HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-08 Tree_MIN
TREE COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
September 8, 2022
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Commission Chair Chris John called the meeting to order at 6:02 via Zoom.
Commissioners: Council Liaison:
Christopher John Stephen Jensen
Asa Cates
Cat Gould Park Liaison
Peter Baughman
Members of the Public: Staff Present:
Amy Gunter, Rogue Planning & Aaron Anderson, Associate Planner
Development
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Tree Commission Regular Meeting of July 7, 2022.
Commissioners John/Cates m/s to approve the minutes of July 7, 2022. Commissioner
Gould abstained as she was not present at the previous meeting. Voice Vote: All Ayes.
Motion passed 2-0.
III. LIAISON REPORTS
Council Liaison – Councilor Jensen provided a brief update on the potential reconfiguration of
advisory commission framework and the pushback from Council and other stakeholders.
The commission held a general discussion regarding the proposed changes. Topics addressed
included: workflow, the specialty of particular commissions, the breadth of their mandate, impact
on staff time, commissioner appointment process, public meetings law and transparency, and
potential difficulties related to an irregular meeting schedule. It was noted that the Council will
be revisiting this item at an upcoming study session.
Parks & Recreation Liaison – Mr. Baughman reported a 41” Black Oak tree was lost at
Glenwood Park, noting that 1/3 of the tree catastrophically failed. He also reported on the
irrigation status of the Oak Knoll Golf Course.
Community Development Liaison – Mr. Anderson noted the retirement of the Community
Development Director. He also commented on the potential to return to in person meetings;
general consensus was voiced for returning to in person meetings.
IV. TYPE I REVIEWS
PLANNING ACTION: PA-T1-2022-00189
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 783 Jaquelyn Street.
APPLICANT/OWNER: Rogue Planning for Masanori & Noriko Kuwabara
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Physical and Environmental (P&E) Constraints Review Permit
to authorize the construction of a new detached residential unit on the property located at 783
Jaquelyn Street. The proposed construction is within the Ashland Modified Flood Plain, which
covers over half of the property. One 12-inch DBH Pine tree is proposed for removal in
concurrence with the P&E Permit. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family
Residential; ZONING: R-1-5; MAP: 39 1E 14 BC; TAX LOT: 1400.
Staff presented a brief overview of the application and explained that the property owner had
obtained a LOMA but that Ashland regulations required a Physical & Environmental Constraints
Permit. Amy Gunter presented a site plan and showed the location of the single tree for
removal. There was conversation about the other trees on the property. Commissioner Gould
asked why there was so much detail regarding the flood zone, and it was explained that the
flood zone was the trigger for the planning action, if not for the flood zone the tree would be an
exempt removal. Commissioner Gould stated the property had significant canopy cover in the
area. Commissioner Cates stated that of the two pines, the one proposed for removal is the less
of the two.
Commissioners John/Gould m/s to approve the application. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion
passed 3-0.
V. TYPE II & III REVIEWS
PLANNING ACTION: PA-T3-2022-00004
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1511 Highway 99 North
APPLICANT/OWNER: Casita Developments, LLC for owner Linda Zare
DESCRIPTION: A request for the Annexation of 16.86 acres located at 1511 Highway 99
North into the City of Ashland, along with 6.6 acres of adjacent Oregon Department of
Transportation state highway right-of-way and 7.68 acres of California Oregon & Pacific
railroad property. The property is currently located in Jackson County and zoned Rural
Residential (RR-5); with Annexation these properties would be brought into the City as
Low Density, Multi-Family Residential (R-2). Concurrent with Annexation, the application
also requests: Outline Plan subdivision approval to create 12 lots; Site Design Review to
construct 230 apartments in ten buildings including 37 affordable units; an Exception to
the Street Design Standards; and Tree Removal Permits to remove two trees greater than
six-inches in diameter at breast height. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Multi-
Family Residential; ZONING: Existing – County RR-5 Rural Residential, Proposed – City
R-2 Low Density Multi-Family Residential; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 38 1E 32; TAX LOT #’s:
1700 & 1702.
Staff presented a brief history of the previous approval and appeal of this proposal. Amy Gunter
presented a site plan and showed the location of the proposed trees for removal. Ms. Gunter
detailed the proposed landscaping plan, street trees, and open areas. There was discussion
about the type of housing (apartments) and number of affordable housing units. There were also
questions about the traffic impact and if a traffic signal would be required. Ms. Gunter detailed
the multimodal transportation opportunities. There was discussion regarding the alignment of
the driveway. It was noted that if the driveway were to shift to the east, then two of the trees
requested for removal may be able to be saved. There was discussion about the Billings Siphon
which crosses the subject property. It was noted the two tree removals are proposed due to the
existing driveway alignment, the grade, and the siphon.
Commissioner Cates looked up the species proposed for removal and clarified it is a Texas
Cedar Elm, not a Siberian Elm. She added the result of the landscaped environment will be a
significant net gain.
Commissioners Cates/Gould m/s to approve the application. Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion
passed 3-0.
VI. STREET TREE REMOVAL PERMITS
B Street tree removal/Code Compliance case
VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Emerald Ash Borer In Oregon – ODF handout.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Next Meeting: October 6, 2022