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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1995.10.05BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION OCTOBER 5, 1995 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, Q469-' Schinagl, and Ward Staff: Director Quadri Guests: Jack Friend, John Blackburn, Judy Richmond, Garnik Davidian and A. Davidian MINUTES - Minutes of the September 7, 1995 meeting were corrected to read under ROLL CALL Chairman McGowan Commissioner Plver Minutes were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE Letter(s) to June Chiotti, re: 1621 Lassen Way; Garnik Davidian (825 Gull Ave., Foster City) re: 1131 Capuchino; Catherine Gamlen (1021 Paloma) re: 1025 Paloma Ave., from Director Quadri informing them that the Commission will review their requests at the October 5, 1995 meeting. Letter from Director Quadri to David Pilston, 1025 Paloma Ave., informing him of the request to remove the street tree at 1025 Paloma; and that, the Commission will review the request at the October 5, 1995 meeting. Letter(s) from the City Manager to Carolyn Root and William McGowan informing them that their terms on the Commission will expire on October 7, 1995 and procedures for reapplying. Letter to the Beautification Commission from David Pilston, 1025 Paloma Ave., requesting the Cottonwood in front of his property not be removed. OLD BUSINESS Request for Removal of Cottonwood tree at 1025 Paloma (recruested by resident at 1021 Paloma - Director Quadri read letter from the owner of 1025 Paloma requesting the Cottonwood not be removed; Mr. Pilston states that one of the features that appealed to him in the purchase of his home 3 years ago, were the mature trees that exist on his property and removal of the tree would affect the value of his property. Mr. Pilston states that the City has been very responsive in trimming and spraying the tree and feels there are alternative actions his neighbor can take to protect the paint on their cars. Director Quadri reported that the tree supervisor indicates that this tree is a healthy tree, approx. 50 years old and recommends the tree be trimmed and headed back every 2-3 years which is more often than normally scheduled; the tree is currently on the list for routine spraying. Commissioner Lauder stated the tree appears to be healthy and spraying could help with the insect problem; Commissioner Gilmore -Friend asked if frequent pruning will cause extra growth ---Director Quadri stated "no". Commissioner Ward moved that the request to remove the Cottonwood tree at 1025 Paloma be denied; seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Director Quadri will inform the applicant of the decision and appeal procedures. Request for Removal of 2 Eucalyptus trees at 1131 Capuchino - Director Quadri stated the owner of the apartment at 1131 Capuchino requests removal of 2 Eucalyptus trees planted in the City planter strip; trees were not planted by the City and were planted 5' from each side of an existing Liquidambar; the Tree Supervisor recommends removal of the Liquidambar because it is the least healthy of the 3 trees. Commissioner Schinagl stated there is apparent sidewalk damage caused by tree roots at that site. OLD BUSINESS (Cont'd.) Request for Removal of 2 Eucalyptus trees at 1131 Capuchino - Commissioner Plyer thought removal of the 2 Eucalyptus would allow the Liquidambar to grow better. Chairman McGowan recognized Mr. Davidian: Mr. Davidian stated that the 2 Eucalyptus trees are a nuisance and that the Liquidambar was there first; and, he has no idea how those trees were planted there. He reports that the sidewalk is raised, flooding occurs in the winter, branches and leaves clog the gutters, and the Eucalyptus trees are a fire hazard. After further discussion, Commissioner Plyer moved that the Park Department issue a permit to the applicant to remove 2 Eucalyptus and waive the replacement requirement; seconded. Chairman McGowan called for discussion: Mr. Davidian wanted to know how someone could plant those trees there without the City's knowledge . . . Chairman McGowan stated that the Eucalyptus are messy trees and do damage to sidewalks; Commissioner Ward stated that one of Eucalyptus trees is leaning. toward the property. There being no further discussion, Chairman McGowan called for the vote: the motion carried unanimously to issue a permit for the applicant to remove 2 Eucalyptus trees at 1131 Capuchino. Director Quadri stated the Park Department will issue a permit and notify the property 'owner of appeal procedures. Request for Waiver of Replacement Tree at 1621 Lassen Way - Director Quadri reported that during sewer lateral repairs and lawn renovation, unauthorized root pruning was done on the City Magnolia tree causing the tree to die. Applicant requests replacement requirement be waived because replacement in the same place would be right over her water line and to plant anywhere else would not be aesthetically pleasing; additionally, she feels she has enough trees on her property. Director Quadri stated due to the unauthorized root pruning that led to the removal of the tree, the resident will be required to contribute to the tree replacement fund. The Commission discussed the many other trees at 1621 Lassen Way and the adjacent properties. Commissioner Ward moved replacement requirements be waived at 1621 Lassen Way; seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Director Quadri will notify the applicant. Oxford/Cambridge Tree Replacement Proposal - Director Quadri stated he has had some further discussion with Darren Scoffield. Director'Quadri suggested that Mr. Scoffield not come to the Commission until a neighborhood plan be worked out but to keep the liaisons from the Commission informed. Commissioner Lauder added that she has received literature on Elm trees from Mr. Scoffield. Commissioner Plyer clarified that the Commission is not required to "take on" the project but is rather to act as liaisons and to review and approve any recommendations. NEW BUSINESS Spring Garden Seminar - Director Quadri stated that there are many classes offered at the Recreation Center covering most of the topics that have been traditionally covered by the seminar; he asked if the Commission wanted to continue to offer the Spring Garden Seminar. After a brief discussion, the Commission agreed that because the seminar is free of charge and that there still seems to be interest,to continue the seminar. The Spring Garden Seminar is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd . . . Commissioner Root will make arrangements for the banner to be hung. REPORTS UADRI - Over 100 street trees will be planted during the Fall planting and the tree pruning contractor removed 9 elms on Oxford/Cambridge, and will next work on Skyline. Director Quadri reviewed the tree removal for the Anza off ramp at Highway 101, and the trees planted as mitigation. New mitigation requirements for Easton Creek excavation requires wetland establishment in the same area. This project would remove several protected size trees and a number of younger trees required in the offramp project. Director Quadri stated he will work with those involved to find other areas to expand wetlands and minimize the number of trees involved. The Commission expressed concern over the proposed tree removal, and asked to be kept informed. , MCGOWAN - 'Has received a new copy of the Bart to Airport E.I.R. He will report to the Commission the report's recommendations for the Eucalyptus grove near the proposed spur into north Burlingame. Chairman McGowan asked Director Quadri if a tree has been replaced at 1359 Columbus and what the removal of the large Magnolia cost the City. Director Quadri stated the property owner chose the smaller variety magnolia and he will report the cost of removal at the November meeting. ROOT - Georgette Naylor from the Chamber would like the Commission to re- present the Landscape Award to the Marriott at the January Chamber Luncheon. After a discussion as to other alternate community events to present landscape awards in the future, the Commission agreed to the idea. Commissioner Root will report back to Georgette Naylor. Commission Plyer added that tying the landscape award presentation with the Chamber is a good association since this represents the business community; �-- He added that an application process would help the Commission in determining properties that are interested in meeting established criteria for eligibility for receiving the award. The Commission agreed and felt a committee should be appointed to review the criteria. Chairman McGowan appointed Commissioners Plyer and Schinagl. GILMORE-FRIEND - Read information to the Commission from P.G.&E.'s Spotlight flyer on the planting and placement of trees. FROM THE FLOOR - Judy Richmond, 1233 Paloma stated that she rides her bicycle in Burlingame and is thinking of forming a committee to promote bicycling in the community. Director Quadri stated that the Park and Recreation Commission would be an appropriate commission to contact since they are involved with sports and leisure activities in the City. Chairman McGowan stated that the City Council has appointed a committee for the downtown streetscapes and may be considering bicycles and bicycle stands. Ms. Richmond thanked the Commission. Chairman McGowan congratulated Commissioner Schinagl on the birth of her new grandchild and hoped that her husbands health was well. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey .Recording Secretary