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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 1988.08.04BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION August 4, 1988 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautificaiton Commission was called to order on Thursday, August 4, 1988 at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Gilmore. ROLL CALL rent: Chairman Gilmore, Commissioners Hagstrom, Root and Ward. Absent: Commissioners Erickson, Hughes, and O'Mahony. Staff: Director Quadri Guests: Reps. of Broadway Merchants Asso. June Hartley of Taste Restaurant and Eric Johnson of Footlights; Ester Cummings, Librarian. MINUTES Minutes of the July 7, 1988 meeting were approved as submitted. CORRESPONDENCE Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Vignati, 1640 Balboa Ave. informing them of the Commission's decision to grant permission for removal of a liquidambar. Order of agenda was changed to accommodate guests. June Hartley of Taste Restaurant stated that the Broadway Merchants are interested in beautifying the streets and sidewalk areas on Broadway -- Eric Johnson of Foot- lights indicated that the merchants would like to see small planters around the trees and would like Broadway to be as presentable as Burlingame Avenue. June Hart- ley added that the merchants are interested in keeping the streets clean, the re- moval of newsracks, particularly pornographic material, and the association will be sending a letter to the merchants requesting they keep their store fronts clean and remove any extra signs from their windows -- they will be checking with the city as to a placement of a Kiosk similar to the one in front of Woolworths on Burlin- game Ave. for community events and advertisement. Director Quadri stated that the Council has asked the Broadway Merchants to submit a 'laundry list' to the Council for review at a future study session. Burlingame Avenue was renovated through an assessment district. Council will discuss and review findings. Commissioner Root added that "it is music" to the Commissions ears to hear of the merchants growing interest and concern for beautifying Broadway. Spring Garden Seminar/Friends of the Library - Ester Cummings stated that the Friends of the Library would be interested in co -sponsoring the Spring Garden Semi- nar with the Beautification Commission and would be willing to pay fees up to $300 for a speaker; the Beautification Commission could provide refreshments as in the past, and Park Dept. would be responsible for location, them, set up, etc. One possibility for a speaker is Johnathan T. Plant, a Professor for Environmental Planting and Design in the East Bay. His presentations are enjoyable and his ex- pertise is in landscape design. Ester Cummings added that the Library would invite Mr. Plant and would also handle publicity. Chairman Gilmore would like a banner made to publicize the event. Ester Cummings stated that the Friends of the Library have not usually provided funds for things such as banners but she would be willing to mention it for the next budget in May. The Commission discussed other ways of raising funds for a banner. After a brief discussion,Commissioner Hagstrom moved that the Beautification Commis- sion, in cooperation with the Friends of the Library, invite "Mr. Plant" to speak ♦, at the March 18, 1989 Spring Garden Seminar with Friends of the Library being responsible for his fee; seconded. Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS QUADRI - Director Quadri read portions of the City Attorney's letter to Council re root removal on private property . . . that the City would be responsible only if found to be negligent . . . that the property owner may cut roots in- vading property under 2 inches . . . residents are responsible for root re- moval on their property. The 'island' at Alvarado is a temporary solution according to the engineering dept. When it becomes permanent, brick or river rock could be used. Because that particular area was the 'turn -around' for the old street car line, there is 3' of concrete under the street making it impractical to install irrigation. Commissioner Hagstrom asked if the island needs to be so large. Director Quadri said that question will be directed to the Traffic Engineer. A new Asst. Park Director has been chosen from a list of 21 applicants. Timothy Richmond who has been with the City of Burlingame Park Dept. for 6 years began his new position on August 1, 1988. From the 4 applicants that Director Quadri interviewed all were very close, but Tim scored well in all categories and works well with people. Eucalyptus at 1437 El Camino had its roots severely pruned on each side by the contractor. CalTrans is investigating and is considering removal of the tree. GILMORE - Michael Bosch of the Burlingame Post Office has taken a new position with jurisdiction in San Francisco. The new Post Master is Daniel Martin. Due to the timing of Mr. Bosch's transfer, the moving of the newsracks at the Broad- way branch did not happen. The Commission will approach Mr. Martin re the place- ment of the newsracks. HAGSTROM - On the 1100 block of E1 Camino (w. side) a newly planted eucalyptus is dead; the Hillside -Easton stairs are overgrown with weeds. ROOT - 'Has found someone to coordinate the children's art in the city and should have a definite answer by next Commission meeting. OLD BUSINESS Newsrack-Committee The committee will meet with Director Quadri and the City Attorney before next Commission meeting to come up with a concept to present to Council. Landscape Award - Commissioner Root presented a list of possible nominees to the Commission. After a brief discussion, the Commission requested that they have information on which businesses were meeting their water allocations during the drought. Director Quadri will provide this information. Commissioner Ward stated that he had a difficult time defining medium and small businesses and proposed a new category for very small businesses i.e., retail, single owner shops, gas stations etc. The Commission agreed that defining med- ium and small businesses was difficult but felt that instead of a new category they should reassess what a large business is as compared to a small business. A revised list of nominees will be sent to the Commission with the August minutes for selection at the September meeting. There being no comments FROM THE FLOOR the meeting was adjourned in memory of Commissioner Hughes' daughter, Dorothea M. Hughes, Lt. USN retired. Respectfully submitted, Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary