HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1996.04.04BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
APRIL 4, 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 (late),
Plyer, Root, Schinagl, and Ward
Staff: Director Quadri
Guests: Dave Greenaway (CalTrain), Tim Richmond, and Jack Friend
MINUTES - Minutes of the March 7, 1996 meeting were approved as submitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Director Quadri to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Knox, 1121 Clovelly Way,
informing them that the Commission received their request to waive
replacement of a city tree and will render a decision at their April 4
meeting.
Letter from Director Quadri to David Greenaway, Peninsula Corridor Joint
Powers Board informing him that the Commission received his request to remove
3 trees on the California Drive right-of-way at Trousdale and will render a
decision at their April 4 meeting.
Memorandum from John Williams, Recreation Director, announcing award winners
of the CPRS - District IV Volunteer Recognition and Professional Awards
Program; Richard Quadri, Director of Parks received the Distinguished
Professional Award; Volunteers recognized from Burlingame were Clara Crook,
for service on behalf of senior citizens; Daren Schofield, for his work with
neighbors and City staff to replant elm trees on Cambridge and Oxford; and
Michael Souza, for producing the popular map of Washington Park which
identifies all of the trees found in the park.
OLD BUSINESS
Request for Waiver of Replacement Tree at 1121 Clovelly - Director Quadri
reported that the resident requests the city tree that was removed not be
replaced because the resident likes their yard without a tree and upkeep will
be easier.
Commissioner Plyer stated it is important to note that since the city
easement at this address is actually in the front lawn serious consideration
should be given and that the tree was removed through no fault of the
property owner. Commissioner Plyer moved that the request for waiver be
approved; seconded.
Chairman McGowan stated he sympathizes that the people are seniors and upkeep
may be more difficult; Commissioner Ward stated that many retired people live
in areas where there are Sycamores that require "upkeep" and waiving
replacement due to these reasons could set a precedent; Commissioner Schinagl
stated that trees are replaced for the next generation, if the house were to
sell there would be no tree. Commissioner Ward stated he believes government
should not over regulate, but is worried approving this request would set a
precedent . . . Commissioner Plyer stated he is not worried about setting a
precedent because most people want trees. Director Quadri stated if the
Commission comes up with specific findings to justify waiving the replacement
requirement, a precedent would not be set.
'--.-Commission asked if there were any specific reasons the property owner
requested the waiver other than "upkeep". Director Quadri stated nothing
specific was mentioned and the applicants are not present to address the
Commission.
Request for Waiver of Replacement Tree at 1121 Clovelly - (Cont'd.) -
Commissioner Ward moved that this item be tabled to the meeting of May 2nd
and that property owners be asked to clarify their specific reasons for
requesting that replacement requirements be waived; seconded. Motion carried
5 in favor; 1 abstention (Lauder); and 1 opposed (Gilmore -Friend). Director
Quadri will notify applicants and ask for clarification on their request.
Request from Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (CalTrain) To Remove 3
Trees on City Right-of-way Southeast of Trousdale Drive - Director Quadri
reported that CalTrain requests trees be removed because of view hazard as
motorists exit on to California Drive. Commissioner Plyer stated that this
driveway from the CalTrain parking is not actually an exit but is an
entrance. Mr. Greenaway explained that restriping of the lot is planned and
"No Exit" signs will be posted; however, signs are ignored and by removing
the trees motorist will have clear view of northbound traffic and more
importantly, the northbound traffic will be able to see the cars exiting from
the lot. Chairman McGowan stated he might agree to the removal of 2 of the
trees but the most southernmost tree (by the telephone pole) does not present
a view hazard. Mr. Greenaway stated that tree is within the "visual limit
line" and needs to be removed . . . Mr. Greenaway added that even if this
request is approved, the budget could disallow the removal of these trees.
Director Quadri stated he understood this request to be due to a safety
concern and that there had been no other options. Mr. Greenaway explained
that if budget on this project came up short the trees would not be removed
and CalTrain would then assume the risk. Commissioner Plyer added that he
too is concerned that there are other options but he is also concerned about
liabilities. Commissioner Ward stated that the Commission takes safety
concerns very seriously. Commissioner Plyer asked Director Quadri if
replacement trees would be required. Director Quadri stated rather than
replacement, a contribution to the tree replacement fund could be required
for each tree at an approximate cost of $250 per tree.
Commissioner Ward moved permission to remove 3 trees be granted with the
requirement that a contribution be made to the tree replacement fund;
seconded. Motion failed on a 4 - 3 vote; McGowan, Shinagl, Lauder, and Root
opposing. Chairman McGowan advised Mr. Greenaway that this decision may be
appealed to the City Council.
REPORTS
UADRI - Reported on meetings held with BART representatives to discuss
mitigation for their proposed tail track into Burlingame. BART is required
to answer concerns raised by the public to their draft environmental impact
report, and is using these meetings to get a sense of community response.
Subjects have included a soundwall and removal of a grove of 93 Eucalyptus.
These discussions do not change the City's position regarding BART. BART has
indicated they are aware of the Commission's position on the trees, but they
are proceeding on the assumption that the project will proceed.
MCGOWAN - Has attended both the Burlingame Ave. and the Broadway Streetscape
meetings. At this point, the 2 Magnolias on the east end of Burlingame
Avenue (shopping area) will remain. Chairman McGowan stated he explained at
the Broadway Streetscape meeting that the existing Magnolias are not the
large Southern Magnolia and have reached their height maturity. He reported
that there were many in the audience that were opposed to the wholesale
removal of these trees and it was decided that the trees would be assessed on
an individual bases; those that are candidates for removal would be replaced.
Chairman McGowan reported that before anything is done a master plan will
'*---need to be approved by the City Council . . . further these streetscapes
will be very costly and to date, there are no monies available.
REPORTS (Cont'd.)
ROOT - Stated that the Landscape Award registration form needs to be
submitted to the Chamber for publication in their newsletter. Karlene will
send information to the Chamber.
�- GILMORE-FRIEND - San Mateo County Times article quoted items from the last
Commission meeting but some of the information was incorrect . . . she
received a call from a reporter at the Boutique asking for clarification.
Director Quadri stated the minutes from each meeting are sent to the local
newspapers.
WARD - Commissioner Ward wanted to thank Director Quadri personally for his
dedication, leadership, direction, and his years of service to the citizens
of Burlingame; and stated that it has been a pleasure serving with him on the
Beautification Commission.
ROOT - Commissioner Root invited the Commission to a party at her home on
Friday, May 3rd at 6:00 p.m. to honor Director Quadri in his retirement.
There being no further business and no business FROM THE FLOOR Chairman
McGowan adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karlene Harvey
Recording Secretary