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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-2002 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2002 MEMBERS PRESENT: Linda Hauss, Teresa Larson, Jim Lopes and Steve Caminiti STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs, Lisa Woske 1. MINUTES The minutes of the March 25, 2002 regular meeting were approved as submitted. 2. REMOVAL REQUESTS „ 1139 IRIS (Live oak) The applicant discussed the request and the numerous trees planted on the property. They discussed the driveway damage and the anticipated parking problems due to the tree. They did not feel the oak was flourishing due to being too crowded and felt that removing it would not adversely affect the neighborhood. They did not feel there was adequate space on the lot for replacement planting and suggested a replacement planting on Terrace Hill. Mr. Combs stated there was some driveway displacement and that the tree was healthy. Mr. Lopes felt the tree was crowded and felt removal would promote good arboricultural practice. Mr. Caminiti agreed and felt a space could be determined in the front yard for a replacement planting. Ms. Hauss and Ms. Larson agreed with the members’ comments. Mr. Caminiti moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required a replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and coordinated with the City Arborist, planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Lopes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 1356 MARSH (Monterey pine) The property representative presented a certified arborist report, which stated that the 80- year-old pine was declining, had evidence of bark beetles and pine pitch canker, and significant dieback. The representative requested removal with replacement planting of two trees. She noted that the neighbor’s driveway was buckling due to the tree roots. She discussed the remodel plans for the office building and the issue of the tree’s root system encroaching on the disabled parking area. Greg Weaver, general contractor of the site, discussed the site plans and the disruption of the root zone. Mr. Combs stated that there was evidence of pine pitch canker and dieback, as well as driveway displacement. He noted that there had been appeals by neighbors. Marilyn Farmer, adjacent property neighbor, felt the tree was a significant skyline specimen and opposed its removal. She suggested the project be remodeled to accommodate the tree. She further suggested that if the tree were to be removed, a development proposal should be instituted for a street tree planting program during the replacement planting phase. Jake Feldman also spoke, agreeing with Ms. Farmer’s comments. Ms. Larson felt that it was a skyline tree, but that the declining health issues of the tree warranted removal. She agreed that a street tree theme proposal should be explored with replacement plantings. The rest of the Committee agreed with Ms. Larson. Ms. Larson moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required a replacement planting of two 15-gallon trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and coordinated with the City Arborist, planted within 45 days of issuance of permit and to establish with neighbors a species theme for the area. Mr. Caminiti seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 2090 MCCOLLUM (Two Canary island pines) The applicant discussed the removal request and the numerous other plantings on the property. He discussed the excessive, constant littering of heavy, dense pinecones that damaged cars and restricted available parking on site. He was concerned that the roots were damaging the garden retaining walls and driveway. He did not feel the trees’ removals would harm the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Combs stated the trees were healthy and skyline specimens. He did note the trees would get larger and that there was evidence of damage to the retaining wall. Mr. Lopes agreed that the restriction of property parking and damage to cars supported the undue hardship finding and he reluctantly favored removal. The rest of the Committee agreed with Mr. Lopes. Ms. Hauss moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship and required a replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and coordinated with the City Arborist, planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Ms. Larson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 90 LOS VERDES (London plane) The applicant stated that the roots of the tree were damaging the foundation and common driveways and were ruining the yard. She also reported that a dripping black substance caused damage to cars and property. She submitted a letter from the Homeowners Association that supported the tree’s removal and suggested a Mayten tree as a replacement planting. Mr. Combs stated there were significant surface roots and that the tree had been topped, but was healthy. He believed the black substance was sooty mold and stated it was treatable. Ms. Larson stated the tree was a skyline tree and that she did not find evidence of damage. She suggested root pruning to deal with surface roots. She could not make the findings. Mr. Lopes agreed with Ms. Larson. Mr. Caminiti also noted that the area was extremely windy and that it would be difficult to establish new plantings. Mr. Caminiti moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make the necessary findings. Ms. Larson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 1240 ELLA (Date palm) The applicant discussed the extensive littering of fronds and fruit, which created trip hazards and maintenance issues. She noted that the fronds were difficult to dispose of, as they were not allowed in Green Waste bins. She also noted a small jacaranda had already been planted on site. Mr. Combs stated the tree was leaning, but healthy. The Committee discussed the issue, agreeing that it was not a skyline tree and was the wrong tree in the wrong location, the yard was too small for that species, and that there was support for undue hardship. Ms. Larson moved to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship and required a replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and coordinated with the City Arborist, planted within 45 days of issuance of permit. Mr. Lopes seconded the motion. The motion passed. 3. ARBOR DAY There was general discussion of the agenda and plans for the April 27th event. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting of May 20, 2002 at 5 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary