HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1999.07.01OR
BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
DULY 1. 1999
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:32 p.m.
by Chairman McGowan.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman McGowan, Commissioners Ellis, Lauder, Locke, and Rossi
Absent: Commissioners Gilmore -Friend and Ward
Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Williams, Park Superintendent Richmond, Administrative
Secretary Harvey, and Landscape Inspector Quadri
Guests: John Coovert, R.R. Miller, Hoover Avenue residents: Betsy Jorgensen, Teddi Grant -
Adel, Carol Hatfield, David Plyer, Dale Mazini, Abina Sullivan
MINUTES - The minutes of the June 3, 1999 were approved as submitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
Staff Report from Inspector Quadri and permit application to remove 13 Eucalyptus trees at 2300
Adeline Drive (Sisters of Mercy).
Letter to Denis O'Brien informing him that the Beautification Commission moved to continue his
request to the July 1 meeting for the removal of six protected Eucalyptus trees at 524 El Camino and
that, a current report from a certified Arborist be submitted as to the condition and safety of the trees.
Memo from Director Williams to the Commission informing them that the property owner of 524 El
Camino appealed the decision to continue to the June 21 Council meeting in order to avoid delays
to the project at 530 El Camino Real.
Letter to Commissioner Ward informing him that the City Council observed a moment of silence to
reflect on his current medical struggle.
Letter to Elisabet Sahtouris, 1477 Floribunda, from the City Clerk notifying her that the City Council
held a public hearing on the appeal of the Beautification Commission decision on removal of a tree
at 535 Almer, and upheld the decision to allow removal of the Acacia tree.
Memo from Director Williams to the Commission regarding the Proposal for Tree Planting on
California Drive.
Memo from Director Williams to the Commission regarding the Proposed Changes to the
Commission's Enabling Ordinance.
Letter from Betsy Jorgensen, 1514 Hoover Avenue, with attached signatures from 18 area residents
supporting the removal of 13 Eucalyptus trees at 2300 Adeline Drive (Sisters of Mercy).
FROM THE FLOOR - RR. Miller, 1105 Dufferin, stated that of 116 homes in his area 20 have no
street trees. He displayed an aerial map of 30 years ago showing how many trees were once in the
City. Chairman McGowan explained that the current City policy is to plant a tree when a resident
requests a street tree or to replant a tree when a City street tree is removed. Mr. Miller submitted
a map showing where there are no street trees in the area from Dufferin Avenue to Rosedale.
OLD BUSINESS
Permit Application to Remove Thirteen Protected Eucalyptus Trees ar, 2300 Adeline Drive
(Sisters of Mercy.) - Inspector Quadri stated he referred this permit application to the Commission
due to the large number of trees to be removed and the impact to the immediate and surrounding
neighborhood. He commented that the accompanying Arborist Report only identifies the trees being
considered but does not speak to the condition of each individual tree. Inspector Quadri stated that
the Commission should recommend that the property owner obtain another Arborist Report itemizing
what the problems are on each tree before the permit is approved.
Commissioner Rossi noted that the Arborist Report states the trees being close to 100 years old, and
asked if that was accurate. Inspector Quadri stated, yes, but that the comment stating that they have
reached their life span of 100 years is not accurate.
Commissioner Locke asked if the Eucalyptus were susceptible to blow over. Inspector Quadri stated
that if the trees were maintained, and the wind sail reduced, they would be less susceptible to wind
throw; Oaks that are not maintained are susceptible to limb breakage. Superintendent Richmond
added that Oaks are susceptible to blow over if they have Oak Root fungus.
Commissioner Rossi commented that perhaps some of the Eucalyptus trees could be removed but —*N
maybe not all thirteen.
Commissioner Locke stated that the Commission was recently presented with a similar situation in
that there was no Arborist Report on the unsafe condition of the trees to justify their removal. She
added that she feels the Commission needs more information to justify approving the removal of these
protected trees.
Commissioner Lauder noted that the trimming of one of the Eucalyptus trees would greatly benefit
a nearby Redwood tree. She also stated that if the Pines in the area are lost due to pine pitch canker,
and the Eucalyptus trees numbered 1 - 5 are removed, the current screen will be lost.
Commissioner Ellis asked Inspector Quadri if trimming the Eucalyptus trees would help the other
trees in the area. Inspector Quadri stated that an Arborist Report could make that determination.
Chairman McGowan recognized applicant John Coovert. Mr. Coovert stated that the decision to
remove the trees is because the trees are planted so close to one another that the roots are
intertwined; the Eucalyptus trees are non-native, and the other trees are being choked out. Mercy is
trying to bring the property back to what it once was, "The Oaks". He added that 10 - 12 Oak trees
have been planted each year on the property; the Eucalyptus trees would also be replaced with Oak
trees. He concluded that this is a very expensive project but their main concern is for their neighbors
safety. ,..�
2
Permit Application to Remove Thirteen Protected Eucalyptus Trees na 2300 Adeline Drive
(Sisters of Mercy) - (Contd.) -
David Plyer, 1530 Hoover Avenue, stated that many of the neighbors who signed the petition were
�-' present in the audience. He added that safety is a major concern for the neighbors and that the
Arborist Report does recommend removal for general safety reasons, that the request to remove these
trees is to save lives. He stated that removal of these trees would not change the urban forest and
that the applicant has planned to plant Oak trees in the same area where feasible. He asked the
Commission to imagine living under these trees and to consider the removal and replacement of the
Eucalyptus trees as an exchange of trees rather than an elimination.
Elisa Vicacoma, 1502 Adeline, stated that she is frightened when the wind blows or when there is a
storm and requests that the trees at least be trimmed.
Betsy Jorgenson, 1514 Hoover Avenue, stated that she spoke with Ken Meyer who submitted the
existing Arborist Report. He indicated to her that by only removing the diseased Eucalyptus would
only cause the others to become more susceptible to failure.
Dale Mazini, 1524 Hoover Avenue, commented that on windy days the trees are bent over their
homes.
Abina Sullivan, 1528 Hoover Avenue, reported that on stormy days and nights big branches and bark
strips fall into the street and makes a terrible mess and on one occasion the street sweeper had to
come by because the street was impassible.
�.. Inspector Quadri noted that in reference to the Arborist Report, a tree identified with a "lean" quite
possibly could have a stronger root structure and with regard to one of the audience comments, Ken
Meyer may have stated to her that if one tree is removed from a grove, the remaining trees could be
adversely affected, but the existing Arborist Report does not clarify those descriptions or state those
comments.
NO
Chairman McGowan stated the question is really Eucalyptus trees vs. Oak trees; if the Eucalyptus
trees were removed the Oak trees would flourish. The Mercy property was previously known as
"The Oaks". The Eucalyptus trees are non-native and being near the fire break are very flammable.
He stated that he is sympathetic to removal but would also like to see a more complete Arborist
Report.
Commissioner Rossi stated that there are good arguments on both sides and is moved by how the
neighborhood has come together on this item. He commented, however, that there is no apparent
evidence of danger and he doesn't believe that the Arborist Report makes a good case. He suggested
that in the future, when at the time such an application is submitted, that the applicant be asked to
submit an Arborist Report describing the condition of each tree. He added, that if these Eucalyptus
trees have reached their life span as the Arborist Report suggests, and that most Eucalyptus trees in
the City are fairly close in age, loss of these trees at once will be a big impact to this City's urban
forest.
3
Permit Application to Remove Thirteen Protected Eucalyptus Trees P, 2300 Adeline Drive
(Sisters of Mercy) - (Contd.) -
Commissioner Locke commented that taking into consideration the age of the trees, the residents
bought their homes knowing the trees were there. She wondered if the behavior of the trees had
changed over time or are they now dangerous but weren't before? She noted that she is in favor of
removing a dangerous tree but the burden of proof justifying removal should be the responsibility of
the applicant; that removal of a protected tree because it is a nuisance and makes a street messy, or
because someone is feeling afraid is not a good justification. Chairman McGowan clarified that most
of the residents present had owned their homes for 40 or more years and that the trees are older and
over that time have grown taller.
Commission discussed replacement with Oak trees. Inspector Quadri confirmed that the permit
application specifically states that they will replant with Oak trees. Commissioner Locke noted that
clearly, they could not be planted where the removals occur because of the spreading canopy of the
Oak; that, replacements would need to be planted further back from where the existing Eucalyptus
trees are. Superintendent Richmond stated that the application did not state they would replant in
the same location.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Rossi moved that the application be approved to remove
13 Eucalyptus trees and replant with Oak trees; seconded (Lauder). Motion carried 4 - 1
(opposed/Locke) - 2 (absent).
Inspector Quadri informed the applicants that pending any appeals, the permit would be issued after
the close of the next Council meeting of July 6th.
Beautification Commission Ordinance (3.28� - Chairman McGowan noted that the Commission
received a memo from Director Williams with his suggestions regarding the proposed changes to the
ordinance. Director Williams commented that the City Attorney has been on vacation and has not
had a chance to review or comment on the June 24 memo to the Commission.
Committee Chair Locke stated the committee was interested in conveying what the Beautification
Commission does, so that someone could clearly understand the Commission's function by looking
at the ordinance.
The Commission reviewed and discussed Director Williams suggestions and the Committee's
proposed changes. Following the discussion, Chairman McGowan and Committee Chair Locke
agreed to make recommended changes and submit to the Commission for further review.
Selection of Replacement Trees on Broadway - Superintendent Richmond stated more evergreen
varieties for the Commission to consider might be the Eucalyptus ficifolia and the Eucalyptus nicolai;
the Pittosporum can be viewed on Burlingame Avenue in front of La Pinata. Chairman McGowan
commented that their is a Podocarpus on Primrose Road near the old Wells Fargo Bank.
Superintendent Richmond stated Carrotwoods could be seen in San Mateo between 3rd and 4th
Avenues. Commissioner Lauder stated that the Commission may also want to consider alternating
Chinese Pistache and Aristocrat Pear.
Following a brief discussion, Commission agreed to continue discussion to the August 5th meeting.
"1
4
Staff Report Regarding Street Tree Planting on California Drive - The Commission discussed
the proposal submitted by Director Williams to plant approximately 98 Aristocrat Pear trees in every
reasonable location on California Drive from Broadway to Burlingame Avenue. Director Williams
stated that the proposal recommends this project, costing approximately $40,000 - $60,000 dollars,
be funded by BART money already earmarked for the tree replacement fund. He added that existing
trees would not be removed as part of the project and that the sidewalk cutting, purchase of sidewalk
grates and installation, and the purchase and planting of the trees be contracted -out. The proposal
further recommends that City staff not take over tree maintenance until one year after trees have been
planted.
The Commission further reviewed the proposal. Commissioner Locke asked where Director Williams
came up with the costs? Director Williams said figures were obtained from a contractor. Director
Williams stated that the sidewalk grates were the most expensive part of the project. Commissioner
Rossi asked if the sidewalk grates were necessary. Superintendent Richmond responded that the
grates are for wheelchair safety and also prevents the planting wells from becoming compacted.
Following further discussion, Commissioner Rossi moved that the proposal to plant Aristorcrat
Pear trees on California Drive be recommended to City Council for approval, seconded (Locke).
Motion carried 5 - 0 - 2 (Absent).
Triangle at Broadway Entrance to Burlingame - Director Williams reported that he met with the
CalTrans representative. CalTrans lacks staffing for these kinds of projects but they are amenable
to working with Burlingame. Director Williams added that just recently CalTrans crews were going
to place bark chips in the area, but public works staff had some concerns about the type of chip used.
Director Williams concluded that future plans for the area include fixing the irrigation, volunteer
cleanup and perhaps the planting of iceplant to create a more formal look.
Pershing Park Tree Dedication - Item has been postponed until a later date.
Election of Commission Officers - Nominating Committee members Ellis and Lauder presented the
slate of new Commission officers:
Chairman - Commissioner Locke
Vice Chairman - Commissioner Rossi
Corres. Secretary - Commissioner Lauder
Commissioner Lauder moved that the slate of officers be accepted; seconded (Ellis). Motion
carried S - 0 - 2 (Absent). The new terms of office will begin in September.
REPORTS -
Richmond -
1) A Shoreline Cleanup has been scheduled for September 18th. The event will be well publicized.
The coordinator from the City of Burlingame will be Phil Monahan from the Public Works
Department.
2) Plantings of ceanothus and red buds were selected for the Hillside Circle at Alvarado project.
Supervisor Disco's current plans for the site is to develop a demonstration garden with drought
tolerant plants.
3) The City Arborist is monitoring the Mayten trees at 401 Ansel; currently the trees are alright.
M
REPORTS (Contd.)
McGowan - Chairman McGowan reported that there are nails and glass in the alleyway at Lexington
Way. - N
Lauder - Commissioner Lauder thanked the Parks Division for replacing the Chinese Pistache tree
on Oak Grove in front of the tennis courts. She also reported that a Liquidambar tree is cracking the
planter in front of 1423 Burlingame Avenue. Superintendent Richmond stated that he had previously
reported that concern to Jane Gomery in the Public Works Department but that he will report it to
her again.
There being no further business, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
fKa*rIeneHa7rvey
Recording Secretary
"*N
"IN