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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2003.03.06t 1 .. BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MARCH 6, 2003 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson McGowan. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson McGowan, Ellis, Carney, Hesselgren, Locke, and Webb Absent: Commissioner Lauder Staff. Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guest: Mr. & Mrs. Russell Bayley, Scott & Alexis Danielson, Angie Yu & Jeffery Hong, Robert & Carol Kary, and Donald Cory MINUTES - The minutes were corrected to read that the date of Commission meeting was February 6` ,'' instead of the 12',and under NEW BUSINESS - Arbor Day - ... An additional Redwood tree will be planted in memory ofMarcus Silva, a parks employee who suddenly passed away on February 4; and under Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Private Redwood Tree @ 931 Park Avenue - . . . Commissioner Locke in response to Commissioner Webb ... that the tree is in close proximity to a deck and a patio that was added. The minutes were then approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Mary Elsie Robertson, 931 Park Avenue, informing her that the Commission denied the appeal for the removal of a Redwood tree in her backyard because the tree was a healthy tree. Article regarding American Elm trees submitted by Commissioner Locke. L Letter to Robert and Carol Kary, 2967 Mariposa Drive, informing them that their appeal of the denial to remove a Pine tree at their neighbors property at 2970 Trousdale Drive would be heard at the March 6`'', 2003 Commission meeting. Letter copied to Able & Nelly Yu (2970 Trousdale); Anthony Young (2960 Trousdale); Russell & Noel Bayley TRS (2957 Mariposa); Jason Lim & Linda Hye (2980 Trousdale). Letter from Beautification Commission to Wanessa and Adrienne Silva, informing them that the February 6' Commission meeting was adjourned in memory of their father, Marcus Silva, expressed the Commission's deepest sympathy, and informed that a Redwood tree would be planted in their father's memory during the Arbor Day ceremony at Bayside Park. Email correspondence from Arborist Porter to City Manager, Attorney, and Asst. Public Works Director notifying them of the removal of the remaining 6 Eucalyptus trees, previously determined by resistograph testing to be at a high risk of failure. These trees will be removed by CalTrans as soon as possible. All 6 trees will be replaced by CalTrans crews. An additional 3 Eucalyptus trees located under primary lines (behind Albemarle) will be removed by P.G.&E. tree crews, because the severe topping has made them structurally unsound as well as high maintenance items for P. G. &E. FROM THE FLOOR Scott & Alexis Danielson of 340 Pepper Avenue spoke and informed the Commission of their appeal to Council regarding the Planning Commission's decision to allow the removal several mature trees (one of which is a large protected Oak tree), and other mature shrubs on the property at 344 Pepper for the development of a new house with a swimming pool and pool house. Mr. Danielson stated that he is an architect and that the project could be redesigned in such a way that could preserve the mature landscape. Mrs. Danielson added that the pool will be in the front set back of the property with no screening. FROM THE FLOOR - (Contd.) - ""*N Chairperson McGowan thanked Mr. and Mrs. Danielson for their comments but since the appeal will be going before the Council the Commission would not comment at this time. Mr. Danielson stated he would appreciate any support from anyone wishing to attend the Council meeting. OLD BUSINESS Arbor Day - Superintendent Richmond reported that the Arbor Day Ceremony will be held at Bayside Park. The Rotary Club of Burlingame made a generous donation to go toward tree planting. A grove of Redwood trees will be planted in an open area between the two ballfields. Superintendent Richmond encouraged as many as possible to attend. Spring Garden Seminar - Superintendent Richmond reported that the banner has been hung on Burlingame Avenue and that the Commission is asked to provide cookies or finger food for the seminar 'Color in the Landscape' presented by Matt Leddy on Saturday, March 15" from 9:30-11:30 at the recreation center. Parks staff will set up and provide the beverages. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of the Denial From the Resident na 2967 Mariposa Avenue to Remove One Private Pine Tree (a), 2970 Trousdale Drive - Superintendent Richmond reported that the City Arborist denied a permit application issued by the property owners at 2970 Trousdale Avenue because the tree was healthy, the root damage to the fence insignificant, and that Pine needle and the debris issue could be remedied by pruning or trimming. Superintendent Richmond noted that the rearneighbors at 2967 Mariposa Avenue appealed the arborist's decision and that there had been no appeal by the property owners at 2970 Trousdale. He further advised that if the appeal is upheld, a permit would be issued to the property owner at 2970 Trousdale, but that the property owner would not be required by the City to remove the tree. Administrative Secretary Harvey read to the Commission a portion of a letter from the appellants attorney which was inadvertently omitted from the Commissioner packet. Arborist Porter reported that the application was denied because the request for removal did not meet his criteria justifying removal of a protected tree i.e., the tree is healthy and stable, the root damage is not significant, and the debris can be remedied by pruning the tree. Commissioner Locke noted that the tree had been recently pruned and it is situated on a significant slope. She asked Arborist Porter if removal would have a negative effect on the soil erosion? Arborist Porter responded that he did not believe removal of this one tree would negatively impact the stability of the soil. Commissioner Locke also noted that the grove of trees provides a good "wind control"; would removal effect the other trees? Arborist Porter stated that removal of the one tree, conceivably, could impact the downhill tree. Commissioner Ellis asked Arborist Porter if limbs fall easily from Pine trees? Arborist Porter responded "No." Chairperson McGowan recognized the property owner and owner of the tree at 2970 Trousdale Drive. —I 2 Appeal of the Denial From the Resident (a� 2967 Mariposa Avenue to Remove One Private Pine Tree (a), 2970 Trousdale Drive - (Contd) - Ms.Yu daughter of the property owner, stated that her Pine tree is healthy and that it is no longer hanging over her neighbors property. She stated that Davey Tree Company said it was a healthy tree, that it did not �-' need removing, and only needed pruning. Ms.Yu added that, she fears if she removes this healthy tree, her neighbor will later request that other trees be removed on her property. Mrs. Kary, appellant, and owner of the property at 2967 Mariposa Avenue stated that she and her husband are concerned about this tree and consider this tree a problem; that it is an "extremely" healthy tree. Mr. Kary added that they have been living with this for 30 years; that the trees were planted in a row because they were free; and that the trees inundate their property. He noted that the one tree they are requesting their neighbor remove is only 10 yards from their bedroom, has caused damage to the fence, landscaping, and lawn, which has caused he and his wife expense and frustration. Mr. Kary stated that the when the winds blow from the South, needles blow from the tree onto his flat roof. They have installed two additional drains to contend with the mix of rain water and pine needles. He noted that if the water accumulates, it could impact the structural integrity of his house. He commented that when he looks out his picture window, he views 14 Monterey Pine trees. In the past, they have experienced a Pine tree blowing down from another neighbors home which did minor damage to their house and the fence. He fears that the same thing could happen with this tree. He concluded that the number of trees on his neighbor's property is an "overkill" and has a negative effect on his property value. Mrs. Kary clarified that they have no intention of asking for the removal of any other trees on their neighbor's property, but that just trimming the tree will not make a significant enough difference toward addressing their concerns. Mrs. Kary then submitted pictures of the recently pruned trees to the Commission. Chairperson McGowan recognized Russell Bailey, 2957 Mariposa Avenue. Mr. Bailey stated that he lives downhill from 2970 Trousdale Drive and is in support of a permit being issued for the Pine tree to be removed; the needles from the tree clogs their pool. The Commission discussed the appellants concerns. Commissioner Hesselgren stated that the damage to the fence was insignificant. Chairperson McGowan commented that removal of this one tree would not be a significant loss to the grove. Commissioner Locke noted that, because of the number of trees in the area, removal of the one tree would not solve the Kary's problems of needle drop, and removal of the one tree would not negatively impact the neighborhood, and that she would support the removal of this one tree near the property line. Commissioner Carney concurred that removal of this one tree would not have a significant effect on the pine needle problem because there still are many other Pine trees in the area. Commissioner Hesselgren asked Arborist Porter if cutting the one root would mitigate further damage to the fence? Arborist Porter responded "Yes". Following the discussion, Commissioner Locke moved that the Commission uphold the appeal of the denial to remove a Pine tree at 2970 Trousdale, because the property is supporting a significant number of trees and removal of the one Pine tree would not negatively impact the grove or the surrounding neighborhood and therefore, no replacement would be required as a condition of this removal; seconded (Carney). Motion carried 4 - 2 opposing (Hesselgren and Webb) - I absent (Lauder). Chairperson McGowan explained that issuance of the permit does not require the property owner to remove the tree but only grants permission to remove the protected tree. Chairman McGowan advised Ms.Yu of appeal procedures and that a letter would be sent to her regarding the Commission's decision �,. as well as appeal procedures. REPORTS - Richmond - .-*N 1) The Commissioners dinner is scheduled for March 17`t' at 6:00 p.m. 2) 2801 Hillside Drive and 505 Ansel Road (mentioned at the last Commission meeting) will receive replacement trees during the April planting. 3) The Sycamore pruning 2002-2003 in the Burlingame Hills (North of Sanchez and East of Vancouver) is nearing completion. 4) In reference to Arborist Porter's memo regarding CalTrans removal of Eucalyptus on El Camino, anyone wishing to review the results of the resistograph testing and the details of the research can review the documents at the Parks and Recreation Department. Commissioner Locke asked when the young Eucalyptus trees on El Camino (planted by CalTrans) would be restaked? Arborist Porter reported that CalTrans has indicated that they will be training and restaking the trees soon, but he will try to get a better time line from CalTrans. McGowan - Chairperson McGowan reported that the Liquidambar tree in front of the Hola Restaurant on Burlingame Avenue is lifting the concrete collar. Arborist Porter stated he would inspect. Locke - Commissioner Locke reported that the new tree on Broadway in front of Behan's Irish Bar looked dead last fall, currently does not appear to have any buds, and may need replacing. Arborist Porter stated he would inspect the tree for possible replacement. There being no further business, Chairperson McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, '1 Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary C, PARKS -Harvey, Karlene - prom: PARKS -Harvey, Karlene ;ent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 3:43 PM 'Ncylocke@aol.com' Subject: RE: corrections to 3/6 BBC mtg mins Hi Nancy - Let's see if this works ... ?? Your e did not come to me with "italics". In my return e I have used "CAPS" because I am unable to bold, italic, or underline while sending the email. By the way, the April 3rd meeting will be �mlicri rftio fn "lark of himinacc" Also on page 2, 3rd para from bottom: _»»»»»»»»»»> Commissioner Locke noted the TREE had been recentiv Pruned and that IT IS situated on a .... on the soil EROSION?" Pg. 3, first paragraph -- MISS Yu, DAUGHTER OF THE PROPERTY OWNER, .... MS. Yu added that . . Pg. 3, sixth paragraph -- Commissioner Locke noted ... ITS REMOVAL WOULD NOT SOLVE THE KARY'S PROBLEMS OF NEEDLE DROP, AND removal of the one tree ... Commissioner Carney CONCURRED that removal of this one ... Pg. 3, last paragraph -- Chairman McGowan advised MS. Yu of appeal procedures ... »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» »»»> So. what do you think ... Did I get it???? Karlene "'------Original Message ----- From: Ncylocke@aol.com [mailto:Ncylocke@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 2:39 PM To: kharvey@burlingame.org Subject: corrections to 3/6 BBC mtg mins Hi Karlene, Although I cannot attend the April BBC meeting, I wonder if you can accept my changes to the minutes via email. If so, they are in italics below. All changes are relative to the New Business appeal re Pine tree at Trousdale. Page 2, 3rd paragraph from bottom: "Commissioner Locke noted that the tree had been recently pruned and that it is situated.... if removal would have a negative effect on the soil erosion? Page 3, first paragraph: Miss Yu, daughter of the property owner, stated that her Pine tree is... ... only needed pruning. Ms. Yu added that... Page 3, 6th para: Commissioner Locke noted that because of the number of trees in the area, its removal would not solve the Kary's problems of needle drop, but removal of the one tree...... Commissioner Carney concurred that removal of this one tree.... Page 3, last paragraph: Chairman McG advised Ms. Yu of appeal procedures...