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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC - 2023.08.03BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Approved Minutes August 3, 2023 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Bauer. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Bauer, Commissioners Batte, Chu, Khoury, and Kirchner Absent: None Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Holtz, and Recording Secretary Flores Others: None MINUTES Commissioner Chu made a motion to approve the July 6, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Batte and was approved 5-0-0. CORRESPONDENCE None. PUBLIC COMMENT Jennifer Pfaff thanked the Parks Division for preparing the Large Tree Maintenance Program and presenting it to the City Council. OLD BUSINESS 1. Trees of Burlingame Ad Hoc Committee Members Update Commissioner Kirchner explained that the written portion had been completed apart from one chapter regarding Washington Park. He stated that an Ad Hoc Committee meeting was scheduled for August 10, 2023, at the Community Center, 6:00 p.m., to review the next steps for publication. 2. Consideration of Themed Block Tree Species Modification for the 1500-2000 Blocks of Easton Drive City Arborist Holtz summarized the June 1, 2023, discussion of the Easton Drive Themed Block area. He explained that residents met the threshold to petition to modify the Themed Block, and the Commission heard directly from many residents. The Commission confirmed that they would treat the 1500-2000 Blocks of Easton Drive as one Themed Block area. City Arborist Holtz reached out to neighboring municipalities of San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Palo Alto about their experience with the Lemon -Scented Gum. He stated that generally, Blue Gums are much taller than Lemon Scented Gums, which tend to be more balanced and have more of an open form; they are both fast-growing and low-water use trees; and that the Lemon Scented Gum are typically prized for their scent, flowers, and showy bark, versus the Blue Gum that has shedding bark which can be a nuisance and is considered an invasive species buy most IPM websites. City Arborist Holtz explained that a heritage grove would be an area of trees of similar size, species, and age, such as Easton, El Camino Real, and Francard Groves, and confirmed that there is no legal or municipal enforcement of these trees and groves. City Arborist Holtz presented additional species options, including Incense Cedar, Camphor, Lemon Scented Gum, Catalina Ironwood, Coast Live Oak, Scarlet Oak, Valley Oak, Cork Oak, Coastal Redwood, and Patriot Elm. He explained that in looking at the interest of the petition and what is sustainable, he took a closer look at two existing street trees. The Coast Live Oak is on the list for wide planter areas, generally growing wide, native to California, slow growing, long lives, good decay compartmentalization, and has strong branch attachments. The second was the Camphor Tree, which is native to Asia and has a similar form, is not as dense of a canopy, can have more surface roots, moderate growth, strong branch attachments, and good decay compartmentalization. He explained that a few Camphor Trees were lost on Burlingame Avenue in the past due to Verticillium Wilt and that Coast Live Oak is the terminal host of sudden oak death. City Arborist Holtz stated that it could be a three -tree street list for the Easton Drive Themed Block residents, and if an existing tree was removed, the resident could choose one of the three trees. Further, he explained that any decision other than keeping the Lemon -Scented Gum theme would need to be approved by the City Council. Commissioner Kirchner asked about the history of Elm trees on Easton Drive. City Arborist Holtz stated that he had only seen Monterey Pines, Monterey Cypress, Red Gum, and Blue Gum Eucalyptus. Further, he stated that the Eucalyptus trees on El Camino Real were planted to provide wind break for the Elm trees, but he was not certain if the intent was the same on Easton Drive. Commissioner Kirchner inquired about the number of Lemon Scented Gums planted along Easton Drive. City Arborist Holtz stated there are 17 Lemon Scented Gum on Easton Drive. He explained that once a decision was made, the Parks Division would plant at least 20 new trees on Easton Drive. Commissioner Kirchner asked whether the Lemon Scented Gum is more stable than the Blue Gum. City Arborist Holtz confirmed that the Blue Gum is considered to have a medium/weak branch attachment, Lemon Scented Gum has moderate branch attachments, and the Camphor and Coast Live Oaks have strong branch attachments per a Cal -Poly study. Commissioner Chu asked whether there were any thoughts on what species would do best together if a multiple -species theme was determined to be the best option. City Arborist Holtz explained that he did not have experience planting Lemon Scented Gum with other species but that Easton Drive is a good example of a landscape doing very well underneath Eucalyptus trees. Commissioner Batte inquired about keeping a recommendations City Arborist Holtz would offer. monoculture and a single species theme block, but recommends never to have more than 30% of one throughout an urban forest. Chair Bauer opened the floor to public comment. i aesthetically pleasing composition and what City Arborist Holtz stated that there is beauty in a it can also pose a danger. He explained that ISA family, 20% of one genre, or 10% of one species Julie Cockle, an Easton resident, stated that she liked the diversified approach and giving residents the choice to pick their tree from an approved list but believes the Lemon Scented Gum should be removed as an option given the increased risk of branch failure and a majority of residents speaking against the species. Also, she suggested a less wide option to avoid the street looking too dark. Leslie McQuaide, a Burlingame resident, stated that it is important for everyone to understand that the Lemon Scented Gum is very drought -resistant. She explained that they are beautiful and soothing to see in monoculture areas. Also, she stated that all trees drop limbs and can require a lot of maintenance and believes the Lemon Scented Gum will do very well in this area. Jennifer Pfaff, a Burlingame resident, mentioned that per the City's General Plan, a goal under Community Character/Historic Resources is to protect the character and quality of Burlingame's historic buildings, tree groves, open spaces, neighborhoods, and districts. She explained that it also means replanting and spoke in support of the three -specie theme block list proposal for Easton. She stated that it would match the initial intent for this area. Secretary Flores read a letter from Easton residents Brook and Scott Hill and Susie and Sam Lahey. They stated their support for further consideration from the Commission and keeping past, present, and future constituents in mind. They explained that Easton is well -suited to support large canopy trees, and settling for a tree species estimated at 60 feet in height would result in Easton being far too similar to other residential streets. They stated their opinion of keeping the Lemon Scented Gum theme and encouraged more research if the Commission is considering a multi -species theme. Secretary Flores read an email from Easton resident Lynn Israelit stating her support for keeping the Lemon Scented Gum theme on Easton Drive in order to preserve the historic, unique, and majestic landmark and is not opposed to interspersing other species between the Lemon Scented Gum. Chair Bauer closed public comment and opened Commissioner discussion. Chair Bauer asked whether it was decided that the Commission would change the tree theme designation. City Arborist Holtz explained that a vote had not been taken on any action, and either modification or keeping the original designation were still viable options. Commissioner Batte explained that she favored keeping the 1500-2000 blocks as a themed section and was open to the recommendation of a three -species theme. Commissioner Khoury stated she favored keeping the Lemon Scented Gum theme and believed they are beautiful and do not pose a high danger of limb loss as the Blue Gum. Chair Bauer also believed that residents reacted out of fear after the storms experienced earlier this year and the damage caused by Blue Gum trees as opposed to Lemon Scented Gum, but she understood the motivation to incorporate other species nonetheless. Commissioner Kirchner stated that the two options he saw were to either keep the theme block designation the way it is with the Lemon Scented Gum as the only replacement species or modify it to incorporate multiple species. He thought Easton Drive historically naturally contrasts with any block around it due to the verticality of trees that line it. From an aesthetic standpoint, he would lean towards keeping the existing theme block without deluding it. He inquired about the number of new trees estimated to be planted versus the number of existing trees. City Arborist Holtz stated that 20 new trees will be planted, and there are 100 tree planting areas total on Easton Drive. Commissioner Chu stated it would be difficult to please all but that allowing residents to choose from a multi -species list, including the Lemon Scented Gum, would be a good compromise. He explained that if enough residents chose the Lemon Scented Gum, it would help preserve a degree of uniformity while giving others a choice, such as a native oak tree. Chair Bauer asked whether any other commissioners thought adding multiple species would dilute the way Easton Drive currently looks. Commissioner Chu explained that it may change how it looks, but that preference for uniformity is subjective. He stated that any tree that is well -suited to the site is a good option. Commissioner Batte made a motion to retain the 1500-2000 Easton Drive blocks as one Themed Block and modify the designated theme to a three -species list to include Lemon Scented Gum, Coast Live Oak, and Camphor trees. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Khoury and was approved 3-2-0. NEW BUSINESS 1. Residential and Business Landscape Award Voting Commissioner Chu explained that the Commission received nine nominations for the Residential Landscape Award (RLA) and nine nominations for the Business Landscape Award (BLA). Further, he suggested omitting 1600 Ray Drive from the nomination list, as they were the winners last year. Chair Bauer stated that she favored 5 Valdivia Court. Commissioner Batte stated she considered 1900 Hillside Drive to be a good contender. Commissioner Chu explained that one of his considerations when reviewing the nominees was whether the site had any large trees or trees that could potentially become large. Commissioner Batte stated that her consideration included properties with drought -resistant landscapes. The Commission polled votes by show of hands for each residential nominee. 5 Valdivia Court received the highest tally of votes. Chair Bauer made a motion to approve 5 Valdivia Court as the 2023 Residential Landscape Award winner. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Batte and was approved 5-0-0. The Commission polled votes by show of hands for each commercial nominee. 1501 Trousdale Ave received the highest tally of votes. Chair Bauer made a motion to approve 1500 Trousdale Ave, Mills -Peninsula Hospital, as the 2023 Business Landscape Award winner. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Chu and approved 5-0-0. 2. Public Hearing to Consider an Appeal of the City Arborist's Approval of the Removal of a Protected Private Tree at 1385 Hillside Circle City Arborist Holtz summarized the application process for removing a Redwood tree located at 1385 Hillside Circle, Burlingame, CA. He explained that the tree met the requirements for approval per the City's Municipal Code and its proximity to infrastructure and hardscape. He stated that the appellant's concern was the stripping of the landscaping throughout the years. City Arborist Holtz confirmed that several previous protected trees were approved for removal, and a few without permission were captured under the previous permit that required 13 new trees to be planted on the property. Although the previous City Arborist signed off on the permit and replanting, City Arborist Holtz could only locate eight new trees in various stages of health. He also noted that many trees removed from the site were undersized and not a part of our permit program. Commissioner Kirchner inquired about penalty fees for removing trees of protected size without the necessary permissions or permits. City Arborist Holtz confirmed that there were fines but none associated with the unpermitted work on this site, only replacement requirements that were signed off previously. Further, he explained that the City's Municipal Code currently does not state that a tree must be maintained, which he is working closely with the City Attorney's office to change. Chair Bauer opened the floor to public comment. With no one wishing to speak from the public, Chair Bauer closed public comment. The applicant, Sherman Chin, clarified that the previous removal was of a Pine tree and not a Redwood tree, as stated in the letter from the appellant, with the approval of the previous City Arborist. He explained that the property was unkept and had many trees in bad condition when they took over the home. Many trees were removed due to safety concerns. Further, he explained that the Redwood tree is in a confined space and on a landscape retaining wall. He wanted to avoid it coming down on a neighbor's property in the future or towards the roads that may impact pedestrians from the nearby school. Commissioner Chu asked the applicant the distance from the property to the neighboring school. Mr. Chin estimated that it is approximately 200-400 feet. Chair Bauer inquired whether a sprinkler system or watering was available near new tree plantings to ensure their success. Mr. Chin confirmed a sprinkler system was installed during the previous tree replacements but that the trees that failed did so due to storms and the trees being uprooted. Commissioner discussion ensued. Commissioner Batte stated that she is concerned with the current state of the tree and retaining wall and that a future strong storm could weaken it further. For safety reasons, she would agree with the approval to remove the tree. Chair Bauer expressed her displeasure with the number of trees that were previously on the site and removed but understands that the current tree meets the removal qualifications due to health and location and supports the removal. Commissioner Kirchner agreed with Chair Bauer and stated that when focusing on the specific tree at hand, he would agree with the recommendation for removal. Commissioner Khoury was also in agreement. Commissioner Kirchner made a motion to uphold the City Arborist's decision to remove the tree due to its proximity to infrastructure and deny the appeal. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Batte and approved 4-0-1. Commissioner Chu abstained from voting. REPORTS Director Glomstad reported that the last Music in the Park concert is on Friday, August 11, 2023, and encouraged the Commissioner to attend. She stated that the Public Art Ad Hoc Committee meeting was held earlier that day and hoped to go to the City Council with an updated policy in September. Also, the draft Aging City's Action Plan was being prepared for the City Council to review and approve. She reported that the Robert Barry Awards are expected to be installed in September or October this year. The California Conservation Corps had completed work to open the lower trail at Mills Canyon, and the full Ed Taylor loop is open for use. She explained that the staff was working on resurfacing the Washington Park Tennis Courts but was having trouble getting quotes. Also, the Park and Recreation Commission would be discussing adding pickleball lines to the other courts. Director Glomstad reported that the Foundation donated three new ping pong tables. Lastly, she explained that the Community Center will be closed for internet maintenance on August 31, 2023, at 1 p.m. Superintendent Holtz reported that significant tree work around town had started. Commissioner Chu inquired about the remaining number of trees being removed. Superintendent Holtz confirmed that 432 out of 800 Eucalyptus trees are being removed along Rollins Road, 13 on Burlingame Avenue, 18 trees on Oak Grove Avenue, 18 trees on Easton Road, and approximately 40 trees along Skyline Boulevard and Bayside Park. New trees will be planted once the removals are completed. Commissioner Khoury reported a fundraiser would be taking place at the Wine Walk on August 30, 2023, for Burlingame Avenue's year-round tree lighting and side streets. She explained that lights will be strung once the street trees are trimmed after Labor Day. R"I-Di11711u 104 " There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. The next Beautification Commission meeting is scheduled for September 7, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Vervvlica -Flores Veronica Flores Administrative Staff