Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-2005 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT:Laura Rice, Jim Lopes, Don Dollar, George Sistek, and Linda Hauss STAFF PRESENT:Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, Todd Beights, 1.APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2005 The minutes were approved as submitted. 2.TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS •4542 WAVERTREE (Canary Island pine) The applicant noted the amendment to the petition for removal and was now requesting to remove only the larger tree. She noted the driveway had been cracked, the tree was overgrown and too close to the sewer and water lines, and it was not a native species. She discussed planting a replacement tree. Mr. Combs reported that it was a fairly healthy theme tree and that many had been removed and replaced in the neighborhood. He stated there were hairline fractures in the driveway and the tree had the potential to lift it in the future, but at this time he did not think the tree was causing the damage. lie felt the tree size could double and that the species did have limbs break. He felt root pruning was a possibility. Ms. Rice agreed that the tree would be out of scale eventually and favored removal. Mr. Dollar agreed, with replacement planting. Mr. Sistek was concerned about the lack of landscaping efforts. The applicant replied that she was between gardeners and the landscaping would improve shortly. Ms. Hauss stated she could not make any of the findings at this time. Mr. Lopes was concerned about setting a precedent, as the tree was not causing problems at this time. He discussed alternative landscaping and pruning options that might mitigate the root issues and applicant concerns. Page 2 Ms. Rice moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring one 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree List, coordinated with the City Arborist, and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Dollar seconded the motion. The motion died for lack of majority, with Mr. Lopes, Mr. Sistek, and Ms. Hauss voting against. Ms. Hauss moved to deny the removal request, as she could not make the necessary findings for removal. Mr. Sistek seconded thc motion. The motion passed, with Mr. Dollar and Ms. Rice voting against. •21 ZACA LANE/34-36 ZACA LANE (Numerous trees) Dan Rutledge, properly owner representative, discussed the tree that fell recently and the major concerns about liability to the buildings and hazards to the tenants from some of the remaining trees on the property. He discussed the fall lines, noting that six other trees had fallen towards the creek. He detailed the proposal submitted to remove 25% of approximately 90 trees on site. Brian King, 21 Zaca Lane, discussed the hazards to the building and tenants and reiterated the concerns expressed by Mr. Rutledge, favoring the tree removals. Mr. Sistek suggested that a certified arborist do a harvesting/liability plan. He did note that some of the fallen trees had root rot. Mr. Dollar asked if Natural Resources staff had any concerns with the removals. Mr. Combs stated they did not. Mr. Combs discussed the root rot of the fallen trees and stated that the rest of the grove was fairly healthy. Ms. 1-lauss agreed with Mr. Sistek’s recommendation that a professional arborist review the proposal and the site and then mark recommended trees for removal. She then suggested that the Committee make a site visit to examine those marked trees. Ms. Rice agreed with Ms. Hauss’ suggestions. Page 3 Mr. Lopes agreed that the proposal was not complete enough for the Committee to make informed removal decisions. Mr. Rutledge understood the desire for an arborist’s review and expert opinions, but he very strongly was against a continuance and having to delay the removals, leaving the property at risk for liability and injury. Ms. Hauss moved to continue the item to the next regular meeting and directed the applicant to return with a thorough certified arborist’s removal plan that the Committee could review on site to determine removal recommendations. Mr. Sistek seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. •1253 ATASCADERO (Ash) J.T. Silva, applicant’s representative, discussed the problems the elderly resident was having with the tree and submitted a $2100 sewer repair bill. He was concerned about controlling the intrusive, damaging roots and stated the tree was too large and difficult for the elderly owner to maintain. He also reported that the sidewalk has had to be replaced due to roots. Mr. Combs noted it was a theme tree for the area with a lot of surface roots and included bark. He stated there had to be on-going curb/gutter maintenance by the City. Ms. Hauss determined that the sewer line was old orangeburg pipes. Ms. Rice was concerned with the lack of landscaping in the front. Ms. Hauss favored removal with replacement, based on undue hardship and good arboricultural practice. Mr. Lopes moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship to the property owner and on promoting good arboricultural practice. He required one 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree List, coordinated with the City Arborist, and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. •3074 BAHIA This item had been withdrawn. Page 4 3.NEW BUSINESS Mr. Lopes asked that a public comment section be added to the top of future agendas. Mr. Dollar reported that there was a meeting to discuss cntry areas between Los Osos Valley Road and Prado Road to be held on March 10 at the Ludwick Center. 4. ON-GOING BUSINESS •Master Street Tree List Update The Committee discussed Ms. Rice’s list of suggested species to be added to the Master Street Tree List. They agreed to add the following: 1)Koelreuteria bipiniata (Chinese flame) 2)Pittosporum phillyraeoides (Willow pittosporum) They agreed to research and review again: I)Bauhinia forficate (Brazil orchid) 2)Tabebuia chiysotricha (Golden trumpet) 3)Eucalyptus nicholii (Nichol’s willow-leafed peppermint) The Committee and staff agreed to draft the proposed revisions and advertise the item for public discussion at the next meeting and then based on that input, advertise the item as an action item at the meeting after that. •Gateways There was no discussion on this item at this time. •Tree Ordinance Update Mr. Dollar recommended that the Redwood tree be dropped from the Ordinance listings of native species. Mr. Beights reminded the Committee about the March 3, 2005 Annual Advisory Body Dinner at the Ludwick Center. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2005. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary