HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2003.02.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 2003
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�— The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by
Chairperson McGowan.
M
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson McGowan, Ellis, Carney, Lauder, Locke, and Webb
Absent: Commissioner Hesselgren
Staff: Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, and Administrative
Secretary Harvey
Guest: Mary Elsie Robertson
MINUTES - The minutes of the December 5, 2003 meeting were approved as submitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
Staff Report to Council regarding appeal of the denial to remove a city owned Magnolia tree at 1649
Coronado.
Letter from Charles Eigenbrot, Troop 28, thanking the Commission for its hospitality during his troops
attendance at the December 5 h Commission meeting to complete requirement for the Communications
Merit Badge, noting that it was a "helpful illustration of the usefulness of good communication skills ably
demonstrated by commission members".
Letter from Mary Elsie Robertson, 931 Park Avenue, appealing the denial to remove a private Redwood
tree in the back yard of her address.
Letter from Tim Richmond, informing Mary Elsie Robertson at 931 Park Avenue, that her appeal of the
denial to remove a private Redwood tree in her back yard would be placed on the February 6"
Beautification Commission agenda.
Letter to Matt Leddy, CSM Horticulture Department, thanking him for agreeing to be the featured
speaker at the Spring Garden Seminar at the Burlingame Recreation Center, March 15"', 2003, at 10:00
a.m.
Spring Garden Seminar Flyer.
FROM THE FLOOR
There were no comments from the floor.
NEW BUSINESS
Arbor Day - Superintendent Richmond reported that the Arbor Day Ceremony will be held at Bayside
Park. The Rotary Club of Burlingame has made a generous donation to go toward tree planting so the
monies will be used to plant a Redwood Grove between the ball field and field #3. An additional
Redwood tree will be planted in memory of Marcus Silva, a Parks Division employee, who suddenly
passed away on 1'. Commissioner Lauder suggested the Commission send a letter of condolence
to Mr. Silva's family. Administrative Secretary Harvey will forward address information to Commission
Secretary, Ellis.
NEW BUSINESS - (Contd.) -
Spring Garden Seminar - Commissioner Ellis reported that repairs have been made to the banner and
will deliver the banner to the Recreation Center for hanging. Secretary Harvey will provide
Commissioners with additional flyers with the mailing of the February 6' meeting minutes.
Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Private Redwood Tree na, 931 Park Avenue - ACTION -
Arborist Porter reported that he denied the request to remove the Redwood tree because the tree had
reasonably good health and structure and the cited reasons for removal did not fall within the approved
guidelines. He added that he most recently inspected the tree with binoculars and found no evidence of
disease.
Chairperson McGowan asked the Commission if they had any comments or questions of Arborist Porter.
The Commission asked Arborist Porter questions with regard to health, structure, life span; potential
problems with the elements: erosion, wind; as well as the potential for damage caused by roots or whole
tree failure.
Arborist Porter stated that the tree is a mature tree, but could get bigger. The tree's slight lean is caused
by the prevailing winds, but should not pose a hazard because of the tree's good health and that Redwood
trees are not a specie known for experiencing whole tree failure. He noted that there was no evidence
of erosion in the area and the existing root damage to the fence is minimal. He concluded that with
thinning and heading back the tree will continue to be a healthy, sound specimen.
Chairman McGowan recognized Mrs. Robertson. -�
Mrs. Robertson stated that maintaining the tree is very expensive. She has had the tree "laced" every
three to four years at a cost of $600-$700 each time. She stated that in viewing her neighbors backyard,
the tree is so dense and heavy that there is no sunshine in their backyard. She also stated that the tree
had been topped in the past which can weaken a tree. She fears the top will snap off in the wind. She
added that, the tree was planted in the wrong place, and is 28' from her house; if it fell, it would hit her
house. She asked the Commission, if she were not allowed to remove the tree, who would be liable?
Chairman McGowan noted that the Commission cannot consider economics as part of justification for
removal of the tree and if the tree is maintained, and that the resident should contact her homeowner's
insurance company for any concerns regarding liability.
Arborist Porter commented that the "topping" of the tree can be corrected by pruning; that, the whole
top would not break out, but small individual branches could. He added that thinning and heading back
the tree could resolve the property owners concerns.
Commissioner Webb asked Mrs. Robertson if her neighbors were concerned about the about the tree.
Mrs. Robertson said "No", that "They are renters". Superintendent Richmond reported that adjacent
property owners were notified ofthe denial of the request and the subsequent appeal to the Commission,
but there had been no response to date.
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Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Private Redwood Tree (a), 931 Park Avenue - (Contd.) -
Chairman McGowan stated that, although he is sympathetic with Mrs. Robertson, the tree is in reasonably
�-- good health, top can be correctively pruned, and general maintenance of the tree can correct the issues
raised.
Commissioner Locke noted that the neighborhood does not have a lot of significant trees and removal
of this tree would impact the Skyscape of the neighborhood.
Commissioner Webb stated that the tree was planted in the wrong place and feels that if a tree presents
a major problem and has the possibility of destroying property, permission for removal should be granted.
Arborist Porter commented that Redwood Trees are listed at the bottom of the ISA list for having the
least propensity for whole tree failure. He added that in his experience he has only seen one Redwood
that fell over and that was due to severe root pruning.
Commissioner Webb stated that the combination of a high water table weakening the roots, and the
branches becoming sails in the wind, could cause a tree like this to come down. Arborist Porter
responded that this tree is in the flat lands and there was no indication that there are problems with this
trees root system.
Chairman McGowan advised the Commission of their options in rendering a decision on this item: 1)
the Commission could request the property owner to submit an independent Arborist Report with regard
to the safety of the tree; or, 2) the Commission could uphold the appeal and grant permission for the
removal; or 3) the Commission could deny the appeal and the applicant would be advised of appeal
procedures to the City Council.
Commissioner Locke in response to Commissionergb�, that the tree was planted in the wrong place,
stated that the tree is in close proximity to a deck(that v(�as added, and that the deck should not have been
placed so closely to the tree; that the tree was there first. She added that, the odds are very much against
this tree falling down.
Commissioner Carney stated that she is sympathetic with the property owner but the tree is a healthy tree.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Lauder moved to deny the appeal because the Redwood tree
is healthy; seconded (Carney). Motion carried S - I (opposed/Webb) - I (absent/Hesselgren).
Chairman McGowan advised Mrs. Robertson that she would be notified of the Commission's decision
and appeal procedures to Council in the mail.
Criteria for Removal of City Owned Trees
Superintendent Richmond referring to the criteria document submitted to the Commission stated that
Parks Division stafffocuses on the health and structural defects when considering removal of a City tree.
On occassion trees are removed due to sidewalk repair when no other options are available e.g. handicap
accessibility. The current philosophy is to routinely trim every city tree on a four year cycle. Statistically,
the inventory oftrees is changing over time, as trees are removed and replaced with more suitable species
throughout the City.
Criteria for Removal of City Owned Trees - [Contd. -
The Commission discussed different aspects of the street tree program. Arborist Porter stated that there "1
are situations when a City street tree is a nuisance, (causing several problems for the City as well as the
resident), and he will make the hard decision to remove the tree if there are no other options to mitigate
the problems. Superintendent Richmond noted that, the scale of the urban forest in Burlingame will be
reduced over time because many of the species of trees of that are currently planted, are often smaller
than the tree removed.
Commissioner Locke stated that as the Commission is asked to consider removal of City trees, it should
be a consideration that the inappropriateness of trees planted in the past be a part of the Commission's
decision making process. The Commission agreed that this should be a consideration when hearing
removal appeals for City street trees.
Superintendent Richmond concluded that with the processes already in place, as well as the discretion
practiced by the City Arborist, very few requests for City street tree removals are appealed to the
Beautification Commission. Director Schwartz added that trees add economic value to the homes and
are a real asset to the City of Burlingame.
REPORTS
Director Schwartz - Welcomed by Chairman McGowan as the Parks & Recreation Director of
Burlingame and Millbrae, Director Schwartz commented that Burlingame Parks & Recreation staff will
be sharing the extra load as he serves half time for the City of Millbrae Parks & Recreation Department.
Currently, his duties are to oversee two separate departments, each operating separately; and that
merging the two departments at this time is not part of the equation.
Superintendent Richmond -
1. Tree planting is ongoing.
2. Eagle Scout project to map trees of Washington Park is progressing. The project includes the
identification and listing of all Memorial Trees in the Park.
3. Tree Crew attended seminar on tree failure at Filoli in January.
4. The Manfreddi's appealed to Council. Council upheld their appeal and set conditions that the
Manfreddi's bear the cost of removal and replacement with a 24" box tree from the
approved list.
5. Parks Division received its annual pesticide audit by the County and was approved for
another year of applications. Division is working with a consortium of cities in an effort to
prevent pesticide runoff. Group is working on a draft model IPM policy. When completed,
it will be made available to the Commission.
6. City Street Tree Ordinance v. Protected Tree Ordinance
Option of paying $400 into the tree replacement fund is only available in private
tree removals. It is not an option with City Street trees.
McGowan - Chairman McGowan stated that many of the new Eucalyptus trees on El Camino are
"flopping" over and he has heard of some residents of Burlingame calling CalTrans to "adopt -a -tree".
Arborist Porter commented that he is aware that CalTrans is looking into liability issues that might occur
with volunteers working on the trees. He added that the City's tree crew is overloaded and is unable to
take on the extra work along the State highway. Commissioner Locke stated that unfortunately, it makes
the City crews look bad because everyone thinks the trees on El Camino belong to the City rather than --INI
the state.
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REPORTS - McGowan (Contd.) -
Chairman McGowan asked when the dead Mayten trees at Floribunda and Almer would be removed and
replaced? He also noted that the lawn in that area is frequently watered, so replacements should be of
a specie that can take frequent watering. Arborist Porter stated that the trees will be planted in April, but
he will inspect the site again.
Carney - Commissioner Carney stated that the planting area at the corner of California Drive and Oak
Grove is looking good. Commissioner Webb added that it would be nice to landscape the North corner
in the same way. Superintendent Richmond advised that he North corner is not City of Burlingame
property.
Locke - Commissioner Locke reported that she attended the community workshop, the North Rollins
Road Development noting that the area plan is still very fluid. She encouraged the Commission to
participate and reported that the next meeting will be in May.
Commissioner Locke asked if the tree on Hillside Circle (that came down in the December storm) would
be replaced? Arborist Porter stated that the trees lost in the storm will be replaced in April and
September of this year, but that he would confirm replacement of that particular tree.
Commissioner Locke submitted an article on American Elms.
Webb - Commissioner Webb asked Chairman McGowan to report on the Bayfront meeting. Chairman
McGowan reported that the area will not be considered for residential because the area is too far removed
for police and fire; area will remain hotel, restaurant, and offices. The City is waiting for the right project
to arrive that is: sensitive to heights and FAA height standards; includes plans for open space and
NI-. completion of the bay trail; and, will generate revenue for the City.
Lauder - Commissioner Lauder asked about the condition of the vines around the fencing on California
Drive and Oak Grove? Superintendent Richmond reported that some had been vandalized and others
have failed. He added that the Parks Division planted the vines at the request of the Public Works
Department, that, request for replacement would need to come from the Public Works Department.
Commissioner Lauder commended Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, Administrative Secretary
Harvey and the Parks Division for the excellent job during the November and December storms.
There being no further business, Chairman McGowan extended the Commission's condolences to the
family of Marcus Silva and asked that the meeting be adjourned in his memory.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
iarlene Harvey
Recording Secretary