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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1999.05.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MAY 6, 1999 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman McGowan. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman McGowan, Commissioners Ellis, Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, Locke, and Rossi Staff: Park Superintendent Richmond, Administrative Secretary Harvey, Parks & Recreation Director Williams, City Arborist Porter, and Landscape Inspector Quadri Guests: Residents from California Drive area, Carolyn Abate (Independent Newspaper), Chris Hughes (P.G.&E.), and Jack Friend. MINUTES - Minutes of the April 1, 1999 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Inspector Quadri to Joan Lutz informing her that the request to remove one protected Black Acacia at 535 Almer Road would be reviewed at the May 6th Commission meeting. Letter from Inspector Quadri to J.R. Ruggiero, 1624 Forest View, informing him that the Commission approved the extension on their protected tree removal permit only to June 15, 1999 because there had already been ample time to decide where to put a replacement tree. Letter from Inspector Quadri to Aileen Fisher, 1807 Sebastian, informing her that her appeal of the denial to remove one protected Eucalyptus tree would be reviewed at the May 6th Commission meeting. Letter from Superintendent Richmond to California Drive Residents informing them of P.G.&E.'s proposal to remove the Casuarina trees on the east side of California Drive and noting that, the City has no formal jurisdiction because the trees are on San Francisco Water property. Superintendent Richmond's letter stated that the Beautification Commission would provide a forum for information and public opinion at the May 6th Commission meeting. Memo from Inspector Quadri requesting the Commission's direction on a request to remove 6 protected Eucalyptus trees at 524 El Camino. Memo from Director Williams reminding the Commission of the special meeting with Council on May 3 rd. P.G.&E. document (submitted by Robert Church, 1101 Oxford), regarding Rule 20 -- Replacement of Overhead with Underground Electric Facilities. Copy of Memo to Council from Director of Public Works Director Bagdon regarding revising the Broadway Streetscape Project Schedule to begin next year. OR CORRESPONDENCE - (Contd.) Letter from Juli Devincenzi, 1446 Capuchino, requesting an extension on their protected tree removal because their home is still under construction. Memo from Director Williams to Council and Commission regarding current issues before the Commission that could be discussed at the joint meeting on May 3rd. Copy of E-mail from Cesar and Patty Carozzi opposing P.G.&E.'s proposal to remove the Casuarina trees on the east side of California Drive. Letter from Clerk Malfatti to Commissioner Bill Ward informing him that the Council and Commission observed a moment of silence and adjourned their meetings in his honor with regard to his difficult struggles with health at this time. FROM THE FLOOR - There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Permit Application to Remove Private Black Acacia Tree & 535 Almer Rd. - Inspector Quadri stated that the tree is located on a property that has been before the Planning Commission for a proposed condominium project. Quadri stated he is asking the Commission to review this permit application for the following reasons: 1) The Negative Declaration submitted by the applicant shows the trees on the property as being saved but the plans that have been submitted shows the Black Acacia as being removed; and 2) There have been concerns in the community with regard to large trees being removed during construction projects. .-*N Commissioner Lauder, referring to the letter from 525 Almer in favor of removal, asked about the reference to the crack or weakening in the crotch of the tree. Quadri stated that the applicant's Arborist report states that the crack or weakening in the crotch could be remedied by heavy pruning and cabling. Chairman McGowan asked the audience if anyone wanted to address this issue. John Bauer, President of Sandpiper West, 525 Almer Road, stated the crack is 45 feet up and the tree leans toward his building. The tree roots have caused a crack in the retaining wall of the underground parking garage and the Black Acacia is messy and clogs the drains. Sandpiper's Arborist report states that the tree should be removed and that removal will allow more room for the adjacent Oak tree to grow. He added that the contractor and property owner have agreed to the removal. Dr. Sahtouris, 1477 Floribunda, stated the tree is "magnificent" and that her balcony looks out onto the tree. The tree's crown is very large and could be trimmed. She noted that the developer originally agreed that they would build on the property without removing the tree. She added that she came to Burlingame because of the trees and that she strongly urges against the removal of this elder tree. Mr. Sorenson, 525 Almer Road, stated that the view from his condominium offers the most dominating view of the tree. The tree darkens his condo and encroaches over property line by 40 feet. He commented that he would be satisfied if the tree was trimmed back and the roots pruned to 2 Permit Application to Remove Private Black Acacia Tree a& 535 Almer Road (Contd.) - stop the damage. But, he added, the Sandpiper's Arborist report from McClenahan Tree Service said the split that is 40 feet up the tree constitutes a hazard. Chairman McGowan stated that Black Acacias life span is 70-90 years and are often referred to as weed trees. He noted that removal of the Black Acacia would allow for the Oak tree to grow better. Commissioner Ellis asked Inspector Quadri asked if replacement trees would be required. Quadri stated that, based on the lot size, a total of five trees on the property would be required before the project is finaled. Commission discussed the tree damage to neighboring property; alternatives to removal; and the affects on the tree during construction. Inspector Quadri advised that the tree is a mature healthy tree and neighbors do have the right to cut back roots and limbs to the property line, providing it does not kill the tree. Commissioner Rossi asked if the Commission can increase the size of the required replacement trees to a 36-inch box size. Inspector Quadri stated "yes." Following the discussion, Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved that, due to the health of the tree, the damage to the property at 525 Almer Road, and the fact that the tree is near the end of it's life span, a permit be issued for the removal of the tree, with the condition that all four replacement trees be 36-inch box size; seconded (Rossi). Motion carried 6 - 0 -1 (absent/Ward). Chairman McGowan stated that this item can be appealed to the City Council, Appeal of Denial for Permit to Remove Private Eucalyptus Tree & 1807 Sebastian - Inspector �- Quadri stated that he denied this permit request because the tree is healthy and the damage caused to the property by the tree is minimal. He added that he would like the Commission to define more clearly the types and amount of property damage that warrants the removal of a healthy protected tree, i.e., damage to the house foundation is justifiable, but do cracks or the lifting of hardscape warrant the removal of a health protected tree? The City sidewalk, in this case, is not a consideration because the City pays for the sidewalk repairs. Aileen Fisher (1807 Sebastian) stated that she purchased the property in 1971 and has been required by the City to repair the sidewalk twice and that the tree has also cracked her private walkway. She added that she would agree to replace the tree. Commissioner Ellis commented that she believes removal would be a detriment to the neighborhood and Commissioner Lauder responded that the tree is magnificent. Commissioner Locke noted that the Commission should decide that, if trees are just a nuisance the removal is not justified; however, if the trees are causing damage to property, removal may be justified. Inspector Quadri stated the degree of damage to property needs to be more clearly defined. Commissioner Rossi stated the Commission should discuss that issue at length on a future agenda. Commissioner McGowan reported that the property owner indicated to him that when the driveway was replaced, the roots were not pruned. He added that many of the driveways are cracked in that neighborhood but that root pruning to prevent further damage might be a solution. 1 3 Appeal of Denial for Permit to Remove Private Eucalyptus Tree na 1807 Sebastian - (Contd.) Commissioner Locke asked Inspector Quadri if root pruning could prevent further damage. Inspector Quadri responded that the Commission could require an Arborist Report (with regard to the roots) to back the applicant's contention. Commissioner Rossi moved that the appeal be denied because the damage does not appear to be significant to warrant removal, seconded (Ellis). Motion carried 6 - 0 -1 (Absent/Ward). P.G.&E. Proposal to Remove Casuarina Trees on the East side of California Drive - Superintendent Richmond stated that P.G.&E. representative Chris Hughes contacted the Parks Division with a proposal to remove the Casuarina trees on the East side of California Drive (Lincoln to Dufferin) because the trees need to be routinely topped by P.G.& E. more than once a year under the primary utilities. The trees are located on the City of San Francisco Water property. Arborist Porter recommended that the proposal be presented to the Beautification Commission. Since the City has no formal jurisdiction over the trees, the Commission recommended at the April 1 st meeting that California Drive residents be notified of the proposal and that a forum for information and public opinion would be held at the May 6 Beautification Commission meeting. P.G.&E. representative Chris Hughes stated that Casuarina trees are fast growing and require constant pruning in order to prevent fires and outages. He added that the Burlingame Police Department is interested in the removal so they can readily patrol the area for vagrants. Bob Church, 1101 Oxford Road, commented that the trees were planted years ago by the Parks Department; that P.G.&E. has budgeted funds for under grounding the lines; the trees only grow 6-8 inches a year and P.G.&E. keeps them 6-10 feet below the lines. He added, that the property has been abandoned for 60 years and the City could claim it as a right of public domain. Mark Grancolis, 1432 Alvarado, stated that the newspaper article he recently read stated, that the City of Burlingame is beautiful and a gem of the Peninsula but the power lines are all above ground. He added that P.G.&E. has funds for under grounding power lines and that the trees should not be removed. Geraldine O'Connell, 1536 Eastmoor, remarked that the quality of life would be deeply affected if the trees were removed; that there is no plan to replace the trees and that P.G.&E. needs to respect this City's values and continue the program of trimming the trees. She added that she had called the Police Chief and he did not agree with what was proposed by the officer at the last Commission meeting. Chairman McGowan confirmed to Mrs. O'Connell that Officer Shepley's comments at the last meeting appeared to represent the Police Department's concerns. Mr. Hoagley, 1341 California Drive, stated that property values will decrease in the area if the visual barrier is removed; that residents will be looking at the train tracks and the backs of the industrial buildings. He added that the trimming of the trees by P.G.&E. is just the cost of doing business. Karen Perry, 1521 California Drive, commented that during the City's project for the new sewer system, tractors parked on the east side of California Drive and what was once a 4 foot gap is now a 30 foot wide gap. From her residence she can now see the trains, huts, and flashing lights. 4 P G &E Proposal to Remove Casuarina Trees on the East side of California Drive - (Contd.) She stated that the employees from the industrial area on North Carolan now park in this area and walk across the railroad tracks. She added that the Police Department should does not need to patrol there because the area is completely patrolled by AMTRAK police. Nasir Amassi, 1325 California Drive, suggested that P.G.&E. should be required to submit an Environmental Impact Report with regard to erosion, drainage, and the increased noise in the area. He stated that he does not believe it is reasonable to remove these trees. Harriette Fitzpatrick, 1100 Clovelly, stated that the trees were originally planted to provide a screen and a barrier for the adjacent properties and that BART will be coming to the area; the trees are needed for a noise and visual barrier. She added, that the whole neighborhood is being forgotten by the City because this area is considered the poor section of Burlingame. Robert Galassi, 1427 California Drive, commented that prior to the storm drain repairs residents could barely see the industrial area across the tracks. During the project a large crane made a 30 foot wide gap in the area. He added that P.G.&E. should move the power lines "down under" and that the City should add trees to fill in the gaps along the area. Olen Simon, 1451 California Drive, remarked that P.G.& E. knew at the time that the trees were planted there and accepted the risk then; there has been no proposal to replant. Mr. Simon feels P.G.&E. is taking the least expensive route. Darren Scoffield, 1152 Oxford Road, suggested that residents in the area should get organized and promote increased landscaping on the east side of California Drive. He noted that there are more and more gaps occurring in the barrier. He commented that the Police Departments concerns about vagrants and crime in the area will not be eliminated by eliminating the trees. He added that the City needs to look at the big issue with BART coming into the area and how that will significantly impact area residents. Becky Haseleu, 232 Stanley, stated the trees reduced noise and provide beauty to the area. She added that P.G.&E. should underground the lines or prune the trees. She stated that many neighborhoods in Burlingame have pushed for the under grounding of lines. Bob Church, 1101 Oxford Road, stated, in response to the Police Department's concern regarding the homeless; that about 4 or 5 homeless in the area use his water and they are not that bad. He added that he feels people should be more considerate of the situations some people find themselves in. P.G.&E. representative Chris Hughes confirmed that P.G.&E. does set aside monies for under grounding lines in frequently traveled areas, but stated that it is up to the people promotoe that program. Chairman McGowan stated that there was obvious overwhelming objection to the removal of the tree barrier; that under grounding the power lines or continued trimming of the trees be the only options considered by P.G.&E. Chairman McGowan suggested that P.G.&E. also consider the use of growth regulators that the Commission had previously approved on the use of some City -owned trees. Chris Hughes responded that due to the dry nature of the ground in that area, the growth regulator would not work in this area. P G &E Proposal to Remove Casuarina Trees on the East side of California Drive - (Contd.) Inspector Quadri stated that P.G.&E. began a lengthy process some years ago, proposing the use of growth regulators on City's trees on Bloomfield, but then never completed the process. He added that he hopes that will not occur again. Commissioner Locke stated that she appreciates that P. G. &E. has come to the Commission with this proposal in a cooperative spirit knowing that the land is not the City's jurisdiction, but moved that the Commission strongly recommends against the removal of the Casuarina's trees; and that, P. G. &E explore alternative methods to deal with the trees growth by under grounding the power lines or by the use of growth regulators as a second alternative; seconded (Lauder). Motion carried 6 - 0 -1 (Absent/Ward). Selection of Replacement Trees on Broadwu - The Commission discussed the project; the extension on the start date of the project; notification of the BID; and agreed that discusssion of this item be postponed to the next Commission meeting. Street Tree Planting Westside California Dr./Broadway to Burlingame Ave. - Chairman McGowan stated this item came up briefly at the joint meeting with the Council. Director Williams stated that if the Commission is interested in pursuing this project, staff will develop a project proposal and submit it to the Commission for review. Commissioner Rossi stated that the project needs to be user friendly for the businesses/residents in the area and should include a list of trees and pictures and a time table but that, the project could be portioned out over time. Commissioner Locke added the proposal should eliminate the steps and appropriations usually required for tree planting in business areas. Commissioner Ellis suggested that the same planting sequence recommended for Broadway might be considered. Director Williams replied that staff '\ would consider the stated recommendations and begin developing a proposal for the Commission's review. _Beautification Commission Ordinance (3.28� - Commissioner Ellis suggested that the suggested changes be incorporated into the existing ordinance to assist the Commission in their consideration. Commissioner Locke stated that she met briefly with the City Attorney and would like the committee to reconvene to discuss the City Attorney's comments and then report back to the Commission at the June 3 Commission meeting. The committee will reconvene and the Commission agreed to continue this item to the next Commission meeting. NEW BUSINESS Request for Extension on Permit in Order to Meet Planting Requirements &1446 Capuchino Avenue - Superintendent Richmond reported that the property owners have requested an extension because their home is still under construction. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved to grant a six month extension on the permit; seconded (Lauder). Motion carried 6 - 0 - I (Absent/Ward). Permit Application to Remove Six Eucalyptus Trees & 524 El Camino Real - Superintendent Richmond reported that Inspector Quadri has referred this application to remove six protected Eucalyptus trees to the Commission and has asked the Commission to schedule a public hearing for the June 3 Commission meeting. Commission agreed and set hearing for June 3. "1 G REPORTS - Richmond - 1) The tree pruning contractor is completing Eucalyptus trimming along the railroad tracks near the donut shop and have done a good job during this fiscal year. A new tree pruning contract will go out to bid in the upcoming fiscal year. 2) The Spring tree planting is about 75% complete. 3) Job offers have gone out for two new Tree Workers, one Parks Maintenance Worker, and one Grounds Equipment Repair worker. 4) The atrium at the Recreation Center has been recently renovated by the Park workers. 5) CalTrans has removed 13 Eucalyptus trees on El Camino Real that have been hit frequently by vehicles and one Elm tree infected with Dutch Elm Disease. Visually the initial impact has been dramatic, but tree stumps will be studied for disease/rot and the trees will be replaced. Commissioner Locke asked if the City Arborist could find out specifically when the tree replacement will occur because many residents approach the Commission with these kinds of questions. Arborist Porter stated he would get a specific date from John Stepp of CalTrans. He added, that Mr. Stepp is doing a professional job of documenting the scientific methods used to evaluate the conditions of the trees. Locke - Asked if a defoliant had been sprayed and what the progress was at the Alvarado/Hillside Drive project. Superintendent Richmond stated that not much work had been done there in the past month but believed there had been some weed spraying. He added that more work is being planned for the month of May. Commissioner Locke asked if Director Williams has heard from CalTrans regarding the Broadway triangle at the entrance to Burlingame. Director Williams indicated that he has had no response. �. Commissioner Locke asked that this item be placed on the next meetings agenda. McGowan - Reported to Arborist Porter that mulch is still piled up around the newly planted trees on El Camino. Arborist Porter responded that he would remind John Stepp of CalTrans when he sees him. Chairman McGowan stated that it was good to meet with the City Council but he wished they could have had up to an hour to meet jointly. Commissioner Locke suggested that, in addition to looking at the short term business of the Commission, it would be good to look at the long term business of the Commission and the direction the Council would like the Commission to go. There being no further business, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, MAI Wr Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 7