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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-2010 TC Minutes1 TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2010 Corporation Yard Conference Room 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo MEMBERS PRESENT:Matt Ritter, David Hensinger, David Savory, and Suzan Ehdaie STAFF PRESENT:Keith Pellemeier and Ron Combs PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of May 27, 2010 Mr. Hensinger moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Savory seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS Mr. Pellemeier confirmed that two tree removal applicants had withdrawn their applications one at 3635 Johnson Avenue and 3860 South Higuera, Space 204. 1.1845 VICENTE DR. (Two poplars) The applicant discussed the removal request, noting that he had small children in the home and had concerns about limb droppage, stating large limbs fall every winter. He discussed root intrusion and was concerned about damage to the patio, walkway and possibly to the foundation. He felt limbs leaning against the power lines were a liability. Mr. Combs reported they were large, healthy trees known for occasionally shedding limbs. He noted some narrow attachments and included bark. Mr. Savory felt they were healthy shade trees located far away from the structure, but agreed the tree leaning on the power lines could be removed. Mr. Ritter noted they were a brittle species and these trees were near the end of their lifespan. He felt that with a grove of trees nearby, removals would not harm the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Hensinger and Ms. Ehdaie agreed with the comments. Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required two 15-gallon replacement trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days o f issuance of permit. 2 Ms. Ehdaie seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously. 2.1023 MILL ST. (Two camphors) The applicant discussed the removal request, noting that the parking lot was raised, the fence was damaged, and she could not replace the fence without the trees ruining it again. She stated the trees needed constant pruning and felt that if they were removed, the avocado tree nearby would thrive. Mr. Combs reported they were large trees for the small area, causing vertical displacement on pavers and walkway on the neighbor’s side. He agreed they caused significant damage to the fence. Mr. Savory and Ms. Ehdaie favored removal of both trees with requiring two replacement smaller-species trees. Mr. Savory moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required two 15-gallon replacement trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Ritter seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously. 3.3993 HOLLYHOCK (Southern live oak) Devon Langley, owner’s representative, discussed the removal request and stated the tree was too large for the area and had concerns about the root system invading the sidewalk and about tree causing damage to the roof area. Mr. Combs agreed with concerns about damage, noting the driveway would probably be damaged next. He felt the oak in front of this tree would thrive if request were approved. Mr. Ritter favored removal with replacement planting somewhere else on the development property. Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required one 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Savory seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously. 4.1746 JOHNSON (Live oak) The applicant discussed the application and the easement area behind the home. He stated the volunteer oak tree had become too large for the area. He said there were cracks in the curb and hardscape and was concerned about future foundation damage. He also reported the tree had been recently pruned. Mr. Combs stated it was a healthy but currently stressed small specimen. 3 Mr. Savory felt the exist ing damage was minor and agreed the tree was in good health. Mr. Ritter agreed there was no significant damage at this time and further pruning could mitigate applicant’s concerns. He further stated it seems like a beneficial oak tree that shades the parking lot and house. Mr. Savory moved to deny the request, as he could not make the findings necessary for removal. Mr. Ritter seconded the motion.The motion passed unanimously. 5.850 EL CAPITAN WAY (Red gum) The applicant discussed the removal request, noting that a large branch had broken off in the past and recently, another large limb had fallen. He was also concerned about liability around the parking area. He stated a desire to redevelop the property in the future and wanted to plant a better species of tree. Mr. Combs reported it was a large, healthy specimen that would get larger and had already created some fence damage. He discussed some limitations in the pruning possibilities. Mr. Ritter stated that when this request had come before the Committee previously, he had not voted to remove the tree. However when re-visiting the site, he noted massive sapling growth across the property and felt the tree would become more brittle and too massive for the area. Mr. Savory felt the tree was healthy and far enough away from the house to mitigate concerns. Mr. Hensinger moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required one 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Ritter seconded the motion.The motion passed, with Mr. Savory voting against. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Pellemeier introduced Urban Forest staff member Steve Williams, who will be standing in for Mr. Combs at the August meeting as the City Arborist. OLD BUSINESS The Committee agreed to elect a Vice-Chair for the committee when a full committee was present to vote. 4 LIAISON REPORT Mr. Pellemeier discussed the upcoming Advisory Body lunch meeting and Mr. Ritter confirmed he would be attending. Mr. Pellemeier reported that there was going to be a wood chip giveaway at the Corporation Yard on July 24, free to the public. He discussed the recent Tree Ordinance Workshop and reported it went well and was attended by approximately fourteen tree service, landscaping, and property management representatives. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. to next meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary