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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2001.09.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 6, 2001 OR 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, Commissioners Ellis, Hesselgren, Lauder, McGowan, Rossi, and Webb Staff: Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey MINUTES - Commissioner Locke requested that under Coastal Cleanup Day, the minutes be corrected to include that: Commission suggested names of local civic groups to forward on to Donna Allen. Minutes were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Leroy Kloezeman, 2748 Summit Drive, informing him that his appeal of the denial to remove one Eucalyptus tree on his property had been received and that the Commission would review the matter at the September 6' Commission meeting. Letter to John Gong, 11 Kenmar Way, informing him that his appeal of the denial to remove one Palm tree on his property had been referred to the Beautification Commission and would be reviewed by the Commission at the October 4' Commission meeting. Meeting notes regarding the meeting Chairperson Locke and Commissioners Lauder had with CalTrans representatives regarding the landscape renovation at 101/Broadway. Letter from Vincent and Doreen Cauchi, (131 Loma Vista Drive) appealing the denial for the removal of a City Pine tree behind their neighbors property at 127 Loma Vista Drive; claiming the tree to be a danger and causing damage to his pool and surrounding hardscape. Letter to Bruce and Melanie Anaston, 809 Paloma Avenue, informing them that an appeal of the approval to remove two Black Acacia trees had been received from the property owners at 812 Fairfield Road and that, the appeal would be forwarded to the Beautification Commission for action at the October 4' meeting. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of Denial to Remove One Private Eucalyptus Tree (a, 2748 Summit Drive - Arborist Porter stated that the property owner has requested permission to remove the Eucalyptus tree, so a P.G.&E. power pole and low hanging lines can be moved from the center of his backyard. The property owner then plans to put in a children's play structure. Arborist Porter stated that he could not justify removal based on this request because the tree is healthy and is of sound structure, and since the tree is also part of a grove, removal could create a wind tunnel effect. Responding to Chairperson Locke's question, Arborist Porter stated the tree appears to be about 60-70 years old and could live beyond 100 years. OR OLD BUSINESS - (Cont'd.) - Appeal of Denial to Remove One Private Eucalyptus Tree (a, 2748 Summit Drive - Commissioner McGowan stated that it appears the tree, that sits on a slope, has a lean and is weighted on one side. Arborist Porter responded that pruning can correct the imbalance. Commissioner Ellis noted that removal ofthis tree, in order to move the P.G.&E. lines, would require that the lines would need to also need to be moved in neighboring yards. She noted that it also appeared that there are other areas available in the yard that could be used for a play structure. Commissioner Webb stated that if it is preventing the property owner from using his yard, permission for removal should be granted. Chairperson Locke asked the property owner, Mr. Kloezeman to address the Commission. Mr. Kloezeman stated that his backyard is unusable because the utility line hangs low over the middle of his backyard and the utility companies are difficult to deal with. PacBell has reported to him that they cannot move the wires any higher and P.G.&E. has stated that they can't move the pole unless the tree is removed. He added that he is 63" and can almost touch the wires. He feels the trees are a danger; electrical wires are near limbs, and iftree were to fail it would fall on his children's bedroom and the family room. Mr. Kloezeman concluded that he wants to relandscape his backyard, install a play structure, and build a deck. The low hanging lines, running through the middle of his backyard prevent him from fully enjoying his backyard. Superintendent Richmond asked the applicant how much the lines would be elevated if the pole was moved. Mr. Kloezeman responded that moving the pole would not elevate the lines at all, but would move them from the middle of his yard to the property line. Commissioner Webb commented that there may be codes requiring certain heights for lines and thereby requiring P.G.& E. to raise the lines. Arborist Porter suggested that he would be willing to contact and meet with the P.G.&E. Arborist on site to discuss options or alternatives. Chairperson Locke asked if this could be done before the next Commission meeting. Arborist Porter stated "yes". Commissioner Rossi recommended Arborist Porter report back to the October 4`h after an on site meeting with the P.G.&E. Arborist; and that, the applicant get a written confirmation from P.G.&E. stating that moving the pole would require the removal of this protected tree. The Commission agreed to table this item to the October 4t' meeting and encouraged the applicant to check with the City's building department with regard to codes for utility line heights. Election of Officers - Commissioner Lauder presented the slate of officers for nomination: Chairperson Vice Chairperson Correspondence Secretary Commissioner Nancy Locke Commissioner Laura Hesselgren Commissioner Lauder Commissioner Lauder moved that the slate of officers be accepted as submitted; seconded. Motion carried unanimously. 2 'IN OLD BUSINESS - (Cont'd.) - Tree Planting on Old Bayshore Boulevard - Superintendent Richmond reported that he and Acting Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz met with the City Manager Nantell, Public Works Director Bagdon, and City Planner Monroe regarding the Commission's recommendation for tree planting on Old Bayshore Boulevard. At the September 5 h Council meeting, the Council directed staff to meet with representatives from the Beautification Commission and Planning Commission and develop a comprehensive landscape plan to be submitted for recommendation. Chairperson Locke asked who would volunteer to serve on this committee. Commission McGowan stated his term was ending on the Commission, but he would serve as he could. Commissioners Hesselgren and Webb agreed to serve as backup if necessary. Coastal Cleanup Day - Chairperson Locke reminded the Commission of the upcoming cleanup on September 15'. Commissioner Lauder stated she would not be able to attend due to a conflict. Commissioner Ellis stated she would be able to attend. Tree Planting Project on California Drive Between Broadway & Bellevue) - Superintendent Richmond reported that bids were opened for the tree planting project and that J.J.R. Construction was the low bidder. He also reported that all property owners and merchants had been notified of project of which only six responded to request minor adjustments with regard to tree site locations. The project will begin late October. Tree Planting on Howard Avenue/California Drive to El Camino - Commissioner Hesselgren reported that Jane Gomery of Public Works has indicated that there is no streetscape plan for the Howard Avenue business area but encouraged the Commission to pursue making a recommendation for improvements in the area. Commissioner McGowan suggested that a committee be formed to come up with a recommendation for tree planting in the area. Commissioners Ellis, Lauder, and Hesselgren volunteered to serve on the Committee and will report back to the November ? Commission meeting. IOIBroadway Triangle Landscaping - Commission discussed the current status on the planned landscaping for the area. Chairperson Locke stated that CalTrans representatives have been very cooperative; have suggested that gazanias rather that iceplant and that oleander rather than roses be planted due to high maintenance and irrigation issues. Commissioner McGowan agreed that oleanders might be better choice due to maintenance issues and the need for regular irrigation. Commissioner Lauder stated that CalTrans recommended that the Commission help with the planting and maintenance of the area. Commissioner Hesselgren responded that she might be interested in participating in the initial planting, but did not feel comfortable committing this or future commissions to maintaining CalTrans' parcel. Following the discussion, Chairperson Locke stated she would report back to CalTrans that the Commission has some interest in participating in the initial planting of the area, but is not interested in any ongoing maintenance of the area. She will also request that, as suggested by Commissioner McGowan, "pink" oleander and "white" gazanias be planted instead of the roses and iceplant that was previously recommended. �' 3 OLD BUSINESS - (Cont'd) - Landscape Requirements for Commercial & Business District "1 Building Projects - Commissioner Hesselgren reported that, currently, there are no landscape requirements for Commercial or Business District building projects. Landscape Award Program for Commercial Properties - Commissioner Hesselgren reported that she is waiting for and will present information from the Brisbane and San Carlos Commissions regarding their programs to the October 4' Commission meeting. NEW BUSINESS Extension of Eucalyptus Grove, (Eastside California Drive, from Oak Grove North to CalTrain Parking Lot - Chairperson Locke noted that the Donald Cory was not present. Superintendent Richmond stated that the City Attorney has reported that the City is currently seeking an appraisal of a section of property that is owned by the City of San Francisco and the appraisal would be available in October. He added that the Joint Powers property is situated between the City of Burlingame and San Francisco Water property; this makes doing anything in the area very complicated. Chairperson Locke suggested this item be tabled until further information can be obtained and/or if there are any further public inquiries received regarding this request. Commission was in agreement. REPORTS Richmond - Superintendent Richmond reported on the following items: 1) Deadline has passed for tree selection for the November tree planting. 2) Dead Rosemary in the Burlingame Avenue planters as reported at the last meeting, has been removed. 3) There are no scheduled streetscape plans for Burlingame Avenue, but Jane Gomery of Public Works has indicated that tree planting in selected locations can be recommended by the Commission. 4) The Parks Division has two new job openings; a new Parks Maintenance Worker position and a Tree Worker position to replace an employee who has resigned. Locke - Chairperson Locke reported that Eugene Peterson of the Golden Cordsmen received information from CalTrans representative, Clyde Harris, regarding the Cordsmen interest in maintaining a section of El Camino through the Adopt -A -Highway program. Mr. Harris told him that CalTrans pays $15, 000 to the City of Burlingame for cleanup maintenance on El Camino. But, Public Works Superintendent, Phil Scott told him that those funds cover streetsweeper costs only. Mr. Scott assured n, that, if asked by CalTrans, he would approve the issuance of a permit for the group to maintain a section of El Camino. Lc c l- co •. u xy J O�C �C Lauder - C ssioner Lauder stated she had jus Zvi ite Laka � �n i Portlaro, Oregon; beautiful han' baskets are hung from the street lights. o ssiouder r o t at she will be receiving information from the merchants and the Chamber of Commerce in that area regarding the hanging baskets. She asked that this item be agendized for the Commission to consider for Burlingame downtown areas. Commissioner McGowan stated that hanging planter baskets are high maintenance, but Commission agreed to place item on the November V agenda for further discussion. "*N 4 REPORTS (Cont' d.) McGowan - Commissioner McGowan reported that there are two dead, young Magnolia trees in front of a remodeled home on the corner of Vancouver and Hale. Commissioner McGowan also reported that the alleyway and parking lot just behind La Pinata, as well as the sidewalk on the Lorton Avenue side of La Pinata, is very dirty and has a stench. Staff stated they would refer this issue to the Public Works Department but also encouraged Commissioner McGowan to contact the Director of Public Works, George Bagdon. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1 tKa rlene Harvey Harvey Secretary