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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a. 02-12-2024 TC Draft Minutes - Special Meeting 1 Tree Committee Minutes February 12, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo Tree Committee Members Present: Member Alan Bate, Member Daniel Canella, Member Brian Pineda, Vice Chair Ben Parker, Chair Elizabeth Lucas Tree Committee Members Absent: Member Henry Bonifas, Member Emily Rosten City Staff Present: Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple, Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens, Deputy City Clerk Megan Wilbanks _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tree Committee was called to order on February 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Lucas. Chair Lucas welcomed the Tree Committee’s new member, Brian Pineda. Member Pineda has served on the Architectural Review Commission since 2021 and recently volunteered to join the Tree Committee to fulfill the Bylaws requirement. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- 3. CONSENT 3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - JANUARY 22, 2024 TREE COMMITTEE MINUTES Motion By Member Bate Second By Vice Chair Parker To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of January 22, 2024. Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Canella, Member Pineda, Vice Chair Parker, and Chair Lucas Absent (2): Member Bonifas, and Member Rosten CARRIED (5 to 0) Page 5 of 18 2 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.a ISSUE WRITTEN DECISION ON 163 SERRANO HEIGHTS DRIVE ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens presented a written decision detailing the Tree Committee's January 22, 2024 decision to uphold an Administrative Citation issued to John Rourke for improper pruning of three (3) Coastal Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees located at 163 Serrano Heights Drive. Member Canella, who was absent for the January 22, 2024 meeting, attested that he reviewed the video recording of the January 22, 2024 meeting, the appeal documents, and the draft decision. Member Pineda, who was not yet a member of the Tree Committee at the time of the January 22, 2024 meeting, stated on the record that he did not review the entirety of the video recording and would not be voting on the written decision. Chair Lucas opened Public Comment Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Chair Lucas closed Public Comment Motion By Member Canella Second By Chair Lucas The Tree Committee reviewed and approved a written decision, prepared by Deputy City Attorney Sadie Symens, to formally issue their decision made on January 22, 2024, pursuant to San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 1.24.130, regarding an Administrative Citation for improper pruning of three (3) Coastal Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees located at 163 Serrano Heights Drive. Ayes (4): Member Bate, Member Canella, Vice Chair Parker, and Chair Lucas Abstained (1): Member Pineda Absent (2): Member Bonifas, and Member Rosten CARRIED (4 to 0) Page 6 of 18 3 5. TREE REMOVAL APPEALS 5.a 1120 MARSH STREET TREE REMOVAL APPEAL City Arborist Anthony Whipple presented the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries. The Appellant, Bert Forbes, provided an overview of the Tree Removal Appeal and responded to questions raised. Chair Lucas opened Public Comment Public Comment: None --End of Public Comment-- Chair Lucas closed Public Comment Motion By Vice Chair Parker Second By Member Canella The Tree Committee denied the appeal and upheld the City Arborist's decision to allow removal of one (1) Indian Laurel Fig (Ficus macrocarpa) tree located at 1120 Marsh Street, with the following recommendation:  The Appellant expressed an interest in contributing additional funds to purchase a tree that exceeds the City's standard replanting requirements. Staff is encouraged to collaborate with the Appellant to draft a funding agreement and select a tree variety and box size, minimum 36-inch box, that will maximize the space available at the site. Ayes (5): Member Bate, Member Canella, Member Pineda, Vice Chair Parker, and Chair Lucas Absent (2): Member Bonifas, and Member Rosten CARRIED (5 to 0) 6. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION 6.a ARBORIST REPORT Acting City Arborist Anthony Whipple provided an update of upcoming projects and activities in the Tree Division:  Staff are currently reviewing a Tree Removal Application to remove eucalyptus trees at the San Luis Ranch development. Page 7 of 18 4  The City has hired a new City Arborist, who will be introduced at the March 25th Tree Committee Meeting. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. The Regular Meeting on February 26, 2024 will be cancelled. _________________________ APPROVED BY TREE COMMITTEE: XX/XX/2024 Page 8 of 18