PRC MIN 2000-01-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2000 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Morton, Commissioners Davis, Joseph, LaBerge, Slusser, Swope and Truscelli COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None GUESTS PRESENT: Urban Forestry Specialist Bob Mullins, Joe Washington, Mike Wride, Vince Truscelli, Joe Bozzuto STAFF PRESENT: Superintendent Gary Hover, Secretary Denise Monroe The regular meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Vic Morton at 7:35pm in Room 5 at the Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue, Redwood City, California. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the November meeting were approved as mailed. CORRESPONDENCE -A letter received from the Santa Clara Police Activities League regarding looking for site in San Mateo County to build a BMX track. -A newsletter from the Santa Clara County Audibon Society ITEM 1 - APPEAL OF HERITAGE TREE PERMITS .Joe Washington, 162 Fulton Street Mr. Washington spoke about his denied heritage tree permit to remove a magnolia tree ~n his front yard. He felt that the denial did not take into consideration such issues as tree roots under his house and his neighbor's driveway, sidewalk problems due to extensive root system, and the constant maintenance of roof drains due to the accumulated tree debris. Mr. Washington said he would like to remove this tree and intends to replace it with another tree and new lawn. Urban Forestry Specialist Bob Mullins explained the purpose of the ordinance is to preserve trees as designated by the City Council. He also spoke about the criteria City arborists use in determining approval or denial of heritage tree permits. Mr. Mullins stated that in the opinion of three certified arborists, the concerns that Mr. Washington presented can be corrected without removing the tree, and he gave suggestions on how to deal with the root issues. Mr. Mullins explained that this magnolia tree is approximately 50 years old and expected life span of the tree is between 80 and 130 years. Mr. Washington said that the cost to remove the tree is $800-900 and showed the Commissioners color photos of the tree and the damage the roots are causing. He spoke about the grade problems at the tree site and roof/gutter problems due to excess water. Commissioner Slusser felt there should be a balance between the intent of the ordinance and the impact to the neighborhood I positive benefit to removing the tree, the financial burden and long term negative impact to the homeowner. Commissioner Davis felt that the homeowner has not