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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2002.12.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 5, 2002 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5.35 p.m. by Chairperson McGowan. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson McGowan, Ellis, Hesselgren, Lauder, Locke, and Webb Absent: Commissioner Carney Staff: Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests:Boy Scout Troop #28: Charles Eigenbrot, Colin Culligan, Ryan Baker, Owen Eigenbrot, Matty McBride, Andy Schwenk, Mark Canton, and Tyson; Mr. Manfreddi, 1649 Coronado Way. Chairperson McGowan welcomed Troop #28 and introduced the Beautification Commissioners and the City staff in attendance. MINUTES - The minutes of the November 7, 2002 meeting were corrected to read under REPORTS - Locke: Commissioner Locke reported on the community workshop... and that, the Golf Center .. . could be improved if native shrubs were planted. Minutes were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE Pictures of City Magnolia at 1649 Coronado Way, and letter from Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz to Mrs. Vivian Manfreddi informing her that her request for the removal of the City owned Magnolia tree would be placed on the December 5' agenda of the Beautification Commission for hearing. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. NEW BUSINESS Arbor Da / Spring Garden Seminar - The Commission discussed areas where the Arbor Day Ceremony could be held. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Lauder suggested the area in Washington Park, behind the Tennis Courts, where the large Oak tree was lost during the last storm. Superintendent Richmond thanked the Commission for their input. Chairperson McGowan reported that Matt Leddy, Director of the Horticulture Department from the College of San Mateo will be this year's Spring Garden Seminar speaker. NEW BUSINESS - Request for Removal of City Owned Magnolia Tree A 1649 Coronado Way - ACTION - Arborist Porter reported that the property owners of 1649 Coronado Way have been requesting removal of the City owned Magnolia for some time due to leaf drop, too much shade for the lawn and not enough light from street light. The most recent request for removal was because the property owner is in the process of relandscaping and roots from the tree are on the surface of the existing lawn. Arborist Porter stated he has denied the requests for removal because the tree is a healthy tree; and that, the Magnolia has been routinely trimmed every four years. He added that he most recently met with and consulted with the property owners to discuss root removal, the placement of root barriers, and reseeding, rather than sod placement, in the first 6' around the base of the tree. Arborist Porter concluded that the property owners were not interested in the suggested methods of root pruning and placement of root barriers and has asked this item to be heard by the Beautification Commission. Request for Removal of City Owned Magnolia Tree (a, 1649 Coronado Way - ACTION - (Contd) Chairperson McGowan asked the Commission if they had any comments or questions of Arborist Porter. 'IN Commissioner Locke asked if the property owner had submitted any landscape plans; Arborist Porter responded "No". Commissioner Lauder asked Arborist Porter to explain the method for root pruning and placement of root barriers as described to the property owners. Arborist Porter stated that because mature Magnolias are very sensitive to root pruning, property owners are instructed that they can only cut and remove roots under 2" in diameter; any removal of roots larger than 2" in diameter must have prior approval from the Arborist. If property owners are planning lawn renovation underneath a mature Magnolia, they are advised to install root barriers 6from the base of tree, place a thin layer of top soil in the 6' radius, and then plant the area with grass seed. Arborist Porter stated that sod can be installed in the area outside the root barrier; but if sod is installed up to the trunk of the tree, it will choke off air and keep the root zone area too moist. Commissioner Locke asked if the City sidewalk had been replaced by the City. Arborist Porter said, "Yes." Commissioner Locke noted that the area of the yard slopes, but perhaps if it were leveled, it would address the issue of the surface roots. She also noted that Coronado Way is primarily Magnolia trees and they add tremendous beauty to the neighborhood. Commissioner Locke then asked what the life expectancy is of this tree? Arborist Porter responded that a Magnolia tree could live approximately 100 years or more. Commissioner Webb asked if this tree will grow to a huge size? Arborist Porter stated "No"; that this -� variety is a Magnolia 'Samuel Sommers' and it has reached it's mature size. Chairman McGowan recognized Mr. Manfreddi Mr. Manfreddi stated that they are going to spend $4,000 relandscaping the front yard. He stated that the City recently replaced the sewer line and the driveway that was damaged by the tree's roots and that the roots are all the way to the foundation of his house. He concluded that the tree is a "rogue" tree that needs to be removed and replaced. Commissioner Webb asked if the City paid for the sidewalk repair, sewer line replacement, and driveway repair? Arborist Porter clarified that only the City's portion of the driveway was paid for by the City, along with the sidewalk repair and sewer line replacement. Arborist Porter stated that the old sewer laterals in Burlingame are terra cota pipes, and that most have cracked. Once cracked, water seeps out of the broken line and the tree's roots gravitate toward the water; eventually the roots invade the lateral. He clarified that the City will only cover the cost for repairs of City sidewalks, driveways, and sewer/water lines that are within the City's right of way; anything on the private property side, is the responsibility of the property owner. Commissioner Ellis noted that some property owners in the area have planted lawn with seed, rather than sod or have placed rocks under the canopy of the tree. Arborist Porter responded that some property owners have also planted ground cover under the trees. 2 Request for Removal of City Owned Magnolia Tree (d) 1649 Coronado Way - ACTION - (Contd) The Commission briefly discussed the City's tree planting program, as well as the removal and replacement program. Arborist Porter stated that in order to prevent future sidewalk damage, the City has become very proactive in developing street tree lists that only allow for certain tree species in certain size planter strips. He added that when a City's tree needs to be removed, due to poor health or safety issues, only trees that are on the approved street tree list can be planted back in the area. Chairperson McGowan reread the letter dated June 1, 2002, from the City Arborist (to the property owners) denying the removal of the Magnolia tree based on the the reasons that: 1) The tree is a healthy, well formed specimen. 2) The tree has been trimmed every 4 years. 3) Roots that have invaded the private lawn area may be removed by the property owner. Following the discussion, Commissioner Locke moved to deny the appeal for the removal of the City owned Magnolia tree based on the reasons stated by the City Arborist in his letter dated June 1, 2001 and also that the species is consistent with, and of significant value to, the surrounding neighborhood and the City Arborist had outlined a plan that allows the property owner to plant lawn under the tree; seconded (Hesselgren). Motion carried 6 - 0 -1 (absent/Carney). Chairperson McGowan advised Mr. Manfreddi that he would be notified in writing of the Commission's decision as well as the appeal procedures if he should wish to appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. REPORTS Richmond - 1) The Fall tree planting has been completed with approximately 80 trees being planted. 2) The EOC was opened during the November 7 & 8 storm; there were 12 whole tree failures. 3) The City Hall tree lighting ceremony will be held on Friday, December 66,; children's choral groups will be participating. 4) Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz's memo outlines process to expedite appeals for tree removals. 5) Arborist Porter has noted that there are 3-4 trees missing a Rector Cadillac and has notified the General Manager; staff will research further to determine resolution. 6) The removal of a liriodendron tree at 212 Stanley may be on the January agenda, merit injections for aphid control has been ineffective because of the tree's impenetrable root mass. McGowan - Chairperson McGowan noted that construction materials and debris are being stored at the base of the City tree at 1636 Coronado. He also stated that the Mayten trees at the apartment building on the corner of Ansel and Floribunda have been removed and still need replacing. Webb - Commissioner Webb asked that a discussion clarifying criteria for the removal of City trees be placed on the agenda of the January Commission meeting. REPORTS - Contd. - Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that she attended the North End Rollins Road Specific Plan Workshop; she stressed at the workshop the importance of creating and maintaining as much natural areas as possible. Chairperson McGowan asked if residential is being considered in that area? Commissioner Lauder responded that it is one of the considerations being discussed at the workshop. Locke - Commissioner Locke also attended the workshop and presented a map to the Commission showing the area the public workshop is discussing. She stated that several ideas the committee has expressed are: The northern section of El Camino to Murchison being "tree lined", as well as heavy greenery in the same area that serves as the "gateway" to the City of Burlingame. She added that the committee also discussed developing a small natural area or small park in the vicinity of the Broadway Train Station. She concluded that the next workshop meeting will be in January. There being no further business, Chairperson McGowan adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 4k&-Z4, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 4