Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-2004 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 28 2004 MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Rice, Jim Lopes, Laura Hauss, Pete Dunan STAFF PRESENT:Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, Todd Beights, Jay Walters 1.REVIEW MINUTES OF MAY 24, 2004 The minutes were approved as submitted. 2. TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS 165 FEL MAR (3 Pine trees) Mr. Combs reported that staff reviewed the application and a permit was already issued. 895 MONTEREY (Ficus) Mr. Combs reported that staff reviewed the application and a permit was already issued. 540 CAUDILL (Black walnut) Ann Hall, applicant, stated that the tree was in a poor location for the planned remodel of the new owners. She noted that the tree had been poorly pruned and was now misshaped and unattractive. Eric Zebe, proposed buyer, said no remodel plans were in place yet, as they were waiting for removal permit. He was concerned that the tree was leaning and felt there would be future foundation damage. He stated that he could not remodel in any fashion if the tree remained. Ms. Rice agreed that the shape and viability of the tree had been ruined and favored removal with replacement planting. Mr. Dunan agreed with the removal, based on undue hardship caused by the tree’s location and impediment to the property use. Ms. Hauss agreed. Mr. Dunan moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship on the property owner and required two 15-gallon trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree List and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2945 McMILLAN, STE. 148 (Blue Gum eucalyptus) Roger Brown, property owner, noted that the property was already heavily planted and suggested replacing the tree with a Silver Dollar eucalyptus. Art Chavarria submitted a letter from Lincare (the tenant) that discussed the liabilities due to limb breakage in the delivery area, pod littering that had already caused trips/falls, and sap ruining parked cars in the lot. He noted one tree is on the property line, and one tree is leaning far towards the neighbor’s property. He stated they had already had to settle on some liability legal actions. David Foote, landscape architect, discussed the safety and hardship issues. He did not feel Blue Gum trees were appropriate for urban uses. He felt removing the trees would not harm the character of the neighborhood. He suggested removing the two trees on the corner and plant other trees in between the stand to provide a buffer between the properties. Mr. Combs agreed that there were problems with large eucalyptus and favored replacement planting with a diversity of species. Mr. Dunan was concerned with the lack of screening for the neighbors if the trees were removed. Mr. Lopes agreed with undue hardship and favored removal, as mature eucalyptus trees would only continuing to create more problems. He favored planting up to four trees that would create a 25’ buffer. He did not favor Silver Dollar species. Ms. Hauss favored planting canopy trees in the parking lot. Ms. Rice was concerned about screening and suggested establishing replacement trees until they grew taller and stagger removals of the mature trees. The Committee was concerned that the site had not been properly posted regarding the removal application. Ms. Hauss moved to continue to item to the next meeting to allow proper posting and to have time to receive a formal replanting plan proposal. Mr. Lopes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1300 BLOCK OF PISMO ST. (Coast Live oak) Jeanne Kinney, applicant, discussed the lot separation and access and the plans for new construction which required the removal of the oak in the back lot. She felt there was undue hardship, especially in dealing with two separate lots. There was general discussion with the Committee on the proposed plans and lack of design options available for the site that could retain the tree. Mr. Combs reported that the tree was a native species and healthy, with a slight lean. Mr. Lopes was concerned about the removal, noting that mature trees enhance the setting. Ms. Rice agreed with the concerns about the development plans and stated she had difficulty making the required findings. Mr. Dunan felt the proposal was a good land use, providing more housing. Ms. Hauss agreed with the property improvements and stated they would enhance the neighborhood. Mr. Dunan moved to approve the removal request, as in doing so would not harm the character of the surrounding neighborhood, and required that the removal be coordinated with the City Arborist. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1052 ISLAY (Avocado) Michael McRae, applicant, wanted to improve the property and stated that the tree had grown too large for the area and that it was too messy, old and diseased to save. Mr. Combs stated the tree was generally healthy, but needed some pruning. Mr. Dunan and Ms. Rice agreed that professional pruning would mitigate some applicant concerns. Mr. Lopes noted that it was a skyline tree and stated he had difficulty making the required findings. Mr. Dunan opposed taking action on the item, as it had not been properly posted. Mr. Lopes moved to continue to item to the next meeting to allow proper posting. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 1729 GARDEN (Pepper) Richard Beller, 228 Los Cerros, applicant, discussed the removal, stating the tree was dirty and interfered with the site drainage and parking. He noted the nearby ornamental pear tree would thrive with the pepper tree removal. He discussed replanting ideas. Ms. Rice did not think the tree was an asset to the neighborhood and favored removal. Mr. Lopes agreed, due to zoning, and felt it was in the wrong place. Ms. Hauss agreed, noting it was a backyard tree. Mr. Dunan strongly opposed taking action on the item, as it had not been properly posted. Mr. Lopes moved to continue to item to the next meeting to allow proper posting. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 715 TANK FARM ROAD Mr. Lopes moved to continue to item to the next meeting to allow proper posting and have staff request site plans for review. Mr. Dunan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3.OLD BUSINESS 872 MORRO George Sullivan, AT&T rep, stated that AT&T would be willing to remove the old trees and plant more appropriate species. He asked the Committee to have a long-term view of the property and noted that the replacement trees could provide a canopy for the street once they were established. He did not think pruning the existing trees would mitigate the concerns of littering and liability. The Committee asked staff to investigate the ownership of the trees in question and to coordinate with Mr. Sullivan and AT&T to discuss the proposal further. 4.NEW BUSINESS Linda Hauss was voted Interim Chair. Laura Rice was voted Vice Chair. Mr. Lopes discussed again the need to place ongoing Committee projects on the agenda for discussion and review, in meeting Committee goals as outlined. It was determined that there would be Committee review meetings scheduled to specifically discuss goals and projects instead of including them in the public regular meeting agendas. Staff also agreed to distribute updated Tree Committee rosters. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. to the next regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2004. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary