HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a. 09-25-2023 TC Draft Minutes
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Tree Committee Minutes
September 25, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tree Committee
Members Present:
Member Alan Bate, Member Henry Bonifas, Member Daniel
Canella, Member Emily Rosten, Vice Chair Ben Parker, Chair
Elizabeth Lucas
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 September 25, 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:
Fitz Kelly
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - AUGUST 28, 2023 TREE
COMMITTEE MINUTES
Motion By Member Bate
Second By Vice Chair Parker
To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of August 28, 2023.
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4. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
4.a 3765 HIGUERA STREET TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple presented the staff report and
responded to Committee inquiries.
The Applicant's representative, Steve Franzman, provided a brief overview
of the project and responded to questions raised.
Chair Lucas opened the Public Hearing
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Lucas closed the Public Hearing
Motion By Member Canella
Second By Vice Chair Parker
Recommend the Community Development Director app rove the Tree
Removal Application to remove one (1) Canary Island Pine tree located at
3765 Higuera Street, with the following recommendations:
Replacement shall occur at a 4:1 ratio with four (4) 15-gallon trees
planted on the site, preferably along the Higuera Street frontage.
Replacement trees should be a native variety; specifically, a
species other than Toyon, as currently proposed by the Applicant,
as that species does not thrive in San Luis Obispo's climate.
Planting shall adhere to the City's Engineering Standards 8220.
Ayes (6): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Canella, Member
Rosten, Vice Chair Parker, and Chair Lucas
CARRIED (6 to 0)
4.b 1250 PALM STREET TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple presented the staff report and
responded to Committee inquiries.
The Applicant, John Michael Dubin, provided a brief overview of the
project and responded to questions raised.
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Chair Lucas opened the Public Hearing
Public Comments:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Lucas closed the Public Hearing
Motion By Vice Chair Parker
Second By Member Rosten
Recommend the Community Development Director approve the Tree
Removal Application to remove one (1) Canary Island Date Palm tree
located at 1250 Palm Street, with the following recommen dations:
Replacement shall occur at a 4:1 ratio with three (3) 15-gallon trees
planted on the site, at the Applicant's discretion, and one (1) 24 -
inch box tree shall be planted as close to the sidewalk as possible
to provide shade for pedestrians.
Recommended replacing the tree with Coast Live Oaks and/or
Southern Magnolias.
Planting shall adhere to the City's Engineering Standards 8220.
The Applicant is encouraged to seek out parties that may be
interested in relocating the tree to a more appropriate site.
Ayes (6): Member Bate, Member Bonifas, Member Canella, Member
Rosten, Vice Chair Parker, and Chair Lucas
CARRIED (6 to 0)
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a ARBORIST REPORT
Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple provided an update of upcoming
projects and activities in the Tree Division:
As discussed during the August 28th meeting, the Heritage Ash
tree located at Mitchell Park is now posted for removal and the
Urban Forestry Division has started to receive feedback from the
community.
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City Council will present the Arbor Day Proclamation at their
upcoming meeting. Arbor Day celebration will take place on the first
Saturday in November (11/04/23) and staff will be giving away 200
1-gallon trees between at the Farmers Market event and at the
Arbor Day Celebration.
The Davey Resource Group assessment of the Urban Forestry
Division is complete, and staff are now working to review and edit
for accuracy. The final assessment will be presented the end of the
year.
Coming soon, the City will recruit for an Urban Forest
Coordinator/City Arborist and City Arborist. Check the City's Job
Opportunities webpage for more details.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tree
Committee is scheduled for October 23, 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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