HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-05 Tree_MIN
Ashland Tree Commission
DRAFTMinutes
December 5, 2019
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
Chris JohnSteven Jensen-Absent
Russell Neff
Parks DeptLiaison
Cat Gould
Asa CatesPeter Baughman
Commissioners Not In Attendance:Staff Liaison
ALL PRESENTAaron Anderson
Approval of Minutes
CommissionersSimpson/John m/s to approve the minutes ofNovember 7, 2019. Voice Vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Public Forum
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak.
Liaison reports
Council Liaison-Councilor Jensen was absent so no report was given.
Parks & Recreation Liaison–Baugman reported that the Lithia hillside fuel reduction is nearing completion.
Community Development Liaison–Liaison Anderson gave an update on Tree of the Year.
Type I Reviews
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2019-00087
SUBJECT PROPERTIES: 1065 Siskiyou Blvd.
OWNER/ APPLICANT: William O Jones / Canopy Tree
DESCRIPTION: This is a request for a Tree removal permit to remove one (1) large siberian elm (Ulmus pumila).
The tree is approximately 32-inches DBH and fifty-feet in height. The application includes a report from an ISA
certified arborist indicating that the tree is in significant decline as exhibited by 30% crown die-back and the
decay, sloughing bark and mushroom growth. The tree is identified as a hazard based on the large diameter
branches that are dead and the decay at the trunk.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial;
ZONING: C-1MAP: 39 1E 10 CC;TAX LOT: 5400
After staff presented the application the Tree Commission deliberated, discussing the type of mushroom and the
evident rot at the base of the trunk. Cates remarked that the tree ought to be removed as soon as possible.
Discussion was had about if this should be removed under an emergency permit. Neff pointed out that it has
withstood the most recent storm, but it should come down.
Cates/Simpson m/sto approve TREE-2019-00087with the condition of approval that it be replaced with
one large stature deciduous tree. Voice vote: ALL AYES. Motion Passed.
PLANNING ACTION:PA-T1-2019-00083
SUBJECT PROPERTY:1320 Oregon St.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Verity Construction
DESCRIPTION:Arequest for Physical and Environmental Constraints Review Permit for Hillside Development to
build a new 2,062 square foot single family home at 1320 Oregon Street. The application includes a request for a
variance to side-yard setback based on the narrow property configuration, and an exception to street standards to
seek relief from the installation of park row and sidewalk. The application includes a requires to remove one 8-
inch DBH pine tree that is in the building envelope. The application includes a report prepared by a geotechnical
engineer with demonstrable expertise in development of Hillside Lands. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
DESIGNATION:Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-7.5; MAP: 39 1E 15 BB;TAX LOT: 8700
After staff presented the application the Tree Commission deliberated. There was much discussion concerning
the trees on the adjacent properties. Simpson noted they were only proposing a single tree that was fairly small.
John expressed concern about the protection measures on the adjacent properties
Cates/Simpson m/sto approve PA-T1-2019-00083with a recommendation that particular attention be paid
to following the tree protection plan as written specifically regarding notes (#13) addressing root pruning.
Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
Type II Reviews
None to review
Street Tree Removal Permits
PLANNING ACTION:TREE-2019-00089
SUBJECT PROPERTY:537 Prim St.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Scott Mowry
DESCRIPTION:Request for Street Tree removal of two pines that are growing very close to a third tree. One of
the two pines that is requested for removal has a significant lean over the roadway. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
DESIGNATION:Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-7.5; MAP: 39 1E 05 CA;TAX LOT: 905
After staff presented the application the Tree Commission discussed if the two trees needed to be removed.
Cates mentioned that he felt ok approving the removal of the one that was leaning,howeverfelt that removing the
second one was unnecessary. Neff agreed that removal was unnecessary.
Simpson/Neff m/s to deny TREE-2019-00089. Voice Vote:ALL AYES. Motion passed.
Discussion Items
Tree of the Year nominations.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:01PM
Next Meeting: January 9, 2020
Respectfully submitted by Regan Trapp