HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-1006 Tree MIN
CITY OF
ASHLAND
Ashland Tree Commission
Regular Meeting
October 6,2005
Minutes
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair January Jennings called the Ashland Tree Commission meeting to order
at 7:00 p.m. on October 6, 2005 in the Siskiyou Room In the Community
Development/Engineering Services Building at 51 Winburn Way.
Commissioners Present:
Pennie Rose
Bryan Holley
Mary Pritchard (absent)
Laurie Sager
Ted Loftus
January Jennings
Council Liaison:
Staff Present:
Cate Hartzell (absent)
Amy Anderson, Assistant Planner
Donn Todt, Parks Department, (absent)
Carolyn Schwendener, Account Clerk
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The following corrections were noted for the August 4,2005 minutes.
Third page under public testimony, integral and accessory were misspelled. Holley/Sager m/s to
approve the minutes of August 4, 2005 with the above corrections. Voice vote: A.ll A YES,
Motion passed. The minutes of August 4, 2005 were approved as corrected.
III. WELCOME GUESTS AND PUBLIC FORUM:
None present.
IV PUBLIC HEARINGS:
PLANNING ACTION 2005-01674 is a request for Site Review approval for a three-story, mixed-use
building comprised of restaurant space, office space and two residential units for the property
located at 11 First S1. The proposed building is approximately 4,500 square feet in size, and is
located in the Downtown and Detail Site Review zones. A Tree Removal Permit is requested to
remove four trees sized six inches diameter at breast height and greater. Comprehensive Plan
Designation: Commercial Downtown; Zoning: C-l-D; Assessor's Map #; 39 1 E 09BA; Tax Lot:
10400.
APPLICANT: Ron and Carrie Yamaoka
Amy read the Staff report and explained the applicant's proposal including the removal of four
trees.
Applicant Testimony: Tom Giordano, 2635 Takelma Way Ashland and Bill Emerson, 90 Fifth
Street Ashland were both present to represent this planning action. Mr. Giordano explained that
this is a very small piece of property making it difficult to get a building in and the trees that are
on site need to be removed regardless if a building goes in or not. The arborist reported that
eventually the trees will damage the paving and retaining wall at that location. Amy stated that
Maria Harris, Senior Planner, would like the Commissioners to review the plants that ar~ proposed
to be planted around the base of the bu ilding because she felt they might get to tall for the
WIndows.
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Commissioner Holley explained that the Commission is trying to compile photographs of
situations showing examples of the right tree in the right place. Holley noted that the Commission
has a Daily Tidings article coming out soon and a nic(~ photo for the article would show what
happens when this kind of situation occurs.
Commissioner Jennings asked Mr. Emerson if he would be putting protective fencing around the
European Beach Trees during construction. Mr. Emerson confirmed that he has plans to fence
from one property comer to the other. Jennings stated that the European Beach Trees are infested
with mites because they are not getting the cross ventilation that they need.
Mr. Emerson asked for recommendations from the Tree Commissioners regarding which trees to
plant. Commissioner Sager recommended a Bowhall Maple and something more vertical.
Jennings suggested that the applicant look at the Street Tree Guide for suggestions. Commissioner
Loftus commented that ivy should be removed.
Amy clarified why the Commissioners should not use the word "consider" in their
recommendations. She stated that when the Commissiom:rs review a Type II Planning Action their
recommendations become conditions of approval with the final approval of the staff advisor.
When they say "consider" it leaves ambiguous language that does not necessarily make it a
condition of approval. If "consider" is used that is all the applicant has to do is just consider the
recommendation.
Recommendation:
I) Tree Commission recommends a different tree choice for the street tree such as a Bowhall
Maple so as to not have fruit drop.
PLANNING ACTION: 2005-1307 is a request for Site Review approval to construct a second
residential unit attached to the existing garage for the property located at 125 Sherman St. A
Conditional Use Permit is required to expand the non-conforming garage structure. The garage is
located within a foot of the rear property line and ten feet is required. The new proposed addition
meets setback requirements. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Low Density Multi-Fam ily
Residential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's Map #; 39 IE 09 013; Tax Lot: 5400.
APPLICANT: Russ Dale
Tom Giordano requested a continuance on this planning application due to issues raised by the
Historic Commission.
PLANNING ACTION: 2005-1474 is a request for Land Partition to create a flag lot from the
rear of the property located at 893 Hillview Dr. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Single Family
Residential; Zoning: R-I-7.5; Assessor's Map # 39 IE 15 AC; Tax Lot: 700.
APPLICANT: Larry Medinger
Amy read the staff report.
Applicant Testimony: Applicant Larry Medinger was present. Mr. Medinger shared that the
neighbor to the south has informed him that the Willow Tree is very important to him. The
neighbor wrote a letter asking that the applicant preserve the tree and have an arbori~.t look at it
and make recommendations that they ,-"ould have to follow in order to preserve the Willow.
Certified Arborist Tom Myers recommended moving the driveway seven feet away from the
surface of the trunk and then it would be fine. Mr. Medinger stated that as a builder he is
committed to preserving existing trees in the properties that he works on. Mr. Medinger reported
that they will be removing part of the building that is next to an English Walnut tree to give it
more breathing room. Mr. Myers reported that Leland Cypress trees are usually kept trimmed to
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six to ten feet high. Because they have grown so large he stated they will begin dropping limbs in
wind storms so a plan should be made to gradually replace them.
Holley asked Mr. Medinger if the fire department had approved their new plans. Mr. Medinger
said the fire department had not reviewed it yet but the new plan meets all of their specifications.
Amy stated that Margueritte Hickman will be at the Hearings Board meeting when Mr. Medinger
presents this planning action.
Public Testimony: Chuck Smith, 895 Hillview Ashland spoke. Mr. Smith had not received the
staff report until Wednesday the 5th of October consequently he was surprised at some of the
changes. Smith stated that about ten years ago he and prior owner Sheila Converse di~;cussed the
planting of the Leland Cypress and the Willow for privacy. Mr. Smith gave an overview on the
overhead projector of his property in relationship with the Willow Tree, the Leland Cypress and
the other landscaping plants. Mr. Smith will be remodeling his house in the near future moving his
bedroom and his daughter's bedroom to the back of the house. He stated he is doing this because
he hears the neighbor's diesel truck every morning and hopes that it will be quieter in the back of
the house. Mr. Smith's concern is that he will be looking at two garages and five cars. He is also
concerned about the health of the Willow Tree because of the asphalt and concrete that will be put
on top of it. Mr. Smith does not feel there is enough area for the roots.
Commissioner Rose asked Mr. Smith what he sees as a compromise. Smith acknowledged that
with the Willow Tree staying it will be quieter but he is concerned about the longevity of the Tree.
Rose asked if Mr. Smith had anything planted on his side of the property. Smith acknowledged he
had 5 Sweet Gums across the back. Jennings affirmed that this is an unfortunate situation for Mr.
Smith because this is an example of having the wrong plants in the wrong place. Jennings
informed Mr. Smith that willow trees are extremely indestructible and will live with cement
practically up to their trunk. She confirmed that the seven feet that the arborist suggested will be
just fine. Jennings suggested that in residential landscapes home owners need to be thinking about
planting 15 foot shrubs rather then trees for screening. Rose stated that Leland CYP[l~ss are fast
growing but not long lasting. Jennings said that the Leland Cypress can burn in a matter of 90
seconds. Loftus stated that after talking with city workers pretty much every place in town where
there is a Willow tree next to the street they are cleaning out the sewers at least once or twice a
year. Mr. Smith stated this project will be: disrupting the quality of his life. Jennings slated that if
it was her and she owned the property she would look at it as an opportunity to put better species
there. Holley encouraged Mr. Smith to go to the Hearings Board and layout the issues that aren't
tree related but that are quality of life issues.
Lynn Costantino, 892 Harmony Lane Ashland spoke. The Leland Cypress is directly behind him
and he enjoys the screen that they have provided. Mr. Costantino inquired what the regulations
were of having them topped and how much more life these trees might have. Rose commented
that she has already seen some flagging starting and Loftus explained that in tree life it is a very
short lived tree though no one can tell him how long they are going to live. Mr. Costantino asked
if there is set backs regarding how far you can build a house from the base of a tree. Amy stated
that there is nothing in the ordinance that gives criteria that they can apply to this. Mr. Medinger
suggested they met together and come up with a plan with a species recommendation and how to
get it to grow and maintain the screen. Sager shared she had previously worked on a project
where they took out every other tree and put in something nice that was also fast growing. They
are now ready to take out the old trees and it looks great. Mr. Costantino felt this might be a good
solution and he was not opposed to I:hat and asked if they can make it a part of the
recommendation.
Sager suggested that if everyone was agreeable they should take them all out now and do the
planting with something that grows fast. Rose stated that if they don't remove them all the ones
that are left will shade the new ones that they are trying to start. It was decided to make a
recommendation of the Leland Cypress with a plan that Mr. Medinger and the neighbors agree
upon.
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Recommendation:
I) Tree Commission recommends incorporating Arborist recommendations regarding moving
the drive seven-feet away from the trunk of the Willow tree if the applicants newly proposed
plan is accepted by the Hearings Board.
2) Tree Commission recommends removing all the Leyland Cypress along western property line
and replanting with appropriate shrubs and screening trees, and development of a long term
maintenance plan for the replacement of all of the Le land Cypress.
PLANNING ACTION #2005-01484- is a request for Site Review approval to construct 26
townhome units for the property located in the Meadowbrook Park Subdivision located at N.
Mountain Ave. and E. Nevada St. Comprehensive Plan Designation: North Mountain; Zoning:
NM; Assessor's Map #; 39 IE 04 AC; Tax Lots: 400, SOl, 700.
APPLICANT: Camelot Family Homes ILLC
Jennings announced that the Tree Commission will be concerning themselves only with the Street
Trees on this project. Donn Todt asked her to remind the Commissioners that he is going to be
working on plants that have to do with the wetlands area. He will be recommending more native
shrubs for that wetland area so the Tree Commissioners will not be dealing with any of that, just
the trees.
Amy stated that Todt was concerned about the Oregon Ash because it is not a good tree for Urban
areas. It tends to break, has tons of seeds and creates lots of volunteers, takes a great deal of hand
labor and requires pesticides. Sager suggested that they give the applicant the original Conditions
of Approval and the Commission could then make a recommendation that they comply with the
original Conditions of Approval. Amy said she would email them to Jason Patterson.
APPLICANT TESTIMONY: Jason Patterson was present as applicant to answer questions.
Rose had a comment about planting. She had recently reviewed some trees that are by the parking
garage behind the Varsity Theater. Her concern was with the root ball. It was decided to make this
a discussion topic at a later date. Loftus said that the City Enforcer, Adam Hanks, needs to
understand how a tree is planted and that it is planted forever. Tom Medaro will be overseeing the
landscaping installation by Carol's Color's. Sager said she has a detail that they w;e that talk
about root flare and removal of burlap twine around the base of the tree. She will bring it in for
the next discussion. Amy stated that Robin is working on updating the irrigation and minimum
landscape standards.
Recommendation:
I) Tree Commission recommends not using Oregon Ash in residential/urban areas.
2) Tree Commission recommends incorporation of the original conditions of approval into all
landscaping, irrigation and tree preservation and protection plans.
3) All tree staking shall be removed within 2 years of issuance of certificate of occupancy.
Planning Action 2004-149 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an
approximately 912 square foot Accessory Residential Unit (ARU) behind the existing single
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family residence located at 459 Willow Street. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Single Family
Residential; Zoning: R-I-5; Assessor's Map #: 39 IE 05DA; Tax Lot: 100.
The Tree Commission had reviewed this planning action last December and it was their
recommendation to have the applicant brings it back to them. Amy read the pnor
recommendations and the applicants report.
The Commissioners discussed this planning action. Amy explained that the applicant has access
issues. Sager had two concerns with driving under the Walnut tree. One is that they will have
much heavier vehicles and the second is almost always the vehicles will probably be taller and rip
off limbs.
Recommendation:
I) Abide by the recommendations of Hooper Spring Tree Service.
2) Avoid damage to the lower limbs of the walnut tree from tall vehicles. Have all limbs lower
than 14-feet above grade pruned by a qualified arborist.
3) A void root compaction by vehicles heavier than 20,000 Ibs. under the Walnut. Consider
pumping of concrete to site.
4) Select a different, more drought and full sun tolerant tree from the City of Ashland
Recommended Street Tree Guide for the south side of the structure instead of the vine maple.
Holley inquired about what happened to the two Planning Actions from last month since there was
not a quorum with the Tree Commission. Amy stated that the Smith's project at 290 Skycrest
filed for a postponement and 510 Granite Street had nothing for the Tree Commission to review
because it was a variance to lot coverage 1~)f them to put a driveway in that already exists. Holley
asked what would have happened if one of these actions had required Tree Commission review
and there had not been a quorum last month? What does the planning department do? Amy stated
because of the 120 day rule she does not believe the action can be postponed without the
applicant's approval. Amy believes that perhaps a staff person would come up with the
recommendations. Holley is going to send an email to Bill Molnar and ask his opinion regarding
this.
v. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Tree of the Year
a. Ballots: The Commissioners discussed the trees that were nominated. Sager asked for a
clarification regarding Trees that are on City property. Amy said that in the past trey did not
include them because those trees have good care and do get recognized because they are in
protected areas. Jennings asked how healthy does a tree have to be to qualify? As the years go by
she said her standards go way down. Jennings is realizing it's no longer about the health of the
tree but how much the community loves the tree. It was decided that each Commissioner would
do a synopsis of one of the trees including writing something referring to the history of the tree.
Sager recommended they each send in their five nominations by noon tomorrow. The
Commissioners decided that the Siberian Elm at Evo's will receive an Honorable Mention award
but will not be part of the five nominations.
Amy will be putting the ballets at the Chamber of Commerce, utility office, camera shop, booth on
the plaza, potentially the food cafe across from Lithia Park the web site and any other places that
are suggested. If all goes according to schedule, the ballots will be put in the Daily Tidings on the
15th and again on the 29th
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Jennings was out looking at trees and was at 184 B Street across from the Post Office. She walked
back in the alley to look closer at an Incense Cedar and noticed a silver maple, the biggest one she
has ever seen in town. She encouraged everyone to look at.
b. Presentation at Council: November 3, 2005 - discussion at next months meeting
B. Tree Ordinance Revision
a. Memo to Council: In regard to the Tree Ordinance revision it has been tabled irdefinitely.
Amy stated that if the Commission is uncomfortable with the ordinance they need to identify
the policy reasons why they are uncomfortable with it. Holley suggested that the Commission
ask the Legal department to give them an interpretation.
C. Maples in front of Omar's - Amy staled that she filed the Tree Removal Permit with Robbin
Pearce. Todt has Five Persian Ironwoods available at approximately $225.00 a tree. Amy will
be contacting the Deboer's regarding mitigation. Sager commented that five trees at that site
might not be appropriate and they are sensitive which might not be the right tree for that area.
The Commissioners decided to bring this topic back next month so they can discuss it with
Donn.
D. Mitigation Trees - policies and procedures for off-site mitigation: Amy stated th~y are still
working on this and that the Commission needs to open this up for discussion. Jennings
suggested setting up a Sub Committee. Commissioners Sager, Rose and Loftus volunteered.
The first meeting will be December 5, :W05.
VI. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS
A. Liaison Reports
a. Heritage Tree Sub Committee: The committee needs one more member.
B. Old Business
C. New Items
Type I Review:
November 3, 2005: Holley, Sager, Pritchard
December 8, 2005: Jennings, Loftus
Loftus inquired about the Maple Tree that Randall brought to their attention. Holley stated
that they had received an email from Adam Hanks. Amy reminded the Commissioners that
enforcement is not in their purview. Adam will be coming to the Tree Commission next
month and discuss enforcement ideas.
Holley shared that the plaque for the 2003 Tree of the Year, a Blue Atlas Cedar located at 391
Liberty S1. has been vandalized. Holley is going to go and knock on the door and ask them if
they know what happened and check into having it replaced. The Commission is open to
helping purchase a new one.
D. Current Balance $750.00:
Brochures $ I 00.00
2005 Tree of Year Plaque $150.00
Daily Tidings ad $ I 00.00
E. Tree Commission Goals
l. Education
1. Daily Tidings Back Page: Sager encouraged the
Comm.issioners to have a little more organization with this so
they aren't doing things at the last minute. November's topic
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will be Planting and Rose will write the article. The goal is to
submit it by Nov. 1,2005
1. Communication for staff review. Reminder to give
all articles to Amy first for review before submitting
to the Daily Tidings
ii. Tree Clinics: Mary will be doing a class at North Mountain Park
iii. Monitoring
I. Tracking Reports to City Council: The Commissioners
decided not to include the tracking reports with the Tree of the
Year Presentation in order to keep the presentation a positive
expenence.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Pritchard adjourned meeting at 9:54 pm
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