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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1996.03.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MARCH 7, 1996 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, Plyer, Root, Schinagl, and Ward Staff: Director Quadri Guests: Jack Friend, John Williams MINUTES - Minutes of the February 1, 1996 meeting were approved as submitted. Letter from Director Quadri to Derek & Jane Skaife, informing them that the Commission voted 6-0 for a permit to be issued to remove, and replace the private Fir tree with a 24" box size tree. Letter from Director Quadri to I. Grivakis, 1601 Ralston, informing him that the Commission voted 4-2 for a permit to be issued to remove and replace the private Oak tree with a 24" box size tree at that address. Letter from Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Knox, 1121 Clovelly, requesting replacement requirements be waived for the removal of a City tree at that address. Letter from Karlene Harvey to Marc Burkhardt, Editor of Boutique & Villager requesting information re the Outstanding Landscape Award be included in as many editions as possible up through July 1996. �- Letter from David J. Greenaway, Assistant Engineer, Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, requesting the removal of 3 trees on the California Drive right-of-way at Trousdale. Letter from Director Quadri to David J. Greenaway, informing him that the Commission will receive the request for removal of the 3 trees at their March 7 meeting. Letter from Director Quadri to Joan Shoaff, Garden Study Club of the Peninsula, thanking her for their $100 donation for the Arbor Day program. Letter from Director Quadri to Wacek, Pacific Cable Television, thanking him for his continued cooperation in the Arbor Day ceremonies. Letter from Director Quadri to Thom Sutfin, California Department of Forestry, thanking him for his participation, cooperation, and assistance in the Arbor Day ceremonies. Letter from John W. Williams, Recreation Director, to the Beautification Commission stating the Recreation Department will implement a "Pet Free Zone" strategy for Art -in -the -Park. OLD BUSINESS Landscape Award Committee Report - Commissioner Plyer had Karlene fax Outstanding Landscape Award form and letter to the Boutique & Villager requesting form be included in as many editions as possible between now and through July 1996. Commissioner Root stated she sent information to the Chamber of Commerce. Spring Garden Seminar - Director Quadri distributed seminar flyers for Commissioners to hand out to local businesses and informed Commission that flyers have been sent to the Burlingame Garden Center and Peters & Wilson nurseries. Director Quadri stated Dr. Larry Costello has agreed to be the OLD BUSINESS - Spring Garden Seminar - (Cont'd.) - featured speaker and will make a presentation on Landscape Trees in the Home Garden. Seminar is slated for Saturday, March 23rd, 9:30-11:30 . . Commission will provide cookies/pastries. NEW BUSINESS Request for Waiver of Replacement Tree at 1121 Clovelly - Director Quadri reported that a city tree was removed and applicant has requested that the policy for replacement be waived because they are retired, have nice landscaping that they like very much, and by not having a tree would make their property easier to maintain. Chairman McGowan stated he inspected the site and noted that the lawn area is very wet and soggy; Commissioner Plyer stated the city tree is in the front lawn area; Director Quadri stated that the City right-of-way on Clovelly is 7' behind the sidewalk; trees were planted within that easement as part of the development years ago and the City will replace trees at no charge. Commission will render a decision at the April 4 meeting. Victoria Park Landscape Plans - Director Quadri presented plans for Victoria Park Playground renovation and stated that this is part of a 5 year program to upgrade children's playgrounds in the City; some landscaping will be required for this particular playground and Director Quadri invited the Commission to comment and make suggestions as to plant material. Request from Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (CalTrain) to Remove 3 Trees on City Right -of -Way Southeast of Trousdale Drive - Director Quadri reported the Joint Powers Board requests permission to remove 3 trees because trees block view while exiting driveway from CalTrain parking at that location (trees are directly across from the Police Department). Director Quadri stated that some form of replacement tree will be required if request is approved. Commission will render a decision at the April 4 meeting. REPORTS UADRI - Director Quadri reported trees for the Spring street tree planting have been ordered, approximately 70 will be planted. The contractor is continuing the Eucalyptus pruning on Skyline; rain has hampered their progress. City tree crews have been busy due to the weather. Director Quadri introduced Recreation Director, John Williams, and stated that the City Manager has approved the concept of combining the Park and Recreation Departments but functioning as 2 separated divisions. John Williams would then become the Director of Parks and Recreation. Council will review at their March 18 meeting. Director Williams addressed the Commission and stated that he was the director for the Park and Community Services in Davis where there was a large street tree program as well as 9 Commissions. Director Williams added that Director Quadri will be leaving the Park Department in good shape --equipment has been updated and the department is well organized; Tim Richmond will oversee the Park Division and will be the "on call" staff person; he will attend and oversee the Beautification Commission meetings. Karlene will continue to serve as secretarial staff and will also continue as recording secretary to the Commission. Commissioner Plyer stated because of the City's Tree City USA status and the requirement that a Commission oversee a street tree program, it seems important to keep the Beautification Commission functioning as a separate commission. Director Williams stated he didn't anticipate any changes at the commission level. Following the discussion on the proposal, Director Williams stated that he has confidence in the current staff and he feels this will be a positive change for the City. LIM MCGOWAN - Chairman McGowan stated that he attended the Steering Committee for the Burlingame Ave. Streetscape--financing will be the key element to the success of the project. Chairman McGowan reported that initially ornamental pear trees were being considered but following input from,Chairman McGowan and Director Quadri a variety of species, deciduous and evergreen, that provide color and flowers will be chosen. Chairman McGowan stated that the Magnolias on each end of Burlingame Avenue were considered for removal but the trees at the El Camino end will remain --the 2 magnolias on the California Drive end may need to be removed to open up the view of the train station; the Park Department has determined that those 2 magnolias have been pruned back as far as possible. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend asked how approval can be given for the removal of healthy trees. Director Quadri stated that most of the trees on Burlingame Avenue are not healthy and are in decline, however the magnolias on Broadway are healthy and have reached maturity. Chairman McGowan stated that the Broadway Streetscape committee has indicated that the magnolias are "overtaking" the sidewalk and a wholesale removal is being proposed. Director Quadri stated that the magnolias were chosen by the merchants association years ago and do provide some kind of uniformity in the area; additionally the trees also hide some of the unattractive store fronts in that area. Commissioner Root stated it would be nice to see some other type of interests come into the Broadway area and perhaps improve the store frontages. Chairman McGowan stated the owners of the properties involved have not been attending the streetscape meetings. Chairman McGowan also reported that 2 trees at 1215 Bayswater blew down and have not been replaced and that the tie on the tree at 101 Lorton is cutting the bark; Director Quadri will inspect. SCHINAGL - A resident complained to her that the street sweepers come at 5 a.m. when cars are parked and are only able to clean the middle of the street. Commissioner Root stated that other cities post no parking signs between specific hours so street sweepers can do a complete job. Commissioner Plyer stated the city spends a lot of money street sweeping but because of parked cars the sweeper can't do a good job . . . this service the city offers should be accommodated in some way. Director Quadri stated the Public Works Department has a schedule for street sweeping. GILMORE-FRIEND - Thanked Karlene for all the publicity re Arbor Day and the Landscape Award in the newspapers. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend presented an article to the commission re the removal of an Oak tree in the City of Belmont for a new ice cream store. There being no further business FROM THE FLOOR, Chairman McGowan wanted to commend Director Quadri for receiving the Distinguished Professional Award from the California Park and Recreation Society at their annual awards dinner. The Commission applauded. Director Quadri added that Daren Schofield was given a volunteer award for his work on the elm planting project on Oxford/Cambridge, and Clara Crook received one for her work with seniors. Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary