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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 3