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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2004.02.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION February 5, 2004 The regularly. scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by ( Chairperson Hesselgren. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Hesselgren, Carney, Ellis, Grandcolas, Lauder, McQuaide, and Webb Staff. Director Schwartz, Parks Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests: Bob and Jane Haddad (831 Crossway Rd.); Jennifer Pfaff (Burlingame Historical Society) MINUTES Minutes were approved as submitted. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Teresa Ruvalcaba, 1360 Drake Avenue, informing her that the Commission voted to deny the appeal for the removal of one Cedar tree at her address. Letter from Director Shwartz to Farrok Kouchek-Ali (1537 Westmoor Rd.) and Peter Tokarski (1533 Westmoor Rd.) informing them that the date of the hearing tentatively set for the February 17' Council meeting will be confirmed upon receipt of a check in the amount of $250 per the Master Fee Schedule. Spring Garden Seminar Flyer, 'Composting for the Home Gardener' and letter to speaker Alane L. O'Rielly Weber, thanking her for consenting to being the speaker for this year's seminar. Memo from StevenPorter, CityArborist, regarding' Considerations/Guidelines use forProtected Tree Removal Permits'. Pictures of Commissioner Lauder and former Commissioner Locke wearing official uniform for the Adopt -a - Highway program at the 101Broadway triangle. Letter from Director Schwartz to Bob and Jane Haddad, 831 Crossway Rd., informing them that a public hearing before the Beautification Commission had been scheduled for February 5' regarding removal of a protected Camphor tree @831 Crossway Rd. Staff Reportto Beautification Commission regarding the hearing concerning removal ofthe Camphortree @ 831 Crossway Rd. FROM THE FLOOR - (None) Chairperson Hesselgren requested the order of the agenda be changed to accommodate the applicants for the tree removal at 831 Crossway Rd. NEW BUSINESS Public Hearing Regarding Removal of a Protected Camphor Tree (a, 831 Crossway Road - Superintendent Richmond explained to the Commission that the permit application was submitted after the canopy of the Camphor tree had been removed by the applicants contractor. He added that the Commission must step back in time and decide whether findings presented by the property owners or others would be justification for approving or denying the permit and that denial of this permit does not mean that the tree will need to remain. Superintendent Richmond then referred the Commission to the Staff Report, under Commission Options, which explains examples of options available to the Commission if "approving" the Permit Application or if "denying" the Permit Application. Chairperson Hesselgren asked if the Commission had any questions of staff? Commissioner Ellis asked how long ago the aerial view had been taken and how much more the tree might have grown since the picture? Arborist Porter believed the aerial photograph had been taken in 1998 and that the tree would have grown anywhere from 6 inches to 1 foot each year. Public Hearine Retarding Removal of a Protected Camphor Tree (a, 831 Crossway Road (Contd.) - Commissioner Webb asked Arborist Porter if, upon inspection, there was any evidence of foundation problems and if the landscaping was new? Arborist Porter responded that there was no apparent damage to the foundation and that the landscaping was new. Chairperson Hesselgren asked if roots from Camphor trees lift foundations? Arborist Porter responded that he has never seen a tree root "lift" a foundation. Commissioner Lauder asked if the tree had been properly maintained, trimmed and shaped, and root barriers installed would the root damage to the pathway and driveway had occurred? Arborist Porter stated that in his opinion the damage would not have occurred if the tree had been properly maintained and root barriers installed. Commissioner Ellis then asked if the tree could have been trimmed in such a way to show the house better? Arborist Porter responded "Yes". Chairperson Hesselgren asked the age of the tree? Arborist Porter responded 50-75 years and stated that Camphors can live to 150 years old. Commissioner Carney asked how much bigger the tree could be expected to grow? Arborist Porter stated that the tree is a mature tree and would not increase a great deal in size and added that the property owner could have maintained the tree to the size they wanted. Commissioner Ellis asked how removal of this tree came to the attention of the City? Arborist Porter stated that a member of the tree crew observed the removal and finding that no permit was on file in the office, stopped the removal. Commissioner Lauder asked if there are shade tolerant ground covers that would grow under the canopy of the Camphor tree? Arborist Porter responded that there are many ground covers that are shade tolerant and low maintenance that would grow under a Camphor tree. There being no further questions of staff, Chairperson. Uesselgren recognized Bob and Jane Haddad and asked if they had any comments they wished to make to the Commission? Mr. Haddad stated that the removal of the Camphor tree occurred due to a misunderstanding between him and his contractor. That, the tree cracked the driveway, pathway, and the side of his house and that currently $25,000 had been spent to improve his property. He stated that at the bottom of the trunk of the tree, one foot had been lifted above the main area and was causing damage, and that nothing could be done to the 6" diameter roots. He added that the previous property owner had to have the sewer line and gas line replaced. The Contractor recommended removal of the tree and Mr. Haddad stated that he told the Contractor he would "take out a pen -nit", but the Contractor misunderstood and thought that he, in fact, had a permit to remove the tree. Chairperson Hesselgren asked the age of the pathway? Mrs. Haddad said the pathway was very old and very unsafe and so they arranged with the contractor to repair those areas; and then, one thing led to another and more work was done and then the tree was removed. Mr. Haddad stated that he knew he would need a permit to remove the tree, that the City Arborist had told him to take out a permit, but the contractor understood that the permit had already been taken out. Mrs. Haddad stated that they did not know that the tree was going to be removed until she returned home from work and found the tree partially removed. The contractor then told her that someone from the City had stopped him from continuing the removal. Chairperson Hesselgren clarified that because of the aging sewer laterals in the City of Burlingame, it is required at the time of sale of a property, that the laterals be pressure tested and replaced if necessary at the cost to the seller. Commissioner Lauder asked if a professional looked at the cracks to determine that they were caused by the tree? Mr. Haddad stated, "No", that the tree is a problem; that they have spent a lot of money to improve the property, and the removal of the tree without a permit was unintentional. Commissioner Webb asked Mr. Haddad if he had paid the contractor for the tree removal? Mr. Haddad stated "Yes", $6,000 for the tree and additional paving work. Commissioner Webb asked if the contract included tree removal? Mr. Haddad stated that the first two jobs were part ofthe contract; the other work including discussions about the tree removal and replacement were verbal. Commissioner Webb clarified with Mr. Haddad that the driveway and walkway were by contract; but the brick wall, removal and replacement ofthe tree, and planting grass was a verbal contract. Mr. Haddad stated "Yes". 2 Public Hearing Regarding Removal of a Protected Camphor Tree 64 831 Crossway Road (Contd.) - Commissioner Ellis asked if permits were taken out from the City replace the driveway and pathway? Mr. Haddad stated he did not know. Commissioner Carney asked if there were problems with the roots in the lawn area? Mr. Haddad stated that the lawn would not grow under the tree because there were so many roots in the lawn. Chairperson Hesselgren then closed the hearing. Commissioner Ellis stated that she observed that the neighbor's driveway was also badly cracked but there was no evidence of roots in that area and that, age was the probable cause of the cracks. Chairperson Hesselgren stated that there was also no visible evidence that the tree affected the sewer. Commissioner Grandcolas commented that cracks inmost driveways are caused by settling and age. Commissioner Ellis added that she was concerned that the contractor took the action of removing the tree without notifying the property owner. Commissioner Grandcolas responded that quality varies with contractors, contractors need to be managed, and that it appeared this contractor was out of control. Commissioner Webb added that it did seem out of order to replace a walkway before removing a tree. Commissioner Ellis remarked that the loss of this tree leaves a big void in the neighborhood, that there are no other trees. Commissioner Lauder agreed and commented that there are eight houses on Crossway that have paved planter strips. Following the discussion, Commissioner Carney moved that based on the findings that the tree was a viable, healthy tree and that, maintaining the roots and the pruning and thinning of the tree could have been alternatives to removal of this tree, the permit be denied; seconded Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Richmond advised the Commission that they were now charged with identifying a recommended option for City Staff to pursue with appellant and gave examples of possible options. Commissioner Grandcolas asked the Commission if they had ever seen contractors lead people astray? Commissioner Grandcolas added that the property owners were making improvements to their property and that he would recommend there be a negotiated settlement with the property owners and they be required to plant an appropriate replacement tree. Commissioner Lauder suggested that the replacement tree be a 36" box size tree. Chairperson Hesselgren concurred that it did appear that the contractor ran astray. Commissioner McQuaide asked Mr. Haddad ifthe recommendation were to seek full cash value ofthe Camphor tree, would they also plant another tree? Mr. Haddad stated that they would plant another tree. He concluded that the house was a fixer upper and that they were only trying to improve their property. Following the discussion, Commissioner Webb moved that City staff seek a negotiated cash settlement with the property owner and that a 36" box size replacement tree be planted on the property; seconded (Lauder). Motion carried unanimously. Director Schwartz stated the appellants would be notified in writing ofthe Commission's decision and would also be advised of appeal procedures Tree Replacement Program on El Camino Real -Guest Speaker, JenniferNaff-Superintendent Richmond introduced Jennifer Pfaff from the Burlingame Historical Society who has been meeting with City Staff and CalTrans representatives regarding the possibility of the replanting of disease resistant Elm trees on El Camino Real as the Eucalyptus trees are removed. Ms. Pfaff reported that she is a member of the Burlingame Historical Society and was interested in finding out more history about the Eucalyptus trees on El Camino. Superintendent Richmond assisted her by providing her access to the Parks & Recreation Department files. She stated that she knew that Elms had also been planted alternately along with the Eucalyptus by John McLaren, and wondered if the Elm might be an alternative replacement tree rather than the Eucalyptus Microtheca species that is currently being used to replace the removal of the Eucalyptus Globulus. 3 Tree Replacement Program on El Camino Real - Guest Speaker, Jennifer Pfaff - (Contd.) - Ms. Pfaff stated that after discussions with City Staff and CalTrans representatives as to whether the Elm would even fit within the certain criteria (utilities, set backs, etc.), all agreed that the Elm could be a viable alternative. Ms. Pfaff stated that she has spoken to many "experts" about the Elms and has researched the many different Elm varieties. She has looked at the Elms planted in the Oxford/Cambridge area as well as the Elm test site in Atherton. She added that since El Camino Real is on the State's historical register and that the State Historic Preservation Officer has determined that the grove of trees is still intact, the planting of Elms would be in keeping with the historical significance of the grove. Ms. Pfaff commented that currently, 8-9 different Elm varieties are being considered for suitability of which 4-5 varieties will be chosen as replacement alternatives. She added that for historical reasons, her choice would be the American Elm but availability of the American Elm as well as the 'Princeton' Elm is difficult because it is not grown in California. These varieties would need to be flown in and would only be bare root trees, needing to be cared for before they could be planted. She concluded that perhaps the Accolade Elm variety, which is readily available locally, could possibly be the replacement variety for the eleven Eucalyptus trees that are currently being removed by CalTrans. Chairperson Hesselgren thanked Ms. Pfafffor all her work and research in this area, and affirmed the importance of maintaining the historical component on El Camino Real in hopes of preventing future clear cutting of the trees. Commissioners Dinner - March 12", 2004 - Superintendent Richmond announced to the Commission the date ofthe upcoming Commissioners Dinner and that Commissioners will soon be receiving invitations regarding the event. OLD BUSINESS Arbor Day - Monday, March 8" 6410:00 AM - Bayside Park - Superintendent Richmond informed the Commission ofthe upcoming Arbor Day ceremony to beheld at the main field of Bayside Park andthat Redwood trees would be planted to replace the removal of some Pine trees due to poor structure and pitch moth. He added that the schools and official representatives have been invited to participate. Spring Garden Seminar - March 20" - 9:30 am -11:00 am - Superintendent Richmond stated arrangements are set for the seminar and that as usual the Commission will provide cookies or breakfast cakes. (Alane O'Rielly Weber will be speaking on the topic of 'Composting for the Home Gardener'.) Public Education Regarding Tree Practices & Policies - Chairperson Hesselgren stated the committee consisting of Commissioner Carney, Lauder, and Hesselgren have met and are ready to discuss ideas with the Commission. She stated that it is important to get the word out to the community regarding the rules and regulations for City and private trees because it seems people don't know the rules and regulations. She then asked if this item could be held over to the next meeting so more time can be spent discussing this issue. The Commission agreed to hold item over to the next meeting. REPORTS - Superintendent Richmond - 1 . The tree crew is currently trimming the Sycamore's in the northern part of this year's scheduled section (West of Vancouver to Alvarado between Easton and Adeline; and Edgehill to Mills between California Drive and ECR). 2. A mature Elm tree was removed on Carmelita due to a safety issue. 3. Removal of 11 Eucalyptus trees on El Camino Real due to extensive heart rot decay. Trees to be removed have been marked with an orange dot and are mostly located North of Broadway. All of the removed trees will be replaced. 4. The City's tree contractor is completing the Eucalyptus pruning on Burlingame Avenue. 5. The January tree planting has been completed by the City's tree crew with the planting of approximately 60 trees. _ 6. Soil injection for aphid control on approximately 110 trees will be conducted in house by a member of the tree crew in order to save money and hopefully to achieve better results and effectiveness. 7. Updates of the Bay Area Specific Plan and the North of Rollins Road Master Plan can be viewed on the City of Burlingame website at vc,%.vw.Burl.ingam.c.org. 0 REPORTS - (Contd.) - Chairperson Hesselgren - Chairperson Hesselgren reported that the loss of trees have never been replaced at the Rector/Cadillac site (Rollins Road/Cadillac Way/CarolanAvenueBroadway), andthatthe site looks horrible. She stated she would like the City to followup and force the property owners to comply with the plan that required replacement trees. Arborist Porter stated he would review the original plan and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Carney - Commissioner Carney reported that a swing is still in the City tree at 458 Chatham. Superintendent Richmond responded that a letter had been sent to the property owners but that staff would check into the status and remove the swing if necessary. Commissioner Ellis - Commissioner Ellis asked when new vines would be planted on the Public Works fence on California Drive at Oak Grove? Arborist Porter responded that he and Supervisor Disco were discussing viable options for plant material in that area. Superintendent Richmond added that Public Works is also interested in replanting at that site but caring for the plants without access to irrigation became very labor intensive and very difficult to maintain with reduced staff. Commissioner Ellis asked Arborist Porter about the dead, brown leaves on the trees on the lower section of Burlingame Avenue? Arborist Porter responded that the Bay trees in that area are very old and dying of an incurable systemic disease and that at some point the trees will need to be removed and replaced. Commissioner Ellis asked what the current status was with regard to the Crossway "triangle" planting proposal? Superintendent Richmond stated that it would not be happening at this point due to the budget cuts. Commissioner Webb - Commissioner Webb reported that housing in the Bay front area was voted down but the North end of Burlingame may be rezoned for housing, and asked if a tree planting schedule would be put in place? Arborist Porter responded that tree planting for new developments have been established in existing City ordinances. Commissioner Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that she and former commissioner Nancy Locke conducted litter removal and ice plant propagation during their first work day at the 101Broadway triangle adoption site. She added that they noticed that CalTrans had replaced the Willow trees across from the site. Commissioner McQuaide - Commissioner McQuaide notedthatthere are very few City trees on Crossway Road because concrete is in many of the planter strips. Arborist Porter responded that during sidewalk replacement, all concrete is removed from the planter strip and cannot be replaced. There being no further business, Chairperson Hesselgren adjourned the meeting at 7:50 pm. Respectfully submitted, 44A,4t C40,tWj� Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 5