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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2002.09.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 5, 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 Carney, Locke, Ellis, Hesselgren, Lauder, McGowan and Webb Staff: Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests: Patricia Harriman, Barbara Young, Richard Young, Evelyn Walker, and Melanie Anaston MINUTES - The minutes of the Augustl meeting were approved as submitted. Letter to David and Katherine Harris, 600 Howard, informing them that the Commission upheld their Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Monterey Pine in the back yard of their address. Correspondence relating to the Appeal of the Approval to Remove Three Black Acacia Trees at 813 Paloma Avenue. Correspondence and an Arborist Report from Mayne Tree Expert Company relating to the Appeal of the Approval to Remove 2 Black Acacias Trees and a Canary Island Date Palm. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of the Approval to Remove Three Black Acacia Trees (a) 813 Paloma Avenue - Arborist Porter reported that his decision to approve the removal of the three Black Acacia trees was because the trees had varying degrees of unsound structures, were multi trunked, and that this specie is listed with the International Society of Arboriculture as having a high rate of whole tree failure due to a shallow root system. The Commission discussed location of the trees, the impact of the removals on adjacent properties, weight reduction pruning and maintenance, property damage, and possible locations and species of replacement trees. Arborist Porter stated that the trees are located on the property near a utility easement at 813 Paloma; one of the trees has had a fence built around it from a neighboring property. Because this specie of evergreen tree is very fast growing, weight reduction pruning would need to be done every two years. The trees have caused significant damage to the garage. The property owner has submitted plans to replace the garage. The required root cutting to replace the garage will render the trees unstable. Chairperson Locke closed the discussion and opened the hearing to comments from the public. Richard Young, 812 Fairfield, stated two other Black Acacias were recently removed by another neighbor in the area and have yet to be replaced. He was also unaware that a new garage was being planned. He concluded that the impact will be great and the trees provide homes for all the squirrels. OLD BUSINESS - Appeal of the Approval to Remove Three Black Acacia Trees (a, 813 Paloma Avenue (Contd.) - Barbara Young commented that the removal will cause a very large impact on the neighborhood; the trees provide a sound barrier from the traffic; wildlife will be reduced. She added that the previous removals that were allowed has caused the remaining trees to be a hazard. She asked why the replacement tree required for the previously approved removals had not yet been planted? Arborist Porter stated that a six month extension has been granted for the planting of a 24" box size replacement tree to be planted at the 809 Paloma Avenue address where the previous removals occurred. Evelyn Walker, 804 Fairfield, commented that if the trees are a hazard they should be trimmed or removed but should be replaced with a specie that will become a significant size. Arborist Porter responded that the replacement tree must be a 24" box size "landscape" tree (no fruit or nut trees), but location and specie is up to the applicant. Melanie Anaston, 809 Paloma Avenue, stated that they removed the 2 Black Acacias in their back yard because she was told by an independent Arborist that the Black Acacias were shallow rooted. She feared that one day the trees would fall over. She commented that she wanted to create a beautiful garden, with a good balance of shade and sun. She concluded that the trees she will be planting to replace the two Black Acacias that were removed at her property will grow to be approximately 70' tall. Chairperson Locke closed the public comment. Commissioner Lauder commented that any motion approving removal would also include replacement with fast growing trees. Superintendent Richmond advised that the Commission could only make recommendation as to the selection of species. '"1 Commissioner McGowan stated the current edition of the Sunset Garden Book describes Black Acacias as weed trees; best planted in open fields. The sail affect of this species in winter time, combined with a saturated ground and the shallow rooted nature of this tree, is a hazard to properties. Commission McGowan commented that even though the trees may be pleasing aesthetically, he did not believe the Commission should make an applicant keep these potentially hazardous trees on their property. He noted that the neighbors in the area could also plant trees on their properties to compensate for the lost visual screen. Chairperson Locke read a paragraph from an unrelated arborist report from Mayne Tree Expert Company in reference to "Black Acacia" trees: " ... Black acacia is a poor landscape species and is not generally recommended for landscape plans. A neighboring town requires removal of all acacias for a site plan to receive a building permit. This species is generally noxious and invasive. In time, where there was one acacia, there will be several. Fast growth and poor limb structure make them, in time, a hazard." Following the discussion, Commissioner McGowan moved that the appeal be denied and the permit be issued for the removal and replacement of three Black Acacia trees in the backyard of the above address; seconded (Webb). Motion carried unanimously. The Commission further requested that the applicant be informed that the Commission strongly recommends that the required planting of 3-24" box size replacement trees be planted in the back yard of the property to compensate for the lost visual screen caused by the removal of these evergreen trees. Chairperson Locke advised the appellants of appeal procedures. 2 OLD BUSINESS (Contd.) - Old Bayshore Boulevard Streetscave - Commissioner McGowan stated that he planned to submit a tree planting plan for the Old Bayshore Boulevard area, but the Council has now asked that there be a committee be appointed to conduct a study of the area. The City Planner had inquired if Chairperson Locke or Commissioner McGowan would be willing to serve on the committee. Commissioner McGowan has agreed to serve and is waiting for word of his appointment from the Council. Commissioner McGowan concluded that he will serve as a representative of the Beautification Commission and will be looking for input from the Commission. Suring Garden Seminar - Date & Program Planning - The Spring Garden Seminar has been scheduled for March 15, 2003. Commissioner Lauder will submit the banner application. The Commission discussed possibilities for speakers and will continue the discussion at the October 3' meeting. NEW BUSINESS - Nominating Committee Report and Election of Commission Officers - The following slate of officers was submitted for nomination: Will McGowan Chairperson Nancy Locke V. Chairperson Jo -Ellen Ellis Corresponding Secretary CommissionerHesselgren moved thatthe slate of officers be elected as submitted; seconded (Carney). Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS Richmond - 1) Five Elms with Dutch Elm disease will be removed by City crews and an additional seven Elms will be removed by the City's tree contractor. Commissioner McGowan asked Arborist Porter if the tree crew cleans the equipment after trimming Elm trees to prevent contamination of other Elms. Arborist Porter responded that tools are always cleaned after a diseased Elm is removed. He also pointed out that much of the Dutch Elm Disease in the City is spread by root graft. He indicated that he would review the proper practices with his crew. 2) An Eagle Scout candidate is interested in updating the Trees of Burlingame booklet first published in 1977. Diane Condon-Wirgler of the Historical Society will be assisting. 3) Weeds were cleared on the North side of Oak Grove at California Drive. There are no plans for further work in that area. 4) Presented pictures to the Commission that showed the pruning and crown reduction of the Eucalyptus trees on Burlingame Avenue; similar technique is being conducted on the El Camino Real trees by CalTrans contractors. Superintendent Richmond thanked Commissioner Locke for her past service as Chairperson. Locke - Chairperson Locke reported that the Council has appointed a committee to study improvements from Rollins Road, North; the first meeting on September 10' will be to discuss existing conditions. Information can be found on the City's website. Ellis - The trees in the oleander hedge on East Lane (east of the CalTrain tracks) look dead. Commissioner Ellis asked when the shoreline cleanup had been scheduled. Superintendent Richmond stated that he believed it would be September 14', the same day as the Burlingame Art & Jazz Festival. OR REPORTS Ellis - (Contd.) Commissioner Ellis reported that some newspapers are putting advertising stickers on the modular racks and the modular racks are starting to look bad. Commissioner Ellis was advised to report her concern to the Public Works Department who now oversees newsracks in the City of Burlingame. Hesseleren - Commissioner Hesselgren stated that to date, only 7 of 15 trees have been planted at the remodeled Porsche, Audi site on the corner of Carolan and Broadway. Arborist Porter stated he would review the plans and report back to the Commission at the next meeting. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that weeding has been done on the 101 Broadway triangle. Chairperson Locke added that because of their frustration and extreme disappointment with CalTrans, she and Commissioner Lauder have decided to look into applying for the Adopt -A -Highway program; this would be on an individual basis. Chairperson Locke noted that after all the focused attention for the last two years given by Commission to the 101 Broadway triangle, CalTrans has made little improvement in the area. Chairperson Locke invited anyone else from the Commission wishing to join them in the Adopt - A -Highway would be welcome. Carney - Commissioner Carney noted that the area South of Oak Grove on California Drive looks better, but the fence is too low. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene arvey Recording Secretary 0