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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2000.10.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 5.2000 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, Lauder, McGowan, and Rossi Absent: Commissioners Webb and Hesselgren Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Williams, Public Works Superintendent Scott, Parks Superintendent Richmond, Recreation Superintendent Schwartz, Arborist Porter Guests: Jeff Eliason, Dorothy Katz, Elyse Steinberger MINUTES - The minutes were approved with one correction: Chairperson Locke noted that p.3, line 7 should read "...she is appalled by the trash in general." CORRESPONDENCE Letters from Park Superintendent Richmond to the Steinbergers and Eliasons advising them of the public hearing to be held October 5, 2000. Letters from Mayor O'Mahony to Commissioners Locke and Lauder advising them of their reappointment to another term on the Commission. FROM THE FLOOR No comments. OLD BUSINESS Anneal of Permitted Removal of Private Black Acacia - Chairperson Locke opened the public hearing on the appeal of the permit to remove the tree at 400 Dwight Road. City Arborist Porter reported that he had approved the removal based primarily on the structural defects of the tree. Arborist Porter reminded the Commission that he only inspects for structural defects, health issues, and property damage. He does not base his recommendations on aesthetic issues, which may or may not be valid. Commissioner Rossi asked what was wrong with the structure. Arborist Porter noted that the tree has multiple trunks that are poorly attached. This creates hazards and likely limb failure. He added that the problem was worsened by the topping of the tree for line clearance. Arborist Porter added that a Black Acacia is a poor choice for this situation; the species is prone to failure. Commissioner Rossi asked what frequency of pruning would be necessary to keep the tree safe. Arborist Porter estimated that heavy pruning every two years would be necessary. Chairperson Locke summarized the elements of the letter from the Eliasons protesting the intention to permit removal. Chairperson Locke closed the questions for Staff and opened the hearing to public comment. Jeff Eliason spoke in opposition to removal of the tree. His property adjoins the 400 Dwight \.. property in the rear. Mr. Eliason summarized the extensive landscaping upgrades that he has ''IN -1 W made to his property. He makes frequent use of his yard. The tree in question is "a gorgeous �-- tree that is decades old. It is part of the ambience of the neighborhood and his yard." The tree provides privacy to his yard and it screens wind and road noise from his yard. He claimed that the removal would leave a "gaping hole." Mr. Eliason cited his landscaper, who claimed that the area under the tree could be landscaped by root pruning, installing root barriers, terracing and importing soil. Chairperson Locke recognized Elyse Steinberger, who requested the permit to remove the tree. Ms. Steinberger cited a letter from her landscaper. The letter identified Black Acacias as weed trees with invasive root systems, which make landscaping beneath them virtually impossible. She claimed that the tree makes her yard unusable and that she wishes to replace the tree with "a beautiful tree." Chairperson Locke closed the public comment portion of the hearing. Commissioner Ellis wondered about the age of the tree. Arborist Porter guessed 50-60 years with an expectancy of perhaps 100. Ellis also noted an irregularity in the bark. Arborist Porter said that he saw no disease problem in the tree. Commissioner McGowan commented that the tree is inappropriate to the scale of the yard. He said that Acacias tend to fall more readily in high winds, that gardening beneath them is virtually impossible, and that currently the property owners can't enjoy their back yard, as can their neighbor. He supports removal. Commissioner Ellis noted the heavy branches growing straight out. Commissioner Rossi commented that he supported removal based solely on the liability issues created by the poor structure. He found no precedent for removing based on a root problem. Chairperson Locke added that she had spoken with a third neighbor when she inspected the tree. That neighbor supports removal; his kitchen is in continuous darkness because of the tree. Locke empathizes with the privacy issue and with the landscaping problems caused by the roots. She supports removal but questioned Arborist Porter's intent to require no replacement tree. Arborist Porter noted that the yard was heavily planted but that he had no problem with reinstating a planting requirement. Commissioner Rossi moved: To deny the appeal because of the structural defects of the tree and to reinstate the normal replanting requirements of the Permit. Seconded by Commissioner McGowan. Approved 5-0-2 (Commisioners Webb and Hesselgren absent). Chairperson Locke informed Mr. Eliason of his right to appeal the decision to Council in writing within 10 calendar days. In order to accommodate guests Chairperson Locke moved to New Business. NEW BUSINESS \.. Informational report from Public Works Superintendent Phil Scott - Chairperson Locke welcomed Superintendent Scott, who introduced himself and described his responsibilities. `-- Superintendent Scott focused on the role of his Department in cleaning Burlingame Avenue and Broadway Avenue business districts. Scott described the cleaning schedule and the components of it. He distinguished his crews' responsibilities from those of BFI. He noted that the Department had just purchased a small sweeper that should make for better cleaning around bulb outs. Scott fielded a number of questions from the commissioners, some specific, some general. The Commission speculated about ways —both regulatory and voluntary —to encourage greater community pride in the business districts. Commissioner McGowan asked that Staff find out if merchants are obligated to clean the sidewalks fronting their businesses. Superintendent Richmond said that he would inquire. Chairperson Locke thanked Superintendent Scott for taking the time to address the Commission. NEW BUSINESS Newsrack Ordinance update from Recreation Superintendent Randv Schwartz - Chairperson Locke recognized Recreation Superintendent Schwartz. Schwartz described changes in the newsrack ordinance. He described the modular requirements for racks on Burlingame Avenue and Broadway Avenue. He described the permitting process, the oversight committee, and the appeal procedure. He noted that First Amendment Rights constrain the ordinance. Schwartz answered questions from the commissioners. He distributed a memorandum that he had sent to all vendors in Burlingame. Chairperson Locke thanked Superintendent Schwartz for his presentation. OLD BUSINESS Decline of City Magnolias in Sidewalk Repair Areas - Chairperson Locke recognized City Arborist Porter. Porter informed the Commission of a recommended change on the current planting list for trees under utilities. He recommended specifying a 6' planting strip for any magnolias planted under utilities. He further recommended that the "Little Gem" variety be added to the list. Commissioner McGowan moved: To recommend to the Director of Parks & Recreation that Magnolias under utilities only be planted in 6' or wider planting spaces and that "Little Gem" Magnolias be added to the approved planting list. Seconded by Commissioner Rossi. Approved 5-0-2 (Commissioners Webb and Hesselgren absent). The Commission revisited last month's discussion of reasons for the decline in Magnolias in the Hillside Drive area. Commissioners wondered about the authority of Arborist Porter to order removal of severely declining trees. Superintendent Richmond said that the City Tree Ordinance empowers the Director of Parks & Recreation to order the removal of street trees when appropriate. Arborist Porter reviewed common reasons for the decline of Magnolias. NEW BUSINESS Arbor Day/Spring Garden Seminar �. Superintendent Richmond asked that the Commission set a date for the annual Spring Garden �7 Seminar, so that it can be published in the Recreation Brochure. After discussion the Commission selected March 24, 2001. The Commission also discussed possible speakers. The Commission decided to ask City Arborist Steve Porter to speak. Commissioner Will McGowan will speak if Porter is unavailable. No site for the March 6, 2001 Arbor Day ceremony has been selected to date. REPORTS Richmond- 1) The Ordinance changes drafted by the City Attorney at the suggestion of the Commission take effect today (October 5). 2) The City Tree Crew is progressing east from Alvarado Avenue in a grid pruning program. The intent is for every City tree to be pruned or inspected in a timely rotation. The Crew has moved to the vicinity of Columbus Avenue since beginning the program this Summer. Lauder - Gave an update on the 101Broadway CalTrans landscape project. Reported on the personnel changes at CalTrans and how that might affect the project. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tim Richmond 17 --'— 1?/ Parks Superintendent