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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2005 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Lopes, Ben Parker, Linda Hauss, and Sara Young STAFF PRESENT:Ron Combs and Lisa Woske PUBLIC COMMENTS: Christine Mulholland was concerned with the verification of replacement plantings actually being done and maintained. She was concerned with the lack of enforcement for mitigations, plantings, and maintenance. Mr. Lopes told her that the Committee had begun discussions on these issues at their last meeting and suggested that mitigation measures become part of the ordinance so staff has something to enforce. Ms. Hauss agreed that fines need to be reinforced for illegal removals. Mr. Parker suggested a 5-year follow-up inspection of plantings to ensure they were maintained and survived. Staff agreed to check with CDD regarding condition parameters and consequences and would bring the information back to Committee at the next meeting, 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2005 The minutes were approved as submitted. 2.TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS -- 1066 MONTEREY (Ficus) Mr. Combs noted that the city would be replacing the curb/street/gutter due to root damage and that the tree was already in a state of decline. He favored removal and noted that the city proposed to replace the tree with tree well and grate standards and the species would be determined from the Master Street Tree List. Mr. Parker agreed the tree was declining and favored removal. Ms. Young suggested replacing it with a larger 24” box specimen. Mr. Parker moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required a 24” box replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree List. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. -- 1250 PALM (Date palm) The applicant submitted an explanatory letter, outlining his strong concerns about the liability of the 60’ tree, citing the dropping fronds posing a safety liability and his concern for pedestrians and his tenants. He also noted it was expensive to maintain. Ms. Hauss asked the applicant when he last had it pruned and he stated that since owning the home in 1987, he had not had any work done. Mr. Combs stated the tree was in fairly good health and was a large species and that he could not make his required findings for removal. He estimated the tree might live 50+ years more. Bob and Pam Seeley, Downtown Association, asked whether it mattered in terms of responsibility whether the tree had been intentionally planted or was a volunteer. Mr. Combs stated the responsibility was with the property owner for any on site issues, whether intentionally placed there or not. Mr. Parker stated he was reluctant to set a precedent in removing trees because they posed a possible liability, as that issue was true for all tall trees in the city. And he did not feel that this tree, especially if professional pruned, presented an unusual hardship. Ms. Young agreed the tree was in good health and needed to be trimmed, since it had not been done for almost 20 years. Ms. Hauss agreed with the need for trimming and felt that would mitigate concerns about falling fronds and felt that the tree was a skyline tree. She stated she could not make the findings for removal. Mr. Lopes agreed with Committee comments. Mr. Combs agreed that professional pruning would make a difference and would also give the owner proof of due diligence in maintaining the tree and doing what was possible to mitigate liability, short of removal. The applicant again stressed his concerns for liability and physical harm and stated trimming was a financial hardship. Ms. Young moved to deny the removal request, as she could not make the findings necessary for removal. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Lopes reiterated the need for maintenance to reduce the liability and applicant concerns. 3.NEW BUSINESS Bob and Pam Seeley, Downtown Association, reported that the Downtown Association Design Committee had been formed and was interested in details of the downtown core planting processes and revamping of the Master Street Tree List. The Committee discussed progress on those items with the Seeleys. Mr. Lopes discussed the California ReLeaf statewide conference and outlined Urban Forestry organizations and funded activities for non-profit groups. Mr. Combs reported he wanted to organize an education seminar on planting young trees and networking opportunities and was looking to hold it on October 15, 2005. He wanted to develop a Citizen Forester group to maintain newly planted trees to alleviate burden on staff crews to do so and to get more trees into the community. Ms. Hauss discussed the local Master Gardening group. Mr. Parker stated he had a contact at UC Extension. Mr. Lopes discussed communications with neighbors concerning the tree removals and lack of plantings, per permit conditions, at 148 Broad Street. Mr. Combs discussed the applicant fining situation and payment process, as well as discussions with applicant on the planting plan. He noted that at this time, the city would not force owners to maintain trees. Ms. Mulholland, Council rep, discussed the appeal brought to Council by Mr. Navarez at Loomis/Graves Streets and reported that the Council upheld the Tree Committee’s denial of the request. Mr. Combs distributed Parliamentary Procedure handbooks and schedule training information for October re Advisory Bodies. 4.OLD BUSINESS There was no business to discuss at this time. 5.ON-GOING BUSINESS There was no business to discuss at this time. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. to the next regular meeting of September 26, 2005. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary