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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2001.12.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 6, 2001 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 Carney, Ellis, Lauder, and McGowan Staff: Superintendent Richmond and Administrative Secretary Harvey Absent: Commissioners Hesselgren and Webb Guests: Maria Cava, Mary Blythe, Gary Blythe, Eric Adler, and Jeanie Adler Chairperson Locke welcomed the new Commissioner Jeanne Carney. Commissioner Carney stated that she has been a resident of Burlingame for 6 years, but has lived in the Bay Area for many years; she is a retired registered nurse, is a member the Women's Club, San Mateo County Fair, and the Garden Study Club of the Peninsula. Commissioner Carney added that she loves gardening, nature, the environment, and is pleased to be serving on the Commission. MINUTES - Minutes were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to LeeRoy Kloezeman, 2748 Summit Drive, informing him that the Commission upheld his appeal for the removal of a protected Eucalyptus tree on his property. Letter to John Gong, 11 Kenmar Way, informing him that the Commission denied his appeal for the removal of a protected Palm tree on his property. Copy of letter to Craig Rossi from Mayor Galligan thanking him for his service on the Burlingame Beautification Commission. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Craig Rossi thanking him for his service on the Beautification Commission. Copy of letter from Mayor Galligan to Jeanne Carney advising her of her recent appointment to the Burlingame Beautification Commission. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Jeanne Carney congratulating her on her appointment to the Burlingame Beautification Commission and information regarding the Commission's oversight. Letter from Gary & Mary Blythe, 1360 Vancouver Avenue, appealing the denial of a permit to remove a protected Dawn Redwood tree on their property. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Gary & Mary Blythe, 1360 Vancouver Avenue, informing them that their appeal would be heard at the December 6' Beautification Commission meeting. Letter from Eric & Jean Adler, 2111 Easton Drive, appealing the denial of a permit to remove a protected Yew tree on their property. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Eric & Jean Adler, 2111 Easton Drive, informing them that their appeal would be heard at the December 6' Beautification Commission meeting. Memo to the Commission from Superintendent Richmond informing of new procedures for appeals of tree removal denials. FROM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Chairperson Locke reviewed the following items with the Commission to be held over to future meetings. Spring Garden Seminar - Saturday, March 23, 2002 - Chairperson Locke reported that Tamara Lewis ofLandscape By Design will attend the next Commission meeting and reviewher topic with the Commission. Tree Planting on Old Bayshore Boulevard - Status Report - Commissioner McGowan asked that this item be reviewed at a later point in the meeting, to accommodate the applicants appealing the denials of protected tree removals. Tree Planting on Howard Avenue - Status Report and Landscape Award Program for Commercial Properties - Commission Consideration - In Commissioner Hesselgren's absence, Chairperson Locke asked if these items could be carried forward until further information may be obtained. Commissioner McGowan moved that these items be tabled and moved to a future agenda when data can be made available to the Commission; seconded Motion carried S - 0 - 2 (absent). Hanging Planter Baskets in Downtown Retail Areas - Commission Consideration - Commissioner Lauder asked that this item be tabled and moved to a future agenda. NEW BUSINESS Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Dawn Redwood Tree (a, 1360 Vancouver Avenue - Superintendent Richmond informed the Commission that Arborist Porter would not be available at the December or January Commission meetings but could submit a staff report on either of the appeals currently before the Commission. Superintendent Richmond stated that applicant's appeal for the removal of the tree at 13 60 Vancouver Avenue is based on section 11.06.060 (d) (2) and (d) (7) of the Urban Reforestation Ordinance; to allow for the economic enjoyment of the property and the economic consequences and obligations of requiring a tree to remain. He added that the applicant cited concerns about damage to the driveway from the tree's roots. The City Arborist determined that the tree is healthy and that any future root problems could be mitigated by root pruning and the placement of root barriers without compromising the structural integrity of the tree. Commissioner Ellis stated that the tree appears to be healthy; that the driveway is very old and appears to be original to the house. Commissioner Carney commented that it is a pretty tree and is not very close to the neighbors house; that the damage to the driveway appears to have been there for quite some time. Chairperson Locke noted that the tree is in the middle and very close to both driveways but speculates that the volunteer Privet tree may be causing the driveway damage. Superintendent Richmond replied that hairline cracks in concrete driveways can occur naturally and can be found in other driveways as well. He added that the Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer and is not very common in Burlingame. He noted that there is a large one in the City's Washington Park. Commissioner McGowan remarked that he was raised in the neighborhood of where this tree exists; the tree has been there for approximately 25 years. He added that Dawn Redwoods are very long lived and since it is planted in a restricted area, it has probably reached its mature size. He commented that it seemed unusual that this request for removal would come after the resident had lived with the tree for over 25 years. 11.1 Chairperson Locke asked if the anyone wanted to address the Commission regarding this appeal. K OR Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Dawn Redwood Tree na, 1360 Vancouver Avenue - Contd. - The applicant, Gary Blythe, stated that he has lived at 1360 Vancouver since 1977. His family has enjoyed the tree but his neighbor, Maria Cava (1356 Vancouver), has asked him to trim the tree in the past because of debris in the roof gutters. He added that the lawnmower hits one of the tree's roots in his lawn that is 15' away from the trunk. The tree is only 2-3' away from his neighbor' driveway and many of the branches from the tree are on his neighbors side. He concluded that he believes the roots have damaged his driveway. Maria Cava,13 5 6 Vancouver Avenue, commented that the property belongs to her mother. She commented that her mother is constantly cleaning up the debris from this tree. She added that the little needles fall in the roof gutters, clogging the drain pipe and recently requiring repair of the gutters and the placement of screens. She concluded that the screens have not stopped the little tiny debris from falling into the gutters. Mary Blythe, 1360 Vancouver Avenue, commented that, if approved, they would be willing to plant a tree in the same location; that they love trees, but this one causes so much damage and hassle. Gary Blythe added that Dawn Redwoods seem to need more room. Commissioner McGowan asked the applicant if the tree had ever been pruned back from the neighbor's property by a professional tree company? Mr. Blythe responded "No", that he had trimmed back only a few branches because they do enjoy the shade from the tree. Commissioner Ellis commented that deciduous trees loose leaves. Mrs. Cava responded that it is the continual clean up, all year long that is the problem. Linda Abbey, 2415 Adeline Drive, asked if this tree could be "limbed up" to help mitigate the debris problem, so that not so much is falling? Superintendent Richmond responded that if the tree were raised too much the tree might look odd. Chairperson Locke closed the public comments. Commissioner McGowan stated that the tree is beautiful and he does not believe it will get much larger. He added that this tree can be seen going down Hillside Drive and going up Easton Drive. He concluded that pruning away from the neighbor's roof line by a professional tree company would help or eliminate the debris problem. Commissioner Ellis agreed that the tree is beautiful and could be pruned to mitigate the neighbor's debris issue. Chairperson Locke noted that most trees represent some kind of a nuisance factor. She added, that the tree is in a narrow space, and that some kind of root damage is apparent. She speculated that the tree will get bigger and indicated that she was surprised to hear that the applicant would replant a tree in a small area that is flanked by two driveways. Chairperson Locke then asked the Commission if they needed more information from the City's Arborist who was unable to attend this meeting. Commissioner McGowan responded that he would like more information from the City's Arborist and moved that this item be carried over to the February 2002 Commission meeting when the City Arborist could speak to this item and that, the applicantprovide the Commission with an independentArborist's report supporting their request for removal; seconded Motion carried 5 - 0 - 2 (absent). Chairperson Locke advised the applicants that there would be no action on their item but would be continued at the February 7' Commission meeting when the City Arborist could be available. 3 Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Yew Tree (i� 2111 Easton Drive - Superintendent Richmond reported that the applicant is requesting a permit to remove the Yew tree based on Section 11.06.060 (d)(5):... the number of trees the particular parcel can support. He added that the applicants are requesting removal of the Yew tree because they feel it overshadows and hinders the growth of the Camperdown Elm. Superintendent Richmond stated that the adjacent property owners have been notified of the removal request and the department has received no comments. The City Arborist noted that the Elm in the front of the property might be considered for removal by the property owner because it has a forked trunk with included bark. However, he added, the City Arborist determined the Yew tree to be a healthy, mature specimen; that removal of the Yew tree would not necessarily improve the stature of the Camperdown Elm; and that a larger Elm tree in the area actually overshadows the Camperdown Elm to an even greater extent . Commissioner Lauder commented that the Yew tree is magnificent and removal would cause a large void if it were removed. Commissioner Carney stated that the Yew is taking up space and not allowing light for the Camperdown Elm; that the applicant's primary concern is to save the Elm. She added that the Camperdown Elm is more significant than the Yew tree. Commissioner McGowan stated that most of the trees on the property were all planted about the same time and that Yew trees usually do not grow to that size. Removing the Yew tree might allow for more air movement through the large Elm but if small limbs were removed from the Yew, the Camperdown Elm's growth might be improved. Commissioner Ellis noted that there is damage to a private walkway that appears to be damaged by the large Elm in the area. Chairperson Locke asked if anyone from the audience wished to address the Commission regarding this appeal. Eric Adler, 2111 Easton Drive, stated that the older trees on his property are overgrowing and crowding the other trees on his property. The Camperdown Elm is starting to lean; light comes from the East and a lot of light is being lost. He added that they have cared for and gone to the expense of having the large Elm in front cabled and are not asking to remove this tree, but the Yew tree is just too big. Jeanie Adler, 2111 Easton Drive, commented that the Camperdown Elm had an umbrella shape but is now starting to lean over and leafs out late. She added that a professional tree company has advised them that there are too many trees in that one area and since the Yew is closest to the walkway believes that it is causing the damage to the walkway. Mrs. Adler then submitted copy of a letter from Peninsula Tree Care representative, William Kleinheinz. Commissioner McGowan asked if theYew tree had ever been professional trimmed? Mrs. Adler stated that it had been trimmed several years ago. Chairperson Locke closed the public comments 4 Appeal of the Denial to Remove a Protected Yew Tree (a, 2111 Easton Drive - (Contd.) Commissioner Ellis stated that she would like to hear comments from the City Arborist before rendering a decision. �-' Commissioner Lauder agreed and moved that this item be carried over to the February 2002 Commission meeting when the City Arborist could speak to this item; seconded Motion carried 5 - 0 - 2 (absent). Chairperson Locke advised the applicants that there would be no action on their item tonight but would be continued at the February 7' Commission meeting when the City Arborist could be available. Tree Planting on Old Bayshore Boulevard - Status Report - Commissioner McGowan stated that Superintendent Richmond, Commissioner Hesselgren, and he met with City Planner Monroe and Planning Commissioner Bojues to discuss tree planting on Old Bayshore Boulevard, North of Broadway. City Planner Monroe indicated to the group that the Planning Commission had made some changes in its direction and felt the Beautification Commission should hire a consultant to assist them with some design lines. Commissioner McGowan stated that he and Commissioner Hesselgren believe the City Council and the City Manager would like to see some beautification of the area; the idea was brought up by a Councilperson at the Joint Beautification Commissions/ ouncil meeting. Commissioner McGowan stated that with his experience in landscape design, diPon his own time, he would be willing to create a schematic for tree planting in that area. If approved by the Commission, it could then be proposed to the City Council. The Commission discussed possible future changes in the area and speculation of a potential master plan for the area that might affect newly planted trees. Superintendent Richmond stated that there are many variables that exist in the area and the Beautification Commission will need to be moving in the same general direction set by the Planning Commission. �-' Commissioner McGowan stated that there are about 64 existing planting sites in the area, that changes are not likely to happen any time soon, and since the City Manager and Council have expressed some interest, it would be worth pursuing. Chairperson Locke added that by providing a schematic of tree planting of the area it could generate more interest, but it would be important that the plan not be at cross purposes with the Planning Commission's vision of the area. Superintendent Richmond stated that he would also ask the Director of Public Works what he believes the future plans are for the area. Superintendent Richmond suggested that any general concept ideas Commissioners may have for the area be presented to Commissioner McGowan. REPORTS - Richmond - 1) Recommended that the Commission consider canceling the January 3`d Commission meeting. 2) Requested that the appeal process for private tree removals and how it applies to the Urban Reforestation ordinance be placed on the next agenda. 3) The Fall tree planting has been completed and the deadline for tree selection for the March 2002 will be at the end of December. 4) The tree crew are currently trimming Sycamores in the eastside section of Burlingame Avenue from Palm Avenue. The tree crew is also keeping to their goal of trimming every tree in the City at least every 4 years. 5) There has been some negative reaction to the raising of the City trees over the streets as required by the vehicle code as referenced in the City Attorney's memo dated 12/30/98. 5 REPORTS - Richmond - (Contd.) 6) Eight small to medium sized trees were lost in the recent storm. 7) The City's tree lighting ceremony will be on December 7' at 4:30 p.m.; school choirs will be �-' performing. 8) Superintendent Richmond welcomed Commissioner Carney and appreciated her willingness and interest to address 2 appeals at her first meeting. Superintendent Richmond concluded that he enjoys driving along California Drive and seeing how well the trees look being planted along that corridor; that it was a good project recommended by Commissioner McGowan. Lauder -Commissioner Lauder welcomed and thanked Commissioner Carney for joining the Commission. Carney- Commissioner Carney commented that she found the first meeting to be very interesting, that she will be learning a lot, and will have lots of questions. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1 J 'JI Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary Co