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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2003.08.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION August 7, 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, Commissioners Ellis, Hesselgren, Lauder, and Locke Absent: Commissioners Carney and Webb Staff: Citv Arborist Porter and Parks Superintendent Richmond Guests: Mr. Dennis Zell (1800 Ashton Avenue), Leslie McQuaide (1439 Montero Avenue) MINUTES - Minutes from the June 5, 2003 meeting were approved, motion Lauder, second Ellis. CORRESPONDENCE Memo from Director Schwartz to the Beautification Commissioners and the Millbrae Community Preservation Commissioners regarding "Potential Merger". Letter from Superintendent Richmond to David and Jennifer Harding (1170 Vancouver Avenue) informing them that the Commission denied their appeal to remove a Redwood tree at their address on a 6-0-1(absent) vote because the tree is not unstable and is not causing apparent damage to the garage of surrounding area. Email from Superintendent Richmond to Peter Beesley, PG&E Vegetation Program Manager, regarding "Burlingame Line Clearance Issues". Memo from Director Schwartz to Jim Nantell and Ann Musso, regarding "Expiration of Beautification and Parks and Recreation Commissioners' Terms". Memo from Director Schwartz to Burlingame & Millbrae Parks & Recreation Staff, Burlingame & Millbrae City Coirunissloners (Parks & Rec., Beautification, Community Preservation) regarding "Discussion of Potential Merger". Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Dennis Zell (1800 Ashton Avenue) informing him that his appeal of the denial to remove the City -owned Liquidambar tree at his address will be placed on the agenda of the August 7`" Beautification Commission meeting and that the Commission would not be ruling on the other City -owned Liquidambar that was illegally removed. Memo from Superintendent Richmond to the Beautification Commission regarding the August 7, 2003 meeting's appeal of the denial to remove a City street tree at 1800 Ashton, and the status of future discussions regarding PG&E pruning practices in the City of Burlingame. FROM THE FLOOR Chairperson McGowan asked if there were comments from the floor. There were none. NEW BUSINESS A. Anpeal_of the Denial to Remove the Citv-owned Liquidambar Tree na,1800 Ashton Avenue Chairperson McGowan requested staff comment from Arborist Porter. Porter said that he had denied the request for removal because the tree was a healthy street tree and alternatives were available for the property owner to remedy his landscaping concerns. Chairperson McGowan reminded the Conunission that only the tree with the full canopy was the subject of the hearing. The other tree was being removed without permit. It will be fully removed by City crews. That process is outside the Commission's purview. McGowan asked if there were questions for Arborist Porter. Conunissioner Ellis asked if root barriers would help contain the roots. Porter responded affirmatively, that he would be happy to demonstrate their use to the property owner or his landscaper. He also showed photos of properties with landscaping around Liquidambars. Commissioner Locke inquired about the depth of root barriers and their composition. Porter responded that they are one foot in depth and --� fabricated from PVC. He has on occasion seen roots grow over them over time but the barriers definitely slow the root growth. Locke inquired about the roots visible above grade. Porter responded that Liquidambar roots are aggressive. It's acceptable to cut roots that are 6' away from the trunk. Buttress root growth within the 6' radius and must be protected. Landscape solutions are available on the buttress roots. Locke inquired about the remaining life of the tree; Porter estimated another 40-50 years. Chairperson McGowan stated that flare (buttress roots) 4' from the trunk were being cut by the current landscaper. Porter said that he would reinspect; specific instructions has been given to the property owner to cut roots 6' or fiu-ther from the tree. Ellis inquired about branch drop, one of the applicant's complaints. Porter said that Liquidambars will drop limbs in high winds, especially in the spring when the trees are fully leafed out. He is not aware of unusual limb drop in the subject neighborhood. Ellis inquired about the limb attachments on the subject tree, Porter saw no attachment issues. Ellis asked about the potential length of Liquidambar roots and their potential to threaten the foundation of the house. Porter said that roots can extend for great lengths but he has not seen house foundations disrupted by City street trees such as this. Locke inquired about the potential for roots breaking utility pipes. Porter said that he has observed roots in sewer lines; however, all of his observations have involved entry into cracks in terra cotta pipes, not the tree roots actually breaking the pipes. Most sewer lines are below the common depth of active roots. Porter said that water lines are shallower and he has observed them being lifted and broken by roots. Locke asked if Liquidambars are still on the planting list. Porter said that they are but only for planting spaces 6' and greater. He generally does not recommend planting Liquidambars, but some property owners request them to stay consistent with neighborhood plantings. Locke asked the set back distance at this property. Porter said that it was 10' from face of curb; there is no formal planting strip at this address. Chairperson McGowan closed the staff report section of the hearing. He invited the Mr. Zell, the property owner to speak. Zell said that if the current landscape crew had violated the 6' radius limit for cutting roots, it was specifically against his instructions. Zell also noted for the record that he objects to the other partially removed Liquidambar not being on the agenda. He introduced himself as a lifetime resident of Burlingame, noting that the subject property has been in his family for years. He said that he thought his property started at the edge of the sidewalk when he ordered the first tree to be removed. He acknowledges that he was incorrect but believes that the tree is partially on his property, encroaching. Zell said that the issue is competing property rights. He is unable to use and enjoy his property, previous landscaping was ruined in short order. There is a solid 8" of roots on a substantial area. He attempted landscape solutions, including adding dirt over the roots; that resulted ui surface drainage problems. He wants to have a lawn; the tree is a nuisance by definition. His yard is ugly as a result. Zell said that his neighbors have had similar problems; many of them wanted to remove the trees but settled for landscapes including rocks as the only alternative. The real issue is damage, including uplift of his driveway. Zell said that the City cuts roots inside 6' when it repairs sidewalks. He wants a one time solution. The current landscape with the tree is too big a management problem for him as a homeowner. He doubts that lasting effect of root barriers. He is willing to plant new trees, solicits suggestions from Commissioners. Zell noted that he is willing to cover the expenses of his landscaping plans. The physical invasion of his land is a great frustration. He asks that Commission do the neighborly thing and grant his appeal. McGowan asked about the lifted driveway. Commissioner Hesselgren asked if root barriers had been used. Zell said that his grandmother had tried root barriers unsuccessfully. Commissioner Locke asked for clarification on the root barrier used. She noted that what she saw was not a formal root barrier but something more like a two by four. She asked Porter if a true root barrier was a subterranean device. Porter affirmed that; it is a vertical device placed in a 1' deep trench. Zell noted that all neighbors would like more maintenance on the trees. Locke noted that City obligations regarding street tree roots is a frequent theme that is heard by the Commission. She asked Porter what maintenance is done. Porter responded that at one time City crews attempted to grind out surface roots on request around trees. That practice Nvas abandoned some time ago in consultation with the City Attorney. Crews currently focus on tree canopies. McGowan inquired about the frequency of pruning. Porter responded that the City is in the process of establishing a four year cycle for pruning or inspecting every City street tree. Crews will respond to service requests inside the 4 year cycle. Zell noted that he might be able to have a nice landscape for a couple of years; then, he would have to go through it again. Commissioner Locke stated, relative to the limb drop issue, that storms will always cause some branch drop on all trees. Zell stated that some trees are better in that respect, that the issues with these trees are not minor maintenance issues. Locke asked Zell if he was familiar with the landscaping at 1812 Ashton Avenue. It is a bi level landscape which is a very creative landscape solution. Zell responded that it is not the look he wants. He wants to use his front yard. His back year is very small. He wants his kids to be able to play in the front yard on grass; he wants a picket fence. He wants trees that will increase his property value, not diminish it. Chairperson McGowan closed the public portion of the meeting and asked for Commission comment. Commissioner Ellis stated that this property is the gateway to the block. It needs trees. Commissioner Lauder stated that the tree could be part of a beautiful landscape with some creative thought. Conunissioner Hesselgren asked about growing plants/grass on top of surface roots. Porter referenced a magnolia tree at another location where grass seed was planted successfully. He showed pictures. Since new information was presented, Superintendent Richmond said that Mr. Zell had to have the opportunity to respond. He examined the pictures and asked if grass would grow on Liquidambar roots v. Magnolias. Porter said that he could not say with certainty. Zell noted that he had attempted unsuccessfully to grow star jasmine in soil on top of the roots. Chairperson McGowan again closed the public comment section. He stated that there are many inappropriate trees in the wrong locations. Many of those trees add beauty to the City and neighborhoods even though they present maintenance issues. He mentioned again that he thought that the flare roots had been cut within the 6' radius. He also mentioned the grove quality of the single species on the block. Commissioner Ellis said that tree decisions cannot simply be a matter of personal likes and dislikes. Commissioner Lauder noted that many Sycamores in her neighborhood have resulting maintenance issues, but the value of the trees makes them worthwhile. She noted that landscaping can harmonize with existing trees. Conunissioner Locke reminded the Commission that it had decided a similar issue not long ago, where roots and the desire for a front lawn were the principal complaints. The Commission denied that appeal by the property owner. Commissioner Ellis saw no apparent sidewalk damage from the tree; Commissioner Hesselgren noted that the existing sidewalk was quite old, might be the original. McGowan said that certain legal issues were referenced. They can be addressed in appeal, but not by the Commission. Commissioner Ellis moved to: Deny the appeal of the denial to remove the Liquidambar street tree at 1800 Ashton Avenue, finding that the tree is a healthy mature tree, root damage can be mitigated, and the tree is part of a grove on the City street; seconded by Lauder. Motion carried 5- 0-2. Chairperson McGowan thanked Mr. Zell and advised him of his right of appeal to Council within ten days of receipt of notice. Mr. Zell thanked the Coni nission. B. Nominating Committee Report AND Election of Officers Chairperson McGowan recognized Commissioner Lauder of the Nominating Committee. Lauder presented the following recommendations from the Committee: Chairperson —Laura Hesselgren Vice Chairperson—Jearme Carney Recording Secretary —Jill Lauder The recommendations were approved by acclamation. -'N Chairman McGowan thanked the Committee for its work and congratulated the new officers. REPORTS - Superintendent Richmond 1. Timberline Tree Service has begun the tree pruning contract for the current Fiscal Year. They have begun pruning the Eucalyptus trees on Burlingame Avenue (starting at the East end). 2. We have seen a number of trees being planted in the City planting strips without permit. If you notice an occurrence, please notify the Office, and we will inspect and send a letter where appropriate. 3. We have continued to have problems with aphids on several Stanley Road liriodendrons, despite the soil injection of Merit pesticide. Our contract vendor indicates that aphid problems are the worst in a number of years. 4. PG&E's Peter Beesley said that his employees are being reminded of proper procedures for informing residents of coming line clearance work. Beesley also reiterated his willingness to attend a future Beautification Conunission meeting to discuss concerns with the Commission. Terry Nagel of BULB did report at the last Council meeting on its meeting with PG&E. Some of the issues overlapped with Beautification concerns. 5. Today there was an article concerning the El Camino eucalyptus trees in the local newspaper. There are ongoing evaluations in cooperation with Cal Trans, and over the past eight years criteria have been developed for when removal is appropriate. Currently two arborists are doing evaluations for Cal Trans on selected trees, including root excavations and testing. Removals that have occurred in the period have been based on credible data, which is first presented to the City of Burlingame staff. I called a Cal Trans manager who has been part of the ongoing task force meetings to inquire whether the article represented new Cal Trms policy. He had not seen the article, which I faxed to hum. I highlighted some of the conclusions in the article, which had surprised me. The Commission will receive future reports on this matter. 6. Steve Porter generally described the ongoing testing procedure that Cal Trans is employing on the Eucalyptus trees. He described the function and use of the Resistograph, a relatively new tool used to detect the presence of internal decay in trees. Superintendent Richmond thanked Chairman McGowan for his long and productive service as a Commissioner and Conunission Chainnan. He expressed gratitude for Will's leadership, horticultural knowledge, diligent preparation for decision making, good humor, and his civility. The Beautification Commission, the Department of Parks & Recreation, and the City will miss Will's dedication to Burlingame and its betterrrient. Ellis Corunissioner Ellis conunended the Park Division for its tree care. She noted the dramatic difference in tree maintenance as she drove up Ashton Avenue and entered Millbrae. She note that she will miss Will McGowan on the Conunission. Hesselaren Conunissioner Hesselgren said that a swing with a chain was mounted to street tree at 512 Burlingame Avenue. The chain may be cutting into the bark. She too will miss Will McGowan. Lauder Conunissioner Lauder visited Bayside Park and was pleased with the condition of the Redwoods planted '1 on Arbor Day. She thanked Will for his work and inspiration. She will miss him. Locke Conunissioner Locke noted that the new landscaping on Broadway is looking good. One planter, however, appears not to be getting adequate water. She reminded the Commission that the public often is ignorant of tree policies in the City. She encouraged the Commission to assist in developing new educational methods regarding tree practices and policies. (Item placed on September agenda by the Commission). Commissioner Locke encouraged involvement in the meetings on the North Rollins developments. Public meetings occur regularly. Commissioner Locke also commended Will McGowan for his service and noted that his diplomacy is `.awesome." McGowan Chairman McGowan stated that Hillsborough produces a town newsletter. A similar format might be useful in Burlingame for education on policy issues. He thanked the Commissioners and Staff for all the praise of him and his work. He has enjoyed his work on the Commission; it has been rewarding for him. He is moving to San Mateo but will continue his work on the Bayfront master plan until completed. When he joined the Commission, he had major interests: the landscaping on the Broadway interchange, establishing trees on the west side of California Drive south of Broadway, the appearance of California Drive at Oak Grove, and under grounding utilities. He is delighted with the trees that were planted on California Drive, and has heard positive feedback from merchants there. He hopes to observe progress in the future on the other items. There being no firrther business, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6.47p.m Respectfully submitted; a Tim Riclunond Parks Superintendent