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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2003 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2003 MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Rice, Linda Hauss, Teresa Larson, Jim Lopes and Steve Caminiti STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs, Jay Walter, Lisa Woske 1. REVIEW MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 25, 2002 & DECEMBER 16, 2002 Both sets of minutes were approved as submitted. 2. TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS „ 66 HIGHLAND (Misc. palms) The applicant discussed the application, stating the palm fronds continually fall and litter and damage property/vehicles and they were concerned about liability. He also did not think that the species of trees were compatible with the neighborhood and favored a more native species, e.g. live oaks. He submitted a landscaping plan. Mr. Combs felt that pruning might mitigate the littering issues, but did agree a better species would enhance the neighborhood look. Mr. Lopes agreed with removing the palms and felt more that native plantings would contribute to the environment and the neighborhood. Mr. Caminiti agreed with Mr. Lopes. Ms. Rice agreed with Mr. Combs comments, but did not feel she could make the necessary findings for removal. Ms. Hauss agreed with the liability and hardship issues for the three larger trees, but felt the two date palms could be retained until the replanting is established. She also favored removal of the eucalyptus. Ms. Larson agreed with Ms. Hauss. Ms. Rice moved to approve the removal of three large palms, as doing so would not harm the character of the neighborhood, and required replacement live oak plantings, as outlined in the landscape plan, to be planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. She denied the removal request for the two date palms, as she could not make the necessary findings at this time. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 1410 WOODSIDE (Pine) Mr. Combs discussed the application, stating that they did not plan to do more landscaping and intended to use the area to increase parking area. He did agree the tree was stressed and that the roots would continue to cause problems. The Committee discussed various low-rise planting options. Mr. Caminiti moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required four to five 5-gallon shrubs to be planted in the existing planter area within 45 days of issuance of permit and coordinate with the City Arborist. Ms. Larson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 440 PACIFIC (Three ficus on Carmel) The Committee discussed the confusion about which trees were indicated by the application. They also discussed mitigating sidewalk repairs and long-term solutions. Mr. Lopes moved to continue the item to allow the property owner to attend a meeting to discuss and clarify the request and to also submit a diagram. He also requested staff to outline which party would be responsible for paying the costs for removal and that staff also outline some mitigation measures which might allow retaining the trees. Mr. Caminiti seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 1629 CRESTVIEW (Pine) The Committee discussed the fact that the owner’s signature is required for removal request applications and that the submitted application was not signed. Mr. Lopes moved to continue the item so that the owner could complete and formalize the application. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 3588 SYCAMORE (Pine) The Committee discussed the lack of adequate information and maps submitted with the application, as well as who is responsible for generating the application. Mr. Caminiti moved to continue the item to allow the property owner to clarify the request and to also submit a diagram to complete the application. Ms. Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. NEW BUSINESS The Committee discussed the need for the applicant/owner to be present at meetings so that all information could be represented and considered. They agreed that the requirement should be added to the removal request application. The Committee also discussed the list of current and pending downtown tree projects, especially replacing the mature ficus trees over time. They suggested coordinating the effort with the streetlight proposal program. They suggested a public meeting approach for downtown businesses, much like the Oceanaire replanting program public hearing. Mr. Lopes moved to have the Committee work with staff to set a work program for the selection of trees for downtown projects. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Walter also suggested Debra Holley attend the project meeting. 4. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Combs discussed the Oceanaire replanting update. He stated that 166 trees were to be planted in the neighborhood and approximately 160 were removed. He also reported that there was positive feedback received from the neighborhood residents. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting of February 24, 2003 at 5 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary