Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-27-2017 TC MinutesMinutes Tree Committee City Corporation Yard - 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Monday, February 27, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee Commission CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee was called to order on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 5:02 p.m. in the Corporation Yard Conference Room, located at 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Matt Ritter. ROLL CALL Present: Alan Bate, Scott Loosley, Angela Soll, Rodney Thurman Vice Chair Ben Parker, Jane Worthy, Chair Matt Ritter Absent: None Staff: Ron Combs, City Arborist and Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA John Hanlon, 814 West, stated that trees were being removed in his neighborhood without replacement plantings. He supported allocating resources to reinforce the replacement planting program. Will Powers, 2466 Augusta, noted that trees were being cut without honoring the 10-day appeal period and sometimes, without Tree Committee approval. He felt penalties should be stronger. CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES 1. Consideration of January 23, 2017 Minutes ACTION: MOTION BY VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THURMAN, to approve the January 23, 2017 minutes of the Tree Committee as submitted. Motion passed 7-0-on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE 2 Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of February 27, 2017 PUBLIC HEARINGS BUSINESS ITEM 2. Tree Removal Applications - 423 Branch (Mexican fan palm) Michael Tutt, applicant’s representative, discussed the application and prior maintenance. He stated base of the tree was shrinking and that the neighbors had strong concerns about the tree falling on their property. He did not think removal would harm the character of the neighborhood and environment. Mr. Combs stated it was a large healthy tree and that while the diameter is diminishing, it is not destabilizing. He could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers was in favor of the removal. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. Chair Ritter noted this type of tree did not fail or fall and was one of the safest species in that regard. The Committee agreed removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to approve the removal request based on doing so would not harm the character of the neighborhood and required replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 7-0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE - 1463 Smith (Jacaranda) The applicant discussed the removal request, noting roots were uplifting sidewalks and creating sewer issues. Mr. Combs reported that the theme tree was in fair condition. He could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: 3 Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of February 27, 2017 Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt the tree should not be removed. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. The majority of the Committee agreed there were hardscape issues and that any replacement tree should not be planted in the small parkway. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to approve the removal request based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 5-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, THURMAN, NOES: SOLL, WORTHY - 1248 Vista del Lago (2 liquid ambar) The HOA applicant discussed the removal request, noting root issues and constant sidewalk repairs. She stated a concern of damage to the house foundation and felt the removal met all of the necessary findings. Mr. Combs reported that he could not make the necessary findings for removal of the large, healthy trees. Chris Martin, Greenvale, agreed the trees were causing problems with invasive roots that were too close to the utilities. Andy Topper, HOA board member, noted that there were 120 trees in their purview and that staggered removal would be prudent in general. Public Comments: Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt the trees should be maintained instead of removed. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. Sharon Seymore, HOA resident, noted all the trees had been regularly trimmed for the past 35 years. Chair Ritter noted that HOA minutes approving the removals had been submitted. The Committee discussed the application. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR RITTER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER LOOSLEY, to approve the removal request based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required replacement planting two 24” box trees to be 4 Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of February 27, 2017 chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removals. Motion passed 7-0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE - 284 Cerro Romauldo (5 trees) The applicant discussed the removal request and noted backyard trees were really a hedgerow that was overgrown and affecting hardscape and foundation; asked that the front yard tree be removed from the removal request, as it could be maintained. Mr. Combs reported that the trees were healthy and he could not make the necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers favored removal. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the application. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR RITTER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, to approve the removal request based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required replacement planting two 24” box trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removals. Motion passed 7-0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE - 1520 Diablo (Canary Island) The applicant discussed the removal request, noting large limbs had broken in the wind. Rob Schreiber, applicant’s representative, discussed the whirled leaders at the top of the tree and felt it was a hazardous tree in the wrong spot. Marc Brazil, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request and the safety concerns, as well as the remodel plans, landscaping and pool installation. Mr. Combs reported that the multi-leader tree was healthy and he could not make the necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: 5 Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of February 27, 2017 Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers noted the tree was not marked properly. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. Ms. Worthy stated she could not determine which tree needed review and would be abstaining. The Committee discussed the application and agreed the lean and the limbs were concerning. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR PARKER, to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 6-0-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: WORTHY - 398 Tolosa (Sequoia) The applicant discussed the removal request and noted tree was too large for the space and was causing sewer, driveway and foundation issues. He stated the top was split and he was very concerned with the hazard of limb failure. Mr. Combs reported that the tree was healthy and was uplifting the sidewalk. He could not make the necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Jim Keese, next door neighbor, felt the massive tree was out of character for the neighborhood and was concerned about it falling. He stated large roots were heading toward his slab and submitted pictures of the root section at his house. Mike Higgins, 389 Santa Lucia, felt the beautiful tree should not be removed because of problems that might happen in the future and suggested mitigations be taken and evidence of damage be presented. He suggested it was a Heritage tree candidate. Mr. Powers felt the tree overwhelmed the property, did not fit in the area, and stated he favored removal. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. Chair Ritter stated that a structural engineering report would have been very helpful in this application. 6 Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of February 27, 2017 Ms. Worthy noted the neighbor on the other side of the property submitted a letter favoring retaining the tree. The Committee discussed the application of the landmark tree, agreed that maintenance might mitigate the issues and that without a structural engineering report that confirmed damage issues, findings could not be made at this time. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR RITTER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to deny the removal request, as necessary findings could not be made. Motion passed 7-0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE - 2263 Flora & 2275 Flora (2 liquid ambar) Joanne Wheatley, 2263 Flora, discussed the removal request, citing root damage to the driveway and sidewalk and debris trip hazards for pedestrians. She noted 50% of the houses on the street had no trees and that most of the area trees were on these two properties. She stated both property owners wanted to replace the trees with four crepe myrtles. Chair Ritter discussed a neighborhood planting program for the area and possible partnership with the city. Mr. Combs reported that the trees were healthy and causing some sidewalk damage. He could not make the necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers favored the planting plan suggestion. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the application. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER LOO SLEY, to approve the removal request based on promoting good arboricultural practice and required replacement planting of four 15- gallon crepe myrtle trees to be planted within 45 days of tree removals. Motion passed 7-0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE - 1945 San Luis Drive (Live oak) 7 Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of February 27, 2017 The applicant discussed the removal request, stating a neighborhood shared concern about the tree falling and noting that limbs had fallen in the past, and chronicling the decline of the tree over the past six years since bringing the tree to the committee for removal at that time. Mr. Combs agreed the tree was in decline and could be removed. Public Comments: Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers favored removal. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. The Committee agreed the tree was declining and that the applicant had done all they could to salvage the tree. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE CHAIR RITTER, to approve the removal request based on promoting good arboricultural practice and undue hardship on the property owner and required replacement planting of one 15-gallon tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 7-0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE - 701 Highland (3 eucalyptus) Mike Maguire, city representative, discussed the monument project and stated that the tree root system would impede future sidewalk and retaining wall installation and that the integrity of the tree could not be maintained moving forward. He noted there would be 19 trees planted as part of the project. Mr. Combs reported that the trees were healthy but agreed improvements can’t be made without damaging the stability of the trees. Public Comments: Chair Ritter opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers favored removal. Chair Ritter closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the application. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR RITTER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, to approve the removal request based on promoting good 8 Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of February 27, 2017 arboricultural practice and required replacement planting per the proposed plan. Motion passed 6-0-1 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, PARKER, RITTER, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: BATE NEW BUSINESS Chair Ritter moved to elect Scott Loosley as Chair of the Tree Committee and retaining Ben Parker as Vice Chair. Ms. Soll seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Combs reminded members to submit further comments regarding the Master Street Tree list revisions to staff. ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs discussed 2466 Augusta, noting that work at the site included one illegal tree removal and that two trees were removed before the 10-day waiting period had passed. Subsequently, the city levied fines against both the contractor and the property owner. There was an appeal filed with Council to protest the fines and to ask Council to allow removal one of the trees that the Tree Committee had denied. The Committee agreed to be in attendance at the Council meeting, schedules permitting. COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS There was general discussion about how the Rincon report pertaining to 71 Palomar failed to come back to the Committee for review prior to the ARC meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Tree Committee is scheduled for Monday, March 27 at 5:00 p.m., at the Corporation Yard, 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California. APPROVED BY THE TREE COMMITTEE ON 03/27/2017