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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-2008 TC Minutes1 1 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CORPORATION YARD MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2008 MEMBERS PRESENT:Sara Young, Ellen Dollar, Allen Root, Craig Kincaid and Ben Parker STAFF PRESENT:Keith Pellemeier and Ron Combs PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 1.APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2008 MINUTES The minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. 2.TREE REMOVALS 1108 ROSEMARY COURT (4 SYCAMORES) The applicant discussed the removal request, citing hardship and stating that the trees had a fungal infection and were a high allergen, with evidence of powdery mildew and mite infestations. He stated approximately 25% of street trees in the area had been removed and these specimens were not particularly attractive. He said the neighbors supported the removal and he discussed replacement planting. Mr. Combs reported they were fairly unhealthy theme trees. Mr. Parker believe that the homeowner’s association needed to be consulted as well, and agreed that these trees were poor quality and removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request, based on the finding that doing so would not harm the character of the neighborhood or the environment, and required that four 15-gallon trees be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Kincaid seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2 2 222 W. FOOTHILL BLVD. (MONTEREY PINE) Jim Shepherd, applicant’s representative, distributed information in support of the removal application and stated the removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood. He discussed the installation of a handicap ramp and stated the large surface roots created issues and that any root pruning necessary for construction would impair the viability of the tree. He said the walkway would be 10’ from the trunk of the tree. Mr. Combs reported that the tree was relatively healthy and agreed the species did not survive root pruning well and such would negatively impact the health of the tree. Ms. Young moved to approve the removal request based on undue hardship and required that one 15-gallon tree 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. 286 HIGUERA (TWO MONTEREY PINES) The applicant discussed the removal request and discussed the extensive property damage already incurred at an expense of approximately $50,000, including repairs to the roof. He noted the roots were causing present damage to the foundation and were encroaching into the sewer line. He felt the trees were leaning dangerously and were in poor health and discussed replacement planting with five to seven fruit trees in the back part of the lot. Mr. Combs reported the trees were large and healthy, with some minor evidence of beetle damage and no evident of pitch canker to date. Ms. Dollar moved to approve the removal request based on undue hardship and required that six 15-gallon fruit trees be planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Kincaid seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 841 PATRICIA (MISC. WILLOWS) 3 3 The applicant discussed the removal request of trees that had grown in the middle of the vacant lot that he was interested in developing. He discussed a staggered approach to phased removals and thinning of the stand and ultimately wanted to replace the trees with five native sycamore trees. He stated he would keep the willows that were growing at the north and south ends of the property. Mr. Pellemeier distributed letters from Dan Blanke and Sheila Tiber, both of whom opposed the removals and offered suggestions including thinning and trimming the stand. He also distributed an email from Neil Havlik, City Resource Manager, that discussed thinning and replacement as mitigation measures. Mr. Combs reported that the large group of willows along the creek was in good health. Narna Clark, 221 Twinridge, stated the lot was located at her back yard line and that she opposed the removal, believing that doing would harm the character of the neighborhood and the environment, as the trees were part of the creek area and were part of a natural habitat. Stephanie Valiere, 248 Patricia, stated she agreed with Ms. Clark’s comments and also opposed the removals. Leslie Stanley, neighbor, discussed drainage issues in the area and opposed the removals. Diane Halstead, 258 Patricia, was opposed to the trees’ removals and submitted a letter from neighbors Bob and Carolee Jenkins, who also opposed the removals. Mr. Pellemeier believe this item should have originated at Planning Dept. and based on their recommendations of need, should have then come before the Tree Committee. Mr. Parker moved to continue the item to a date uncertain to allow the applicant to work with staff to determine if the Tree Committee was the appropriate body to review this request at this stage. Mr. Root seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2775 TENBROOK (ITALIAN STONE PINE) Mr. Pellemeier summarized the previous removal request on behalf of the City in order to perform necessary sidewalk/curb/gutter repairs. He reported that the staff had worked with various departments to seek options that would allow the tree to remain, but the feeling was that the large roots would be compromised by 4 4 the repair work and that retaining the tree would not be viable. He noted the property owner wanted to try to keep the tree. Mr. Kincaid brought up the previous discussion of the property owner allowing a small easement on her property in order to accommodate bulb-out or re-figuring of the repair work to save the tree. Mr. Root determined with staff that future street repairs would further compromise the root system. Mr. Parker felt the tree was in a poor location and did not see feasibility of retaining it. 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. NEW BUSINESS 1.Discuss Arbor Day date The Committee agreed that Saturday, April 25, 2009 was a good date for the commemoration, further agreeing that the festivities would not be as elaborate as last year’s 25th anniversary event. The Art/Prose school contest deadline for entries was determined for April 3, 2009. 2.Discuss November and December Tree Committee meeting dates The Committee agreed to meet with the November 24 regular meeting and forego the December regular meeting. The schedule would resume with the regular January, 2009 meeting. ON-GOING BUSINESS 1.Advisory Body Goals Mr. Pellemeier distributed information of the Tree Committee advisory goals for the 05/07 FY. The Committee discussed past goals and ones that were accepted by Council, noting that they would like ARC to help define the specific locations of “gateways.” 5 5 Staff agreed to revise the remaining 05/07 FY goals for submission to Council as new goals. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs reported that his department had removed a total of 13 trees within the last four weeks, based on his internal removal criteria. LIAISON REPORT Mr. Pellemeier discussed the permit fee increase and gave an update on the Commemorative Grove plantings. He reported discussions with Jackie Parker, Cal Trans representative, regarding the sycamores and cedars on the Higuera Street frontage and her suggestion that the area be designated as a block of Heritage Trees. He also noted that Lynn Landwehr had nominated the orange tree behind Ah Louis store as a possible Heritage Tree. Staff agreed to pursue the concepts and report back to Committee. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, November 24, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary