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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-07_Tree_MIN ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION MINUTES August 4, 2011 CALL TO ORDER –Ashland Tree Commission meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. on August 4, 2011, in the Siskiyou Room in the Community Development and Engineering Services Building located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, Oregon. Commissioners Present Council Liaison Russ Neff Russ Sibliger - ABSENT Casey Roland Tom Meyers Staff Present Tracy Peddicord Michael Pina, Assistant Planner Bobby Townsend Anne Thayer - Parks Dept. APPROVAL OF MINUTES thth July 7 Tree Commission Minutes – Townsend motioned/Roland seconded to approve the July 7, 2011 regular meeting minutes Voice vote: all AYES, Motion passed. The minutes were approved as submitted. WELCOME GUESTS None PUBLIC FORUM None TYPE I PLANNING REVIEW PLANNING ACTION: 2011-00886 SUBJECT PROPERTY: 1250 Siskiyou Blvd. APPLICANT: Drew Gilliland / SOU DESCRIPTION: A request for Tree Removal Permit approval to remove a 24-inch DBH Apple tree placed in between the Frances Street right-of-way and a basketball court on SOU property; South of Siskiyou Blvd on Frances Lane. A Certified Arborist has not reviewed the subject tree. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Southern Oregon University ZONING: SO; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 15BA TAX LOT: 3100 Site visits were performed by all. Michael read the staff report. The Commission discussed the reason for the tree’s removal is to make way for a sidewalk and retaining wall that will lead from the senior housing on campus to Siskiyou Blvd. Neff Noticed that a Locust in the nearby parking lot is also dead and could be replaced. Gilliland responded that the Locust can also be taken out and replaced (as it’s current size does not require a planning action to be taken by the City). The Commission recommended that removal of the Apple tree be mitigated by replanting another tree in close proximity to the site. . Commissioner Townsend moved to approve, all were in favor. PLANNING ACTION: 2011-00885 SUBJECT PROPERTY: 415 Lithia Way APPLICANT: Mike Jones / Rouge Federal Credit Union DESCRIPTION: A request for Hazardous Tree Removal Permit approval to remove a 12 inch DBH Sweetgum tree placed in a 3 x 4 foot landscape island in the parking lot of 415 Lithia Way. A Certified Arborist has reviewed the tree at 415 Lithia Way and has found that the tree is hazardous due to the lifting the sidewalk and creating a significant tripping hazard. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Downtown Commercial; ZONING: C-1-D; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09BD TAX LOT: 1000 Site Visits all. Michael presented the staff report. The Commission discussed the small area that is available for the tree. Staff noted there is a total of 11 parking spaces are on-site (7 directly next to the bank and 4 across the alley). As such, off-street parking standards require 1 tree per 7 parking spaces; therefore a tree has to be replaced in this location. Townsend also noted that without a tree in that location, that the parking area would essentially be a sea of asphalt and a tree substantially adds to the shade and environment of the area. The Commission tossed around ideas on how to allow for more area to allow a new tree to grow without as many encumbrances. The Commission recommends that since the concrete will have to be demolished anyways, that the Bank should explore the idea of relocating the light onto the building, making the parking space immediately to the north a Compact space, and expand the planting area to allow for a more open area for an appropriate tree to be planted. Staff will look into parking standards to see if this would be an option. Commissioner Myers moved to approve, all were in favor. DISCUSSION ITEMS Groasis Water Boxes: Staff relayed the information that we were not able to purchase the Goasis boxes with an order of 10 units. The Commission felt disappointed that no one called us back regarding out purchase inquiry. Perhaps we can find another innovative product at some point to try out. The Commissioners also discussed procedures for filing tree removal/landscaping notification procedures. Some Commissioners had had trouble meeting applicants on site during their inspection of the property and trees. Roland asked if staff could ask the applicants for a window of time to perform site visits. Also, in light of in accurate plans, can the trees be marked in a non-invasive manner so that Commissioners know they are looking at the right tree. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS Liaison Reports None New Items: None Current Balance $750.00 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, August 4, 2011 2 Respectfully submitted by Michael Piña, Assistant Planner 3