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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/3/2003 - Agenda PacketJUNE 3, 2003 APPROVED PB &R AD HOC TREE MEETING AGENDA CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Ad Hoc Tree Committee of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission June 3, 2003- 7pm 1. Called to order at 7Dm ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Allen, Skoro, Tobin Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation & Senior Services Director David Niederhaus, General Services Director Robin Clauson, Assistant City Attorney Dan Ohl, Deputy City Attorney Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON- AGENDA ITEMS - Director Niederhaus commented on the Cameo Shores tree trimming that was halted because residents were concerned that the trees were not being trimmed enough for view. The Urban Forester explained to them that the tree trimming was being done in accordance with international standards and staff was unable to do any more than that unless there is a separate trimming done by the HOA at their expense. He stated that because of that he met with homeowners on May 23, explained the alternative and offered an example trimming of two to three trees showing exactly what they were able to do without damaging them using the standards that were used prior to the adoption of the international standards. Director Niederhaus stated that the trimming of the two sample trees would be finished by the end of the week and the local homeowner contact would be Tess Lier. Director Niederhaus stated that staff would delay any further trimming to see if that was acceptable. Iris Kimmel, HVHCA President, stated that she was told to go to that meeting but once there was told by Director Niederhaus that the meeting was only on Cameo Shores trimming issues. She stated that she did go to the trouble to get the international standards and disagrees with Mr. Niederhaus. As the standards are written there is nothing that says that the trees cannot be trimmed in terms of lowering their height provided they are trimmed in accordance with those guidelines. She commented that her Association was not asking for topping and they would never support topping of any tree - lowering is not necessarily topping. 3. MINUTES - MAY 15, 2003 Motion by Commissioner Skoro to approve the minutes of May 15, 2003 as amended. Motion carried by acclamation. 4. Report from General Services Director regarding the consolidation, evaluation, and staff recommendations for the various suggested changes, additions, or deletions to the G -1 Policy. Director Niederhaus stated that staff was directed to prepare initial reports on the G -1 Policy and Ordinance 13.08 (Plantings) for the first Ad Hoc Tree Committee Meeting of April 10. Public input was also received at that time. The Commissioners particularly asked for any input from the Balboa Arbor Society (BAS) representatives. The second meeting of the Committee was held on April 24 where the Committee members reviewed staff reports on Tree Ordinance 13.08 and the history of illegal tree Ad Hoc Tree Committee April 24, 2003 Page 2 removals, tree replacement policies, City tree maintenance activities, and initial staff recommendations to revise the G -1 Policy. Various homeowners' associations spoke or provided written recommendations. At least two BAS representatives were present at the second meeting. One, Dr. Vandersloot, presented verbal and written comments, but in answer to Chair Allen's question, admitted the material was his own and not that of BAS. Chair Allen invited any BAS input for the Committee meeting of May 15. The third meeting of the Committee was held on May 15. Staff provided two reports, one included a matrix of G -1 Policy changes and a second report provided an amended G -1 Policy. Public input was received and included an official representative of BAS. After reviewing public testimony, the Committee directed staff to continue the review of the G- 1 Policy and Chapter 13.08 (Tree Ordinance). Director Niederhaus then provided highlights of the recommended changes to the G -1 Policy and how it related to matrix of changes. 5. Committee discussion of draft G -1 Policy and straw vote on staff recommendations. Committee discussion of Tree Ordinance and Chapter 13.08 Straw votes and discussion ensued regarding line items on the matrix provided by Director Niederhaus. Staff will make the appropriate changes to the G -1 Policy tonight which will be reflected at the next meeting. 6. Public Testimony regarding the General Area or Specific Issues the Committee should consider during its review PLEASE NOTE:The following are summary comments from the public. • John Robertson thanked staff and the committee for their due diligence on the G -1 Policy but was concerned that Commissioner Skoro did not see the need for the section of problem trees. He commented that no one is anti tree but just want to protect their values and views. Iris Kimmel, President HVCA, believed that the number of problem trees that can be removed each year should be higher. She stated that she does not want to see beautiful trees removed only trees that are causing problems and if so staff should have the authority to remove. Laura Curran stated that she is encouraged that staff is leaning towards streamlining the policy but stated that the definition of a block is needed - possibly a specific standard. John Lungren commented that the cost is too much for reforestation and was concerned that 36" boxed trees would be used as they grow so fast. Commissioner Skoro stated that he was concerned that when a large expensive tree is replaced with a stick. Director Niederhaus commented that there are locations within the City where a 36" box tree is either not available because of the species or it won't fit and would recommend that verbiage be added to the policy to reflect those conditions. • Steve Llewelling voiced his concern that staff would have the authority to remove up to 125 problem trees per year and believed that number to be much too high; he also commented that 24" box trees should be the norm for replacement trees. • Barry Allen agreed with most of the policy changes and the amendments to the matrix made earlier by the Committee. Ad Hoc Tree Committee April 24, 2003 Page 3 Jan Vandersloot, BAS stated that this revised policy is a complete destruction and believes that the City will need to look into environmental impact and requested CEQA documentation. He stated that the agreement with BAS was to increase, protection for special trees and now the City has the mechanism to destroy 125 or more just because they might be a problem tree. Mr. Vandersloot stated that the current G -1 Policy is a piece of cake compared to the revised one. Mr. Vandersloot went on to comment on specific sections of the revised Policy. He stated that he is very concerned about the air quality and demanded that an EIR be done. Virginia Herberts stated that it should not be up to the Director to approve the removal of a tree but the Urban Forester and believed that should be annotated in the revised policy. Director Niederhaus stated that the Urban Forester does makes the recommendation on tree removals. Terry Sanders stated that the City has lost many mature trees and replaced them with what you would call stick trees and thank. She commented that root pruning should always be done before removal is ever considered. Chair Allen stated that clearly there are areas of the City where trees offer the ambience of the neighborhood and when special trees are discussed by a Committee and will ask them to designate such areas. Commissioner Skoro commented that there should be a definition of a view community also. 7. Committee Discussion and direction to staff regarding a Tree Ordinance Director Niederhaus recommended no changes to Ordinance 13.08. Assistant City Attorney Clauson stated that the City will apply CEQA to the proposed revisions before the next meeting. 8. Committee discussion and possible final actions on recommendations to draft G -1 Policy. Discussion ensued and final straw votes were taken on revisions made by the Committee to the draft G -1 policy. Chair Allen asked staff to make those revisions to the draft policy as discussed. Discussion ensued regarding possible dates for the next meeting. Chair Allen asked staff to view the City calendar and confirm the next meeting for July 10 at 7pm. 9. ADJOURNMENT - 9:10pm Submitted by: Teri Craig, Admin Ass' an