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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2002.02.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 7, 2002 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Locke. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Locke, Commissioners Carney, Lauder, McGowan, and Webb Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Absent: Commissioners Ellis and Hesselgren Guests: Gary Blythe, Maria Cava, and Gary Bucci MINUTES - Minutes were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Gary and Mary Blythe, 1360 Vancouver Drive, informing them that the appeal of the denial to remove a protected Dawn Redwood tree at their address has been continued to the February 7'b Commission meeting. Letter to Eric and Jean Adler, 2111 Easton Drive, informing them that the appeal of the denial to remove a protected Yew tree at their address has been continued to the February 7' Commission meeting. Memorandum from City Attorney Anderson to All City Commissions and Boards regarding the Ralph M. Brown Act. FROM THE FLOOR Burlingame resident Gary Bucci commented on the nature of the cyclone fencing on the Eastside of California Drive, South of Oak Grove; that, not only is it very unattractive and an invitation for graffiti artists, the large equipment exiting from that site is a safety hazard. He also commented that when the City posts signs or barricades from City sponsored work or events, signs and barricades should be removed in a timely manner. Superintendent Richmond stated that the fencing had been approved by the City Council at the request of the Public Works Department, and Chairperson Locke noted that Mr. Bucci's comments could be directed to the City Council and or the Public Works Department. At the request of the Commission, Superintendent Richmond will obtain further information from the Director of Public Works regarding the status of the cyclone fencing and item will be placed on the March 7' agenda for further discussion. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Dawn Redwood Tree (a 1360 Vancouver Avenue - Superintendent Richmond stated the Commission postponed the decision on this item in order hear comments from the City's Arborist and also requested applicants to submit an independent Arborist report. The request to remove the protected tree was based on root damage to the driveway and debris from the tree clogging roof gutters and drains. Arborist Porter stated the damage to the neighbors driveway is caused by the roots from the neighbors private Camphor tree. If the property owner plans driveway replacement, the roots on the private Dawn Redwood and the private Camphor tree can be cut without undue harm to either of the trees. Arborist Porter stated that the Dawn Redwood is a healthy, beautiful tree and is approximately 35-40 years old and is only half way through it's life cycle. Arborist Porter concluded that he denied removal of this tree because root damage can be mitigated and leaf litter and tree debris are not justifiable reasons based on the criteria used to grant removal permits. Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Dawn Redwood Tree (a), 1360 Vancouver Avenue - Contd. - Chairmen Locke opened the meeting, to hear from the applicant, Gary Blythe. Mr. Blythe (1360 Vancouver) stated that comments he obtained from an independent arborist also concluded that the Dawn Redwood tree's roots were not damaging the driveway and did not pose a threat to the existing structures or foundations. Mr. Blythe commented that he is trying to be a good neighbor; that the tree's leaf litter is a nuisance for his neighbor, clogging the roof gutters and the drains. Mr. Blythe added that topping the tree is not allowed and he does not believe trimming the tree would eliminate his neighbors concerns. Mr. Blythe concluded that he enjoys the privacy the tree provides, but if approval to remove the tree is granted, he would replace with a more appropriate tree in the same area. Maria Cava (1356 Vancouver) stated that the house belongs to her mother. She loves the tree but the small needles that drop clog the roof gutters and grate; new gutters were installed costing $1,200; but the needles continue to clog the gutters. She added that in the Winter, the drain in the front of the house clogs up with tree debris causing water to back up and flood the garage, which serves as a play room for her children, noting her children also have allergies and asthma. Mrs. Cava added that even though they have installed chicken wire around the drain, and rake and clean constantly, the small needles still are able to clog the gutters and drain. She concluded that she has agreed to share in the cost of removal as well as with replacement of another tree in the same general area. Chairperson Locke closed the discussion. The Commission discussed the applicant's comments and directed questions to Arborist Porter. Commissioner Lauder asked Arborist Porter if it is natural for a Dawn Redwood to lose leaves all year around. Arborist Porter stated that the tree is deciduous but that some of the dead leaves remain on the tree until the Spring. When the tree leafs out, the remaining dead leaves fall off. Commissioner Webb asked Arborist Porter the size the tree would reach at maturity. Arborist Porter stated that the tree could potentially grow to 80' tall with a 40-60" diameter trunk. Commissioner Lauder asked Arborist Porter what type of pruning he would recommend that would assist the neighbor with the leaf debris problem. Arborist Porter stated that the South side of the tree could be headed back from 1356 Vancouver, as well as overall pruning of the tree. In addition, he added, a solid gutter protection piece could be placed over the roof gutters so the leaves won't fall down into the roof gutter. The Commission discussed with the applicant various options to mitigate the drainage problems. Following the discussion, Commissioner Carney moved the appeal be denied based on theArborist's contention that pruning and heading back the tree would help to mitigate the nuisance factor caused by the tree; seconded (McGowan). Motion carried 3-1(abstentionlWebb) - I (opposed/Locke) - 2 (absent/Ellis and Hesselgren). Chairperson Locke advised the applicant of appeal procedures. Chairperson Locke asked that since Tamara Lewis was available, the order of the agenda be changed. SSprine Garden Seminar - Saturday, March 23, 2002 (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.) Speaker, Tamara Lewis - Chairperson Locke introduced Tamara Lewis and explained that Ms. Lewis requested input from the Commission as she prepares for her presentation at the Spring Garden Seminar on Create a Wildlife Habitat in Your Garden. The Commission and Ms. Lewis discussed the main points of her presentation. The Commission suggested she might include suggestions as to how to live in harmony with wildlife such as, squirrels, gophers, moles, and roof rats. Commissioner McGowan thought this topic would be well received. Chairperson Locke asked that Commissioner McGowan continue to Chair the meeting because she needed to leave for a previous engagement. 2 Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Yew Tree (a), 2111 Easton Drive - Because there was no longer a voting quorum, Acting Chair McGowan suggested action be postponed to the March 7 h Commissioner meeting. Commission agreed. Applicants, who were not present, will be notified of the postponement Arbor Dav - March 7, 2002 - Washington Park (10:00 a.m.) - Superintendent Richmond stated this years Arbor Day ceremony will be in Washington Park. Among several other trees to be planted by students on that day, will be two memorial Redwood trees (to be planted in a small picnic area in memory ofMillie Disco and Marianne Riddle), and a Copper Beech tree (to be planted where the large old Elm was removed due to Dutch Elm disease). REPORTS - Richmond - 1) Neat months agenda will include an item for the discussion of evaluating appeals when conducting site visits for protected tree removals relative to the Urban Reforestation and Tree Protection ordinance. 2) A new paved path has been added to the Rose Garden in Washington Park; future plans include the addition of a trellis. 3) The Spring street tree planting will be conducted in March; approximately 50 trees will be planted. 4) The new sod grass infield at Washington Park is almost complete. 5) The Commissioner's dinner is scheduled for Friday, March 22nd. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder made arrangements for the dates to be changed on the Spring Garden Seminar banner and scheduled the banner to be hung beginning March 5'. Commissioner Lauder reported that she and Chairperson Locke met again with CalTrans representatives (Peterson, Gonzales, and Elias) to discuss the 101 interchange at Broadway. Willow trees and oleanders have been planted; gazanias and ice plant will be planted before the end of the year. CalTrans has agreed `.• to arrange for litter pickup on the triangle once each month. According to Mike Peterson the interchange reconstruction at 101 and Broadway will begin 2006. Acting Chair McGowan thanked Commissioners Lauder and Locke for their tenacity in seeing this project to completion. Commissioner Lauder, reporting for Chairperson Locke, noted that the Golden Chordsmen have finally obtained a permit from CalTrans to adopt the northern end of the eastside of El Camino Real to conduct litter cleanup. Webb - Commissioner Webb stated he saw some standing water at the 101 interchange at Broadway; it appears some grading and drainage may be needed; he suggested perhaps placing stones to assist with drainage might also create a dry river bed look. McGowan - Reported that a lot of litter has been left to accumulate on Burlingame Avenue and in the parking lots. Stench and overflowing trash cans behind the Burlingame Hotel are particularly bad. Commissioner McGowan will contact the Public Works Department. There being no further business, Acting Chair McGowan adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, tKarlenetarvey Recording Secretary