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.
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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.
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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