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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-2002 TC Minutes• CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2002 MEMBERS PRESENT: Linda Hauss, Laura Rice, Teresa Larson, Jim Lopes and Steve Caminiti STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs, Lisa Woske MINUTES The minutes of the February 25, 2002 regular meeting were approved as submitted. 2. REMOVAL REQUESTS ■ 2448 JOHNSON (Sycamore) The applicant discussed the application and was concerned that gusting winds could bring • down the tree, causing a liability on the neighbor's property. He presented a landscaping/replacement planting plan. Greg Albright, certified arborist noted the tree had anthracnose and included bark, had already lost limbs, and believed the tree was unstable and should be removed. Mr. Combs agreed there was some evidence of included bark and anthracnose, but felt the disease would dissipate with the next leafing. He suggested pruning to mitigate limb loss. Ms. Rice noted it was a backyard tree, felt the anthacnose would be a recurring problem, and stated she favored the landscaping/ replacement planting plan for the long-term benefit. Mr. Caminiti did not feel that anthracnose was a reason to remove and suggested implementing the replacement planting plan to get that established before removing any trees. He also noted that the three 15-gallon oaks presented on the planting proposal should not be planted too near the house. Mr. Lopes moved to deny the removal request as he could not make the necessary findings and recommended corrective pruning and implementing the replacement planting plan as interim measures to mitigate concerns. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. 0 • The motion passed unanimously. ■ MADONNA PLAZA (Monterey pine, myoporum, and 3 eucalyptus) The applicant's representatives discussed the removal request and distributed pictures of the 5 trees slated for removal. They stated the trees were not in good health or significant to the site and in light of the overall property refurbishment plan, they wanted to replace the trees with species chosen from the master improvement plan. They further reported that the pine by McDonald's was causing damage to the curbing and asphalt; the majority of the crown of the myoporum in front of Starbucks was dead and the tree was at the end of its lifespan; the three eucalyptus had problems with limb loss, and were failing in general health. They submitted a draft re -planting scheme in keeping with the style approved for the next phase of the site upgrade, which included renovating existing planters. Mr. Combs noted the eucalyptus had included bark and codominant stems and that the pine had early signs of pitch canker. Mr. Caminiti felt all the myoporum in front of Starucks should be removed and that many more of the surrounding trees on site should be examined. He suggested the applicant come back with a more comprehensive, long-term plan for removal and replacement for • site improvement. Ms. Hauss, Ms. Rice, and Ms. Larson favored removing the trees in concept and agreed with Mr. Caminiti's suggestion of presenting a more comprehensive replacement planting plan. Mr. Lopes did not feel hardship was evident and problems could be mitigated with usual maintenance and corrective pruning. Mr. Caminiti moved to approve the removal of the five proposed trees, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required replacement of 5 15-gallon trees, the selection of which outlined in a comprehensive planting plan to be brought back to the Committee's meeting on April 22, 2002 for review and approval. Ms. Larson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. ■ 134t OCEANAIRE (Coast redwood) The applicant discussed the ruinous pruning job performed on the tree and the subsequent hardship factor for the mistake that totally disfigured the tree and was without remedy. Mr. Combs stated that healthy tree regrowth might be possible, but would take a long • time to regain any shape to the tree. . Mr. Lopes felt the property was well planted and favored removal, based on promoting good arboricultural practice. Ms. Rice, Ms. Hauss, and Ms. Larson agreed, stating the tree was too large for the front yard. Ms. Larson moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required a 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree List and planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. ■ GROUNDS OF SIERRA VISTA HOSPITAL The applicant's representative presented a large expansion proposal and discussed the proposed tree removals and relocations involved with the planned building and parking structure developments on site. He requested feedback from the Committee prior to him submitting the plans to the Planning Department. The Committee discussed the protocol and agreed to a joint meeting between the Tree . Committee and applicant's representative to better identify the trees proposed for removal/relocation and discuss the plan at the site. The meeting was set for Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 5 p.m. at the hospital entrance. 3. NEW BUSINESS ARBOR DAY PLANNING -- The Committee discussed details and duties involved in the celebration ceremony. 4. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Lopes requested the Committee schedule some time to address the specific language and intent of the findings for removal required by the Ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. to the next regular meeting of April 22, 2002 at 5 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary •