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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2005.06.021 BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION June 2, 2005 Chairperson Hesselgren called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission to order at 5:33 \.- p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Hesselgren, Commissioners Carney, Lauder, McQuaide, and O'Connor Absent: Commissioners Grandcolas and Webb Staff: P & R Director Schwartz, Parks Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, Secretary Harvey Guests: Sarah O'Connor (1556 Balboa) MINUTES The minutes of the April 7, 2005 Beautification Commission meeting were corrected to read under Old Business - Easton Drive Eucalyptus: Mr. Kielty commented that with continued quality maintenance, the trees could live another 20-40 or maybe even another 50 years.. And then, under same section corrected to read: Commissioner Grandcolas excused himselffrom the meeting and left at 6.25 pm. Minutes were approved as corrected. Memo from Superintendent Richmond to the Commission reviewing upcoming Agenda items. Committee Recommendation - Tree View Ordinance Committee draft of the recommended Tree View Policy. FROM THE FLOOR - Bobbi Benson reported that 1) The planters on Burlingame Avenue have been planted with more perennials and Jim Chapelone has been watering the planters two times a week. 2) The Rose Garden in Washington Park has been pruned. 3) Ross Bruce, BID, asked her to access the planter pots on Broadway; new plantings will be with long lasting color. She noted a special thanks to Katie and Denis O'Brien for removing old plants in preparation of planting day and to Bob Disco in helping with the irrigation. Planting day on Broadway will be on Sunday, June 12t' from 8:00-8:30 am and everyone is invited. Sarah O'Connor, 1556 Balboa, stated that the City's tree roots have backed up her sewer line and cost her $1100 for the cleanup of her basement. She reported that when she moved into her home in 1989, the City trimmed the roots but now the City will no longer do root pruning. She commented that the tree belongs to the City and she refuses to be responsible for the damage the tree is causing; she sweeps the "nobbly things" that fall from the tree but she refuses to cut the roots of the City tree. She concluded that she doesn't have a man around the house, lives on a fixed income, and can't afford anymore repairs. Chairperson Hesselgren thanked the members of the audience for their continents. OLD BUSINESS - Tree View Ordinance - Committee Recommendation - Superintendent Richmond stated that he has asked Commission Grandcolas to also include statistical attributions to the recommendation, if approved, before the recommendation goes on to Council. Commissioner McQuaide stated, after much review, the Committee recommends that an ordinance not be considered but instead to develop a policy (for Bay views only) that assists property owners to mediate views with regard to trees. Commissioner McQuaide commented that having a "policy" keeps the City out of the middle but allows for the City to assign a mediator for the two parties (property owners) to mediate the issue. OLD BUSINESS - Tree View Ordinance — Committee Recommendation — (Contd.) The Commission discussed and reviewed the Committee's recommendation. Following the discussion, Commissioner O'Connor moved to accept the Committee's recommendation that a Tree View "Ordinance" not be established; but that, the Commission endeavor to develop the recommendation's key points and recommend a "policy" with regard to bay views and trees; seconded, McQuaide. Motion carried S — 0 — 2 (Absent/Grandcolas, Webb). Chairperson Hesselgren thanked the Committee and asked Commissioners to be prepared to discuss and make recommendation on the content of the "policy" at the next meeting. Street Tree Removal Policy — Superintendent Richmond stated that Director Schwartz has submitted and recommends this process when residents have requested removal of a City tree with regard to sidewalks. The Commission reviewed the process: Street Tree Removal Permits When There is Ong Sidewalk Damage, which is to be used along with the Criteria for City Street Tree Removal form that was approved by the Commission at the April 7, 2005 meeting. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Lauder moved that the Commission accept the Street Tree Removal Permits Where There is Onffoinff Sidewalk Damage, process submitted by Director Schwartz; seconded, McQuaide, Motion carried S — 0 — 2 (Absent/Grandcolas, Webb). "'1 Easton Drive Eucalyptus Trees — Long Range Reforestation Plan — Chairperson Hesselgren commented that, for now, the removal of the Eucalyptus tree in front of the Library has been put on hold for further study by the Traffic and Safety Committee. But that, the Commission has been asked by Council to develop a reforestation plan for future Eucalyptus removals on Easton Drive whereby selective tree planting in existing "gaps" could begin before any removals occur. Chairperson Hesselgren then asked for three volunteers to serve on the Easton Drive Long Range Reforestation Plan. The Committee will focus on replacement species recommendations. Commissioner's Lauder, McQuaide, and O'Connor volunteered to serve on the Committee. NEW BUSINESS Appointment of Nominating Committee for Election of Officers in August — Commissioner's Lauder and Carney agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee and will present a slate of nominees at the August 4, 2005 meeting. July 7t' Beautification Commission Meeting — After Chairperson Hesselgren polled the Commission's availability for the next meeting, it was the consensus of the Commission that the July 7`h meeting be cancelled due vacation schedules. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday, August 4, 2005. REPORTS— Superintendent Richmond - 1) Tree Crew is working south from Toyon Drive conducting grid pruning/inspection on each City tree. Progress has been good. 2) Landscaping upgrades in the front of City Hall have received positive comments. 3) New Tree Maintenance Worker is on duty in the Parks Division. 4) Adopt -a -Planter group successfully replanted the Burlingame Ave planter boxes. 5) Tree honoring Girl Scout leader was planted in the rear of Washington Park. 6) Merit pesticide soil injection was completed on selected City Trees with a history of aphid or Elm Leaf Beetle infestation. McOuaide — Commented that the entrance on Dwight Road and Peninsula looks great and wonders if the entrance to Burlingame at El Camino Real and Millbrae Avenue could be improved aesthetically. Chairperson Hesselgren responded that the improvements at Dwight Road and Peninsula were installed for traffic calming in the area. C REPORTS — (Contd.) Hesselgren — Reported that she attended the Mayor's luncheon. The Planning Department will be working on the Bayfront Improvements and will be soliciting input from all the City's Commissions. The remainder of the meeting was spent on Commissions sharing the business on which they are currently working. O'Connor — Commented that she views the Commissions work as very opportunistic and how great it would be that if over time all the trees in the City could be sustainable and also provide both a canopy and a view. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, CW&U41A11Wj-r Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary