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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2002.05.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MAY 2, 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, Ellis, Hesselgren, and Lauder Staff: Superintendent Richmond and Administrative Secretary Harvey Absent: Commissioners McGowan and Webb Guests: Residents of the Crossway, Farringdon, Palm Drive neighborhood: Joe Vella, Adrienne Jones, Ron Biggs, Paul DeLucca, Chuck Cattano, and neighborhood spokesman, John Hunter MINUTES - The minutes were then approved as submitted; Chairperson Locke abstaining because she was not present at the meeting. CORRESPONDENCE 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 was denied by the Beautification Commission meeting at the March 7'' meeting, because pruning the tree could mitigate their concerns. Letter to Angela Petersen of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, thanking her for her interesting presentation at the March 7' Arbor Day celebration at Washington Park. Letter to Tamara Lewis, thanking her for her interesting presentation on Creating a Wildlife Habitat in the Home Garden. FROM THE FLOOR t.. John Hunter (810 Crossway) and spokesman for his neighb rd, stated the apex at Crossway, Farringdon, and Palm is an eyesore; full of weed, 1- 4 shopping# week, clothing, and beer bottles. He added that the neighborhood take turns cleaning up the trash. Residents would like this apex to be converted from an eyesore into a welcoming green zone with the planting of drought resistant plants, a central tree, and some raised paving stones. Adrienne Jones (neighborhood resident) stated that since there is no imgation at the site, a group of neighborhood residents have agreed to water and maintain the plantings until established. Mr. Hunter concluded that he sent a letter to Superintendent Richmond who then directed him to the Commission for consideration. Chairperson Locke clarified with Mr. Hunter that the "neighborhood" is requesting the "City" construct the project and then the neighborhood would maintain the plantings. Mr. Hunter stated that, that is what the "neighborhood" is proposing. Superintendent Richmond stated that the Assistant Director of Public Works saw no reason to preclude a recommendation by the Beautification Commission. Public Works however, does have safety concerns that must be addressed before any recommendation results in a project. Commissioner Hesselgren moved that this item be placed on the June 6' agenda for further consideration and recommendation; seconded (Ellis). Motion carried 5 - 0 - 2 (absent/McGowan and Webb). Chairperson Locke thanked Mr. Hunter and the neighbors and informed them that the item would be placed on the June 6' agenda. Sl &4+at-&iy information they wish Commission to have in advance of that meeting, should be sent to the Parks & Recreation Department, (care of the Beautification Commission) by Tuesday, the week before the meeting. OLD BUSINESS Spring Garden Seminar Review - Commissioner Lauder stated that the information Tamara Lewis presented was excellent and thorough; that, a lot was learned. Commissioner Ellis agreed and said it was wonderful. Commissioner Carney added that she enjoyed the seminar and said that the handouts were helpful. 13 t Chairperson Locke stated she was disappointed in the low attendance; around 22. She felt the event had been given good publicity with press releases, flyers, and the hanging of the banner. She added that not charging for the seminar, and having speakers with no name recognition, could give the perception that it is of no value. However, she concluded that the San Mateo Arboretum seminars only draw an average attendance of around 15. Following a brief discussion, the Commission decided to make no changes because the seminar does provide a service to the Community. Commissioner Lauder reported that the banner is old and torn. Commissioner Ellis believed that it could be repaired. Commissioners Lauder and Ellis will coordinate possible repairs to the banner. REPORTS Richmond - 1) The tree contractor is currently trimming the Eucalyptus grove at Ray Park. 2) The California Conservation Corps has been conducting trail repair, fire brakes, and weed control in Mills Canyon. The Corps will return later to do contract work for the Fire Department. 3) Boston Ivy has been planted along the fence on California Drive at Oak Grove because it will spread quickly and chips are being spread in the corner landscaped area. 4) Safe Tree Program (funded by the shareholders of PG&E) has provided a list of trees suitable to be planted under primary utility lines; the Official Street Tree list will be revised to include some of the .� flowering and fall color species not already on the list. Hesseleren - Commissioner Hesselgren reported that she has received numerous citizen complaints with regard to the construction staging area on the eastside of California Drive, south of Oak Grove. Comments she has received include that a construction yard should not be located in such a close proximity to a main downtown area; and that fence could have been higher to hide oversized trucks and equipment. Locke - 1) Chairperson Locke reported that someone has dumped a microwave oven in the area of Skyline Blvd. and Trousdale Drive. 2) The Golden Chordsmen have cleaned the eastside of El Camino Real, from Murchison Drive to Dufferin Avenue, as part of the CalTrans Adopt -A -Highway program. 3) Weeds are growing in some of the tree wells on California Drive where the new trees have been planted. 4) The Pennisetum and the fescue grass recently planted on Broadway looks terrible and needs maintaining. Superintendent Richmond stated he believed that the current contract will include changing some plant material. 5) Reported on an article on how "roundabouts" at intersections can help to slow traffic and reduce accidents by 38%. Superintendent Richmond responded that the City Council has been reviewing traffic calming alternatives and recommended she contact the Assistant Public Works Director, Frank Erbacher, for further information. Carney - Commissioner Carney reported that graffitti is on the soundwall on Rollins Road. '-\ N REPORTS - (Contd.) Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that Oleander and 3 Willow trees have been planted at the Broadway/101 triangle; one of the Oleanders has died and the others are in poor health but the Willow trees are surviving. She has asked Mike Petersen of CalTrans to have someone check the irrigation and has asked when the gazanias and the iceplant will be installed; installation of those plantings was to have occurred last Fall. Chairperson Locke expressed frustration with the lack of follow through she and Commissioner Lauder have experienced on this project with CalTrans. Commissioner Lauder commented that the fibrous begonias planted at the Burlingame Train Station look great. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kar e Harvey Recording Secretary