HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2023 TC Agenda Packet
Tree Committee
AGENDA
Monday, March 27, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
The City of San Luis Obispo has returned to in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be
supported. For those attending in-person, City facilities will be at limited capacity and masks are
strongly recommended.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting):
Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401.
Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your
email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not
be read aloud during the meeting.
Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the
agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be
limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting.
*All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received
after the deadline will not be processed until the following day.
Public Comment during the meeting:
Meetings have returned to an in-person format. To provide public comment during the meeting,
you must be present in the Council Hearing Room.
Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy,
Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire
to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation are encouraged to provide
display-ready material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the
City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chair Canella will call the Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee to order.
2.OATH OF OFFICE
On March 21, 2023, the City Council will consider the annual appointments to
City Advisory Bodies and, if approved, Deputy City Clerk Megan Wilbanks will
administer the Oath of Office to newly appointed Tree Committee Member, Ben
Parker.
3.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The public is encouraged to submit comments on any subject within the
jurisdiction of the Tree Committee that does not appear on this agenda.
Although the Committee will not take action on items presented during the
Public Comment Period, the Chair may direct staff to place an item on a future
agenda for discussion.
4.CONSENT
Matters appearing on the Consent Calendar are expected to be non-
controversial and will be acted upon at one time. A member of the public may
request the Tree Committee to pull an item for discussion. The public may
comment on any and all items on the Consent Agenda within the three-minute
time limit.
4.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 27, 2023 TREE
COMMITTEE MINUTES
5
Recommendation:
To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of February 27, 2023.
5.TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
5.a 1624 SANTA ROSA STREET TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION 11
Recommendation:
Review a Tree Removal Application to remove (1) Deodar Cedar
(Cedrus deodara) tree and (1) Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
tree located at 1624 Santa Rosa Street.
6.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a 150 CHORRO STREET TREE REMOVAL MITIGATION 45
Receive an update from Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple on 150
Chorro Street Tree Removal Mitigation.
6.b ARBORIST REPORT
Receive a brief update from Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple.
7.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee meeting is scheduled for April
24, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo.
LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible
to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate
alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who
requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting
should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least
48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (805) 781-7410.
Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Tree Committee are
available for public inspection on the City’s website:
https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and-
minutes. Meeting video recordings can be found on the City’s website:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=61087&dbid=0&repo=CityCl
erk
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Tree Committee Minutes
February 27, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
SLO City/County Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tree Committee
Members Present:
Member Alan Bate, Member Henry Bonifas, Member Emily
Rosten, Vice Chair Elizabeth Lucas, Chair Daniel Canella
(two vacant seats)
City Staff Present: Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple, Deputy Director of
Maintenance Greg Cruce, Deputy City Clerk Megan Wilbanks
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tree Committee was called to order
on February 27, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the SLO City/County Library Community
Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Canella.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 5, 2022 TREE
COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Motion By Member Rosten
Second By Vice Chair Lucas
To approve the Tree Committee Special Meeting Minutes of December 5,
2022.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Lucas, and Chair Canella (two vacant seats)
CARRIED (5 to 0)
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2
4. TREE REMOVAL APPEAL
4.a 92 LOS VERDES DRIVE TREE REMOVAL APPEAL
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple notified the Committee that the
Appellant, Los Verdes Park No. 1 Homeowners Association, requested to
continue review of the appeal to a date uncertain.
Chair Canella opened Public Comment
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Canella closed Public Comment
Motion By Member Rosten
Second By Member Bate
Continue review of the 92 Los Verdes Drive Tree Removal Appeal to a
date uncertain.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Lucas, and Chair Canella (two vacant seats)
CARRIED (5 to 0)
5. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
5.a 150 CHORRO STREET TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple presented the staff report and
responded to Committee inquiries.
Applicant representative, Paul Weber, provided a brief overview of the
project and responded to questions raised.
Chair Canella opened Public Comment
Public Comments:
Jon Hanlon
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Canella closed Public Comment
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Motion By Member Bate
Second By Member Bonifas
The Tree Committee reviewed a Tree Removal Application to remove one
(1) Canary Island Pine tree (Pinus canariensis) located at 150 Chorro
Street and recommends the Community Development Director deny the
application based on insufficient evidence to support removal.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Lucas, and Chair Canella (two vacant seats)
CARRIED (5 to 0)
6. NEW BUSINESS
6.a CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COMMUNITY FOREST PLAN REVIEW
Sustainability & Natural Resources Official Bob Hill and Natural Resources
Intern Christopher Hamma presented the staff report and responded to
Commission inquiries. Brian Metcalf with the San Luis Obispo Rotary de
Tolosa Club provided information about the Rotary's efforts to plant trees
in the city. Rodney Thurman, Arborist, provided recommendations for
developing one voice to help educate the community on how to plant
trees, choose the right species for the location, and proper maintenance.
Danny Torres spoke about carbon sequestration of mature trees and the
calculations that affect which trees are appropriate to replace mature trees
with.
Chair Canella opened Public Comment
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Canella closed Public Comment
Motion By Vice Chair Lucas
Second By Member Rosten
The Tree Committee received a presentation on the Community Forest
Plan and recommends the City Council approve the City of San Luis
Obispo Community Forest Plan with the following recommendations:
Page 7 of 46
4
Acknowledge that some outreach efforts should not fall solely on
Public Works staff. Specifically, creating marketing brochures and
digital content, updating information displayed on QR codes, and other
promotional material. Consider a partnership with the Promotional
Coordinating Committee.
When considering new planting locations, give priority to
underrepresented communities so they receive an equitable amount of
planting, as aligned with the Council’s Major City Goal to promote
equity and inclusivity.
Consider adding ID tags with QR codes on newly planted trees to help
educate the community on the City’s planting efforts and tree care.
Consider designing a small handout that staff and volunteers could
carry with them while working in the field to help answer questions
from the community.
Provide applicants of large development projects more direction and
specific requirements regarding tree replacement ratio, size, and
species at the beginning of the permitting process.
Utilize community partnerships with tree professionals and Cal Poly
instructors to offer walking tours specific to the City’s urban forest. Cal
Poly students have demonstrated their enthusiasm for helping to
increase the City’s tree inventory and are currently an underutilized
resource.
Consider increasing outreach efforts around National Arbor Day,
similar to how much publicity Bike to School/Work Month receives. The
Tree Committee noted that City has done an amazing job developing
its brand as a "Bike Friendly City" and the Tree Committee would like
the same recognition for our commitment to the urban forest.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Lucas, and Chair Canella (two vacant seats)
CARRIED (5 to 0)
Page 8 of 46
5
7. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
7.a ARBORIST REPORT
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple and Deputy Director of Public Works
Greg Cruce provided the following update of upcoming projects and
activities in the Tree Division:
Staff have been heavily involved in the January 9th storm recovery
efforts.
The Tree Division is gaining another member, Mike Johnson. Mike
retired from the City and has returned as a Contractor to continue
his work on the City's urban forest.
The Architectural Review Commission hasn't met since November
2022, so they have not amended their Bylaws to remove the
requirement that an ARC Member serve on the Tree Committee.
Once that requirement is removed, staff in the Clerk’s Office will
begin the recruitment process to fill the vacancy.
The Annual Advisory Body Recruitment is coming to an end and
the Tree Committee has one applicant to fill one of the two open
seats. Recruitment will be ongoing for the second vacant seat and
updates will be provided as staff know more.
Commemorative Grove planting at Laguna Lake has been paused
to reassess whether it's appropriate to plant more trees in that
location due to the proximity of high voltage powerlines.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m. The next Regular Me eting of the Tree
Committee is scheduled for March 27, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing
Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
_________________________
APPROVED BY TREE COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2023
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TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
DATE: March 27, 2023
TO: TREE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: Anthony Whipple, City Arborist
(805) 781-7021
Email: awhipple@slocity.org
SUBJECT: 1624 SANTA ROSA STREET TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION SR# 13321
On February 8, 2023, I posted a Public Notice for a Tree Committee review hearing for
Tree Removal Application SR# 13566, located at 1624 Santa Rosa Street. The mentioned
Removal Application was submitted based on:
San Luis Obispo’s Municipal Code 12.24.090.E.3.
3. Tree removal requests based on property owner convenience shall be
subject to tree committee review in accordance with the process set forth in
subsection (F)(2) of this section, the relevant additional application
requirements set forth in subsection (D)(2) Of this section, and the criteria
set forth in subsection G of this section.
ATTACHMENTS
A – Tree Inspection Report
B – Proof of Posting
C – Tree Removal Application
Meeting Date: 3/27/2023
Item Number: 5a
Time Estimate: 30 minutes
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Page 12 of 46
Tree Removal Inspection Report
TO: Daniel & Linda Blied
FROM: Anthony Whipple, City Arborist/Urban Forest Supervisor
SUBJECT: Removal Application SR#13566
On March 3, 2023, I Posted a Public Notice for a Tree Committee hearing for one Deodar
Cedar and one Coast Redwood tree(s) located at 1624 Santa Rosa Street in response to
tree removal application SR#13566. The removal of the mentioned application was
submitted based on:
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.24.090 (E) 3
E. 3. Tree removal requests based on property owner convenience shall be subject to
tree committee review in accordance with the process set forth in subsection (F)(2) of this
section, the relevant additional application requirements set forth in subsection (D)(2) of this
section, and the criteria set forth in subsection G of this section.
F. 2. For all tree removal requests related to ministerial development permits, other
than as specified in subsection (F)(1) of this section, the tree committee shall review and
make a recommendation on the tree removal application to the community development
director based on the criteria in subsections G and J of this section. The director shall
consider the recommendation of the tree committee, as well as the consistency of the tree
removal application with other city development policies and standards applicable to the
site, and shall either approve, conditionally approve, or deny the tree removal request,
subject to appeal as set forth in Section 12.24.180.
The Subject tree(s) one Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) and Coast Redwood (Sequoia
sempervirens) The tree committee shall review and make a recommendation on the tree
removal application to the Community Development Director. authorized by the City of San
Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Title 12, Tree Regulations
Thank you,
Anthony Whipple, Acting City Arborist/Urban Forest Supervisor (805) 781-7021
awhipple@slocity.org
Public Works - Urban Forestry
25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
805.781.7220
slocity.org
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TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
DATE: March 27, 2023
TO: TREE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: Anthony Whipple, City Arborist
(805) 781-7021
Email: awhipple@slocity.org
SUBJECT: 150 CHORRO TREE REMOVAL MITIGATION
The Tree Committee received public correspondence on February 24, 2023, regarding
existing and previous tree removal applications at 150 Chorro Street. During the February
27, 2023 Tree Committee Meeting, the Committee made a determination on the current
application (SR #13321), and staff was asked to follow up on the items below related to
a previously filed application for this location:
1. The owner should be made aware of the limitations on hard pruning, and City staff
should monitor the pine tree over time to ensure the tree is not pruned into bad
health like the previous other trees on the property.
City staff has discussed the Tree Regulations with the property owner, and he is
aware of ISA standards and potential enforcement measures if violat ions occur.
2. Direct City staff to ensure completion of previously established mitigation
measures for the prior violations as directed:
The 12/10/2019 Committee meeting:
https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=104257&dbid=0&repo
=CityClerk (see Business Item 11),
The 04/27/2020 Committee meeting:
https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=102067&dbid=0&repo=
CityClerk (scroll to the 3:50 time mark),
And as summarized most recently in the 08/10/2020 Special Committee meeting:
https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=102067&dbid=0&repo=Cit
yClerk (scroll forward to the 1:27:00 time mark).
Meeting Date: 3/27/2023
Item Number: 6a
Time Estimate: 30 minutes
Page 45 of 46
These public meetings, and prior determinations by the City Arborist, indicate that
mitigation by replacement with a minimum 24-inch box specimen in the back yard
should have been completed by Fall 2020. A request was made for staff to follow -
up at the March Tree Committee meeting.
Staff has reviewed past Tree Committee meetings and the tree removal application
files. The Walnut tree was approved by a former Urban Forester for foundation
damage. Although the former City Arborist told the Tree Committee he would work
with the property owner on the compensatory replanting, the City has no record of
this occurring. It should be noted that the property owner planted five Oak trees
on the property in the same time frame as the removal.
3. Direct City staff to facilitate completion of replacement plantings for the orange tree
that was severely pruned into poor health and ultimately removed, as indicated in
the 10/26/2021 email to me from the City Arborist. I would request a street tree
somewhere on West Street to begin to re-establish the urban forest/canopy.
The Citrus tree in question is not an allowed tree off the City’s master list and was
planted in a prohibited location due to line of sights issues. Because this tree
should have not been planted, staff will not be pursuing a replanting.
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