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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2001.08.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION AUGUST 2, 2001 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Chairperson Locke. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Locke (left at 6:15), Commissioners Ellis, Lauder, McGowan, Rossi (arrived at 6:15) Absent: Commissioners Hesselgren and Webb Staff: Superintendent Richmond, Acting Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, and Administrative Secretary Harvey MINUTES - Commissioner Locke requested that under Spring Garden Seminar - Speaker Possibility, the minutes be changed to include that: the speaker, Tamara Lewis, would speak without a fee and that the Commission agreed that she was a good choice for the seminar. Commission Lauder requested that under Reports - Lauder, the minutes be changed to include that: When Commissioner Lauder spoke with Councilwoman O'Mahony regarding the cable installation that RCN was doing, it was Councilwoman O'Mahony's understanding that the cabling was going to be underground and that it was public domain. Minutes were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE 2001 Bay Front Cleanup Flyer - Saturday, September 15`h Bayshore Boulevard proposed tree planting schematic submitted by the Committee from the Beautification Commission. Appeal of the denial to remove one Eucalyptus tree in order to move P.G.& E. lines for installation of a children's play structure at 2748 Summit Drive. Letter from Acting Director Schwartz to property owners and merchants on California Drive (from Broadway to south of Bellevue) informing them of the California Drive tree planting project to begin in the Fall of 2001. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Election of Officers - Nominating Committee appointee Rossi was not present, so Chairperson Locke asked that this item be discussed at a later time on the agenda in anticipation of Commissioner Rossi's arrival. OLD BUSINESS - (Contd.) Tree Planting on Old Bayshore Boulevard - Superintendent Richmond reported that he and Acting Director Schwartz met with the City Manager and the directors of Public Works and Planning regarding the Committee's schematic of the proposed tree planting on Old Bayshore Boulevard. It was agreed that the recommendation be presented to Council for further recommendation and direction. The City Manager has also asked that the Planning Department begin to develop uniform or general specifications for development of the area. Acting Director Schwartz added that the group was pleased with the survey map that the Committee had submitted, and it was their hope that the new hotel project, where the old Pacific Breeze was located, could showcase how the whole boulevard might be further developed. Commissioner McGowan stated that it was the hope of the Committee that some minor tree planting could happen sooner, rather than later, to begin to enhance the area now. Coastal Cleanup Day - Chairperson Locke stated that Donna Allen from the Water Treatment Plant addressed the Commission last month regarding the Coastal Cleanup. Chairperson Locke asked in what way the Commission wants to be involved and if there were additional ideas the Commission may have to offer about how to get the word out. Commissioners Lauder and Ellis stated they would be willing to volunteer and would contact Donna Allen. Following a brief discussion, the Commission asked that staff provide Donna Allen with names and --, phone numbers of local civic groups and other individuals. Acting Director Schwartz stated that the event will also appear in the Fall recreation brochure. Tree Planting on Howard Avenue/California Drive to El Camino -Chairperson Locke stated that Commissioner Hesselgren would not be available to report on this item and asked that this item be continued to the September meeting. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of Denial to Remove One Eucalyptus Tree (a, 2748 Summit Drive - Superintendent Richmond noted that all correspondence as well as the City Arborist's reasons for denial have been provided to the Commission. He commented that the resident requests permission to remove a protected Eucalyptus tree so relocation of the P.G.&E. pole and lines can occur for the installation of a children's play structure. He added that the item will be placed on the September agenda for action. Landscape Requirements for Commercial & Business District Building Projects - AND - Landscape Award Program for Commercial Properties - Chairperson Locke suggested that, due to Commissioner Hesselgren's absence, these items be continued to the September meeting. '1 2 �-- REPORTS Richmond - Superintendent Richmond reported on the following items: 1) The July tree planting has been completed; approximately 80 trees were planted. 2) Timberline Tree Company submitted the lowest bid for the 2001-2002 Tree Pruning contract. 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) Letter announcing the tree planting project on California Drive was mailed to property owners and merchants on July 18`h. To date, about half a dozen calls have been responded to by the City Arborist resulting in minor changes to tree placement. Any unresolved issues or appeals will be forward to the Commission for further consideration. Schwartz - Acting Director Schwartz reported that the Beautification Commission will also be the body for hearing appeals with regard to newsracks in the Business Districts. He noted that new modular racks will soon be installed in front of Starbucks and the House of Bagels on Lorton Avenue. Commissioner McGowan asked if any publications had been lost in the transition. Acting Director Schwartz commented that most publications will remain and have been very cooperative. Chairperson Locke asked if Broadway newsracks will be changed to the modulars. Acting Director Schwartz said that there are plans for the newsracks on Broadway following the Streetscape, but Burlingame Avenue racks will be completed first. Commissioner Lauder presented pictures of newsracks in front of the Pacific Bell building at the east end of Burlingame Avenue. Locke - Chairperson Locke reported that the "Golden Cordsmen" have been in contact with a representative from a CalTrans representative regarding adopting the section from Murchison to Dufferin (eastside only) along El Camino for cleanup. Chairperson Locke reported that she and Commissioner Lauder met with CalTrans representatives, Michael Peterson and Mariko Roberts, and Walter Cox regarding the 101/Broadway triangle. During the meeting, Commissioners Locke and Lauder presented a chronology ofthe discussions and agreements made between the Commission and CalTrans after the on site meeting with Mr. Ramirez in July of 2000. Commissioners Locke and Lauder also expressed their concerns to the representatives that the Commission is very concerned about the lack of progress on the site. Michael Peterson was apologetic and indicated that the lack of progress was primarily CalTrans' responsibility but that he would like to move ahead with the project. Another meeting with the CalTrans project manager has been scheduled for August 14. Commissioner Lauder presented before and after pictures of CalTrans maintenance crews working on the site since the meeting. Chairperson Locke commented that Michael Peterson also reported that the 101 southbound exit at Broadway (just north of the triangle) cannot be maintained due to safety factors; that, removal of shrubs/trees and paving the area is being considered. Chairperson Locke concluded that she would keep the Commission apprized of the progress. 3 Lauder - Commissioner Lauder presented pictures and reported that there are some areas in the Burlingame Avenue Business District that are void of trees. She particularly noted the area between 1409 and 1419 Burlingame Avenue, and asked if trees could be planted in this area. Superintendent Richmond responded that he would check with Jane Gomery of PublicWorks to find out if the Streetscape includes tree planting at this site. Commissioner McGowan added that it was his understanding that tree planting (like what is in front of Abercrombie & Fitch) is planned, but won't occur until after the sidewalks are replaced. Commissioner Lauder concluded that there is also dead rosemary in the planters on the opposite corners of Burlingame Avenue and California Drive. Chairperson Locke left for a previously announced engagement and Vice Chair Rossi chaired the remaining of the meeting. Rossi - Vice Chair Rossi had nothing to report. OLD BUSINESS - Election of Officers - After a brief discussion, the Commission agreed to table this item to the September 5`f' meeting. There being no further business, Vice Chair Rossi adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 1-1N