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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - BC - 2025.09.04Beautification Commission City of Burlingame Meeting Agenda BURLINGAME CITY HALL 501 PRIMROSE ROAD BURLINGAME, CA 94010 Community Center 850 Burlingame Avenue 6:30 PMThursday, September 4, 2025 Consistent with Government Code Section 54953, this City Council Meeting will be held via Zoom in addition to in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can observe the meeting from home or attend the meeting in person. Below is information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting. To Attend the Meeting in Person: Location: Burlingame Community Center, 850 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, California 94010 To Attend the Meeting via Zoom or Phone: Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84695662881? pwd=vTGkB8OtaR2qNEaTdTswuIhVGbPNuk.1 Webinar ID: 846 9566 2881 Passcode: 121994 Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Webinar ID: 846 9566 2881 Passcode: 121994 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/krB4Igb99 To Provide Public Comment in Person: Members of the public wishing to speak will be asked to fill out a "Public Address Request Form" card located on the table by the door and then hand it to staff. The provisions of a name, address, or other identifying information is optional. Speakers are limited to three minutes each, however, the Chair may adjust the time limit in light of the number of anticipated speakers. Page 1 City of Burlingame Printed on 8/29/2025 September 4, 2025Beautification Commission Meeting Agenda To Provide Public Comment via Email: Members of the public may provide written comments by email to parksadmin@burlingame.org. Emailed comments will not be read out loud, but they will be noted for the record. Your email should include the specific agenda item on which you are commenting. Please note if your comment concerns an item that is not on the agenda. Emailed public comments that are received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, will be included in a supplemental packet that will be sent to the Beautification Commission prior to the meeting and published on the website here: https://www.burlingame.org/189/Beautification-Commission. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. MINUTES August 7, 2025 Draft BBC Minutesa. Draft MinutesAttachments: 4. CORRESPONDENCE 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON-AGENDA 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 Approval of the Installation of Two New Didactic Panels, One by the Cupola, in Parking Lot J, and One by the Lions Club a. Staff ReportAttachments: Exhibit AAttachments: Page 2 City of Burlingame Printed on 8/29/2025 September 4, 2025Beautification Commission Meeting Agenda Exhibit BAttachments: Exhibit CAttachments: Appointment of One Commissioner to the Time Capsule Ad Hoc Committeeb. Staff ReportAttachments: 8. REPORTS 9. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Next Regular Meeting: October 2, 2025 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 8/29/2025 1 BURLINGAME BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Draft Minutes August 7, 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 and Recreation Director Glomstad, Parks Superintendent/City Arborist Holtz, and Recording Secretary Diaz Others: None MINUTES Commissioner Bauer made a motion to approve the May 1, 2025, Regular Meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirchner and was approved, 4-0-1. CORRESPONDENCE None PUBLIC COMMENT None PRESENTATION None OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 1. Residential, Commercial, and Multi-Family Landscape Award Voting Arborist Holtz presented the addresses and photographs submitted by the Commissioners for their Business Landscape Award (BLA) nominations. Commissioner Bauer noted that Twelvemonth (330 Lorton Avenue) may not be eligible for nomination this year, as it was a recipient of the award the previous year. She commented that although she did not nominate Morning Glory, she thought it was pretty and mentioned that it is currently under construction. Commissioner Bauer stated that she nominated Hadia’s Skincare because it is very pretty, highlighting its fountain, flowers, and overall clean and inviting appearance. Commissioner Kirchner stated that in the past, many nominees have been downtown businesses, but those typically have limited landscaping space. He observed that this year’s nominations presented more variety. Commissioner Kirchner nominated the Embassy Suites, but he noted that the Hyatt offered landscaping visible and accessible to the public from within the property. Commissioner Damico expressed appreciation for Penflora Designs and Morning Glory, noting that both businesses are maximizing greenery despite limited sidewalk space. She stated that she is drawn to green spaces and felt they had done a good job with what they had. Commissioner Damico stated that Hadia’s Skincare stood out as very inviting. She nominated Burlingame Senior Living Facility for its plant diversity, purple flowers, and large trees, which created a warm and welcoming environment. Commissioner Chu noted that both he and Commissioner 2 Kirchner independently nominated 840 Hinckley Road. He stated that the general area has been overlooked in the past, as attention has typically focused on the more visible downtown locations. While he appreciated all the nominations, he felt this was an important factor to consider. Following the discussion, the Commissioners each recorded their top two nominations. By majority vote, Penflora Designs was selected as the recipient of the Business Landscape Award. Arborist Holtz presented the Multi-Family Landscape Award (MFLA) nominees. Commissioner Kirchner stated that all the nominees were great. He spoke about 212-214 Myrtle Road and described the landscaped walkway extending to the back of the property, which includes a small island, and noted that the building was constructed in 1928. Commissioner Kirchner discussed the North Park Apartments, noting that while the property features extensive landscaping, some areas are located behind a gate. He stated that the award focuses on what can be seen from the street or by pedestrians. Following the discussion, the Commissioners each recorded their top two nominations. By majority vote, Northpark Apartments was selected as the recipient of the MFLA. Arborist Holtz presented the nominees for the Residential Sustainable Landscape Award (RSLA). Commissioner Kirchner explained that his nominations included properties located on the Trousdale side of Burlingame, part of the old Mills Estate. He noted that while older homes in the area are more established and naturally draw attention, several newer homes also stood out. Commissioner Kirchner stated that certain plantings, such as agapanthus and roses, are sustainable despite their appearance, as they require less water than many assume. He stated that one nominee, an Eichler home, had gravel landscaping that fit the property well. Commissioner Bauer stated that nominees demonstrated different approaches to sustainable landscaping, ranging from drought-tolerant plantings with drip irrigation to simpler designs incorporating gravel and fountains. She expressed concern about the use of grass at 1801 Adeline Drive due to water consumption. Commissioner Bauer described 129 Costa Rica Avenue as having a gravel walkway, seating area, drought-tolerant planting, and a bubbling fountain. She valued the use of the small space and its well- organized design, which can serve as an example for residents. Commissioner Bauer stated that 1532 Carol Avenue also included drought-tolerant plants with a different design approach. Commissioner Damico stated that she had initially voted for 129 Costa Rica Avenue but shifted her vote to 2508 Easton Drive. She explained that while both properties incorporated drought-resistant plantings, Easton stood out because of its trees. Commissioner Damico stated that trees are often overlooked but are an essential element for sustainability, providing shade and cooling. Chair Chu stated that the trees were the reason he voted for 2508 Easton Drive, as they provide shade, which is often overlooked. Following the initial vote, 129 Costa Rica Avenue and 2508 Easton Drive each received two votes, resulting in a tie. After further discussion, Commissioner Kirchner changed his vote to Easton, giving 2508 Easton Drive the majority and making it the recipient of the RSLA. REPORTS Director Glomstad announced that Secretary Flores gave birth to another baby boy. Arborist Holtz reported that grid pruning is underway near Edgehill, being performed by the City’s contractor WCA, with the goal of pruning and inspecting every tree every four to five years. He explained that this preventive maintenance has been effective in reducing branch loss, tree loss, and potential damage or injury. He stated that staff are preparing for the upcoming storm season and have met with Caltrain regarding trees along the railroad. 3 Arborist Holtz noted a recent increase in public inquiries related to easements, explaining that most easements in Burlingame are privately owned and the responsibility of adjacent property owners. He also reported that the City joined Central County Fire and the Burlingame Neighborhood Network for a joint presentation on wildfire awareness and tree ownership responsibilities. He reported that one of the largest tree plantings will take place in October, noting that trees planted in the fall typically have higher survival rates than those planted in spring. He added that staff continue to educate the public on the importance of proper tree watering. Arborist Holtz reported that the Town Square project is on track to open in late fall, with an additional staff member recruited to support maintenance in that area. He reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission approved sport court lining at Victoria Park, with work scheduled to begin at the end of the month. Commissioner Kirchner reported that recent tree-related statistics from Burlingame By The Numbers had been posted on social media, noting that they were both informative and well- presented. He also reported that the Trees of Burlingame booklet is nearly complete, pending photo selection, and credited Laura Hesselgrem for contributing to the photography. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Director Glomstad stated that the Burlingame Historical Society will seek approval for the installation of two new didactic panels: one located by the cupola in Parking Lot J, and the other near the Lions Club. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The next Beautification Commission meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2025. Respectfully submitted, America Diaz America Diaz Recording Secretary 1 STAFF REPORT To: Beautification Commission Date: September 4, 2025 From: Margaret Glomstad, Parks and Recreation Director Subject: Approval of the Installation of Two New Didactic Panels, One by the Cupola, in Parking Lot J, and One by the Lions Club RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Commission approve the installation of two new didactic panels, one by the Lions Club and one by the Cupola, in Parking Lot J BACKGROUND Over the past winter and spring, the Burlingame Historical Society has conceived of 2 didactic panels to continue educating residents and visitors about Burlingame’s history, outside the confines of the Station museum. The Historical Society selected two topics that they felt were not well-known or understood in the context of Burlingame’s early development. DISCUSSION While fundraising for the repair of the Old City Hall cupola, they learned that many residents were unaware of the background and history of the structures they encounter on a regular basis, in and around downtown. The Historical Society chose the cupola because of the recent restoration, and thought it was important to round out the project with an informational panel containing historical photos and text so that people can learn about the original purpose-built City Hall on Park Road, crowned with the cupola that still exists in its place (Exhibit A). Similarly, they chose the Lions Club Hall because very few are aware of the history of the diminutive structure, originally a church located in the vicinity of today’s public library and later moved to serve a variety of functions over its 116-year history (Exhibit B). In April, the Historical Society applied for the City’s annual Community Grant funding to cover the bulk of the production costs for the panels. The Historical Society Board Members did the design. Approval of the Installation of Two New Didactic Panels, Cupola & Lions Hall September 4, 2025 2 FISCAL IMPACT No budgetary funds will be required for this project. Staff estimate that the materials cost will be approximately $500 per panel and for staff time, $2,000 per panel, for a total cost of $5,000. EXHIBITS A – Cupola Panel B – Lions Club Hall Panel C – Proposed Locations Exhibit A Exhibit B Exhibit C J-Lot Location Lions Hall Location 1 STAFF REPORT To: Beautification Commission Date: September 4, 2025 From: Margaret Glomstad, Parks and Recreation Director Subject: Appointment of One Commissioner to the Time Capsule Ad Hoc Committee RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Chair of the Beautification Commission appoint one member of the Beautification Commission to the Time Capsule Ad Hoc Committee. BACKGROUND The City will be opening a 25-year time capsule in December 2025. The time capsule is located in the lawn of City Hall. After opening, the contents will be displayed in the Library. This opens the opportunity to create a new time capsule, which will be kept in the Community Center. The City will repurpose an old steel footlocker to hold the contents of the new time capsule. DISCUSSION The Ad Hoc Committee will be comprised of one commissioner from both the Beautification Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, one Library Trustee, and a representative from the Historical Society. They will be assigned to help with the contents of the new time capsule. The Ad Hoc Committee will meet as needed to determine how items should be submitted for review, which items will ultimately be included in the time capsule, the wording of the plaque on the time capsule, and the schedule for having it ready to be sealed. The Ad Hoc Committee is expected to be active from October 2025 through April 2026. FISCAL IMPACT None