HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-2003 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TREE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Rice, Linda Hauss, Jim Lopes and Steve Caminiti
STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs, Jay Walter, Lisa Woske
1. REVIEW MINUTES OF MARCH 24, 2003
The minutes were approved as submitted.
TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS
1335 FOOTHILL (2 Sycamore; Holly oak)
The applicant discussed the history of the property, which he and his siblings are
inheriting from his father’s estate. They want to retain ownership and are proposing a
remodel of the house and improvements to accommodate up to 12 tenants (up from the
current 7 tenants.) He stated the neighborhood was largely students and had a lot of
existing student housing already. If the property were converted to apartments, more
trees would be lost. He stated that removing the sycamores and the holly oak in back
would allow for extra parking along the side and back of the house.
Remony Henry, 1351 Foothill, opposed the tree removals as they enhanced the area and
stated the neighborhood had significant segment of non-student residents.
Fuad Tellew, 1332 Foothill, opposed the tree removals, suggesting that the sycamores
had significance to the area and were a city-themed tree. He believed removing the trees
would lessen the character of the neighborhood.
Tom Kay, 369 Chaplin, representative of the Alta Vista Neighbor-hood group, expressed
sympathy for the applicant’s dilemma, but did not favor the tree removals.
Ross Pepper, representative for two Foothill properties, opposed the removals to
accommodate parking and increasing student density in the area.
Wes Connor, 216 Albert, opposed removals of mature trees and felt the sycamore species
was valuable in that area. He suggested there might be Planning Commission issues re
erosion and parking concerns.
Mr. Combs stated that the non-native healthy Holly oak on the corner might not be in the
Committee’s jurisdiction, due to its small size. He stated the sycamores were in good
health.
Mr. Caminiti felt the removal request was premature, as the remodeling plans needed to
be approved first to determine what removal needs were required.
Mr. Lopes discussed the existing parking space availability in reference to the proposed
additional parking area.
The applicant requested a continuance of the item to allow time for remodeling plan
drafting and the plan approval process.
Ms. Hauss moved to continue the item to allow applicant time for drafting the remodeling
plans and pursuing the plan approval process with the City.
Mr. Caminiti seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
114 FEL MAR (2 Eucalyptus)
The applicant discussed re-landscaping plans and the removal of the parkway concrete
for replanting. He felt one of the trees was diseased and both trees had a significant lean.
He also noted the sidewalk had been repaired due to root damage.
Mr. Combs stated he favored removal and the landscaping plan proposal, but could not
make the necessary findings for removal at his level.
Ms. Hauss agreed that one of the trees was diseased and both had limited lifespan
remaining. She favored removal with replacement planting.
The rest of the Committee agreed with Ms. Hauss.
Mr. Lopes moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good
arboricultural practice, and required two 15-gallon replacement trees to be chosen from
the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of issuance of removal permit.
Ms. Hauss seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
313 PATRICIA (London Plane and Mulberry)
There was no applicant present.
The Committee discussed the application and did not feel the house damage was due to
tree roots.
Mr. Combs noted that the mulberry tree was very invasive and badly pruned and stated
the buckling issues could easily be mitigated.
Mr. Lopes agreed with Mr. Combs.
Ms. Hauss was concerned that any new replacement planting would not be watered or
maintained by renters.
Mr. Lopes moved to approve the removal request for the mulberry tree, based on
promoting good arboricultural practice, and required no replacement planting; and moved
to deny the removal request for the London plane tree, as he could not make the
necessary findings for removal.
Mr. Caminiti seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
SOUTH HIGUERA (3 Monterey pines; 1 Bradford pear)
The item was deferred until the City could submit a site plan to support the removal
request
4. NEW BUSINESS
There were no items discussed.
5. ARBOR DAY
There was general Committee review and discussion on the recent Arbor Day activities.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. to the next special-date meeting of Tuesday, May
27, 2003 at 5 p.m. (Re-scheduled due to holiday.)
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske
Recording Secretary