the "City of Trees" that it has been designated and must make accommodations for the trees wherever possible. She concluded that the Gingko is virtually pest free, long living, and thought these particular Gingko's are beautiful and would not like to see them removed. 2 NEW BUSINESS — Fruit Bearing Gingko Trees on the West end of Donnelly Avenue — (Contd.) - Commissioner Ellis stated that only 3 of the trees have the fruit and that their structure is unattractive. She suggested that they could be removed and replaced with male Gingko's, and at the same time, Gingko's \.- could be planted in the existing vacant planting sites on the block, improving the overall look to the area. R Commissioner Lahey stated that the Gingko fruit is messy and slippery this time of year, but a citizen had volunteered to clean up the fruit in order to prevent removal. Commissioner Lahey stated she was concerned about setting precedent by removing trees for these types of reasons. Chairperson McQuaide responded that it would set precedent and female Gingko trees are no longer planted. Commissioner Lahey will recommend to the Burlingame Business District Task Force that cleanup of the fruit in this area be a "winter" project for the Task Force. Superintendent Richmond stated if the Commission wishes, he could have Supervisor Disco conduct an inspection on the female Gingko trees (with regard to the structure and health of the trees), to determine if removal is justified. It was the consensus of the Commission that an Arborist Report be prepared by Supervisor Disco. Postponement/Cancellation of January 4th Commission Meeting Superintendent Richmond stated that the next Commission meeting will be on January 4th and he wished to confirm if we would have a quorum or if the meeting should be cancelled. After a brief discussion, Cn_mm_issioner Grandcolas moved that the January e Co,ntmission mee ng be postponed to Thursday, January 11, 2007, seconded Motion carried S — 0 — 2 absent (O'Connor and Wright). Superintendent Richmond 1. Council upheld the Commission's 2005 decision to allow removal of the Eucalyptus fronting the Easton Library, 3-2. It also accepted the Commission recommendation for tree replacements on Easton Drive, 4-1. The tree will now be scheduled for removal. Removal will be financed by Public Works, which requested the removal. 2. Parks Division scheduled removals —Elm under wires with significant heart rot/DED on Paloma north of Palm; declining Eucalyptus fronting the Recreation Center that we have been monitoring for two years. 3. The Pittosporums at Vancouver and Easton have been thinned as requested by the property owner and supported by the Commission. Commissioner Ellis Commissioner Ellis believed that some people understood that there would be further public hearings regarding the removal of the Eucalyptus tree at 1800 Easton Drive. Commissioner Lahey Commissioner Lahey commented that she believed many people thought the Eucalyptus tree fronting the Easton Branch Library had been saved from being removed. Commissioner Grandcolas Commissioner Grandcolas stated that he believes the Commission needs to set forth an overarching vision of the Commission' work, receiving input from the public, (a process much like was done with the Easton Drive Reforestation plan) with regard to Street Tree Reforestation, beautifying store fronts, arches and signage at the City entrances, art in the City etc. and then prioritize and develop a vision and a plan to accomplish that vision. 3 REPORTS — (Contd.) Commissioner Carney Commissioner Carney asked Superintendent Richmond when the Rollins Road sound wall construction would begin. Superintendent Richmond responded that he believed it would begin in the spring of 2007, but would confirm that information by the next meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, - Ci� Kar ene Harvey Recording Secretary '1