HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1996.05.02BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
MAY 2, 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, Root,
Schinagl, and Ward
Absent: Commissioner Plyer
Staff: Asst. Park Director Richmond
Guests: Recreation Director John Williams, Jack Friend
MINUTES - Minutes of the April 4, 1996 meeting were corrected to read under
REPORTS - MCGOWAN - " . explained at the Broadway Streetscape meeting
that the existing Magnolia `Samuel Sommers' are not the large Southern
Magnolia and have reached their height maturity."
Letter from Director Quadri to David J. Greenaway, Peninsula Corridor Joint
Powers Board, informing him that the Commission denied the request for the
removal of 3 Casurinas on the City right-of-way, southeast of Trousdale
Drive. -
Letter from Director Quadri to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Knox, 1121 Clovelly Lane,
informing them that the Commission reviewed their request to waive tree
replacement requirements on City right-of-way but was unable to reach a
decision and asks for further clarification as to their reasons that a tree
not be planted. Commission would then render a decision at the May 2
�.. meeting.
Letter from Gerald K. Sandbulte, D.V.M., appealing the denial of the Director
of Parks to pave the parking strip at 1317 Bayswater.
Copy of letter to City Council from David Greenaway, Peninsula Corridor Joint
Powers Board, appealing the Commissions denial to remove 3 Casurinas on the
City right-of-way, southest of Trousdale Drive.
Letter from Karlene Harvey to Chamber of Commerce requesting the Outstanding
Landscape Award notice be included in their monthly newsletter to the end of
July.
OLD BUSINESS
Request for Waiver of Replacement Tree at 1121 Clovelly - Asst. Park Director
Richmond stated that this item was tabled at the last meeting to receive
clarification from the residents as to their request to waive tree
replacement requirements on City right-of-way. Mrs. Knox called the Park
Department and stated original tree died because roots were damaged during
landscaping, second tree blew down in the recent storm, and they just don't
want another tree. Asst. Park Director reread the 3 reasons stated from the
residents dated 2/8/96: 1) ..."have landscaping in the fron which looks very
nice"; 2) ..."not having the upkeep has been much easier"; and 3) ..."we are
retired citizens".
Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that a smaller tree could be planted;
that, everyone has a tree. Following discussion, Commissioner Gilmore -Friend
'%., moved request to waive tree replacement be denied but that residents be able
to choose from any of the street tree lists made available to residents;
seconded. Motion carried 6 - 0 - 1 absent.
NEW BUSINESS
Appeal of Denial to Pave Parking Strip at 1317 Bayswater Avenue - Asst.
Director Richmond reported that the application was routinely denied by the
"'—Director of Parks; generally, commercial properties are approved but this
business is in a residential area and all the adjacent parking strips are
open with trees and plantings; he further explained that city parking strips
are left open for percolation for trees and for easy access to Public Works
sewer and water lines. The Director of Parks suggested the placement of
bricks set in sand. Applicant felt that due to the heavy traffic from his
clientele and St. Catherine's Parish (directly across the street), the
planting of bushes or other plants in the strip is not a practical solution;
applicant plans to leave a 2' x 2' planting well around the existing Gingko
tree. Commission will review and render a decision at the June 6 meeting.
REPORTS
ASST. PARK DIRECTOR - The Spring street tree planting has been completed with
the planting of approximately 80-90 trees.
SCHINAGL - Complimented the Methodist Church on their new landscaping.
Commissioner Ward stated that someone from the Methodist Church is contacting
CalTrans re the safety of adjacent Eucalyptus trees on E1 Camino.
Commissioner Ward stated some of the Eucalyptus on E1 Camino protrude into
the roadway; the Eucs are considered "sacred" by the community but he doesn't
feel one life should be risked to save a tree.
Commissioner Lauder stated the Eucalyptus trees behind the Burlingame High
School bleachers on Oak Grove are trimmed and kept lower due to PGE primaries
and seem to do well. Asst. Director Richmond stated that particular grove is
of the Eucalyptus Globulus "Nana" variety, which is a smaller tree.
Commissioner Root asked what the policies were for city owned Eucalyptus that
get old and dangerous. Asst. Director Richmond stated that the City
contracts for safety pruning of the Eucalyptus in the City. CalTrans is
responsible for the trimming of Eucalyptus on El Camino because it is a State
highway. Since the storm of the early 19801s, routine trim cycles and health
evaluations of the Eucalyptus have been stepped up. During the trimming of
each tree the contractor along with the City's Tree Supervisor make
recommendations of trees that should be removed.
ROOT - Easton Dr. residents have a difficult time parking on the street and
are parking on the planter strip.
MCGOWAN - Attended a seminar sponsored by the Hillsborough Garden Club. Cass
Turnbull and Ralph Osterling spoke about the problems of inappropriate
pruning and removal practices and encouraged the planting of trees; many
trees have been lost in Hillsborough and the Garden Club is considering
starting a beautification commission to oversee the protection of trees in an
attempt to maintain the character of their community.
FROM THE FLOOR - Recreation Director John Williams stated plans are
progressing on combining Recreation and Park Departments; change will become
official as of July 1, 1996.
There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karlene Harvey
Recording Secretary