HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-07 Tree_MIN
Ashland Tree
CommissionMinutes
January 7, 2021
Call to Order
Commission Chair Chris Johncalled the meeting to order at 6:00pm via Zoom
Commissioners Present:Council Liaison
Christopher JohnNot in Attendance
Asa Cates
Cat GouldParkLiaison
Eric SimpsonPeter Baughman
Staff Present:
Commissioners Not In Attendance:Aaron Anderson: Associate Planner
Approval of Minutes
CommissionersCat Gould/Eric Simpson m/s to approve the minutes ofDecember 3, 2020. Voice Vote:
AllAyes. Motion passed
Public Forum
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak.
Liaison reports
Council Liaison - Absent
Parks & Recreation Liaison –Peter gave a brief update on the Japanese garden
Community Development Liaison – Nothing to report
TYPE I REVIEWS
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2020-00134
SUBJECT PROPERTY:386 B Street
OWNER / APPLICANT:Peter and Mari Tardiff
DESCRIPTION: A request for approval to remove one large Box Elder tree located at the rear of the
property, approximately 15’ from the alley. The application explains that in recent years the tree has begun to lean
considerably and now leans forty-five-degree angle and poses a hazard should it collapse. Despite years of
maintenance removing canopy weight through regular pruningthe applicant states that any additional removal of
the canopy will have a detrimental effect on the overall health of the tree. The application concludes that
mitigation ofthe hazard posed can only be accomplished by removal of the tree.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Multi Family Residential; ZONING: R-2;
MAP: 39 1E 09 BA;TAX LOT: 6600
After Chair John read the opening, staff turned the application over the Peter and Mari who are the property
owners and applicant. Peter and Mari highlighted the numerous trees on their property and explained the nature
of the hazard. Gould asked if the removal would affect the adjacent tree, the applicants answered that the
removal would not affect the other tree. Asa stated that if the tree was on his property, he would want to remove
it. Chair John agreed with Asa remarking that this type of tree is prone to failure.
CatGould / Chris John M/S to approve the application as submitted. 4-0, unanimous.
TYPE I REVIEWScont.
PLANNING ACTION:PA-T1-2020-00133
SUBJECTPROPERTY:39 1E 16AC #300
Morton Street to West Ivy Lane
APPLICANT: Hardey Engineering & Associates / City of Ashland
OWNER:D & S Ventures LLC
DESCRIPTION:A request for Physical and Environmental Constraints Review Permit for Hillside Land to
facilitate the construction of an approximately 300-foot section of a 12-inch water line that extends from Ivy Lane
to Morton Street. The area of disturbance subject to the review is just west of the West Ivy Lane right-of-way. The
request includes Severe Constraints Review because portions of the property are greater than 35 percent slopes.
The application also includes a request for a Tree Removal Permit to remove 19 trees between 6-inches DBH to
18-inches DBH.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Rural Residential and Woodland Residential; ZONING:RR-.5 & WR;
ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 16AC; TAX LOT: 300
Staff briefly presented the application and turned it over the Kevin Caldwell from Public Works. Kevin pointed out
that the number of trees proposed to be removed was 14 and not 19. Asa pointed out that the application has
been approved before.
Asa Cats/Cat Gould M/S to approve the application as submitted. Approved 4-0
PLANNING ACTION:PA-A-2020-00143
SUBJECT PROPERTY:Clay Creek Gardens HOA
Anderson brieflyoutlined the nature of the application and explained that there were 18 trees proposed to be
removed, but have an expectation to remove the over the next several years. Casey Roland and Amy Richards
were online in support of the application. Casey spoke to the his history with the HOA maintaining and pruning the
trees over time. Caseyhighlighted the importance of maintaining the canopy as the neighborhood values, and
provided a detailed report about phasing.
Chris John/Asa Cates M/S to approve the application with the following conditions: a)
that all proposals of the applicant are conditions of approval, b) no more than 50% of
the proposed trees be removed and replaced per year c) that the HOA shall contact the
planning department on an annual basis with updates on the project. Reputable
contractors be … 4-0
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2020-00135
SUBJECT PROPERTY:60 Fifth St.
OWNER / APPLICANT:Tom Phillips
DESCRIPTION:A request for approval to remove one large Box Elder in the back of the property at60
Fifth St. The tree is described as approximately 30” across and 50-60’ tall. The tree has a large cavity about three
feet above the ground with signs of extensive decay. The tree has dropped several large branches posing a
hazard to pedestrians and vehicle traffic. The application
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Multi Family Residential; ZONING: R-2;
MAP: 39 1E 09 AC;TAX LOT: 7400
Staff briefly presented the application, no one was present in support or against the application. Chair John stated
that the evidence is indeed ‘pretty bad’ based on the large hole at the base. Chair John mentioned that he met the
property owner during a site visit. Simpson agreed saying that he felt the tree should be removed. Cates said that
it could fall at any moment.
Cat Gould/Eric Simpson M/S to approve the application as submitted. Approved 4-0
TYPE I REVIEWScont.
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2020-00136
SUBJECT PROPERTY:Adjacent to 2810 Diane St.
OWNER / APPLICANT:Michael Smith President Clay Creek HOA
DESCRIPTION:A request for approval to remove one large hazard tree identified as a large Alder tree on
the bank of Clay Creek. The property is a vacant parcel of land dedicated as open space to the Clay Creek HOA.
The application includes a letter from Victor’sTree Service describing the tree as having a large rotted area in the
trunk, and a letter from the adjacent property owner expressing concern that the tree could fall towards his house.
The application includes several photos documenting both the sever lean of the tree and the area of rot. The
application states that the tree poses a hazard that can not be alleviated by pruning, and that removal is the only
option to mitigate the risk.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-5;
MAP: 39 1E 14 BC;TAX LOT: 2111
Staff briefly presented the application, no one was present in support or against the application. Simpson stated
that the lean on the tree was significant and that he wouldn’t want it around his house. Cates said that the rot at
the base is significant. Chair John asked if a mitigation planting would be required, Anderson replied yes.
Cat Gould/Chris John M/S to approve the application as submitted with mitigation
appropriate to the riparian area. . Approved 4-0
TYPE II REVIEWS–None
STREET TREE REMOVAL PERMITS–None
OLD BUSINESS-None
Discussion Items
Arborist license changes
Adjournment:Meetingadjourned 7:50atp.m. Next Meeting:February 7, 2021
Respectfully submitted by Liz Hamilton