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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-25-2005 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Lopes, Don Dollar, Ben Parker, Sara Young, and Linda Hauss STAFF PRESENT:Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, Todd Beights OATH OF OFFICE: Ben Parker and Sara Young were sworn in and took the Oath of Office. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 28, 2005 The minutes were approved as submitted. 2.TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS 1990 McCOLLUM (Star pine) There was no applicant representative to speak to the item. Bob Salem, 2106 Santa Ynez, asked for clarification as to why the tree was being removed. Mr. Lopes read the details from the applicant’s removal request, citing that the tree was too large for the property, was lifting the concrete, and posed a hazard to the property’s tenants. Mr. Salem did not favor removal of the tree, as it was a prominent skyline tree and an asset to the neighborhood. Jan Salem, 2106 Santa Ynez, and Dana Justeson, 2057 McCollum, agreed with Mr. Salem, did not favor removing the tree, and felt there were mitigation measures that could be taken to preserve the tree and address owner’s concerns. Mr. Combs reported that it was a large, healthy tree and was lifting the slabs with large surface roots. He did not see any evidence of foundation damage and did not feel there was presently any undue hardship. He suggested that the large pavers could be lifted to allow for root pruning and then re-set. Ms. Young noted that removing the tree would negatively impact the hardscape and that some pruning and mulching around the tree would be less expensive than removal. Mr. Lopes agreed it was a significant skyline tree and stated he could not make the findings necessary for removal. Mr. Dollar moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make the findings necessary for removal. Ms. Young seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1990 LOOMIS (Two American elms) The applicant discussed the request, stating the power lines were splitting the trees and he was very concerned that the trees were creating a hazard to his tenants. He said the one in the front was leaning into the house and the other one was leaning over the street. He was concerned that roots would begin to interfere with waterline. He noted PG&E had not trimmed the trees in a long time. He agreed that a larger specimen replacement planting would be acceptable. Mr. Combs felt the trees were too large and were the wrong trees in the wrong location, with very large surface roots. Mr. and Mrs. Salem felt that pruning might mitigate his concerns and that the trees weren’t causing problems at this time. Mr. Combs noted that the danger potential was minimal at this time and that bottom weight of the trees needed to be professionally pruned. Ms. Hauss determined that there was room on property to have a phased removal/ replanting. She also felt planned maintenance would mitigate applicant’s concerns. Mr. Dollar agreed that the trees were significant to the neighborhood, but did not think that the trees would ever realize their potential due to PG&E’s pruning efforts that have ruined the shape of the trees. He favored replacement trees. Mr. Parker agreed that the trees’ health had been compromised and replacement trees would be more suitable. Mr. Lopes agreed with previous comments and felt 2-3 replacement trees could be planted on the property. Ms. Young agreed that the trees would eventually have to be removed as they got larger and failed in health. Ms. Justeson spoke in favor of the Committee’s phased replacement approach. Ms. Hauss moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring four 15-gallon replacement trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree List and coordinated with the City Arborist. She moved that two trees be planted now and then allow the removal of the American elm trees in two years, with replacement planting of two more trees on the property. Mr. Dollar seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 532 DANA The item was withdrawn. 34-36 ZACA LANE; 21 ZACA LANE (Misc. trees) Dan Rutledge, applicant’s representative, discussed to the submitted arborist report by Wes Conner that outlined the removal of 30 trees and pruning of 19 others. The goal was to have the hazardous trees removed. Mr. Combs discussed the site visit made by himself and the Committee and he agreed with the indicated removals and the replacements suggested, e.g. Bay or Live Oak native species. He also agreed with the removal of the slash, wood chips, and brush as it will help establish new plantings. Mr. Lopes noted that Neil Havlik also suggested Black Walnut as a replacement species. Wes Conner, arborist, felt all the removals should be chipped and stumps ground to retard re-growth and requested to be on site to manage the removal process, if approved. Mr. Dollar agreed with the safety concerns and felt removals and replacement planting should be shifting toward a long-term view, with more foresting and safety issues in mind. Mr. Lopes outlined what he saw to be three issues: removal, maintenance, and restoration of the creek. He felt all should be considered within this item. Ms. Young was concerned about the lack of submitted restoration plan, but agreed the safety removals should move ahead. She requested a general restoration plan be submitted for review for replacement plantings after the removals had taken place. Ms. Hauss agreed with Ms. Young’s comments. Mr. Dollar moved to accept the submitted arborist report and have the applicant adhere to the recommendations held within the report for removals, based on the finding of promoting good arboricultural practice. He requested the applicant submit a landscape restoration plan to the City Arborist, citing an approximate 1:1 ratio, for City review and acceptance. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3.NEW BUSINESS There was no new business discussed at this time. 4.OLD BUSINESS The Committee discussed the recent Arbor Day events hosted by the City. Mr. Lopes felt the event should be more extensive within the community. Ms. Hauss felt the result of the ceremony should be more trees planted within the City. Mr. Beights and Mr. Combs reported that the school participation levels were down and that teachers were increasingly unresponsive to the Art/Prose contest. The Committee and staff agreed to consider and review the event for possible suggestions to improve the community involvement and bring the suggestions back to a meeting in the fall. ON-GOING BUSINESS Master Street Tree List Update Mr. Lopes asked staff to outline a process to involve public hearings for public input on revisions and updates to the Master Street Tree lists, with a special focus on the downtown core. Gateways There was no discussion on this item at this time. Tree Ordinance Update There was no discussion on this item at this time. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 23, 2005. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary