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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2023.04.06BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Approved Minutes April 6, 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, Chu, and Khoury Absent: Chair Bauer 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 March 2, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Commission Chu and was approved 4-0-1. CORRESPONDENCE Secretary Flores informed the Commission of an email correspondence that was received for the theme block petition of the 1600 block of Easton Drive. She explained that staff would present it at the next regular meeting when the item was on the agenda. Also, she read an email correspondence from Burlingame resident Doug Boj ack that thanked staff for their dedication and hard work addressing the challenges and maintenance of City trees during the storms. Further, he explained the significance of the Annual Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation. He encouraged the City to pursue this designation in addition to the Tree City USA designation. PUBLIC COMMENT Eylul Stobaugh, a Burlingame resident, presented her concerns over the Eucalyptus trees throughout the City. She explained that there is a fear of past and future fatalities, the danger they pose to Burlingame High School students, and the fire hazard they represent. She requested that the City create a path to prioritize the safe removal of old Eucalyptus trees in front of homes, offices, and schools. Easton Drive Residents Julie Cockle and Amandeep Khurana echoed similar thoughts to Ms. Stobaugh. They explained that Easton Drive is a Theme Block, and any removed Eucalyptus tree is expected to be replaced with a new species of Eucalyptus. Ms. Cockle expressed her concerns for life safety due to the size of these trees. She noted that she was evacuated earlier this year due to potential tree failure. She submitted a petition to change the theme block of 1600 Eaton Drive to a native tree that is shorter and does not present the same risks. She offered statistics on the high risk of limb failure of Eucalyptus trees. Sanchez Avenue resident, Ray Brayer, spoke of his experience interning for the Burlingame Public Works Department and the damage caused to streets, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters by Eucalyptus trees due to their invasive root system. Further, had said they cause visibility issues that affect traffic. He asked that the City find an alternative species with a better root system, smaller trunk, less shed of debris, and not as water intensive. Jennifer Pfaff, a Burlingame resident, spoke about the Theme Block of Easton Drive, which is based on the number of trees in the area and the history of the tall canopy. She explained that the chosen replacement is meant to be as close as possible to what was there previously but more manageable and safer. She presented excerpts from two articles about the benefits of Eucalyptus trees. Lastly, she expressed her gratitude for the Burlingame Parks Division, which is dedicated to the safety, beauty, and respect for our cultural resources, including the one on Easton Drive. Drake Avenue resident Christine Ackerman thanked the Commission and staff for the speaking platform, transparency, and responsiveness. She explained that although decisions that were made previously made sense then, the current atmospheric rivers and severe wind events create a real hazard. She emphasized that the portion of the City's urban forest being commented on is a small percentage of the more than managed by the City. Ms. Ackerman stated that the City is not acting severely or swiftly enough to remove these trees posing a threat. She would like to see a clear path of removal of these trees, particularly when they have been deemed a risk to public health, as well as a midterm solution of reconsidering the Theme Block on Easton Drive. Burlingame resident Leslie McQuaide explained that she was chair of the Beautification Commission when the Easton Drive Theme Block designation was established. She provided a brief history of how the Eucalyptus theme came to be and why it was decided to have the citriodora as the best replacement species for the Blue Gum. She agrees that the Blue Gum is a big, heavy, and high -maintenance tree, but large trees serve as an important part of our history to maintain beautiful growth. Charlotte Petri, a resident of Burlingame Avenue, shared her concerns about the Australian native Eucalyptus trees. She stated that residents who do not have Eucalyptus on or around their property do not understand the challenges homeowners face with these trees. OLD BUSINESS 1. Trees of Burlingame Ad Hoc Committee Members Update Commissioner Kirchner explained that the Trees of Burlingame booklet was published in 1977 and that the Beautification Commission was charged to re -publish it. The latest chapter has just been put out for review and is predicting the future of Burlingame's urban trees. He stated that the chapter talks about different components that affect trees, such as age, environment, sea rise, city policy, etc. Commissioner Khoury is tasked with the last chapter regarding Washington Park. 2. Residential and Business Landscape Award Update Commissioner Chu provided an update on the Residential and Business Landscape Award and summarized what was discussed at the last BBC meeting. He explains that further discussion will occur at the June meeting once nominations are made for residential and business landscapes. Commissioner Khoury stated that she has personally been reaching out and distributing nomination forms to business owners to encourage nominations. NEW BUSINESS 1. Maintenance Program for City Trees City Arborist Richard Holtz provided a brief history of trees in Burlingame since the first tree protection ordinance started in 1908. He stated that the City has over 17,000 trees that the City of Burlingame owns, but that our Urban Forest refers to every tree within city limits that collectively contribute to the benefits we enjoy as a community. He explained the evaluation of our maintenance program, described the four- year grid pruning system currently established in the City, and reviewed the Emergency Response process. He stated that staff follow the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) and described this assessment technique and the actions that follow. Further, he provided a synopsis of the winter storms and tree emergencies the City responded to earlier this year. Finally, he discussed the established street tree lists and Theme Blocks. He said that Burlingame is equipped for success in managing the large trees and provided a breakdown of the path forward to manage the Urban Forest. Commissioner Kirchner asked whether the citriodora replacement for the Eucalyptus tree removals is a policy or a desire. Arborist Holtz explained that the replacement species was discussed and established per the public Beautification Commission meeting in 2007 for the 1500-2000 block of Easton Drive. The only other area he knows is required is the Theme Blocks along Burlingame Ave. from the Community Center up to East Lane. Commissioner Kirchner referenced the Easton Library Eucalyptus tree as an example of a more mature citriodora near the Easton Library. Further, he stated that the Commission is advisory to the City Council. Director Glomstad clarified that the trees along El Camino Real are owned and maintained by Caltrans. Commissioner Chu asked if an analysis of the species composition of the trees that failed during the storms has been conducted and if a determination on whether certain species are more likely to fail. Arborist Holtz explained that 2,800 City -owned trees are Eucalyptus and that it is our most common tree. He has not done a full analysis of which trees failed but can confirm that the species that failed the most during the March 2023 storm were Eucalyptus. He stated that two of the four trees lost in Washington Park during the February storm were Redwood trees. He explained that the City had had multiple Eucalyptus failures due to different situations, such as soil and/or root failure. Public Comment Charlotte Petri stated that the impact of trees and people should be a priority when deciding what to do with these trees. Leslie McQuaide briefly discussed a book by David Dockter Tree Technical Manual. Julie Cockle added that there are trees that don't pose a danger but may still fail, and residents should have a say in what tree species are planted. Amandeep Khurana spoke about a Eucalyptus tree in his front yard dropping limbs 8-12 feet long, posing a danger to Easton children. He stated that the possible damage that falling limbs may cause needs to be considered. Jennifer Pfaff commented about the safety of people in residential areas and believes that the City goes over and above to consider this aspect. She explains that risk is linked to any city that has a tree and that Burlingame has been fortunate to have few incidents, and they did not involve Eucalyptus trees. If you look at the street tree lists, there are no native trees listed because they do not have the qualities we value. Christine Ackerman commented on the staff report presented and that in the 2007 Beautification Commission meeting when the Theme Block decision was established, the Commission anticipated removal and replacement within 20 years, and that time is almost here. She asked how scenarios are being considered when planning for the next six years. A gentleman from the public spoke about the low statistics provided in the staff report of possible danger to people and that the risk is much higher for those residents that live within the vicinity of these large Eucalyptus trees. He believes residents should have a greater say in what happens to City trees and would like to see a more specific timeline and path of action. Eylul Stobaugh stated that she does not feel like she has a voice as someone who lives near a Eucalyptus tree and would like to know what action plan is established, if any. She would also volunteer her time to assist with the planning stage if necessary. Commissioner and Staff Discussion Ensued Arborist Holtz spoke about the 20-year timeframe listed in the 2007 Theme Block decision and confirmed that 11 trees had been removed on Easton Drive and that the City has engaged with an independent arborist. He explained that there have been comments on the severity of consequences that are not the same as the probability and likelihood of failure. If staff knows that a tree has an increased likelihood of failure, staff acts to reduce the likelihood. Actions may not be removal as certain pruning can reduce risk. He confirmed that additional work in Easton, including pruning and removals, will occur and is not the only area. The City will be engaging with an independent contractor to do much of the required work. The framework needs to be established, considering it is expensive work. He explained the bidding process and estimated time frame. He explained that the Theme Block petition staff received will be added to the next meeting. REPORTS Commissioner Khoury reported on the approval to enhance plantings on the west entrance of Burlingame Avenue. She stated that progress was made for the holiday lighting along Broadway and Burlingame Avenue. Further, she thanked Director Glomstad and Arborist Holtz for facilitating the electrical work and tree maintenance on the trees in preparation for the holiday lighting. Commissioner Kirchner stated that he attended the Arbor Day ceremonies and was glad to be back in person and summarized the event. Director Glomstad reported on the start of the TopGolf construction. She stated that the City is coming close to finalizing plans for the Mobility Hub Project in front of the Burlingame Ave. Train Station and provide a brief description of what the project includes. Further, Director Glomstad shared that giant Redwood stumps will be reused to make seating near the front of Washington Park. El 1a111" 45110u 11l►o I There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm. The next Beautification Commission meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Vero VlI Ca 7Flvres Veronica Flores Administrative Staff