HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-2004 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TREE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Rice, Jim Lopes, Linda Hauss, Don Dollar
STAFF PRESENT:Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, Todd Beights, Jay Walter
1.REVIEW MINUTES OF JULY 26, 2004
The minutes were approved as submitted.
2. TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS
1266 MILL (Coast Live oak)
The applicant discussed the removal request for the historical property and stated that the
tree was too close to the house (approximately 5’ from the soft brick foundation). He was
concerned that the roots would damage the foundation and did not feel root pruning was
an option, as he did not want to harm the integrity of the tree. He stated the tree was
overhanging on the neighbor’s property and that it would have to be raised significantly to
accommodate their needs. He said the tree was crowding the palm tree. He did not want
to severely prune the tree or mutilate it and reported that it had never been professionally
pruned.
Mr. Combs stated that the tree was a native species and in good health. He did believe
that the tree’s roots could damage the foundation in the future and that the tree’s limbs
could affect the roofline.
Chuck Lowe, neighbor, did not favor removing the significant tree and felt that
professional pruning could mitigate many of the issues and concerns.
Ms. Rice did not feel the palm tree should be a consideration in the removal request, as the
palm would just grow larger and probably be a candidate for removal in the future. She
felt removing the large lower branch would mitigate roofline concerns and favored
professional pruning to mitigate other concerns. She did feel the foundation could be
affected in the future, but pruning would slow the growth of the oak tree. She felt
removing the oak would harm the character of the neighborhood and suggested
establishing a replacement tree in the meantime and returning to remove the oak in a few
years.
Mr. Combs discussed root pruning and barriers installed along the raised foundation and
felt the young tree could withstand the pruning.
Mr. Dollar agreed that the soft brick foundation would be a concern. He noted the nearby
driveway and sidewalk had not been damaged by roots and felt the tree needed
professional pruning and some future root pruning.
Ms. Hauss felt the character of the neighborhood would be impacted by the removal and
she favored professional pruning and root intervention.
Ms. Rice moved to deny the removal request, as she could not make the necessary
findings for removal. She suggested the applicant seek professional pruning estimates.
Ms. Hauss seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
3860 S. HIGUERA (2 Palms)
Robert Constance, property manager of the mobile home park and partial owner,
discussed the problems with falling palm fronds and the dead sections of the tree and felt
the trees posed liability and safety hazards. He discussed the efforts to maintain and work
around the trees over the past 19 years and felt that they were too large and needed to
finally be removed.
Cyd Scarpella, home owner, requested that the trees be removed and was concerned about
the liability and property enhancement efforts possible with another tree species.
Mr. Combs agreed with the potential hazards created by the palms and felt they were the
wrong trees for the location. He suggested replacing them with smaller “patio” varieties.
Ms. Hauss moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship on the
property owner and did not think the removals would not harm the character of the park.
The rest of the Committee agreed and favored replacement plantings.
Mr. Lopes moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship on the
property owner and that doing so would not harm the character of the neighborhood.
Ms. Rice seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
2070 FIXLINI (SUN VALLEY DEVELOPMENT, TRACT 2570)
The Committee made a field trip to 2070 Fixlini (Sun Valley Development, Tract 2570)
for a site visit to clarify proposed tree removals. After touring the property, the
Committee identified a 7" DBH Quercus Agrifolia that warranted further discussion and
vote.
After discussion, the Committee voted unanimously to have the developer preserve and
protect Tree #111, by means and procedures established by the International Society of
Arboriculture, which shall be approved by the City Arborist.
3.NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business discussed.
4.ON-GOING BUSINESS
Tree Ordinance Update
Master Street Tree List Update
Appeal Fees
Gateways
There were no On-Going Business items discussed.
The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. to the next regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday,
September 27, 2004.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske
Recording Secretary