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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2002.03.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MARCH 7, 2002 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:34 p.m. by Vice Chair Hesselgren. ROLL CALL Present: Vice Chair Hesselgren, Commissioners Carney, Ellis, Lauder, McGowan, and Webb Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Absent: Chairperson Locke MINUTES - Commissioner McGowan asked that his comment at the February 7' meeting be added to the minutes that, (with regard to the appeal of the denial of the removal of the Dawn Redwood tree at 13 60 Vancouver) ... the applicant's concerns regarding the flooding of the garage (due to the drain clogging from tree debris), was not part of the original permit application or that of the appeal to the Commission. The minutes were then approved as corrected. 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 was denied by the Beautification Commission meeting at the February 7' meeting, because pruning the tree could mitigate their concerns. Memo to Commission from Parks Superintendent Richmond regarding the upcoming discussion related to onsite inspections when assessing appeals for protected tree removal applications. Copy of memo to the City Council from Public Works Director Bagdon regarding Use of Leased Property from Joint Powers Board Along California Drive. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Yew Tree (a, 2111 Easton Drive - Superintendent Richmond stated that, upon recommendation from a private tree service, the applicants submitted a permit application to remove a protected Yew tree on their property to create more light for a Camperdown Elm tree and more grow space for a Magnolia tree also on their property. The applicants also cited possible sidewalk damage from the Yew tree. City Arborist Porter denied the application and referred applicants to the Beautification Commission. After the first hearing, the Commission wanted to hear comment from the City Arborist before rendering a decision. Arborist Porter stated that he denied the application because the Yew tree is rare to this area; pruning the Yew tree would help to provide more light and space to the area; the Camperdown Elm (as well as a nearby American Elm) is susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease; and the minimal root damage to the walkway is most probably caused by the private American Elm tree. Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Yew Tree (a), 2111 Easton Drive - (Contd.) - The Commission discussed the effects other trees in the area may have on the Camperdown Elm tree and possible alternatives to removal of the Yew tree. Following the discussion, Commissioner McGowan moved to deny the appeal for the removal of the Yew tree based on the potential for future loss of the Camperdown Elm (as well as the nearby American Elm) due to the susceptibility of Dutch Elm Disease, and because the evergreen Yew tree is an unusual, mature tree that could be pruned to open up sunlight to the Camperdown Elm; seconded (Lauder). Motion carried 4 - 0 - 2 (abstentions/Hesselgren and Webb) - I (absent/Locke). Sprine Garden Seminar - Saturday, March 23, 2002 (9:30 -11:30 a.m.) Speaker, Tamara Lewis - Tamara Lewis will make a presentation at the Spring Garden Seminar on Create a Wildlife Habitat in Your Garden. The Commission will provide refreshments. NEW BUSINESS Status of Cyclone Fencing on Eastside of California Drive (South of Oak Grove Ave.) - Superintendent Richmond commented that this item was placed on the agenda following comments from the floor at the February 7' Commission meeting. Referring to the memo dated November 30, 2001 sent to the City Council from the Director of Public Works, Superintendent Richmond stated that the Council has already approved the fenced in area on California Drive (South of Oak Grove Avenue) to be used for construction staging for contractors working on City projects as well as for stock piling and recycling construction materials from the Corporation Yard. Superintendent Richmond added that the fencing is permanent and the Director of Public Works has asked Parks Supervisor Disco to make design recommendations as well as plant specifications for landscaping around and on the fencing. Superintendent Richmond reported that since there is no irrigation in the area, selection of plant material is limited. Superintendent Richmond concluded that if the Commission has suggestions, comments, or additions to the proposed plant selection, he would refer their comments to Supervisor Disco. The Commission reviewed the list of possible plant selections and commented on species that might be more suitable. Superintendent Richmond will refer the Commission's recommendations to Supervisor Disco. Review of Urban Reforestation & Tree Protection Ordinance When Conductinz Site Evaluations for Protected Tree Removal Appeals - Superintendent Richmond stated he wanted to provide an opportunity for the Commission to exchange thoughts and ideas with regard to conducting site inspections on appeals for private tree removals. Section 11.06.060 (d) 1-7 of the Urban Reforestation and Tree Protection Ordinance was reviewed and discussed. REPORTS - Richmond - 1) The trees have arrived for Spring planting. Planting will continue through March. Approximately 60 street trees will be planted. 2) The Commissioners' Dinner will be held March 22, 2002 at the Doubletree Hotel. 3) Council upheld the applicants appeal to remove a Dawn Redwood tree at 1360 Vancouver. The vote was 4-1. 4) Public Works asked for recommendations regarding a new pump station at Grove and California Drive. Superintendent Richmond recormmended that as much existing vegetation as possible along California Drive (eastside) be retained. He also recommended that the fence around the station have dark green slats interwoven into the chain links. Public Works incorporated the recommendations into their final bid package. 5) The Arbor Day ceremony occurred today (March 7) in Washington Park and went very well. 6) Contract soil injection of Merit pesticide for Elm Leaf Beetle and Aphid control is currently being conducted. This application method is far superior to spraying. 2 REPORTS - (Contd.) Webb - Commissioner Webb stated that on the eastside of the Broadway interchange, a large puddle forms; drainage with rocks inside the cloverleaf landscape could help to divert the water. Commissioner Ellis noted that water also puddles in Washington Park at the main pathway as well as the pathway off Vernon Avenue. Commissioner Carney noted that, after a rain, the entrance to the Burlingame High School football field is always flooded too. Superintendent Richmond responded that monies have been budgeted for resurfacing the pathways in Washington Park. There being no further business, Vice Chair Hesselgren adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, tKarlene Harvey Recording Secretary