Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2001.03.01BURLINGAM E BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MARCH Y, 2001 i The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:32 p.m. by Chairperson Locke. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Locke, Commissioners Ellis, Hesselgren, Lauder, McGowan, and Rossi Absent: Commissioner Webb Staff- Director Williams, Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests: Jeff Nichols (Friends of the Mills Canyon) MINUTES - The minutes of the February 1, 2001 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Spring Garden Seminar Banner Application. Letter to Larry Ngai, 2669 Martinez Drive, informing him that his appeal of the denial to remove all the Eucalyptus trees at the back of his property would be heard at the March 1, 2001 Commission meeting. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of Denial to Remove All Eucalyptus Trees in the Backyard of 2669 Martinez Drive - Arborist Porter stated that the applicants request is for all (seven) of the Eucalyptus trees to be removed in the rear of his back yard because the trees are dangerous, are a fire hazard, are near P.G.& E lines, and are blocking views. Arborist Porter informed the applicant that all (seven) of the Eucalyptus were in varying degrees of health with differing maintenance needs and that, until an independent arborist report addressing some possible structural concerns on one or two of the trees, the application would be denied. The second application included an arborist report that primarily spoke to the issues of leaf litter, views, and the trees being out of scale for the site. Arborist Porter again denied the application because there are no view ordinances, with regard to trees, in the City of Burlingame and that, leaf litter and trees being out of scale for the site does not meet the established criteria used to warrant removal of protected trees. Arborist Porter advised the applicant of appeal procedures. The Commission discussed the application. Commissioner Rossi clarified that all of the trees are of a protected size. Commissioner Ellis noted that the trees appear part of a complete grove. Arborist Porter confirmed that the grove continues onto City of Burlingame property, and backs to the Mills Canyon. Chairperson Locke stated that the independent arborist report obliquely implies that the trees are unbalanced due to the trimming P.G.&E. has done and that perhaps a hazard exists. Arborist Porter stated that if the trees were properly maintained, the line pruning conducted by P.G.&E. would not cause the unbalanced effect. He noted that the current pruning is not creating a "hazard". Chairperson Locke commented that a letter received from a neighbor of the property feared the trees could fall on her house. Arborist Porter stated that his inspection did not reveal uplifting roots, large limbs dropping off or anything that would indicate the possibility of a whole tree failure. Commissioner Lauder asked about the two trees that were poor in structure. Arborist Porter responded that the two trees were not dominant in size, one �. had a double trunk and both had some structural problems, but neither posed an immediate hazard. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of Denial to Remove All Eucalyptus Trees in the Backyard of 2669 Martinez Drive (Cont d) - The Commission and Arborist Porter also discussed the proposed building plans at this address that had been submitted to the Planning Department. Commissioner Rossi stated that since the trees did not fall within the footprint of the proposed structure, the proposed remodel at the address was irrelevant as part of the Commission's decision. Chairperson Locke opened the meeting for public comment. The applicant was not present. Mr. Jeff Nichols (La Mesa Drive) stated he is a member of the Friends of the Mills Canyon. He noted the trees are part of a whole grove that continues onto City property which is part of the Mills Canyon. He stated that he is not in favor of the application to remove the Eucalyptus trees. Chairperson Locke closed public comment. Commissioner Rossi moved that the applicants appeal be denied because the request for removal of all (seven) of the Eucalyptus trees does not meet the established criteria warranting removal, seconded by Commissioner Hesselgrem Motion carried 6 - 0 - I (absent/Webb). Arbor Day - March 7t' (a, 10:00 a.m. - Washington Park - Superintendent Richmond stated he would not be in attendance because of a mandatory workshop he will be attending on the same day. Superintendent Schwartz will emcee the ceremony. Superintendent Richmond also reported that the California Department of Forestry will not be able to send a representative to this year's event. Commissioner Hesselgren volunteered to present the Tree City USA flag to Mayor Galligan. Two disease resistant Elm trees, three Redwood trees, a Carpinus and a Chitalpa tree will be planted in the back section of Washington Park (behind the Recreation Center). The trees will be planted in the anticipated loss of some very large, old trees that are now in decline. Spring Garden Seminar - March 24t' - Speaker William McGowan - Commissioner McGowan stated that his presentation will be on Designing the Small Garden'. Chairperson Locke reminded the Commission to bring cookies and added that the Parks & Recreation staff will provide the beverage. Shoreline Improvements - Chairperson Locke noted that Commissioner Webb was absent. She asked if the Commission felt they had anything relative to speak to the Council on this item. Director Williams stated that the Planning/Council joint meeting spent a considerable amount of time regarding this issue and comments appeared to be very positive. Commissioner Rossi suggested the Commission ask the Council what role, if any, the Council would like the Beautification Commission to have regarding this issue. NEW BUSINESS March 5' Joint Beautification Commission/Council Meeting - The Commission discussed several items they would like to discuss with Council. Chairperson Locke noted that it will be important to find out what "pet" projects the Council would like the Beautification Commission to be involved in. Chairperson Locke asked Director Williams if the Teen/Community Center in Washington Park was appropriate for the Beautification Commission to be involved in? Director Williams commented that the Teen/Community Center is currently a work in progress. Alternatives are still being developed. Input from the community is still being gathered and it may be too early to say whether the Beautification Commission should be involved or not. The Commission agreed to discuss the 101Broadway interchange landscaping, shoreline improvements, the teen center, and any other special projects the Council may have in mind. 'IN 2 REPORTS Richmond - 1) A diseased Elm tree was removed at 401 Primrose Road. This is the third Elm that has been removed in the same area due to Dutch Elm Disease. 2) A new sign has been installed at Village Park on the Eastmoor Road side of the park. The sign was crafted by Aaron Reed as part of an Eagle Scout project. City crews landscaped around the sign. 3) Eucalyptus trees on Skyline Boulevard are being pruned by the City's tree contractor. The contractor will then prune the Burlingame Avenue Eucalyptus trees (East of the railroad tracks). 4) Over 50 trees will be planted in the City's planter strips in the month of March. McGowan - Commissioner McGowan commented that the plum blossoms help to cheer up the City; he hopes the City continues to plant this specie of tree. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder asked that her thanks be relayed to the Parks Division crews for the excellent job they do in the City of Burlingame. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 6.27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary