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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2001.07.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION JULY 5.2001 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Locke. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Locke, Commissioners Ellis, Hesselgren, Lauder, McGowan, Absent: Commissioners Rossi and Webb Staff: Superintendent Richmond and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guest: Donna Allen (U.S. Filter Treatment Plant) MINUTES - Minutes of the June 7, 2001 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE There was no correspondence for the month of June. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Tree Planting on Airport Boulevard - Superintendent Richmond reported that the City Manager would like the Committee to meet together with key people from the Planning and Public Works Department, for better coordination and scope of what the City is looking for in that area. Commissioner McGowan reported that he and Commissioner Webb reviewed the Bayshore Boulevard area with the philosophy that the area should be pedestrian friendly; that it is located in the City of trees; that trees and shrubs provide a visual screen for cars in parking lots; and that the trees provide shade for people waiting at bus stops. Commissioner McGowan added that hotel visitors should have a pleasant walking experience. Without compromising ingress and egress, street tree planting (as well as the planting of low growing hedges) in City easements can accomplish the "the look" the Committee is looking for. Commissioner McGowan noted that the Westin Hotel in Millbrae is a good example of what the area might look like. Commissioner McGowan submitted a map of addresses with possible recommendations for landscape improvements in the Bayshore Boulevard area with some added improvements to hard scape paths. He concluded that other areas can be improved by simply planting trees. Commissioner Hesselgren reported that, according to Assistant Public Works Director Erbacher, the medians North of the Hyatt Hotel could not be planted but the medians South of the Hyatt Hotel could be planted.. As suggested by City Planner Monroe, Commissioner Hesselgren stated she would be contacting Jane Gomery in Public Works to explore if a streetscape plan has been planned for the area. After reviewing the map and the Committee's recommendations, Chairperson Locke thanked the Committee for their excellent work. Superintendent Richmond stated he would contact the City Manager to confirm with whom the Committee might meet to further discuss the Committee's recommendations. Chairperson Locke asked that this item be continued to the August meeting. NEW BUSINESS Coastal Cleanup Day - Donna Allen from U.S. Filter of the Waste Water Treatment Plant submitted flyers for the Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 15'". Ms. Allen commented that she is trying "1 to get the publicity out early to promote the event. She noted that the Parks & Recreation Department has agreed to advertise in the summer Rec brochure and that she also plans to promote the event through the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and the College of San Mateo. Ms. Allen stated that she hopes to get children and their families involved and will be meeting with representatives from the Parks & Recreation Department to discuss having a pre -event where information on the environment and underage volunteer waivers can be processed. Ms. Allen stated that she is looking for volunteer help in staffing tables and spreading the word, adding that U.S. Filter will be donating prizes and give aways. Following the presentation, Chairperson Locke thanked Ms. Allen and added that she has contacted the Sierra Club to obtain further information on the event. Chairperson Locke suggested that Ms. Allen contact Shinnyoen of California which may be interested in participating in a community event such as this. Superintendent Richmond suggested Ms. Allen contact Acting Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz for a contact person at Shinnyoen. Tree Planting on Howard Avenue/California Drive to El Camino - Commissioner Hesselgren met with City Planner Monroe to discuss tree planting requirements in the business district of Howard Avenue. CP Monroe confirmed that there are no landscaping requirements in the C-1 Business District (Commercial Retail Trade). CP Monroe suggested that Commissioner Hesselgren contact Jane Gomery of Public Works to see if a streetscape plan has been considered for that area and perhaps the feasibility of property owners splitting costs with the City for a tree planting project in that area. Chairperson Locke asked Commissioner Hesselgren to pursue obtaining further information from Jane Gomery in Public Works and that this item be continued to the August meeting for further discussion. Spring Garden Seminar - Speaker Possibility - Chairperson Locke contacted Tamara Lewis who conducted a seminar for the San Francisco Symphony Fundraiser in Atherton. Her presentations are on how to create a wildlife habitat in your garden and the topic includes: Beneficial and non -beneficial insects; plants that provide food and nectar for butterflies; plants that attract bees; and pesticides and alternatives. Following a brief discussion, Chairperson Locke stated she would check with Ms. Lewis about some suggested dates in March 2002. REPORTS Richmond - Superintendent Richmond reported on the following items: 1) The Tree Pruning & Stump Removal project for fiscal 2000-2001 has been completed. 2) Bid documents for fiscal 2001-2002 tree pruning are ready; bids will be opened on August 1. This year's contract will include the trimming of Eucalyptus trees on Skyline Boulevard, Escalante Way, and along the railroad corridor, North of Oak Grove. 3) July street tree planting will commence on July 9'; approximately 80 trees will be planted. 4) Assistant Public Works Director Erbacher has confirmed that trees cannot be planted at the Bayside Dog Park because the cap over the old dump site cannot be penetrated. 5) Music in the Park began on July I' and will continue every Sunday in July beginning at 1:00 p.m. 6) The County is beginning to develop and wants to promote standards to homeowners for integrated pest management in order to minimize overuse and runoff from properties. This is an area in which the Beautification Commission may wish to participate. 2 REPORTS - (Contd.) Locke - Chairperson Locke reported that she attempted to reach a contact person at CalTrans regarding the Adopt -a -Highway program, as a way to assist the singing group that is trying to adopt a section of El Camino Real, but has not received a call back. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that on July 5`h, she spoke with CalTrans representative Mariko Roberts for an update on the status of the 101Broadway triangle landscaping. Ms. Roberts indicated that the 3-4 month freeze on Ca1Tran's finances will now only add to the delays and referred Commissioner Lauder to Mike Peterson who was not available. Ms. Roberts suggested that the Commission may want to consider obtaining a conditional use permit and form a neighborhood group to get the work accomplished. Commissioner Lauder will try to contact Mike Peterson of CalTrans on July go'. Commissioner Lauder reported that RCN is installing communication system lines throughout Burlingame and has been careless when working around trees. She added that she reported the company to the Parks Division. Superintendent Richmond stated that Bill Lowrie from Public Works was contacted because he handles the permits for contractors doing work in the City of Burlingame. Mr Lowrie spoke with the foreman of the company and was assured that they would try to be more careful. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, q4� 4a"j Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary