HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a. 05-19-2025 TC Draft Minutes
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Tree Committee Minutes
May 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tree Committee
Members Present:
Member Charles Gerencser, Member Dan Shinn, Vice Chair
Emily Rosten, Chair Ben Parker
Tree Committee
Members Absent:
City Staff Present:
Member Henry Bonifas, Member Daniel Canella
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault,
Deputy City Clerk Kevin Christian
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Tree Committee was called to order on
May 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Parker.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
3. PRESENTATION
During the April 28, 2025 Tree Committee meeting, Urban Forest Program
Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault provided a presentation on the Brown Act
and Robert's Rules of Order. The item was included again as a follow-up to allow
for additional committee discussion. Seeing none, it was noted that non-present
members could view the April 28th presentation if needed.
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4. CONSENT
4.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - APRIL 28, 2025 TREE COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Motion By Member Gerencser
Second By Member Shinn
Approve the Tree Committee Minutes of April 28, 2025.
Ayes (4): Member Gerencser, Vice Chair Rosten, Member Shinn, and
Chair Parker
Absent (2): Member Bonifas, and Member Canella
CARRIED (4 to 0)
5. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
5.a REQUEST FOR THE REMOVAL OF 5 PALM TREES LOCATED AT 2777
FLORA ST (APPLICATION NO. TREE-0179-2025)
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault presented
the staff report and responded to Committee inquiries.
Brooke Latzke-Davis, applicant representative, provided an overview of
the purpose for the tree removals, the replacement plan, and provided
clarification comments in response to Committee questions.
Motion By Member Shinn
Second By Member Gerencser
Recommend that the Community Development Director approve the
proposed removals and compensatory plantings because they are
consistent with requirements in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code
Chapter 12.24 (Tree Regulations) based on the following criteria:
G(3) Species: Trees are non-native
G(4) Forestry Best Practice: Canopy cover is currently high onsite.
Replanting plan increases tree age-distribution in area
G(7) Heritage Trees: Trees have not been designated as heritage.
Ayes (4): Member Gerencser, Vice Chair Rosten, Member Shinn, and
Chair Parker
Absent (2): Member Bonifas, and Member Canella
CARRIED (4 to 0)
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6. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a ARBORIST REPORT
Urban Forest Program Coordinator / City Arborist Walter Gault provided an
update of upcoming projects and activities in the Tree Division.
- Santa Rosa Park is being considered as the tentative 2025 Arbor Day
location, and for "Keys for Trees" projects.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Tree
Committee is scheduled for June 23, 2025 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/202X
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