HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a. 08-28-2023 TC Draft Minutes
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Tree Committee Minutes
August 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tree Committee
Members Present:
Member Alan Bate, Member Daniel Canella, Member Emily
Rosten, Vice Chair Ben Parker, Chair Elizabeth Lucas
Tree Committee
Members Absent:
Member Henry Bonifas
City Staff Present: Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple, Deputy City Clerk Megan
Wilbanks
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1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tree Committee was called to order
on August 28, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Lucas.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - JUNE 26, 2023 TREE COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Motion By Member Bate
Second By Member Canella
To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of June 26, 2023.
4. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
4.a 1815 MONTEREY STREET TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple presented the staff report and
responded to Commission inquiries.
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The Applicant's representative, Jennifer Alderman, provided a brief
overview of the project and responded to questions raised.
Chair Lucas opened Public Comment
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Lucas closed Public Comment
Motion By Vice Chair Parker
Second By Member Bate
Recommend the Community Development Director approve Tree
Removal Application #14008 to remove one (1) Incense Cedar
(Calocedrus decurrens) tree at 1815 Monterey Street, with a request that
the applicant select a replacement tree that will offer similar height to the
tree that is being removed, such as a Coast Live Oak.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Canella, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Parker, and Chair Lucas
Absent (1): Member Bonifas
CARRIED (5 to 0)
4.b 1414 SANTA ROSA STREET TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple presented the staff report and
responded to Commission inquiries.
The Applicant, Francisco Barroso, provided a brief overview of the project
and responded to questions raised.
Chair Lucas opened Public Comment
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Lucas closed Public Comment
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Motion By Member Canella
Second By Vice Chair Parker
Recommend the Community Development Director approve Tree
Removal Application #14072 to remove one (1) Black Wood Acacia
(Acacia melanoxylon) tree at 1414 Santa Rosa Street, with the following
recommendations:
Replace at a 1:1 ratio with a 24-inch box tree.
Select a replacement tree that will be similar in size (reach at least
20-feet in height) to the tree that is being removed, such as a Coast
Live Oak.
Placement of the new tree should occur on the front of the property
near the sidewalk or next to the ally, not in the back where it will
encroach on structures.
Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Canella, Member Rosten, Vice Chair
Parker, and Chair Lucas
Absent (1): Member Bonifas
CARRIED (5 to 0)
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a MITCHELL PARK HERITAGE ASH TREE LEVEL 3 RISK ASSESSMENT
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple provided an informational update
and reviewed the Level 3 Risk Assessment Report for a Heritage Ash tree
located in Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos Street.
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
By consensus, the Tree Committee provided the following recommendations
for staff to consider:
When staff post the pending removal notice onsite, consider adding
a QR Code to the notice that will link people directly to the Level 3
Risk Assessment, and increase the number of posted signs.
Select a replacement tree that is native to California, specifically a
southern California native species, with consideration for future
climate shifts.
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5.b ARBORIST REPORT
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple provided the following update of
upcoming projects and activities in the Tree Division:
On November 4, 2023, the Tree Division will host the annual Arbor
Day celebration at French Park, 1040 Fuller Road, San Luis
Obispo. Staff hope to plant 40 trees to represent the City's 40th
anniversary as a "Tree City USA" and are working with the Parks &
Recreation Volunteer Coordinator to organize volunteers for the
event.
Ongoing consulting with Davey Resource Group for
recommendations on Tree Division staffing levels.
Chair Lucas provided the following update:
While attending the Mayor's Quarterly Meeting with the Advisory
Body Chairs on August 24th, Chair Lucas talked to the Chair of the
Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) about an opportunity
to form a partnership to promote the Heritage Tree program. The
PCC manages contracts with local photographers and is currently
working on a project to develop neighborhood maps informing
tourists and community members about the unique history of the
area, and this would offer an opportunity to highlight information on
the City's Heritage trees.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tree
Committee is scheduled for September 25, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council
Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
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APPROVED BY TREE COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2023
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