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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2003.11.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION NOVEMBER 6, 2003 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, Ellis, Carney, Lauder, and Locke Absent: Commissioner Webb & One Vacant Position Staff: Parks Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey MINUTES Minutes were approved as corrected. Revised map of Trees of Washington Park, submitted by Doug Gettel (Scout) and Bob Disco (Parks Supervisor) Copy of Burlingame Tree Ordinance Communications Opportunities, submitted by Commissioner Locke. Copy of 2003 Bay Front Cleanup and Thermometer Exchange flyer announcing bay front cleanup on September 20 , submitted by Commissioner Ellis. Letter of Commendation from the Beautification Commission, thanking and commending Doug Gettel on his Eagle Scout project to re -inventory and re -map the Trees of Washington Park. Letter from Farrok Kouchek-Ali (1537 Westmoor Rd.) and Peter Tokarski (1533 Westmoor Rd.) appealing the denial of a permit to remove a private Oak tree at 1537 Westmoor Road. Email to Commissioner Locke from Superintendent Richmond informing her that new appointments to the Commission would not be made until after November 4', and attendance to the Commission meeting would be appreciated. FROM THE FLOOR - (None) Chairperson Hesselgren requested the agenda be changed to accommodate the appellants for tree removal at 1537 Westmoor Road. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of Denial of Request for Removal of a Private Oak Tree 0,1537 Westmoor Road - Superintendent Richmond noted that the appeal is based on Section 1 of the Urban Reforestation and Tree Protection Ordinance; that is, the tree's proximity to the house and the economic consequences of the property owner. He added that no additional documentation had been presented by the property owner to substantiate the claim that the chimney draft is affected by the Oak tree. Arborist Porter reported that the permit was denied because the Oak tree is a healthy, well-balanced specimen, and the applicant's reasons sited did not fall within the criteria justifying removal ofthe tree. The applicant sited possible root damage to the foundation, but no documentation verifying the claim had been submitted to the City by a qualified arborist. Arborist Porter concluded that the smoke backing up in the chimney could be mitigated by thinning out the tree and by "windowing" the tree to allow wind to pass through. Commissioner Locke asked Arborist Porter about the life span of this vaFi@#y-&f- Oak tree? Arborist Porter responded that the h& span of Manst LiveOak is about 50 ars. Commissioner Ellis asked how much larger the tree may grow? Arborist Porter stated that the trunk 'll increase by 34", but without maintenance the canopy could grow much larger. Commissioner Hesselgren asked if thinning the tree would help the draft of the chimney? Arborist Porter responded that it could, however, he added he also has a chimney that has a bad draft because it was incorrectly built in the 50's; that it is hard to tell if the tree is the actual cause. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of Denial of Request for Removal of Private Oak Tree (a, 1537 Westmoor Road - (Cont'd.) - Commissioner Locke asked how much ofthe canopy could be removed without harming the tree? Arborist Porter responded that up to one third ofthe canopy can be removed without causing damage to the tree. Commissioner Ellis asked how likely was it that large limbs could fall from the tree? Arborist Porter responded that during his inspection he did not observe any limbs that appeared hazardous. Commissioner Ellis asked if "worms" reported by the appellant could be effectively eradicated by spraying? Arborist Porter responded that spraying for the "worms" is effective if conducted annually, and probably would cost about $150. Commissioner Lauder asked how much root pruning could be done to prevent the appellants claim that the trees roots are lifting the foundation? Arborist Porter responded that up to one third of the tree's roots could be pruned by a qualified arborist. Commissioner Ellis noted that the pathway is buckled but had been patched. Arborist Porter commented that some root pruning could be done near the trunks base, but root excavation would need to be done to determine if the roots had actually affected the house foundation. Commissioner Locke asked if the tree had out grown the area? Arborist Porter responded that if pruning of the canopy and root pruning were conducted on the tree it could remain for many years before it had "out grown" its space. Commissioner Hesselgren noted that smoke also backs up in her chimney but she has no trees. Superintendent Richmond stated that no expertise as to the chimney's problem had been presented by the appellants for evaluation by the commission. Commissioner Locke noted that "chimney sweeps" are not qualified to evaluate a chimney's draft, but someone who constructs chimneys would be able to determine the problem with the draft. Commissioner Locke added that the data supporting the problem with the chimney draft is inconclusive and is not in writing. Chairperson Hesselgren recognized Mr. Kouchek and Mr. Tokarski and asked for their comments. Mr. Tokarski of 1533 Westmoor Road, stated that his neighbor's tree affects both chimneys at both addresses. He added that a flue inspector unsuccessfuly tried to correct the draft. Mr. Tokarski then submitted documentation verifying the flue inspection. '1 Mr. Tokarski stated that the tree was sick and was trimmed 7 years ago; the tree is now very healthy and covers his entire yard, blocking the sun each day from his yard beginning at noon. After the tree was trimmed 7 years ago, the chimney worked a little better. He stated that he wants to enjoy his fireplace at Christmas time, that the smoke affects his asthma, that the large tree devalues his property and if he wanted to sell the house, he would need to disclose the chimney problem, and that living under the tree devalues his lifestyle. He noted that a limb fell and broke a table and that the tree drops acorns and debris preventing him and his children from using the backyard; to trim, spray, excavate roots, and make repairs to the walkways is too costly. He stated that he knows Burlingame is a Tree City, that is why he lives here, but he never thought this tree could cause so much trouble. Mr. Tokarski concluded that two people who share a tree should be able to remove the tree and he hopes the Commission will decide to uphold the appeal. Mr. Kouchek, 1537 Westmoor Road, stated that if the appeal is upheld he would plant 3-4 trees elsewhere on the property. He stated that since the trees roots have lifted his pathway, he believes it must also be affecting the foundation. He has placed bricks in the area because lawn would not grow in the area due to the roots. Commissioner Lauder asked if the applicants would be willing to trim the tree to see if that would affect the chimney draft problem. Mr. Tokarsky stated the tree was trimmed 7 years ago, that it helped a little, but the tree would still be hanging over his yard and would still be too close to the chimney. Chairperson Hesselgren closed the hearing. Chairperson Hesselgren commented that she is not sure if the fireplace problem is caused by the tree, but noted that the tree had not been maintained or trimmed and no documentation had been submitted showing the tree's roots are causing cracks in the house. Commissioner Ellis clarified that the tree hangs over the deck at 1533 Westmoor, but does not hang over the entire yard. Commissioner Lauder stated that she sympathizes with the applicants, but it is up to property owners to maintain their private trees. 2 NEW BUSINESS Appeal of Denial of Request for Removal of Private Oak Tree n,1537 Westmoor Road - (Cont'd.) Commissioner Locke stated that the issues regarding the tree are multifaceted primarily due to the tree's size, which also contributes to the leaf drop, bugs, fireplace draft problems and the canopy of the tree blocking the sun. She stated that the overall size of the tree is the common denominator and asked Arborist Porter if this tree would tolerate trimming to open up the canopy and reduce the size? Arborist Porter stated that this species would tolerate canopy reduction as well as pruning the offending roots. Commissioner Locke stated that the decision is a tough call and she sympathized with the impending cost to the appellants to trim and spray the tree. Commissioner Locke then moved that the appeal be denied because significantpruning to achieve canopy reduction andthinning will address 4 of the keyproblems:1) Chimney draw, 2) Leaf and acorn drop, 3) Branch drop, and 4) Insect infestation; seconded (Lauder). Motion carried S -1 (AbsentlWebb) - (Vacant Position). Applicants were informed of appeal procedures available to them. OLD BUSINESS Spring Garden Seminar - March 20t' - 9:30am - 11:00am The Commission discussed possible speakers for the seminar. Following the discussion, the Commission decided to ask Alane Weber to conduct a seminar on "Composting". Commissioner Carney will contact Ms. Weber to check on her availability for that date. Public Education Regarding Tree Practices and Policies - Superintendent Richmond reported the following items that department staff has done or will do to educate the public: * Flyeribrochure has been updated. * Locations/counters at City Hall have been evaluated; too cluttered and lack of space for an effective display. * Protected Tree Permit Applications and Private Tree Ordinances are currently available in the Planning and Building Departments. * Flyer/brochures will be made available at Music in the Park and Art in the Park. * Summary of tree regulations will be placed on the back of the Spring 2004 Recreation Brochure. * In the Spring Gina Borba, Parks Assistant, will gather addresses of tree companies and prepare a mailing of the City tree ordinances. * Form letters regarding illegal placement of swings in City trees, as well as illegal tree plantings in City planting strips, will include information regarding regulations governing Street trees and Private trees. Commissioner Hesselgren stated that the Girl Scouts need Civil Service points toward their badges and have agreed to handout flyers in front of Safeway, at Arbor Day, Music in the Park, or other previously arranged sites. Commissioner Locke reported on an article in the San Francisco Chronicle where a citizen had cut down a tree in the City planter strip. She stated that an article such as this could be published in the local paper when a citizen makes a mistake and that a side bar to the article (regarding City tree regulations) could go a long way toward educating the community. Commissioner Hesselgren asked for volunteers to serve on a sub -committee to review information to be used and to determine locations where information can be distributed to the public. Chairperson Hesselgren and Commissioners Lauder and Carney agreed to serve on the sub -committee. REPORTS - Superintendent Richmond - 1. October tree planting has been completed. 2. A Red Horse Chestnut tree was planted in Washington Park honoring a 7 year boy who is receiving treatments for cancer. Children from 'Hefalump' Pre-school in Palo Alto were also in attendance. 3. San Francisco Public Utilities notified property owners of the planned removal of a grove of Eucalyptus trees near Skyline Boulevard. Residents were concerned by the removal and have met with SFPUC. Arborist Porter stated that the SFPUC is willing to discuss options with the residents. 4. Jennifer Pfaff from the Historical Society has been interested in the trees on El Camino and the possibility of replanting with other species such as Elms. Superintendent Richmond will keep the Commission informed of any further information. Superintendent Richmond then thanked Commissioner Locke for her years of service on the Commission; that she was Chair to the Commission several times, served on committees, and displayed real leadership on the different issues. He commended heron her thoughtfulness and thoroughness and stated that she would be missed. Commissioner Locke thanked Superintendent Richmond for his comments and stated that her service on the Commission had been interesting and having served had helped her to be more informed about the City of Burlingame. Commissioner Hesselgren - Commissioner Hesselgren also thanked Commissioner Locke and stated that she has learned much by watching Commissioner Locke and that she has been a real asset to the Commission. Commissioner Lauder - Commissioner Lauder recommended a certificate of appreciation be presented to Doug Gettel for his work on the the Trees of Washington Park. Superintendent Richmond will check to see if a proclamation could be presented to Doug Gettel by the City Council. ]AC .,d 77c Ij �, - 0- Xi -z ewe Commissioner Lauder reported that she applied for the permit for the hanging of the Spring Garden Seminar banner; that the Calendulas in the planter at the train station look beautiful; and that, she and Commissioner "1 Locke are a "heartbeat" away from adopting the landscaped area on the West side of Highway 101 under the Broadway overpass. Commissioner Locke added that they have been working with Rebecca Strouse and Arnold Joe of Adopt -a -Highway and will have permission to conduct litter control and planting in the area. Commissioner Ellis - Commissioner Ellis stated she will get the date changed on the Spring Garden Seminar banner and thanked Commissioner Locke for her service on the Commission, that she will be missed, and that all have learned a lot from her. Commissioner Carney - Commissioner Carney thanked Commissioner Locke and wished her well. Commissioner Locke - Commissioner Locke reported that a city -owned Magnolia tree is failing fast on the corner of Hillside and Vancouver Avenues. Arborist Porter responded that he thinks the tree is dead and probably suffered from recent landscaping when new sod was placed up to the base of the tree. Commissioner Locke also reported that the Red Bud trees at Hillside Circle look dead. Superintendent Richmond stated the Supervisor Disco is in the process of evaluating the plantings in that area and will be scheduling a cleanup. There being no further business, Chairperson Hesselgren adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully sub ' ed, Karle arvey Recording Secretary ba 11