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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-2010 TC Minutes1 TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 Corporation Yard Conference Room 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo MEMBERS PRESENT:Vice Chair Ben Parker, David Savory, and Suzan Ehdaie STAFF PRESENT:Keith Pellemeier and Ron Combs PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of August 23, 2010 Mr. Savory moved to approve the minutes as submitted.Ms. Ehdaie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS 1.2591 JOHNSON There was no applicant or representative to speak to this item. 2.320 MIRA SOL This request had been deferred by the applicant. 3.2057 SKYLARK (Canary Island pine) Dave Romero, applicant, discussed the removal request for the tree that his neighbors had inadvertently planted on his property years ago. It was growing very close to the neighbor’s house now and both he and the neighbors were concerned about limb breakage and the fact that the tree was stressed and appeared to be dying. He believed the tree posed a hazard to both homes, as well as pulling down the utility lines with limbs falling. He stated he and the neighbors would split the cost of any removal and would replant accordingly – most probably, on the neighbor’s property. Everett Chandler, 2045 Skylark, neighbor, agreed the tree was nice but reported that two large limbs had fallen twice in his yard. He stated the tree was only 6 feet from the corner of his house and believed a large surface root was causing damage to the foundation. Arlene Chandler, 2045 Skylark, stated the tree was too close to the house, that they had spent money on several previous repairs, and that she was physically afraid of the damage the tree might do. She noted that their homeowner’s insurance would not cover any incident. Mr. Combs reported that the tree was in a certain amount of stress, but was relatively healthy in spite of that. He noted cracks in the outer stucco at 2045 Skylark, but could 2 not determine whether the foundation was compromised. He felt pruning and light thinning could reduce the risk of hazard. Ms. Ehdaie agreed it was a healthy tree, but felt its close proximity to the neighbor’s house could be dangerous in light of past limbs breaking. She was also concerned about the power lines being affected by the tree failing. Mr. Savory felt it was a skyline tree that added value to the property and the neighborhood. He did not see any evidence of foundation damage. Mr. Parker agreed with Mr. Savory and felt corrective pruning would mitigate concerns. He suggested the stucco cracks might be clay soil settling. Mr. Parker moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make any of the necessary findings.Mr. Savory seconded the motion. The motion passed, with Ms. Ehdaie voting against. 4.1991 PARTRIDGE (Sycamore) The applicant discussed the removal request, stating that the large tree was bent at the base and that lean seemed to be increasing. He was concerned about the weight of the tree shifting and that if the tree fell, it would damage the patio and driveway area. He agreed to replant if the tree were removed. Mr. Combs reported that it was a young healthy tree and that despite the lean, the tree was fairly stable in its rooting. Mr. Savory felt the tree was vigorous and attractive and did not see any evidence of soil lifting or surface roots that would indicate the tree was not stable. He noted the tree was valuable to the property and the neighborhood. Ms. Ehdaie determined that pruning would alleviate some of the stress of the lean. She felt the tree was healthy, added to the value of the area, and she did not see any evidence of the tree shifting. Mr. Parker agreed with member comments and suggested pulling the lawn area about six feet back from the trunk to keep the tree from being continually watered. Ms. Ehdaie moved to deny the removal request, as she could not make any of the necessary findings.Mr. Savory seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Pellemeier discussed the nine Heritage Trees at Cal Trans and the Proclamation ceremony for them to be held on September 28. 3 He noted the Mayor’s Quarterly meeting had been re-scheduled to Thursday, October 21 and agreed to contact Mr. Ritter to see if Mr. Ritter would be able to attend. Mr. Pellemeier discussed the update of the Mill Street tree maintenance and hardscape repair issues, noting that many of the trees were in decline and there were many curb/gutter/sidewalk repairs required. He reported that the residents on that block of Mill Street were concerned and that a group meeting for residents and staff was being set up to work on solutions. Debbie Malicoat, Finance Dept. Manager, made a brief budget update and presentation regarding Advisory Body recommendations for goals and projects for the 2011-13 FY to be submitted to Council for consideration and possible funding for implementation. She outlined the Tree Committee’s previously submitted goals and recommendations: Improve tree care Gateway tree planting Median tree planting Modify Planning and Development requirements Developing education materials for tree issues in the City The deadline the submit goals and recommendations was November 10, 2010. Staff agreed to distribute information for member review so there would be discussion and finalizing of goals at the next regular meeting. OLD BUSINESS There was no discussion LIAISON REPORT Mr. Pellemeier discussed concerns about the double-decker bus in terms of the additional estimated 80 hours required for tree maintenance on the double-decker bus routes. Mr. Combs was concerned about future maintenance needs to accommodate the special sizing of that vehicle and noted the workload would be increasing without the work force being increased. There were general Committee and staff discussion on the “ripple effect” of one project affecting other agencies and departments. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs reported that 14 trees had been removed and that the redwood that had been salvaged at the Cabo San Luis fire site was too damaged and had to be removed. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. to next regular meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday, October 25, 2010. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary