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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - BC - 2023.04.06• City of Burlingame BURLINGAME CITY HALL 501 PRIMROSE ROAD BURLINGAME BURLINGAME, CA 94010 F I� Meeting Agenda Beautification Commission Thursday, April 6, 2023 6:30 PM Burlingame Community Center 850 Burlingame Avenue 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 vflores@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 PM on August 4, 2022. 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 PM deadline which are not read into the record will be provided to the Beautification Commission after the meeting. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Apr 6, 2023 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: Burlingame Beautification Commission Please click the link below to join the webinar: httpsJ/us02web.zoom. us/j/84656236107?pwd=amlhMS9aeGYyL 1 k3WHInbFdxTXRVUT09 Passcode: 638546 Or One tap mobile: US: +16699006833„84656236107#,,,, "638546# or +16694449171„84656236107#,,,, "638546# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 719 359 4580 or +1 253 205 0468 or +1 646 9313860 or +1 689 278 1000 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 305 224 1968 or +1 309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 360 209 5623 or +1 386 347 5053 or +1 507 473 4847 or +1 564 217 2000 Webinar ID: 846 5623 6107 Passcode: 638546 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kckjrnyhnN 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. MINUTES City of Burlingame Page 1 Printed on 411112023 Beautification Commission Meeting Agenda April 6, 2023 March 2, 2023 BBC Draft Minutes Attachments: Drat Minutes 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. Trees of Burlingame Ad Hoc Committee Members Update B. Residential and Business Landscape Award Update 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Maintenance Program for City Trees Maintenance Program for City Trees Attachments: Staff Report Exhibit B 8. REPORTS 9. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Next Regular Meeting: May 4, 2023 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 2 Printed on 411112023 BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Draft Minutes March 2, 2023 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:31 pm by Commissioner Batte. 120] A WWI 0 Present: Commissioners Batte, Kirchner, and Khoury Absent: Chair Bauer, Commissioner Chu Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Holtz, and Recording Secretary Flores Others: None MINUTES Commissioner Kirchner made a motion to approve the February 2, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes with the correction of his name spelling under the Landscape Award New Business. The motion was seconded by Commission Khoury and was approved 3-0-2. CORRESPONDENCE None. PUBLIC COMMENT None. OLD BUSINESS 1. Trees of Burlingame Ad Hoc Committee Members Update Commissioner Kirchner discussed the Eucalyptus chapter that was distributed to Commissioners earlier. He explained that the next chapter about the future of trees in Burlingame would be sent out for review soon. He stated that it had been divided into subchapters that address possible issues trees may encounter. He explains that many are associated with water needs and alternative sources to the 80% that comes from San Francisco Water Utility System (Retch Hetchy system). He explains that the time frame for completion is approximately two months. 2. Residential and Business Landscape Award Update Commissioner Chu spoke as a member of the public and provided a brief update on Residential and Business Landscape Award schedules. The sectioned map was also discussed, and sections were assigned to Commissioners as follows: Section 1 — Commissioner Kirchner, Section 2 — Commissioner Batte, Section 3 — Commissioner Chu, Section 4 — Chair Bauer, and Section 5 — Commissioner Khoury. NEW BUSINESS 1. Recognition of Burlingame Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Bob Disco Commissioner Kirchner presented former City Arborist Bob Disco with a letter of recognition and gift from the Commission in gratitude for all his years of service. REPORTS Commissioner Kirchner reported on the Caltrans El Camino Real work study session at the Community Center. He explained that the undergrounding of utilities remains a work in progress but believes it would be a huge benefit to future trees along this highway. Commissioner Khoury reported that she is working with the Burlingame Improvement District (BID) and the Economic Development Subcommittee regarding the tree lighting of Burlingame Ave. She will be meeting with both in the upcoming weeks. Director Glomstad provided guidelines and ideas for distributing the Business Landscape Award form. Further, she reminded Commissioners of the Arbor Day Celebration on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 and encouraged all who could attend to join us. Lastly, Director Glomstad explained that we no longer have Meta sponsorship for concerts and tree lighting and are searching for new sponsors. City Arborist Holtz provided a brief summary of storm -related events during the last major storms. He explained that a detailed report would be presented at the April Beautification meeting for further discussion. He also stated that field preparations for the upcoming sports seasons are in progress. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:57 pm. The next Beautification Commission meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Vcrvviic,n -Flores Veronica Flores Administrative Staff BURLINGAME STAFF REPORT To: Beautification Commission Date: April 6, 2023 From: Richard Holtz, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Subject: Maintenance Program for City Trees RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Commission receive a report on the maintenance program for City trees and City storm response. Staff further recommends that the Commission note any recommendations regarding this program for potential consideration by the City Council. BACKGROUND 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 Burlingame Beautification Commission maintains oversight of certain City decisions as they relate to trees. This report is intended to educate and allow for community discussion. DISCUSSION History 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. At 43 years, Burlingame is tied with Santa Rosa for the third -longest designation in California. 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 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. Maintenance Program Over the years, tree maintenance 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 1 Maintenance Program for City Trees April 6, 2023 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 Exhibit A - Map of Groves MIIb pq, Skt P k ru®pur Tr I "� k tacky 999 Gut�sQ Ju'sephlne % m° I,. Waugh-tl Sorost Mlls High Sch¢¢10 Par.,kk Milts- `asu la va �.�Ave n 0 b ICtr 3k TretlingCo� Q .t''• re8 hool � ��n 3 calls mvaw d� vne�� Fp Ej5 Park O 4 oa UE b-6. ' M Y • 4 1 �y ® ea>y°�¢ e¢ App MF: oa T ieP a�� t �v � ��.e 'HILLSROROUGH N �l� d r ���� ry ella I ` �;verG_, -� EIyAn�—Y66¢ol c' o 9 ' P OAKS BRIOGE ase"nrey vCosl E((ecfve q es 4RYAN Htllsbor¢ugh lni � �"w,�� 7 nam Kla �syr r Sart Ma Hig!,Sd ep4. v hool y� BURLINGAMj" r Companems T0.ACT 4wP J HL HILLSa ;.'r ® Hl�sborough Relingham Palntingv¢ eae NORTH s05 gn a vi J %yq p we Perfectly St y1 R by JennyD. v r c r k o ,ixsuM°^ i P P i COUNTRY Y e•� (� 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. 2 Maintenance Program for City Trees April 6, 2023 Risk Despite best efforts, we are 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 appropriate mitigation measure. The City Arborist and Parks Supervisor are trained in the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) 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 Matrix i. Likelihood matrix. Likelihood of Failure Likelihood of Impact Very low Low Medium High Imminent Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely Very likely Probable Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely Likely Possible Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Somewhat likely Improbable Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely MotrixZ Risk rating matrix. Likelihood of Failure & Impact Consequences of Failure Negligible Minor Significant Severe Very likely Low Moderate High Extreme Likely Low Moderate High High Somewhat likely Low Low Moderate Moderate [Unlikely Low Low Low Low 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. 2023 Winter Storm Response The storms experienced in the winter of 2022-2023 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 3 Maintenance Program for City Trees April 6, 2023 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 • Two eucalyptus trees removed due to active failure concerns (990 Burlingame Ave. and 3138 Rivera Drive) February 21 - No rain, winds in the upper 40's 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 • Four eucalyptus trees removed from Bayside Park due to active failure concern March 14 - 0.74" rain in six hours, winds in the upper 40's 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 • Eucalyptus tree at 1905 Easton Drive removed due to active failure concern March 21 - 0.95" rain in 12 hours, winds in the upper 30's 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 • 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 to a lack of roots or root decay is considered a root failure. Evidence of both occurred in many instances. Prinriti7ntinn In emergency events, Parks staff prioritize work as follows: • Preserve life/safety of the community • Prevent property Damage • Ensure public access Maintenance Program for City Trees April 6, 2023 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. Systematic Approach Despite our industry -leading grid pruning program, Burlingame experienced toppling events of many large trees. Many other communities throughout the Bay Area experienced similar challenges. Burlingame has long invested significant resources into preserving and maintaining a mature urban forest. Thus far, we have spent 300% of our FY 22-23 budget. We anticipate spending at least as much in FY 23-24 to manage the entire urban forest, with much of the budget focusing on the mature groves. In addition to storm response, the FY 22-23 budget included significant reduction pruning and removals in the Jules Francard Grove, trees along Easton Drive, and half of Skyline Blvd. The FY 23-24 work program will include significant reduction pruning and removals of the Rollins Road Grove, Burlingame Ave., and Oak Grove Ave. as well as additional work on Easton Drive and the remaining half of Skyline Blvd. This work will represent greater efforts to reduce the likelihood of failure. It is also in the spirit of a managed approach to retaining large trees in the urban forest. Many resources are pooled to culminate in a decision that is best for the community as a whole. Independent arborists have been consulted, and their opinions are utilized to assist in determining the best way to balance the benefits large trees provide and the risk they can present. Case Study., Easton Drive Eucalyptus Trees The large eucalyptus trees along Easton Drive experienced significant effects from the windstorm on February 21, 2023. Staff inspected the trees along the 1500-2000 blocks. Seven were found to have movement in the soil during strong gusts. A tree at 1812 Easton failed and toppled. After that occurrence, the homes near the trees that showed the greatest movement were evacuated, and immediate removal was scheduled. Most of the remaining large trees received significant reduction pruning. This prescription was to reduce the unprecedented wind -loading these large trees were experiencing. It is staff's belief that this measure significantly reduced the immediate risk of failure due to a toppling event. In the rain and wind storm of March 14, 2023, only the tree at 1905 Easton Drive was at risk of failure. This tree had not yet received reduction pruning. Public Sentiment 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 5 Maintenance Program for City Trees April 6, 2023 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. CONCLUSION 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. It is our belief that a systematic approach to retention, replacement, and reforestation throughout the urban forest is the most balanced approach for our community. The Burlingame Beautification Commission should be the conduit for the community to express their concerns, desires, and preferences. The Parks and Recreation team will include the Commission's recommendations in its approach to managing trees throughout the City. n Exhibit B %� Beautification Commission Meeting Community Forum Long Range Reforestation for Easton Drive June 28, 2007 @ 7:00 pm First Presbyterian Church —1500 Easton Drive Commissioners Present: McQuaide, Benson, and Ellis Absent: Carney, Grandcolas, Wright Excused: Lahey Staff: Director Schwartz, Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, Secretary Harvey Audience: Jennifer Pfaff (615 Bayswater Avenue); Joann and Peter Garrison (2905 Adeline Drive); Jean Silveira (2331 Poppy Drive); Hing & Lillian Dear (1911 Easton Drive); Mike Bohnert (1201 Carmelita Avenue); Steve Warden (736 Acacia Drive); Jay Martin (1340 Bernal Avenue); Laurie Livingston (1285 Cabrillo Avenue); Kris Cannon (1304 Bernal Avenue); Susie and Sam Leahy (1719 Easton Drive); Augustine Chou (City Hall); Russ Cohen (City Hall); Terry Nagel (City Hall). Welcome and Introductions Chairperson McQuaide welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. Chairperson McQuaide stated that, based on comments at the first forum a consensus was reached to keep the same look or character of the neighborhood by replacing with a Eucalyptus variety that had wind stability, had little or no fruit, but would grove from 60 to 80', having a similar trunk girth to the existing Blue Gums. She explained that at the last forum, three Eucalyptus species were selected as possible replacements, the Sugar Gum Eucalyptus as primary tree, the Eucalyptus Nicolii as corner trees, and the Eucalyptus ficifolia as the replacement tree when the tree in front of the library was to be removed. Since that time, it has been realized that the Eucalyptus ficifolia drops flowers and has large fruit, and though the Sugar Gum Eucalyptus is beautiful, it is only available in the United Kingdom; no suppliers grow them, but that the Eucalyptus Nicolii variety, favored as corner trees, is readily available. Chairperson McQuaide continued that tonight's forum will focus on affirming a Eucalyptus specie as the replacement tree on Easton Drive, and if affirmed, selecting and reaching consensus as to which readily available Eucalyptus specie(s) would be used as the primary tree and what if any would be used as corner trees, and the replacement for the tree fronting the Easton Branch Library. She concluded that staff will present pictures of Eucalyptus species for consideration and that consensus reached at this meeting will be further discussed at the Beautification Commission meeting of August 2nd. A recommendation from the Commission will be forwarded to the City Council. Director Schwartz introduced new commissioner, Bobbi Benson, and Commissioner Ellis, and noted that Commissioner Susie Lahey, would not be participating as a Commissioner but is attending the meeting and in the audience observing as an interested homeowner on Easton Drive. Director Schwartz also introduced Parks Division staff: Superintendent Richmond, Supervisor Disco, and Secretary Harvey; and Public Works engineer Augustine Chou, and representatives from the Traffic, Safety, and Parking Commission, Steve Warden and Mike Bohnert. Community Forum and Discussion — Easton Drive Tree Selection Director Schwartz noted that replacements of the Eucalyptus trees will occur gradually happening over the next 20 years as existing trees require removal. He explained that since the last forum it has been suggested that perhaps other tree species (such as Redwoods and Elms) be considered as replacement trees on Easton Drive. Director Schwartz then asked for input from the audience on the specie selection. The discussion included some continents and concerns with regard to: Planting locations on Easton Drive; planting in empty planting sites; parking concerns; El Camino Real Eucalyptus tree removal and replacements with Elms; City policy that trees are planted in vacant sites only if approved by the property owner; watering/maintenance practices of City trees, etc. Additional comments from the audience were: If the Easton Drive Eucalyptus need removing, they should be replaced with a Eucalyptus specie, otherwise Easton Drive would not be the same; an important and majestic grove of trees should only be replaced with the same variety of tree; and that some streets, like Easton Drive, warrant larger trees and a uniform selection because of the historic significance of the street (entrance to an estate). Following the discussion, Director Schwartz asked for a "thumbs up" consensus affirming that the Eucalyptus specie be the favored replacement tree on Easton Drive. Consensus was reached affirming that only the Eucalyptus specie be considered as the replacement tree for Easton Drive and there were no contrary comments. Superintendent Richmond then presented pictures of several Eucalyptus species: Eucalyptus Citriodora (readily available), Eucalyptus Nicoll] (readily available), and the Eucalyptus Saligna (contract grown only). Supervisor Disco noted that the existing Eucalyptus Globulus is not available, and he does not believe the next closest to that, the Sidney Blue Gum, is readily available. He noted that because the Easton Drive Eu.cs will be removed one by one, as necessary, contract growing can only be considered for growing a larger quantity of trees. Commissioner Warden stated that several more trees may also need removing and replacing in the near future; Councilmember Cohen clarified that if the intent is reforestation, then planting in the existing vacant planting sites as well as any projected removal sites, might be enough to consider contract growing. Supervisor Disco agreed, but that it would depend on the minimum number of plants the contractor would be willing to grow, and the resulting cost. Director Schwartz asked for audience discussion and input. Some comments from the audience included: Planting in city -owned planter strips used for parking; residents willingness to "give up" parking places; planting with the Iron Bark Eucalyptus on the corners; keeping the same variety on both sides of the street; and consideration of putting a planter strip down the center of Easton Drive. Superintendent Richmond noted that at the previous forum expert David Docktor presented a list of 3 large alternatives to the Blue Gum: the Sugar Gum or Cladocalyx is not readily available, and the Sidney Blue Gum can be contract grown from seed or the City can purchase a minimum of 1000 seedlings at a cost of $1000. This requires space to grow 1.000 seedlings, and the man power to care for the seedlings. Superintendent Richmond noted, however, that the Eucalyptus Citriodora 'Lemon Scented Gum', with copper colorations in the trunk, thin bark, broad canopy, with growth to 1.00' is readily available. He noted that one will soon be planted in front of the Burlingame Recreation Center. Supervisor Disco stated that the girth of the trunk is approximately 90", the debris from trunk is virtually non existent, the tree has small fruit, and a grove of this specie Eucalyptus exists in the City of Palo Alto. Chairperson McQuaide noted that the Eucalyptus Citriodora meets the desired characteristics: wind tolerant, frost tolerant, fast growing, height but it has a smaller trunk girth than the Blue Gum or Sydney Blue Gum. 2 Community Forum and Discussion — Easton Drive Tree Selection — (Contd.) Following the discussion, Director Schwartz stated that staff s recommendation is for the Eucalyptus Citriodora to be planted as the primary replacement tree on Easton Drive and asked the audience for a "thumbs up" consensus of that recommendation. Consensus was reached to plant the Eucalyptus Citriodora as the primary replacement tree and there were no contrary comments. Supervisor Disco then presented pictures and commented on the accent trees previously considered for use on corners and in front of the Easton Branch Library if the existing Eucalyptus tree is removed: 1) Eucalyptus Nicolii — Grows to 50', has very narrow leaves; lacey and soft looking, bark is rough and does not shed. Supt. Richmond noted that this specie is readily available and Chairperson McQuaide added this tree would allow for better visibility on the corners. 2) Eucalyptus ficifolia — Grows to approximately 50% showy red flowers that drop off with large seed capsules. The tree also drips nectar. Some comments and concerns from the audience were as follows: All the trees on Easton Drive should be the same; corner trees should be repositioned when planted with traffic visibility taken into account; all the trees should be the same, no accent trees, and the corner trees should be planted at a safe distance from the corner; and planting something different, and something with flowers, would detract from the fabulous renovation to the Easton Branch Library; the same tree should be planted all along Easton Drive; where are accent trees going to be planted?; how far from the corners? (PW would be consulted); why would you plant accent trees on an avenue with grand trees? Following the comments and discussion, Director Schwartz asked for a "thumbs up" consensus of planting the same specie Eucalyptus, all along Easton Drive, including the corners and in front of the Easton Branch Library. Consensus was reached to have no corner or "accent" trees and there were no contrary comments. Director Schwartz summarized the conclusions of the forum to be discussed at the next Beautification Commission meeting of August 2" d: 1) Eucalyptus to be the only tree genus to be considered as suitable for Easton Drive tree replacement. 2) The favored Eucalyptus specie to be considered is the readily available Eucalyptus Citriodora. 3) That there be no corner or "accent" trees; Eucalyptus Citriodora be the sole replacement tree all along the lower Easton Drive. Director Schwartz noted that Traffic, Safety, and Parking Commission will meet in Council Chambers on July 12`i' at 7:00 pm and will be discussing the Easton Drive tree replacement and making recommendation to the Council. The Beautification Commission will be meeting in City Hall's Conference Room "A" on August 2nd at 5:30pm, and will be discussing the Easton Drive tree replacement plan and making a recommendation to Council. 3 Community Forum and Discussion — Easton Drive Tree Selection — (Contd.) Some closing comments from the audience were: Promote the restoration of Easton Drive and try to get people interested and enthusiastic about having a new Eucalyptus tree planted in vacant planting sites fronting their homes; on streets that have historical value, the City should approve the planting of larger canopy trees; try to identify and report on trees that have been removed in the past and try to determine what the reasons are for the empty spaces. Chairperson McQuaide thanked everyone for their input and reminded everyone to attend the upcoming Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission and Beautification Commission meetings. There being no further comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm. Respectfully submitted, l f�.... �LWes— / Karlene Harvey Recording Secretary 2