HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - BC - 2024.09.05Beautification Commission
City of Burlingame
Meeting Agenda
BURLINGAME CITY HALL
501 PRIMROSE ROAD
BURLINGAME, CA 94010
Burlingame Community Center
850 Burlingame Avenue
6:30 PMThursday, September 5, 2024
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
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and read to the Beautification Commission for the appropriate agenda item, please submit your email
no later than 5:00 PM on October 3, 2024. 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.
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Page 1 City of Burlingame Printed on 8/30/2024
September 5, 2024Beautification Commission Meeting Agenda
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. MINUTES
Draft Minutes August 1, 2024a.
Draft MinutesAttachments:
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
7. NEW BUSINESS
Update on Large Eucalyptus Tree Managementa.
Staff Report
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Attachments:
8. REPORTS
9. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Page 2 City of Burlingame Printed on 8/30/2024
September 5, 2024Beautification Commission Meeting Agenda
Next Regular Meeting: October 3, 2024.
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 Community 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.
Page 3 City of Burlingame Printed on 8/30/2024
BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Draft Minutes August 1, 2024
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by
Acting Chair Chu.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Chu, Khoury, and Kirchner
Absent: Chair Batte, Commissioner Bauer
Staff: Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Holtz, Parks Supervisor Burow, and Recording
Secretary Flores
Others: None
MINUTES
Commissioner Kirchner made a motion to approve the June 6, 2024, Regular Meeting minutes with an
amendment to the reports section on the last page. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Khoury
and was approved. 3-0-2
CORRESPONDENCE
Secretary Flores read an email from Burlingame resident John Moran:
I spoke with Veronica in the Parks Department and it was suggested that I email you with my
concerns. Background: Our address is at 832 Edgehill Drive. The back side of our house is on
California drive. Our bedroom window looks out to California Drive. Our family been at this
location for almost 10 years and in Burlingame even longer. When we moved to this home we had
some concerns with being close to the train tracks, but we appreciated that there were trees between
us and the tracks. Before the recent tree removal, going in the east direction, there is our house,
California Drive, a row of trees, a dirt path, another row of trees and then the Caltrain tracks. As
part of the electrification process, many of the trees closest to Caltrain were removed. Now we've
also had extreme trimming and removal of the second row of trees closest to our house. We now
have a clear view of Caltrain as it passes - and we no longer have the previous barriers of trees to
help with the noise. We can clearly see people on the other side of Carolan which is out beyond the
train tracks. We also now have an unexpected direct view of Top Golf. I appreciate the addition of
Top Golf, but do not desire a direct view of it from our bedroom windows. I know that if my family
was buying this house today we would drop it from consideration due to the landscape changes.
Next Steps: I would like to know the details of any plans to replace the removed trees. Below are
some of the questions that I have...
What types of trees will replace the removed ones?
Will they be planting mature trees to restore the beauty and functionality that we had before? What
is the timeline for this or any restoration? Is there anything I can do as a citizen to help or to
expedite this process?
Neighbors: I have spoken with many neighbors who are extremely unhappy with the current
situation. All of them, including myself, were shocked by the drastic chance and none were aware
of any advance notice of this. According to someone in Parks and Rec there was some type of notice
that was sent out. Even though we did not receive one, I doubt that it conveyed they extreme change
that was coming. Photos: I've attached a link to some photos for reference:
https://bit.ly/CaliforniaDriveTrees
The first 2 images are BEFORE images, the 3rd is a reminder that Burlingame is the "City of Trees",
the rest of the images were taken after the removal and trimming. The 2 pictures taken through a
window in our home also show the before and after changes. Regards, John Moran
Arborist Holtz stated that he would present an update on how the City has been managing large Eucalyptus
tree groves at the next Commission meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
PRESENTATION
1. Growth Award
Parks Supervisor Burow presented the first Tree City USA Growth Award given to the City by the Arbor
Day Foundation. She explained that the City takes pride in its trees, which can be seen by staff assigned to
tree maintenance, funds received from the City Council, and future plantings to ensure the growth of the
urban forest. She noted that measuring trees is a task she has been working on most recently, such as
inventorying trees in Mills Canyon and other groves. Supervisor Burow stated that the City’s inventory is
accessible through a link on the City website. Further, she described the process taken when planning and
performing tree work. She provided a summary of the tree work performed in 2023, such as planting over
400 trees and inventorying or updating over 2,000 trees. She spoke of collaborations with outside entities
for specific projects or tree work. Lastly, she confirmed that she will be applying for the 2024 Growth
Award on behalf of the City by the end of the year.
Commissioner Kirchner asked if the Growth Award was a requirement for the Tree City USA designation.
Supervisor Burow confirmed that it is not a requirement but in addition to the designation.
Arborist Holtz explained that Supervisor Burow and her team have done a fantastic job finding new
locations to plant trees and will be planting more trees than ever before at one time this fall, close to 250
trees. Further, he stated that staff is working with Caltrain during the installation of electric passenger trains
to have trees planted on City property in areas that may be under-served.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
1. Residential, Business, and Multi-Family Landscape Award Voting
Commissioner Chu inquired if his submitted addresses could be included in the voting. Secretary Flores
confirmed that they could if the Commission agreed. Secretary Flores presented the addresses and
photographs sent in by the Commissioners of their Business Landscape Award (BLA) nominations.
Commissioner Kirchner explained that he nominated Embassy Suites but believed that the Hyatt would be
a better option if the public had access to the internal portion of the hotel. He stated that traditionally, the
Commission has taken the stance that it is not considered if it is not visible from the street. Commissioner
Kirchner also stated the Twelvemonth (330 Lorton Avenue) was the only self-nominated site and believes
the transition from a parking lot to what it is today was amazing.
Commissioner Kirchner, Khoury, and Chu all voted for Twelvemonth (330 Lorton Avenue). With the
majority vote, Twelvemonth was awarded the Business Landscape Award.
Secretary Flores presented the Multi-Family Landscape Award (MFLA) nominees. Commissioners
discussed the diverse styles of the nominees. Commissioner Chu spoke of the rich and diverse plantings he
observed at 1080 Carolan Ave. Commissioner Khoury confirmed that apartment complexes qualify as
multi-family nominee. Commissioner Kirchner and Chu confirmed that apartment complexes are
considered multi-family units. Commissioner Kirchner stated that 920 Bayswater Ave is a large and new
site that goes around the block. Commissioner Khoury inquired if the Commission was trying to promote
decorated balconies. Commissioner Kirchner confirmed that balconies were not considered this year.
Commissioner Kirchner and Khoury voted for 110 Park Road. Commissioner Chu voted for 1080 Carolan
Ave. 110 Park Road and won the majority vote for the MFLA.
Secretary Flores presented the Residential Sustainable Landscape Award (RSLA) nominees. Commissioner
Khoury expressed her fondness for 900 Morrell Avenue and stated that the live landscape is more
impressive than the photographs. Commissioner Kirchner stated that pure sustainability is not always
beautiful but spoke highly of the landscape design of 900 Morrell Ave along with the mature plants.
Commissioner Kirchner spoke of 1025 Paloma Ave and their use of succulents and arid design. Also, he
stated that 1735 Sebastian Drive was professionally landscaped and colorful but not necessarily sustainable.
Commissioner Kirchner commented that 1900 Hillside Drive corner lot was well-designed and sustainable
and included a Redwood tree. Commissioner Chu agreed that although they may not have planted the
Redwood, he must give them credit for maintaining it. The Commission discussed the sustainable plants
planted at this site. Commissioner Chu stated that aside from water use, another aspect of sustainability he
took into consideration was the support provided by wildlife and insects.
Commissioner Chu and Kirchner voted for 1900 Hillside Drive. Commissioner Khoury voted for 900
Morrell Avenue. 1900 Hillside Drive won the majority vote for the RSLA.
REPORTS
Commissioner Khoury reported on a tree on Fairfield and Palm that looked like it was dying. She stated
that the tree in front of Mykonos on Lorton Ave also looked diseased. Arborist Richard said it was treated
and would be reevaluated in a couple of months.
Commissioner Chu noted that many trees on the west side of California Drive between Broadway and Oak
Grove have been mis-pruned by private property and inquired if the City had spoken to the property owners.
Arborist Holtz stated that the section between Carmelita and Broadway was the most noticeable, that the
City staff communicated verbally with the property owners, and that he would follow up with a more formal
response.
Commissioner Khoury inquired about the progress on the Private Tree Removal Permit issued to 1134
Douglas Avenue. Secretary Flores confirmed that staff had made contact to determine the status of the
replacement tree requirement and would follow up a second time.
Commissioner Kirchner inquired about the City's California Drive trees inherited from SFPUC. Arborist
Holtz confirmed that the City inherited the section of California Drive from the City and County of San
Francisco as part of the Public Works agreement to complete the bike path. He stated that staff could bring
the matter to an upcoming Commission meeting agenda to discuss future plans for the area.
Commissioner Kirchner commented on the Eucalyptus groves that belong to the City, such as Francard
Grove, and if there was a policy preventing the Blue Gum Eucalyptus as the replacement species. Arborist
Holtz stated that there was no policy but rather a practice not to replant the Blue Gum species. He further
stated that the electrification of the railway has presented a challenge in formulating a plan for the trees
growing along the railway.
Commissioner Khoury inquired about the remaining tree stump located near 1133 El Camino Real. Arborist
Holtz confirmed that this has been brought to his attention, and he had reached out to Caltrans twice with
no response. He believed they would not proceed with the stump removal until they completed all the
planned removals for the El Camino Real Rehabilitation Project. He noted that he would report back to the
Commission if he received a response.
Commissioner Chu suggested that staff bring the correspondence presented at the start of the meeting back
as a discussion topic. Arborist Holtz confirmed he could present an update on large Eucalyptus tree groves
in Burlingame at the next Commission meeting.
Commissioner Khoury asked that staff present a list of possible replacement trees for California Drive.
Arborist Holtz stated that staff could share ideas, although nothing had been determined yet.
Arborist Holtz reported that Mercy High School had two trees fail , which were approved for removal and
would be replanted. Further, he stated that the City lost two trees in the Mills Canyon area. He commented
on the status of the Landslide Repair Project in Mills Canyon and stated that the target completion date is
in September. He reported that the Cuernavaca Field Renovation Project is approximately halfway through,
with an estimated completion date of October. Arborist Holtz reported that there will be a bid on additional
tree work in the near future and will report on that at the next meeting. He informed the Commission that
the bid for the Laguna Playground Renovation would also be out to bid in the next few weeks. Lastly, he
reported that the Town Square will likely be going out to bid in September.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m. The next Beautification Commission
meeting is scheduled for September 5, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica Flores
Veronica Flores
Recording Secretary
1
STAFF REPORT
To:
Burlingame Beautification Commission
Date:
September 5, 2024
From:
Richard Holtz, Parks Superintendent & City Arborist, 650-558-7333
Subject: Update on Large Eucalyptus Tree Management
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Commission review the staff report, ask questions, and discuss the
goals associated with the City practices.
BACKGROUND
The City has long had a special relationship with its urban forest. Only a few months after the
City was incorporated in 1908, the City enacted its first municipal code to protect a historic grove
of trees. Over the years, the community has sought to preserve these mature plantings, primarily
consisting of Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees. In some cases, these groves have been named
“Heritage,” a term the City Council bestowed upon trees deemed of historical or aesthetic
significance or unique species or origin. Three of the nine large eucalyptus tree groves
Burlingame maintains have been determined to be a Heritage (Exhibit A). This includes Easton
Drive, Francard Grove 1 & 2, and El Camino Real. The City does not own or maintain the heritage
grove along El Camino. The City maintains the California Drive grove immediately adjacent to
California Drive North of Oak Grove Ave; however, the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF)
holds the property ownership and control. The City’s responsibility to maintain the CCSF property
came about in the fall of 2023 as a Public Works Department negotiation for the bicycle and
pedestrian improvements along the adjacent road.
The City tree grove areas of responsibility have been routinely maintained by the City for at least
twenty years, with most receiving maintenance on a 3-5 year schedule. Despite this routine
maintenance, the extreme weather events of winter 2023 saw the failure of many of these trees
for varying reasons. Over 40 City-owned large eucalyptus trees failed during these storm events.
Dozens more necessitated immediate removal due to evidence of active failure. Multiple
independent arborist and staff inspections determined the need to remove additional trees and
prescribed reduction pruning to reduce the likelihood of failure in each grove. The City Council
has approved more than $4 million since January 2023 to address safety concerns with these
groves. This funding was utilized to remove 870 trees and reduction prune 520 trees (Exhibit B).
Update on Large Eucalyptus Tree Management September 5, 2024
2
Since engaging in this significant work, some community members have expressed concern with
the work performed. Others have criticized the City for not taking more expeditious actions to
remove more of these large trees, which could result in significant consequences if failure were
to occur.
DISCUSSION
The responsibility for City trees has been delegated to the Parks and Recreation Director. The
City Arborist, under the direction of the Director, makes the decisions on how to manage the entire
urban forest. There are over 17,000 City trees. At present, over 2,200 or 12% of City trees are
mature eucalyptus trees, with many being over 100 years old. In some of these areas, significant
infrastructure and grade changes have occurred, altering the natural growing conditions in which
these trees were originally planted. These human actions over the course of more than a century
have, in some cases, increased the likelihood of failure as well as the consequences should a
failure occur. The City Arborist ensures that City-owned trees receive routine preventative
maintenance measures that reduce the likelihood of failures. This typically results in reduction
pruning to reduce the likelihood of failure as well as the consequences of failure should one occur.
The City Arborist will typically follow one of two general criteria. The City has established criteria
when determining the removal of a City-owned tree. (Exhibit C). The other is the industry-
recognized Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) through the International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA) (Exhibit D). In addition, the City, at times, will utilize an independent certified
arborist to provide an assessment of trees. Utilizing this information, industry practices, site
conditions, and the goals of the Urban Forest Management Plan, the City Arborist makes
decisions to balance risk with community goals.
As in other industries, there can always be differing professional opinions and assessments.
There are also varying degrees of inspection. Most City trees receive a level 1 or level 2 limited
visual inspection. These are the most common inspections in the industry. A level 1 inspection
allows the inspector to visually observe many trees in a short amount of time. This brief inspection
is typical during and after storm events to “drive-by” and look for the most egregious symptoms.
A level 2 inspection is typical of most trees prior to removal or significant trimming. This is an
individual inspection of each tree verifying site conditions, structure, abiotic or biotic conditions,
vigor, likelihood, and consequence of failure.
A level 3 inspection involves ascending the tree and performing an aerial inspection of the canopy
and branch attachments. These are occasionally performed where visual inspection is limited
from the ground. A level 4 inspection involves technology to aid in tree assessment. This could
include resistograph and tomographic testing of the trunk and root structures. It could also include
tissue sampling and chemical analysis in a laboratory. Level 3 and 4 assessments represent
significant time and cost. For the significant large eucalyptus tree work performed since winter
2023, the City has been acting under emergency response. It is not practical to perform a level
3 or 4 assessment of over 1,000 trees in a short period of time.
Replacement of Trees
It is always the City’s goal to replace removed trees, preferably where the tree was removed from.
Having removed more than 870 trees, City staff have actively replanted where possible and
appropriate. Some areas require additional planning to create a sustainable result. All of the
Update on Large Eucalyptus Tree Management September 5, 2024
3
areas these trees have been removed from lack infrastructure to allow for irrigation. Site
conditions also make installation a challenge. Currently, the Parks Division employs an employee
to water trees daily during the dry season. This costs the City over $100,000 annually.
The groves at Easton and Burlingame Ave. have already been replanted with the themed block
choice of Corymbia citriodora (Lemon-Scented Gum). More trees have been planted in these
areas than were removed. Bayside Park has also been replanted with a multi-species approach
of evergreen trees. This is a sustainable combination of multiple large species located away from
electrical conductors and smaller species nearer electrical conductors.
The Oak Grove Ave. grove is a themed block of Quercus rubra (Red Oak) trees. Some
replacement trees have been planted. The remaining trees to be planted are on hold pending a
pedestrian improvement project between the high school and Public Works. Once this project is
fleshed out, the remaining oak trees will be replanted.
The Groves at Skyline Blvd. and Rollins Rd. are being considered to be replanted with native
oaks, willows, and other understory plantings. This is a collaborative project with the Joint Powers
Board (JPB), which is responsible for the Broadway grade separation project. They are required
to perform off-site plantings, and the City is providing alternative locations. Conceptually, these
plantings would be irrigated and maintained by the JPB for ten years before turning the assets
over to the City.
El Camino Real has a planting palette that includes mostly trees from the elm and eucalypt
families. A task force dedicated to the rehabilitation of El Camino Real worked on this plant palette
for years.
Francard Groves 1 and 2 are a roughly 20’ swath of landlocked property between the railroad
tracks and additional JPB property. Concepts of expanding recreational opportunities for
community members have been considered and will continue to be worked on in future years.
Replanting trees in this area is challenging due to potential conflicts with railway electrification.
Broad canopy trees would need to be avoided. Additionally, the JPB has advised us to avoid
planting in the Francard Grove 2 area until the grade separation project has concluded.
The SFPUC tract would be an excellent candidate for broad-canopy evergreen trees to screen
the visual impact of the railway and dampen noise. Unfortunately, CCSF has denied the City’s
initial planting request. The Public Works Department has requested a meeting to further discuss
the matter in hopes of gaining permission to replant this area.
While no means an exhaustive list, the following species are being considered for planting along
the California Drive Railway Corridor.
Aesculus californica- California Buckeye
Angophora costada- Sydney Red Gum
Quercus agrifolia- Coast Live Oak
Quercus suber- Cork Oak
Quillaja Saponaria- Soap Bark Tree
Sequoia sempervirens- Coastal redwood
Update on Large Eucalyptus Tree Management September 5, 2024
4
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no anticipated fiscal impact from the review of this staff report. Should staff be directed
by City Council to further test and analyze trees prior to non-emergency removal authorization,
the result will likely be staff and contractor costs exceeding $100,000 annually.
Attachments:
• Exhibit A: Eucalyptus Grove Map
• Exhibit B: Summary of Recent Eucalyptus Grove Work
• Exhibit C: Criteria for City Tree Removal
• Exhibit D: Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Form
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT B
Summary of Eucalyptus Grove Work
Francard Grove 1- The first recent failure of large eucalyptus trees occurred on January 5, 2023.
Another tree fell from the Francard Grove parcel 1 across the railroad tracks. Aside from
disrupting railway service, the City-owned tree significantly damaged electrification infrastructure.
The City subsequently hired and received a report from an independent certified arborist. The
City reviewed the report and accepted most of the recommendations. This included the removal
of 53 trees and the heavy reduction of 151 trees in Francard Grove parcel 1. A contractor was
engaged, and work began in late March, but not before three additional failures occurred. Since
this work was performed, two additional arborist reports commissioned and supplied by the Joint
Powers Board (JPB) have been supplied to the City. An additional 62 trees have been identified
and will be removed in the fall of 2024.
Francard Grove 2- On December 25, 2021, a large eucalyptus tree fell across California Drive.
The area was assessed, and the City Arborist then authorized the removal of 20 trees, with more
to be removed the following year. During the winter storms of 2024, 4 trees failed. The City
Arborist reassessed the area and prescribed the removal of 48 trees (including the 20 trees only
partially removed in 2022) and the reduction pruning of 68 remaining trees.
Easton Drive- An independent arborist report commissioned and received by the City was
received in mid-February, 2023. On February 21, 2023 a large eucalyptus tree fell during a
significant windstorm. Six additional trees were identified to be in active failure, necessitating the
evacuation of three homes. These seven trees were immediately removed, and most of the
remaining trees were reduction pruned. In consultation with the arborist report, 19 additional trees
had been identified for removal. Most removals have been completed, with four sites remaining
due to PGE conflict.
Burlingame Ave- In the past decade, four whole tree failures have occurred between the 800 and
1000 blocks of Burlingame Ave. On January 4, 2023, one whole tree failure occurred atop the
Burlingame Lion's Club building. In February, three additional trees showed signs of active failure
and were removed. On March 14, 2023, another whole tree failure occurred in this area. Thirteen
additional trees were identified and were removed in the fall of 2023.
Oak Grove Ave- City staff responded to multiple limb failures between January and February
2023. On March 14, 2023, a large tree failed. Several days later, a neighboring tree showed
signs of active failure and was subsequently removed. All eucalyptus trees were inspected by
City staff. Eighteen were identified for removal and 9 for reduction pruning in summer 2023.
Unbeknownst to the City, PGE removed an additional 19 trees in summer 2024 due to utility
conflicts.
Rollins Rd.- The grove of more than 800 eucalyptus trees experienced the failure of over 40 trees.
Many fell across the railway tracks and onto electrical conductors, causing significant disruption
to the area's rail service and industrial companies. These trees were submerged under water for
EXHIBIT B
several months due to heavy rains and flooding. Because conditions were so deficient, 432 trees
were removed, and 163 heavily reduction pruned.
Bayside Park- The early storms of 2023 caused several trees to become unstable, necessitating
the removal of 4 trees. The storm that occurred on March 14, 2023, caused 20 trees to fail. After
examining the remaining site conditions, it was determined that an additional 49 trees needed to
be removed and 51 reduction pruned. This work occurred in the fall of 2023.
Skyline Blvd. – (South) One eucalyptus tree was found to be in active failure on January 4, 2023.
The tree was subsequently removed. After staff assessment, it was determined that 24 trees
needed removal and 22 significant reduction pruning. This work occurred in fall 2023.
SFPUC tract- This area is owned by the City and County of San Francisco. By agreement with
the Public Works Department, the City is responsible for the maintenance and consequences of
the trees. These trees came to the City in deficient condition with no maintenance records or
inventory. Burlingame staff assessed the trees and found most were not good candidates for
retention. In total, 141 trees were removed (including 19 acacia species), and 42 were
significantly reduction pruned.
El Camino Real- this area is owned- and maintained by the California Department of
Transportation. During the extreme storm events in 2023, more than ten large trees failed across
El Camino Real. Through the roadway rehabilitation process, 385 trees are planned for removal.
EXHIBIT C
EXHIBIT D