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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1999.12.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 2, 1999 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Locke. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Locke, Commissioners Ellis, Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, and t2ossijc��"' Absent: Commissioner Ward Staff: Park Superintendent Richmond, City Administrative Secretary Harvey Guest: Scott and Martha Ann Milliken, Linda Arborist Porter, Park Supervisor Disco, and Yelnick, and Jack Friend MINUTES - The minutes of the November 4, 1999 meeting were corrected to read: (Pg. I - ROLL CALL) - AbsentLCommissioner Ward - [Commissioner Rossi was present.]) ?YeGswsIv i Correction to the October 7 minutes was inadvertantly omitted in the November 4 minutes (Pg. 5 - REPORTS/Lauder) and should have read: Commissioner Lauder reported that she was pleased to see that a Pittosporum would be planted at 1208 Burlingame Avenue (Garden Botanika), and a Chinese Pistache at 1218 Burlingame Avenue (Banana Republic). Minutes were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Juli and Steve Devincenzi, 1446 Capuchino, informing them of the Commission's decision to grant a third and final extension to April 8, in order to meet the replacement requirements for the removal of a private Birch tree on their property. Letter to Scott and Martha Ann Milliken, owners of 1750-1752 Sequoia Avenue, informing them that the Commission would review their appeal of the denial of their permit to remove one Brazilian Pepper tree on their property at the December 2, 1999 meeting. Letter to Linda and Marc Yelnick, 2947 Frontera Way, informing them that the Commission would review their appeal of the denial of their permit to remove nine Pine trees and seven Cypress trees on their property at the December 2, 1999 meeting. Letter to John Chiapelone of the Burlingame Garden Center, thanking him for agreeing to be the featured speaker at the annual Spring Garden Seminar on March 1 lth. Five commissioner applications from candidates interested in serving on the Beautification Commission. FROM THE FLOOR - There were no comments from the floor. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of Denial to Remove One Private Brazilian Pepper Tree a� 1750/1752 Sequoia Avenue Arborist Porter stated the applicants have requested a permit to remove a Brazilian Pepper tree located on the front of the property because they feel it is too big for the size of building and the surrounding neighborhood, and that they are unable to grow a lawn due to the roots. Arborist Porter stated that he denied the request due to the following reasons: 1) The tree is a healthy, mature specimen, 2) The problem with the roots in the lawn can be mitigated by selective root pruning and installation of root barriers; and 3) The tree can be pruned, thinned, and shaped to enhance appearance. The Commission asked Arborist Porter specific questions pertaining to types of pruning techniques. root barriers and mitigating the roots in the lawn. Arborist Porter stated that this specie of tree lends itself to pruning, that it can be thinned and opened up to produce a more "lacey" effect. He added that some roots can be pruned and root barriers installed. However, the large rolling roots in the lawn cannot be pruned, the property owner would need to defer to planting a ground cover instead of a lawn. Chairperson Locke asked Arborist Porter where this tree was in its life cycle. Arborist Porter stated that Brazilian Peppers can survive up to 75 or 80 years, and this particular tree appears to be about 40 to 50 years old. Chairperson Locke recognized the applicants. Mr. Milliken commented that he purchased the property three months ago and that it was in a run down condition. He stated his reasons for requesting removal of the tree are because it is the only Brazilian Pepper tree in the neighborhood; is bigger than any other tree on the street; has damaged the roof and gutters due to the lack of sunlight and litter caused by the tree; other properties in the area have a very manicured look and do not have trees; and that, the type of pruning required would be costly and would be like cutting the .� arms off of a Venus de Milo. He added that it would be very costly to routinely maintain the tree as opposed to removal and that they intend to replace with a liquidambar tree. Mrs. Milliken stated that she concurred with her husband and asked Arborist Porter how much larger this tree might grow. Arborist Porter responded that the tree is close to maturity and that the trunk size will probably only increase by 24" in diameter. He added that the crown, without any pruning, could grow 4 to 6 feet more. Chairperson Locke closed the hearing. Commissioner McGowan reminded the Commission that financial aspects are not to be considered in making their decision. Commissioner McGowan commented that the rest of the neighborhood looks bleak without trees and he would like to see more trees on this block. He stated that the Commission has never approved removal of a tree in order to grow a lawn; that a ground cover such as English ivy could be planted instead. He added with proper pruning techniques, the tree could be shaped into a very nice tree and he would not be in favor of granting removal of this tree. Commissioner Ellis commented that the street is already very barren and noted that the previous owner may not have cleaned the roof gutters which could have led to the damage. Commissioner Lauder stated that proper pruning and reducing size could solve many of the problems and would give this tree a beautiful shape. Commissioner Rossi stated that he agrees with Commissioner McGowan's comments, and even though he is sympathetic to the property owners concerns, it is the responsibility of the Commission to uphold the protective tree ordinance and he would favor denial of this appeal. 2 Appeal of Denial to Remove One Private Brazilian Pepper Tree na,1750/1752 Sequoia Avenue - Cont'd. - Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that the tree should be pruned and shaped. Chairperson Locke stated that the tree does look out of scale for the property, but adding more trees to the area would create more harmony. She added that the tree has not been maintained; landscaping issues can be solved by thinning and opening the canopy to provide a more light and airy environment and the planting of ground cover can resolve the root problem. Following the discussion, Commissioner McGowan moved to deny the applicants appeal of the denial to remove the Brazilian Pepper tree; seconded (Lauder). Motion carried 6 - 0- 1 (Absent/Ward). Chairperson Locke advised the applicants of the appeal procedures and that they would be notified in writing of the Commission's decision on this item. Appeal of Denial to Remove Nine Private Pine Trees & Seven Cypress Trees n, 2947 Frontera Way - Chairperson Locke stated the applicant has appealed the decision by Arborist Porter to deny the removal of nine Pine and seven Cypress trees and asked if all Commissioners present had viewed the site. The Commissioners responded that they had visited the site. Arborist Porter stated that he denied the request because all the trees are in fair to good health, the trees have never been professionally maintained, proper pruning techniques can mitigate most of the applicants concerns, and the cause of damage to the pool cannot be determined without a report from a structural engineer. Commissioner McGowan asked Arborist Porter to explain the hardscape damage. Arborist Porter stated the pool and hardscape area are older; much of the sinking and rising present often occurs with age and is not necessarily caused by tree roots and in his opinion, the lifting does not look like root damage. He added that without excavation of the dirt area behind the wooden retaining wall, root damage cannot be determined. Arborist Porter concluded that it could be determined by a report from a Certified Arborist that a couple of the trees are causing some of the damage, but he would not approve the wholesale removal of 16 healthy trees without specific findings. The Commission asked questions of Arborist Porter regarding root systems and growth patterns of Pines and Cypress trees in general and the particular age of the trees on the property. Following the discussion Chairperson Locke recognized the applicant, Linda Yelnick. Mrs. Yelnick stated that 4-5 years ago she made application for the removal of 7 Pine trees that were lifting the sidewalk, and finally received approval. Mrs. Yelnick explained that the trees roots are causing flooding and blocking of the patio drain and sewer; cement in the area is lifting and the ladder in the pool is breaking away from the cement; pine needles are messing up the yard, gather in the pool clog the motor, and dead pine needles are on her roof, the trees block the sun from the pool, the trees are not beautiful and the cost of trimming is $800-$900 per tree. Mrs. Yelnick added that she is afraid the roots are going to crack her pool. She commented that she has hired a landscaper, who also believes the roots to be a problem. Mrs. Yelnick concluded that she wants to replace the trees with a specie that creates much less clutter. Commissioner Rossi asked Mrs. Yelnick if she would consider removal of less than 16 trees? Mrs. Yelnick responded that she might consider it but that she does not have the strength to go through �-- the process. Arborist Porter asked if she would be redoing the pool and the hardscape area? 3 Appeal of Denial to Remove Nine Private Pine Trees & Seven Cypress Trees k 2947 Frontera Way - (Cont'd. - Mrs. Yelnick stated that all the hardscape and surrounding area would be redone, and she would plant "beautiful" trees. An unidentified property owner asked Arborist Porter how safe the trees were in the wind. Arborist Porter stated that as long as the root zone is not negatively impacted and that the trees do not pose a hazard to surrounding properties. Chairperson Locke closed the hearing. Commissioner McGowan stated that this property is a classic Mills Estate development; area was bulldozed years ago and now the soil is settling causing sinking and lifting of hardscape; drains in the area are the old clay pipes; and trees, usually too many, were initially planted as wind screens. Commissioner McGowan commented that he does not feel comfortable approving the removal of all 16 trees at this point. He added that an arborist report assessing each tree, stating which trees are causing damage, and stating which trees need to be removed would be helpful. Commissioner McGowan concluded that he is sympathetic with the applicant, but the City of Burlingame protects trees, and that she may need to go through the process and wait another month to begin any tree removals. The Commission discussed the number of removals requested and the application process. Commissioner Rossi stated that he felt a more complete application designating which trees should .� be removed, should be submitted. Commissioner McGowan added that in the past if an arborist report has said that a tree was causing damage the Commission has approved the removal request. Chairperson Locke stated that an arborist report would put the Commission in a better position to be informed. Following the discussion Commissioner Rossi moved that the appeal be denied due to the lack of sufficient proof of damage and that applicant return to the Commission with a report on each individual tree from a certified arborist; motion died due to a lack of a second. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved that the Commission uphold the appeal to remove 16 trees; seconded (Rossi). Motion failed on a I - 5 (opposed) - 1 (Absent/Ward). Chairperson Locke advised the applicant that she would be notified in writing of the Commission's decision and that she may appeal that decision to the City Council or, that she may make reapplication to the Parks Division, ideally with a certified arborist report justifying removal of certain trees. NEW BUSINESS CalTrans `Adopt -a -Highway' Program/Triangle Area Off Southbound 101 k Broadway - Commissioner Rossi moved that this item be tabled to the January 2000 meeting; seconded (McGowan). Motion carried 6 - 0 - I (Absent/Ward). 1d REPORTS Richmond - Superintendent Richmond reported that a tentative date for the Commissioner's dinner has been set for March 24, 2000. Locke - Chairperson Locke stated that area residents have been frustrated with the slowness of progress at the Hillside Circle/Alvarado renovation, but she was pleased to see that some plantings have occurred. McGowan - Commissioner McGowan asked Arborist Porter if he had information from CalTrans about the dumping of chips on eastside El Camino between Adeline and Rosedale. Arborist Porter reported that John Stepp of CalTrans will instruct his crew to clear the chips around the base of the trees and that no more chips will be dumped in that area. Commissioner McGowan commented that the red and white begonias at the train station are the best in Burlingame. Rossi - Commissioner Rossi expressed his concern that the Commission continued a 10-15 minute dialog with the applicant after the hearing portion of the item was closed. He added that the Commission may need to spend some time on the process of how these items are supposed to be handled. Recording Secretary Harvey reminded the Commission that the minutes are only action minutes. Running dialogs are difficult to transcribe and will probably not appear in the official writing of the minutes. 1%.1 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Locke at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary