HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2003.12.04BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 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, Carney, Ellis, Grandcolas, Lauder, McQuaide, and Webb
Staff: Director Schwartz, Parks Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, and Administrative
Secretary Harvey
MINUTES
Minutes were corrected to read under NEW BUSINESS (Para. 2) ... "Commissioner Locke asked Arborist
Porter about the remaining life span of this Oak tree? Arborist Porter responded that the life span of this
CoastLive Oak is about SO more years." And, under REPORTS -Commissioner Lauder... "Commissioner
Lauder thanked Commissioner Locke and has enjoyed working with her on the Commission. " Minutes were
approved as corrected.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Commissioner Locke thanking her for her service on the Beautification
Commission.
Copy of Important Information About Trees in the City of Burlingame to be placed on the back page of the
Spring Recreation Brochure.
Letter from Teresa Ruvalcaba, 1360 Drake Avenue, appealing the denial for removal of a private Cedar tree at
her address.
Copy ofProclamation honoring Doug Gettel recognizing his time and service in updating the Washington Park
Tree map.
FROM THE FLOOR - (None)
OLD BUSINESS
Spring Garden Seminar - March 20' - 9:30 am - 11:00 am - Commissioner Carney confirmed that Alane
O'Reilly Weber has agreed to speak at this year's seminar on the topic of composting.
Public Education Regarding Tree Practices & Policies - Chairperson Hesselgren asked that this item be
continued to the next agenda because the committee had not had yet convened.
NEW BUSINESS
Appeal of Denial of Request for Removal of a Private Cedar Tree (-,1360 Drake Avenue - Chairperson
Hesselgren noted that the appellants were not present. Commissioner Ellis commented that while she was
inspecting the site, the appellant told her that he would not be present because he would be meeting with an
electrician at the same time of the Commission meeting.
Superintendent Richmond noted that the new commissioners would be abstaining from voting on this item. He
then briefly explained to the new commissioners the issues, elements and the processes involved when appeals
for tree removals are brought before the Commission.
Arborist Porter stated that the application for removal of the Cedar tree was denied because it is a beautiful,
healthy, mature tree and the reasons cited by the applicant did not meet the criteria for approval. He added that
there was no evidence that the mold and the cracks in the house are being caused by the tree. Based on his
inspection he concluded that, with regular pruning of the tree and cleaning of the roof and gutters, much of the
applicant's concerns could be mitigated. Superintendent Richmond confirmed and Arborist Porter agreed that
there were no exposed roots nor additional reports submitted that indicated the tree was the cause of the damage
to the house.
Appeal of Denial of Request for Removal of a Private Cedar Tree (a), 1360 Drake Avenue - (Cont'd.) -
Chairperson Hesselgren noted that mold grows with moisture and water and the moisture would be coming from
leaks, not from the shade of the tree. Commissioner Ellis stated that she observed mold in the entry, but not in --�
the closet which is in the same room, and that, the appellant told her that the tar and gravel roof had been repaired
with asphalt. She also stated that she did not notice significant damage to the driveway or the house.
Commissioner Grandcolas reported that he observed that the tree had not been trimmed in many years and some
branches were close to the house. He asked Arborist Porter if the appellant had stated reasons why he would not
consider pruning the tree as opposed to removal? Arborist Porter responded that the appellant did not address
that issue.
The Commission discussed possible root pruning. Arborist Porter commented that roots do not seek out a
foundation and generally run along the top 18" of soil. He added any damage that might be caused by the roots
from this tree could be easily pruned without causing any harm to the tree.
Commissioner Webb asked how much bigger could the tree be expected to grow? Arborist Porter responded that
the trunk would not grow any larger; but, the canopy would increase in size. He added, that reducing the crown
by one-third and then routinely trimming the tree every fours years would be an adequate maintenance schedule
for this tree.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Ellis moved that the denial for the removal of the Cedar tree at 1360
Drake Avenue be upheld based on the findings of the City Arborist; seconded (Webb). Motion carried
5 - 0 - 2 (Abstentions/Grandcolas and McQuaide).
Cancellation of January 1, 2004 Commission Meeting - Because there were no pending appeals, the
Commission unanimously agreed to cancel the January 1, 2004 meeting due to the holiday.
Chairperson Hesselgren asked the new commissioners to introduce themselves.
Commissioner Grandcolas introduced himself and stated that he is from Indiana and has lived in the City of
Burlingame for 14 years. He added that it was the trees that drew him to this community, he loves Burlingame,
and wants to contribute to Burlingame.
Commissioner McQuaide introduced herself and stated that she has been a resident of Burlingame for 35 years.
She believes that her degree in horticulture and owning her own business can be helpful to the Commission.
Chairperson Hesselgren excused herself and Vice -Chair Carney chaired the remainder of the meeting.
REPORTS - Superintendent Richmond -
l. Selection period for late Winter planting has closed.
2. Tree Crew will begin Sycamore pruning is this year's designated section very soon. The section is West
of Vancouver to Alvarado between Easton and Adeline; and Edgehill to Mills between California Drive
and ECR.
3. Discussions between the City and SFPUC continue regarding the proposed removal of the Eucalyptus
grove west of Skyline at Margarita. There is a current temporary delay. Arborist Porter added that the
SFPUC will come back in the Spring or Summer with a report; however, the removal plan will begin in
October and replanting will occur. SFPUC has made it clear that they will not do any "phasing" of the
project.
4. Welcomed the new Commissioners, Leslie McQuaide and Mark Grandcolas, and stated the Commission
now has a full roster for the first time since the summer. An item to review the ordinances that affect
the work of the Commission, general practices and policies, and formulation of motions and the
sequences of hearings will be placed on a future agenda. --,
N
REPORTS - (Cont'd.) -
Commissioner Grandcolas - Asked the status of the removal of the Eucalyptus trees on El Camino? Arborist
Porter stated that 12 to 13 Eucalyptus trees have been approved for removal due to decay. He has reviewed all
the test results and all look accurate. Director Schwartz stated CalTrans has agreed to plant replacement trees
for all removals and that a group consisting of CalTrans representatives, City representatives, and Community
representatives are looking at alternative species for tree replacement on El Camino. Superintendent Richmond
stated that Jennifer Pfaff from the Historical Society has interest in replacing the Eucalyptus trees with Elms,
since John McLaren's original intent was to line the El Camino with Elms. (The fast growing Eucalyptus trees
were only planted to protect the young Elms as they grew). Commissioner Ellis asked if the Beautification
Commission could also be part of the process? Superintendent Richmond stated he would communicate the
Commission's interest to Jennifer and invite her to speak to the Commission.
Commissioner Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that she attended the Council meeting regarding the
SFPUC tree removals West of Skyline and commented that she was impressed by how many people came to
speak to the issue. She noted that the SFPUC planned to use growth regulators following the tree removals but
because there is some concern that the creeks could be affected, so revisions to that plan may be reconsidered.
Commissioner Webb - Commissioner Webb stated that residents in his neighborhood received a flyer that
McKinley School would be raising the cyclone fences and asked which department would handle that issue.
Superintendent Richmond stated that perhaps the Planning Department or the Building Department would have
information regarding that project.
Commissioner Webb asked if former Commissioner McGowan left any information regarding the Shoreline
discussions? Superintendent Richmond commented that Commissioner McGowan frequently reported on the
status ofthose meetings and encouraged Commissioner Webb to review past Beautification Commission minutes.
He added that he would try to find out the current status of any upcoming meetings regarding the Shoreline
Master Plan.
Commissioner Webb asked about the status of the Northern end of Burlingame and what kind of a community
is going to be built? Superintendent Richmond said former Commissioner Locke had been attending those
meetings and often gave updates to the Commission. Commissioner Lauder stated the last meeting that she
attended, the discussion evolved around putting buildings or apartments near the Plaza at either corner, but there
were many objections to that idea. Commissioner Lauder was unsure when the next meeting would be, but would
inform Commissioner Webb of the next meeting if he wished to attend.
Commissioner Carney - Commissioner Carney welcomed the new Commissioners and reported that she noticed
a baby swing in a City tree on Plymouth Way, but she was not sure if it had been permanently attached.
Superintendent Richmond noted that the ordinance specifically states that nothing is to be attached to the City
trees. Commissioner Carney will contact the Parks office with the address so a warning notice can be sent to the
property owner.
Commissioner Grandcolas - Commissioner Grandcolas asked how one would find out about a Master Plan for
El Camino, that with sidewalk replacements and other work being planned on El Camino, undergrounding the
power lines should be part of the overall plan. Superintendent Richmond responded that there have been ongoing
discussions between CalTrans, the City Attorney's Office, the City's Engineering & Public Works Departments,
and the City's Arborist with regard to many different elements and issues on El Camino.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned be Vice -Chair Carney at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karlen Arvey
Recording Secretary
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