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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-2011 TC Minutes1 TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011 Corporation Yard Conference Room 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo MEMBERS PRESENT:David Hensinger, Ben Parker, Suzan Ehdaie, David Savory, and Matt Ritter STAFF PRESENT:Ron Combs PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of May 23, 2011 Mr. Parker noted that page 2 should read, “without affecting the character of the neighborhood.” Mr. Hensinger moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously; Ms. Ehdaie and Mr. Savory abstained, as they were not at the past meeting. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS 1.423 BRANCH (Ash) Betty Aten, owner, discussed the removal request and stated that the neighbors were insisting on the tree’s removal due to property/fence damage. While there was confusion about which tree was to be removed, the Committee determined they had each viewed the tree in question. Bart Schwan, 435 Branch, discussed the root intrusion on his property and the fence damage. He was concerned about the roots coming too close to the foundation. He submitted a letter from arborist Jeremy Lowney, which stated that the tree was a hazard and should be removed. Mr. Combs reported it was a large healthy tree that would get larger. 2 Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship and that the removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood, and required a replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Ms. Ehdaie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2.4370 LARKSPUR (Chinese elm) Teresa Clark, owner, discussed the removal request and replacement options. She submitted a neighbor’s letter supporting the removal. She noted that her son was allergic to the tree and submitted a doctor’s test results indicating such. Mr. Combs noted the small tree was in good health. The Committee agreed it was nice tree, but the allergens created undue hardship. Mr. Hensinger moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship, and required a replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3.817 BOYSEN (Chinese elm) Mr. Combs reported that a bulb-out solution had been reached. Mr. Ritter suggested both trees in the area be bulbed-out. Trevor Ashby, owner’s representative, confirmed that the Street Dept. had worked out a solution. Mr. Ritter moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make the necessary findings for removal. Mr. Savory seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3 4.69 RAFAEL (Torrey pine, elm) Shawn Collarman, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request and the lean of the pine and the split in the elm. He noted PG&E had pruned the pine. He reported that the owner wants to finish the retaining wall and doing so would create unstable root systems through necessary pruning. Mr. Combs reported that the pine was a good size but the elm was severely split and there was some evidence of uprooting. Mr. Parker felt the pine’s crown was sparse and the tree looked stress. Mr. Ritter noted that Torrey pines get large with thin canopies. Mr. Parker and Mr. Savory agreed the split elm was damaged to the ground and would fail. They did not feel the pine was significantly uprooting and that it was an unusual tree. Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal of the ash, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required a replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Ritter moved to deny the Torrey pine removal request, as he could not make the necessary findings for removal. Mr. Savory seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5.1411 MARSH (Sycamore) Mr. Collarman, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request and clarified with staff and Committee that they were requesting to remove only the diseased limb, not the tree itself. Mr. Combs agreed with the limb removal. Mr. Ritter moved to approve the limb removal, based on promoting good arboricultural practice. Mr. Hensinger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4 NEW BUSINESS Mr. Parker reported that the trees slated for removal at Laguna Shopping Center had been removed prior to the 10-day appeal period and prior to issuance of permit. He also reported an illegal tree removal at 3635 Johnson Ave. Mr. Combs noted a Tree Dept. letter had been sent addressing both issues. Mr. Hensinger asked staff to see whether the city attorney would be willing to come to the Tree Committee and answer some general questions about issues pertaining to the Committee business, e.g. understanding “Neighbor Law,” etc. He agreed to send Mr. Combs a sample list of questions to submit to the attorney. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Ritter distributed a spreadsheet of the current Master Street Tree List species outlined and then a new list of suggested additions. He reiterated he did not favor removing any species from the existing List. Mr. Parker felt that olive, Coast redwood, and black walnut should be on the list. The Committee agreed. They also felt the “allowable planting zones” should be reviewed on the Master list. The Committee and staff agreed to arrange a tour of the suggested trees for inclusion on the list as part of the regular August meeting. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs discussed the recent Urban Forest class and reported he had passed the course. Mr. Parker agreed to attend the July 14 quarterly meeting and Mr. Combs could prepare the report. Mr. Combs noted that Council had approved the road-widening project at Madonna; three cypress trees were removed and would be replaced. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. to next regular meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2011. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary