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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2002.10.03BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 3, 2002 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson McGowan. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson McGowan, Carney, Ellis, Hesselgren, Lauder, Locke, and Webb Staff: Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guest: Larry Morsello, 1353 Bernal Avenue MINUTES - The minutes of the September 5, 2002 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Silva DaKessian, 813 Paloma, informing her that the Commission unanimously denied the Appeal of the Decision to Remove a Two Black Acacias and One Palm Tree in the back yard of her address. Copies of letter to Silva DaKessian, 813 Paloma, regarding the Appeal of the Decision to Remove a Two Black Acacias and One Palm Tree sent to the appellants of 800, 804, 809, and 812 Fairfield Road. Email from Deborah Magid, 1104 Cortez, clarifying that she is only appealing the removal of the established Black Acacia trees at 1108 Cortez Avenue, and that she was also inquiring about the process for private tree removal in the City of Burlingame. R Letter from City Manager's office informing Commissioners Hesselgren and Webb that their appointments to the Beautification Commission will be expiring and informing them of the process for reappointment if they wished to continue serving on the Commission. Commissioner Application from Commissioner Webb seeking reappointment on the Beautification Commission. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of the Approval to Remove Two Black Acacia Trees and One Palm Tree na,1353 Bernal Avenue - Arborist Porter reported that his decision to approve the removal of two Black Acacia trees and one Palm trees was based on the fact that the Black Acacia trees were leaning and causing significant property damage; the Palm tree is growing under primary electrical lines (eventually needing to be "topped") and is within the footprint of a proposed project. The Commission discussed the Palm tree and it's proximity to the primary electrical lines and the possibilities of transplanting and or trimming the Palm tree. Arborist Porter responded that in order to stay 10' clear of the primary electrical line the tree would need to be trimmed back so hard and often that damage to the tree would most likely occur and relocating the tree would be costly. M OLD BUSINESS - Appeal of the Approval to Remove Two Black Acacia Trees and One Palm Tree na, 1353 Bernal Avenue - (Contd) There being no further comment, Chairperson McGowan recognized applicant, Mr. Larry Morsello owner of property at 1353 Bernal Avenue. Mr. Morsello stated that they are in the process of building a new home and are required to obtain a permit from the City for the private tree removals. He noted that the Palm tree is within the footprint of the new proposed garage and the Black Acacia trees are within the proposed driveway. Mr. Morsello indicated that the arborist report submitted by Mayne Tree Expert Company, (which concurs with the City's Arborist report) suggested a Palm Broker be contacted for relocation of the Palm tree. However, none of the Palm Brokers he contacted returned his calls. In addition, he showed the Commission the P.G.&E. Safety Guidelines which states that trees are not to be within 10' of primary electrical lines and added that this tree is within that distance. Chairperson McGowan stated that he would be in favor of the removal of the three trees noting that the the Black Acacia trees are in poor condition; the location of the Palm tree would make transplanting difficult and it is in also close proximity to the primary electrical lines, (winds could blow the fronds into the lines). In addition, the Palm tree is within the footprint of the proposed project. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Locke moved to deny the appeal because the Black Acacia trees are in poor condition and that the Palm tree is within the footprint of the proposed garage and incompatible with the high voltage power lines, seconded (Lauder). Motion carried -IN unanimously. Superintendent Richmond advised the applicant that the permit would be issued if the Commission's decision was not appealed to the City Council within 10 days. Spring Garden Seminar/Saturday - March 15, 2003 - Program Planning Chairperson McGowan stated that he had contacted Matt Leddy, Director of the Horticultural Department at the College of San Mateo. He tentatively agreed to speak on "Color in the Garden". Commissioner Locke stated that she spoke with Sue Carder of the San Mateo Arboretum Society. Ms. Carder indicated that the society has various speakers and topics available for presentations. Commissioner Carney added that a composting class offered by Jaqueline Rosine, or a "Worm Gold" presentation by Carol Eddington, could also be considered or that an "Integrated Pest Management" program offered by Alane L. O'Reilly -Weber from the San Mateo County Master Composting Program night be of interest in the future. Following a brief discussion, the Commission asked Chairperson McGowan to confirm with Mr. Leddy his availability for the 2003 Spring Garden Seminar. When confirmed, Secretary Harvey will submit information for publicity into the Spring Recreation brochure. NEW BUSINESS None. 2 �-' REPORTS Richmond_: 1) Two large Elms on Primrose Road and five on Chula Vista Avenue have been removed due to Dutch Elm disease. Commissioner Lauder asked what specie has been consider for replacement. Arborist Porter responded that the Celtis sinensis (Chinese Hackberry) is being used for many of the Elm removals in the City because they are fast growing and similar in structure and size. 2) The landscape project at the Police Department has been completed. 3) Departments from the City of Burlingame will be sponsoring an Open House for residents of the City on Saturday, October 5' at the California Drive Fire Department. Various departments will have booths with information related to their field of work. 4) The Eagle Scout project of updating the Trees of Burlingame booklet turned out to be too aggressive; instead, the Trees of Washington Park map will be updated. Parks Supervisor, Bob Disco, will be working on the project with the Eagle Scout. Porter - Arborist Porter reported that the Rector Cadillac project plans are currently not available; the Planning Department has sent them to be microfiched and that has not yet been completed. Arborist Porter will pursue and report back to the Commission when the plans become available. Commissioner Locke noted that the lone Redwood tree on the Rollins Road side of the project has been planted too close to the building, and suspects that someday permission to remove will be requested. Arborist Porter stated he would inspect the Redwood tree and report back. Arborist Porter reported that the dead trees in the Oleander on the eastside of the railroad tracks at Burlingame Avenue will be scheduled for removal and will not be replaced due to the existing landscaping and trees in the area; and that, the street sign at Francisco Drive has been cleared of tree branches. Locke - Commissioner Locke reported that on the eastside of El Camino Real (between Murchison and Trousdale) the pyracantha had been removed (exposing the unattractive fencing) and new ground cover had been planted. She asked if anything would be planted in place of the pyracantha. Superintendent Richmond responded that the code enforcement officer had received complaints with regard to traffic view hazards and debris accumulation. The plant material will not be replaced because there is no irrigation in the area but the area will be covered with wood chips. Carney - Commissioner Carney reported that the Broadway/101 Triangle looked cleaner. Commissioner Lauder commented that there had been some recent improvements. Commissioner Locke responded that watering wells were dug around the oleanders. She added that she and Commissioner Lauder are still proceeding with CalTrans on the Adopt -A -Highway program and Commissioner Lauder stated she recently submitted the application to CalTrans. Ellis - Commissioner Ellis reported that the soundwall on Rollins Road has an accumulation oftrash; and that, one of four pear trees has died on the North side of Bayswater Avenue at California Drive. Commissioner Ellis reported that she participated in the shoreline cleanup and was encouraged that more people participated this year than did last year. 3 ,-, REPORTS - (Contd) - McGowan - Chairperson McGowan thanked Commissioner Locke for serving two years as Commission Chairperson; that she kept everything moving. Chairperson McGowan noted that he is honored to serve as Chair and thanked the Commission for their votes. Chairperson McGowan reported that the Bayfront Advisory Committee had its first meeting. The Committee consists of representatives from the Planning Department, the Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission, the Beautification Commission, the Broadway Merchants Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel industry, and Real Estate Agents. Chairperson McGowan noted that currently, everything is still on the table for discussion. The next meeting will be to review the City's policy to date with regard the the bayfront area and to begin to explore possibilities; it is the hope of the committee to be ready with a proposal to submit to the City Council by May of 2003. The public will be invited to a community workshop scheduled for Tuesday, October 22°d Commissioner Webb commented that this is an opportunity for the Beautification Commission to have input as to the ratio of trees and the ratio of parkland in the bay front area that will then be incorporated into the zoning for the area. He stated that the Beautification Commission could funnel information to Chairperson McGowan that would be brought to the Bayfront Advisory Committee. Webb- Commissioner Webb noted that, in particular, the Commission could focus their efforts on the area South of Kincaids Restaurant; that this land, being under the jurisdiction of State Lands Commission, could become a Waterfront Park for wind surfing and water play. Commissioner Webb then asked that this item be placed on the November 7r' agenda for further discussion. After a brief discussion, the Commission agreed to place this item on the November 7`' agenda. Commissioner Webb will provide the Commission with background information for the development of a "Burlingame Waterfront Park" before the distribution of the November agenda. He encouraged the commissioners to visit the bay front area before the November meeting. There being no further business, Chairperson McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlen arvey Recording Secretary 4