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