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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1999.04.01OR BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION APRIL 1. 1999 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:34 p.m. by Chairman McGowan. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman McGowan, Commissioners Ellis, Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, Locke, Rossi and Ward Staff: Park Superintendent Richmond, Administrative Secretary Harvey, Parks & Recreation Director Williams, City Arborist Porter, and Parks Supervisor Disco Guests: Jack Friend, Jerry Deal, Chris Hughes, Burlingame Police Officer Shepley, John Bauer, and Ken Castle MINUTES - Minutes of the March 4, 1999 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Memo from City Manager regarding scheduling meetings for the Commissions to meet with the City Council to improve communication between commissions and council. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Dave Wachtel, Calif. Department of Forestry, thanking him for participating in the Arbor Day ceremony on March 5th at Pershing Park. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Elga Perez Rubio, thanking her for her presentation at the Spring Garden Seminar on March 6th. Memo from Sr. Landscape Inspector Quadri requesting the Commission schedule a public hearing to determine whether a permit should be issued to remove a large private Black Acacia tree that is part of a proposed new condominium development at 535 Almer Road. Letter from Henry Sorenson, 525 Almer Road, supporting the request to remove the Black Acacia tree at 535 Almer Road due to the poor physical shape and damage to the property at 525 Almer Road. Letter from Mayor Janney thanking Virginia Schinagl for her service on the Burlingame Beautification Commission. Letter from J.R. Ruggiero, 1624 Forestview Avenue, requesting an extension on his permit to meet tree replacement requirements because his wife cannot make up her mind where the replacement tree should go. Memo from Superintendent Richmond to the Commission regarding species selection, pattern, and corner treatment for the replacement trees on Broadway. Copy of letter from Inspector Quadri denying an application for a permit to remove a private Eucalyptus tree at 1807 Sebastian Drive. 1 CORRESPONDENCE (Contd.) Letter from Aileen Fisher, 1807 Sebastian Drive, appealing the denial for a permit to remove a private --1 Eucalyptus tree because of damage caused to her private property. Memo from City Attorney Anderson to the Commission regarding: Suggested Amendments and Questions on Chapter 3.28--Beautification Commission. Letter from the Beautification Commission to Liane Buhs, expressing their condolences in the death of her husband and Park Maintenance Worker, Stephen Buhs. OLD BUSINESS Beautification Commission Ordinance (3.28) - Superintendent Richmond reported that a memo from the City Attorney regarding possible revisions to the ordinance had been provided in their Commission packets. Commissioner Locke stated that the Committee has not met and has not had an opportunity to review the City Attorney's comments. After the Commission briefly discussed some possible changes, Commissioner Locke asked that the discussion on this item be postponed to the next meeting (which would be after the Commission's May 3rd meeting with the Council) to allow a chance to review the City Attorney's memorandum. Commission agreed to postpone this item to the May 6th meeting. Chairman McGowan recommended the order of agenda be changed to accommodate P. G. &E. representative, Chris Hughes and Burlingame Police Officer Shepley. NEW BUSINESS P.G.&E. Proposal to Remove Casuarina Trees on Eastside California Drive - Superintendent Richmond stated P.G.&E. is proposing to remove the Casuarina trees on California Drive, North of Broadway to Dufferin. Trees are located on the Eastside of California Drive and are on San Francisco Water property; the City of San Francisco is indifferent with regard to P.G.&E's request to remove the trees but referred P.G.&E. to the City of Burlingame because the trees are in Burlingame. Superintendent Richmond stated that staff has agreed to refer this item to the Commission because of the significant visual impact to adjacent property owners due to the loss of the visual screen of the railroad tracks and backs of buildings in the industrial area. Chris Hughes, P.G.& E. representative, stated that the trees are routinely topped by P.G.&E. more than once a year. He added that Leptospermum shrubs that exist under the trees, would remain and provide an ample screen. Trees would be removed in stages such as 50% now and then 50% one year later. Where the removal would cause a "hole" or gap because there are no shrubs, the trees would remain. Mr. Hughes added the Police Department is in favor of the removal of these trees because the area is so dense that people hide out in the area. Officer Shepley submitted pictures of homeless encampments found in the area and commented that the area is unsafe. He added that there are sexual assaults between the homeless, fires, juvenile vandals throwing things at trains, and other undersirable activities occuring in this area. 2 NEW BUSINESS P G &E Proposal to Remove Casuarina Trees on Eastside California Drive ---(Contd.) - Commissioner Locke asked if all the trees North of Dufferin would be removed because of the BART tail track. Director Williams stated that if the BART tail tracks are built in Burlingame, the trees/shrubs North of Dufferin will all be gone in 5 years. City Council aproved a relandscaping plan between Murchison Drive and Dufferin Avenue in 1998. Chairman McGowan added that the Eucalyptus trees in the tail track area are also slated for removal. Commissioner Locke stated that, aesthetically, the Casuarina trees look pretty "ratty" and "goofy" but that she is concerned about losing the visual barrier they provide. Chairman McGowan added the residents across the street may have concerns about the removal of the trees because they screen them from the trains. He asked if the City maintains the trees. Superintendent Richmond stated that the City crews hedge back the trees to the curb for vehicular safety clearance. Commissioner Rossi asked if the Commission had the authority to deny the request. Superintendent Richmond commented that several years ago the Joint Powers Board had requested the removal of several protected trees located on City property at the North end of California Drive near the Millbrae CalTrain station and parking lot. The Commission denied the request and the City Council denied the JPB's appeal to the denial. Director Williams added that P.G.&E. has not made an application to remove the trees, but he suggested that a public meeting be held to give all interested persons an opportunity to comment on P.G.&E.'s proposal. Commissioner Locke suggested that the adjacent residents be notified of the proposal and invited to comment at the May 6th Commission meeting. She added that it should be made clear that the proposal to remove the trees comes from P.G.&E.; the safety issue, presented by Officer Shepley, is secondary. The Commission agreed to carry this item over to the May 6th Commission meeting. Director Williams stated that the residents living adjacent to California Drive would be notified and invited to comment at the next meeting. OLD BUSINESS Renovation of City property at Westside Alvarado and Hillside Drive - Superintendent Richmond introduced Supervisor Disco and asked him to update the Commission on the renovation project now underway. Supervisor Disco commented that the project has gone well and that some planting will begin in April, with the anticipation of completing the project sometime in May. He added that he has had contact with the adjacent neighbors and that plans for some kind of fencing on top of the brick wall are being discussed. Commissioner Locke thanked Supervisor Disco for all the work being done in this area. Street Tree Planting Westside California Dr./Broadway to Burlingame Ave. - Superintendent Richmond reported that Arborist Porter had counted 75 possible planting sites on California Drive, 50 of which would require saw cutting at an approximate cost of $125 per site. Superintendent Richmond stated that this project would be fairly labor intensive, would need to be coordinated with the Public Works Department, and would need to be funded. He added that the Parks Division is just able to keep up with the residential planting of 200+ trees a year and that currently, residents and businesses are required to pay for the saw cutting for a tree well. M Street Tree Planting Westside California Dr Broadway to Burlingame Ave - (Contd.) - Superintendent Richmond reported that the owner of Christie's Restaurant recently contacted the department asking about the process to have a tree planted in front of his restaurant. Subsequently, the owner applied for an encroachment permit with Public Works, hired a private contractor to saw cut the sidewalk, and has chosen a tree that the Parks Division will plant in April. The Commission discussed different approaches. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that an ongoing tree planting program in the area could be established. Arborist Porter suggested that those that have open sites could be sent letters explaining that the City will plant a tree for free; this might then encourage other businesses in the area to request a tree. Superintendent Richmond stated that the businesses would also need to cooperate in order to guarantee the tree's survival. Chairman McGowan stated that many businesses do not want trees because they intefere with signage. Chairman Locke commented that there are certain species that would be more appropriate for that area. Arborist Porter responded that species that have a more more upright form would be suitable for the area. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that the same sequence of tree planting on Broadway could also be used along California Drive. Following the discussion, the Commission agreed to continue this item to the May 6th meeting. Selection of Replacement Trees on Broadway - Superintendent Richmond noted that Director Williams was asked by Public Works Director Bagdon to assist in the selection of replacement trees on Broadway and that the Commission agreed in March to participate in the selection process. Director Williams memo suggests that, after the Commission has made some preliminary recommendations, the discussion be opened up to the public and that the Broadway Improvement District be invited to respond. Superintendent Richmond then directed the Commission to his memo and the packet with 8 possible tree species to consider. He added that the Commission may also want to decide on some sort of planting pattern with special consideration to the trees planted in the corner bulb outs. Following a brief discussion, Chairman McGowan suggested that the Commission review the information, try to narrow down the species list to three or four trees, and continue this item to the May 6th meeting. The Commission agreed. NEW BUSINESS Application to Remove Private Black Acacia Tree at 535 Almer Road Chairman McGowan asked if anyone was present to speak in favor or against the permit application. John Bauer, President of the homeowners association at 525 Almer Road speaking in favor of the permit application, stated the Black Acacia tree has a crack half way up the tree, overshadows their condominium property at 525 Almer Road, is beginning to crack the retaining wall at the same address, and that racoons climb the tree and jump on the roof. There were no further comments. Chairman McGowan (referring to the Sr. Landscape Inspector Quadri's memo) set a hearing for the May 6th Commission meeting. E Request for Extension to Meet Tree Replacement Requirements k 1624 Forestview Avenue Superintendent Richmond stated Mr. Ruggiero requests an extension on his permit because his wife cannot decide on the location of the replacement tree. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that this would be the second extension on this permit and the owner has had one full year to plant a tree. She moved that an extension not be granted. There being no second to the motion, Commissioner Gilmore -Friend withdrew her motion. The Commission further discussed what might be a reasonable amount of time to plant a tree. Following the discussion, Commissioner Ward moved that the permit be extended for two months, to June 15, 1999; seconded (Locke). Motion carried 6-0-1 (absent/Ellis left early). REPORTS - Richmond - Reported that the Spring planting of over 100 street trees has begun. Lauder - Reported that Arbor Day was lovely, the new Weeping Willows look pretty, and she enjoyed the children's presentations. Locke - Commissioner Locke stated that the triangle median at Rollins Road and Broadway is full of weeds and debris, the sign has been hit and is eskew, and generally looks awful. She asked if a volunteer group could work in that area. Director Williams stated CalTrans will only contract for larger parcels. He added he would contact CalTrans regarding cleanup issues. Rossi - Commissioner Rossi reported that he met the tree crew as they were planting a tree in his planter strip. He stated they were very helpful and knowledgable. McGowan - Reported that the Spring Garden Seminar was a pleasure and thanked Superintendent Richmond and Secretary Harvey for all the arrangements. He added that speaker Elga Perez Rubio was very appreciative and enjoyed the day. FROM THE FLOOR - Ken Castle stated that with regard to the selection of the Broadway trees and holding a public forum, the Commission should consider using the Council Chambers and encourage the Council to attend. He stated that he felt it was ironic that the commission that recommended a public hearing be held for the removal of the Magnolia's on Broadway, be the same body invited to choose the replacement trees. He also fees that it is ironic that the Parks & Recreation Department has been asked to be involved at this time, when their expertise was not called on prior to this. In conclusion, he reported that the City of Burlingame has now filed a document with the County that renders the City exempt from the need to prepare an environmental impact report on the Broadway renovation process. Respectfully submitted, Karle e Harvey Recording Secretary E