HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1996.11.07BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 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, Root,
Absent: Commissioners Plyer and Ward
Staff: Park Superintendent Richmond, Sr. Landscape Inspector Quadri,
Parks & Recreation Director Williams
Guests: Jack Friend
MINUTES - Minutes of the October 3, 1996 meeting were approved as
submitted.
Letter(s) from Sr. Landscape Inspector Quadri to M. McDonald Horton (1560
Cypress) and Lillian Butto Vasey (1562 Cypress) informing them that the
Commission voted to issue a permit for the removal of a Pine tree at 1560
Cypress.
Letter from Landscape Inspector Quadri to Galli Bertain Properties, 778 E1
Camino, informing them that due to the number of trees involved, the
permit application for removal of 6 trees was referred to the Commission
for consideration.
Letter from Parks Supt. Richmond to Evelyn Norman, 2209 Ray Drive,
informing her that the Commission voted in lieu of granting removal of the
City's Magnolia tree, the Parks Division would install root barriers where
necessary.
Letter from Parks Supt. Richmond to William Dugoni, 1511 La Mesa Drive,
�. informing him the Commission voted to deny his request for removal of the
City's Oak tree.
Letter from Daniel McHale, Ramada Inn, informing the Commission that they
are "flattered and delighted" to be the recipients of the 1996 Landscape
Award to be presented at the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting in
January.
Letter(s) from Mayor A.C. "Bud" Harrison, to Jeannie Hall Gilmore and
William Ward advising them of their reappointment to the Beautification
Commission.
Memo for Rec Bulletin insertion to announce the Spring Garden Seminar
scheduled for March 15, 1997.
Memo to Commission from Parks Supt. Richmond informing them of the appeal
to Council re the request for removal of a City Magnolia at 2209 Ray
Drive.
OLD BUSINESS
Request to Remove 6 Private Trees at 1421 Bellevue - Inspector Quadri stated
applicant requests removal of 1 Pine tree and 5 Acacias because the trees are
too close to the building, will cause damage to roof, are unsightly and the
Acacias cause allergies. Inspector Quadri stated he referred this request to
the Commission due to several issues; 1) number of trees involved, 2) removal
of these trees might cause privacy issues for tenants, and 3) applicant did
not feel trees should be replaced. Inspector Quadri 'stated that the
Drdinance requires 1 tree per 2,000 sf of habitable space; 2 of the trees
requested for removal are under 48" in circumference and do not need approval
nor replacement but if the Commission approves the removal of the 4 trees, he
recommends replacement requirements of 1-24" box size tree per removal be met
as required by the ordinance.
OLD BUSINESS - Request to Remove 6 Private Trees at 1421 Bellevue (Cont'd.) -
Commissioner Lauder asked where the replacement trees would be planted.
Inspector Quadri stated the trees could be planted anywhere on the property
but it appears the only place would be where the trees 'currently exist.
Commissioner Lauder stated that there isn't much sun between these buildings;
would the replacement trees grow well. Inspector Quadri stated trees would
grow there.
Chairman McGowan stated Acacia trees were probably volunteers and that the
trees might have been attractive if they had been maintained early on. Asked
Inspector Quadri if the apartment occupants are notified of the removal.
Inspector Quadri stated that the City notifies the property owner only.
Commissioner Gilmore -Friend moved to grant permission to remove 6 private
trees and that replacement trees be required as set forth in the Urban
Reforestation ordinance; seconded. Motion carried 5-0-2 (Absent).
Landscape Award Presentation (January '97) - Parks Supt. Richmond stated that
the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting has been set for Friday, January 17th,
at the Embassy Suites. As in the past, the Chairman of the Commission
presents the landscape award. Chairman McGowan stated if he is available he
will present the award; Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated she would present
the landscape award in Chairman McGowan's absence.
Spring Garden Seminar - Parks Supt. Richmond stated that Inspector Quadri has
declined the invitation to speak at the Spring Garden Seminar. The
Commission discussed alternative subjects/speakers. Inspector Quadri stated
that Paula Blanchfield spoke at the Seminar several years ago and Parks Supt.
Richmond stated if the Commission wanted to offer information on garden
nests, he would be willing to contact Dan Collins, plant pathologist.
,,,Following the discussion, Chairman McGowan stated he would contact Paula
Blanchfield and ask if she would be available to conduct a seminar revolving
around landscape design and pests; he also would contact Marian Paneretos if
Ms. Blanchfield is unavailable.
Commissioner Root stated she would have the banner revised and make
arrangements for banner hanging.
REPORTS
Richmond - Resident at 2209 Ray Drive appealed the Commissions decision to
deny removal of the City's magnolia. Parks Supt. Richmond noted that
additional documents backing the applicants claim were presented to the
Council and following the Commission's decision, Mrs. Norman reported to the
Parks Division that her landscaper discovered the roots of a private tree
next door were responsible for the damage to her brick planter. Council
upheld the Commission's decision with the condition that the Parks Division
not only install root barriers around the roots in the City easement but also
along the front foundation of the house. Parks Supt. stated that the tree is
likely to decline but will be liquidfertilized in an attempt to reverse the
affects.
The tree pruning contractor has started on the north side of Easton Drive.
Parks Supt. Richmond reported the sidewalk repair contractor is currently in
the Poppy/Hale area; wherever possible the sidewalks are being moved around
up into city rights -of -way. However, even though the sidewalks are moved,
some roots need to be cut. A Magnolia tree at 2301 Hale Dr. required
removing because it became unstable after necessary root pruning. Currently,
2 large liquidambars at 2501 Hale Dr. have been scheduled for removal because
the necessary extensive root pruning will render the trees.unstable.
REPORTS - Richmond (Cont'd.) -
These trees will be replaced in the Spring 1997 street tree planting. Parks
Supt. Richmond added there are potentially more trees that will need to be
removed during the sidewalk repair. Commissioner Gilmore -Friend stated the
sidewalk repair contractor is in her area and that they are doing a
"wonderful" job --residents are happy with their work.
Parks Supt. Richmond presented a sample of a 47" circumference tree trunk
round to display to the Commission the approximate size of a "protected" tree
(48" circumference). He also presented a 2'X 2' root barrier.
Parks Supt. Richmond reported that today 2 City trees on Bellevue were
illegally pruned; property owner will be responsible for the cost of
corrective pruning on one of the trees and the value, removal & replacement
costs of the tree that will need to be removed as a result of the pruning.
McGowan - Stated that while visiting his father at Peninsula Hospital he was
pleased to see how Burlingame is covered with trees.
Schinaal - Recently became aware of the Sheriff's Department work crews.
People work off court ordered hours by cutting weeds, cleaning tunnels, etc.
and suggested the City this crew to clean the weeds along El Camino. Parks
Supt. Richmond stated the Parks Division used these crews when a deputy was
provided for supervision. But, since deputies no longer supervise those
crews and City employee's would need to go through training to supervise,
this program has not been used. The Parks Division currently uses the
Hillcrest Crew because a supervisor is provided. Parks Supt. Richmond stated
E1 Camino Real is a state highway and not the maintenance jurisdiction of the
City accept in areas where there are city rights -of -way. ,
,Gilmore -Friend - Commissioner Gilmore -Friend invited Commission and staff to
dinner at her home following the December 5th meeting.
FROM THE FLOOR
There being no further business and no business FROM THE FLOOR, Chairman
McGowan adjourned the meeting at 6:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Karlene Harvey
Recording Secretary