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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-2008 TC Minutes1 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CORPORATION YARD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT:Sara Young, Ellen Dollar, and Ben Parker STAFF PRESENT:Keith Pellemeier and Ron Combs PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 1.APPROVAL AUGUST 25, 2008 MINUTES The minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. 2.TREE REMOVALS 694 HOWARD (ACACIA and PEPPER) Ms. Young noted there was no applicant present to speak to the item. Marilyn Enos, 695 Howard, stated that this property was an absentee landlord, that there was very few owner-occupied properties left in the neighborhood, and that many trees had already been removed in the area. She noted she had her sewer line replaced in 2000 and did not think removing the trees were the solution to sewer problems, suggesting that the old lines were deteriorating orangeburg piping. She also submitted a detailed letter she wrote in opposition of removing the trees. Ms. Young noted that two letters were received from neighbors James Burrows and Howard and Jean Trew, who also opposed removing the trees. The applicant never appeared so the tree removal application was denied because several neighbors spoke to save the tree. 120 SERRANO HEIGHTS (OAKS) The applicant discussed the removal request and distributed remodeling plans. She stated Tree #1 is growing into her deck area and the trunk is twisted; she did not feel it was a skyline tree. She stated Tree #2 was not directly in the path of proposed development at this point but did not know whether the development would end up harming the oaks in the future. She noted both trees affected the adjacent neighbors, who favored removal. She discussed replacing with more oaks and fruit trees. She explained she did not have a building permit yet; she came to Tree Committee first to see if the removals were permitted. The development was geared towards keeping the original house intact and re-designing around existing features. 2 Paul Martin, project architect, discussed the requirements of development and using the existing structure and stated that the design could not be re-figured to accommodate the trees. Mr. Combs stated these were native trees that were fairly healthy. Mr. Parker reiterated the criteria required for making the necessary findings for approving removals. Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request for Tree #1, based on undue hardship on the property owner and that removal would not harm the neighborhood character/environment, contingent upon the applicant receiving approval of the design plans as submitted. If removal occurs, one 15-gallon replacement tree chosen from the Master Street Tree list is required to planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Dollar seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 321 TOLOSA (CHINESE ELM) Paul Kenney, applicant representative, discussed the aging driveway that was being cracked by roots and said the applicant wanted to replace the tree because she wanted to replace the driveway and build a staircase to her front door. Mr. Kenney was concerned that the driveway work would harm the tree. He stated he did not know if the applicant might be experiencing sewer problems as well. Mr. Combs noted it was a large healthy theme tree in good shape and stated there was some displacement to the curb and driveway. He suggested root pruning might work, but removing 20% of the root base under the driveway area could make the tree unstable. Ms. Dollar felt it was a good specimen skyline tree and there was no evidence of sewer problems submitted. Mr. Parker stated he could not make the necessary findings for removal. Ms. Dollar moved to deny the removal request, as she could not make the necessary findings for removal. She invited the applicant to return with another request and submitting documentation of sewer problems and hardship. Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 370 CLOVER (MONTEREY PINE) The applicant discussed the removal request and the driveway and walkway damage. He noted the walkway had been previously lifted and root pruning had occurred. He also stated the pine was now lifting the driveway and that the tree had become too tall to be within the limits stated by the property CCR’s. He said no neighbors had come forth to contest the removal. 3 Mr. Combs stated it was a large healthy tree that could double in size. He noted some lifting in the driveway and that the property had several trees on it, most of which would thrive if the pine were removed. Mr. Parker felt it was a strong, healthy tree in the wrong location. He felt since the property was heavily planted, removing this tree would not affect the character of neighborhood. Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request to promote good arboricultural practice and that doing so would not harm the character of the neighborhood. He did not require a replacement tree if the understory trees were maintained; if the other trees did not thrive, then one 15-gallon replacement tree chosen from the Master Street Tree list is required to planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Dollar seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 570 PEACH The item was withdrawn. 1765 VICENTE (PODOCARPUS) The applicant discussed the removal request and stated the tree was too large for the front yard and was posing a threat to the foundation and retaining walls. She noted nothing grew under the tree and that she wanted to replace it with a smaller species. Mr. Combs noted it was a large, healthy tree that was pushing the walkway, brickwork, and retaining wall structures. He agreed there could be potential for foundation damage but there was no evidence of that at present. He noted the tree would get significantly larger. Ms. Young agreed there was hardscape damage in evidence. Ms. Dollar discussed the viability of rooting pruning to save the brickwork. Ms. Young 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. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1082 SAN ADRIANO (ITALIAN STONE PINE) The applicant, Ken Maier, discussed the removal request and stated the tree had been pruned and was too large for the area. The large surface roots were creating problems with sidewalk displacement and that that the tree was leaning on a light pole. He said 4 nothing grew under the tree and discussed a desire to re-landscape the area and agreed to replace the tree. He noted several other trees in the area had been removed. Mr. Combs noted it was a large, healthy specimen with large surface roots. He stated there was some slight driveway lifting and no damage to the sidewalk. There was a large group of neighbors present who submitted a poster board illustrating reasons to retain the tree in the neighborhood. Larissa Heron, 1179 San Carlos, discussed the rental situation at the property and stated she felt the renters themselves were pushing for the tree removal so they could park their vehicles on the front lawn area. She stated the student renters were temporary and that the landlord could work to provide additional off-street parking without removing the tree. Melanie Sacks, 1065 San Adriano, agreed with the perception that the students were requesting the landlord remove the tree to accommodate large vehicle parking and requested the application be denied. She stated there were large, loud parties at that address and the tree provided a sound barrier. She stated there had been three other trees removed in the area, but they were deemed unsafe and/or unhealthy. She felt the tree added value to the property and the neighborhood and submitted documentation that outlined value aspects of trees. Tom Robinson, 1072 San Adriano, agreed with previous comments and felt the large truck parking on the lawn had worn away the topsoil to expose the large roots. He said the tree provided windbreak and shade. Sally Campbell, 1075 San Adriano, discussed the history of other trees declining in the neighborhood and reiterated that this tree was healthy. She noted that there was a myriad of shade landscaping options that could be employed to enhance the property. She stated the past pruning had been minor tree trimming and that the tree would benefit from some professional pruning. The applicant noted that he could do some chainsaw work on the roots to mitigate problems and achieve some landscaping results. Mr. Combs informed him that severe root pruning could cause stability issues with the tree and any non-professional root or limb work could negatively affect the good health and vigor of the tree. He explained that any resulting damage to tree could lead to penalties and fines on the property owner. Julie Marks, 1085 San Adriano, agreed with the comments and stated she had the only other street tree in the area and outlined the benefits of the tree proposed for removal. Julie Merrill, 1072 San Adriano, felt the tree had tremendous value and would therefore significantly negatively impact the neighborhood if it were removed. She outlined environmental benefits of tree and stated that tree shaded her home and reduced noise. She felt the tree was the biggest asset on that property site. She has lived next door for 15 years and stated her driveway is cracked but she wants the tree to remain. Rosanna Robinson, 1072 San Adriano, did not feel temporary, transient student renters should dictate such a damaging move for the neighborhood and homeowners. 5 Mr. Parker stated he did not think undue hardship had been proven by the applicant, e.g. documentation of sewer problems or evidence of significant hardscape damage. He felt minor pruning would address any concerns of the tree interfering with the light pole. He concluded that removing the tree would significantly affect the neighborhood. Mr. Parker moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make the necessary findings for removal. Ms. Dollar seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 786 HIGUERA There was no applicant present to discuss the item. The item was automatically continued to the next regular meeting. 1098 SAN ADRIANO (CANARY ISLAND PINE) The applicant, Tom Martin, discussed the removal request and stated the tree had significant lean and was concerned about its viability. He stated there was some property damage and was further concerned about the possible hazard and liability in a windstorm. He stated he would like to replace the tree with birches. Mr. Combs stated the medium-sized tree was in moderate health and that although it was leaning, he did not think it would fall over. The liability it posed was mostly with limb droppage and that when the tree got larger, it would probably damage the fence at that time. Mr. Martin stated he had approval a few years ago to remove a tree and replant. The replacement tree died and he never replanted but he learned a lot about watering. Ms. Young moved to deny the removal request, as she could not make the necessary findings for removal. She invited the applicant to return with another request and submitting documentation of sewer problems and hardship. Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Parker encouraged the applicant to move forward in planting some birch trees in the area to get them established and if the pine tree became a more significant problem in the future, these plantings would already be in place and approving the pine removal could be more likely. NEW BUSINESS 1.Advisory Body Goals for 2009-11 6 Mr. Pellemeier discussed budget issues and past goal setting and the parameters of what the Council was seeking in these goal recommendations. The Committee discussed various goal possibilities, including: Increase funding for tree-trimming contract labor One full-time grounds person should be added to Tree Crew Gateway/dirt median area on Santa Rosa, south of Highland, needed beautification; a joint solution with Cal Trans could be worked on Make community recruitment for Committee volunteer positions more effective The Committee agreed to email further recommendations to staff, who would bring a compilation back to the next meeting for review and discussion. ON-GOING BUSINESS There were no items to discuss. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs reported that his department had removed a total of 14 trees within the last four weeks, based on his internal removal criteria. LIAISON REPORT Mr. Pellemeier reported recent Council actions and appeals. He stated City Council had upheld both Tree Committee decisions that were appealed to them. Mr. Pellemeier discussed the Quarterly Advisory Body Meeting. Ms. Young agreed to email a report to staff and agreed that Mr. Kincaid should represent the Tree Committee at the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary