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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2002.08.01BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION AUGUST 1, 2002 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:50 p.m. by Chairperson Locke. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Locke, Ellis, Lauder, and Webb Staff: Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Absent: Commissioners Carney, McGowan, and Hesselgren Guests: David Harris, Paul Larsen, John Lazcano, and Constance Cohen MINUTES - The minutes of the May 2"d meeting were corrected to read under From the Floor: ( first paragraph) 1 - 4 shopping carts a week; and (fifth paragraph/2nd sentence) Any information they wish Commission to have ... etc. Under Old Business/Spring Garden Seminar Review: (second paragraph) Chairperson Locke stated she was disappointed in the low attendance; around 13 plus Beautification Commissioners and Parks Staff. CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence relating to the Appeal of the Denial to remove a Monterey Pine tree at 600 Howard Avenue. Staff Report from Superintendent Richmond to Commission regarding Beautification of Apex of Crossway. Farrinjzdon, and Palm. Letter from Jennifer Madden with attached landscape plan relating to the Appeal of the Denial to remove a Monterey Pine tree at 600 Howard. FROM THE FLOOR Constance Cohen (605 Lexington Way) stated she was concerned about the way the City street trees on 600 block of Howard Avenue were trimmed or "hacked" by the City tree crews and wondered if the crew was supervised or trained in their trimming techniques. Superintendent Richmond explained that CalTrans regulations require that there be a 15 foot clearance over road sides. The Liquidambar trees that are under P.G. & E. utility lines on Howard Avenue (which are "topped" by P.G.& E. crews) look particularly bad when they are raised up over the roadside. Superintendent Richmond stated that Arborist Porter has been instructing the tree crew to leave more "leafy" branches on the sidewalk side of the trees to try to reduce some of the visual impact. Arborist Porter offered his business card to Mrs. Cohen and suggested she contact him so they could speak further on the subject. OLD BUSINESS Anneal of the Denial to Remove One Monterev Pine n. 600 Howard Avenue - Arborist Porter stated that the original application stated reasons for removal (the Pine tree was too close to house, with possible root damage to foundation; and that, limbs fall in wind storms) did not meet the guidelines justifying removal of this healthy Monterey Pine tree. Arborist Porter added that the tree is a healthy, structurally sound tree and there is no apparent damage to the house's foundation. Additionally, the tree has been well maintained in the past and future maintenance would prevent limbs or branches from breaking off in the wind storms. Superintendent Richmond added that the appellant has since submitted landscape plans citing his desire to make improvements to his property for reasonable enjoyment. OLD BUSINESS - Appeal of the Denial to Remove One Monterey Pine (a), 600 Howard Avenue - Contd. Commissioner Ellis asked Arborist Porter if the tree was at the end of life expectancy. Arborist Porter responded that this species can live up to and beyond 150 years; that he estimates this tree to be anywhere from 50-75 years old. Chairperson Locke noted that the applicant has indicated that branches have fallen off. Arborist Porter responded that as a tree matures, if it is not maintained, the lower, older dead branches will drop off. Chairperson Locked commented that the lower branches have been raised up very high. Commission Webb stated that Pine trees are good for planting in parks but are too big for most backyards. Commissioner Lauder asked Arborist Porter if the resident has concerns about safety couldn't weight reduction pruning be performed. Arborist Porter responded yes, that if maintained, a tree like this can live a long, healthy life. Chairperson Locke noted that the landscape plans show the planting of small trees. Arborist Porter stated that the Pyrus calleryana is an acceptable landscape tree but will never equal the size of the Pine tree. Chairperson Locke asked if the City's Sycamore tree would flourish more if the Pine tree were removed. Arborist Porter responded that the Pine tree does not hinder the growth of the Sycamore, but the Sycamore would probably flourish more if the Pine tree were removed. Arborist Porter concluded that, although this is a healthy Pine tree, Monterey Pines are susceptible to Pine Pitch Canker which is now prevalent in the area. Chairperson Locke opened the meeting to comments from the audience. Appellant David Harris (600 Howard Avenue), stated that the safety concerns were their primary interest in having the tree removed, but they would like to relandscape the backyard to create an enjoyable space for his family. He stated that one third to one half of the backyard consists of concrete and lava rock. Mr. `.. Harris stated that the tree is only 8' from the house and has caused some cracking in the concrete; root pruning could weaken the tree. He added that the tree also creates too much shade in the backyard and submitted pictures to the Commission. Mr. Harris concluded that the relandscape will not only provide privacy to his backyard, but will also provide some sunshine in the area. Paul Larsen (604 Howard Avenue), stated that he fears the tree will fall on his house; that his wife will not even sit in their breakfast room on a windy day. He added that a tree can look healthy and still fall down. Tony Lazcano (207 Clarendon Road), commented that as Landscape Superintendent for the San Francisco School District, he knows a lot about Pine trees; he has seen these trees come down. He agreed that the tree is beautiful, but stated that it is a "rule of thumb" at the school district that conifers cannot be planted within 30' of a building. Arborist Porter responded that when a tree falls there is always some underlying reason for the failure such as disease, rooting pruning, lack of maintenance or incorrect pruning. Commissioner Webb asked the appellant if there was damage to the foundation. Mr. Harris responded he could not see any but that there is a concrete crack near the door. Chairperson Locke commented that this is the largest tree in the immediate area; can be seen a block away; and provides a "skyscape" to the area. She asked the appellant if he would consider planting a specie of tree that would someday provide a similar "skyscape"? Mr. Harris stated he would be willing to work with his neighbors and consider the possibility of planting a larger specie of tree as a replacement. 2 OLD BUSINESS - Appeal of the Denial to Remove One Monterey Pine (a, 600 Howard Avenue - Contd. Arborist Porter stated that if removal is approved, he would like to see a 24 or 3 6 " box size replacement tree be required and that, a hardwood tree like an Oak or Maple tree be planted rather than the deciduous pear tree as shown on the plans. Following a brief discussion, Chairperson Locke moved that, because the tree is too large and too close to the house; is a potential hazard because of the shallow rooted nature; and, that there is unanimous support of the adjacent property owners, the appeal be upheld and a permit be issued for the removal of the Monterey Pine tree at 600 Howard Avenue, with the condition that the tree be replaced with a 36" box size tree, and a strong recommendation that a specie be chosen, that at maturity, would provide a similar canopy; seconded (Webb). Motion carried 3 - 1 (Lauder) - 3 (Absent/Carney, Hesselgren, McGowan). Chairperson Locke thanked the applicant. The applicant was told he would be informed in writing of the Commission's decision. REPORTS Richmond - 1) The July tree planting is nearly completed; approximately 80 trees were planted. 2) This last year the Parks Division has had an employee watering young trees 2 days a week during the dry seasons. 3) The Parks Division has just hired a new employee who will be working at Bayside Park. 4) The Palm/Farringdon apex is a non -funded capital improvement project; any proposals will be brought back to the Beautification Commission for review. 5) San Mateo County Department of Agriculture conducted a seminar for Parks staff on Sudden Oak Death and the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter. 6) In regard to Mrs. Cohen's concerns about the pruning of the trees on Howard Avenue; a good example of the current pruning standard that will be done is on the Liquidambars in front of City Hall. 7) 12 City Elm trees will be removed due to Dutch Elm Disease; 2 of the Elms are on Primrose Road, across from the Library. 8) Timberline Tree Service was the low bidder for the 2002-2003 Tree Pruning & Stump Removal Contract for the removal of large City trees and Eucalyptus pruning. 9) The tree crew will be hanging customer evaluation forms on doors of residents to get citizen feed back on services. The City Manager has asked all departments to try and get feed back from the citizens of Burlingame. Locke - Chairperson Locke asked about the pruning technique being used on the Eucalyptus trees on El Camino. Superintendent Richmond stated that CalTrans contractors are pruning the Eucs similar to the way City contractors have pruned the Eucs on Burlingame Avenue. Arborist Porter stated that the CalTrans crews are severely heading back the El Camino Eucs to reduce limb drop. This technique will be done just this time; in 2-3 months the trees will start leafing out; and in 4 years, the growth will be 4-6 feet long. The technique is called "crown restoration" and has been used successfully on the Burlingame Avenue Eucs. Chairperson Locke stated that citizens should get outbound communications when this type of work occurs through notification or through the newspapers; and that collectively, we need to do a better job to communicate to the citizens. Superintendent Richmond commented that CalTrans can be encouraged to do additional outreach. Director Schwartz noted that CalTrans did run a press release when several Eucalyptus removals occurred 3 months ago. REPORTS - Locke (Contd.) - Arborist Porter stated that he would soon be meeting with CalTrans representatives and would encourage them to better communicate with citizenry regarding the work being done on the El Camino Eucs. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder noted that some of the young Eucalyptus trees on El Camino need restaking. Commissioner Lauder reported that she has been in contact with Mike Peterson and Ray Elias of CalTrans regarding the Broadway/101 triangle. Mr. Elias confirmed that the irrigation is now working and is turned on every other day; he has also reported to Donna Gonzalez that two of the Willow trees are not healthy. Commissioner Lauder most recently left a message with Mr. Elias that the Gazanias that were supposed to be planted at the end of 2001 have yet to be planted and that, half of the Oleandars did not make it rather than the "two' that he believed had not. To date, there has been no response from Mr. Elias. Webb - Commissioner Webb asked which department to contact for concrete removal to open up a planting strip for tree planting? Administrative Secretary Harvey directed Commissioner Webb to the Public Works Department. Commissioner Webb asked if the North corner of Oak Grove at California Drive could be improved to make it look congruous to the improvements on the South side of Oak Grove. Superintendent Richmond stated that because of the other jurisdictions in the area (San Francisco Water and CalTrain) he will need to check further and report back at the next meeting. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, iR arlene Harvey ecording Secretary CV