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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-25-2008 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CORPORATION YARD MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT:Sara Young, Ellen Dollar, Ben Parker, and Craig Kincaid STAFF PRESENT:Keith Pellemeier and Ron Combs PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 1.APPROVAL JULY 28, 2008 MINUTES The minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. 2.TREE REMOVALS 116 CHORRO (eucalyptus) The applicant discussed the removal request, reporting that the large amount of littering created a hazard in the walkways of the rear residence where a disabled person lived; the litter made the area slippery and posed a safety hazard in the only area the resident had to recreate and exercise. He agreed the tree had value, but the safety issues were impeding the use of their property. He suggested replacing the tree with an avocado tree. Mr. Combs stated it was a large, mid-aged tree that would get larger. He noted minor damage to the fence and hardscape, which he felt would increase. Ms. Dollar stated if the tree was removed, she preferred that the Master Street Tree list be consulted for a larger replacement species. Mr. Parker was concerned about previous poor pruning issues and agreed the tree would continue to be a problem in this case. Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request, base on undue hardship to the property owner, and required a 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Dollar seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1421 CARMEL (pepper tree) The applicant discussed the removal request and stated the tree was too massive for the area and that PG&E had to make an emergency visit to repair lines that were snapped due to the tree. He was concerned about possible foundation damage and felt the tree was too close to the back of the house. Mr. Combs stated it was a large, healthy tree with a nice canopy, but agreed it was in a poor location and had been heavily pruned. He noted evidence of minor decay and felt there could be potential for foundation and utility line damage. Ms. Dollar moved to approve the removal request, base on undue hardship to the property owner, and required a 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Young seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2361 DEL CAMPO (eucalyptus) Ron Rinnell, Bunyan Bros., applicant’s representative, stated the neighbors were concerned with safety and limb breakage issues and that the applicant had reported some garage foundation damage and that the applicant’s insurance company felt the tree was a liability. Mr. Combs reported it was a large skyline tree and it was pushing on the fence. While there was no current evidence of foundation damage, he felt there could be potential. Mr. Parker did not think the application presented enough documentation or evidence of liability or damage. Mr. Parker moved to continue the item to a later date to allow applicant to provide evidence of damage or liability. Ms. Dollar seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1807 CORRALITOS (ficus) Paul Osborne, applicant’s representative, discussed the large surface root issue and that the owner was concerned about them interfering with the sewer line and health of the lawn. He reported that there was already damage to the walkway. He stated the tree was too large for the area, which was also heavily planted, and suggested replacing it with a crepe myrtle. Mr. Combs agreed there were large visible roots and that the walkway was buckling. He felt the tree could double in size and discussed the possibility of root pruning as a mitigation measure. Mr. Parker was concerned with the lack of documentation for sewer line problems. Ms. Dollar stated it was a healthy, attractive tree and added that there was also not any documentation to evidence damage. Mr. Kincaid stated pruning the tree would enhance its appearance. Ms. Young moved to deny the removal request, as she could not make the findings necessary for approval. Mr. Kincaid seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss. ON-GOING BUSINESS 1.TREE REGULATION UPDATE Mr. Pellemeier discussed the comments submitted and feedback received by CDD on the revised ordinance draft. He also discussed some notes from Barbara Lynch. Ms. Young requested that the Committee have the opportunity for one final draft review after all comments from various agencies and staff recommendations had been incorporated and vetted and before the draft goes to Council review. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs reported that his department had removed a total of 10 trees within the last six weeks, based on his internal removal criteria. He noted a few illegal removals that had been reported. LIAISON REPORT Mr. Pellemeier reported recent Council actions and appeals. He discussed the illegal removal at IHOP, stating that even though the tree was under the 24” limit requirement for needing a permit, a permit was needed because it was in a CS zone. He stated Greenvale Tree Co. was unaware of the CS distinction. Mr. Pellemeier had told the property owner that six replacement trees were now required. The owner countered with a proposal of three magnolias and 3 queen palms, to work more with the landscaping plan. The Committee felt six 24” box replacement trees should be required and chosen from the Theme Street Tree list, which outlines choices for the Madonna Road corridor. Mr. Pellemeier also discussed the goal-setting meeting he would be attending and the Committee had some general discussion on goals for the immediate future. They decided that they would focus on the Heritage Tree program next. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary