HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-09 Tree_MIN
Ashland TreeCommission
Minutes
December 9, 2021
Call to Order
Commission Chair Chris Johncalled the meeting to order at 6:04pmvia Zoom .
Commissioners Present:Council Liaison
Christopher JohnStephen Jensen
Asa Cates
Vacancy(3)ParkLiaison
Peter Baughman
Vacancy (5)
Cat Gould Staff Present:
Vacancy (7)Aaron Anderson: Associate Planner
Commissioners Not In Attendance:
Eric Simpson
Approval of Minutes
CommissionersChrisJohn /Cat Gould m/s to approve theminutes ofNovember 4, 2021. Voice Vote: All
Ayes. Motion passed
Public Forum
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak.
Liaison reports
Council Liaison -gave a brief update including the hiring of the new city managerand his background. Councilor
Jensen then briefly discussed the status of the repairs on the community center and gave some background on
the ad hoc committee’s work. Finally,he reported on the discussions that council has had regarding connecting to
the RVSS.
Parks & Recreation Liaison ––Large Big Leaf maple was removed from near the pickle ball court. The
Japanese park still underway and may be completed in a year or so.
Community Development Liaison –none
TYPE I REVIEWS
PLANNING ACTION: PA-T1-2021-00163
SUBJECT PROPERTY:677 Oak Street
OWNER:June M., Victor R. & Felix R.Zboralski
APPLICANTS:Herb Farber, Victor & Felix Zboralski
DESCRIPTION:A request for Land Partition approval to create three lots from the property at 677 Oak
Street.The application also includes a request for Tree Removal Permits to remove three significant trees, two of
which are within the proposed building envelope on the proposed Parcels 2 & 3, and one located within the
proposed driveway.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Single Family Residential;ZONING:R-1-
5;MAP:39 1E 04CA;TAX LOT:2000
Staff briefly presented the application and handed the presentation over the Mr. Farber representing the
application. There was discussion that without site plan the removals might be unjustified. Mr. Farber explained
that they were just asking for the request in case they needed to be removed in the future. Staff was asked how
the recommendation of the tree commission would affect the partition. Anderson stated that the partition would
likely be approved, but with a condition of approval for their protection. Both Victor and Felix Zboralski spoke as
well discussing the health of the trees. The public hearing was then closed.
Chair John and Asa both expressed concerns about approving the removal of these trees preemptively without
justification.
Commissioners Asa Cates/Cat Gould M/S to deny the request for tree removal until a
site plan has been developed.
PLANNING ACTION:PA-TREE-2021-00174
SUBJECT PROPERTY:5 Water St.
OWNER/APPLICANT:City of Ashland /APRC
DESCRIPTION:Arequest to remove one ash tree at Bluebird Park located at 5 Water St. The tree is
estimated to be 17 inches DBH and is a few feet from Ashland creek. The application states that the tree recently
shed some large branches and has a failure at the union of the two main leaders. The project arborist
recommends removal as the only solution.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Downtown; ZONING: C-1-D;
MAP: 39 1E 09 BB;TAX LOT: 9600
Anderson briefly presented the application and then turned the presentation over the Peter. Peter mentioned that
the main reason APRC approached ComDev for a permit due to the proximity to Bear Creek. Anderson stated
that all significant trees on City property are regulated and this conflicts withthe exemption. Peter mentioned that
the opposite side of the creek may be more appropriate for mitigation.
Commissioners Chris John/Cat Gould M/S to approve the application as presented. 3-0
Adjournment:Cat Gould/Asa Cates M/S to adjourn as John needs to leave due to illness and has
caused a lack of a quorum.Meetingadjourned at7:15 p.m.
Next Meeting: January 6, 2022
Respectfully submitted by Liz Hamilton