1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular City Council Meeting on September 5, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in person and via Zoom at 7:03 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by James Pratt-Young.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Ortiz, Stevenson MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REQUEST FOR AB 2249 REMOTE PARTICIPATION
There were no requests.
5. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
6. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Brownrigg reviewed upcoming events in the city.
7. DISCLOSURE OF SB 1439 CONFLICTS (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 84308)
Councilmember Beach stated that she is unaware of any contributions she has received that are in conflict and therefore need to be disclosed. However, she noted that if any member of the public is aware of a conflict, they should write the City Clerk.
8. PRESENTATIONS
2 a. PROCLAMATIONS RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS "RECOVERY HAPPENS MONTH" AND "SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH"
Mayor Brownrigg read the proclamations recognizing “Recovery Happens Month” and “Suicide Prevention Month”.
Mr. Pratt-Young accepted the Recovery Happens Month proclamation.
Ms. Andrade Zuniga accepted the Suicide Prevention Month proclamation.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
AFSCME members spoke on behalf of their union regarding the City’s current labor negotiations. The commentators included: Dante, Alan, Tim, Robert, and Jim. Their comments included:
• Employee turnover is high
• Retaining employees is difficult
• Difficulty in hiring
• Cost of living has increased leading to employees not being able to live in the area • Appreciation for work done
• Need to increase wages to be equal with neighboring cities • Reserve funds, General Fund balance, and enterprise funds could be used for increases • Inability to live on their employee wages
Analisa thanked Public Works staff for fixing the water main break.
Jennifer Pfaff commented on the positive aesthetic of Burlingame.
A member of the public thanked Parks staff for returning their lost iPad.
10. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. Mayor Brownrigg pulled item 10c.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to adopt items 10a, 10b, 10d, and 10e; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
a. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT
TO THE AGREEMENT WITH THE BURLINGAME CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO INCREASE THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT TO $128,601.69 AND TO EXTEND THE TERM
City Manager Goldman requested Council adopt Resolution Number 114-2023.
3 b. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PARCEL MAP (PM 22-01), LOT COMBINATION OF 2.0009 ACRE PARCEL IN MAP ENTITLED "LOT MERGER, LANDS OF FOMIL WITH PORTIONS OF LANDS OF UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY", FILED AUGUST 21, 1998 IN VOLUME 70 OF PARCEL MAPS, PAGE 75, PORTIONS OF PARCELS NO. 1 & 2 AS DESCRIBED IN DEED RECORDED FEBRUARY 16, 1956 AS DOCUMENT NO. 29175N, VOLUME 2970, PAGE 199, AND 2.81 ACRE PORTION OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1, MILLSDALE INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT NO. 1 SUBDIVISION AT 1855-1881 ROLLINS ROAD
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 115-2023.
c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A WATER SUPPLY ASSESSMENT FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LOCATED AT 1499 OLD BAYSHORE HIGHWAY
Mayor Brownrigg discussed the need for analysis of water management and supply.
Vice Mayor Colson suggested that the City pose the question of water supply to consultants during project analysis.
Councilmember Stevenson agreed with Mayor Brownrigg.
DPW Murtuza explained that the consultant works within the boundaries of the Urban Water Management Plan. He stated that the Plan was adopted in 2020 and outlines three scenarios provided for by the San Francisco Public Utility Commission. He noted that when the City updates the Plan, staff questions the assumptions made by SFPUC and that there is room for discussion with BAWSCA. However, he stated that the City is obligated to utilize the conservative numbers provided by SFPUC.
Councilmember Beach asked how often the City updates the Urban Water Management Plan. DPW Murtuza replied that it is updated every five years.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 116-2023; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
d. ADOPTION OF TWO RESOLUTIONS ACCEPTING THE LIONS CLUB GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 FOR CHILDREN’S LITERACY AND LARGE-TYPE BOOKS AND THE STATE LIBRARY SUSTAINABLE LIVING GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
RELATED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
City Librarian McCulley requested Council adopt Resolution Number 117-2023 and Resolution Number 118- 2023.
4 e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
EMPLOYMENT RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (ERMA) FOR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE LIABILITY
COVERAGE
Human Resources Director Saguisag-Sid requested Council adopt Resolution Number 119-2023.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CHAPTER 6.55, "SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT," OF TITLE 6 OF THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT; CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 AND 15061(B)(3); AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME DECLARING RESULTS OF MAJORITY PROTEST PROCEEDINGS AND ESTABLISHING THE
SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT
City Attorney Guina stated that the hearing is the final step for the City to help establish the San Francisco Peninsula Tourism Marketing District (SFPTMD). He explained that SFPTMD is a benefit assessment district proposed to create a revenue source to help fund marketing and sales promotion efforts for San Francisco Peninsula area lodging businesses. He stated that if established, the SFPTMD would generate approximately $10,336,711 on an annual basis for promotion of travel and tourism specific to the San Francisco Peninsula area. He added that Burlingame would be responsible for collecting the fee and would receive 1% of the collected fee or a flat fee. He stated that the district would have a five-year life span starting on January 1, 2024.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the public hearing.
Embassy Suites General Manager Ayden thanked Council for all their support.
Hyatt Regency General Manager Kretsch voiced his support for the formation of the SFPTMD.
The San Francisco Peninsula CEO John Hutar thanked the Council for their support.
Mayor Brownrigg closed the public hearing.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt the proposed Ordinance establishing Chapter 6.55, "San Francisco Peninsula Tourism Marketing District," of Title 6 of the Burlingame Municipal Code regarding establishment of the San Francisco Peninsula Tourism Marketing District; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
Councilmember Stevenson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 120-2023; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
5 12. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Due to public interest Mayor Brownrigg changed the order of staff reports and had item 12 c:
Consideration of a Resolution to Modify the Themed Block Tree Species for the 1500-2000 Blocks of Easton Drive” moved to the top of the order of staff reports.
a. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS TO ADOPT THE NORTH ROLLINS SPECIFIC PLAN AND ADDENDUM TO THE BURLINGAME 2040 GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR)
CDD Gardiner stated that in January 2019, the City Council adopted a comprehensive update of the Burlingame General Plan. He explained that the General Plan includes the following Goal:
Goal CC-12: Recreate Rollins Road as two distinct but complementary districts, with the southern two-thirds of the corridor supporting industrial and creative business enterprises and the northern one-third of the corridor reimagined as a live/work complete residential neighborhood – with parks, tree-lined streets, and a pedestrian orientation – that connects to the Millbrae multimodal transit station.
CDD Gardiner stated that a team led by the architecture and planning firm KTGY, and including Gates + Associates landscape architects, Kimley Horn engineering, and Rincon Consultants environmental planners has been creating the North Rollins Road Specific Plan. He added that a project website was established at:
https://www.northrollinsspecificplan.com
.
CDD Gardiner turned the presentation over to the consultants.
Linda Gates began by discussing the public outreach that the team conducted regarding the North Rollins Road Specific Plan. She noted that the community feedback was presented to the Planning Commission and City Council over the course of the project.
Ms. Gates stated that the preferred concept focused on open space. She noted that:
• Green focus on utility easement for recreation and connectivity. • Paseo connections between Rollins Road and Utility Easement Linear Park • 1/8-mile radius park cluster locations
• Transition to South Rollins with gateway element
• Importance of walkability
John Moreland reviewed the different sections of the North Rollins Specific Plan:
1. Objectives/Vision
2. Land Use Plan
3. Circulation and Streetscape
4. Landscape and Open Space
5. Community Benefits
6 Mr. Moreland reviewed the objectives and vision of the specific plan including:
• Implement new policies consistent with updated General Plan, increasing housing density, transit- supportive uses, and infill development
• Maximize access to transit by promoting development near the Millbrae Transit Center • Develop and implement urban design standards that promote a walkable and livable environment • Create a “sense of place” through attractive streetscapes unique to the Plan Area and activate Rollins Road
• Support emerging businesses by establishing flexible zoning regulations that allow creative art and design-oriented uses and green-tech commercial and industrial uses
Next, Mr. Moreland reviewed the proposed Land Use Plan:
• Land uses the same throughout the entire Plan Area and are similar to existing zoning • Uses include mixed-use, residential, commercial, and industrial • Includes three tiers of development incentives, with updates to required community benefits • Maximum base density
Land Use Maximum Allowable Base Intensity
Multi-Family Residential 70 base units per acre
Commercial Uses 1.0 Floor area ration
Industrial Uses 1.0 Floor area ration
Mixed-Uses 1.0 Floor area ration
Mr. Moreland discussed the proposed streetscape and traffic movement included in the specific plan:
• One lane in each direction with a center turn lane
• Traffic calming features
• Bike lane
• Six-foot landscape zone
• Prioritize pedestrian and bicyclist transportation
• Parallel parking
Mr. Moreland reviewed the proposed landscape in the specific plan:
• Mix of private, common, and public open spaces
• Promote non-vehicle travel and multi-modal connectivity • Green tapestry and network of interconnected open spaces • Integrate with adjacent uses or relevant programming
Mr. Moreland discussed the community benefits outlined in the specific plan. He noted that pursuant to the specific plan, some benefits weigh more than others. He explained that the benefits are tiered. He noted that benefits listed in the plan include:
• Publicly accessible park space
• Paseo enhancements
• Large public plazas beyond the minimum requirement
7 • Trail improvements
• Off-site streetscape improvements
• Cultural arts space
• Public parking facilities
• Community or neighborhood center
• Ground-floor retail space
• Grocery store
• Greater proportion of affordable housing than ordinarily required • Additional public art beyond minimum requirement
• Near zero net energy
• Net zero water use
• Flexible benefit (to respond to unique site opportunities)
Mr. Moreland explained that the intended use of the addendum is to provide the City with additional information regarding the potential environmental impacts of the proposed changes to the North Rollins Road Specific Plan. He stated that the addendum to the 2040 General Plan is consistent with CEQA.
Mr. Moreland stated that on August 28, 2023, the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the North Rollins Road Specific Plan. He noted that there were no comments against the project, but that the following concerns were raised:
• Air quality
• Accommodating for local wind and weather conditions
• Route to school
He stated that all comments were addressed in the project addendum or Specific Plan Document, and no revisions were needed to either document.
CDD Gardiner thanked Vice Mayor Colson and former Councilmember Keighran for their help and guidance on the addendum.
Mayor Brownrigg asked how the City can help facilitate and execute the developed plan. Mr. Moreland replied that outreach to property owners and potential developers would be needed.
Vice Mayor Colson discussed how the City can help activate the space by making improvements to the streets and sidewalks in the North Rollins neighborhood.
Councilmember Beach supported the community benefit item of a child care facility. She asked about parking requirements. CDD Gardiner replied that during the drafting of the new plan, the State Legislature adopted AB 2097, which prevents municipalities from requiring minimum parking requirements. He explained that the new plan has parking requirements in it, but the majority of the plan falls within half a mile of the new Millbrae development, which makes it compliant with AB 2079.
8 Councilmember Stevenson asked about sports within the new parks. Vice Mayor Colson replied that there are currently some sports facilities in the area. She noted that the economics of sports in that specific area don’t work. CDD Gardiner added that open space is going to work differently in this area than other neighborhoods as the land parcels are smaller.
Councilmember Beach voiced support for the open space concept of the area.
Mayor Brownrigg asked about the land underneath the electrical corridor. CDD Gardiner replied that that land is privately owned, and the owners are watching the development unfold.
Mayor Brownrigg opened public comment.
Doug Bojack voiced concern about parking and biking within the new specific plan area. (comment submitted via [email protected]
).
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Councilmember Beach asked about bike lines. DPW Murtuza replied that the bike lane design will be finalized later after the area matures.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 121-2023; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call voted, 5-0.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 122-2023; seconded by Mayor Brownrigg.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
b. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATED ART IN PUBLIC PLACES POLICY
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that the City’s existing Art in Public Places Policy was established in 2007 and routes the selection/approval of public art to either the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Library Board of Trustees, or the Beautification Commission. She explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission reviews art in park and recreation facilities; the Library Board of Trustees reviews art in the libraries; and the Beautification Commission reviews art on other City properties. She noted that the City Council grants the final approval and acceptance of the art.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that when public art is proposed as part of a new project, the Planning Commission reviews the art related to a development project as part of the design review process. She noted that development projects located in the North Rollins Road Specific Plan area will follow a more detailed process that is outlined in the Specific Plan.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that staff determined that the Art in Public Places Policy needed to be updated to reflect changes in process and noticing and to help ensure that the City has a process by which new public art is vetted for installation. She added that the policy needed to align with
9 the public art language in the North Rollins Road Specific Plan. She stated that under the North Rollins Specific Plan, two City Arts Liaisons will perform a preliminary advisory review for any proposed art required to be installed as part of development on the developed property or in a public area within the Specific Plan’s boundaries. The City Council would appoint Art Liaisons with experience in the arts industry who live and/or work in Burlingame. She noted that the Planning Commission would review any proposed public art within the development project. If the developer chooses to pay in-lieu fees instead, the Parks and Recreation Commission would approve art in the park, while Public Works staff would approve art in the public right-of-way. She stated that in all three cases, the City Council has final approval of the public art.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that pursuant to the previous policy, in order to make changes, a task force must be assembled. The task force is made up of two members each from the Beautification Commission, Library Board of Trustees, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. She noted that the task force proposed the following changes to the document:
1. Adding definitions for City Arts Liaisons, Appropriate Department, and Public Right of Way
2. Including City Arts Liaison throughout the document
3. Updating the notification procedures to align with current practices and new technologies
4. Clarifying the On-loan Policies
5. General grammatical corrections and improved layout
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that a similar process would be followed if there was a need to remove the artwork from public spaces.
Councilmember Beach asked about the section on removal of art. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad replied that the removal of art did not raise any serious concerns.
Councilmember Beach asked about the donation of art and the history of art pieces. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad replied that the background of an art piece could be added to the application.
Vice Mayor Colson asked City Clerk Hassel-Shearer about the art map being developed. City Clerk Hassel- Shearer responded that the map outlining public art throughout the city is almost ready to be released.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up to public comment. No one spoke.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked staff for all their work. He commented that the document felt very reactive and wanted it to be more proactive. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad replied that the Library is going to undertake a marketing campaign, twice a year, to remind the public that the City has space for public art.
Vice Mayor Colson commented that the First Republic Bank is interested in donating a large painting of the train station to the City.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 123-2023; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
10 c. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO MODIFY THE THEMED BLOCK TREE SPECIES FOR THE 1500 - 2000 BLOCKS OF EASTON DRIVE
This item was moved up in the order of staff reports due to the signicant public interest in the item.
City Arborist Holtz explained that a petition was circulated to change the themed block tree species for the 1500 to 2000 blocks of Easton Drive. He noted that Easton Drive has approximately 250 trees lining it, with planting beginning in the 1870’s. He stated that the City Council gave Easton Drive the Heritage Designation in 1976. He explained that heritage status is ceremonial and is important to the community.
He stated that in the early 2000’s, these trees needed greater maintenance, and therefore the City began hiring an independent arborist to inspect the trees every two years.
City Arborist Holtz stated that in 2007, the Beautification Commission established the 1500-2000 blocks of Easton Drive as a themed area. He explained that this means whenever a tree is removed from the themed area, it will be replaced with a specifically stated tree.
City Arborist Holtz discussed the winter 2022-2023 storms. He noted that the storms necessitated a lot of emergency tree work on Easton Drive including dealing with:
• 1 tree failure on February 21, 2023
• 8 trees moving in soil with wind
• 5 homes voluntarily evacuated
• 3 weeks of emergency work
• 18 additional trees planned for removal (work began August 22, 2023), with replacement planting suspended until themed block final decision
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the themed block designation:
• The Beautification Commission makes recommendations to the City Council • Citizens can initiate establishment of a themed block by putting together a petition signed by 66% of the property owners; the petition is then sent to the Beautification Commission • Citizens can initiate modification or removal of a themed block with the Beautification Commission with a petition signed by 75% of property owners
• Final decisions of themed blocks are determined by the Beautification Commission or City Council
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the current themed tree for Easton Drive:
• The Beautification Commission selected the Lemon Scented Gum (Corymbia Citriodora) in 2007. • The tree was selected because it is drought tolerant, has low ground-level infrastructure conflict, is aesthetically valued, tolerates pruning well, has a long life expectancy, is disease resistance, and provides ecological benefits
• The Lemon Scented Gum’s negatives include that it can shed large limbs, has shallow roots, is a host for psyllids, and can be easily vandalized
City Arborist Holtz provided the following statistics for Easton Drive as of November 1, 2023:
11 • 15 large eucalyptus trees remain
• 15 Lemon Scented Gums have been planted
• 30 plus vacant sites to plant
City Arborist Holtz next reviewed the petition to modify the themed blocks on Easton Drive (the 1600, 1700, and 2000 blocks met the 75% threshold to change):
Support by Block (in percentage)
1500 20
1600 80
1700 88.8
1800 55.6
1900 50
2000 77.8
*Overall property owner support – 63% (33 of 52 properties)
City Arborist Holtz noted that the petition did not specify what the replacement tree should be.
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the Beautification Commission decision on June 1, 2023:
• 1500-2000 blocks of Easton Drive to be treated as one themed block area • Additional data requested
o Other agencies’ experience with Lemon-Scented Gum
o Differences between Blue Gum and Lemon-Scented Gum
o Differences between heritage tree and a heritage grove o Additional species to consider
City Arborist Holtz stated that the Beautification Commission did not want to see Easton Drive broken up into separate themed blocks; they wanted the 1500-2000 blocks be treated as one.
City Arborist Holtz reviewed other agencies’ experiences with Lemon-Scented Gum:
• Santa Barbara
o Over 150 specimens planted in mostly non-street settings o Believe higher likelihood of limb failures can be managed with greater maintenance activity o Do actively plant eucalyptus (Angophora Costata)
• San Francisco
o 25 specimens in inventory, though likely higher
o Many new plantings in narrow street medians
o Report of greater instances of large limb failure and difficulty establishing young trees in the urban environment
• Palo Alto
o 21 specimens planted in two parks
o Only one work record for a downed limb
12 o Do no actively plant eucalyptus in favor of native species
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the differences between a Blue Gum and a Lemon-Scented Gum:
Lemon Scented-Gum Blue Gum
Typical height of 80’, 50 – 100’’ wide Typical height of 120’, 30 – 80’’ wide Moderate branch strength Medium weak branch strength
Open, rounded Rounded
Fast growing, low water use tree Fast growing, low water use tree Prized for scent, flowers, showy bark Scent can be pleasant and noxious Shed bark can be nuisance
Considered invasive
Vice Mayor Colson asked about the fire hazard associated with the two species. City Arborist Holtz replied that the Blue Gum is more fire prone due to its bark shedding and size. He added that he does not focus on fire risk in relation to streetscape landscape, as the trees are less numerous and dense in comparison to Mills Canyon or other wildland urban interface areas.
Councilmember Ortiz asked about the root structure of the Lemon-Scented Gum. City Arborist Holtz replied that the Lemon-Scented Gum has a similar root structure to other eucalyptus species, but it is not as tall as the Blue Gum. He noted that other agencies did not mention any negatives about the root structure of the Lemon-Scented Gum.
Councilmember Beach asked about the root depth and planting techniques of the Lemon-Scented Gum.
City Arborist Holtz replied that eucalyptus as a species have shallower roots.
Councilmember Beach asked if there is risk of electrical wires interacting with the trees. City Arborist Holtz replied that PG&E has standards they need to meet in relation to their wires.
City Arborist Holtz reviewed heritage trees and groves:
• The Heritage Tree program was established in 1975 to bestow honor upon significant public and private trees
• The designation could be upon one tree or multiple trees in the same geographic area (grove) • 1976 – 35 individual trees and 7 groves assigned Heritage designation • All heritage trees approved by City Council
City Arborist Holtz stated that the citizen petition requested that the replacement tree be a native tree that is shorter in height and easier to maintain. He reviewed the modification proposed in the petition:
• Current City street tree list includes one native species of the 25 available choices • California natives may not be native to Burlingame or the area to be planted • Easton planter strips may not be native to Burlingame or the area to be planted
13 • Heritage designation and reforestation plan of Easton should guide decision on future “look” of Easton
• Original planting utilized a three evergreen species pattern
City Arborist Holtz mentioned that there were some additional species options:
• Camphor Tree
• Coastal Live Oak
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the Coastal Live Oak:
• Susceptible to Sudden Oak Death
• Dense canopy can shade out some plants
• Can often be wider than tall
• Native to California
• Long lived, slow-moderate growing tree
• Strong branch attachments
• Good decay compartmentalization
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the Camphor Tree:
• Susceptible to Verticillium Wilt
• Can have invasive surface roots
• Native to Asia
• Moderate growth tree
• Often wider than tall
• Strong branch attachments
• Good decay compartmentalization
He noted that many Camphor trees are planted along the 300 – 600 blocks of Burlingame Avenue.
City Arborist Holtz reviewed the actions for the Council to consider:
1. Reject Beautification Commission’s recommendation and default to existing theme block designation (Lemon-Scented Gum)
2. Uphold Beautification Commission’s recommendation (from 2007) adding two species - Coast Live Oak and Camphor Tree
3. Amend Beautification Commission’s recommended species (can be one or multiple species)
Councilmember Ortiz asked if the City Council decides to approve three species as replacement trees would it maintain the similar look and consistency of a themed street. City Arborist Holtz replied in the negative.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Leslie McQuaide voiced support for maintaining the current tree theme on Easton Drive.
14 Kris Cannon and Susie voiced support for keeping the current tree theme.
Brooke and Scott voiced support of the themed block and keeping only the Lemon-Scented Gum.
Doug Bojack voiced support of the three-tree option for the themed block. (comment submitted via [email protected]
)
Klaus voiced concern for the over-pruning of trees. (comment submitted via [email protected]
).
Mayor Brownrigg closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Beach asked if the Cyprus and Pine trees originally planted in the 1870’s were considered for modern planting. City Arborist Holtz replied that they were discussed but not considered. He noted that Monterey Pines can die very quickly, and in doing so become very brittle and are a hazard. He explained the Monterey Cyprus have a habit of shedding large branches.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he was in favor of keeping the themed block as is with the Lemon-Scented Gum.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that she was in favor of a taller tree in order to keep street obstruction to a minimum. She agreed with Councilmember Ortiz about keeping the street as is and favored the Lemon- Scented Gum.
Councilmember Beach liked the idea of having three different species of evergreen and the biodiversity it brings. She asked about having a monoculture and if it would hinder biodiversity of the urban forest. City Arborist Holtz replied that industry recommendations are not to stick to monoculture as they can be impacted by disease. He noted that staff is not aware of anything that affects the Lemon-Scented Gum.
Councilmember Beach stated she was open to the Beautification Commission recommendation.
Councilmember Stevenson voiced concern about going against the voice of the neighborhood.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the main concern was about all one type of tree becoming diseased at the same time and asked how long it takes to impact the trees. City Arborist Holtz replied that disease can set in quickly, and when it does, they usually remove all the trees in the area.
Vice Mayor Colson asked about diseases with the Live Oak and the Cyprus. City Arborist Holtz replied that both those trees have known diseases.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if Santa Barbara’s Lemon-Scented Gums experienced any species wide concerns.
City Arborist Holtz replied that they had not seen anything to cause concern among the species, but there were on-off impacts.
15 Mayor Brownrigg stated that he was in favor of keeping the tree theme as is.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to retain a themed block on Easton Drive from 1500 – 2000 blocks and limiting it to only the Lemon-Scented Gum; seconded by Vice Mayor Colson. The motion passed by roll call vote, 4-1 (Councilmember Beach voted against).
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BURLINGAME AGE-FRIENDLY ACTION PLAN
City Librarian McCulley stated that in in February 2021, the Burlingame City Council adopted Resolution Number 012-2021 which authorized the City to participate in the Age-Friendly Communities Network. He explained that former Mayor O’Brien and then-Councilmember Colson formed a task force of key local stakeholders from various organizations and commissions who collaborated to engage the community.
City Librarian McCulley stated that the task force assessed the City’s baseline “age-friendliness” through a series of focus group sessions. He explained that the task force reviewed the focus group feedback and completed the Age-Friendly application, which required a letter of intent signed by the Mayor. He noted that the application was submitted and accepted in September 2021. He added that with the submission of the application, the City committed to developing a three-year action plan within two years of the application acceptance and providing annual progress reports to AARP regarding implementation of the action plan.
City Librarian McCulley stated that to develop the action plan, the City worked with AARP to develop and send out a city-wide survey to gather input about the needs of Burlingame's older adult community. He explained that the results led to the development of the Burlingame Age-Friendly Action Plan. He noted that the action plan is organized by the eight domains, with a brief overview of some survey findings or statements of need, followed by a goal and strategies to reach the goal.
Mayor Brownrigg asked what the City should undertake first as a result of the action plan. City Librarian McCulley replied that staff would need to review the eight domains and determine what could be done.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that the action plain is a living document, and that it should be referenced, and refreshed, and items checked off when available.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that the action plan is a framework of where the City should be. She noted that some things will happen organically, while other items will have to be more thought out.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item for public comment. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 124-2023; seconded by Councilmember Stevenson. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
13. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
16 Council reviewed their committee appointments.
14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Brownrigg wanted to agendize a discussion around the County’s new permitting process over flavored tobacco. City Attorney Guina noted that this could be included with the review of the Broadway smoking ban.
15. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Library Board of Trustees are available online at www.burlingame.org
.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brownrigg adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m. in honor of Jerry Coleman, former Burlingame City Attorney, and Hobart Smith, community member.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk