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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1995.03.0200 BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION March 2, 1995 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Plyer. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Plyer, Commissioners Gilmore -Friend, Lauder, McGowan, Root, and Ward Absent: Commissioner Schinagl Staff: Director Quadri Guests: Bob Brown, Jack Friend, Pete and Janice Scattini, Marti Knight MINUTES - Minutes of the February 2, 1995 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Director Quadri to Janice and Peter Scattini, 1359 Columbus, informing them that their request for removal of a city magnolia, in front of their address will be heard at the March 2 Commission meeting. Letter from Director Quadri to Philip Napoli, 1516 Los Montes Drive, informing him that the Commission voted 5-2 that a permit be issued to remove and replace 1 small city magnolia at his address. Letter from Director Quadri to William Ryan, 1555 Los Montes Drive informing him that the Commission agreed to allow him to prune the sycamores as originally authorized but if trimmed beyond the agreed limit the City Attorney would be asked to take appropriate action. Letter from Commissioner McGowan (on behalf of the Beautification Commission) to City Council expressing concerns that the paint colors on the exterior of the building at 1100 Burlingame Avenue are not in keeping with the ambiance, charm, or understated appearance of the Burlingame's retail environs. List of memorial tree donations for Rudona Bleichner, Bill Key, and John & Ruth Harper, Jr. and their son John Harper III. Trees to be planted during Arbor Days ceremonies at Franklin School. Letter and $50.00 donation from the Garden Study Club of the Peninsula for Arbor Day tree planting. Letter from Director Quadri to the Garden Study Club thanking them for the $50.00 donation for Arbor Day planting. Spring Garden Seminar flyer noting Kenneth D. Meyer (President of Mayne tree Expert Co.) as the featured speaker on "Pruning Trees in the Home Garden". OLD BUSINESS P.G.&E. Line Clearance Study - P.G.&E. is conducting a study comparing methods of pruning sycamores under utilities. Director Quadri stated that he has selected 15-20 pairs of sycamores throughout the City to be pruned as part of the study. Commission reviewed and approved the study. Request for Removal and Replacement of Magnolia @ 1359 Columbus - Director Quadri stated that residents applied to the Engineering Department initially for repair of the hazardous sidewalk in front of their address. Because '*--sidewalk damage was caused by the City tree and sidewalk repair would not occur in that area for 3 years, Engineering referred residents to the Park Department to apply for tree removal. Tree supervisor reported that sidewalk Request for Removal and Replacement of Magnolia @ 1359 Columbus - (Cont'd.) area is an extreme hazard; that until existing sidewalk was removed City would not be able to prune the roots and Park Department policy dictates that the City will not remove a healthy tree. Residents were referred to the Beautification Commission. Chairman Plyer recognized Pete and Janice Scattini. Mr. Scattini stated that there are many children in the neighborhood, and many have fallen on the hazardous sidewalk; the roots in the planter strip are so high that it is impossible to enter or exit an auto; slip and falls are a liability to property owner and the City. Mrs. Scattini stated that if removal wasn't allowed and the sidewalk were moved around the tree, they wouldn't be able to put in a picket fence and a brick walkway leading to the front door; when they purchased the house a year ago they were told by the realtor that if they called the City the City would take care of the tree/root problem. Mrs. Scattini stated they bought this "Colonial" house and want to enhance their property in line with the "Colonial" architecture. Director Quadri commented that sidewalk problems are City liability. Council has authorized the repair of sidewalks at City expense. To,protect the City street trees, the Council also authorized the bending around of sidewalks on a number of trees that are similar to this particular situation; if Commission were to vote for removal, it should find conditions that exist that are unique to this situation. Commissioner Root asked if anything could be done about the roots in the planter strip. Director Quadri stated that nothing could be done with the roots in the planter strip but the roots under the sidewalk and beyond the property line can be dealt with during sidewalk repair. Commissioner Lauder is concerned about does see the problem of entering and root mass in the planter strip. the Commission setting a precedent but exiting a car parked in front of the Commissioner Root stated that the roots in the planter strip pose a hazard to pedestrians. Commissioner Gilmore commented that it is a beautiful tree but it is causing a real problem here. Commissioner McGowan stated that their home is a beautiful "Colonial" and the Magnolia tree in front is gorgeous and is very much in keeping with the architecture. He asked if the property owners had considered a lamp post to better light the path within their landscaping and the possibility of having the curb painted red by the City so cars won't park by the roots in the planter strip. Director Quadri advised that painting a red zone would have to be referred to the Traffic and Safety Commission. Chairman Plyer stated that the decision the Commission makes needs to be based on the merits of this case. Commissioner Ward moved that the City remove the tree and replacement tree be at the cost of the homeowner; seconded. Director Quadri answered a question that in the last 14 years the City has removed only 1 healthy tree at "City expense" and that decision was by Council action. Request for Removal and Replacement of Magnolia @ 1359 Columbus - (Cont'd.) Commissioner Ward moved to amend his motion that permission to remove and replace the tree be granted at homeowners expense; there being no "second", motion died. After further discussion, Chairman Plyer moved that the tree be removed and replaced at City expense; seconded. Commission McGowan stated that he is "adamantly" opposed to the removal of this tree without at least attempting to correct the sidewalk situation and the City paying for the repairs; this tree quite possibly will live to be 400 years old. Mrs. Scattini stated that since moving in she has seen the sidewalk "rise"; that even if the sidewalk was taken away, the problem can't be fixed. The property is being damaged "enormously"; that some roots can't be cut and the sidewalk will have to be bent into their lawn area. The Recording Secretary restated the motion made by Chairman Plyer that the tree be removed and replaced at City expense. The Commission voted 3-3; Commissioners Lauder, McGowan, and Ward opposing; Commissioner Schinagl, absent. Mrs. Scattini stated that the City has a liability, if the City doesn't deal with the sidewalk problem and the root system; she added that she thinks it is "ridiculous" for the resident to pay . . . it is a City problem and a City tree. Commissioner Ward moved that this item be tabled to the next meeting; �,_, seconded. Motion carried 5-1; Commissioner Gilmore opposing. Arbor Day - March 7. 1995 - Director Quadri stated that Arbor Day will be held at Franklin School in conjunction with a ceremony to dedicate the Franklin Field renovation project. Ceremonies begin at 10:00 a.m. Spring Garden Seminar - March 18, 1995 - Director Quadri stated Ken Meyer from Mayne tree will speak on "Pruning Trees in the Home Garden". Director Quadri distributed flyers and asked the Commission to publicize the event. Commission will provide refreshments for the seminar. REPORTS IIADRI - In response to the problem of garbage being hosed out over sidwalk from Yosizono Restaurant, the City Attorney requests anyone who has witnessed this action to contact the him directly so he can take further action. Director Quadri reported that the resident at 1719-1721 Sequoia appealed the replacement requirement for private tree removal to the City Council. Council upheld the Beautification Commission's decision that trees must be replaced with non -fruit bearing trees. Tree pruning contractor will be trimming eucalyptus trees on the lower Burlingame Avenue area, near Dwight. ROOT - Reported that the San Mateo City Council is considering modular newsracks. Commissioner McGowan stated that there is a newsrack in front of the Post Office on Park Rd. that is not in compliance. Director Quadri stated that the City Attorney is in the process of dealing with that newspaper company. REPORTS -ROOT (Cont'd.) Commissioner Root reported that Mayor Knight suggested that perhaps another place in the City could be found for the children's artwork that was removed ,from the California Drive Fire Station during remodeling. Commissioner Root stated that, in speaking with Dale Perkins, she found that the art work was created by children from Franklin Elementary School; perhaps, an ad could be run in the paper for anyone of the "children" involved in the project to claim the work. Commissioner McGowan thought that maybe the artwork could be mounted on a kiosk and placed in front of the Fire Department. Commissioner Root thanked Commissioner McGowen for his suggestion; she will pursue this idea. MCGOWAN - Asked Director Quadri if there has been any response from CalTrans re the ivy in the trees at Barriolhet and E1 Camino. Director Quadri stated there has still been no response; he will inquire again. Asked Director Quadri if plantings and lighting are being considered at the S.P. parking lot on California Drive due to the extra parking in that because of the new restaurants in that area. Director Quadri stated that he had not heard of any plans. Commissioner McGowan reported that Councilman O'Mahony reported to him that the BART EIR has proposed the removal of a grove of mature Eucalyptus along the eastside of the railroad tracks, south of Millbrae Avenue, if the proposed BART tailtrack is placed in Burlingame. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Gilmore moved that the Commission's concern about the removal of a grove of Eucalyptus on the eastside of the track be expressed to the BART ,EIR via the City Council; seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner McGowan will draft a letter to Council expressing the Commission's concern. LAUDER - Stated that she is very concerned about all the new restaurants in the Burlingame Avenue area and no new parking lots; is wondering if the vacant lot next to what was once Woolworth's could become a parking lot. Director Quadri stated the lot is scheduled for development. Balloon shop on southside of Burlingame Avenue at Park Road had displays so far out on the sidewalk that pedestrians were required to walk around. Director Quadri will report to City Attorney. Asked Director Quadri if there has been any further developments on the Burlingame Avenue Merchants Asso. proposal for Burlingame Avenue beautification. Director Quadri stated that Council has directed staff to look into the costs of hiring a consultant who would develop a master plan for the Broadway and Burlingame Avenue areas. FROM THE FLOOR Mr. Bob Brown (Burlingame resident for 30 years) asked the Commission for input on the idea of a Bonsai Museum in Washington Park. Mr. Brown stated that it would be a world class museum and he feels would be a cultural benefit to the community; the museum would require approximately 1/4 acre of space and would need to be a secured by a wall or a fence; Washington Park is a preferred location because it is close to the commercial district; designated space would be leased from the City of Burlingame. Mr. Brown added he would not pursue this location if he received a negative reaction from the Commission. The Commission had no initial negative reaction but suggested the organization first look at Washington Park to see if it is even a possibility prior to submitting a proposal. Mr. Brown thanked the Commission for their time. There being no further business FROM THE FLOOR, the meeting was adjourned by y� Chairs ��t at 7:35 p.m AU','1 Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary