HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1999.06.03BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
TUNE 3. 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
Absent: Commissioner Ward
Staff: Park Superintendent Richmond, Administrative Secretary Harvey, and Landscape
Inspector Quadri
Guests: Denis and Katie O'Brien
NUN UTES - The minutes of the May 6, 1999 meeting were corrected to read under Old Business -
Permit Application To remove Private Black Acacia Tree @ 535 Almer Road (page 2, paragraph
5): Dr. Sahtouris, 1477 Floribunda, stated the tree is "magnificent", could be hundreds of years
old, and could continue to live, for a long time. Her balcony looks out onto the tree; corrected to
read under Appeal of Denial for Permit to Remove Private Eucalyptus Tree @ 1807 Sebastian
(page 3, paragraph 5): He (Commissioner McGowan) added that many of the driveways are cracked
in that neighborhood perhaps due to soil settlement on that engineered hillside, but that root
pruning to prevent further damage might be a solution; and corrected to read under P. G. &E.
Proposal to Remove Casuarina Trees on the East side of California Drive (page 5, paragraph 9):
but he (Chris Hughes) stated that it is up to the people to promote that program.
The minutes of the May 6, 1999 were approved as corrected.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter(s) from Inspector Quadri to properties adjacent to 524 El Camino Real informing owners
that the Beautification Commission received a permit application for the removal of six protected
Eucalyptus trees at 524 El Camino Real and that the Commission would review the matter at its
June 3, 1999 meeting.
Letter to Aileen Fisher, informing her that the Beautification Commission denied her appeal for the
removal of one Eucalyptus tree at 1807 Sebastian Drive at the May 6th meeting.
Letter(s) from Elisabet Sahtouris and Fradelle Krulevitch, 1477 Floribunda Avenue, appealing the
May 6th decision of the Beautification Commission to allow the removal and replacement of a
protected Black Acacia tree at 525 Almer.
Letter from the City Clerk to Elisabet Sahtouris, 1477 Floribunda Avenue, informing her that the City
Council scheduled a public hearing for June 7, 1999 regarding her appeal of the Beautification
Commissions decision to permit the removal of a protected Black Acacia tree at 525 Almer.
Memo from Chris Hughes, P.G.&E.'s Area Utility Arborist, informing the Commission of responses
he had received with regard to P.G.&E.'s intent to remove the Casuarina trees on the East side of
California Drive, North of Broadway.
11.1
CORRESPONDENCE (Contd.) -
Letter from Superintendent Richmond to Chris Hughes, P.G.&E.'s Area Utility Arborist, thanking
him for his attendance at the May 6th Commission meeting and noting that the Commission
unanimously passed a recommendation that the Casuarinas not be removed on the East side of
California Drive, but that growth regulators be considered instead.
Letter from Ruth Jacobs, 2965 Arguello, with a copy of an article from the May 19th Independent
Newspaper titled, A Plea to Save Trees Near Tracks - Residents Want City to Pay for Underground
Wires, and commenting that the Casuarinas on California Drive provide a screen from the commercial
area for the residents and does not understand why the practice of pruning cannot continue.
Letter from Inspector Quadri to John Coovert, 2300 Adeline Drive, informing him that due to the
large number of trees being requested for removal on the Sisters of Mercy property, the item had been
referred to the Beautification Commission for a public hearing to be scheduled at the next regularly
scheduled meeting of July 1 st.
Letter from Moree Requiver, 1433 California, stating several reasons why the Casuarinas on
California should not be removed and suggesting that P.G.&E. should instead reroute or underground
the power lines.
Memorandum from Director Williams to the Commission regarding the Status of Highway 101
OfframpBroadway Landscape Triangle.
Copy of Beautification Commission Ordinance, Chapter 3.28 submitted by Commissioner Locke with "1
changes recommended by the Committee.
FROM THE FLOOR - There were no comments from the floor.
OLD BUSINESS
Beautification Commission Ordinance (3.28) - Commissioner Locke reported on the proposed
Committee recommendations for the Commissions review and stated that some items of the ordinance
were left intact and other items were added. Commissioner Locke proceeded to explain some of the
modifications and adaptations.
Superintendent Richmond commented that the recommended changes were received two days before
this meeting. The Commission needs time to review and Director Williams wants an opportunity to
respond to the recommendations prior to the Commission making any final decisions. Superintendent
Richmond asked Attorney Anderson if he could comment on some of the proposed changes.
Attorney Anderson offered clarification of duties between the Parks and Recreation Commission and
the Beautification Commission. Inspector Quadri also stated that the Parks and Recreation
Commission deals primarily with activities in the parks, while the Beautification Commission primarily
deals with the trees in the City of Burlingame.
Attorney Anderson was asked to comment about the dismissal of Commissioners "without cause".
Attorney Anderson stated that in many ways Commissioners are like City Employees and have
constitutional rights. Employees are entitled to have hearings as to whether they can be dismissed
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OLD BUSINESS - Beautification Commission Ordinance (3,28)-(Contd.) -
or not. Attorney Anderson added that the wording in all the ordinances governing Commissions is
provided to eliminate the need for the Council to have hearings on the dismissal of a Commissioner.
Chairman McGowan asked Attorney Anderson to clarify the difference between the Commission
hearing from the public as opposed to talking about or advising the public. Attorney Anderson stated
the Commission is limited to giving advice, and should not respond with conclusions, but, rather,
should place the matter on a future agenda or refer to the appropriate staff.
Following the discussion, Chairman McGowan thanked Commissioner Locke and the Committee and
asked that the Commission review the proposed and changes and continue this item to the next
meeting.
Permit Application to Remove Sig Eucalyptus Trees 9 524 El Camino Real - Inspector Quadri
reported that the trees are adjacent to a project at 530 El Camino Real. When the plans were
approved by the Planning Commission, the developer was required to protect the trees during
development by following the recommendations of the Arborist report dated July 23, 1992 and by
complying with the Urban Reforestation Ordinance.
Commissioner Lauder noted that some of the items recommended in the Arborist report have not
been followed by the contractor; roots were not wrapped in burlap or kept wet. Commissioner Ellis
stated that the trench appears to be closer to the trees than the nine feet recommended in the Arborist
report.
Commissioner Locke asked Inspector Quadri if the trees had been compromised, due to the root
pruning, and if there was a potential risk. Inspector Quadri stated a current Arborist report would
be required to make that determination. Inspector Quadri added that if the contractor is responsible
for the necessary removal of these trees, then the contractor would be financially responsible for any
tree replacement costs and fines that may be levied.
Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated she was concerned about the stability of the trees.
Chairman McGowan recognized Mr. O'Brien and asked if he had any comments.
Mr. O'Brien commented that he had pictures of the excavation and submitted them to the
Commission for their review. Mr. O'Brien commented that there are no roots from the trees on the
530 El Camino Real side of the property and that no root pruning had been done. Mrs. O'Brien
stated that the roots from the trees have uplifted the pavement of the driveway at 524 El Camino Real
and that they are concerned about liability issues with their tenants walking and parking in the area.
She added that the trees lean toward their building and they plan to repave in the area. Mr. O'Brien
commented that bark also drops from the trees during storms.
Commissioner Locke asked Mr. O'Brien where replacement trees would be planted. Mr. O'Brien
stated that the trees are on the property line and he plans to plant a row of Italian Cypress trees on
the 530 El Camino Real side of the property; the developer then plans to put a retaining wall beyond
the trees.
OR
Permit Application to Remove Six Eucalyptus Trees 9 524 El Camino Real (Contd.)
Commissioner Locke asked how close cars will park to the Italian Cypress. Mr. O'Brien stated that
if the replacement trees are allowed to be planted on the 530 El Camino Real property, then the cars
at 524 El Camino Real would park about five feet away from the Italian Cypress.
Inspector Quadri was asked how many trees were required for the project at 530 El Camino Real.
Inspector Quadri stated that the developer is required to plant 22 trees before the project could
receive final approval.
Chairman McGowan noted that "skyline" trees are often preferred by condo and apartment dwellers
because they provide lush foliage and privacy. Commissioner Locke added that removal would create
a significant visual impact and it would take a long time to recreate the existing environment.
Commissioner Locke stated that before making a decision on granting removal of these trees she
would like to know from an expert if the trees are at risk. Chairman McGowan added that the
Arborist making an evaluation would also need to know about any planned paving or root cutting on
the 524 El Camino Real property side.
The Commission discussed allowing replacement trees to be planted on adjacent property. Inspector
Quadri stated that written permission of the adjacent property owner would be required.
Commissioner Ellis noted that some of the trees closer to El Camino may be saved because some of
the same conditions do not appear to exist.
"\
Mr. O'Brien added that if permission for removal is not granted now he will need to hold off removal
for awhile until after the concrete is poured, because there can be no vibration in the area until the
concrete has set.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved to grant that a permit be issued for
the removal and replacement of six Eucalyptus trees ; seconded (Rossi). Commission voted 2 - 2 -
2 (undecided) - 1 (absent); thus the motion failed.
Commissioner Locke then moved that the applicant be required to submit a current Arborist
Report before the next Commission meeting and that this item be continued for a revote at the
next meeting; seconded (Lauder). Commission voted 6 - 0 - I (absent).
Inspector Quadri informed the applicant that he would be notified in writing of the Commission's
decision and that this item would be continued to the next meeting. Applicant Mr. O'Brien asked
what he should do if he did not want to submit an Arborist report. He was reminded that the
motion's language was that "applicant be required to submit a current Arborist Report". Mr.
O'Brien then asked if he could appeal to the Council. Inspector Quadri stated that since the
Beautification Commission had not yet made a decision, he believed it could not be appealed at this
time, but would check with the City Attorney before notifying the applicant in writing of the
Commission's decision.
-'IN
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Permit Application to Remove Six Eucalyptus Trees na 524 El Camino Real (Contd.) -
Following the item, the Commission discussed procedural issues and aspects of determining what
constitutes "significant" damage to properties with regard to granting tree removals. Commissioner
`,. Locke recommended a sub -committee be formed to discuss and determine to what degree of damage
is "significant" enough to justify the removal of a protected tree. Commissioner Rossi stated that he
thought it would be best to have this item placed on the agenda and discussed at a Commission level
instead. Commission agreed and will place item on a future agenda for discussion.
Chairman McGowan changed the order of agenda to allow Commissioners an opportunity to ask
Inspector Quadri questions with regard to Item A under New Business, Permit Application to
Remove Thirteen Protected Eucalvntus Trees Q 2300 Adeline Drive (Sirs of Mercy).
Inspector Quadri informed the Commission that the applicant and the adjacent property owners will
be informed of the public hearing set for the July 1 st Commission meeting. The Commission had no
questions and the meeting returned to the order of the agenda.
Selection of Replacement Trees on Broadway - Commissioner Locke stated that it would be
preferable to establish some guidelines in considering the selection of trees such as choosing only two
species, with perhaps a planting scheme of one specie down the block and a different specie on the
corners. She added that it might be appropriate to choose trees that display at two different times
of year and that the trees be those that can be seen through, rather than choosing a more dense
variety.
The Commission discussed different varieties and planting schemes. Deciduous varieties such as
Chinese Pistache, Chinese Tallow, and Aristocrat Pears were considered. The Commission was
undecided about suitable evergreen varieties suggested by staff. Commissioner Locke requested that
�- staff present other species of evergreen trees for the Commissions consideration and asked that the
this item be carried over to the July 1st Commission meeting. Commission agreed.
Triangle at Broadway Entrance to Burlingame - Superintendent Richmond referred to Director
Williams June 1 memo regarding maintenance and cleanup of the triangle at Broadway and stated that
Director Williams will be meeting with a CalTrans representative to discuss maintenance of the area.
Item will be carried over to the July 1 st Commission meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Pershing Park Tree Dedication - Superintendent Richmond stated that Commissioner Rossi had
requested at the last meeting that the Commission dedicate a tree at Pershing Park honoring
Commissioner Ward. The Commission discussed the type of tree and pending times for a ceremony
and asked Superintendent Richmond to arrange for an appropriate time and location.
Appointment of Nominating Committee for the Election of Commission Officers - Chairman
McGowan appointed Commissioners Lauder and Ellis as the nominating committee and asked that
they present a slate of nominees to the July 1 st Commission meeting. Superintendent Richmond
stated the newly elected officers will begin there terms in September.
Appeal of the Beautification Commission's Decision to Grant Permission for the Removal of
a Protected Black Acacia at 535 Almer - Superintendent Richmond stated this item had been
appealed and will be heard at the June 7th Council meeting.
REPORTS -
Richmond - '1
1) Timberline has completed the tree pruning contract for this fiscal year.
2) Plants for the Hillside Circle at Alvarado project have been ordered; Supervisor Disco has
chosen mostly natives to be planted in the area.
3) CalTrans has been stump grinding on El Camino Real and will be planting trees within the
next month. John Stepp has assured Arborist Porter that the mulch will be removed
around the bases of the young trees.
McGowan - Chairman McGowan reported that the Mayten trees planted as part of the project at 401
Ansel are turning yellow and are not doing well. He added that the City's street trees are beautiful
this year.
Locke - Commissioner Locke showed pictures of the masonry benches in the stairway from Alvarado
to Easton Drive that was built during the same time as the Hillside Circle/Alvarado turn around. She
noted that the masonry benches in the stairway are damaged and the arms are destroyed.
Lauder - Commission Lauder stated that the concrete cuts around the newly planted trees are
Burlingame Avenue are very small and asked Superintendent Richmond if there were any future plans
to put grates around the trees. Superintendent Richmond stated that, to his knowledge, there are no
plans for tree grates on Burlingame Avenue.
There being no further business, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karlene Harvey
Recording Secretary
C.