HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-03 Tree_MIN
Ashland TreeCommission
Minutesfor Regular Meeting
March 3, 2020
Call to Order
Commission Chair Chris Johncalled the meeting to order at 6:00pm in the Siskiyou Room at the Community
Development and Engineering Offices located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, Oregon, 97520.
Commissioners Present:Council Liaison
Christopher JohnStephen Jensen/ABS
Asa Cates
Russell NeffParkLiaison
Cat GouldPeter Baughman
Staff Present:
Commissioners Not In Attendance:Aaron Anderson: Associate Planner
Eric Simpson
Approval of Minutes
CommissionersRussell Neff /Cat Gouldm/s to approve the minutes ofFebruary 6, 2019.. Voice Vote: All
Ayes. Motion passed
Public Forum
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak.
Liaison reports
Council Liaison -Abscent, no report
Parks & Recreation Liaison –Japanese garden delayed untilFall
Community Development Liaison –Council update on 3/17/2020. Electedappointed official form
TYPE I REVIEWS
A. PLANNING ACTION:PA-TREE-2020-00096
SUBJECT PROPERTY:384Starflower
OWNER:Mountain Creek Estates HOA
APPLICANT:Manuel DeAquino
DESCRIPTION:This is a request to remove a large pussy willow tree on property that is common area to the
Mountain Creek Estates HOA. The application materials indicate that the tree may be located in parking area to
the north of the common area that may be dedicated as ROW. The tree is described as being approximately 30
feet tall andhas bad form that ‘seems beyond help by pruning.’ The tree has a number of dead branches several
of which have fallen, the application indicates this poses a hazard. The application also indicates that there
appears to be evidence of disease at the base of the tree as well. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:
Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-5; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09 AA; TAX LOT:4900
After staff presented a brief overview of the application the Applicantpresented their case. They are working with
Casey Roland.There was debate of the species of the tree. Gould noted that presently the tree is in full bloom
and that should the removal be approved that it should be delayed for at least a month. The applicant indicated
that they would likely mitigate with either a Dogwood or Redbud. Cates indicated that there is a lot of dead
branches in the tree and that pruning may not suffice.
Cates/NeffM/S to accept theapplication assubmitted with the recommendation of plating a mitigation
tree with a species to be selected by the applicant.4-0 unanimous
TYPE I REVIEWS
B. PLANNING ACTION:PA-TREE-2020-00097
SUBJECT PROPERTY:264 Palm Ave
OWNER:Gilmore Trust
APPLICANT:Gordon Gilmore
DESCRIPTION:This is a request to remove a ‘tree of heaven’ (Ailanthus altissima) that has grown at the rear
of the property. For best access to view damage being caused approach the property from the alley to the east
(See sitemap in packet materials). The application materials show damage that has been caused to two fences,
a patio area with pavers, and cracks caused in a concrete slab.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Multi
Family Residential; ZONING: R-2; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 10 CB; TAX LOT:8301
The application was represented by the property owner. Mr. Gilmore noted that there are suckers growing in
many places in the yard and potentially under the house in the crawl space. The tree has caused the concrete
patio to be cracked. Cates felt that it should be removed before it is a bigger problem. After a brief deliberation the
Tree commission rendered their decision.
Neff/JohnM/S to accept theapplication assubmitted.4-0 unanimous
E. PLANNING ACTION:PA-T1-2020-00089
SUBJECT PROPERTY:835 & 839 East Main
OWNER/APPLICANT:Samarra Burnett
DESCRIPTION:A request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to authorize an increase of the Maximum
Permitted Floor Area (MPFA) for the addition of a new art/dance studio, and additional habitable space to the
upstairs unit. The property is currently developed with an 1,812 square foot duplex, and the proposed
development includes 232 sq. ft. upstairs and 553 downstairs for a total of 2,597 square feet. The property allows
a total MPFA of 2,256 square feet which would require the authorization of a ~15% increase of MPFA. In addition
to the approval criteria for a Conditional Use Permit, the criteria for Historic District Design Standards approval
must be met.The application also includes the request to remove a single large tree from the backyard due to its
proximity to the proposed construction.COMPREHENSIVE PLANDESIGNATION:Multi Family Residential;
ZONING: R-2; MAP: 39 1E 09 AC;TAX LOT: 9601
Staff clarified the application and the reason for the CUP. After a brief overview of the application by staff the
commissioners fielded a number of questions to Staff.
Rick Peasley spoke against the application. His property is directly to the north and benefits greatly from the
canopy of the tree in question. He felt that there was no reason to necessitate the tree removal based on its
distance from the proposed construction and the ecosystembenefits it delivers.
Anne Peasley also spoke against the application.
Gould asked the Peasleys questions about the benefits they derive from the box elder tree. Cates felt that the
trees orientation away from the proposed construction makes it compatible with the proposed addition, and that
there is no arborist report dosen’t rise to the criteria required. John stated that the lack of evidence in the record
makes it difficult to approve the removal.
John/CatesM/S to denytheapplicationdue to a lack of evidence in the record support the required
criteria. 4-0 unanimous
F. PLANNING ACTION:PA-T1-2020-00090
SUBJECT PROPERTY:Ashland Middle School & John Muir Outdoor School 100 Walker Avenue
APPLICANT:Christopher Brown, Arkitek: Design & Architecture, agent for
OWNER:Ashland School District #5
DESCRIPTION:A request for Site Design Reviewapproval to make renovations and additions to the
Ashland Middle School and John Muir Outdoor School located at 100 Walker Avenue. The proposal includes the
th
grade classroom wing, the creation of an internal courtyard, a clearer front
creation of a new two-story 6
entrance on Walker Avenue, and establishes a unique identity for the John Muir Outdoor School. The proposal
results in a 9,964 square foot net reduction in total building floor area on site, and will not increase the student
capacity or intensify the current use of the site. The application includes a request for a Conditional Use Permit
to modify the School District’s existing Master Sign Permit Program to include new signage for both the Ashland
Middle School and the John Muir Outdoor School, and Tree Removal Permitsto remove five significant trees.
The site currently contains more than 140 trees, 94 of which are six-inches in diameter at breast height or greater.
A total of 24 trees greater than six-inches in diameter are to be removed with the proposal, and five of these are
deciduous trees of 12-inches or more in diameter which are considered “significant” and require Tree Removal
Permits.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-5; MAP: 39 1E 10;
TAX LOT: 1200, 1400 & 1500
Derek Severson presented the application on behalf of staffwith a brief overview of the whole project. Alan
Pardee landscape architect spoke to the application, the number of trees required to be removed and the number
to be planted. A careful examination of the drawings followed. Specific questions surrounded the removal of the
large willow and the reasons behind it. Cates remarked that there are only 5 regulated trees and that on the whole
the project will result in a higher level of canopy and species diversity.
John/GouldM/S to accept theapplication assubmitted. 4-0 unanimous
G. PLANNING ACTION:PA-TREE-2020-00102
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 280 E Hersey St.
OWNER: Toney Family Credit Shelter
APPLICANT: Jerry Toney
DESCRIPTION: This is a request to remove an unidentified tree approximately 8” DBH to theeast of the
middle building at a light industrial complex located at 280 E Hersey. The tree is located immediately above a 4”
sanitary sewer line that has experienced blockages due to root intrusion. The sewer line also suffers from a
pronounced dip, thatmay or may not be caused by the tree, but the tree prevents remediation’s of the issue. The
applicant has provided a video of the sewer main from Roto-rooter demonstrating a significant dip in the line near
the tree and immediately after the root intrusion.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Employment;
ZONING: E-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 04 DC; TAX LOT: 3401
Staff presented the application and explained the reason for the late addition to the agenda. Commissioners
discussed the application and the fact that it is close to blooming, and that removal shouldn’t take place until after
it has flowered.
Gould/JohnM/Sto approve the application with the requirement that a mitigation tree be planted.
C. PLANNING ACTION:PA-TREE-2020-00098
SUBJECT PROPERTY:461 Allison St.
OWNER:Gerston Family Trust
APPLICANT:Marci & Joel Gerston
DESCRIPTION: This is a tree removal application to enable a large landscape redesign at 461 Alison. The
applicant is working with Landscape ArchitectPiper Von Chamier of Terrain Landscape Architecture, and Chris
John from Canopy LLC. The application lists a total of 14 trees to be removed, but for the purposes of clarity we
will only address those that are above 6” DBH (the regulatory threshold for a permit). The request includes the
removal of 4-Cherry measuring 8.5”, 8”, 6.5”, and one with two leaders 8.5” and 10” DBH, 4-Willows measuring
13.5”, 24”, 21.5” and 18”, 1-19” DBH Leyland cypress, 1-7” DBH Oak, 1-6.5” DBH Golden chain. In general, many
ofthe trees are described as having bad form based on previous pruning and topping. The project arborist states
that the removal of these trees will not have a significant impact on erosion, soil stability, flow of surface waters,
and protection of adjacenttrees. The loss of the will have a negative impact on species diversity but when
considering the hazardous nature of the trees, their poor form and conflict with the fence the project arborist
recommends their removal. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Multi Family Residential; ZONING: R-2;
ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09 BD; TAX LOT:8400
Staff presented an overview of the application, there was no one from the applicant representing the application.
Gould asked if there was a way to ensure that the proposed planting would take place. Staff answered that the
proposed land scaping is not the result of a planning action, and that there is nothing guaranteeing that the
applicant will follow through.Neff commented that the proposed landscaping was a pleasing design.
Neff/CatesM/Sto approvethe application (3-0 unanimous) John recused.
D. PLANNING ACTION:PA-TREE-2020-00100
SUBJECT PROPERTY:309 Pioneer St.
OWNER:Ashland Food Co-op
APPLICANT: Charles Popellea / Canopy
DESCRIPTION:This is a request to remove a mature Zelcova tree that is approximately 10.5” at
approximately 3.5’ above grade and then diverges into multiple 6” leaders. The tree is estimated to be 25’ tall. The
application includes a report prepared by Canopy LLC which states that the tree is in poor health. The most
obvious evidence of this is the lack of bark on the north side and large amounts of crown die back over the last
several years. Due to the long term viability of the tree removal and replacement is recommended by the project
arborist.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Employment; ZONING: E-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09
BA; TAX LOT:13700
Staff presented the application, referencing the arborist report. Cates remarked that the evidence of the bark on
the north side is not healing detailing what is healthy verses diseased. Neff suggested that the damage may be
from a poor pruning in the past. Cates suggested that the tree could continue to live for a long time but that it will
continue to decline.
Cates/NeffM/Sto approve the application with the recommendation that it be replaced with a zelkova (3-0
unanimous) John recused.
TYPE II REVIEWS–None
STREET TREE REMOVAL PERMITS
A. PLANNING ACTION:PA-TREE-2020-00099
SUBJECT PROPERTY:237 N First St. (near)
OWNER:Ashland Food Co-op
APPLICANT:Charles Popellea / Canopy
DESCRIPTION: This is a request to remove a single maple (acer spp) measuring 4.75” DBH and
approximately 12’ tall. The application includes an arborist report which indicates that the tree has sever rot at the
base by hand. Due to the heath and stability of the tree removal and replacement is recommended.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Employment; ZONING: E-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09 BA; TAX
LOT:13600
Staff briefly presented the application. Cates wondered if the tree might survive, but then reconsidered based on
the amount of rot and size of the tree.
Gould/NeffM/Sto approve the application with the recommendation that it be replaced with a suitable
species chosen by the project arborist for the location Armstrong maple (3-0 unanimous) John recused.
Discussion Items
Tree of the Year nominationswere narrowed to a field of 10.
Added item –Best practices for animals regarding tree removal
o Discussion followed.
Earth Day (Motion for fundsto register as an exhibitor)
Gould/CatesM/Sto approvethe funds for registering at Earth day if we can’ not share the table with wild
fire. 4-0
Adjournment:Meetingadjourned at8:10p.m. Next Meeting:April 10, 2020
Respectfully submitted by Liz Hamilton