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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-2015 TC Minutes1 MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Olson, Jane Worthy, Matt Ritter, Trey Duffy, Scott Loosley STAFF PRESENT: Ron Combs Mr. Ritter called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no comments at this time. MINUTES: Approval of Minutes of July 27, 2015 Mr. Duffy moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Ms. Worthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS 1. 1618 & 1626 Woodland; 1859 Wilding (Misc. eucalyptus) Bob Hill, City Natural Resource Manager, discussed the Bowden Ranch area history, the Open Space Element, and the conservation plan planned for the area. He discussed the fire prevention plan for the Reservoir Natural Reserve Canyon Conservation Plan, which included safety pruning and thinning/removals. He agreed limb droppage was an issue. He noted the younger oaks and Toyon were unable to thrive underneath the eucalyptus and that any phased replanting efforts should include those species, as well as Black Walnut. He stated that the trees proposed for removal in the applications were on city-owned property and that the adjacent property owners were initiating the removal requests. Minutes Tree Committee Corporation Yard Conference Room, 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo Monday, September 14, 2015 at 5:00 pm 2 He further stated that safety issues should be addressed first and then consider issues of erosion, seedling/sprouting, and re-forestation. John Conway, 1618 Woodland, discussed his property’s removal request and felt that all three removal criteria were being met in the application. He discussed recent limb damage to his roof tiles and was concerned with overall safety and fire issues. He agreed that once the eucalyptus trees were removed, the native species would thrive in the area. Jerry Schwoerer, 1626 Woodland, discussed his property’s removal request for the one tree in the creek bank. He was concerned about possible storm damage. He noted he had previously removed some eucalyptus and the native species were thriving. Kenneth Tway, 1859 Wilding, noted that no maintenance had been done in the entire grove, short of what neighbors had done themselves. He reported that he also had a large limb fall on his roof and that he had one dead tree hanging over his yard and another one leaning/hanging over his house. He was concerned about the negative aspects of the drought affecting trees’ health and stabilization. He felt succor stumps should be removed and a more formal maintenance plan should be implemented. Vicky Tway, 1850 Wilding, noted that it’s been five years since the CCC came through and did any clearing under the trees. Ron Rinnell, Bunyan Brothers, reported he had been working on the project with the applicants in terms of pruning. He felt the stressed trees posed a major danger, especially with El Nino predicted. Ms. Olson felt the removal requests were reasonable and favored approval. Ms. Worthy felt the city should have a phased removal plan for the entire area and spearhead the removals themselves, based on city resources and neighbor concerns. Mr. Duffy agreed that an overall assessed phased management plan should be implemented instead of a piece-meal approach and if removals were approved tonight, he’d be abstaining from the vote. Mr. Loosley favored a staff and agency collaborative strategy for removals, but did not favor removal trees in the creek bed. He agreed with the need for stump management. Mr. Ritter favored the proposed removal efforts and felt such would be ecologically valuable without straining the city’s resources. Mr. Loosely moved to approve all three removal requests, based on promoting good 3 arboricultural practice, and required 1:1 native species 5-gallon replacement plantings to be coordinated with City staff/agencies, executed in a phased strategy and planted throughout the three properties. Ms. Olson seconded the motion. The motion passed, with Mr. Duffy abstaining. 2. 750 Chorro, #16 (Ficus) Jim Mallon, president of the HOA for the apartment complex, discussed the removal request and cited sewer line issues, with roots punching and displacing the main line, essentially crushing it. He noted that relocating the line was not financially feasible and added that the sidewalk had already needed repair due to roots. Mr. Combs noted they were large, healthy trees that had caused some sidewalk displacement. Sydney Hall, 750 Chorro #1, strongly objected to the removal and noted that other residents had also expressed their objections. She went into great detail about the value of the trees to the area in terms of aesthetics and shade and she doubted that the roots were the issue, suggesting the sewer line was faulty and that a new one should be put in that would accommodate keeping the trees. She noted it was very frustrating that as renters, she and her neighbors had little say in the matter but would be greatly affected by the trees’ removals. Mr. Ritter discussed the need to have communications of HOA actions submitted for review. He also noted that root pruning could be a mitigative option. Mr. Loosley felt removal would harm the character of the neighborhood and urged the HOA to re-route the sewer line. Ms. Olson agreed with Mr. Loosley. Mr. Combs discussed the “pipe bursting” method for sewer line replacement and re-routing. Mr. Loosley moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make any of the findings necessary for approval. Ms. Worthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4 3. 779 Murray (Pittosporum) The applicant discussed the removal request, citing damage to the sidewalk and his retaining wall and was also concerned about possible damage to the foundation. He wanted to replace the tree with a patio variety. Mr. Combos reported that the tree was healthy and under the diameter that required a permit, so no action was needed. He added that he did not think the foundation was at risk. Mr. Ritter stated that the tree was not an invasive species. Mr. Duffy felt removal would have a negative impact on the neighborhood. 4. 1046 Yarrow (Alder) The applicant discussed the removal request, stating that the tree had become too large for the area and that the roots were starting the choke out the drain line and sprinkler, as well as damaging the sidewalks and patio. She stated the waterline was under the tree and noted that the oily residue affects the yard and vehicles and that the front yard was unusable especially due to the large volume of bees and wasps that were attracted to it. She reported that the tree took all the water from the front area and that she wanted to re-landscape with drought-tolerant plantings. She stated that the HOA had approved the removal and requested that a 36” box Jacaranda be planted as replacement. Jim Parker, 1046 yarrow, reiterated that due to the sap, debris and bees, the front yard was unusable. He discussed previous fallen limbs and felt the tree had gotten too large for the area and was now in the wrong place. He affirmed that they were committed to re-landscaping and putting in a better tree for the property. Mr. Combs felt the tree was fairly healthy but was drought-stressed and agreed that the species liked a lot of water. He noted some hardscape displacement. Mr. Loosley felt the tree was an asset to the yard, though the density of it was declining due to fungal issues. Mr. Duffy agreed removal would be detrimental, but if the tree were truly failing, he would favor removal. Ms. Olson agreed with the applicant’s concern for the tree’s need for water. Mr. Ritter said that he appreciated the applicant’s commitment to improving the property and favored allowing for removal. 5 Mr. Duffy moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required replacement planting as outlined by the HOA. Ms. Olson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5. 918 Vallecito (Pine) The applicant discussed the removal request, stating that the tree was leaning and had damaged some of the sidewalk. He also noted that the shedding of needles and large cones consistently clogged storm drains. He was concerned about the tree falling, especially with predicted storms. He noted the roots had ripped up irrigation lines and created a huge sinkhole that was now causing the significant lean. He noted he could not park under it and that he wanted to replace it with artificial turf. He stated that the neighbors favored the removal. Mr. Combs stated it was a healthy theme tree and that leaning did not necessarily mean it was unsafe, but agreed the tree was probably moving. Mr. Ritter moved to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and required a 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted by December 31, 2015. Mr. Loosley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 6. 38 Las Praderas Dr. (Magnolia) There was no one present to speak to the item. 7. 1120 Marsh (2 eucalyptus) Rob Rossi, property owner, discussed the removal request that had been prompted by his tenants’ concern for safety and liability and noted there had been previous limbs falling and creating minor parking lot damage. He discussed the potential future development that could occur on the site, but noted that no application had been submitted yet; he felt requiring a replacement tree would be pointless because some form of development would be happening on site. He felt the trees were stressed and probably at the end of their lives. Mr. Combs stated they were relatively healthy. Ms. Worthy was concerned that removal would harm the character of the neighborhood. 6 Mr. Ritter felt good pruning would mitigate danger and safety concerns. Mr. Ritter moved to deny the removal request, as he could not make the findings necessary for approval. Mr. Loosley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Ritter requested that due to his class teaching schedule, the next few upcoming meetings be changed to a Tuesday rotation, instead of Mondays. The Committee discussed the request and agreed that the next meeting date would be Tuesday, October 27, the November meeting would be cancelled, and the December meeting would be held Tuesday, December 8, 2015. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Combs discussed the proposed Lunch and Learn program and told the Committee he’d send more information as available. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs noted that Cal Poly had been awarded the Tree Campus USA Designation. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. to next regular meeting scheduled for Monday September 28, 2015 and the October meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. (note special date) Respectfully submitted, Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary