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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-2002 TC MinutesCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TREE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Rice, Linda Hauss and Steve Caminiti STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs, Lisa Woske, and Jay Walter MEMBERS ABSENT: Teresa Larson, Jim Lopes 2. REVIEW MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2002 Mr. Caminiti asked that the minutes reflect that Jay Walter was in attendance as a staff representative and that while he believed there might be a person on staff who was adept at grant writing, Mr. Caminiti did not favor designating specific money to fund such a position. The minutes were approved as amended. 2. TREE REMOVAL REQUESTS „ 1673 QUAIL (Monterey pine) The applicant discussed three diseased trees and stated they were willing to replace them with new plantings. Jeremy Lowney, certified arborist, spoke on the applicant's behalf and stated there was evidence of pitch canker in all of the three trees and that the largest tree had stem canker, beetles, and dieback. He felt the other two trees were healthy enough, but if the larger tree were removed, the remaining two trees would be subject to wind damage and limb, trunk, and root failure. Mr. Combs stated that the largest tree could be removed without a permit. He reported that the tree in the middle was failing in health and that the health of the last tree was questionable at this time. Ms. Rice agreed with the removal of the large and middle trees and felt that if the remaining third tree would end up being misshapen due to previous crowding, then she would favor its removal. Mr. Caminiti and Ms. Hauss agreed with removing all three trees; Mr. Caminiti suggested a canopy tree as a replacement species, if necessary. Ms. Hauss moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and did not require any replacement plantings. Mr. Caminiti seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 3176 FLORA (Three Monterey pines) The applicant and their representative discussed the trees having pitch canker. They were also concerned about the root damage to the driveway and sidewalk and the subsequent liability. The arborist stated two trees were failing and the third tree was in decline. He stated that if the trees were removed, the existing Liquid amber tree could thrive in that location. Mr. Combs agreed that two of the trees could be removed and noted that the third tree was distressed and causing vertical displacement. Mr. Caminiti agreed that the Liquid amber would thrive and that the pine trees were clearly failing. He did not feel replacement plantings were required on site. Ms. Rice moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and did not require any replacement plantings. Mr. Caminiti seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 397 LINCOLN (Cedar) The applicant discussed the removal request, citing undue hardship due to continual roots in the sewer line and stating that the maintenance issues were extensive. He was also concerned with such a large tree in that location and potential liability in storms. He noted the possibility that there was already beetle infestation. He submitted numerous receipts for the sewer repairs and also submitted a petition signed by a number of neighbors who favored the removal of the tree. Pete Walberger, neighbor, did not favor the removal, stating the tree was beautiful, enduring, and drought tolerant and added to the character of the neighborhood. Over the years, he had not witnessed any falling limbs or storm liabilities and felt the sewer line needed to be replaced due to its age and not the tree's roots. He suggested extensive pruning. Mr. Caminiti submitted a faxed letter from Joyce Woodruff, who wrote that she did not favor the tree's removal. Mr. Combs stated the tree was in good condition and that the city had fixed some minor sidewalk damage. Ms. Rice stated that her property had the same type of tree and that the species' strong structure was not susceptible to storm damage. She suggested thinning and pruning the tree and agreed that the sewer line was probably in need of replacement, due to its age. Ms. Hauss and Mr. Caminiti agreed with Ms. Rice, noting that it was also a significant skyline tree. Mr. Caminiti moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make the necessary findings. Ms. Hauss seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. „ 1942 OCEANAIRE (Monterey pine) Mr. Combs reported that the tree was healthy but full of ivy and had caused heavy sidewalk damage. Mr. Caminiti felt it was the wrong tree in the wrong location. Ms. Hauss noted the tree's health was in distress. Mr. Caminiti moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, requiring one 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted in the parkway within 45 days of issuance of permit, Ms. Rice seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. NEW BUSINESS Dennis Hamil, 1778 Vicente, requested to have a tree planted on his property through the terms of the Oceanaire Tree Planting program. Mr. Combs agreed that a parkway tree could be planted on the property and that Mr. Hamil will receive a letter regarding such requests. 4. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Caminiti reported that the grant proposal had been submitted, its completion due in large part to the efforts of Peggy Mandeville. The Committee agreed to issue a $40 gift certificate to Mission Grill as a thank you on their behalf. „ SOUTH OCEANAIRE TREE REPLACEMENT LIST There was general Committee discussion of the proposed species list. Mr. Caminiti directed staff to finalize the list, based on Committee input, and have that list reviewed by outside expert sources for its viability. „ GENERAL FUND FIVE YEAR FISCAL FORECAST & STAFFING Mr. Combs distributed projected information on required street trees in the future and the high impact on street tree maintenance crews, which are already understaffed. He stated that at least three more crew members were needed, as well as more contract help. He believed the program needed to expand, along with the line item budgeting. Mr. Walter also reported on the need for an "Urban Forest Manager" instead of simply a "Street Tree Arborist" to meet the upcoming needs of the city and its goals. The Committee favored updating and expanding the current arborist title to Urban Forest Manager and favored setting a higher budget for funding. „ COUNCIL GOALS SETTING The Committee outlined pertinent goals for the Council in relation to trees: gateway development; additional public education regarding tree selection, planting, and care; more canopy trees in parking lots; and higher/expanded planting recommendations and follow-up regarding new development projects. Mr. Caminiti suggested having planning department staff make a presentation on the design criteria for commercial projects with a focus on expanding the recommendations for number and types of trees. „ DEVAUL RANCH SUBDIVISION Mr. Combs presented updated blueprints for the project for the Committee to review concerning the corner tree's removal. He noted the ARC had already approved the plans. The Committee reviewed the plans and did not have any concerns. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting of October 28, 2002 at 5 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske Recording Secretary