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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - BC- 2025.3.061 BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Final Minutes March 6, 2025 The regularly scheduled meeting of the Beautification Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Chu. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Chu, Commissioners Bauer, Damico, and Kirchner Absent: Commissioner Batte Staff: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Holtz, Parks Supervisor Burow, and Recording Secretary Flores Others: None MINUTES None CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC COMMENT Jennifer Pfaff, Burlingame Historical Society member, reported that the didactic panels previously presented to the Commission arrived at the Community Center, and installation, dependent on Parks Staff availability, will be the next step. PRESENTATION None OLD BUSINESS 1. Landscape Award Update Commissioner Kirchner provided the rest of the Commissioners with a list of all previous Residential Sustainability Landscape Award, Business Landscape Award, and Multi-Family Landscape Award winners. NEW BUSINESS 1. Discussion of Themed Block Utility Conflicts and Potential Revisions to the Themed Block Lists Arborist Holtz presented the staff report. He explained that the specific concern that Council Member Brownrigg brought forth was the consideration of changes to planting large canopy trees under utility lines. Currently, the City’s Themed Block List’s designated species take precedence over the Primary Utility Line Street Tree Plant List. Arborist Holtz stated that utility conflict trees grow to heights that interfere with overhead primary electrical conductors or have root infrastructure that interferes with underground gas transmission lines. He confirmed that the primary concern is the overhead conductors, where topping or directional pruning occurs. Further, although staff receive calls about sewer and water conflicts, they are not typically of significant consequence. Arborist Holtz explained that utility companies that practice directional pruning will not allow tree branches to overhang the top of their lines, which prevents the tree from enveloping and coming back together. He 2 stated that the City experiences more topping situations, which require City staff to conduct side pruning to ensure that the required clearances are met. Large canopy trees repeatedly topped due to utility pruning experience injuries that aren’t allowed to heal, and decay may spread further down the trunk. Also, whole branches may fail because they are constantly stripped of leaves. Arborist Holtz stated that the large canopy species on the Themed Block List are Red Maple, Red Oak, and Sycamore trees. According to the City’s tree inventory, there are approximately 2500 Themed Block tree sites, 600 located at sites with primary utilities. Further, approximately 300 of those trees are large canopy trees that present primary utility conflicts. Arborist Holtz stated that the Commission may choose to leave the Themed Block List unchanged but also presented the revision opportunities to modernize the City’s policy. He shared a depiction from the Arbor Day Foundation that shows trees planted under utility lines at a mature height of 25 feet or less. Commissioner Bauer asked whether it was possible to select trees that were smaller yet similar species to the Themed street they would be planted on instead of giving property owners several choices from the approved Primary Utility Street Tree List. Arborist Holtz confirmed that it was an option and provided an example of planting Trident Maple trees on Red Maple Themed Blocks on the side of the streets where overhead utility conflicts exist. He explained that staff could gather more information on suitable and similar alternatives to bring back to the Commission for further consideration. Also, he explained to the Commission the availability of growth regulators to limit response growth; however, he would not recommend their use, stating it would be a significant number of applications to apply the chemicals. Arborist Holtz spoke of previous plans to work with PG&E using growth regulators along Airport Boulevard for the Sycamore trees planted under utilities. However, PG&E felt that due to their experience in other areas, it was not worth the labor to do so. Supervisor Burow confirmed that PG&E’s previous experience using the growth regulators did not work at the level they wanted them to or did not work at all, so they removed them as an option altogether. Arborist Holtz confirmed with Commissioner Bauer that her suggestion of having a smaller alternative was valid, and staff could investigate options more in-depth for the three large canopy tree species where utility conflicts are most seen. Commissioner Kirchner inquired about the estimated time frame for the change to occur for the Themed trees under utility lines. Arborist Holtz stated that the majority would likely be replanted within 50 years. Commissioner Kirchner asked for confirmation that the Themed portion of the ordinance was not up for discussion but instead only the Themed trees under utility lines. City Arborist Holtz confirmed. Commissioner Damico asked whether the option in the staff report allowing property owners to pick their replacement tree for sites under utility was from a specific list of Themed trees. Arborist Holtz confirmed that the second option would allow property owners to select from the approved Primary Utility Street Tree List shown on Exhibit D. Chair Chu asked if a smaller tree could have more biomass than a larger canopy tree that is continually topped and reduced in size. Arborist Holtz stated that having large trees pruned yearly negates the environmental benefit of the tree. Although he is unsure if a smaller tree would have a greater biomass, it may have a net positive effect versus a larger tree that requires significant maintenance. Chair Chu opened the floor to Public Comment. Alice Davis, a Burlingame resident, spoke in favor of changing Themed Blocks with utility conflicts. As a resident of Sanchez, she experienced the removal of two Liquidambar trees by PG&E due to an 3 underground gas line conflict and a chronic threat to the overhead utility lines. She stated that the roots were very destructive to the sidewalk, landscaping, and hardscape of her front yard. The Parks Division staff reached out to her regarding planting the replacement street trees, and she was originally told that she could pick a species from the approved Primary Utility Line Street Tree List. Later, it was discovered that she was a part of Themed Block, and two Sycamore trees would be planted instead of her choice of smaller canopy tree. She expressed her strong protest against the planting of the two Sycamore replacement trees. Due to her allotted speaking time running out, Ms. Davis provided the rest of her notes to be shared with the Commission. Jennifer Pfaff, Themed Block resident, spoke in favor of keeping the Themed Block policy unchanged. She spoke of her concern about the general degradation of Burlingame’s City of Trees designation and lamented the issue of losing large trees because there is no room left for trees to be planted on developed lots. Ms. Pfaff inquired about the possibility of planting large trees similar to the Citriodora on Easton in a toggled manner to help avoid future utility issues. Lastly, she stated that many Sycamore trees were pollarded when they were first planted and asked whether that was an option for the side of the Themed streets located under utility lines. Cathy Baylock, former Council Member and Themed Block resident, spoke in favor of keeping large canopy trees on Themed Blocks, such as the Sycamore trees on Newlands Avenue. She stated that the quasi- pollarding method used on the side of Newlands Avenue under utility lines has worked and created shorter trees on one side of the street. Although Sycamore trees are not the most aesthetic tree, she spoke highly of the conformity of a Sycamore Themed street. It would be a mistake not to find a way to continue pruning them to keep them out of the utility lines and said that the trees have managed well against these hard pruning methods. Constance Quirk, a Burlingame resident of Lexington Way, spoke in favor of keeping the Themed Block policy unchanged. With the extensive development the City is experiencing, she appreciates the softness that Themed Blocks bring to overdeveloped areas. She also stated her appreciation to City staff for all the maintenance work. Stephanie Lee, a Bloomfield Road resident, loves the appearance of Themed streets but spoke in favor of modifying the Themed Block with a utility conflict with an option such as the one suggested by Commissioner Bauer of a similar tree to that of the rest of the Themed Block but on a smaller scale, allowing for the continuation of the Themed visual. She expressed concern about Themed streets having a species specific Themed that could wipe out all the trees. Also, she inquired whether the City was aware of any plans to underground utilities by PG&E that would allow the City to keep large canopy trees. Chair closed Public Comment. Arborist Holtz addressed comments posed during Public Comment. He stated that a monoculture is a drawback to a Themed Block area and is always a concern. He spoke of the Polyphagus Shot-Hole Borer currently affecting Sycamore trees in San Jose, which warrants more research. Further, he confirmed that he is unaware of any PG&E plans for underground utilities aside from the City’s efforts to purchase credits for El Camino Real. Residential areas are not a high priority for PG&E. Arborist Holtz confirmed that Easton Drive is not up for discussion but confirmed that Easton Drive planter strips are uniquely large and the option to move or plant trees in such a manner is not available on other streets with the standard planter 4 strip size. Lastly, he explained that the pruning practice of pollarding that occurred in the City through the 1960s-1980s is still an approved pruning standard through the ISA and ANSI, although very labor intensive and not a practice he would recommend. When you pollard a tree, it forces a growth of smaller branches to push out very fast, and the growth could be poorly attached. He explained that Sycamore trees have done very well in retraining themselves with strong attachments. He would be very concerned if this pruning method were done on an Oak or Eucalyptus tree because the attachments would be weakly attached and have a greater likelihood of failure. Commissioner Damico inquired about a specific correspondence that was sent via email that referenced the hardship property owners face due to added yard maintenance and debris removal costs . Arborist Holtz stated that he has communicated with the property owner who sent the referenced email and summarized her concerns about leaves clogging gutters and miscellaneous debris, such as twigs and leaves dropping in the fall on the lawn. He confirmed that the City does not assist with yard maintenance, and it falls on the property owner to maintain any debris on their private property, although the street sweeper does take care of leaves left in the street. He explained that the community values the importance and benefits of trees and understands that there may be inconveniences that arise because of large trees. Commissioner Damico asked about the probability of a species specific disease infecting a species in Burlingame today and whether it will be a bigger concern in the future. Arborist Holtz confirmed a possibility and increased risk when there are greater concentrations of the same tree species. However, the probability of this being a current issue or concern is lower, with the exception of the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer currently affecting sycamore trees in higher numbers and thus represents an elevated risk. Supervisor Burow shared what she has learned about the shot hole borer and noted that a Palm pest is currently affecting San Diego. Commissioner Chu inquired about planting in a toggled manner and whether that is an option to help trees grow and bypass utility lines. Arborist Holtz confirmed that shifting sidewalks away from power lines to plant trees is unique to Easton because of the wide planter strips. Further, he explained that PG&E would likely not agree with directional pruning that allows the tree to come back and grow over the utility lines because their primary concern is to protect their asset. Supervisor Burow confirmed that few approved trees are allowed to grow next to power lines such as Redwood and types of cedar trees, because once they are trimmed, they will not continue to grow back in that area, and the risk of a limb falling on a line is significantly reduced. In most other cases, PG&E will top the tree because it is easier. Chair Chu reiterated that the Commission may choose to leave the current policy as it stands, modify the Themed tree only in the locations with utility conflicts, or give homeowners with utility conflict options from the approved Primary Utility Line Street Tree List. Commissioner Kirchner asked for further clarification on whether the smaller option tree under utility lines could also be a Themed species. Chair Chu confirmed that is how the second option is defined. Commissioner Bauer stated that she favors the appearance of Themed streets, as she imagines many residents do. She is not in favor of letting a homeowner on a Themed Block with utility conflict pick a replacement tree from the approved street tree list and is inclined to support a smaller Themed species for the Themed street areas in the affected areas to ensure a cohesive look. Commissioner Damico asked if finding a similar smaller version of the three large canopy species causing utility conflicts was feasible. Arborist Holtz stated that staff are not currently familiar with the available options and whether they would make suitable alternatives, but staff can research further and come back with more information and options for the Commission to view and discuss. He understands the passion Themed Blocks invokes in residents, and although he does not want to prolong the subject, he wants to ensure due diligence is performed on the matter, and additional staff research is a feasible ask. 5 Commissioner Chu stated that if a smaller species similar in look is not found, there could still be a smaller species that harmonizes with the rest of the Themed Block. Commissioner Bauer also reflected on the solution this may be for the possible pest problem because it breaks up only one species. Commissioner Kirchner expressed his inclination to keep the Themed Block ordinance in its current state and not make any changes, dealing with any issues as they arise. Commissioner Bauer stated that utility conflicts were a current issue. Commissioner Kirchner questioned whether it was a big enough issue to warrant a change. Commissioner Damico stated that it may become a bigger issue in the coming months or years and would prefer to continue the discussion and make a recommendation to the Council. Director Glomstad suggested Arborist Holtz come back with one to two replacement options for the three large canopy Themed Block tree species causing utility conflicts. Commissioner Bauer agreed it would be helpful to see visuals of the possible replacement species and proposed the item be brought back for discussion at a future meeting. Chair Chu made a motion to postpone the discussion to allow City Arborist Holtz to present similar and smaller trees as suitable replacements for the large canopy Themed Block species experiencing utility conflicts. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bauer and was approved. 4-0-1 REPORTS Arborist Holtz reported that the largest of the two private trees discussed during the February meeting as part of the appeal to the Private Tree Removal Application filed by 1325 El Camino Real failed eight days after the meeting. It was caught failing and was removed before it hit any structure. The appellant and neighboring property that claimed ownership filed an emergency tree removal application, and a permit was issued retroactively. Also, he reminded the Commission of the Arbor Day celebration scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Murray Field. Supervisor Burow reported removing a Western Catalpa City tree on Balboa that involved bees and explained the process taken to remove and relocate the bees safely before the removal. Arborist Holtz explained that the resident was very concerned with the possibility of losing the tree and that efforts were exhausted to try and retain the tree, but it was structurally compromised, and the likelihood of failure was significant. Commissioner Kirchner inquired about the measurement taken for a tree with multiple trunks to determine if it is a protected-sized tree. Arborist Holtz confirmed that the City ordinance states that the measurement is taken where the multiple trunks attach, typically closer to the base. Commissioner Kirchner thanked Commissioner Bauer for providing her edits to the Trees of Burlingame book. Further, he provided a partial list of significant Burlingame trees that could be included in the publication. He asked for any additions to be sent his way. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. The next Beautification Commission meeting is scheduled for April 3, 2025. 6 Respectfully submitted, Veronica Flores Veronica Flores Recording Secretary