HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1997.02.06L
BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 6, 1997
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:33. p.m.
by Chairman Will McGowan.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman McGowan, Commissioners Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, Plyer, Schinagl, and
Ward.
Absent: Commissioner Root
Staff: Parks Superintendent Richmond, Arborist Porter, Administrative Secretary Harvey
Guests: Benjamin Chocolate, John Webb
MINUTES - Minutes of the January 2, 1997 meeting were approved as submitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter to Paula Blanchfield from Superintendent Richmond thanking her for agreeing to be the
featured speaker at the Spring Garden Seminar on March 15th.
Letter to the Garden Study Club from Director Williams thanking them for their contribution toward
the Arbor Day ceremonies.
Letter from Harold and Margaret Romanowitz, 3088 Alcazar, requesting an extension to meet the
tree replacement requirements for private tree removal at their address.
OLD BUSINESS
Arbor Day - Superintendent Richmond presented a staff recommendation that would enable the
Commission to link the Burlingame eucalyptus issue to the Arbor Day ceremony as was suggested
by Tim Auran at the January meeting. It would involve encouraging the children to focus on the
eucalyptus heritage in the City. The recommendation would be included in the standard Arbor Day
announcement that is sent each year to the participating schools and would read as follows:
"This year, the Beautification Commission has asked that the theme be focused
on the rich heritage of the Eucalyptus trees planted in our community over 100
years ago by John McLaren, (developer of Golden Gate Park)."
Superintendent Richmond added that historical information would be included to assist the children
with their presentations.
The Commission discussed the recommendation. Commissioner Ward stated that he was concerned
about getting the children involved in such a political situation. Commissioner Plyer thought that it
may appear that the children are being used. Commissioners Gilmore -Friend and Schinagl wondered
if that statement might sound like eucalyptus trees were going to be planted for Arbor Day.
Commissioner Lauder feels the Commission is caught in the middle. Commissioner McGowan stated
that even if some of the eucalyptus are removed, the remaining eucalyptus are still a celebrated part
of the City of Burlingame.
OLD BUSINESS/Arbor Day —(Cont'd.)
Commissioner Plyer noted that, in the past, the Commission has not proposed a theme for the Arbor
Day ceremonies; the intent is well taken, but doesn't think anything about the eucalyptus should be
said at Arbor Day. He added, that this would be stepping out of the commission's responsibility.
Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that, on the other hand, children might be wondering what the
eucalyptus tree issue is all about, and it might help to educate them. Commissioner McGowan
responded that this is a current issue and children should not be hidden from life. The
recommendation could help to illuminate the fact that this issue exists. Commissioner Ward stated
it might be more appropriate to focus on this type of theme when it is not a current issue, that it
would be a mistake to do this now and that nothing should be said about the eucalyptus trees.
Commissioner Ward moved that there be no statement from the Beautification Commission in
reference to the Eucalyptus trees in the letter sent to the schools or at the Arbor Day ceremonies;
seconded. Following a brief discussion, the Commission voted 5 - 1(McGowan)-I (absent/Root)
to oppose the staff recommendation.
CalTrans Plan to Remove 115 Trees Along El Camino (Update) - Superintendent Richmond
reported that the City Police Department has completed a study of traffic accidents with regard to
trees on El Camino. The study showed that fewer than 1/2 of 1% of the accidents reported on El
Camino indicated that a street tree was a possible factor in the accident. The Public Works
Department is studying problems with driveways and access in regard to trees. The report will be
presented at a staff -level meeting with CalTrans representatives in February.
Commissioner Plyer stated that he believes the City and the State have enough expertise to come up
with a solution. If a solution is presented, there may be no need for a public hearing. Commissioner
Ward added that CalTrans is obviously facing one lawsuit after another. Commissioner Schinagl
stated that Commissioner Lauder drafted a statement for the Commissions consideration with regard
to the trees on El Camino. The statement, which reads as follows, would be sent to Mayor
O'Mahony:
"The Beautification Commission for the City of Burlingame highly recommends that
CalTrans be in compliance with the Urban Reforestation Ordinance in regard to
tree removal along El Camino."
Commissioner McGowan asked the statement be amended to read "...in regard to any suggested tree
removal along El Camino". The Commission discussed the statement and felt the city's Urban
Reforestation Ordinance speaks to specific guidelines for tree removal as well as replacement and
should be recognized by CalTrans before any removals on El Camino occur. Commissioner
McGowan stated that the people of Burlingame get very upset when they hear of the possible removal
of Eucalyptus on El Camino. Commissioner Ward added that CalTrans should replace any trees they
remove based on the ordinance. Superintendent Richmond reported that, currently, CalTrans
removes dead and dying trees.
Following the discussion, Commissioner Ward moved that the amended statement be sent to Mayor
O'Mahony; seconded. Motion carried 6 - 0 - 1 (absent/Root).
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NEW BUSINESS
Request for Extension of Private Tree Removal Permit (3088 Alcazar) To Meet Replacement
Requirements - Superintendent Richmond reported that the Landscape Inspector granted one six
month extension which has now expired 1/3/97. The residents are requesting an extension so they
may replace their damaged driveway and then plant replacement trees. Following a brief discussion,
Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved that a six month extension be granted, from the date of the last
expiration, in order to complete the project; seconded. Motion carried 6 - 0 - 1 (absent/Root).
REPORTS/RICHIVIOND - There has been no response from Mrs. Norman, 2209 Ray Drive, to the
City Attorneys request that she sign a waiver so the city Parks Division may encroach on her
property to install root barriers.
Superintendent Richmond reported that a Liquidambar tree on Alvarado required removal as part of
the sidewalk repair program He added that the root structure was too massive for pruning and
stability could not be guaranteed following the repair to the sidewalk. (Pictures presented.)
A Eucalyptus tree on the comer of Easton and Bernal was removed by the city contractor due to
basal heart rot. The tree will not be replaced in the same area because there is not enough available
space. (Pictures presented.)
A Eucalyptus tree, 20 feet north ofthe donut shop on California Drive (300 Blk.) required emergency
removal by city crews. During a recent inspection of the grove at that location the City Arborist
noticed the root structure moving in the ground. (Pictures presented.) The city contractor will
remove another Eucalyptus the week of February 17 at the same location because the tree is poorly
�. structure and has disease below the bark around the entire tree. Superintendent Richmond added the
soil is very wet in that area and because other trees are exhibiting symptoms of root rot and basal rot,
the City Arborist anticipates selective removals in the area.
Commissioner Plyer asked if the city is obliged to replace trees when a tree is removed due to
emergency. Superintendent Richmond stated it is a matter of practice that when the city crews
remove a tree it replaces a tree whenever possible. Commissioner Plyer remarked that he doesn't feel
if a private property tree is removed by emergency the property owner should have to replace the
tree. Commissioner Richmond stated that if the property is heavily forested the property owner
would not be required to replace the tree. Commissioner Plyer added if a tree is removed because
it died and the property owner is not at fault or if the tree requires emergency removal, the property
owner should not have to replace it.
City tree crews have completed the scheduled removal of the elms on Cambridge that were infected
with Dutch Elm Disease.
Illegal pruning of city trees has been reported. This is the season during which illegal pruning most
often occurs. It is also close to the season when trees can be damaged by planting sod too close to
their trunks. Superintendent Richmond requested the assistance of the Commissioners in identifying
such occurrences and reporting them to the Park Division.
MCGOWAN - Commissioner McGowan noted how beautiful the often derided plum trees are at this
time.
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REPORTS/MCGOWAN (Cont'd.) The Annual Chamber Luncheon was well attended. He
presented the Landscape Award to the head gardener of the Ramada Inn. Other attendees to the '1
luncheon were employees and general manager of the Ramada Inn and Commissioner Plyer.
LADDER - Near the Washington Park entrance at Vernon there appears to be a lot of standing water
in the grass. Superintendent Richmond said he would investigate.
FROM THE FLOOR
Benjamin Chocolate introduced himself and stated that he would like to do a documentary historical
video on trees in Burlingame. He believes this to be a worthwhile project taking him about five
months to complete. He attended and video taped the "beam signing" ceremony at the Library and
hopes to make his videos available public through the Library. Mr. Chocolate asked the Commission
for suggestions as to how he might make contact with residents in the city to participate in this
project by way of let him video tape them telling stories and letting him take pictures of their trees.
Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that Mr. Chocolate may want to contact Clara Crook from the
Senior Commission or Marilyn Short from the Burlingame Historical Society. She believes they may
have interesting information on Burlingame trees that may be helpful. Commissioner Plyer invited
Mr. Chocolate to video tape his grandson playing in an oak tree in his backyard that he has gone to
great expense to preserve. Superintendent Richmond asked if this would be appropriate to place on
next months agenda. The Commission concurred. Mr. Chocolate thanked the Commission.
John Webb introduced himself and stated that he made a proposal to the Parks & Rec Commission
re obtaining state lands (east of 101) and earmarking the parcels for soccer fields. He stated he wants
the city to submit a proposal to the State Lands Commission requesting that the area be greenbelted
and designated for park use. He noted that currently, there are not enough athletic fields in the city.
The lease on the drive-in theater and the airport parking will soon be ending and this will be the only
available site left for soccer fields. He added that the organization, Citizens for Athletic Parks (CAP)
will be working toward these efforts.
Commissioner Gilmore -Friend asked ifhe had organized the "soccer parents". Mr. Webb stated that
1700 parents have been contacted thus far. Commissioner Plyer stated that the Beautification
Commissions charter is to deal with the trees in the City of Burlingame and has no jurisdiction over
athletic fields. Mr. Webb responded that it is their intent to inform as many people as possible with
regard to their proposal so that everyone is on the same page. Commissioner Plyer informed Mr.
Webb that several years ago the Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Charette that involved local
architects rendering conceptuals of the bay front. He may want to contact the Chamber. Mr. Webb
thanked the Commission for their time.
There being no more comments FROM THE FLOOR, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting
at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
&Kare Harvey
Recording Secretary
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