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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1998.08.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION AUGUST 6. 1998 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 Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, Locke, Root, Schinagl, and Ward Staff: Park Superintendent Richmond, City Arborist Porter, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests: P.G.&E. San Mateo/San Francisco Area Arborist Chris Hughes and Jack Friend MINUTES - Minutes of the June 4, 1998 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Richard Kelly, (1436 Cabrillo) informing him that the Commission denied his appeal opposing the removal of one Redwood tree at 1428 Cabrillo Avenue. Letter to Conrad & Alma Dacanay, (1428 Cabrillo) informing them that the Commission denied the appeal opposing the removal of a private Redwood tree at their address and approve that the permit be issued for removal and replacement. Letter(s) from Richard Kelly, (1436 Cabrillo) and Violet Guerra, (1433 Cabrillo) to the City Council appealing the Commission's decision to deny their appeals opposing removal of a private Redwood tree at 1428 Cabrillo Avenue. Letter(s) to Richard Kelly, (1436 Cabrillo) and Violet Guerra (1433 Cabrillo) informing them that the City Council would hold a hearing at the July 6th meeting regarding their appeals of the Commission's decision to approve that a permit be issued for the removal and replacement of a private Redwood tree at 1428 Cabrillo Avenue. Letter to Conrad & Alma Dacanay, (1428 Cabrillo) informing them that the Commission's decision to approve that a permit be issued for the removal and replacement of a private Redwood tree at their address has been appealed to the City Council and that a hearing was set for the July 6th Council meeting. Commission Attendance Report. Memo from Parks & Recreation Director John Williams, informing Commission of the meeting with CalTrans regarding the El Camino Real Trees. Adopted amendments of the Urban Reforestation Ordinance, Chapter 11.06 of the Municipal Code. Letter from Nelson Jones, Jr., requesting an extension on a permit to remove and replace a private Pine tree at 1548-1550 Albemarle. OLD BUSINESS Revision of City Street Tree Lists - Committee Report - Commissioner Locke submitted a status report for the Commission's review and stated that the Committee has met twice. Commissioner Locke explained that deletions of certain tree varieties have been based on disease, maintenance issues, and planter strip size; four recommendations for additions to the list, based on availability and suitability, are still to be decided. Commissioner Locke noted that some trees were moved from one list to another based on a more appropriate planter strip size. Commissioner Ward thanked and commended the Committee for the detailed and thorough report. Election of Officers - Commissioner Gilmore -Friend presented the slate of officers: Will McGowan Nancy Locke Jill Lauder President Vice - President Secretary Commissioner Ward moved a unanimous ballot be cast for the slate of officers submitted by the Nominating Committee; seconded Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINE Request for Extension of Permit for the Removal/Replacement of a Private Pine Tree ar,1548 -1550 Albemarle - Superintendent Richmond stated the resident is requesting an extension because a crane is needed to complete the removal of the Pine tree at 1548-1550 Albemarle. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved the extension be granted; seconded Motion carried unanimously. P.G.&E. Presentation on Soil Injected Growth Regulators for Trees Under Primary Utilities Superintendent Richmond introduced Chris Hughes, Area Arborist for P.G.& E. Mr. Hughes explained the process of injecting a growth regulator in the soil around City trees (under primary utility lines) as a way to reduce the growth of trees. Mr. Hughes added that it is hoped this process will reduce the trimming frequency of 233 trees in the City of Burlingame from 1.5 years to every 3 years instead. He added that the chemical used is water based, very local and does not get into the water table. Effects on the trees are: slower growth, fruiting bodies are smaller but a little more numerous, trees have greener leaves, and flowering variety trees have more flowers. The product is non -selective so other plant material adjacent to the injection site are regulated (i.e., flowers, turf, or shrubs). Commissioner Gilmore -Friend asked if the product used has ever been challenged by any environmental groups. Mr. Hughes responded that he has not heard of any challenges to date. Commissioner Root asked at what age of tree this product would be used. Mr. Hughes stated that the age of the tree is not a factor. Mr. Hughes stated that he and the City Arborist, Steve Porter, have been discussing using the growth regulator on Sycamore trees and Liquidambars on Sanchez Avenue but is interested in feed back and discussion from the Commission before they proceed. Chairman McGowan asked that this item be placed on the September agenda for further discussion. Mr. Hughes stated he would send further information on the product and the process so that it can -IN be distributed to the Commission. 2 � e F REPORTS - Richmond 1) Arborist Porter and Inspector Quadri will be attending a meeting in Richmond to hear about the Resistograph test results. CalTrans and the City of Burlingame are currently discussing the removal of other El Camino Eucalyptus trees based on "hits" and vehicle height clearance. 2) Timberline Tree Service has been awarded the tree pruning contract for 1998-1999. 3) The revision of the Urban Reforestation Ordinance was approved by the City Council and will go into effect August 19, 1998. McGowan - 1) During public comments at the last City Council meeting newsracks were mentioned and the individual was referred to the Beautification Commission. Superintendent Richmond stated that currently the City is working with newspaper agencies on the placement of stationery racks. The test sites will be in front of the Luggage Center on Burlingame Avenue and in front of the Post Office on Capuchino. Superintendent Richmond commented that Director Williams is working with the agencies and can make a further report to the Commission at the next meeting. 2) A City tree in front of 1210 Howard Avenue has the soil level too high around the base of the tree. Superintendent Richmond stated that the City Arborist will inspect that site. Lauder - �, 1) A City tree on Bloomfield has the soil level too high; Commission Lauder stated she will call the address into the Parks Division. hina 1- 1) A recent article in the newspaper reported on the Town of Hillsborough's weed abatement program. Superintendent Richmond stated the City of Burlingame has a weed abatement program through the Public Works Department. Locke - 1) Recently someone hired a company to remove a City street tree. Commission Locke stated that it appears many residents don't know what is or what is not a City tree. Commissioner Locke asked if there would be some way to educate new residents through Title or Real Estate companies. Superintendent Richmond stated that the Recreation Division mails information regarding recreation programs and City tree policies to new residents on a regular basis. Commissioner Locke stated that those items are very different in nature and that it may be better for those items to go out on separate pieces or color of paper. After a brief discussion, the Commission decided to place this item on next months agenda. Superintendent Richmond stated he would send the Commission copies of what is sent out from the Recreation Division. Gilmore -Friend - 1) A recent article in the San Mateo County Times reported that the Cities of Belmont and Millbrae are adopting newsrack ordinances. REPORTS - (Cond. Porter - 1) John Stepp of CalTrans has been notified about the level of the chips being piled too high around the newly planted Eucalyptus trees on El Camino. Mr. Stepp will have the tree crews level out the chips. FROM THE FLOOR There being no further business and no comments FROM THE FLOOR, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 4 ho