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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2005.02.03BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION February 3, 2005 Chairperson Hesselgren called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Hesselgren, Commissioners Carney, Grandcolas, Lauder, McQuaide, O'Connor, Absent: Commissioner Webb Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Parks Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, Secretary Harvey Guests: Phil Scott (PW Superintendent), Vince Falzon (Asst. Street and Sewer Superintendent), Jo Ellen Ellis MINUTES The minutes of the January 6, 2005 Beautification Commission meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE — Copy of Internet Research on Tree Ordinances (with regard to views [submitted by Commissioner McQuaide]), that summarizes problems with the lack of enforcement and inequalities of complaints. Notes from Beautification Commission files regarding the Commission's consideration of establishing a View Ordinance in 1979. (Submitted by Commissioner McQuaide.) FROM THE FLOOR - There were no comments from the floor. Chairperson Hesselgren changed the order of the Agenda to accommodate the appellants requesting the removal of the Eucalyptus tree at 1800 Easton Drive. NEW BUSINESS Request for Removal of a City -owned Eucalyptus Tree at 1800 Easton Drive — Superintendent Richmond stated that for several years City Arborist Porter has been reviewing this particular Eucalyptus tree with the Public Works Department. Arborist Porter observed the large buttress root when it was exposed and determined that severing the root to accomplish a flatter street grade would be inadvisable, that the root was too significant and could end up destablizing the tree. Superintendent Richmond reported that an Independent Arborist had evaluated the Monterey Cypress and Eucalyptus trees lining Easton Drive. A boring (drilling) method and a mallet were used on this particular Eucalyptus to detect rot. Based on the procedures used, the report indicated that the tree appears to be healthy. The report stated that further testing with a Resistograph on the root crown might be advisable because Resistographs more accurately measure the presence of decay. Superintendent Richmond concluded that the health of the tree is not in dispute, but repairs to the roadside, the clay sewer main, and traffic safety are at issue. The Commission discussed the tree's health and suggestions such as re-routing of the roadside, adding road signage, lowering the speed limit, and making Easton Drive a one-way street. Following the discussion, Chairperson Hesselgren recognized Superintendent Scott and Asst. Superintendent Falzon. Supt. Scott thanked the Commission for scheduling the hearing. Asst. Superintendent Falzon stated over the years, street repair near this tree has been a challenge and that the tree causes traffic hazards because the buttress root extends so far into the road and doesn't allow for traffic to safely pass. Request for Removal of a City -owned Eucalyptus Tree at 1800 Easton - (Contd.) Supt. Scott showed a Power Point presentation showing street damage, root growth, drainage problems, sewer damage, grade issues, and vehicular and traffic hazards. Alternatives .to removal that have been considered are: trimming the roots, covering the roots with more asphalt, re -aligning the street, and making the street one-way travel. Supt. Scott stated that the City Arborist believes trimming or shaving the buttress root could cause the tree to be unstable and covering the root with more asphalt could damage the root system. Supt. Scott added that covering the root with more asphalt would also make the hump even higher. Re -aligning the street would not only mean other trees would need removing, but is cost prohibitive (up to $100k). Re -alignment of the street would affect all 4 comers and would also require removal and construction of various new sections of curb, gutter, and roadway, as well as utility pole relocation. Supt. Scott concluded that making the street one-way travel is not feasible in residential areas because it pushes traffic onto smaller streets. It would confuse the driving public, is costly, would make library access difficult, and Easton Drive is the only street that provides direct access for residents in the Canyon Road area. Following the presentation the Commission discussed the various issues. Commissioner Grandcolas asked if the tree was mature and had it stopped growing. Superintendent Richmond stated that the tree is mature in top growth but would assume that the root would continue to grow. Commissioner McQuaide stated that other cities have one way streets or use less costly alternatives such as signage (Caution Tree Cross/Caution Slow), and that the sewer could be moved to the other side of the street. Commissioner Grandcolas stated that he slows down when approaching the area, that if accidents were occurring or residents were complaining he would be more inclined to consider removal as a solution but both cases are absent. He added that these trees are part of the character and charm of a Tree City USA. Commissioner Carney stated that it is a traffic hazard for cars coming in opposite directions, particularly if you are not totally aware. She added when it rains, the roadside puddles up making it more difficult to see the hump. Commissioner O'Connor stated she frequents the area; accessibility is an issue and has been for many years. Chairperson Hesselgren commented that she is torn, having all the Eucalyptus trees removed on Easton Drive would change the whole character of the neighborhood, however, this particular tree is presenting substantial liabilities and danger. The tree is causing damage to curbs, sidewalk, drainage; an 8' root extending into the street causing a grade ncline of 2', and if left to remain, will end up causing ongoing future costs and liabilities to the City. Commissioner Lauder responded that she agreed with Chairperson Hesselgren, that this tree is causing significant liabilities to the City. She stated that removal of this tree would not take away from the purpose and intent of the Urban Reforestation and Tree Protection ordinance but if removal is granted, she would like it to be replaced with a fast growing tree . . . that it should be a "grand tree". Director Schwartz informed the Commissioners that the City Council, at it's January 29ffi budget and goal study session, agreed to ask the Beautification Commission to develop a long range reforestation plan for the Eucalyptus trees on Easton Drive. He stated that any decision made regarding this tree or a possible replacement, should be made in consideration of the long term plan. Following the discussion, Commissioner Lauder moved to uphold the appeal and grant removal of the City -owned Eucalyptus tree at 1800 Easton Drive due to safety hazards, damage to the sewer main, drainage problems, traffic flow problems, and accessibility issues But with the recommendation, that the tree be replaced with a sizeable specie to be determined by the Commission at a future meeting; seconded, Carney. Motion carried 5 — I (McQuaide) —1 absent (Webb). OLD BUSINESS - Tree View Ordinance —Commissioner Grandcolas stated the draft for a policy has yet to be developed by the Committee, but that Commissioners McQuaide and Lauder would present what they had researched on their own. Superintendent Richmond stated that City Planner Monroe has agreed to come to the March Commission meeting to discuss what the Planning Department considers with regard to views for new construction. OLD BUSINESS - Tree View Ordinance - (Contd.) Commissioner McQuaide submitted Internet Research on Tree Ordinances and stated she conducted an Internet research of legal journals pertaining to view ordinances. She stated that what she found mostly was that tree view ordinances more often than not lead to nasty disputes between neighbors, generally satisfies only a few people, and does not protect the interests of the com-munity as a whole. She noted three themes that kept surfacing in her research were: 1) In California, no one has a "right" to a view, air, sunlight, etc. 2) A personal view cannot be guaranteed. 3) The advantages of trees (clean air, reducing landslides, etc.) outweigh the disadvantages. She concluded that an ordinance or a policy should be unique to the community, that if the City of Burlingame were to adopt an ordinance or policy it should have clear, specific goals, it should specifically designate responsibility, allow for flexibility, and most importantly, should have community support. Commissioner McQuaide then submitted her notes from department files of 1979 Beautification Commission meetings with regard to past considerations for establishing a view ordinance in the City of Burlingame. After reviewing the information, Commissioner O'Connor suggested that the Commission receive updated case laws. Commissioner Grandcolas stated he did not find the Berkeley ordinance helpful as a model, and that the Committee needs more direction, whether to consider nothing, consider an ordinance, or consider a policy, as well as the pros and cons of establishing a policy. He commented that he would like to provide a mechanism for property owners, but the more this issue is researched, the more it appears to be a real can of worms. Chairperson Hesselgren stated battles between neighbors could create even more problems. Commissioner Lauder stated it would be very important to consider the words of wisdom from past Commissions. Director Schwartz suggested that along with the City Planner attending next month's meeting, the City Attorney might .provide the Commission with information, comments, or updates on existing case law. Street Tree Removal Policy — Superintendent Richmond asked the Commission for feed back on the Criteria for City Street Tree Removal form. The Commission agreed that the form was easy to understand and useful. Chairperson Hesselgren asked the Commission to further review, try to use the form, and be prepared to make a recommendation to Council at the next meeting. Arbor Day Ceremonies — Monday, March 7, 2005 — Bayside Park — Superintendent Richmond reminded the Commission of this upcoming event; correspondence has gone out to schools, agencies, newspapers, and Council, announcing the event. Commissioner's Dinner - Superintendent Richmond reminded the Commission of Friday nights Commissioners Dinner at the Doubletree Hotel REPORTS — Director Schwartz — l. At the Council Budget Study Session it was announced that the economic indicators are up and the trends are progressing nicely; 1.6 million of reserves will be used to reduce impacts to employees and the Parks & Recreation Department will be able to add back a Tree Worker position. Superintendent Richmond - 1. Tree planting is now occurring. 2. Sycamore Pruning is continuing in the SE section of the City. 3. A Eucalyptus fronting the Rec Center will be removed in the near future. It has been in decline through the last two pruning cycles. It now has significant die back in the canopy. 4. The irrigation system for the street channels at City Hall was improved and sod/seed was added after the sidewalk replacement. 5. Final acceptance of the new landscaping to screen the BART tail tracks will be recommended to Council. Cost reimbursement from BART will be the next step. REPORTS — (Contd.) Hesselgren — Chairperson Hesselgren reported that she attended the Mayor's Meeting. She asked that the Commission think about and respond back at the next meeting, questions they may want to ask other Commissions. These questions would pertain to the work of this Commission and would clarify the work of the other Commissions, as well as how the Commissions work might intersect. The next Mayor's Meeting will be in April and Chairperson Hesselgren will share with the other Commissions thoughts from the Beautification Commission. O'Connor — Commissioner O'Connor stated she would be interested in working on urban reforestation as an ongoing endeavor, like a tree planting program, or a replacement program to stagger tree replanting, etc. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm. Respectfully submitted, ck,�&W �' Wp Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary