Loading...
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). 2 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. 3 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 4