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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-23-2007 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE CORPORATION YARD MONDAY, JULY 23, 2007 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Parker, Michael Boudreau, and Sara Young STAFF PRESENT: Keith Pellemeier, Ron Combs and Barbara Lynch PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 1. APPROVAL JUNE 25, 2007 MINUTES Mr. Parker noted that the second note in the Arbor Day discussion should read: “Mr. Parker suggested the Downtown Association has shown more interest in the urban forest, with possible downtown tree walks which tie into other downtown events.” The minutes were unanimously approved as amended, with Mr. Boudreau abstaining from voting since he was not present at the June meeting. 2. TREE REMOVALS 2377 HELENA (Modesto Ash) Mr. Combs noted that the removal posting did not go up in time and some neighbors were protesting that the Committee had approved removal already at the last meeting without them having an opportunity to voice their concerns. Caroline Botwin, neighbor, discussed the history of the tract Modesto Ash and stated this tree had been pruned about five years previously. She stated she represented four residents in the neighborhood and they all wanted to retain trees in the neighborhood. She discussed a possible matching fund program that some of the residents were willing to support for the maintenance of the ash trees. She felt the root issues, sewer line problems, and aphids could be mitigated with proper maintenance and did not feel these were reasons to remove the tree. Kevin Huber, applicant, discussed the removal request and the pervasive root problems with the sewer lines and under the foundation, as well as the curb, driveway, and sidewalk damaged caused by the roots. He also discussed the disease present in the tree. He stated one of the front sections of the tree had a huge limb hole and the limbs/trunk was splitting. He distributed a landscape plan for review. Terry Mohan, neighbor, stated he had three Modesto ash trees and that the dripping and roots were inherent with owning any tree and felt care and maintenance could mitigate the concerns. Mr. Combs discussed the pocket of internal decay at the base and structural issues that were evident. He agreed there was damage to the hardscape. Mr. Boudreau discussed the problem with aphids and noted that the Modesto ash was no longer on the parkways Master Street Tree list. Ms. Young stated that she was a neighbor in the area and was abstaining from discussion and voting, due to a conflict of interest. It was determined that with just two voting Committee members, there would not be a quorum to address this item. Mr. Parker stated that the tree had been badly pruned, had poor growth, and large pocket of decay. He did not think investing the this tree was prudent and favored investing in a new, healthier tree and that while the current removal might leave a “hole” in the tree line of the neighborhood in the short term, a healthier specimen would improve the neighborhood in the long term and therefore, he favored upholding the original motion to approve the removal, based on promoting good arboricultural practice. Mr. Boudreau agreed with Mr. Parker’s comments, reiterating that aphids were causing disease in the tree. He felt the neighborhood could help monitor the care/effort of any tree plantings. Mr. Boudreau moved to continue the item to the August meeting, as there was not an available quorum for voting. Mr. Parker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2833 FLORA (Ash) There was no one present to speak to the item, so it was automatically continued to the next agenda. 278 ALBERT (3 Canary Island Pines) The applicant discussed the original planting of the trees years ago and was now concerned that they were too large for the area and were beginning to damage the foundation. He stated the neighbors were concerned about hazards to their own properties and trees had already damaged their driveway. He reported that an arborist told him two of the trees’ roots were causing damage to the garage. Mr. Parker noted that all the trees were under 24” diameter and therefore were not under the jurisdiction of the Committee. Mr. Parker moved to not consider the removal request, because the trees did not fall into the category of requiring Committee approval for removal. Mr. Boudreau seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1402 PALM (Palm and eucalyptus) Ross DeChombson, applicant’s representative, stated that the large palm was too close to the building and the eucalyptus in the rear of the property was also causing problems and he anticipated problems with sewer lines in the near future. He stated the site was heavily planted and that the applicant was trying to upgrade the property and thereby enhance the neighborhood. Mr. Combs noted that the eucalyptus was causing damage and had been approved for removal already. The damage due to the palm was not as evident but stated that if the palm were removed, an understory tree would be a good replacement option. Ms. Young agreed that the site was heavily planted. Ms. Young moved to approve the removal request, based on the finding that doing so would not harm the character or environment of the neighborhood and did not require a replacement planting. She stipulated that the remaining palms needed to be maintained and preserved. Mr. Boudreau seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS 1. Advisory Body Quarterly Meeting Mr. Parker reported on the meeting, held on July 12, 2007, noting that the Downtown Association had highlighted the Downtown Forester Program as part of their presentation. He outlined the key points of the Tree Committee report that had been presented and discussed the Community Academy program. It was agreed that the Committee would discuss key Committee highlights at the September meeting to recap for the October Quarterly Advisory Body luncheon presentation. 2. Bylaws Mr. Pellemeier reported that the bylaws had been submitted to the City Administration and Council had approved them. 3. Agenda Emailing Process The Committee agreed that having the agenda packet emailed to them was a timely, convenient way to receive the information prior to a meeting. Staff agreed to include a mapping of site visits for easier routing for member visits. ON-GOING BUSINESS 1. TREE ORDINANCE UPDATE Mr. Boudreau stated he had reviewed the ordinance in depth and felt that the document was fairly intact, but was basically laid out poorly and therefore hard to visually navigate and follow, e.g. Section 180; suggested re-formatting the information to include Sections 181-189. The Committee discussed a basic outline for a revised ordinance that would streamline the information. Sections were to include: Purpose and Goal Definitions Responsible for Enforcement (including Tree Committee, Arborist, ARC) Include graphic of what area constitutes Street Tree area Tree Planting (including Master Lists and discussion of permit/right of way) Tree Removals Tree Maintenance (including responsibilities of property owner, the City, utility companies, and when a Certified Arborist is required) Street Tree/Hardscape Damage Responsibility Emergencies Heritage Trees Preservation and Protection Appeals Enforcements/penalties 2. GATEWAYS It was agreed that this item should be dropped from the standard agenda and re- introduced when pertinent for discussion. ARBORIST REPORT 1. Citizen Foresters Mr. Combs reported that planting had occurred on July 21 in the area behind SLO Little Theatre. 2. Downtown Tree Well Repair Update Mr. Combs reported that wells had been successfully repairs and that three trees had been planted on Higuera Street. MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Pellemeier reported that out of 111 tree removal approvals over the year, 24 had come before the Tree Committee to date. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, August 27, 2007 at 5 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary