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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-25-2005 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, JULY 25, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Lopes, Don Dollar, Linda Hauss, and Sara Young STAFF PRESENT:Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, and Todd Beights PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2005 The minutes were approved as submitted. 2.TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS SWEENEY LANE (Willow and Walnut trees) The applicant discussed the remodeling plans for the property and stated the Willow was in a poor location and in the way of the addition. She submitted a letter from a neighbor, who stated that the tree’s roots had gotten into their sewer line several times over the years and they have had to pay to get the line cleared. The applicant also discussed limb breakage that had caused property damage and felt the Willow tree and its large surface roots presented a liability. The applicant stated the Walnut tree was in the planned retaining wall line and the roots would be damaged by the installation of the retaining wall along the back property line. She also discussed replacement plantings and the re-landscaping plans. She stated they planned to relocate the existing palm to another site on the property. Mr. Dollar stated he would have preferred to see project and landscaping proposals for review. He believed the Walnut tree could be trimmed back and incorporated into the wall line. He felt that the Walnut tree should not be removed until the project plans were approved for permit at City level. Mr. Combs noted that root problems were evident with the Willow tree, which was near the end of its lifespan. He stated the Walnut tree was healthy. He noted that a street tree would be required to be planted based on the building permit, if issued. Ms. Young was concerned about the retaining wall installation and the severing of the Walnut’s roots. She noted the Willow had dieback issues. Ms. Hauss favored removal of the Willow and agreed that the Walnut should be retained at this point and then reviewed again for removal once the applicant had approved plans that still required its removal. Mr. Dollar moved to approve the removal request for the Willow tree, based on undue hardship to the applicant, and required one replacement tree to be coordinated with the City Arborist. He approved the conditional removal of the Walnut tree; permit to be issued once the applicant provided the Arborist with approved project permits from the Planning Dept. regarding the retaining wall footings. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3.NEW BUSINESS Mr. Lopes discussed the California ReLeaf retreat that was to be held in August and he felt Committee members and staff should attend. Mr. Lopes also discussed the Annual Meeting in October for the California Urban Forest Council. Mr. Dollar clarified with staff the follow-up procedure for replacement plantings that have not yet taken place once trees have been removed. Staff discussed staffing issues and Mr. Beights outlined a land use program that could incorporate a possible “tree keeper” tickler system during the 45-day planting requirement period. The Committee also discussed the possibility of assigning follow-up checks to Committee members to aid in determining whether replacement plantings were being done. The Committee and staff discussed the standards for on-going landscape maintenance and owner responsibilities as outlined in the ordinance. Ms. Young felt a how-to guide for tree planting should be part of the package that is issued once a permit for removal is approved and a replacement tree is required. Ms. Hauss also noted that there should be a place on the removal request application to indicate whether there are dangerous dogs on the premises so Committee members and staff are warned prior to visiting the site for review. 4.OLD BUSINESS There was no business to discuss at this time. 5.ON-GOING BUSINESS Master Street Tree List selections for the downtown were discussed. The meeting adjourned to the next regular meeting of August 29, 2005. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary