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Home My WebLink About8-28-2017 TC Minutes Minutes TREE COMMITTEE Monday, August 28, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee Commission CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee was called to order on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 5:03 p.m. in the Corporation Yard Conference Room, located at 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Scott Loosley. ROLL CALL Present: Sean O’Brien, Ben Parker, Angela Soll, Jane Worthy, Chair Scott Loosley Absent: Alan Bate, Rodney Thurman Staff: Ron Combs, City Arborist and Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Will Powers, resident, described what he felt to be a deterioration of scrutiny and oversight for the downtown trees, specifically referring to the Toro/Monterey development and stating he did not agree with the recent tree removal approval. He felt developers were getting too much accommodation in the removal approvals. Cheryl McLean, resident, agreed with Dr. Powers that too many mature trees are being removed, offering 71 Palomar as an example, stating that mature trees are habitats and asset/improvements to the city. She encouraged the Committee to protect trees. CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES 1. Consideration of July 24, 2017 Minutes Mr. O’Brien corrected that he did abstain from voting on the 1185 Monterey item and that he did not have a conflict of interest on the 4325 S. Higuera item. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WORTHY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER O’BRIEN, to approve the July 24, 2017 minutes of the Tree Committee as amended. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 2 AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN PUBLIC HEARINGS BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Tree Removal Applications - 4325 S. Higuera (23 eucalyptus) John Shoals, PG&E representative, discussed returning to the Committee with the removal request and stated he was working with the city on a comprehensive draining issue created due to root balls and flowlines. He discussed the removal plan for trees and overgrowth and stated the site needed to be re-graded for a long-term solution. He reiterated that the adjoining property is very impacted by the drainage problems and that removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood. He also reported he had explored other options but none were long-term solutions. He discussed the replanting plan option of planting trees offsite and confirmed PG&E would also pay the planting costs. He noted the street trees would still remain. Olivia Montalvo, landscape representative, reiterated that the request came about because the neighbor lost customers due to the drainage issues. Mr. Combs reported he could not make the necessary findings for removal approval. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Will Powers did not agree with the way the removal allowance criteria were interpreted. Vice Chair Parker stated he felt the proposal to mitigate drainage issues and planting trees offsite was acceptable. Mr. O’Brien, Ms. Worthy and Ms. Soll discussed possible remediation for cleaning the drainage ditch and limiting tree removals. Chair Loosley did not think the channel could be re-graded and discussed removal and creating a bio-swale. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, to direct staff to review the drainage bio-swale concept with the intention to retain as many trees as possible and allowing the removal of trees staff deemed necessary, based on undue hardship, with a 3:1 replacement ratio of 15-gallon trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted offsite at applicant’s cost within 45 days of tree removals. Motion failed 2-3-2 on the following roll call vote: Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 3 AYES: LOOSLEY, PARKER NOES: O’BRIEN, SOLL, WORTHY ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN The Committee agreed to continue to item to allow a staff assessment to identify which trees need to be removed and outlining the bio-swale configuration. They directed the applicant to get the civil drawings assessed by staff who would bring the information back to Committee. - 1137 Garden (Carrotwood) Matt Horn, City representative, discussed the application and the permit process, project review, and development overview. He stated that project would be majorly affected if the trees were to remain. Stacy Morgan, Wallace Group, discussed the city’s desire to have Garden St. be highly walkable. She reported the trees’ mature surface roots uplifting the sidewalk, which increased trip/fall claims and liability. She stated ramping around the trees was only a short-term solution Grading issues and root pruning would impact stability and ADA requirements may not be met. She noted that the trees were not the best species for the area and discussed a replanting plan. Mr. Combs stated he could not make his necessary findings to allow removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. David Brodie, Chorro Street, states trees were essential to the city and a re-evaluation of removals and replacements should be done with the goal of protecting animal and insect life. He discussed climate change vs. removals and quoted writing by Vanessa Berlowitz. David Gurney, Buchon Street, did not think sidewalk lifting was a good enough reason for removal. Clyde Specter, Nipomo Street, did not feel mature trees should be removed and that they help create the uniqueness of the city. Cliff Manzie agreed with the previous public comments about retaining trees. Hamish Marshall, project developer, stated he did not need to take out all of the trees, but development and ADA requirements had to be balanced with clear compromises. Luciano Alocando, Garden Street, stated he had witnessed many trip hazards and agreed the lifting was dangerous and that the tree should be removed. Ms. McLean strongly believed the trees should remain. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 4 Landy Fike, resident, clarified that the proposed replacement trees would be 36” box specimens and stated she favored removal with replacement. Dr. Powers did not feel the Marsh Street lane should be blocked around the clock and did not favor the building being right on the street. He felt the tree stability and trip/fall hazards were being presented in an exaggerated manner and that the replacement trees were not an adequate trade-off for the mature trees lost. Stan Carpenter, Garden Street, agreed with trip/fall and mobility issues. He agreed with the removal and replacement plans presented and felt the Garden Street makeover was a good idea. Camille Small, resident, encouraged the item be continued so data could be gathered about sidewalk issues, species chosen, and the precedent of removals vs. development. She felt the project dealings had inconsistencies. Dan Carpenter, Garden Street, stated the trip/fall claims were real and he supported the improvements the developer proposed. He felt replacement plantings would yield long-term sustainability. Harry Buslin, resident, agreed with the previous comments. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. Chair Loosley noted letters favoring retaining the trees and preserving the downtown canopy were received from Allen Cooper, Sandra Lakeman, and Robert Sacks. Ron Faria, City Public Works inspector, discussed general ADA issues, requirements and specific anticipated problems with ramping. Vice Chair Parker stated he was reluctant to remove large, mature trees but felt it was sometimes necessary for long-term solutions. He believed tree replacement with engineered soils and appropriate species and spacing would mitigate engineering issues. Mr. O’Brien felt efforts would be minimal in order to mitigate development concerns; he favored keeping the trees. Chair Loosley discussed competing City vs. Federal ADA requirements and that such requirements were the driving force for this tree’s removal discussion. He stated root pruning would harm the future health of the tree and that every tree cannot be preserved. He also commented that until sidewalk excavation begins, it can’t be actually known what issues will be uncovered. He also stated that he preferred the developer pay for street improvements and that it should not fall to the City. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, to approve the removal request based on promoting good arboricultural practice contingent upon staff determining that the tree cannot be retained; such removal to be replaced with a 36’ box jacaranda with a 3” caliper and structural soils incorporated into the sidewalk base installation. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 5 AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN - 1114 GARDEN (Carrotwood) Mr. Faria discussed the removal request and stated the tree was in poor healthy and that a replacement tree could be better positioned on site. Mr. Combs discussed the tree’s sunburn and dieback and agreed it was in poor health. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Brodie reiterated problems with climate change, noting that tree plantings required rain to thrive and the drought would most likely continue. He felt developers should take climate change issues into account when designing projects. Stan Carpenter noted the tree presented security issues for nearby rooftops. Dr. Powers did not feel that attention to ADA requirements was consistent throughout the city. Mr. Buslin felt reasonable tree diameters need to be addressed when replacement trees are considered. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the item. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, to approve the removal request based on promoting good arboricultural practice with replacement of a 36’ box jacaranda 3” caliper and structural soils incorporated the sidewalk base installation. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN - 1129 GARDEN (4 trees) Ms. Morgan discussed similarities to the removal request at 1137 Garden, noting extreme sidewalk uplift, drainage issues and continual repairs needed. She stated the removal of the Ficus was key to flood prevention and that it would be difficult to determine viability of retaining the tree until excavation work started. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 6 Mr. Combs discussed the trees: he stated Ficus trees can withstand a lot of root pruning, but there were significant root pruning and decay issues with Tree #3 and that #1 & #2 were not as bad. Jeff McKeegan, Garden Street, supported the urban forest in town but reported that Tree #2 and #3 were causing major building damage and felt carrotwoods were not proper street trees. He stated that even with constant sweeping, seed pods and roots caused trip hazards and debris was damaging the flat roof and causing significant chronic leaks that were expensive to repair. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers urged any removal review be done so with the aforementioned “contingency approach.” Mr. Gurney and Ms. Fike stated they wanted the Ficus to be retained. Stan Carpenter was concerned that the tree at 1129 Garden was bifurcated with splitting issues and that it should be removed. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the item in detail. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER PARKER, to approve the removal request of Trees #1-3, based on promoting good arboricultural practice contingent upon staff determining that the trees cannot be retained; such removal to be replaced with three 36’ box jacaranda 3” caliper and structural soils incorporated into the installation. The removal request for Tree #4 was denied, as no necessary findings for removal could be made. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN - 205 Sandercock (Walnut) Annie Laurie, applicant, discussed the removal request, stating the tree was encroaching on the sidewalk and was too large for the spot. Carl Stephenson, applicant, discussed the volunteer tree roots being very invasive. Mr. Combs reported the tree was healthy and agreed it was causing hardscape displacement, but he could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 7 Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers agreed with removal and replacement. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the item, agreeing it was the wrong tree in the wrong location. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER O’BRIEN, to allow 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 5-0- 2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN - 2040 Wilding (2 eucalyptus) Cyrus Beem, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request and the maintenance problems with concern for the safety and failing health of the trees. He felt nearby oaks would thrive if the trees were to be removed. He noted the site was heavily planted. Mr. Combs stated he could not make the necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers agreed the trees should be removed and replaced. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the item and noted that they had received a letter from Liz Jacobsen in favor of retaining the trees. The Committee agreed that the 21” diameter tree had significant decay and could be removed, but could not make necessary findings to allow for removal of the 32” diameter tree. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, to allow the removal request for 21” tree 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. Removal of the 32” tree was denied, as the required findings for removal could not be met. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 8 - 976 Osos (Melaleuca) Geoffrey Straw, RTA director, discussed the removal request and the bus off-loading issues in pedestrian high traffic areas, as well as outlining the future re-design of the corner Transit Center. Mr. Combs stated he could not make his necessary findings for removal. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers agreed with removal and replacement. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the removal request. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER O’BRIEN, to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring one 36” box tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN - 2156 Sierra (Ash) J.R. Beard, SLO Co. representative, discussed the removal request, citing significant disease and insect infestations. Mr. Combs reported the tree was at the end of its lifespan. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers agreed with removal and replacement. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the removal request and agreed it was in failing health. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER O’BRIEN, to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring one 15-gallon tree to be chosen Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 9 from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN - 1950 San Luis Drive (2 olives) Bonnie Garritano, applicant, discussed the removal request and stated that despite extensive past efforts to nurture and save the trees at great expense, the trees remained diseased and dying. Mr. Combs reported the trees were still viable, but were severely in decline. Public Comments: Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Dr. Powers agreed with removal and replacement. Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. The Committee discussed the removal request and agreed it was in failing health. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIR PARKER, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring two 15-gallon trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removals. Motion passed 5- 0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, O’BRIEN, PARKER, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: BATE, THURMAN HERITAGE TREE APPLICATION – 1568/1582 Higuera Due to the lateness of the hour, the applicant was unable to finish the meeting and requested continuing his application to another meeting. OLD BUSINESS The on-going discussion regarding the Master Street Tree list revisions was continued to the next meeting, due to the lateness of the hour. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 28, 2017 Page 10 ARBORIST REPORT Mr. Combs reported that the city received an award from the California Urban Forest Council for “Exceptional Urban Forest Programs,” specifically for Arbor Day Events, the Downtown Foresters, Closed Loop Green Waste Recycling Program, the Commemorative Grove, establishing a Tree Committee and ordinance of Tree Regulations, and maintaining a highly- qualified staff. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Tree Committee is scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2017 at 5:00 p.m., at the Corporation Yard, 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California. APPROVED BY THE TREE COMMITTEE ON 09/25/2017