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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2021.04.01BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Approved Minutes April 1, 2021 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order via Zoom at 6:35 pm by Chair Hunt. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Hunt, Kirchner, Kearney, and Bauer Absent: None Staff. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks and Recreation Superintendent/City Arborist Disco and Recording Secretary Borba Others: None MINUTES Commissioner Kearney made a motion to approve the March 4, 2021 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirchner and was approved 4-0. CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC COMMENT None OLD BUSINESS 1. Update from Chair of the Business Landscape Award and Residential Sustainable Landscape Award Commission Bauer reported she is working on publicity for both awards and stated she created a flyer to post on Next Door, Facebook, eNews, and Instagram. 2. Trees of Burlingame Ad Hoc Committee Members Update Commissioner Kirchner reported he and Commissioner Bauer are putting together an outline of what will be included in the Trees of Burlingame book. It will loosely follow the 1977 version of the book. Commissioner Kirchner requested that the Commissioners develop a list of important trees in Burlingame to be included in the publication. Commissioner Kirchner stated that Jennifer Pfaff with the Burlingame Historical Society would be providing pictures and information for the book. NEW BUSINESS 1. Appeal to the Approved Private Redwood Tree Removal at 717 Crossway Road Chair Hunt recused herself from the appeal hearing. Director Glomstad read the staff report. Commissioner Kearney inquired if the roots were damaging the main structure or just the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Arborist Disco responded that it appeared to be just the ADU. Commissioner Kirchner stated the damage to the ADU did not show in 2015 when the permit was denied, and he inquired what had changed since then. Arborist Disco stated the current independent arborist report was accurate. The roots are damaging the structure. Commissioner Kirchner stated there was some mention in the packet that the tree was 200 years old. Arborist Disco stated that he believes the tree is 95-100 years old. Commissioner Bauer asked if the tree had grown significantly since 2015. Arborist Disco confirmed the tree and roots had grown. Public Comment — None Appellant — Steven Crocker stated that the large Redwood tree with a 1.5-meter diameter trunk at breast height is a tall, healthy, beautiful tree and is visible and enjoyed by all in the neighborhood, including many species of wildlife. Mr. Crocker informed the Commission that the original detached garage became a one -bedroom ADU unit, now one foot from the large roots. He stated the tree was protected from removal five and a half years ago when the tree was trimmed. Mr. Crocker stated the property was recently purchased and the roots were causing damage at that time. Mr. Crocker explained the tree is in the prime of its life, is attributing to the beauty of the neighborhood, and a home to wildlife. He stated that it could live for many more years and is irreplaceable in our lifetimes or our children's. Mr. Crocker stated the garage is on a hundred -year -old foundation and at the end of its life expectancy with no historical significance. He stated there is room for the main building, an outbuilding, and the tree on this property and hoped this majestic tree would not be removed at the expense of a 100-year-old building at the end of its life. Mr. Crocker explained Burlingame is a "City of Trees" thanks to the generations before that did not cut down beautiful trees. He stated we should be careful to preserve the irreplaceable while we have it and encouraged the Commissioners to vote to preserve the tree. Respondent -None Commissioner Discussion Commissioner Kearney stated it is a very difficult decision whether to preserve the tree or allow it to come down. However, the roots are damaging the foundation of the building, and that is dangerous. Commissioner Bauer agreed with Commissioner Kearney that it is difficult to approve the removal of a 100-year-old tree, especially when the Commission is here to preserve trees. Commissioner Bauer stated it would have been helpful to hear from the respondent. Commissioner Kirchner stated that he noticed a structural engineer's report was mentioned and it would have been helpful to have the report. Commissioner Kirchner mentioned the tree is causing issues and the cost of repair and litigation is a burden to the property owner. Commissioner Kirchner suggested that the appeal be tabled until next month to see if more information could be brought to the Commissioners by the respondents. Commissioner Kearney and Commissioner Bauer both stated they agreed. Commissioner Kirchner made a motion to table the appeal to the Approved Private Redwood Tree Removal at 717 Crossway Road until the May 2021 meeting to get more information from the respondent on the future plans for the property and the engineer's report. Commissioner Bauer seconded the motion and was approved 3-0-1. REPORTS 1. Director Glomstad Director Glomstad reported in May, the Beautification Commission should have a new Commissioner. Director Glomstad informed the Commission that on Saturday, the Recreation Division would be hosting the annual Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast in Washington Park in conjunction with the Lions Club. Director Glomstad stated the Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast would be Covid compliant. Director Glomstad updated the Commissioners that the Community Center is moving forward on target and is scheduled for completion in May 2022. Parks Superintendent/City Arborist None 2. Commissioner Hunt None 3. Commissioner Bauer None 4. Commissioner Kirchner None 5. Commissioner Kearney None The next Beautification Commission meeting is May 6, 2021. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm. Respectfully submitted, Gina Borba Administrative Staff