HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-07 Tree_MIN
TREE COMMISSION AGENDA
September 7, 2017
I. CALL TO ORDER
6:00 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room of the Community Development and Engineering Services
Building located at 51 Winburn Way.
Commissioners Present: Parks Liaison
Christopher John Peter Baughman (absent)
Mike Oxendine
Asa Cates Staff Present:
Russell Neff Derek Severson
Fotini Kaufman
Commissioners Absent:
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Oxendine/Neff m/s to approve the minutes of August 3, 2017 regular Tree
Commission meeting. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
III. ANNOUNCEMENTS & LIAISON REPORTS
Parks & Recreation Liaison – Peter Baughman was not present to give a report.
Community Development Liaison
Severson introduced Fotini Kaufman the City of Ashland’s new Assistant
Planner.
IV. PUBLIC FORUM
Marsha Bennett, residing at 809 N. Mountain Av., addressed the Commission
regarding a tree removal. She stated that she was supposed to be on the Commission
Agenda but was disappointed that she was not. Ms. Kaufman assured Ms. Bennett
that she should have received a phone call that she was not on the agenda since her
tree is exempt and apologized. Severson stated that they will process a refund for
Ms. Bennett immediately.
Amy Gunter of Rogue Planning and Development, 1424 S. Ivy St., addressed the
Commission. Ms. Gunter gave her background through college and work experience.
She has some concerns over the denials of the applications for tree removal at 676 S.
Mountain Ave. She gave a history on the applications and stated that there was
concern with pine beetle infestations and spread. They have submitted further
information and requested a new tree removal as the infestation has spread all over
the watershed. Ms. Gunter wants to understand why the Tree Commission would
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deny these types of applications, having the applicant reconfiguring plans and where
to place their structures, when the trees are infested with beetles. Ms. Gunter feels
this is something the City needs to address sooner rather than later.
V. TYPE I REVIEWS
PLANNING ACTION: PA- 2017-01294
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 128 Central Avenue
APPLICANT: Rogue Planning & Development Services
OWNERS: Robert Baldwin
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review for an eight-unit multi-family
development for the property located at 128 Central Avenue. The existing house contains
two units, and the proposal would add six 475-square foot units at the rear of the property
in two triplex structures accessed from the alley. The application also includes requests
for a Conditional Use Permit to exceed the Maximum Permitted Floor Area in the
Skidmore Academy Historic District by nine percent (395 square feet) and for a Tree
Removal Permit to remove seven trees six-inches in diameter-at-breast-height or greater.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: High Density Multi-Family Residential; ZONING:
R-3; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 04CC; TAX LOT: 4500.
Severson gave a brief staff report noting that the project is for an eight-unit multi-family
development that would add six small units in two triplex structures to the two small units
already in the existing house. The proposal includes the removal of seven of the 14 trees
identified on the property including: a double-stemmed apple (12- and 14-inches DBH);
a 24-inch DBH apple; two 12-inch Deodar Cedars, and two Ponderosa Pines (24-inch and
26-inch). The application notes that the request balances the number of units and a much
needed housing type, necessary parking and utility infrastructure. A street tree is also
proposed for removal in order to plant two larger stature trees in the park row. The
applicants are also asking that mitigation trees be of a smaller stature at maturity than
ponderosa pines and deodar cedars. Through the process, staff have advised the
applicants to consider the trees in their site planning. Historic Commission recommended
approval last night, but noted they were open to some flexibility should a two-story
design be necessary to preserve the Ponderosa.
Amy Gunter of Rogue Planning and Development, applicant’s representative, 1424 S. Ivy
St. in Medford, addressed the Commission regarding this project. Ms. Gunter stated that
triplexes are more cost-effective equaling lower rents. Ms. Gunter pointed out that the
electric department will require the applicant to install a transformer which will require
tree removal. She went on to say that the applicant tried to preserve the bigger trees but
there was a lot of separation and open space between and they were pushed to the edge
on lot coverage.
Ron Davies, owner of 159, 157 & 171 Helman St., addressed the Commission regarding
this project. Mr. Davies stated that he has not observed beetle infestation issues but has
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found issue with tenants not watering. The size and number of units would create
overcrowding and be bothersome to the neighbors.
Mike Goglin, owner of 139 Helman St., addressed the Commission regarding this project.
Mr. Goglin clarified that tree #10 is important to his home as it shades and provides
cooling during the hotter months. Mr. Goglin suggested a two story structure to save the
trees.
Ms. Gunter addressed the Commission during her rebuttal time. She stated that you
cannot just move a power pole and that development would be unable to happen without
undergrounding. Due to the allowed density they are proposing fewer units than allowed
because of parking requirements. She feels that tree #10 would be compromised due to
the electrical, trash and parking requirements.
The applicants indicated that they would save Trees #5 and #7 with alterations to the
proposal – including moving the middle cottage in one grouping to over the garage and
floating the foundations near trees - that would come back to the Historic Commission for
consideration in October.
Oxendine/Neff m/s to approve with recommendations below. Voice Vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Recommendations:
1. That one residential unit be moved to above the garage as proposed by the applicants
and that Tree #5 be preserved and protected.
2. That an arborist be consulted to incorporate measures necessary to protect the Port
Orford Cedar on the neighboring property as part of the Tree Protection Plan.
3. That mitigation trees for the removal of Tree #2, #4 and #10 be six-inch caliper shade
trees.
4. That the parking lot island and mitigation tree for Tree #10 be moved to nearer the
proposed electrical vault.
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2017-01417
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 228 B St
OWNER: Hani Hajje
APPLICANT: Kerry KenCairn
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review, Conditional Use Permit approval,
and Tree Removal Permit for the property located at 228 B Street. The proposal involves
the development of a two-story, 1008-square foot detached addition to accommodate
two additional Traveler Accommodation units. A Tree Removal Permit is also requested
to remove five Leyland Cypress trees, one 7” in diameter pine tree, and one 9” in diameter
flowering plum tree. The requested approval would allow operation of a seven-unit
traveler accommodation including six guest units and one owners unit.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Multifamily Residential; ZONING: R2;
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ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 16AD; TAX LOT #:6200
John recused himself.
Severson gave a brief staff report. Severson noted that Leyland Cypresses are not actually
regulated and as such don’t have mitigation identified.
Kerry Kencairn, 545 A St., Suite #3 in Ashland, addressed the Commission regarding this
application.
Oxendine/Neff m/s to approve as submitted. Voice Vote; All AYES. Motion passed.
PLANNING ACTION: PA- 2017-01310
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 981 Siskiyou Blvd.
OWNERS: MH Smith Inc
APPLICANT: MNM Fund LLC
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review, Conditional Use Permit and Tree
Removal Permit approval for a three-unit multi-family residential development for the
property located at 981 Siskiyou Blvd. The proposal includes retaining the existing
residence and constructing two units at the rear of the property. The Conditional Use
Permit request is to exceed the maximum permitted floor area for the historic district by
164 square feet. The Tree Removal Permit request is to remove three trees to the west
of the existing home including an Italian cypress, maple and an ash tree.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial; ZONING: C-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39
1E 09DA; TAX LOT: 8100.
Cates recused himself.
Severson gave the staff report and stated that there are neighbor concerns over the
property line.
Amy Gunter of Rogue Planning and Development, applicant’s representative, 1424 S. Ivy
St. in Medford, addressed the Commission regarding this project. Ms. Gunter passed
around photos of the site and gave a brief description of what will be happening. She
stated that the property line issue will be resolved with a survey. She added that a
number of new trees will be planted. Ms. Gunter feels the plan is accurate and surveys
are not required but the applicant will obtain one. She brought to the attention of the
Commission that the driveway narrows at the tree in question and that paving & pruning
may impact it as well.
Dominic Smith, owner of 965 Siskiyou Blvd., addressed the Commission regarding this
project. Mr. Smith believes the cypress is split over the property line and is not the
applicant’s tree to cut down. He went on to say that he has no problem with the other
removals but would ask the Commission to deny this request as the tree stands 100 feet
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tall and has a massive trunk.
Oxendine/Neff m/s to approve with recommendations below. Voice Vote; All AYES.
Motion passed.
Recommendations:
1. The Commission recommended approving the removal of the two Maples, one of
which was previously incorrectly identified by the applicant as an Ash.
2. The Commission expressed concern that the plans as presented were unreadable, that
the applicants could not say for certain that the cypress tree was on their property and
the property line was in dispute with a neighbor, and that there was inadequate
information in the application assessing the condition of the trees. With these
deficiencies in mind, they were unable to support the proposed removal of the Italian
cypress, and instead recommended that the applicant preserve and protect the tree
with adequate tree protection fencing, and that a site survey be obtained to determine
to resolve the property line issue.
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2017-01475
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 745 & 765 Creek Stone Way
OWNER/APPLICANT: Chris Borovansky, Mountain Meadows Homeowners Assoc.
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Tree Removal Permit to remove two trees from the
properties located at 745 & 765 Creek Stone Way. The trees proposed to be removed
include a 12” in diameter blue spruce and a 20” in diameter cluster pine located in close
proximity to the single family homes. The application states these trees are negatively
impacting the growth of the existing street trees and pose a risk to underground
infrastructure. The applicants indicated that six additional trees were planted this year to
mitigate for the proposed removal of these trees.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Health Care; ZONING: HC; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39
1E 04DA; TAX LOTS #:112 &.113
Severson gave the staff report. Severson explained that the arborist report stated that
this should be removed for fire protection and will create future impact to irrigation and
water lines, maintenance in proximity to homes, competition with other trees. Severson
believes that the applicants and at least one neighbor are here to speak.
Chris Borovansky, applicant and Willie Ging, arborist addressed the Commission regarding
this planning action. They stated that they would be available for questions if needed.
Pam Turner, who lives adjacent to the pine tree, addressed the Commission regarding this
planning action. Ms. Turner had concerns over the report from Ashland Fire not requiring
the spruce to be removed. She stated the report only mentions the pine tree and went
on to say that there will be more applications to follow due to Firewise concerns.
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Commissioners noted that Mountain Meadows does a good job of maintaining its trees,
employs a certified arborist, has a great forest on site and recently dedicated an
arboretum on the property as well.
The applicants suggested and Commissioners concurred that six trees just planted in the
arboretum were sufficient to address the mitigation requirements of the ordinance.
John/Neff m/s to approve as submitted. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion passed.
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2017-01679
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1651 Ashland St.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Rogue Credit Union/Kistler, Small & White, Architects
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Tree Removal Permit to remove one tree from the
property located at 1651 Ashland Street. The tree, a 25-inch diameter Black Locust, was
identified to be preserved in the applicant’s recent approval to construct a new credit
union building (PA #2016-01894), but the final utility plan for the project requires that a
transformer be located immediately adjacent to the tree, necessitating its removal.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Commercial; ZONING: C-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39
1E 10DC; TAX LOTS #: 8700 and 9201
Severson gave staff report. Severson pointed out that the property line was originally in
question and the tree slated for removal is a black locust.
Jerome White, applicant, of Kistler, Small and White, addressed the Commission
regarding this planning action. Mr. White stated that there was a corrected error based
on the ODOT data for the survey of this property that enables better parking and the
addition of a shade tree.
Allan Pardee of Covey-Pardee Landscape Architects, addressed the Commission regarding
this planning action. Mr. Pardee is concerned with the black locust tree as it will pose
problems in the future.
Cates/Oxendine m/s to approve with recommendations below. Voice Vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Recommendations:
1. Tree protection fencing be provided to protect Trees #31 and #40 on the neighboring
property, and the surrounding Black Locusts. The applicants noted that they would
plant a three-inch caliper shade tree as mitigation in one of the parking lot islands.
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2017-01488
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1373 Tolman Cr. Rd.
OWNER/APPLICANT: Ron Rezek/Clason Company LLC
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Tree Removal Permit to remove one tree from the
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property located at 1373 Tolman Creek Road. The tree was originally identified to be
preserved and protected when the parent property at 1365 Tolman Creek Road was
subdivided (PA #2016-01029). The tree, a 30-inch diameter at breast height (d.b.h)
Ponderosa Pine was originally noted to be in fair condition when assessed for the
subdivision, however subsequent examination by a certified arborist has determined that
the tree has extensive decay, with infestation by ants, sequoia pitch moths and is boring
beetles, and a lean to its trunk which poses a hazard to existing and proposed
development of the property.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-7.5;
ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 23BA; TAX LOTS #:201
John recused himself.
Severson gave the staff report. He declared that initially the landscape architect assessed
the tree as in good condition but a subsequent arborist that was consulted, determined
the tree was a hazard on closer inspection.
There were no applicants present.
Oxendine/Cates m/s to approve with recommendations below. Voice Vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Recommendations:
1. The removal should be mitigated on-site with a large stature conifer that could
handle a wet planting environment such as a Swamp Cypress or other Taxodium
variety (which are common in wet swampy habitat that is inundated at least part of
the year but also thrives in relatively dry settings), or a Larch Pine.
2. Commissioners further recommended that the applicants be advised that the existing
drainage configuration should be modified in order to preserve Tree #42, the
remaining Ponderosa Pine.
VI. TYPE II REVIEWS
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2017- 01507
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 330 Maple Street
OWNER/APPLICANT: Maple LLC/Reitinger & Associates, Inc.
DESCRIPTION: A request for Site Design Review approval to construct a new
29,400 square foot mixed-use building consisting of basement parking, medical suites on
the first floor and two residential units on the second floor for the property located at
330 Maple Street. The application includes: a request for Exception to the Site
Development and Design Standards to allow automobile circulation between the building
and the street to allow a patient drop-off area from Maple Street; a request for an
Exception to Street Standards to allow a smaller than typically-required separation
between driveways; and a Tree Removal Permit to remove two trees six-inches in
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diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) or greater.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Health Care; ZONING: HC; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39
1E 05DB; TAX LOT #: 2000
Severson gave the staff report. Severson stated that findings seem to indicate that there
are more removals requested than the plan, and there is not an arborist’s assessment.
Staff have included conditions that if approved, arborist report and tree protection plan
indicating any removals over the two requested come back to the Commission. The
proposal would have a Commercial park row on Chestnut and curbside on Maple, with
trees in grates to enable parking.
Mark Reitinger and Jenny Keck of Reitinger & Associates, 307 N. Main St. in Ashland,
addressed the Commission regarding this planning action.
Neff/John m/s to approve with recommendations below. Voice Vote: All AYES. Motion
passed.
Recommendations:
1. The street trees be selected from the Approved Street Tree Guide to be larger stature
shade trees at maturity, and preferably three-inch caliper at planting.
2. That the staff recommendations (that an arborist fully assess all of the site’s trees,
that a Tree Protection Plan based on the arborist’s assessment be provided for the
review and approval of the Staff Advisor prior to the issuance of a building permit, and
that should the arborist determine that additional removals are necessary, a
modification of the approval would be necessary, and would need to be considered by
the Tree Commission) be incorporated as conditions of approval.
PLANNING ACTION: PA-2017-00406
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 2300 Siskiyou Boulevard
OWNER/APPLICANT: Jake Hayes & Angie Renick-Hayes
DESCRIPTION: A request for Outline Plan, Final Plan and Site Design Review
approval for a seven-lot/six-unit subdivision as Phase III of the West Bellview Subdivision
under the Performance Standards Options Chapter (AMC 18.3.9) for the property located
at 2300 Siskiyou Boulevard. The application includes requests for: the modification of
the West Bellview Subdivision (PA #96-131) to allow additional units, an Exception to the
Site Development and Design Standards to allow the placement of two parking spaces
between the buildings and the street, and a request for a Tree Removal Permit to remove
four trees six-inches in diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) or greater.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Low-Density Multi-Family Residential; ZONING:
R-2; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 14CA; TAX LOT #: 7800
Severson gave the staff report, including history of tree removals and several changes in
ownership. He also noted that a tree which was marked on the plan as removed was still
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in place but in severe decline.
There were no applicants present.
Oxendine/John m/s to approve with recommendations below. Voice Vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Recommendations:
1. The street trees and mitigation trees to be planted should be a minimum three-inch
caliper at planting and selected to be large stature shade trees at maturity.
VII. STREET TREE REMOVAL PERMITS
PLANNING ACTION: PW-2017- 01586
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 130 Helman Street
OWNER/APPLICANT: Kilham Trust/Helman House
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Street Tree Removal Permit to remove two street
trees for the property located at 130 Helman Street. The trees are a 24-inch diameter
Black Locust and a 12-inch diameter California Sycamore.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Employment; ZONING: E-1; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39
1E 04CC; TAX LOT #:5200
Severson gave the staff report.
Oxendine/John m/s to approve with recommendations below. Voice Vote: All AYES.
Motion passed.
Recommendations:
1. The Tree Commission recommends that the requested removal of the sycamore be
approved and mitigated on-site with the planting of a small Dogwood or Maple.
2. The Commissioners recommend that other options be pursued for the Black Locust to
include “cobra cabling”, bolting or pruning for limb end weight reduction.
Commissioners noted that this tree has great form and does not appear likely to come
down, and that it is unclear whether the applicants have fully explored alternatives
such as pruning, relocation, or sidewalk repair. If the sidewalk is replaced, options to
accommodate the tree should be considered including root barriers or permeable or
rubber sidewalks and an arborist should inspect the root zone. Commissioners
recommended that the applicants provide a risk assessment form prepared by an
arborist if they wish to pursue removal of the tree as a hazard.
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DISCUSSION
The Commission discussed the trees at 676 N. Mountain Ave., and agreed that if there is
a pine beetle infestation that the surrounding owners should be notified and the trees
should be removed if infested.
The Commission discussed the ongoing dispute at 1135 Fern Street.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:55pm. The next regular meeting of the Tree Commission will
be on October 5, 2017.
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