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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1999.10.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1999 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:34 p.m. by Chairperson Locke. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Locke, Commissioners Ellis, Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, McGowan, and Rossi Absent: Commissioner Ward Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Williams, Park Superintendent Richmond, Administrative Secretary Harvey, and City Arborist Porter Guest: Jack Friend MINUTES - The minutes of the September 2, 1999 were corrected to read: (Pg. 4 - REPORTS/McGowan - Paragraph) - Commissioner McGowan thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve as Chair, that staff could not be nicer people to work with and best wishes to Chairperson Locke in her new position. The minutes were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE Letter(s) to Nasser Almassi, 1325 California Drive, George McCracken, 1008 Morrell Avenue, Mr. & Mrs. Romanowitz, 3088 Alcazar, and Conrad & Alma Dacanay, 1428 Cabrillo Avenue, informing them that their requests for extensions on their permits to remove and replace protected trees were granted at the September 2, 1999 meeting. Letter(s) to Jeannie Gilmore -Friend and William Ward informing them that their terms on the Beautification Commission expire on October 7, 1999 and advising them of the procedures for reappointment, if they so desire. Copy of proposed changes to Beautification Commission Ordinance - 3.28 as submitted to the City Attorney. Public Notice regarding application process to fill City Commission Vacancies. Memo from Director Williams to the members of the Broadway Improvement District regarding the tree selection for Broadway Renovation Project and inviting them to attend the the Beautification Commission meeting of October 7 to make comment or suggestions regarding the proposed tree selection. Memo from Director Williams to City Council regarding the installation of the modular newsracks at the Luggage Center on Lorton and the Capuchino Post Office. CORRESPONDENCE - (Cont'd.) - Memo from Director Williams updating the City Council on the El Camino Real tree study and the next phase of testing to be conducted by CalTrans. . N Memo from Superintendent Richmond to the Beautification Commission informing them of procedural changes with regard to protected tree removal/replacement extensions and the Commission's role. Memo from Jane Gomery, Public Works, to the Beautification Commission regarding Street trees on North side of 1200 block of Burlingame Avenue and status of Streetscape improvements for Broadway and Burlingame Avenue. Letter from Rosanna Myres, 2304 Poppy Drive, requesting an extension on her protected tree removal/replacement permit due to delays in stump removal and the desire to replant in the same general location. (Attachment: Copy of receipt for the purchase of 3-15 gallon size trees). Letter from Jeannie Gilmore -Friend to the City Manager confirming that, after having served 15+ years on the Beautification Commission, she will not be applying for another term on the Commission. FROM THE FLOOR - There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Selection of Replacement Trees on Broadwax - Director Williams stated that the Broadway Improvement District was contacted, but to date there has been no response. Commissioner Gilmore- Friend stated she had received a letter from Dave Ferenc regarding his concerns with the selection of the Carrotwood tree. He stated that the tree is too tall, growing to 40'; and that, he believes this specie is susceptible to frost damage. He requested that the Flaxleaf paperbark, `Akebono' flowering cherry, Crape Myrtle, Western Redbud, or the Flowering Plum be considered as viable alternatives. The Commission discussed the concerns expressed by Mr. Ferenc. Chairperson Locke noted that the Sunset Garden book made no mention of frost sensitivity as a problem with the Carrotwood and that this specie was chosen because it was evergreen, tall, and open. Commissioner McGowan agreed that the size of the Carrotwood and the fact that it was evergreen was the reason it was selected for the corners. Commissioner Rossi noted that this area has suffered a significant amount of frost in the last two years and yet, the mature Carrotwoods that the Commission has looked at, have survived. Superintendent Richmond noted that the Commission's recommendation (that included the planting of the Carrotwoods) has been submitted to the BID and to Jane Gomery of the Pubic Works Department. He stated, that they would need to be informed of any change to the proposal. Commissioner Rossi suggested, that, unless Arborist Porter confirms that this specie of tree is not suitable for this planting zone, the Commission stay with the original proposal of the planting of Carrotwoods on the corners of Broadway. The Commission agreed. Commissioner McGowan added that, if the Carrotwoods are not an acceptable specie for this planting zone, a smaller variety of Magnolia might be considered as an acceptable evergreen tree. 2 NEW BUSINESS Spring Garden Seminar -- Possible Dates/Theme/Speaker - Chairperson Locke contacted the UC �-- Santa Cruz Arboretum to inquire about the possibility of a speaker, but was told that due to the differences in microclimates the plant information they might share may not be suitable for our area. The Commission discussed other possible speakers: 1) John Ciapelone/Burlingame Garden Center 2) Rod McClellan/McClellan's Orchid Farm 3) Coyote Point Museum to speak on bugs and critters in the garden. Following further discussion, Commissioner Rossi volunteered to call the Coyote Point Museum for speaker possibilities. The Commission will be considering conducting the seminar on March 1 lth or March 25th and will confirm the date at the November 4th Commission meeting. Criteria Establishing Justification for Removal of Protected Trees - Chairperson Locke stated that in the past, people have appealed to the Commission requesting removal of private trees due to minor damage to patio's, walkways, as well as leaf drop causing damage. She added, that it might be helpful if the Commission were to establish some guidelines so as to be consistent in rendering decisions on these items. Chairperson Locke suggested the Commission discuss some parameters that could be followed and that either the guidelines could be discussed by the Commission or if necessary, a committee from the Commission could be formed. Arborist Porter stated that because he is a Certified Arborist, the criteria he uses in making decisions on viable tree removals may differ from that of Inspector Quadri's or from the criteria that the Commission may use. Arborist Porter then summarized for the Commission criteria he uses when making a determination: 1) Aesthetics are not a consideration; i.e., some people may believe that Palm trees look like tele- phone poles. From an Arborist's point of view maturity, health, sound structure, existing and potential for future damage are the main considerations. 2) Poor structure can often be corrected with pruning techniques. 3) Property damage considerations are unsafe, high cost items such as trunks against building or garage foundations. Except in extreme situations, criiteria not considered would be: minor damage to walkways, planter boxes, rain gutters, or lawns. These types of damage can usually be mitigated. 4) Shade or leaf litter alone is never justification to remove a healthy tree. 5) Undesirable tree species such as Monterey Pine (due to Pine pitch canker disease) and Black Acacia (due to shallow, invasive roots and susceptible to blow over in high winds), are consi- dered in the equation for removal requests of this type specie(s). Arborist Porter concluded that in extreme cases, certain factors may change a determination. 3 Criteria Establishing Justification for Removal of Protected Trees - (Cont'd.) - Chairperson Locke commented that the decision becomes difficult when two separate Arborist's have differing opinions. For instance, one Arborist may be concerned about the health of a particular tree -� and another Arborist is concerned about the structural damage being caused by the same tree. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that it is very important to listen to what people say when they come before the Commission and then evaluate each decision on it's own merit. Commissioner Rossi stated that it may be alright to remain inconsistent so that the Commission would remain open to different points of view. He added, it would be helpful if Arborist Porter's criteria could be made available to the Commission. Following a brief discussion, the Commission asked Arborist Porter to provide the Commission with a copy of the criteria he presented and took no action on the item. Protected Tree Permit Extension Policy - Superintendent Richmond reported that he met with the City Attorney to discuss extensions on Protected Tree Removal permits. He added that the ordinance states that "Under exceptional circumstances, the director may issue one six-month extension" but the ordinance does not speak to any extensions beyond one year. Superintendent Richmond stated that in order to simplify the process of bringing extensions before the Commission, new wording will be included at the bottom of each permit issued. The wording will indicate that, if replanting conditions are not met within the one year limit, then $400 per tree (cost of purchase and installation of a 24-inch box size tree) will be billed to the property owner. Superintendent Richmond concluded that even though the Commission will still need to decide on permits issued prior to this change, he believes this will simplify the extension process in the future. "1 Request for Extension on Protected Tree Removal Permit k 2304 Poppy Drive - Superintendent Richmond stated that property owners have had difficulty in obtaining a stump removal company but indicate stump removal should occur within the next six weeks; property owner also provided a copy of a receipt for the purchase of 3 - 15 gallon size Pittosporum trees. Commissioner McGowan stated that it appears the property owner fully intends to plant the replacement trees and moved that the permit be extended for 6 months; seconded (Gilmore -Friend). Motion carried 6 - 0 - I (Absent). REPORTS Richmond - 1) The Fall tree planting will begin the middle of October and will continue into November; approxi- mately 130 trees will be planted this Fall. 2) Village Park construction of a new pre-school has been completed; landscaping by the Park crew to quickly follow. 3) The Golf Range building is nearing completion; artificial turf will soon be placed and putting greens will be installed. 4) Jane Gomery, Public Works, submitted a memo to the Commission regarding Street Trees on North Side of 1200 Block Burlingame Avenue and Status of Streetscape Improvements for Broadway and Burlingame Avenue; Superintendent Richmond stated that he believed the memo adequately addressed the questions asked at the last Commission meeting. ''IN 4 REPORTS - (Cont'd.) - Williams - Commissioner Gilmore -Friend asked when the dog park would be developed. Director Williams replied that the next phase will be to seal the soccer field and the dog park areas with development to follow; completion is expected in the summer of 2000. Director Williams reported that the Burlingame High School pool is currently under construction and when completed, will be the best public high school pool in the area. Locke - Reported that Supervisor Disco reported to her on the Hillside/Alvarado project: 1) Ground cover has been planted and other plantings will occur during the rainy season (due to the lack of irrigation in the area); 2) Extension of the retaining wall to prevent erosion will be addressed. Rossi - Commissioner Rossi stated that the City of San Mateo provides a book about heritage trees and suggested that this could be an extra project the Commission may be interested in pursuing. Superintendent Richmond stated that there is still a box of outdated Trees of Burlingame books in storage at the Recreation Center. Following a brief discussion, the Commission asked Superintendent Richmond to bring the existing Trees of Burlingame books to the next meeting. McGowan - Commissioner McGowan asked why the Commission was given a copy of the Encroachment Permit procedures. Superintendent Richmond stated that at the last Commission meeting questions and concerns were raised regarding chairs, planters, bicycles, and etc. on Burlingame Avenue. The document provides reporting procedures on these items. Commissioner McGowan noted that there have been some minor revisions on the Encroachment permits since inception of the new guidelines. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported that she was pleased to see that two trees would be planted on Burlingame Avenue in front of the Pottery Barn. There being no further business, Chairperson Locke adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 41*k Karlene Harvey V Recording Secretary L 5