HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-2002 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
TREE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 22, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT: Linda Hauss, Teresa Larson, Jim Lopes, Laura Rice and
Steve Caminiti
STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, Jay Walter
1. REVIEW MINUTES OF JUNE 24, 2002
The minutes were approved as submitted.
2. TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS
1331 1/2 CARMEL ST. (American Elm)
The applicant discussed the large tree, its proximity to the structure and the history of
large limb breakage. He said it was too large for the location, was affecting the
foundation and walkways, and showed signs of disease and decay. He also noted it was
expensive to maintain.
He discussed new site development plans for the new unit and the landscaping plan
associated with the construction. He reported there was not a lot of room for planting,
but was willing to plant replacement trees as space dictated along Carmel and Pismo
frontages in addition to the street trees required by the development permit.
Mr. Combs reported that the tree was in good health due to the continual pruning and that
there was evidence on the backside of the tree of decay. He noted vertical displacement
of the walkway. He stated that approximately 1/3 of the root system could be
compromised by the proposed construction and the stability of the tree would be
questionable. He did agree this species was known for limb breakage.
Mr. Lopes stated he favored removal, based on good arboricultural practices, with a
replacement tree required in addition to street trees required by permit.
Ms. Rice felt the skyline tree was healthy and did not think the crotches were weak. She
stated she could not make the necessary findings for removal.
Ms. Hauss agreed that it was a beautiful tree, but did note problems with lifting sidewalks
and was concerned about the safety liability with the falling limbs despite rigorous
pruning efforts.
Mr. Caminiti was concerned with removal such a significant tree, but agreed that the
“footprints” of the building proposal did compromise the root zone and the construction
would hasten the decline of the tree. He also agreed with Ms. Hauss’ comments and
suggested two 15-gallon replacement trees be put in the side yards.
Ms. Larson agreed with Mr. Caminiti’s comments.
Mr. Caminiti moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good
arboricultural practice and based on undue hardship to the property owner, and required
two additional 15-gallon trees to be planted within 45 days of issuance of permit; one
planted in the back yard and one planted in the north side yard.
Mr. Lopes seconded the motion.
The motion passed, with Ms. Rice voting against.
3. NEW BUSINESS
Discuss South Oceanaire Neighborhood tree re-planting
Mr. Combs reported on the status of the current removals.
Mr. Walter discussed a detailed history of the tree removal project and the documentation
provided to Committee members.
Mr. Lopes and Ms. Hauss felt all tree removal plans should be specifically brought to the
Tree Committee, whether projects were City- or privately-owned, for standard review
procedures. They felt all project-level review and voting is necessary.
Mr. Caminiti stated he had favored the concept of the removal program, but had
anticipated the actual removals would come back to the Committee for specific review.
He felt the item had originally come to the Committee almost on a “consent item” basis.
He submitted a draft of a letter to Ken Hampian outlining the Tree Committee’s concerns
with the handling of this project, including the late notification of property owners and
reiterating that the Committee had never had the actual amount of trees to be removed
disclosed to them.
Mr. Walter felt the rapidity of the project moving forward had resulted in the late
notification, but felt the input from the “town meeting” was valuable, resulting in the
removal of trees desired by specific property owners while retaining those trees that
owners did not want removed.
Ms. Larson spoke strongly on the poor notification process and felt the city should
address that entire structure.
Mr. Lopes agreed with Ms. Larson’s comments and requested that an item be added to
the draft letter to address the notification process on special meetings, public events, and
workshops.
Mr. Caminiti agreed the point should be included in the letter. He also suggested having
the city provide the City Arborist with a digital camera to archive trees requested for
removal.
Ms. Larson also noted that Mr. Hampian had stated the trees that presented potential
future liabilities should be removed. She pointed out that the Tree Committee did not
view “future liabilities” as grounds for removal, based on the outlines of the ordinance.
Mr. Lopes was concerned about how staff would approach upcoming paving projects and
that they needed to stay sensitive to each neighborhood.
Mr. Caminiti suggested a proposal that could plant trees in actual yards instead of just in
small parkways.
Mr. Lopes moved to approve the draft letter to Ken Hampian as amended.
Ms. Larson seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Combs discussed the process to draft a list of replacement tree species.
Mr. Lopes suggested that Mr. Combs bring back a list of approximately 20 species to be
reviewed by the Committee at the August 26, 2002 meeting. The final list could then be
presented at a public neighborhood meeting for resident input in September.
The Committee agreed criteria included flowering, canopy, evergreen, and deciduous
characteristics.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 to the next regular meeting of August 26, 2002 at 5 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Woske
Recording Secretary