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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2005.11.03BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION November 3, 2005 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, Grandcolas, and Lauder Absent: Commissioners Hesselgren, O'Connor, and Webb Staff. Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Parks Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, Supervisor Disco, Secretary Harvey Guests: Russ Cohen, Susie Lahey, Jennifer Pfaff, Bob Hocker, Philip Wilkinson, and Randi Murray MINUTES The minutes of the September 1, 2005 Beautification Commission meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Robert Hocker, Jr., 1610 Chapin Avenue, appealing the approval of the removal of a private Silver Maple tree in the front yard of his neighbor's property at 1604 Chapin Avenue. Letter(s) to the appellant and the applicant regarding the appeal approving the removal of a private Silver Maple tree at 1604 Chapin Avenue. Copy of letter to Code Enforcement, Sue Harris, (copied to the Beautification Commission) regarding on street parking regulations, home occupations, and limitations on signage in residential areas. FROM THE FLOOR - �- There were no comments from the floor. With the Commission's permission, Chairperson McQuaide changed the order of the agenda. NEW BUSINESS - Anaeal of the Aunroval to Remove a Protected Silver Maple Tree ar,1604 Chauin Avenue - Arborist Porter commented that the property owners at 1604 Chapin Avenue applied for a permit for the removal of the Silver Maple tree because the tree was unhealthy. Submitted with the permit application was a Certified Arborist Report from Ned Patchett of Treescape, citing recommendation for removal due to dead limbs, tip die back [probably caused by internal decay], and a weakened main branch attachment which is susceptible to failure. Arborist Porter stated that, upon his site inspection, he agreed with the Arborist's Report and approved the removal because the tree's structure was poor, having multiple co - dominant stems, and the tree's roots are causing extensive damage to hardscape. Commissioner Lauder asked Arborist Porter the average age of the tree and the life span of a Silver Maple. Arborist Porter responded that the Silver Maple tree is a short lived specie and could live another 10-15 years; the Silver Maple's wood is soft and is susceptible to heart rot in the trunk. Arborist Porter stated that he notices sloughing off of the bark and markings on the trunk that would indicate heart rot in the trunk. Commissioner Grandcolas asked if P.G.&E.'s practice of "topping" under the utility lines has shortened the life of this tree. Arborist Porter replied that any "topping" of trees hastens decline of a tree; "topping" trees is not an acceptable pruning standard according to the International Society of Arboriculture. Commissioner Lauder asked if the major limbs were in danger of failing in the wind. Arborist Porter stated that the heavy, hazardous limbs could be eliminated by severe pruning but the crown would need to be trimmed by more than one third. He added that this type of pruning is not only unsightly but the "grow back" of the sucker growth is weakly attached and would need to be pruned more frequently. NEW BUSINESS - Appeal of the Aporoval to Remove a Protected Silver Maple Tree (a, 1604 Chapin Avenue - Contd - Commissioner Carney asked if cutting the roots for driveway and sidewalk replacement would cause a further problem. Arborist Porter responded yes, that he would be concerned about whole tree failure if this tree's roots were cut. There being no further questions of Arborist Porter from the Commission, Chairperson McQuaide opened the meeting to the audience for comment. Mrs. Murray (1604 Chapin Avenue) stated that, at the start of the remodel project of their home they had met with their surrounding neighbors to inform them of the plan and scope of the project. However, removal of the tree was only considered after receiving an Arborist Report that evaluated the condition of trees on their property as well as preparation of a tree protection and preservation plan for the proposed construction. The Arborist Report specifically recommended removal and replacement of the Silver Maple tree due to its poor health. Mrs. Murray stated that they are aware of their neighbor's concern with regard to shade and privacy and now have a landscape plan in place that will address some of those concerns. Mrs. Murray concluded that they are concerned about liabilities if something were to occur with the tree. Mrs. Murray's contractor, Philip Wilkinson, stated that the Murray's will be installing permanent fencing prior to the construction, and with the tree down, replanting could occur on both properties right away. Commissioner Carney asked if the type of replacement tree had been decided. Mrs. Murray stated that planting trees and shrubs are part of the relandscaping plan. Commissioner Lauder stated that fasting —� growing shrubs and a large shade tree would be most preferable. Mr. Hocker stated that he has not had access to the Arborist Report to date, but have had an agreement with the Murray's regarding privacy protection during construction. Mr. Hocker reported that discussions with the previous property owner [since deceased] included placing steel rods (cabling) the heavy limbs to save the tree and to eliminate any possible hazards; if the work had been done, perhaps some of the conditions would not have become so egregious. He stated he has received mixed signals as to whether the tree should be removed or not but if it does need to come down, he requests removal be at a later date to give something else a chance to grow. He stated that his neighbor, Frank Pagliaro, who lives across the street from the tree, has stated that the tree is very beautiful and provides a screen for him as well. Mr. Hocker stated he had recently hired Ron Eicher of Davey Tree Company to submit an Arborist Report on the tree. He then submitted copies of the report to the Commission and stated that Mr. Eicher's report states that the tree has "very good structure", and that maintenance pruning and cabling should be performed. The Arborist Report also indicated that the driveway damage was caused by heavy equipment when an Oak tree was removed on his property. Mr. Hocker concluded that he has only been an opponent of when the tree comes out because the tree will help to mitigate the sight and dust that will come from the project. He stated that he is fully in favor of property improvements. He is only requesting that for now, the tree and other landscaping remain during the construction, if only for a year, to maintain protection as long as long as possible. Commissioner Grandcolas asked how long would the construction last and how long might the tree need to stay. Mr. Hocker stated the construction is expected to last for approximately one year and he would like the tree to stay as long as possible during the construction phase. Arborist Porter asked Mr. Hocker if the Arborist had done any drill testing on the trunk. Mr. Hocker responded that he had not conducted drill testing but the Arborist had indicated that he was familiar with the tree because he had worked on the tree in the past. 2 NEW BUSINESS - Appeal of the Approval to Remove a Protected Silver Maple Tree (1, 1604 Chapin Avenue - Contd - Arborist Porter commented that during his visual inspection of the tree he noticed numerous indications on the trunk that would indicate the tree has heart rot and stated he would not trust this tree with just "maintenance" pruning; that it has been his experience when removed, trees with similar visual indicators, have significant heart rot decay. Mr. Wilkinson stated that liabilities this tree can cause is an issue and asked the question: "If a limb falls from this tree and damages something, whose liability is it?" Mr. Hocker responded that insurance companies say that it is an "Act of God" and is not attributable to property owners as long as property owners have taken reasonable actions. Mrs. Murray commented that they are concerned about personal injuries and damage should this tree remain and that any efforts to save the tree would cause the tree to be unsightly and would not meet the objectives or reasons to save the tree. Mr. Hocker responded that he just wants privacy from the construction and dust; that he would just like the tree to be trimmed and pruned to see if the hazards can be mitigated. Chairperson McQuaide closed the hearing. She stated that it sounds like the appellant is asking to buy some time with regard to the tree's removal. Commissioner Lauder stated it would be nice if removal of the tree could be postponed but that ultimately the tree should be removed. She stated that she can identify with Mr. Hockey's concerns that the construction may cause and wondered if there would be some way that the Commission could help. �-- Commissioner Grandcolas stated that three certified arborist's reports have been submitted; that the Commission has what they need to make a decision. He added that 2 out of 3 Arborist reports say the tree is in bad shape and the condition of the tree will only be worsened with sidewalk/driveway repairs and severe pruning. Following a brief discussion Commissioner Grandcolas moved that the appeal of the approval be denied and the permit be issued to remove the Silver Maple tree, but that the tree be replaced with a 36" box size tree. Commissioner Grandcolas further stated that the Commission recommends and encourages the property owner at 1604 Chapin Avenue to maintain the existing tree as long as possible during the construction phase, and Commissioner Quaide stated that the Commission -also recommends and encourages that both property owners agree on a species that would someday provide a comparable screen to the existing Silver Maple tree. The motion and the recommendations were seconded by Commissioner Lauder. Motion carried 4 - 0 - 3 (AbsentlHesselgren, O'Connor, Webb). Chairperson McQuaide thanked the applicant and appellant for their presentations and Superintendent Richmond advised them of appeal procedures. NEW BUSINESS Commission Organization - Director Schwartz stated that the Commission has 7 seats and 2 seats have expired. Initially there were no applicants but before the application process closed 3 people have applied. The 3 applicants will be interviewed by Council but if none of the applicants qualify the Council may consider reducing the Commission seats to 5. NEW BUSINESS - Contd - Commission Organization - Chairperson McQuaide wondered how well .� the process was publicized and indicated that when someone she knew applied today they were told that the deadline had passed. Chairperson McQuaide stated that because of the decisions made by the Commission and the Committee work that is often required, she believes 7 voices representing the community on this Commission are needed. She concluded that she hopes the application process would be re -opened so that other people can apply. Commissioner Lauder stated that over the past few years the Beautification Commission has had problems with absenteeism; absenteeism was not so prevalent in the past and Commissioners would resign if they couldn't attend the meetings. She concluded that applicants should be informed that serving on City Commissions requires a serious commitment and if their families or jobs interfere with them keeping their commitment, they should not apply. Commissioner Grandcolas stated that the 5:30 pm start time might be an issue for some people and thought perhaps the Commission could consider a different meeting time. Director Schwartz stated that he would express to the Council the Commission's desire to remain with 7 seats. He stated that if the current applicants don't qualify, the Council might consider reopening the application process. Chairperson McQuaide then asked that the issue of the Commission meetings start time be placed on the next agenda. OLD BUSINESS - Lone Range Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive - Superintendent Richmond stated that the Council had suggested consideration of a Master Plan for the Easton area to determine replacement varieties when Eucalyptus removals occur. The Committee (Commissioners Lauder, O'Connor, and McQuaide) have —IN been meeting and researching different specie options and discussing a process by which area residents can have input. Commissioner Lauder stated that the Committee used the Official Street Tree list as their guide in choosing replacement varieties and recommends the following species: Camphor, Sycamore, Red Maple, Scarlet Oak, and Citriodora (Eucalyptus Sp). Commissioner Lauder stated that the Committee also discussed the possibility of some Elm varieties, Accolade and Patriot, on which Jennifer Pfaff did extensive research_ for replacement trees on El Camino. Chairperson McQuaide stated that the Committee's selections were considerate to property owners and were trees that were wind hearty, provided privacy, evergreen as well as deciduous, but also were species that would acclimate with the existing Eucalyptus trees. Commissioner Lauder stated the Committee discussed conducting a forum for the area residents at the Easton Branch Library, giving the residents plenty of notice. Forum would include photos of trees, a slide presentation, with a full description of the trees being recommended, and opportunities for feed back from the residents. Chairperson McQuaide commented that after the holiday season might be a good time to conduct such a forum, perhaps in January or February 2006. Commissioner Grandcolas responded that this project is a long term project, and that the Commission can take the time needed to properly inform and receive input from the community. Superintendent Richmond suggested that staff retain a professional consultant that could assist and advise in the specie selection. The Commission agreed and asked that Superintendent Richmond secure a consultant to assist in the process. 4 M OLD BUSINESS - Long Range Reforestation Plan for Easton Drive - Contd Russ Cohen, Traffic & Safety Commissioner, reported on the Eucalyptus tree fronting the Easton Branch Library and all the varying aspects considered by the Traffic & Safety Commission. To date, the removal of the Eucalyptus tree is postponed for further study. Commissioner Grandcolas excused himselffrom the meeting at 7: 05 pm Susie Lahey, 1719 Easton Drive stated that she appreciates all the work that the Commission is doing the Easton Drive reforestation project. She commented that the residents on Easton are involved in a love/hate relationship with the Eucalyptus tree, but most seem to enjoy the grandeur of the trees. She encourages the planting of selected species in empty planting areas, but asked that the trees be planted in such a way that the residents can still park in the strips. She concluded that she is pleased that the existing Eucalyptus will only be removed when they become a hazard or unhealthy. She stated she is happy that the replacement selections that are being considered are a mix of evergreen and deciduous, and that this is a long term plan. Following further discussion and audience input on the long range reforestation plan, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm due to lack of a quorum. Respectfully submitt d, Karlen ey Recording Secretary 5