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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1998.10.01LMI BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 1. 1998 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 Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, Locke, Root and Ward Absent: Commissioner Schinagl Staff: Park Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, Director Williams, and Administrative Secretary Harvey Guests: John Root and Chrissie Gilmore -Herron (New Zealand) MINUTES - Minutes of the September 3, 1998 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Frank Espina, 1216 Cortez Avenue, informing him of the Commission's decision to grant a six month permit extension to meet private tree replacement requirements. Letter to Rosanna Myres, 2304 Poppy Drive, informing her of the Commission's decision to grant a one year permit extension to meet private tree replacement requirements. Letters to Commissioner(s) Schinagl, McGowan, and Root from the City Manager informing them of their term expirations and reappointment procedures. Letter from Commissioner Root to the City Manager informing him of her decision not to reapply for the position on the Beautification Commission. Minutes of the Tree Committee Report of August 25th. Letter from D.A. Berry, 2721 Easton Drive, requesting a permit extension for replacement of a Cedar tree because of proposed landscaping to his property after the completion of sidewalk repair in his area. Specimen Label for `Profile 2SC', Specialty Growth Regulator. Revision of Official Street Tree Lists submitted by Commissioner Locke. OLD BUSINESS Revision of City Street Tree Lists - Committee Report - Commissioner Locke submitted a summary of the revised Official Street Tree Lists for Commission review. Commissioner Locke stated the trees from the original lists were reviewed by the Committee. The summary indicates recommended deletions and additions to the tree lists. After a brief discussion, the Commission decided to review the revised list and consider approval at the next Commission _meeting. P.G.&E. Soil Injected Growth Regulators for Trees Under Primary Utilities - The Commission received label information on the tree growth regulator 'Profile'. Superintendent Richmond explained the word "caution" means the agent is in the least toxic category. Arborist Porter stated that `Profile' appears to be relatively safe but the trees will have a denser, thicker growth. Residents may complain about the trees being too "thick" and not getting enough sunlight or street light to their properties. This may increase the workload for the City tree crews. He added that residents don't like and complain about the continual `topping' of the trees. This could eliminate that practice. Commissioner Lauder stated that using `Profile' may benefit P.G.&E. but is concerned that the tree maintenance could be increased. Superintendent Richmond noted that the topping of the trees causes a dense growth at the cut. Chairman McGowan asked if the property owner would have veto power as to whether the growth regulator would be used on the tree fronting their property. Arborist Porter stated that the property owner should have that authority. Arborist Porter explained that the test sites would be on blocks that had Liquidambar, Sycamore, and Locust trees. Commissioner Gilmore - Friend moved that permission be granted to P. G. &E. to test the growth regulator 'Profile', (consistent with the labeling), in small areas of the City on Sycamore, Liquidambar, and Locust trees; seconded Arborist Porter stated that he would like more information from P.G.&E. with regard to the test sites, the possibility of increased maintenance, and maintenance responsibility. Commissioner Ward moved that this item be tabled to the next meeting for further information; seconded Motion carried 6 - 0 - I (absent) vote. Public Information Regarding City Trees - Superintendent Richmond submitted revisions to the letter sent to new residents regarding City street tree policies. He added that Arborist Porter is also considering revisions on the tree planting door hangers to include additional City tree information with regard to ownership. Commissioner Locke stated that the opening wording in the revised document is the same as the previous document and is a misconception. She stated that the first passage should make the key points that a) the resident doesn't own the tree and b) if the resident chooses to violate the tree, there will be consequences. The Commission discussed alternative publicity approaches i.e., separate mailings to new residents, inclusion in water bills and recreation bulletins, articles in the newspaper, etc. Director Williams stated he would draft some changes to better reflect the City's policies with regard to trees and present at the next Commission meeting. NEW BUSINESS Arbor Day/Spring Garden Seminar - Superintendent Richmond stated that the Arbor Day ceremonies will be held on Friday, March 5th, but the location is yet to be determined. He added that the Spring Garden Seminar could be held on March 6th. The Commission discussed some possible themes and speakers for the seminar and will discuss further at the next meeting. Request for Extension of Permit for the Removal/Replacement of a Cedar Tree ak 2721 Easton Drive - Superintendent Richmond stated the applicant is requesting an extension because they are planning relandscaping when the sidewalk repair is completed in front of his address. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved that the Commission grant a six month permit extension to comply with the replacement requirements, seconded Motion carried 6 - 0 - 1 (absent). 2 --kEPORTS -Richmond - 1) Fall tree planting will begin soon and will continue through the end of October. Approximately, 100 trees will be planted. 2) Tree Contractor completed the removal of several Dutch Elm Diseased Elms on Chula Vista and will be moving on to prune the Eucalyptus groves in front of the Burlingame Plaza. 3) Arborist Porter and CalTrans representative, John Stepp, will evaluate the 13 Eucalyptus trees targeted as hazardous trees on El Camino. The Resistograph may be used on some of these trees to aid in the evaluation. The process may take several hours to evaluate each tree. 4) U.C. Davis' Internet WebSite can be reached at WW.IPM.UCDAVIS.EDU. McGowan - 1) Contacted the Independent Newspaper regarding the recent front page article with the erroneous information about 123 Eucalyptus trees being scheduled for removal by CalTrans. Director Williams added that he counted at least six factual errors in the first paragraphs of the article and that he was busy on the phone for a couple of days following the article. Director Williams assured the Commission that the City has never agreed to anything more than the removal of 13 more trees on El Camino. 2) The built up dirt on the roots of the Elm tree on Primrose Road at Cafe Trevi has yet to be removed. Arborist Porter stated he had just inspected the site that day and will be sending a warning notice soon. Locke - Commissioner Locke asked Superintendent Richmond when the Eagle Scout will begin work on the Hillside Drive and Alvarado Park area. Superintendent Richmond stated that the Eagle Scout project did not work out but he will discuss cleanup of that area with Park Supervisor, Bob Disco. Gilmore -Friend - Commissioner Gilmore -Friend brought a large pod from an Araucaria tree to show the Commission. There being no further business and no comments FROM THE FLOOR, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlen Harvey Recording Secretary