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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2016 TC Minutes 1 Minutes TREE COMMITTEE Monday, August 22, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee Commission CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Tree Committee was called to order on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the Corporation Yard Conference Room, located at 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California, by Acting Chair Scott Loosley. ROLL CALL Present: Alan Bate, Scott Loosley, Angela Soll, Rodney Thurman, Jane Worthy Absent: Vice Chair Ben Parker, Chair Matt Ritter Staff: Ron Combs, City Arborist and Lisa Woske, Recording Secretary PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Will Powers, Islay Street, determined the status of the final sign-off at 1414 Santa Rosa. He also suggested that there be slides shown of all of the trees pertaining to the agenda at the meeting so audience can see the trees being discussed. CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES ACTION: MOTION BY ANGELA SOLL, SECOND BY JANE WORTHY, CARRIED 5-0 to approve the consent Calendar Item 1. 1. Consideration of Minutes CARRIED 5-0 to approve the minutes of the Tree Committee for the meeting of Monday, July 25, 2016. PUBLIC HEARINGS BUSINESS ITEM 2. Tree Removal Applications - 1369 Cavalier There was no applicant or representative to speak to this item. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 2 - 1700 Quail (Red oak) David Quilici discussed the removal request plans to re-landscape. He noted that six large oaks would remain on site. City Arborist Ron Combs reported that the medium-sized tree had some insect damage, but he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. There was general Committee discussion, largely in favor of retaining the tree. Committee Member Thurman felt the tree was in failing health and favored removal. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt the tree was too healthy to remove. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WORTHY, to deny the removal request, as no findings could be made to allow for removal. Motion passed 4-1-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSLEY, SOLL, WORTHY NOES: THURMAN ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 745 Murray (Jacaranda and ash) John Bellisario, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request and distributed details on landscape plans that included seven replacement trees. Mr. Combs stated the trees were healthy and he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. There was general Committee discussion. Public Comments: There were no public comments ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THURMAN, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to approve the removal request, based on doing so Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 3 would not harm the character of the neighborhood or environment, and requiring two 15-gallon replacement 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: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 1010 Murray There was no applicant or representative to speak to this item. - 4360 Larkspur (Chinese elm) Kiley MacLeod discussed the removal request and stated she could obtain medical documentation regarding family allergies to the species and that she could also get HOA approval for removal documented. Mr. Combs stated the heavy-limbed tree was healthy and he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Ron Rinnell, Bunyan Brothers, noted that most of the original Chinese elms had already been removed due to previous limb failures. Committee Members Loosley, Thurman and Worthy felt the tree could be structurally pruned to mitigate issues. Committee Members Bate and Soll favored removal due to undue hardship and hazard potential. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt the tree was too healthy to remove and could be better maintained. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WORTHY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THURMAN, to deny the removal request, as no findings could be made to allow for removal. Motion passed 3-2-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSLEY, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: BATE, SOLL ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 4 - Los Verdes Park II (6 Mayten) Jacqueline Whitesides, HOA representative, discussed the removal request regarding the non-thriving trees. Mr. Combs stated he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt the trees had been poorly maintained and favored pruning and retaining them. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY ACTING CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring 10 15-gallon replacement trees to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removals. The motion is contingent on HOA approval documentation being submitted. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 1248 San Carlos (Brazilian pepper) Patience Simpson discussed the removal request and felt previous construction had negatively impacted the root system. She also discussed desire for drought-tolerant landscaping. Mr. Combs reported that the large tree had been heavily pruned for utilities and presented other issues, but he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Mr. Bate was abstaining from discussion, as he performs work at the property. Ms. Worthy reported she was unable to see the tree. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt the problem tree overwhelmed the property and favored removal. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 5 Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THURMAN, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring one 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removal. Motion passed 3-0-2-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: BATE, WORTHY ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 1879 Pinecove (Date palm) Ronald Sutton discussed the removal request and the financial hardship of quarterly maintenance. He also noted some sidewalk damage and reported that a relocation company was interested in buying the palm, transporting it, and fixing the sidewalk. Mr. Combs reported that there was some sidewalk displacement, but he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers favored removal noting fronds were harmful to the environment. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY ACTING CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship to the property owner, and requiring one 15-gallon replacement 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: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 113 Del Sur Way (2 pines) Dale Tarlton, applicant’s representative, discussed the removal request and remodeling plans; the construction will impact the root zone of one of the trees. He noted there had been sewer lateral failure and that the City wants a sidewalk installed with the Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 6 development and the other tree will impede that process. He offered a 2:1 replacement planting, using 24” box trees. Mr. Combs reported that the trees were relative healthy and the sidewalk process could be deferred if the trees were retained; he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Bob Mourenza, resident, stated the posting was not clear at the site and felt the application consideration needed to be continued to allow for informed review by the neighbors. He also was representing Gary and Pat Sigler, who were out of town but very concerned about the tree removals and believed they might share ownership of the tree close to their property line. Lydia Mourenza, resident, reiterated her husband’s comments and stated that the trees had not been marked and the application online was virtually impossible to read. Kit Gould, resident, represented eight neighbors who shared the Mourenzas’ concerns and felt the trees enhanced the neighborhood. Mr. Powers felt the trees were significant and development should be worked around them. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. There was Committee discussion on the ownership/property line questions raised. Mr. Tarlton felt the plans clearly indicated the tree belonged the 113 Del Sur. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to continue the item to allow time for re-posting of the trees, submittal of a clear application forms, and determination of tree ownership and property line issues. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 4415 Wavertree (2 redwoods) Paul Hodgson discussed the removal request, reported that the neighbors favored removal as roots were intruding on their property, and noted that two other redwoods would remain on site. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 7 Mr. Combs reported that there was significant root displacement, but he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Due to dogs in the backyard, several Committee members were unable to view the tree but did see evidence of major root damage. Ms. Worthy stated since she was unable to see the tree, she would be abstaining from voting. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers favored removal. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, to approve the removal request, based on undue hardship to the property owner and removal would not harm the character of the neighborhood or environment, and requiring two 15-gallon replacement tree to be chosen from the Master Street Tree list and planted within 45 days of tree removals. Motion passed 4-0-1-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: WORTHY ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 2466 Augusta (6 trees) Mark Brazil, application’s representative, discussed the removal request and remodeling plans and landscape improvements, as well as the proposed installation of a pool. He offered large species replacement plantings at a 3:1 ratio. Mr. Combs reported he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt trees had been poorly maintained and favored pruning and retaining them. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 8 The Committee discussed the health aspects and issues of each tree and the concepts for the development and landscaping plans. ACTION: MOTION BY ACTING CHAIR LOOSLEY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER BATE, to continue the item pending submission of approved landscape and development plans. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 1217 Nipomo (Aptos) There was Committee discussion regarding the incomplete application and confusion as to the status and ownership of the tree. Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers felt original construction was built too close to the tree. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER WORTHY, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, to continue the item to allow for a complete application process and determine ownership of the tree. Motion passed 5-0-2 on the following roll call vote: AYES: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER - 990 Valecito (Canary Island pine) John Hausman discussed the removal request and the intention to install drought- tolerant landscape. Mr. Combs reported the large healthy tree caused some minor hardscape damage, but he could not make his necessary findings to allow for removal. Minutes – Tree Committee Meeting of August 22, 2016 Page 9 Public Comments: Acting Chair Loosley opened the public hearing. Mr. Powers agreed with Mr. Combs’ comment and could see pros/cons for removal. Acting Chair Loosley closed the public hearing. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER THURMAN, SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SOLL, to approve the removal request, based on promoting good arboricultural practice, and requiring one 15-gallon replacement 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: BATE, LOOSELY, SOLL, THURMAN, WORTHY NOES: NONE ABSENT: PARKER, RITTER COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS There were no items to discuss. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Tree Committee is scheduled for Monday, September 26, 2016 at 5:00 p.m., at the Corporation Yard, 25 Prado Road, San Luis Obispo, California. APPROVED BY THE TREE COMMITTEE ON 09/26/2016