HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-2024 TC Minutes
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Tree Committee Minutes
October 28, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tree Committee
Members Present:
Member Henry Bonifas, Member Daniel Canella, Member Brian
Pineda, Member Emily Rosten, Vice Chair Ben Parker, Chair
Elizabeth Lucas
Tree Committee
Members Absent:
Member Alan Bate
City Staff Present: Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault,
Principal Planner Rachel Cohen, 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 October 28, 2024 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 - AUGUST 26, 2024 TREE
COMMITTEE MINUTES
Motion By Vice Chair Parker
Second By Member Rosten
To approve the Tree Committee Minutes of August 26, 2024.
Ayes (6): Member Bonifas, Member Canella, Member Pineda, Member
Rosten, Vice Chair Parker, and Chair Lucas
Absent (1): Member Bate
CARRIED (6 to 0)
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4. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
4.a REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE TWO (2)
COAST LIVE OAK (QUERCUS AGRIFOLIA) TREES LOCATED AT 2675
JOHNSON AVE (TREE-0497-2024)
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault presented
the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries.
Applicant representative, Ron Combs, provided an overview of the Tree
Removal Application and responded to questions raised.
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
Motion By Member Canella
Second By Member Pineda
Recommend the Community Development Director approve removal of the 12-
inch DBH Oak tree and deny removal of the 18-inch DBH Oak tree, consistent
with Municipal Code Section 12.24.90.G (4, 5 and 6) (Forestry Best Practice,
Public Right-of-Way Obstruction or Displacement and additional
Compensatory Plantings). The Committee recommends the applicant reduce
the number of replacement trees from 13 to a range of 5-10, given constraints
of the site, and work with the City Arborist to select a more suitable species to
replant, preferably a native species from the City's Master Tree list.
Ayes (3): Member Bonifas, Member Canella, and Member Pineda
Noes (3): Member Rosten, Vice Chair Parker, and Chair Lucas
Absent (1): Member Bate
FAILED (3 to 3)
Motion By Vice Chair Parker
Second By Member Rosten
Recommend the Community Development Director approve removal of both
trees consistent with Municipal Code Section 12.24.90.G (4, 5 and 6)
(Forestry Best Practice, Public Right-of-Way Obstruction or Displacement and
additional Compensatory Plantings) and require the applicant to reduce the
number of replacement trees from 13 to a range of 7-10, given constraints of
the site. The Committee recommends the applicant consult with the City
Arborist to select a species that may be more appropriate for the site.
Ayes (5): Member Bonifas, Member Canella, Member Pineda, Member
Rosten, and Vice Chair Parker
Noes (1): Chair Lucas
Absent (1): Member Bate
CARRIED (5 to 1)
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5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a 2025-27 TREE COMMITTEE GOAL SETTING AND THE FINANCIAL
PLAN AND BUDGET PROCESS
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault and
Principal Planner Rachel Cohen discussed Tree Committee goals and
work programs for the 2025-27 Financial Plan and responded to
Committee inquiries.
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
ACTION: The Tree Committee provided the following initial feedback, but
continued development of the 2025-27 Tree Committee goals and work
programs to the next meeting, December 2, 2024:
1. Update the Tree Regulations in the Municipal Code based on
Ordinance review, Advisory Body Case Study Report, and recent
California State Laws.
o Consider requirements regarding completion of compensatory
replanting within a specific timeframe and appropriate
enforcement.
o Consider a section on removals requested due to ADA
compliance concerns and outline the Tree Committee's options
for approving or denying such requests.
o Consider requirements for development projects to consult with
the City Arborist before finalizing their plans and requesting
removal of trees.
2. Implement the Community Forest Plan.
o Request that staff provide a summary of the Community Forest
Plan at the next Tree Committee Meeting, December 2nd.
o Continue to invest in contacting tree trimming services along
public streets to maintain the vitality of the city's urban forest.
3. Advocate for tree planting in public spaces.
o Promote and enhance the Heritage Tree Program as a benefit
to the city's cultural vitality for both residents and visitors.
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o Invest in informational signage for trees that are located
downtown, heritage trees and other 'statement' trees in certain
neighborhoods.
5.b ARBORIST REPORT
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault provided
the following update of upcoming projects and activities in the Tree
Division:
• Arbor Day celebration will be held on Saturday, November 2nd from
10am - 2pm at Sinshiemer Park (meet at the Boulevard Del Campo
cul-de-sac). Staff anticipate planting 25-30 trees along the Safety
Trail and an additional 200 1-gallon trees, grown by Cal Poly, will
be given away to community members.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m. The Tree Committee will hold a Special
Meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing
Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. The Regular Meeting of
November 25, 2024 will be cancelled due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.
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APPROVED BY TREE COMMITTEE: 12/02/2024