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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1996.06.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION JUNE 6, 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: Acting Director of Parks Richmond Guests: Recreation Director John Williams, Jack Friend MINUTES - Minutes of the May 2, 1996 meeting were approved as submitted. Letter from Tim Richmond to Richard P. Quadri informing him of the Commissions donation to have 2 Chinese Pistache trees planted honoring him and recognizing his 30 years of public service. The trees will be planted at Victoria Park as part of the playground renovation. Notice of appeal hearing for request from the Joint Powers Board to remove 3 city trees at the Millbrae Train Station. Letter from Acting Director Richmond to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Knox, 1121 Clovelly Lane, informing them of the Commissions denial to waive replacement requirements for a tree in the city right-of-way. Letter from Acting Director Richmond to Gerald K. Sandbulte, informing him that the Commission will review and render a decision at the June 6 meeting appealing the denial to pave the city parking strip in front of 1317 Bayswater Ave. Staff Report from Richard P. Quadri to the City Council re the Commissions denial of the Joint Powers Board request for the removal of 3 city trees at the Millbrae Train Station. Letter from William C. McGowan, Jr. to the City Council stating the reasons for the Commissions denial of the Joint Powers Board request to remove 3 city trees at the Millbrae Train Station. Letter from Michael Arbues, 13 Bancroft Rd., appealing the denial to remove 15 to 20' from the top of a 60' private Redwood tree. Letter from Walter Beucus, 129 Costa Rica Ave., requesting permission for a privately planted White Birch tree to remain in the city's planter strip. Letter from Bob Johnston, 1133 Killarney, requesting tree replacement requirements be waived in the city right-of-way at his address. Copy of letter from City Clerk Malfatti to David Greenaway, Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, informing him of the Councils decision to deny without prejudice the appeal to remove 3 city trees at the Millbrae Train Station. Copy of Outstanding Landscape Award notice in the Chamber of Commerce's June newsletter. Card from Richard P. Quadri thanking the Commission for the donation of 2 �„ trees to be planted in his honor at Victoria Park. OLD BUSINESS Appeal of Denial for Parking Strip Paving Application at 1317 Bayswater - Acting Director Richmond stated applicant's request to pave the planter strip was due to the heavy foot traffic from the Catholic Church across the street and his veterinary clients; Director Quadri denied the request and suggested bricks set in sand to allow for oxygen/water exchange for the existing city tree; the City Engineer had also stated that he would be inclined to deny the request because confining the tree could cause future damage to the sidewalk and paved area. Applicant was not present. Commission discussed applicants request: Commissioner Plyer stated when the property was purchased the planter strip was there and the other commercial properties next door are not paved -- would hate to see the existing flora removed. Commissioner Lauder stated that there are 4 on site parking places for the clients. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that if property was sold in the future then the strip would be paved. Commissioner Root stated brick set in sand would be the better solution. Following the discussion Commissioner Root moved to deny the appeal to pave the parking strip at 1317 Bayswater; seconded. Commissioner Ward requested that bricks set in sand be suggested to the applicant and/or that the Park Department is available to discuss alternatives. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Cancel/Reschedule July 4th Meeting (Due to Holiday) - After the Commission reviewed the pending items, Commissioner Plyer moved that the July 4th meeting be cancelled; seconded. Motion carried unanimously. The next regularly scheduled Beautification Commission meeting will be held on August 1. REPORTS ACTING DIRECTOR OF PARKS RICHMOND - Contract tree pruning has been completed. The contractor (Arbor Care) finished the Eucalyptus pruning along the RR tracks; Skyline Blvd. had been done previously. The new tree pruning contract will begin in the next fiscal year and will include the pruning of the Eucalyptus on Easton Drive. Acting Director Richmond stated that at the Budget Study session, Council seemed very receptive to combining the Park Department with the Recreation Department; the Council will review and render the final decision at their July 1st meeting. Among other staff reclassifications, Tree Supervisor Porter's job title will change to Tree Supervisor/Arborist making him more available to the Commission and to the public. Several Elms are believed to be infected with Dutch Elm Disease; 1 at 401 Primrose Rd. and 1 on Cambridge; trees will be monitored closely. Removal is likely. One Outstanding Landscape Award application has been received. RECREATION DIRECTOR WILLIAMS - Director Williams submitted the proposed organizational chart for the combined Park & Recreation Department and stated that the Council has approved the concept of combining the departments and will render a final decision at the July 1st Council meeting. MCGOWAN - Asked if the 2 city trees at 1215 Bayswater will be replaced. Acting Director Richmond reported that they would be planted by the Park Department during the fall planting. Chairman McGowan also reported that there are 2 city trees across from City Hall have ivy growing in them. Acting Director Richmond will inspect. REPORTS (Cont'd.) GILMORE-FRIEND - Has received reports from a resident that when kids are playing in their little league games at Washington Park a group of "skinheads" have been seen smoking pot; further, when small boys go into the restrooms, "men" waiting in cars in the city parking lot by the Lions Hall go into the restrooms. Reportedly, police were contacted by this resident but there has been no change. This resident also reported that the people using the basketball courts at Washington Park frequently use foul language in front of small children using the park. Director Williams stated that he has never heard of these complaints and would be very interested in speaking with the resident. Commissioner Gilmore - Friend stated she would have this person contact Director Williams directly. LAUDER - The sidewalks in front of Starbucks is dirty and sticky from coffee being spilled; is wondering if the city should take responsibility for cleaning the sidewalks in light of all the al fresco dining on Burlingame Avenue. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated that the businesses should be cited for dirty, sticky sidewalks. Chairman McGowan agreed that with the al fresco dining, the sidewalks on Burlingame Avenue have become very dirty. FROM THE FLOOR - Jack Friend stated he thought the proposed organizational chart for the combined Park & Recreation Department is a good one, with the public right there at the top. There being no further business, Chairman McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary L