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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC- 2024.09.051 BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Approved Minutes September 5, 2024 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Batte. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Batte, Commissioners Bauer, 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 Kirchner made a motion to approve the August 1, 2024, Regular Meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Khoury and was approved. 5-0 CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC COMMENT Secretary Flores read a public comment that came in via email from Burlingame resident Raquel Rozas: Dear Beautification Commission, We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to express our deep concerns regarding the large eucalyptus tree in front of our residence at 1805 Easton Drive. Due to prior obligations, we cannot attend the September 5, 2024, meeting in person; however, we would like to submit our comments for your consideration. This tree poses severe risks in two ways: it threatens our home and our neighbors' due to the possibility of falling, even under normal weather conditions, and it obstructs the stop sign in front of the Easton Library, where several children cross daily. The obstruction significantly reduces the visibility of the stop sign, creating a dangerous situation where drivers may not see the sign in time to stop safely, putting pedestrians, especially children, at risk. The stop sign is completely obscured from 150 feet (see attachment), leading to dangerous, last-minute stops by drivers. Additionally, the tree’s structural integrity raises significant concerns. We are worried that, without prompt removal , it could fall, causing catastrophic damage to our home and neighboring properties. This presents an ongoing and immediate danger to our lives and the safety of the community. We urge the Commission to prioritize this issue and work with PG&E to expedite the tree's removal. The safety of several families, including small children, is at risk, and we cannot afford further delays. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We would appreciate it if our comments could be read into the record during the meeting. Please feel free to contact us if further information is needed. Raquel and Michael Seitz Secretary Flores read a public comment that came in via email from Stacks Restaurant: Good Morning: As I have enjoyed and my customers and the general public the beauty that Stacks corner is…. Since the city has changed the rules of parklets, outdoor seating etc, We have had to remove many of the investment of our planters to play by the rules. Along with that, there is a lady that has continued to write the city, one I will call just a plain “Hater” That has made it difficult 2 for us to maintain our beautiful corner. I want to share the sadness of the once great recognition from our award to the involvement we live in today. Not only me but many of the restaurants feel the city is moving in the wrong direction with our beautiful outdoor seating and landscapes? I think it is important that it’s addressed being you have a committee like yours, and yet the city council is sending a much different message. Thank you for your time. Respectively Geoffrey. Stacks Restaurant PRESENTATION None OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 1. Update on Large Eucalyptus Tree Management Arborist Holtz explained that his update and presentation were in response to a public comment the staff and the Commission received the previous month, as well as other concerns residents have expressed about how the Eucalyptus trees are being managed. Arborist Holtz explained that the City has nine groves of Eucalyptus trees, three of which are designated as heritage groves. Heritage was a designation that came up in the 1970s for trees that are unique, possibly historical in nature, or contribute significantly to the character of Burlingame. The three heritage groves are Easton Drive, El Camino, and Francard Grove. He discussed Francard Heritage Grove’s unique ownership and how the designation came about, and he dispelled any idea that the City is removing all trees from this area. He confirmed that the goal is the balance between what is important in the spirit of the community and public safety. He explained that the SFPUC Grove, owned by the County and City of San Francisco, was inherited by the City for maintenance during the Public Works pedestrian improvements that were done north of Oak Grove Avenue. Arborist Holtz explained the unique history of Eucalyptus trees within the City. He explained that 2023 was a challenging year in our community due to weather events. He stated that some of the Eucalyptus trees are older and that decay was discovered in many trees. Further, he explained how the current infrastructure makes managing these trees challenging. Arborist Holtz explained the criteria for street tree removal process and the Tree Risk Assessment used industry wide that is also utilized in-house. He stated that Francard Grove 1 (donut shop to Oak Grove) experienced failures in 2021 and 2023 that led staff to engage with a private arborist to assess the trees and develop mitigation efforts. Staff did not accept the recommendation of removing over 100 trees; only 50 were removed at that time and the rest pruned to help retain trees for a longer period. After that decision, the City received two more independent arborist reports with significantly more testing and greater recommendations for removal. He stated that the City is actively engaged with a contractor to remove 62 trees, which amounts to approximately one of every three trees owned by the City. Francard Grove 2 (north of Oak Grove) had a failure in 2021, resulting in the previous Arborist engaging in a private arborist report, resulting in the removal of 20 trees in 2022. Additional failures across the tracks occurred in 2023, leading to further removals and significant reductions. Arborist Holtz emphasized that the area had 87 stumps that were more than 10 years old and were not a part of the recent removals. 3 Arborist Holtz provided a summary of the Themed Block history of the Easton Drive Grove and the citizen initiative that followed the 2023 weather events. He reported that all but one property had accepted the replanting species and had worked with staff on tree placements throughout the grove. Arborist Holtz explained that throughout his time with the City, he had been called out multiple times of whole tree failures on Burlingame Avenue. The previous arborist engaged a specialist to use a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) device to map the roots and resistograph the trees, but it was still not a good indicator to prevent tree failures. He stated that four trees failed 2010-2020, two trees failed in 2023 on a vehicle and building, and three were in active failure in 2023. He made the decision to remove the remaining trees, and replacements per the theme block designation have been planted. Oak Grove Avenue experienced one significant failure that caused a lot of damage, and three more were in active failure in 2023. Arborist Holtz and Supervisor Burow provided an assessment and found significant decay in this area, prompting the removal of a significant amount of trees. Further, he explained that the 16 trees that were removed a month ago were not planned by the City , and he was unaware of PG&E plans ahead of time. He stated that most of the replacement plantings of Red Oaks have been completed, but work was stopped due to the School District approaching the City about putting in an access route. Arborist Holtz reported that Rollins Road (adjacent to the railroad) saw significant challenges. He stated that the area had hundreds of trees compromised due to months of flooding. This led to multiple tree failures across the train tracks, vehicles parked nearby, and electrical conductors. Supervisor Burow assessed the trees in the area and removed a significant number of trees. Commissioner Bauer asked if there was a way to improve the drainage in the area. Arborist Holtz explained that it is not his expertise but believes it would require a subdrainage system and is unsure how that would be accomplished with the existing root structures that are present. Although it would be challenging, he believed it could be possible. Commissioner Kirchner asked whether there was public access to the area. Arborist Holtz confirmed there is not. He spoke of possible future projects that would make the area accessible and a recreation area, although there is not presently enough bandwidth to undertake a project. Prior to March 2023, there were trees in active failure at different times that needed to be removed at Bayside Park. When March 14, 2023 hit, 20 trees failed across the fields and Airport Boulevard. Some of the remaining trees were removed because they were in similar conditions. Trees have been replanted in this area. Arborist Holtz reported that Skyline Boulevard had one tree in active failure and one low-lying area that did not have a drain system, causing some trees to be flooded for months on end. This led to the removal of trees, and the remaining trees were significantly pruned. Lastly, Arborist Holtz reported on the SFPUC Grove and stated that the City did a significant amount of work because the trees were so deficient. Two trees failed in 2024 after the City inherited the maintenance of them. The City and County of San Fransisco did not have an inventory or maintenance records of the trees in this grove. A lot of the trees were multi-trunk trees that came up from the base with significant decay, grown from previous stumps or tree removals that are weakly attached and have a higher propensity for failure. The City made the decision to remove a large number of trees and reduction prune those that were to remain. 4 City Arborist Holtz reiterated the replanting plans of each grove. He explained that Francard Grove replanting is currently on hold at the request of JPB, pending the grade separation determination. Easton Drive and Burlingame Avenue have been replanted with the approved theme block species. Rollins Road is expected to be replanted with hundreds of Native Oak and Willow plantings and irrigation by JPB and maintained by them for ten years before turning them over to the City. Similarly, Skyline Boulevard will be replanted with Native Oaks by the JPB. Bayside Park has been replanted with a sustainable multi-species approach. SFPUC is currently preventing the replanting of their property. Arborist Holtz expressed his hope of entering into an agreement with SFPUC to replant if we follow their planting standards. He explained that the City does not plant trees larger than 24-inch boxes and that smaller boxed trees would catch up and naturalize quicker within a few years. Arborist Holtz described potential replacement species and explained that the goal is to plant trees in a sustainable manner. Commissioner Khoury inquired further about species that may be suitable replacement trees for Rollins Road. Arborist Holtz explained that aside from swamp trees, most tree species do not want their roots submerged in water. Commissioner Kirchner observed that the tree removals and pruning efforts have been dramatic within the last 2-3 years. He is most interested in the replanting plans and is a proponent of vertically adding trees. Arborist Holtz agreed that the total number of trees removed can seem very dramatic, but many were as small as 4 inches in diameter. He stated that although replanting efforts in the area losing trees may not come close to the number of trees removed, staff is constantly looking for new locations to plant new trees. Commissioner Chu inquired further about the objection from SFPUC to replanting and whether it had to be due to infrastructure issues. Arborist Holtz does not know the exact reasoning but believes it may be due to concerns about future liabilities. He is very hopeful that common ground can be found to allow for replanting at some point. Commissioner Khoury asked if concerns over wildfires have been considered when determining replanting species. She stated that it is a good idea to plant more than one species in many cases. Arborist Holtz explained he has very little concern about fires in our urban environment but that a replanting plan would include a multi-species approach. Chair Batte asked if there was a reason the stumps have remained in place along California Drive and other locations. City Arborist Holtz agreed that it was an eye-sore, but it is an expensive endeavor, and staff does not have the bandwidth to proceed with all the stump grindings at this time. Arborist Holtz explained that staff had been proactive in managing the SFPUS trees. While Parks staff had been ready with an action plan in October of 2023, work did not occur until Spring 2024 due to the SFPUC and Burlingame Public Works needing to approve an encroachment permit for traffic control. Commissioner Bauer commented on Arborist Holtz and his staff being in an emergency situation for the past year and being put in a difficult situation regarding the work necessary in all of the Eucalyptus tree groves. She complimented Arborist Holtz on the thoughtful and intentional planning being conducted to move forward. 5 The audience asked for clarification on the area noted as Francard Grove 1 and Francard Grove 2. City Arborist Holtz identified areas using a map and specified what sections the City, SFPUC, and JPB own. Chair Batte opened the floor to public comment. Leslie McQuaide, a Burlingame resident, stated her concern over losing the windbreak advantage we get from our large trees. Also, she inquired about looking for funding through the Arbor Day Foundation to help with tree maintenance, as we have maintained our Tree City USA designation for many years. Jennifer Pfaff, a Burlingame resident, commented on the Skyline Boulevard Grove that was part of the Mills Estate 150 years ago. She commented on oak trees, whether they would be good windbreak trees, and the value they bring to the area. Also, she believed Francard Grove 1 and 2 plans must match on both ends and be treated as one grove. She shared her tree species preferences. Diane Condon, a Burlingame resident, spoke of a lack of a watering program for the first five years and believes that any replanting plans need to include a water program. She spoke of the reforestation program of the Oakland Hills and quoted the article stating, “if the state becomes hotter and drier, the Australian species will thrive in these conditions.” She explained that the City of Burlingame has the right plan and advised against changing to other tree species that may fail. Lastly, she spoke negatively of the tree work done on Oak Grove Avenue. Chair Batte closed public comment. REPORTS City Arborist Holtz reported on the Fall Street Tree Planting occurring in October, which was one of the largest done at one time. He explained that we have engaged with a contractor for more Eucalyptus work throughout the City, including Francard Grove. He expects Cuernavaca Park to open in late October. Also, the Mills Canyon Landslide Repair Project is estimated to be completed by the end of September. He reported that we went out to bid for Laguna Playground Renovation and will be engaging those service s towards the end of September. Lastly, he reported that the Transit Hub project remains under construction. Director Glomstad reported that three Commissioner terms will open in the fall and is hoping some Commissioners will reapply. She stated that the Commissioner Dinner would take place on September 13, 2024, and encouraged all that could attend to join. Further, she explained that Parks and Recreation would have a section at the Fall Fest on Sunday, October 27, 2024, and encouraged Commissioners to sign-up for a shift. Lastly, the shared that the Town Square Project went out to bid and is hopeful we will have a contract by October. Commissioner Kirchner reported that the Parks Forever Foundation and the Historical Society of Burlingame are conducting a fundraiser to remodel the historic cupola. Commissioner Khoury reported that the purchase of holiday decor for this season has been completed. Chair Batte asked about any updates regarding the landscape awards. Secretary Flores confirmed that draft award letters were emailed to Commissioner Khoury and Kirchner and will be mailed to recipients if no further feedback is received. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS 6 Chair Batte stated that a citizen approached her about artwork within the City but wasn’t sure if it fell within this Commissions purview. Director Glomstad explained that other cities collect a percentage fee from development projects to help fund artwork, but the City of Burlingame does not. The City relies on donations. It does not stop private businesses or developers from doing their own art. She stated that the Library also has art projects when the opportunities arise. Commissioner Bauer asked if anyone had proposed including the 1% fee to collect the funds necessary, as other cities have done. Director Glomstad stated that a fee study would need to be proposed and Council approved. Further, she explained that the Rollins Road plan did include a fee and would act as a test case. Chair Batte inquired about clearing and cleaning the sidewalks. Arborist Holtz confirmed the restaurants are responsible for cleaning the areas around their storefront. Director Glomstad suggested that Chair Batte contact Community Development to involve the City’s Economic Development specialist. Commissioner Bauer asked if any action needed to be taken about the two public comments received. Arborist Holtz explained that the City received confirmation that PG&E will remove their hardware from the tree on Easton Drive on September 24, 2024, and the tree removal will proceed. Director Glomstad confirmed that the Stacks Restaurant public comment would be under the purview of City Council and the Public Works Department. Commissioner Chu inquired if the City had ever collaborated with the school districts to identify planting opportunities. Arborist Holtz confirmed that we work mostly with the High School District due to the proximity and similarity of landscape and tree size and that they look to the City for guidance when questions may arise but have not partnered with planting opportunities. Director Glomstad explained that public schools are a unique case, seeing as their projects and plans are reviewed at a state level and not by the City, leaving little room for the City to have input on plantings associated with construction. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. The next Beautification Commission meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2024. Respectfully submitted, Veronica Flores Veronica Flores Recording Secretary