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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - BC - 2020.12.03CITY O p ipQRATED , Thursday, December 3, 2020 City of Burlingame Meeting Agenda - Final Beautification Commission 6:30 PM BURLINGAME CITY HALL 501 PRIMROSE ROAD BURLINGAME, CA 94010 Via Via Zoom On March 17, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-29-20 suspending certain provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act in order to allow for local legislative bodies to conduct their meetings telephonically or by other electronic means. Pursuant to the Shelter -in -Place Order issued by the San Mateo County Health Officer on March 16, 2020, the statewide Shelter -in -Place Order issued by the Governor in Executive Order N-33-20 on March 19, 2020, and the CDC's social distancing guidelines which discourage large public gatherings, the Recreation facilities will not be open to the public for the December 3, 2020 Beautification meeting. Members of the public may view the meeting by logging into the Zoom meeting listed below. The meeting video will be uploaded to the City's website after the meeting. Members of the public may provide written comments by email to recreation@burlingame.org. Emailed comments should include the specific agenda item on which you are commenting, or note that your comment concerns an item that is not on the agenda or is on the Consent Calendar. The length of the emailed comment should be commensurate with the three minutes customarily allowed for verbal comments, which is approximately 250-300 words. To ensure that your comment is received and read to the Beautification Commission for the appropriate agenda item, please submit your email no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 3, 2020. The City will make every effort to read emails received after that time, but cannot guarantee such emails will be read into the record. Any emails received after the 5:00 p.m. deadline which are not read into the record will be provided to the Beautification Commission after the meeting. All votes are unanimous unless separately noted for the record. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web. zoom. us/j/84224826506?pwd=c3JgYXRgSUgyS08yN 1 NkcDZCd2JoUT09 Meeting ID: 842 2482 6506 Passcode: 692446 One tap mobile +16699006833„ 84224826506#,.....0#„ 692446# US (San Jose) +12532158782„ 84224826506#,.....0#„ 692446# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) Meeting ID: 842 2482 6506 Passcode: 692446 Find yourlocal number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdcIlz9ojF 1. CALL TO ORDER City of Burlingame Page 1 Printed on 1112512020 Beautification Commission Meeting Agenda - Final December 3, 2020 2. ROLL CALL 3. MINUTES a. October 1, 2020 Minutes Attachments: BBC Minutes10 October.docx 4. CORRESPONDENCE 5. FROM THE FLOOR Speakers may address the Commission concerning any matter over which the Commission has jurisdiction or of which it may take cognizance that is not on the agenda. Additional public comments on agenda action items will be heard when the Commission takes up those items. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Speakers are asked to fill out a "request to speak" card located on the table by the door and hand it to staff, although provision of name, address or other identifying information is optional. Speakers are limited to three minutes each, although the Commission may adjust the time limit in light of the number of anticipated speakers. 6. OLD BUSINESS a. Update of Urban Forest Manaaement Plan Attachments: UFMP Commission Staff Report Urban Forest Management Plan Update For commission approval.pdf 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Commissioner Rotation Attachments: BBC Agendal2 Staff Report Commission Rotation .pdf 8. REPORTS a. Staff b. Chairperson C. Commissioners 9. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS City of Burlingame Page 2 Printed on 1112512020 Beautification Commission Meeting Agenda - Final December 3, 2020 Next Regular Meeting: January 7, 2021 Notice: Any attendees wishing accommodations for disabilities should contact the Parks & Recreation Dept. at (650) 558-7330 at least 24 hours before the meeting. A copy of the agenda packet is available for review at the Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame Avenue, during normal office hours. The Agendas and minutes are also available on the City's website: www.burlingame.org. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Burlingame Beautification Commission regarding any items on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at 850 Burlingame Avenue during normal business hours. City of Burlingame Page 3 Printed on 1112512020 BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Draft Minutes October 1, 2020 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order via Zoom at 6:30 pm by Commissioner Kearney. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Kirchner, Kearney, Hunt, Dinuri, and Bauer Absent: None Staff. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad and Recording Secretary Borba Others: None MINUTES Commissioner Hunt made a motion to approve the September 3, 2020 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dinuri and was approved 5-0. CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC COMMENT None OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 1. Commissioner Input and Update of Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) Director Glomstad updated the Commissioners on the progress of the UFMP. She stated she received the recommendations from Commissioner Bauer and Vice Chair Dinuri on behalf of the Commissioners and was able to incorporate them into the UFMP. Director Glomstad informed the Commissioners of the process for the UFMP. She stated staff will get the UFMP in a word document; the document will be reviewed and approved by the Commissioners; it will then go to Council for approval and finally to a graphic designer to add the finishing touches such as graphs, pictures and charts. REPORTS 1. Director Glomstad Director Glomstad stated there was a limb failure in Washington Park. She stated the City staff is very upset and feels the pain for the families affected. Director Glomstad informed the Commissioners that the City has obtained an independent Arborist to perform and investigation. Director Glomstad stated that the State issued a bulletin that playgrounds can be re -opened. She informed the Commissioners there is a roll out plan to meet the criteria for re -opening the playgrounds and the Parks Division will work swiftly to get the playgrounds open again. 2. Parks Superintendent/City Arborist None 3. Commissioner Hunt None 4. Commissioner Bauer Commissioners Bauer inquired about the status of the Palm trees on Carol Avenue. Director Glomstad stated an outside arborist is going to evaluate the Palm trees on Carol Avenue and she will have Arborist Disco report back to the Commission. 5. Commissioner Kirchner Commissioner Kirchner inquired about work being done in Mills Canyon and at the PW Water Shed to remove brush to reduce fire danger. Director Glomstad stated in Mills Canyon the CCC crews have been called off for other duties. She informed the Commissioners the City hired an outside contractor Dinsmore Landscaping to reduce the grasses in the Canyon. 6. Commissioner Kearney None 7. Commissioner Dinuri None The next Beautification Commission meeting is November 5, 2020. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm. Respectfully submitted, Gina Borba Administrative Staff B[]RLINGAME STAFF REPORT To: Beautification Commission Date: December 3, 2020 From: Margaret Glomstad, Parks and Recreation Director Bob Disco, Parks Superintendent and City Arborist Subject: Draft Update to the Urban Forest Management Plan RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Commission approve the revisions to the Urban Forest Management Plan. BACKGROUND The original Urban Forest Management Plan was adopted on August 20, 2007, revised on May 18, 2009, and updated on May 19, 2014. The plan is a compilation of tree policies, practices, and standards in the City and was intended to be updated and enhanced over time. A subcommittee of the Commission was established to assist staff with the update. The Subcommittee consisted of Commissioners Dinuri and Kirchner. DISCUSSION The 2020 update has been revised to reflect current City policies and practices, industry standards, and statistics, re -organized to be more "user friendly", and includes information about solar panels and trees. Commissioners are asked to review the document to ensure the Subcommittee's recommendations were incorporated, and the overall content is accurate. The attached document is in a basic Word format. Once the Commission approves the content, a graphic designer will be re -formatting the document to include pictures and diagrams. The final version will go before the City Council early in 2021 for final approval. FISCAL IMPACT None EXHIBITS Draft Urban Forest Management Plan 1 CITY OF BURLINGAME BURL.INGAME 111 10AMAl w 1 URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN Approved August 20, 2007 Revisions Approved May 19, 2014 Draft Revisions December 3, 2020 CITY OF BURLINGAME URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN Table of Contents 1) Introduction Tree City USA Purpose of the UFMP Definitions 2) Beautification Commission 3) Managing the Urban Forest 4) Benefits of an Urban Forest 5) Inventory of Existing City -owned & Park Trees 6) Types of Tree Ownership Private Trees Public Entity Trees Easements and Alleyways Historic Groves City -Owned Trees Park Trees Street Trees 7) City -owned Street Tree Policies Maintenance Roots Removal Solar Panels Sidewalks Utility Lines Paving a Planter Strip Planting Approved Street Tree Replacement Species Theme Blocks 8) Private Tree Policies Protect Tree Removal Permit Appealing a Decision of the City Arborist Solar Panels Tree View Guidelines for Resolution of Bay View Disputes 9) Pruning Standards 10) Planting Techniques 11) Landscaping Around Established Trees 12) Tree Protection During Construction 13) Appendixes A. City Street Tree Removal Process B. Criteria for City Street Tree Removal C. Tree Work Plan D. Tree Hazard Evaluation Form E. Policy for Expanding the Width of a Planter Strip to accommodate Larger Canopy Trees F. Sidewalk Repair Program 2 G. Tree Protection Detail for Construction Projects H. Critical Minimum Street Width Policy for Managing Street Tree Impacts on the Roadway I. Trees on El Camino Real in Burlingame — Summary of Highlights 1970s to Present J. Francard Eucalyptus Grove 3 Introduction The City of Burlingame has a long history of proactive tree planting and proper tree care. From the late 1800s, when trees were planted along El Camino Real and Easton Drive, to the current day, we have enjoyed the many benefits trees provide to an urban area. Burlingame's Urban Forest Management program is one of the elite programs in San Mateo County and is used by independent arborists as a model for proper tree care. Some examples are: • Burlingame is one of the few cities in the county that has an in-house crew dedicated to the care and maintenance of its trees, and for several decades, the City Council has included funds in the annual budget to supplement staff s efforts with a tree contractor for large trees or assistance during winter storms. • The City Arborist works directly with the Planning, Building, and Parks Divisions and the Planning Commission to add new trees to landscaping plans where possible; protect existing trees during construction; and ensure healthy and protected trees are not removed. The City Arborist inspects and directly oversees the maintenance of City street trees, including contract pruning. • Through the City's grid pruning program, City street trees are inspected and maintained on a rotating cycle. • Property owners can request an inspection of City street trees and the City Arborist will inspect to determine if additional work is required prior to the next maintenance cycle. The National Arbor Day Foundation was established to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. The Foundation's annual award, "Tree City USA," is given to cities that meet four standards: 1. A tree board or department 2. A tree care ordinance 3. A community forestry program with an annual budget of a least $2.00 per capita 4. An Arbor Day observance and proclamation More information about the Tree City USA program can be found at htip://www.arbord Burlingame's longtime commitment to trees is evidenced by its annual recognition as a "Tree City USA". Burlingame has received this award every year since 1979, which is the longest streak in San Mateo County, the fifth longest -running in the state, and one of the longest in the country. A listing of the California cities that have received Tree City USA awards can be found on the Arbor Day Foundation website, www.arbordgy.org. This Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) is a compilation of information, statistics, policies, and procedures that the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department has had in place for many years and is updated as new information has been available. The purpose of the plan is to manage Burlingame's urban forest to enhance the community's quality of life. The process integrates the community's environmental, economic, political, historical, and social values to develop a comprehensive management plan for the urban forest. The plan includes: 1. The City's vision and tree philosophy 2. Benefits of an urban forest 2 3. City tree ordinances and policies 4. The Beautification Commission's ordinance and rules of procedure 5. Existing maintenance practices 6. The criteria used to consider a tree removal 7. The list of trees that are allowed as replacements in the street planting strips 8. The process for public appeals of staff decisions 9. The tree removal permit process 10. The street tree list 11. The criteria used to remove trees due to sidewalk impacts or health concerns 12. An inventory of street trees listed by species 13. How to measure a tree 14. Information about the Solar Shade Act Definitions Grid Pruning - Grid pruning is a systematic tree pruning program that establishes pre - designated geographical areas or grids. All trees in these designated grids are evaluated and/or pruned on a rotating cycle. Cycles may vary depending on tree species, location, and need for pruning. A grid pruning program is a systematic approach that reduces overall costs and the need for "emergency" or "service request" pruning, helps reduce liability, and improves the urban forest's health and value Urban Forestry Management - Urban Forestry Management is the systematic management and care of trees and landscapes in human settlements. Sustainable Urban Forestry - Sustainable Urban Forestry is based on the concept of sustainable urban ecosystems or landscapes designed and managed to minimize the impact on the environment and maximize the value received for dollars expended over time. Urban or Community Forestry - Urban or Community Forestry is the planning for, and management of, a community's forest resources to enhance the quality of life. The process integrates the community's environmental, economic, political, historical, and social values to develop a comprehensive management plan for the urban forest. A community in this definition is an area of human settlement in a rural or metropolitan region. The urban or community forest includes vegetation, open space, and related natural resources of the area. Reforestation — Reforestation is the reestablishment of a forest, either by natural regeneration or by planting in an area where the forest was removed. Planting of trees, although the site need not be deforested prior to being reforested, the reestablishment of forest cover either naturally or artificially, and reforestation occur on land where trees have been recently removed. Beautification Commission The Beautification Commission, established in 1968, acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council, City Manager, and Director of Parks and Recreation in all matters of city trees and protected private trees. The Commission serves as the public appeals board on staff decisions related to private tree removals. Any decision of the Commission can be appealed to the City Council. Chapter 3.28 of the Burlingame Municipal Code describes the duties and powers of the Beautification Commission, https:Hgcode.us/codes/burlingame/ 5 Managing the Urban Forest An important part of understanding the status of the urban forest is knowing how it has been managed. This requires information on both past and current management methods and actions, such as: • Municipal tree care practices, including planting, maintenance, and removal • Existing ordinances and the number of violations, permits, and citations issued, and penalties and fines collected • Planning regulations and guidelines that pertain to trees, and the number of tree -related permits granted, modified, or denied • Activities of city departments and public utilities that impact trees Urban forestry needs can be grouped into three broad categories, although many needs may fall into more than one category. Biological needs are those that are related to the tree resource itself. Typical needs in this category include the need to: • Increase species and age diversity to provide long-term forest stability • Provide sufficient tree planting to keep pace with urban growth and offset tree removal • Increase the proportion of large-statured trees in the forest for greater canopy effects • Ensure proper compatibility between trees and planting sites to reduce sidewalk damage and conflicts with overhead utilities that lead to premature tree removal Management needs refer to the short and long-term care and maintenance of the urban forest. Some common management needs include: • Development of adequate long-term planning to ensure the sustainability of the urban forest • Optimization of the use of limited financial and personnel resources • Increased training and education for tree program employees to ensure high -quality tree care • Coordination of tree -related activities of city departments Community needs relate to how the public perceives and interacts with the urban forest and the local urban forest management program. Examples of community needs include: • Increasing public awareness of the values and benefits associated with trees • Promoting better private tree care through better public understanding of the biological needs of trees • Fostering community support for the urban forest management program • Promoting conservation of the urban forest by focusing public attention on all trees, not just large heritage trees Benefits of an Urban Forest Tree are valuable infrastructure. They provide environmental, social, and economic benefits to the community including cleaner air quality, increased property values, an overall improvement in mental happiness, cooler temperatures, a reduction in water consumption in landscaped areas, rel and an overall added beauty to the community. While proper management of trees in urban places is costly, the benefits are so great that a sustainable community cannot be imagined without these important green features. There are many online sources and resources that provide an in-depth review of the numerous benefits of an urban forest. Some such sites include: 1. The Arbor Day Foundation, hops://www.arborda�org/trees/benefits.cfm 2. Canopy, hllps:Hcano]2y.org/tree-info/benefits-of-trees/ 3. Green Cities: Good Health, http://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/Thm_SafeStreets.html 4. California Urban Forests Council, https:Hcaufc.org/why-urban-forests/41it phs 5. Southern Group of State Foresters, htWs://www.southemforests.org/urban/benefits-of- urban-trees 6. American Forests, hops://www.americanforests.org/ 7. Center of Urban Forestry Research — Pacific Southwest Research Station, hLtps://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/urban_ forestry/ 8. University of Washington, Nature Within, http://www.naturewithin.info/index.html 9. Tree Benefits Calculator, http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator/ 10. Tree People, https://www.treepeople.org/tree-benefits Examples from the above sources include: Health and Safety Benefits 1. Trees create a more pleasant environment and bring about increased walking, talking, socializing, and pride of the community. 2. Just the sight of trees and greenery has been found to reduce stress levels. Research shows views of trees improve recovery from stress within five minutes as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension. 3. Trees filter pollutants from the air which in turn can reduce the conditions that cause asthma. 4. Temperature differentials of five to degrees are felt when walking under tree -canopied streets. 5. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50%, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds, where children spend hours outdoors. 6. Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener counterparts. Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear. Economic and Infrastructure Benefits 1. Trees absorb the first 30% of most precipitation through their leaf system, allowing evaporation back into the atmosphere. This moisture never hits the ground. Another percentage (up to 30%) of precipitation is absorbed back into the ground and taken in and held onto by the root structure, then absorbed and then transpired back to the air. Some of this water also naturally percolates into the groundwater and aquifer. Stormwater runoff and flooding potential to urban properties are therefore reduced. 2. The shade of urban street trees adds 40-60% more life to asphalt. 3. Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20-50% in energy used for heating. 7