Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1998.12.03BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 3, 1998 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:35 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, Administrative Secretary Harvey, and Senior Inspector Quadri Guests: Jack Friend, John Root, and Michael Barber MINUTES - Minutes of the November 5, 1998 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Ideas for Spring Garden Seminar Theme submitted by Commissioner Locke. January to October 1998 Commission Attendance Report. Letter to Edna Steele, 18 El Quanito Way, informing her that her appeal of the decision to remove three private Monterey Pine trees and only replace with one tree at 7 Kenmar Way, will be heard at the December 3, 1998 Commission meeting. (Mike and Gene Weeks, 7 Kenmar Way copied.) Letter from Mike and Gene Weeks, 7 Kenmar Way, (regarding the appeal to their request to remove three private Monterey Pine trees) stating that their property has three large trees in the backyard and one 24-inch box size replacement tree should be sufficient due to the size of the existing mature trees. Letter from Travis and Alexa Culwell, 2109 Hillside Drive, requesting an extension of their permit for the removal of one Acacia tree, in order to meet replacement requirements. OLD BUSINESS The order of business was revised to accommodate the late arrival of the appellant regarding private tree removal and replacement at 7 Kenmar Way, Reauest for Extension To Meet Tree Renlacement Reauirements na, 3088 Alcazar Superintendent Richmond stated the property owner was not present due to illness. The property owner has requested the extension because additional work, i.e. a retaining wall and a new roof needs to be done before landscaping or tree planting can be done. Commissioner Locke stated that weather had previously been a problem on this project but that it appeared the property owners intend to replace the trees. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved that an extension on the permit be granted to June 30, 1999: seconded Motion carried 6-0-1 (absent. OLD BUSINESS (ConW Public Information RegardingCity Trees - Superintendent Richmond stated that Director Williams will submit the revised flyer at the January 7, 1999. Spring Garden Seminar (March 6th� - Commissioner Lauder stated that Jill Heineman from the Peninsula Humane Society was very appreciative that she had been asked to speak at the seminar but needed to decline due to a conference she will be attending in March. Chairman McGowan reported that Elga Perez, from the City of San Mateo Landscaping Division, has agreed to speak at the seminar on gardening topics. NEW BUSINE Request for_ Ex-twsion to Meet Tree Replacement Reauirements at 2109 Hillside Driv Superintendent Richmond stated the correspondence was from the new property owners and that the previous owner of the property obtained the permit to remove and replace the private Acacia tree. After the removal of the tree, the property was sold with the understanding that the new property owner replace the tree with a variety of their own choosing. The new property owner has requested an extension to complete landscaping and irrigation improvements before planting the tree. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Locke moved that an extension on the permit be granted to MaX 6. 1999: seconded Motion carried 6-0-1 (absent, Chairman McGowan noted that Edna Steele, 18 El Quanito Way, had arrived and that the item from OLD BUSINESS - Appeal of Decision of the Removal and Replacement of Three Monterey Pine Trees k 7 Kenmar WaX would now be considered. Superintendent Richmond read the letter from the property owners, as well as a letter from the property owners of 9 Kenmar Way in favor of --� the removal, for the benefit of the appellant. Commissioner Root asked Inspector Quadri if the trees endangered the property. Inspector Quadri stated yes. Chairman McGowan added that the trees do not appear to be structurally sound. Mrs. Steele clarified that she believes the three trees need to be removed but that three trees instead of one tree should be planted along the property line. She added that, trees at 7 Kenmar and 9 Kenmar Way were originally planted three feet apart providing a large "umbrella" over her's and their properties; now with the removals that have occurred on both properties, the whole environment on El Quanito Way has changed. Inspector Quadri explained that the size of the remaining trees at 7 Kenmar Way dictated that only one replacement tree could be sustained in that area and this decision was also consistent with the municipal code. Inspector Quadri added that he is not authorized to require that the replacement tree(s) be planted in the same area as the removal occurred. Superintendent Richmond stated that according to the City Attorney, the Commission can require replacement in the same area but extraordinary conditions must be found. Commissioner Ward stated that the property appears to have a sufficient number of trees and replacement in the same area could cause a similar problem (i.e., trees planted too close together); and that perhaps, residents on El Quanito might consider planting trees on their properties. Mrs. Steele stated that her property is on a 30% slant. Commissioner Ward moved that the anneal be denied and that the permit be issued to remove three Monterey Pines and replace with one 24- inch box size tree anywhere on the property at 7 Kenmar Way: seconded Motion carried 6-0-1 absent . Commissioner Gilmore -Friend noted that the overall environment of an area be considered when private trees are removed with regard to the number of replacement trees. Chairman McGowan advised Mrs. Steele of appeal procedures to Council, but Mrs. Steele stated she would not be appealing the decision and thanked the Commission. 0A NEW BUSINESS Death of Tree Trimmer, Kesomi Maka - Chairman McGowan reported that Kesomi Maka, Tree Trimmer for the Parks Division (and a City of Burlingame employee for 27 years), suddenly passed away on Tuesday, November 24th. He added that services would be held at Crosby N-Gray on Friday and Saturday, December 4th and 5th. Chairman McGowan will send a letter on behalf of the Commission expressing their condolences to the Maka family. REPORTS - Richmond - 1) Timberline Tree Company has completed the trimming of the Eucalyptus trees on the West side of El Camino, in front of the Burlingame Plaza, as part of the tree pruning contract. The trees on the East side of El Camino, in front of the medical building, will be trimmed next. 2) Arbor Care Tree Company installed Christmas lights on the City Hall tree for the tree lighting ceremony on December 4th. 3) City tree crews have begun Sycamore pruning in the area West of El Camino and North of Hillside Drive. 4) Approximately 25 Eucalyptus trees will be removed at Bayside Park for the new Golf Range and Soccer field. 5) Lights in J-Lot have been repaired and are now operational. Superintendent Richmond thanked Commissioners Root and Schinagl for their faithful service on the Beautification Commission and stated that they will be missed. McGowan - `'' Chairman McGowan commented that the City is beautiful this time of year with the fall color of the deciduous trees (especially that of the Gingko trees), and commended the Parks Division for their good work. Gilmore -Friend - Commissioner Gilmore -Friend suggested that when letters are sent notifying Commissioners of the expiration of their terms, it should be included that the Commissioner service continues until appointment of their replacement is made. Locke - Commissioner Locke reported that many of the trees on El Camino between Hillside Drive and Ray Drive have a lot of sucker growth and prevents citizens from seeing around the trees. She added if the suckers were trimmed it would help with visibility around the trees. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Locke agreed to take pictures so this item can be discussed at the next meeting. Lauder - Commissioner Lauder reported a newly planted tree at 136 Bloomfield Road appears to have been damaged by the street scarifier and has completely "browned out". Superintendent Richmond stated the City Arborist will inspect the tree. 3 FROM THE FLOOR Michael Barber, 1316 Palm Drive, asked why some residents do not have City trees. Superintendent Richmond commented that it is the desire of the department to provide trees at all the "vacant planting sites" in the City but due to time, staff, and budget constraints "vacant planting sites" are not planted unless the resident requests tree planting. Upon resident request, the City's tree crew plants one "free" tree per address and but routinely replaces trees that need removing. Chairman McGowan thanked Commissioner Root for her efforts on behalf of the City of Burlingame. There being no further business and no further comments FROM THE FLOOR, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m. in memory of former Beautification Commissioner Dorothea Hughes and City of Burlingame Tree Trimmer, Kesomi Maka. Respectfully submitted, 1 Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary