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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2000.09.07L. BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 7, 2000 �- 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 (arrived @ 6:05 p.m.), McGowan, and Rossi (left @ 7:10 p.m.) Absent: Commissioner Webb Staff: Parks Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests: Dorothy Katz, Tana Yeager, Jack and Jean Baker MINUTES - The minutes were approved as submitted; Commissioner Rossi abstaining CORRESPONDENCE Letter(s) from City Manager Argyres to Commissioners Lauder and Locke informing them that their terms on the Commission expire October 7, 2000 and advising them of the reapplication process. Letter from Chairman Locke and the Beautification Commission, to Herman Ramirez, Area Superintendent/West Bay Region of CalTrans summarizing the onsite meeting and the agreed improvements to be made to the triangle area off Southbound 101 at Broadway. Pictures, submitted by Superintendent Richmond, of various Magnolia trees throughout the City where sidewalk repair and root pruning has occurred. Inventory of Burlingame Magnolia Trees Exhibiting Decline in the Hillside Drive area submitted by Chairperson Locke. FROM THE FLOOR Dorothy Katz, stated she is the property owner of the apartment building at 1110 Douglas Avenue. She commented that she thinks Burlingame is a very dirty city; there is much trash and debris in the City, and that she is very disappointed with the property owners, merchants, and the City's administration for not taking more interest in this issue. She concluded that she would be very interested in working with the Beautification Commission in an effort to make a difference. Chairperson Locke thanked Mrs. Katz for her comments and submitted to Mrs. Katz the Public Notice regarding current openings on the Beautification Commission and other commissions within the City. Jean Baker, 2422 Hale Drive, stated she has been a resident of Burlingame for 6 years. She and other residents in her area had recently received a Warning Notice from the Parks Division stating that they were in violation of the Street Tree ordinance because they had hung a swing in the City's street tree. She stated she was referred to the Commission by the City Attorney in an effort to revise the current Street Tree Ordinance to allow the placement of swings in City trees. Ms. Baker continued that her neighborhood is a family neighborhood, that her swing is a Fisher Price swing that cannot hold more than 50 pounds, and that tire plastic has been placed between the branch and the swing rope so the tree would not be damaged. Chairperson Locke thanked Mrs. Baker for her comments, and explained that the Commission as well as `-- the audience will be able to comment on this issue when it comes up on the agenda. NEW BUSINESS Placement of Swings in City Street Trees - Chairperson Locke asked that the order of agenda be changed, and this item be heard at this time; Commission agreed. Superintendent Richmond referred the Commission to Section 11.04.035 of the Street Tree ordinance that states: "It is unlawful to fasten any sign, wire, rope or any device to any street tree". He explained that Warning Notices were sent to several residents in the area after a complaint was called in to the Parks Division. Superintendent Richmond commented that in communications with the City Attorney he has stated: "The current ordinance does not allow staff to allow any swings on trees in the City right-of-way. I am willing to have a hold harmless agreement with a property owner as part of a permit process allowed by a new ordinance, if the staff, Commission, and Council think swings should be allowed in certain circumstances". Superintendent Richmond stated that the Commission will need to decide whether or not to take up the issue of making a change to the existing ordinance and then making recommendation to Council. Commissioner McGowan stated that he grew up in the same neighborhood; that it is a family neighborhood. He expressed liability concerns such as: teens playing on the swing, not enough cushioning under the swing itself, and the increased liability to property owners and the City if swings were to be allowed in City trees. He added that the Commission has no authority to make an exception to an existing ordinance, and that the swing would need to be removed. Commissioner Ellis expressed concerns about other children in the neighborhood playing on the swing. Commissioner Hesselgren stated that she was concerned about the City's liability and to monitor this type of change to the ordinance would be too much. Commissioner Rossi stated that he was sympathetic, but the issue is not compelling enough to make a change to the ordinance; that, the citizens of Burlingame as a whole would not benefit by this change. Chairperson Locke stated that she likes the imagery of kids and swings but would open the City up to great liability. She cited other concerns about recommending a change to the ordinance such as: whether or not to allow tree houses, City staff having to inspect and make subjective decisions. Chairperson Locke clarified that there is nothing that prevents residents from putting swings in their private trees or in the private trees of a "friendly" neighbor. Commissioner McGowan added that swing sets on private property is another option for property owners. Commissioner Lauder stated that if the tree is sturdy, and the swing would not impair vehicular or pedestrian travel then it may not be a problem, but if the tree were old and had heart rot the limb could snap off and be a danger to the child. Chairperson Locke asked for audience comments. Jack Baker, 2422 Hale Drive, stated that he thought escalation from a rope swing to a tree house was a stretch; that the swing is just a temporary fixture. He added that anybody could jump up on the swing but it is intended for a very small child, that, damaged City streets and sidewalks are a greater liability to the City than a child's swing placed in the City tree. Jean Baker added that, in theory, the swing can be taken down easily. She then asked what the penalty would be to remain in violation of the ordinance? Superintendent Richmond responded that the ordinance does not address penalties for non-compliance and that she would need to address that question to the City Attorney. Following the discussion, Chairperson Locke stated that based on the Commission's comments regarding liability issues, staff time spent inspecting and administering a permit process, and the fact that residents are not restricted from placing swings in private trees, the issue did not seem compelling enough for the Commission to recommend to Council any change to the existing Street Tree ordinance. 2 NEW BUSINESS - Maintenance of "Lagoon" Area Near Embassy Suites and South - (Contd.) - Chairperson Locke stated this item was placed on the agenda primarily for discussion. Superintendent �- Richmond stated Director Williams forwarded complaints to the Assistant Public Works Director, Frank Erbacher, and complaints have since been forwarded to State Lands. Assistant Director Erbacher has indicated that the "Lagoon" is owned by State Lands but the properties that back up to it are responsible for the maintenance. Chairperson Locke stated that she is appalled by the trash in the area. Commissioner Lauder is wondering if the Department of Public Health should be contacted, particularly the area by "the boat." Chairperson Locke responded that any citizen could contact the Department of Public Health regarding issues of this kind. Decline of City Magnolia Trees in Sidewalk Repair Areas - Chairperson Locke stated this was added to the agenda because of growing concern over the decline of Magnolias where sidewalk repair and root cutting has occurred. Arborist Porter stated that many trees in Burlingame's Urban Forest are aged and are vulnerable to root excavation and new sod placement. Commissioner Rossi asked if it would be better to remove and replace a tree as opposed to trying to keep a struggling, aging tree alive. Arborist Porter stated that when sidewalk repair comes through any given area, he weighs the odds based on the trees existing condition and its abilitiy to sustain the root pruning and sometimes must recommend removal and replacement, but property owners often don't want the tree removed and choose to try to save it. Commissioner Rossi suggested it might be helpful to plant trees adjacent to the aged or declining tree a couple of years before removal occurs; this was done at his address because of the decline of a Locust tree in the City's planter strip. Commissioner Ellis stated that a more proactive approach of notifying residents that the City tree is in decline rather than waiting for the resident to call might be appropriate. Superintendent Richmond commented that Arborist Porter often identifies trees that need removal and then residents are notified and are offered the option of choosing the replacement tree. The Commission and staff further discussed contract sidewalk repair, Magnolia trees sensitivity to root pruning and possible solutions and alternatives to protect the Magnolia trees. Chairperson Locke stated that when the sidewalk repair came through her area they used Bob Cat equipment and ripped out large roots. She commented that the Commission may need to consider having the Magnolia `Samuel Sommers' on the Official Street Tree list due to the Magnolia's sensitivity to root pruning and the City's need to repair sidewalks. Arborist Porter stated that some consideration might be given to moving the Magnolia `Samuel Sommers' to the list that requires a larger planting strip. Commissioner McGowan stated that Ken Meyer, past owner/president of Mayne Tree Expert Company, commented that removal and replacement of concrete, and root pruning of Magnolia trees is more successful when performed in the Fall and Winter when it is cooler and rainy. Arborist Porter agreed that sidewalk repair around the Magnolias in the cooler, rainy weather would be preferable but scheduling that within such large contracts would be difficult. Commissioner Rossi thought that changing a contract to Winter would create many other problems, that, instead it might be better to hire experts to prune the roots of the Magnolias. NEW BUSINESS - Decline of City Magnolia Trees in Sidewalk Repair Areas (Contd.) - Arborist Porter explained that whenever root pruning occurs on the trees during sidewalk repair he advises the contractor as to what can and can't be cut. He added that he personally marks where the roots should be pruned; the contractor then cuts the roots with a machine that makes a clean cut, and then the matted roots are scraped out. Arborist Porter commented that last year's contractor was very good with following this procedure. Superintendent Richmond added, whenever possible, sidewalks are moved around the roots of the tree in order to prevent extensive root pruning. Commissioner Lauder asked if trees other than Magnolias are impacted. Arborist Porter stated that it is Magnolias that suffer the most. Camphors also suffer when their roots are pruned but usually respond to liquid fertilizing. Commissioner Lauder thought maybe the Official Street Tree list should be revisited with regard the Magnolias still being on the list. Arborist Porter stated that smaller varieties of Magnolias such as`St. Mary's' or `Little Gem' could go on the list for planter strips 3-6wide, while the larger `Russet' or `Samuel Sommers' could be on the list for planter strips 6wide and over. Following the discussion, Chairperson Locke asked that this item be continued to the October meeting and that the Commission discuss possible changes to the Official Street Tree list and also discuss making a recommendation that sidewalk repair around mature Magnolia trees be conducted during the Fall/Winter seasons. REPORTS Richmond - 1) Superintendent Richmond reported that the tree crew received training in pruning around electrical lines and all passed. 2) Over 100 trees were watered in August. Most had not been watered by property owners. 3) The two tree issues on Lorton Avenue, reported by Commissioner McGowan, were addressed. 4) Over 20 stumps were ground preparatory to Fall tree planting. 5) Timberline Tree Service, this year's contractor, will begin work in early September. 6) Parks Division crews began work on the overgrown vegetation by the trail West of the lagoon off 101. The water on the path was caused by a broken pipe, which was repaired by the Water Department. These issues were brought to our attention by Commissioner Webb. 7) The annual Bay Front (Coastal) Cleanup is scheduled for September 16 in the morning. 8) John Cahalan is close to completion of his final drawings for the California Drive planting project (South of Broadway). Locke - 1) At Hillside and Alvarado, the stones do not go all the way to the edge and the soil is eroding. She added that it appears to need about 3 more stones. Superintendent Richmond will report to Supervisor Disco. 2) The parking lot behind the Broadway Grocery is full of trash, particularly by the fence near the apartment building. Superintendent Richmond stated that lot is partially private and partially public but would inspect to see what can be done. Lauder - 1) Noted that two trees in the Trenton/Dwight Road area are in decline but will phone in addresses to the Park office. 2) Received a thank you card from Betty Ward in appreciation of the tree planting ceremony at Heritage Park in memory of Bill. El REPORTS - Lauder - (Contd..) - 4) Herman Ramirez, CalTrans, has been reassigned to Santa Clara but has assured that he would not abandon the 101 at Broadway triangle project; and that Mariko is in receipt of the plans and the proposed landscaping. Commissioner Lauder will continue to be in contact with Mariko. 4) The areas behind Broadway are dirty as well as the sidewalks on Burlingame Avenue; more attention needs to be given to these areas. Hesselgren - Noted that there is a lot of trash and garbage along the sound wall and cyclone fence on Rollins Road. Superintendent Richmond responded that the Parks Division has some responsibility in that area but cleanup is difficult due to the traffic. The Parks Division will address the issue. McGowan - 1) Noted that there are 3 Pine trees on the Burlingame High School property that are dead. Arborist Porter responded that those trees are the responsibility of the school and that he will be reporting those hazards to the school. 2) Burlingame Avenue at Lorton is very dirty; the alley behind LaPinata stinks; and the private parking lot next to Radio Shack is very trashy. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 7.30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary