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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2004 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2004 MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Rice, Pete Dunan, Steve Caminiti, Laura Hauss, Jim Lopes STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, Todd Beights 1. REVIEW MINUTES OF MARCH 22, 2004 The minutes were approved as submitted. 2. TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS „ 1670 PHILLIPS LANE (Liquid Amber) Michael DiMilo, 1670 Phillips Lane, distributed pictures and discussed the removal request. He cited undue hardship, based on the tree being too large for the location, lack of ability to landscape underneath it, and problems with surface roots. He also noted the tree had been topped and was unsightly. He did not think the removal of the backyard tree would adversely affect the neighborhood, as most of the tree could not be seen from the street. He wanted to replace the tree with a Japanese maple. Mr. Combs noted that the tree was fairly healthy, but some decay was evident and agreed the tree had been poorly topped. He stated the succor growth was weakly attached, which could pose a liability, and felt that the problems with the surface roots would just get worse. He reported that the item was before the Committee because a neighbor had protested the removal when the property was posted. Ms. Hauss felt the tree was crowded within the heavy vegetation and agreed with the hardship issues cited by the applicant. She favored removal with replacement of a Japanese maple. Mr. Lopes agreed that removing the tree would not harm the character of the neighborhood and that the tree was crowded, with surface roots causing problems and hazards. Mr. Caminiti agreed with the comments. Mr. Lopes moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship on the property owner, promoting good arboricultural practice, and that removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood. He required one 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Caminiti seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 1484 AUTO PARK WAY (Canary Island pines) There was no applicant present to speak to the item. Mr. Combs reported that the trees were fairly healthy, but the property owners had removed a lot of the tree that were less than 12” in diameter without replacing in the parking lot area. Ms. Hauss suggested replanting closer to the street area. Mr. Lopes felt the owners had removed too many smaller city-planted trees and the required replacement plantings should be increased, as the landscaping was virtually gone and the parking lot area had expanded. Mr. Caminiti felt that the original development landscaping plans needed to be reviewed. Mr. Caminiti moved to continue the item until Mr. Combs could review the Community Development Dept.’s original site plan and the Tree Committee could get more information on the landscaping for that site. Mr. Lopes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. NEW BUSINESS – Lionel Johnston, 805/801-0668; onecoolearth.org Mr. Johnston made a presentation regarding native trees suited for planting in the city and the key ideal environments available for specific oak species, noting that the sycamore was the official city tree. He suggested interspersing native oaks along boulevards for shading and a unique look for the area. He stated that these oaks needed to be grown from small trees/seedlings to be most viable. In referencing the Master Street Tree list, he noted that English holly oaks struggled too much in this climate and should not be encouraged for planting. Mr. Lopes agreed that the Master Street Tree list could be updated and that selecting native plants in important and should be incorporated into city planting plans. The Committee discussed availability of species in development areas in the 15- gallon/larger sized plantings. They agreed with the need for planting diversity. There was general discussion on the possibility for native plantings to be interspersed with original median design planting plans. 4. OLD BUSINESS „ Contractor Information Letter Mr. Combs discussed the packet of information included in the agenda. Mr. Lopes felt Committee “things to do” projects needed to be part of agendas, as he wanted to see progress on the items identified as Committee projects, e.g. updating the Master Street Tree list to include a “preferred species” section and reviewing the Tree Ordinance and the Committee’s Mission Statement. He also discussed a present concern of stated directions for the Los Osos Valley Road median landscaping plans in terms of species chosen. It was agreed that Public Works, CDD, and ARC needed to be more integrated when implementing design projects. Mr. Beights discussed that the department was reviewing grate guidelines in the downtown core. „ Arbor Day Discussion It was agreed that the Arbor Day ceremonies were successful and well attended. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2004, with a Committee dinner scheduled directly afterwards. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary