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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2023.04.20R C1TfY ti o� `ls Rvoawreo PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FINAL Meeting Minutes Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023 1. CALL TO ORDER The duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Pappaj ohn at 7:03 pm. 2. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Holzman, Brunello, Pappajohn, Chang, Milne, Yu, and W ettan COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Recreation, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Holtz, & Recording Secretary Helley OTHERS PRESENT: None 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the March 16, 2023 meeting will be ready for approval at the May 18, 2023 meeting. 4. PRESENTATION Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Holtz thanked the Commission for their time tonight. Since late December 2022, the Burlingame community has experienced severe storm events of unprecedented rain and wind. Several failures of public and private trees occurred during these events. As a result, the community has expressed concern about how the City maintains its trees. The City of Burlingame has long enjoyed a special relationship with trees. In fact, the City has been designated a Tree City USA every year since 1979. However, tree maintenance and preservation efforts began many decades before this designation. Different community organizing and civic efforts were applied to develop tree preservation ordinances. The Burlingame 1 Parks & Recreation Commission FINAL Minutes April 20, 2023 community recognized the environmental, aesthetic, and historical significance large trees could provide to the public. Documentation of the City of Burlingame's commitment to maintaining a healthy, mature urban forest can be traced back to 1908. Holtz outlined the history of the City and the groves of trees enjoyed by the community and maintained by the Parks Division and noting that the average life of a municipal tree is seven years. Over the years, the tree maintenance program in Burlingame has adapted to shifts in industry standards and the desires of the community. In the mid-2000s, the City adopted a practice of inspecting each City tree at least once every four years. This scheduled grid -pruning program followed industry -standard preventative maintenance measures. Since its inception, instances of large branch and whole tree failures have been reduced. Parks staff and contractors follow general International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) pruning practices to maintain the longevity and stability of our trees. Additionally, trees are found to have needs in between scheduled pruning cycles. In these instances, the City Arborist or designee will inspect the tree and prescribe necessary work. Parks staff and contractors complete this work and also respond to emergency situations. The City of Burlingame owns over 17,000 trees. Most exist along City streets in front of private property or on City lands such as parks and City facilities. Some large tree groves exist. These are primarily Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) plantings (Exhibit A - Map of Groves). These groves include the following as of March 30, 2023: Easton Drive — 34 large trees Jules Francard Grove (Between the railroad tracks and California Drive from North Lane to Morrell) - 391 large trees Rollins Road Grove (Between private properties on Rollins Road and the railroad tracks beginning at 1529 Rollins Road and Millbrae Bart station) - 403 large trees Skyline Blvd. - 273 large trees Oak Grove - 25 large trees Burlingame Ave. - 13 large trees Bayside Park - 181 large trees These trees provide tremendous benefits to the community via carbon dioxide -oxygen exchange, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, stormwater holding capacity, and historical significance. However, given their size, they also present greater consequences should they fail. For this reason, the City has engaged in numerous risk mitigation measures, including size reduction, increased inspection, and maintenance frequency and removal. At times, the inspection is performed by an independent arborist to offer an additional opinion to the City. Holtz noted the risks of having large, mature trees and the potential maintenance issues. Despite best efforts, staff is unable to predict with certainty when a tree might experience failure. These living, breathing organisms are subject to decay, structural defects, pests, and genetic variation. A preventative maintenance pruning program aims to identify concerns and correct through structural pruning, chemical assistance, or removal per industry standards. This process is proven to lessen the experience of failure. In addition, there are various rating systems to assist in determining the 2 Parks & Recreation Commission FINAL Minutes April 20, 2023 appropriate mitigation measure. Holtz and Parks Supervisors Burrow and Barron are trained in the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAM) program (Matrix 1 & 2 - TRAQ Rating Chart). This program is broken down as follows: Identify potential tree failure points Determine the likelihood of that failure occurring in a specified amount of time Determine the target and occupancy rate (likelihood of impact) Determine consequences When the Arborist believes that, despite risk mitigation measures, there is an increased likelihood of potential failure, the tree is considered for removal. Trees considered to have a "Probable" likelihood of failure are removed or, if suitable, receive pruning to reduce the likelihood of failure to a lesser category. Holtz noted the response to the winter storms experienced in 2023, which ushered in wind and rain forces not seen in modern history. These storms, as well as their unrelenting persistence over the course of three months, expressed significant gusting and rainfall, causing a toppling event in several large trees. A toppling event is one in which forces (gravity, impact, wind) exerted on the above -ground portion of the tree (leaves, branches, trunk) exceed the root and soil's ability to keep the tree upright. Toppling of large trees during these high -wind events occurred as follows: January 4 — 2" of rain in 24 hours, winds in the upper 30's for six hours, gusts to 53 MPH: Eucalyptus tree at 990 Burlingame Ave.; two eucalyptus trees across railroad tracks; and two eucalyptus trees removed due to active failure concerns (990 Burlingame Ave. and 3138 Rivera Drive). February 21 - No rain, winds in the upper 40s for five hours, gusts to 62 MPH: Redwood tree at Washington Park Ballfield; Fir tree at Washington Park fell into a Redwood tree, causing both to fail; Deodar Cedar tree at Washington Park; Eucalyptus tree at 1812 Easton Drive; two eucalyptus trees across railroad tracks; five eucalyptus trees removed from Easton Drive due to active failure concern; and four eucalyptus trees removed from Bayside Park due to active failure concern. March 14 - 0.74" rain in six hours, winds in the upper 40s for 7 hours, gusts to 74 MPH: Eucalyptus tree fell at 250 Myrtle Road; Eucalyptus tree fell at 930 Oak Grove Ave.; twenty eucalyptus trees fell at Bayside Park; ten Eucalyptus trees fell across railroad tracks; Catalpa tree fell at 1345 Balboa Ave.; Spruce tree fell at Washington Park; six eucalyptus trees removed at Bayside Park due to active failure concern; and a Eucalyptus tree at 1905 Easton Drive removed due to active failure concern. March 21 - 0.95" rain in 12 hours, winds in the upper 30s for four hours, gusts to 62 MPH: Stone Pine tree fell at Hillside Fire station; Eucalyptus at 930 Oak Grove Ave. removed due to active failure concerns; Oak tree in Mills Canyon removed due to active failure concern; and a Catalpa at 1433 Balboa Ave. removed due to active failure concern. The significant amount of rain over a short period of time and wind intensity contributed to these toppling events. A toppling event due to soil saturation is considered a soil failure. Toppling due 3 Parks & Recreation Commission FINAL Minutes April 20, 2023 to a lack of roots or root decay is considered a root failure. Evidence of both occurred in many instances. Holtz noted in emergency events, Parks staff prioritizes work as follows: Preserve life/safety of the community; Prevent property damage and ensure public access. At times, Parks staff are prevented from following this prioritization due to dependence on other agencies. In the March 14 storm, for example, two trees fell atop electrical conductors and blocked City streets on Burlingame Ave. and Airport Blvd. Despite the availability of City staff and City contractors to address the tree failures, the trees remained in place for 48 hours. Despite the best efforts of City staff, there was a delayed response by PGE and their contractors due to the overwhelming demand for similar services in the region. We are required to have PGE confirm all conductors are de -energized before work can safely commence on behalf of the City. Holtz stated that public concern regarding the management of these large trees is at an all-time high. The powerful storm series that saw some trees fail has left residents with deep concerns about the risk that remains regarding large trees near residences. The Parks and Recreation Department staff has engaged with the public to educate about our maintenance program and how we prioritize our work. The City does not have a policy that dictates removal of any particular species or size of tree. The City only replants a Eucalyptus type (Corymbia citriodra), the Lemon Scented Gum, in a few locations, including Easton Drive. A public meeting of the Burlingame Beautification Commission on June 28, 2007, discussed the rehabilitation of Easton Drive (Exhibit B - Long Range Reforestation for Easton Drive). The 1500-2000 blocks of Easton Drive and 850- 1000 blocks of Burlingame Ave. were approved to have the Lemon Scented Gum as the only replacement for trees removed along City streets in this area. This tree grows to a lesser height than the Blue Gum. It also doesn't produce as much debris. For grove areas along City streets, replacements have frequently been selected from the established street tree replacement list. These are the trees that are more suitable to prevent infrastructure conflict. For trees along Skyline Blvd., Bayside Park, the Jules Francard Grove, and Rollins Road Grove, replacements have not been planted due to a lack of available resources (water and labor) and crowding of existing trees. He noted that the Parks and Recreation team is well-equipped to continue to maintain the urban forest in an effective manner. The City Council has committed additional resources to assist in greater attention to the large tree groves in our community. The current systematic approach to retention, replacement, and reforestation throughout the urban forest is the most balanced approach to maintaining Burlingame's Urban Forest. Commission Brunello inquired as to why the average life of a municipal tree is seven years. Holtz responded that in many cases, trees are planted in urban areas without adequate watering, sunlight, vandalism, etc. i.e. downtown San Francisco, which, when included in the study, would bring down the average life expectancy of a municipal tree. Holtz noted this is not the case for Burlingame trees. The biggest challenge here is the watering of the trees in front of homes. Brunello also asked if the Department has a database of all the trees in the City. Holtz responded affirmatively with the program currently used going back to 2012 and includes the tree locations, species, age, and maintenance records for each tree. 4 Parks & Recreation Commission FINAL Minutes April 20, 2023 Commissioner Yu inquired about the discussion around eucalyptus trees as she lives near Easton and hears the community chatter and concerns. Holtz noted that a lot of Easton residents are understandably nervous. He reported that staff went out before the tree on Eason failed, inspected trees for active failure, and identified seven trees in active failure. About an hour later, a tree failed and fortunately fell between two houses with minor structural damage and no injuries. At this point, Holtz was able to give an accelerated assessment, and the decision was made to evacuate a couple of homes that might be in the path of a tree experiencing tree failure. City Council, the City Manager, and City Attorney provided immediate support to engage three tree companies to come out the next day for removal work. Staff worked with PG&E to delay re -energizing the area from the disconnect due to the tree that failed, having taken down electrical conductors. Staff told residents that the power would be out for the night so the tree companies could remove the trees the next day. Once the immediate hazards were removed, Holtz prescribed pruning of trees with concerns but not with immediate hazard potential. Commissioner Holzman stated the San Mateo County Parks Director told her that they expect tree failures to continue throughout the year. She wondered if Holtz was concerned about the same thing in Burlingame. Holtz responded that he was concerned and that he and staff would continue to access, monitor and maintain any issues. Holzman inquired if the tree permit removal process would be any different due to the circumstances created by the storms. Holtz noted that the process can be accelerated if a citizen is concerned about a private tree. In addition, part of the City's emergency code allows for any qualified Public Works employee, Parks & Recreation employee, Police Officer or Firefighter can make the decision to remove the tree immediately. Commissioner Milne asked if Holtz or the arborist society were re-evaluating the Matrix. Holtz responded International Society of Arboriculture is looking at a revision. Commissioner Wettan asked if there has been or will be a retrospective look at the data on the trees and if Holtz felt these evaluations were predictive. Holtz replied that staff has been unable to do a deep dive into this information until work has slowed. He noted he does feel the evaluations are a good predictor, and staff has prevented many failures in the past. He also noted these are helpful during normal conditions. It is hard to determine if a tree will fail at 70 mph winds or 50 mph winds after numerous hours, which are extreme conditions. Holtz stated there is a plan to review the data on trees that failed. Wettan inquired if there was mitigation of the soil that could be done preventatively to prevent a healthy tree from falling due to oversaturation. Holtz replied affirmatively on this concept. Wettan asked about the asset management system being used. Holtz stated the current system being used has records going back to 2012. The Department used a previous system developed by Davey Tree Resources and continued to use it until 2022, and then in June of last year, the Department switched to a program called Arbor Access provided by the tree company West Coast Arborists. Both programs are web -based and can be accessed on the City website. 5 Parks & Recreation Commission FINAL Minutes April 20, 2023 Wettan expressed the willingness of community volunteers to assist the City with emergencies during storms etc., as he realizes staff gets overloaded during these events. Holtz appreciated the comment and gave a shout -out to the Recreation staff as they assisted when a eucalyptus fell across Burlingame Ave by controlling traffic, pedestrians, and putting up caution tape around the area as the PG&E lines were down as well. Commission thanked Superintendent Holtz for the informative report and all the hard work and dedication from the Department. 5. CORRESPONDENCE None 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. NEW BUSINESS a. New Recreation Coordinator — Kevin Gresh Recreation Coordinator Gresh introduced himself to the Commission. He noted he would be overseeing sport contract camps and classes and is excited to be a part of the Department. Commission welcomed Gresh to the Department. 9. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER REPORTS a. Parks & Recreation Department Reports Director Glomstad thanked Commissioners for attending the Alpine Park opening. Ongoing and upcoming projects on the list include the upcoming installation of the Robert Barry Words, the Town Square project, and the Mobility Hub (in front of the Cal Train Station) Additionally, the Mills Canyon lower trail is closed as there were two slides on the lower trail, and a consultant has been retained to help with the design to repair the trail. Council may fund the batting cage that the Burlingame Girls Softball organization plans to build. Additional projects include Cuernavaca Synthetic Turf, Laguna Playground, and adding lights to Washington Park's sports court. b. Commissioners Reports 6 Parks & Recreation Commission FINAL Minutes April 20, 2023 Commissioner Brunello — No Report Commissioner Wettan — No Report Commissioner Chang — Stated that Alpine Park looks amazing. Commissioner Holzman — Agreed with Commissioner Chang's comments about Alpine Park. Commissioner Yu — No Report Commissioner Milne - Reported that the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Foundation will hold a Bocce Tournament on June 11. Commissioner Pappajohn—No Report 10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS July Dog Park 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm. The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 7:00 pm in person. Respectfully submitted, Joleen Helley Recording Secretary 7 Parks & Recreation Commission FINAL Minutes April 20, 2023