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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-2012 TC Minutes1 TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2012 Corporation Yard Conference Room 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo MEMBERS PRESENT: David Hensinger, Suzan Ehdaie, Ben Parker, and Matt Ritter STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs PUBLIC COMMENT Lionel Johnson discussed the seed-based forestation efforts of “Santa’s Garden” in participation with the Laureate School. MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of January 30, 2012 Mr. Parker moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS 1. LOS VERDES II, 9 ½ PERLA LN. (22 Italian Stone pines; 1 Canary Island pine) Walt Brehmer, HOA representative, discussed the removal request past root damage mitigation measures, and noted that there had been so much root damage to the streets again, they had to be re-paved. He discussed the updated landscaping plans and the tree replacement plantings proposed. He noted Canary Island pines had already been replanted on the site. Mr. Ritter noted a letter from Ruth Wilhelm had been received, asking for clarification on the size of replacement trees. Mr. Brehmer reported he planned to replace removals with 15-gallon specimens. Mr. Combs reported the mid-sized trees were healthy and was concerned about a loss of canopy in the area. 2 Mr. Parker determined with applicant that residents had been made aware of the long-term replacement plan proposed. He agreed that the Stone pines were becoming an issue. Ms. Ehdaie abstained from discussion, as she had not been able to view the trees. Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request for 22 trees, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required replacement plantings of one 15-gallon tree for each removal, to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of removals. Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion. The motion passed, with Ms. Ehdaie abstaining. 2. 545 BRIZZOLARA (4 Cottonwood) Kate Ashley, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request based on safety reasons, stating the trees hang over the neighbors’ roofs and that the applicant intended to replant on the heavily planted site. She stated the trees were in a very poor location. Mr. Combs reported the trees were very healthy, with some leaning. He noted that pruning would only mitigate some of the potential hazards. Mr. Ritter noted receipt of a letter from a neighbor, requesting retaining the trees as they are a natural habitat and provide shade in the area. Mr. Hensinger agreed the trees were leaning and that the tops of the trees were encroaching into the neighbor’s property. Mr. Ritter agreed the site was heavily planted and that the leaning was significantly over the houses. Ms. Ehdaie felt that pruning should be attempted to try to mitigate the safety concerns. Mr. Hensinger moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship to the property owner, and required no replacement planting. Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed, with Ms. Ehdaie voting against. 3 3. CALIFORNIA BLVD. (4 misc. trees) Dan Van Beveran, City representative for the Railroad Safety Trail project, discussed the preferred alignment for the trail extension and the sidewalk section that would be removed. He discussed tree replacement plantings, but stated there was no official replacement planting plan in place at this time. Mr. Combs felt many of the trees along the Blvd. were only in fair health. He stated that the Project had worked to retain and replace as many trees as could be feasible. Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required four 15-gallon replacement trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of removals. Ms. Ehdaie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. 4380 LARKSPUR WALKING AREA (Misc. trees) Mr. Parker recused himself from discussion and voting, as he lived in the area. Mr. Ritter noted that the tape had been removed from the proposed trees and the majority of the trees could not be identified for consideration. The Committee concurred that they had all seen the Willow tree and agreed to discuss that particular item. Dan Dale, 4341 Larkspur, HOA representative, discussed the creekside pathways that had sidewalks buckling due to massive roots, creating continual paving issues and trip hazards. He was concerned that the proposed pines for removal would cause raised pathways and trip hazards in the future. Mr. Combs reported the trees were healthy, but causing the pathways to buckle. Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal of the willow tree, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of removal. Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Parker abstaining. 4 Mr. Ritter directed Mr. Combs to review the remaining trees proposed for removal and if he could not make a decision at his level, to bring the trees back for Committee consideration. 5. 65 MARIPOSA (Magnolia) Ken Tasseff, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request and stated the removal would not harm the character or environment of the neighborhood. He noted the sidewalk had been damaged and that there was a re-landscaping plan in place. He also stated the applicant would be willing to plant an additional extra tree to replace the loss of canopy. Mr. Combs reported it was a small diameter magnolia that was a theme tree of the area. Mr. Parker noted the tree seemed to be an “extra” tree planted in the area, based on the planting pattern in the neighborhood. Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request, based on the finding that removal would not harm the character or environment of the neighborhood and required one 5-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of removal. Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 6. 472 BUCHON (Redwood) Scott McIntire, applicant, discussed the removal request and the root damage to the driveway. He felt it was the wrong tree for that location. Mr. Combs reported it was a small, healthy redwood in a poor location. Mr. Hensinger moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required no replacement planting. Ms. Ehdaie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5 7. 2071 SIERRA WAY (Acacia) Kevin Petit, applicant, discussed the removal request for safety concerns and the other pruning projects performed on the property. He stated that one of his neighbors was particularly concerned about liability. Mr. Combs reported that large, healthy tree had some evidence of past limb failure. Mr. Parker felt the tree would get significantly larger and had some weak attachments. Ms. Ehdaie moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of removal. Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Items 8 – 12: 1220 & 1216 Oceanaire; 1228 & 1233 Drake; 1256 Galleon Mr. Combs discussed the City’s proposal for removal applications in Area 6, as well as the recommendations and replanting plan outlined by the Streets Dept. Tammy Witson, 1216 Oceanaire, discussed the previous pavement repair efforts and the trip hazard present and asked the City to also remove the extra tree on the property that was causing liability and damage issues. Mr. Combs agreed to make a site visit and determine the possibility of removing the extra tree. Mr. Parker agreed there was significant lifting of sidewalks in the area and supported the removal of the trees represented in the removal request for five above-listed addresses. Mr. Hensinger moved to approve the removal requests as outlined in the five above-listed addresses, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and accept the replacement planting plan proposed by the City. Ms. Ehdaie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 6 NEW BUSINESS The Committee agreed to hold the judging of the Art & Prose Contest submissions on April 2, 2012 at 5 p.m. at the Corporation Yard. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Combs reminded the Committee of the March 1, 2012 Advisory Body Dinner. Mr. Ritter requested staff continue to explore the option of moving to a Consent Agenda format for meetings. The Committee supported the Consent Agenda concept. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs reported that the Heritage Plaque for the Osage Orange Heritage Tree in Meadow Park will be presented to the Mayor at the City’s Arbor Day celebration, scheduled for April 21, 2012 at Meadow Park. MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Ritter discussed the concept of the Tree Committee being expanded to include at least six members to better ensure a quorum. The Committee agreed with the need for another member. Mr. Combs agreed to explore the option. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. to next regular meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2012. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary