HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-25-2011 TC Minutes1
TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, April 25, 2011
Corporation Yard Conference Room
25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo
MEMBERS PRESENT:David Hensinger, David Savory, and Matt Ritter
STAFF PRESENT:Keith Pellemeier and Ron Combs
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of March 28, 2011
Mr. Savory moved to approve the minutes as submitted.
Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS
1.1526 GALLEON WAY (Sycamore)
Catherine Nichell, applicant, discussed the sidewalk and foundation damage
caused by the extensive root system and also submitted invoices for sewer clean-
out work that needs to be done twice a year. She noted that neighbors complained
about the leaf litter and discussed concerns about limb droppage and liability. She
suggested replacing the tree with a native oak.
Mr. Combs reported that the tree was just over the dbh requirements and that it
was relatively healthy, fast-growing, and had large surface roots.
Mr. Hensinger stated he did not see evidence of structural damage but felt the tree
was fairly mis-shaped and could favor removal.
The rest of the Committee agreed with Mr. Hensinger’s comments.
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Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good
arboricultural practice, and required a 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen
from the Master Street Tree List and planted within 45 days of this tree’s removal.
Mr. Savory seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
2.1963 PATRIDGE DR. (Redwood)
Jeremy Louney, applicant’s representative, discussed the large root system and the
damage to the driveway and the corner lifting of the garage. He stated the tree
was too large for the area and that there might be issues with the underground
utilities. He suggested replacing it with a shade tree in the back, e.g. a native oak.
Mr. Combs reported that the tree was healthy and confirmed there was driveway
and garage damage, probably due to the roots.
Mr. Hensinger and Mr. Savory felt the tree was too close to the structure.
Mr. Savory moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good
arboricultural practice, and required a 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen
from the Master Street Tree List and planted within 45 days of this tree’s removal.
Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
3.423 BRANCH
Mr. Combs reported that the application for removal had been withdrawn.
4.247 FOOTHILL (19 misc. trees)
Victor Montgomery, applicant, discussed the removal request and submitted
subdivision plans for Committee review and discussion. He stated that tree # 9
and #7 would be retained and that eleven trees would be planted as replacements.
Jim Hoffman, 237 Foothill, neighbor, was pleased that the couple of trees would
be saved, as they provided a natural habitat for wildlife, and stated that he favored
the development plans as proposed.
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Mr. Combs reported that they were healthy tree and he could not make his
necessary findings for removal.
Mr. Hensinger stated he would like to see a replacement planting plan.
Mr. Ritter felt that while the Australian willow proposed to be removed was a
specimen tree, he favored the overall plan as presented.
Mr. Savory agreed that it was a responsible development plan for a density
housing project.
Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal request for the nineteen (19) trees, based
on the finding that removal will not harm the character of the neighborhood or the
surrounding environment, and required thirteen (13) 15-gallon trees and seven (7)
24” box trees to be chosen in concurrence with the City Arborist and planted
within 45 days of trees’ removals.
Mr. Savory seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
5.3433 S. HIGUERA (1 Canary Island pine; 2 Coast live oaks)
Mark Milwand, Project Manager at DSS, distributed copies of the overall project
drafted to increase security in the parking lost. He stated the area was too heavily
planted for safe sightlines and discussed the pruning and removals proposed.
Mr. Combs reported that the trees were healthy, but agreed with safety concerns.
Ron Rinnell, Bunyan Bros., noted that some of the pruning would need to be more
severe than past standards might normally allow.
Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good
arboricultural practice, and required three 15-gallon replacement trees to be
chosen from the Master Street Tree List and planted within 45 days of trees’
removal.
Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
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6.1185 ROSEMARY
Mr. Combs reported that the application had been withdrawn.
NEW BUSINESS
The Committee agreed with the procedure to have applicant’s put duct tape
indications on trees proposed for removal. Staff agreed to update the permit
language to include such direction.
Staff also discussed the new permit language that addressed nesting birds.
OLD BUSINESS
The Tree Committee agreed to review the list of approved trees for updating and
staff agreed to bring the project back as an agenda item.
LIAISON REPORT
Mr. Pellemeier stated he would be retiring in June and that Ron Combs would be
the sole staff person in charge of the Tree Committee Meetings.
He then gave an update on the tree matters at 469 Sandercock and the guidelines
for members needing to note a conflict of interest.
ARBORIST REPORT
Mr. Ritter and Mr. Combs discussed the recent Central Coast Urban Forest
Council meeting.
Mr. Combs gave an update on Arbor Day and the tree walk, noting that Arbor Day
2012 will be held at Meadow Park.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. to next regular meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m.
on Monday, May 23, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary