Tiburon, California

CALL TO ORDER

Vice-Chair Canter called the regular meeting of the Parks & Open Space Commission to order at 7:37 P.M., Tuesday, September 11, 2001, in the Town Council Chambers, 1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, California.

A. ROLL CALL

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: Canter, Fraser & Lindqvist (Zender at 7:43 P.M.)

ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Burgin

EX-OFFICIO: Planning Director Anderson & Public Works Director Echols

It was noted that Commissioner Fraser was sworn in prior to the meeting.

There were none.

D. STAFF AND COMMISSION BRIEFING

Planning Director Anderson introduced Public Works Director Pat Echols to the Commission. Mr. Echols would be assisting with Commission staffing in the future.

E. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

Vice-Chair Canter noted that with Chairman Burgin and Commission Zender not in attendance, she would prefer that elections were postponed. All other Commissioner agreed. It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to continue the election of officers to the next regular meeting.

F. CONSENT CALENDAR

1.    Minutes No. 186 (June 12, 2001)

Commissioner Lindqvist requested corrections to P. 3 under the discussion of drinking fountains. Staff was directed to make the corrections.

M/S Zender/Lindqvist (4-0) to approve the minutes as corrected.

2. Minutes No. 187 (July 10, 2001)

M/S Zender/Canter (4-0) to approve as submitted.

3.    Blackie’s Grove: Revised proposal by Tiburon Peninsula Foundation to plant trees and install benches, walkways and other public improvements in Blackie’s Pasture Park

Anderson presented the staff report. He noted that, at its meeting of July 10, 2001, the Parks & Open Space Commission had reviewed a revised application. After considerable public testimony the primary direction from the POSC was for the Foundation to:

Perform more neighborhood outreach prior to returning to the Commission

Select shorter tree species, preferably 15-20 foot maximum height at maturity

Keep proposed new trees within areas of existing trees to minimize new view blockage

In response, the project was revised to include the following major elements:

Planting of two separate clusters of red flowering gum trees in the vicinity of existing tree clusters bayward of the Multi-use Path & Brunini Way. The two proposed tree clusters are as follows:

A cluster of approximately seven new trees opposite Blackie’s Pasture Drive from the paved parking lot at Blackie’s Pasture Park. This cluster would be complemented by two wooden benches and a decomposed granite pathway leading to the benches.

A cluster of approximately five new trees west of Shapero Bridge in an area where several red flowering gum trees and a large cottonwood tree exist. This cluster would be complemented by three wooden benches and a decomposed granite pathway leading to the benches. The uneven topography in this area would be smoothed to make it more walkable.

The existing large earthen berm alongside Brunini Way would be reduced in size and height, and the excess material spread in the area immediately west of the berm in between the two groves. The area would then be hydroseeded with native grasses and wildflowers.

Removal of the tall, large-canopied broadleaf deciduous tree (cottonwood) located near the waterfront in the cluster of trees nearest Shapero Bridge. Other existing trees in this cluster would be trimmed.

Anderson had the following Staff comments regarding the revised proposal:

Foundation representatives have indicated that they have visited the homes of people who spoke at the July 10^th hearing to discuss project modifications.

Tree species proposed are red flowering gum. Numerous trees of this species already exist in the two tree clusters. These trees have exhibited a slow growth rate and remain at relatively low mature heights with fairly small canopies. While not a native species, many people find the trees attractive because of their red flowers. The trees do not generally appear to reach heights above 20 feet, although staff did estimate the height of one or two of these trees in Blackie’s Pasture to be about 30 feet. Under ideal growing conditions, the trees can reach 40 feet in height.

The revised location of the newly planted trees appears to be outside existing view corridors and within the confines of existing tree clusters. It does not appear that significant new view blockage would result from the planting of the new trees.

Trimming of trees in the bayward cluster, and removal of the large cottonwood tree, are intended to restore views from several affected homes in the Reedlands that have been blocked in recent years by growth of the cottonwood tree. Removal of large healthy trees from public parks (for view purposes) is generally a controversial matter that has been discouraged by the Commission and the Town Council over the years.

Anderson saw the revised project as having greatly reduced potential for new view blockage through a combination of careful placement of new trees and change of species. The paths, benches, and grading/hydroseeding elements constitute improvements to the park. Proposed removal of the cottonwood tree should be carefully considered by the Commission, especially if the Commission determines that new view blockage is unlikely to result from the planting of red flowering gum trees. Generally, removal of a large, healthy tree from a public park in Tiburon requires a high level of justification.

Anderson recommended that the Commission receive a presentation from the applicant, take public testimony, discuss individual elements of the proposal and the project as a whole, and forward its recommendations to the Town Council.

Commissioners asked Anderson several questions regarding tree heights, other plantings in the area, and potential view blockage. Anderson did not know who had recently planted myoperum bushes on a berm behind homes on Greenwood Beach Road.

The hearing was opened to the public.

Bruce Abbott, 458 Greenwood Beach Road, stated that he had planted the myoperum bushes to screen the view of the "eyesore" that this portion of Blackie’s Pasture Park represents to surrounding homeowners. He stated that the park is not well maintained, and explained that the large berm by Brunini Way was excess dirt from a drainage project and was intended to keep cars out of the meadow area of the Park.

Wayne Snow, 100 Jefferson Drive, stated that perhaps only one person in his neighborhood had been contacted, and therefore outreach by the applicant was minimal. He stated that there were two red flowering gum trees that were 30 feet tall in the immediate area, and that such trees could grow to 40 feet. He noted that if the bayfront cluster actually constitutes a shrinkage of the view blockage area, then it is less objectionable. He could not determine that from the material provided thus far, and urged the Commission not to approve any plan with so many unknowns.

Mr. Snow saw in this revised plan no acknowledgement of the view concerns of Washington Court residents. Removal of the cottonwood tree may help Reedlands residents, but not Washington Court residents. The Commission’s prior comments regarding height and tree species appear to have gone unheeded. There are many species that could meet the Commission’s criteria. He wondered why these had not been proposed. He stated that the existing berms (and their vegetation) located between Tiburon Boulevard and the parking lots in Blackie’s Pasture already blocked views. The impacts of these berms and their landscaping was not fully understood at the time they were installed, and he wouldn’t want that to happen again.

Bert Rutkin, 9 East Terrace, said that the cottonwood tree is the main problem for he and his neighbors. He wants it removed. Some of the red flowering gums are also beginning to block water views. He noted that it appeared unlikely that the Town would approve removal of the cottonwood, based on past practices.

Mike Hancock, 8 East Terrace, spoke in favor of the cottonwood removal. He also noted that at least one red flowering gum is already at 30 feet. He wondered who would trim the trees over time if they grew to block views.

There being no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.

Commissioner Zender said the major issue was view blockage. The cottonwood has been there a very long time. She was not in favor of removing it, but asked Public Works to look into trimming it. She had fewer objections to the proposed cluster to the west.

Commissioner Fraser stated that the Foundation had not adequately responded the height and species direction provided by the Commission at the last meeting. He wasn’t in a position to make a decision on this application based on the plan presented. More options for trees, including the use of shrubs, should be provided.

Commissioner Lindqvist stated that the cottonwood is a view blocker and she would support its removal. It has grown greatly in recent years. She is familiar with these trees; they grow fast once established. Trimming or windowing would be a constant maintenance problem and would not resolve the view blockage issues. She favored removal, but saw red flowering gum as an inappropriate replacement. He wanted another species pursued. She expressed concern that the most bayward trees in the proposed western cluster would block new views and requested story poles for them. She also expressed concern about the myoperum bushes planted by Mr. Abbott, as they could also cause view blockage.

Vice-Chair Canter stated that the Town has long held that trimming or removal of trees in public parks is not done for private views. The proposed removal of the cottonwood is new to this revised application and is a separate issue from the other items in the application. It opens up a new can of worms. She asked Public Works to look into methods of trimming the tree, but considered its removal out of the question.

She felt that the westerly proposed grove is more acceptable, provided that another tree species is used and that the new trees are in close proximity to the existing trees such that no new view blockage occurs. She suggested mayten trees or privet trees as options. Spreading the berm and hydroseeding it are good ideas. In summary, she wanted different tree species, lower trees, and to preserve the cottonwood.

There was a general discussion regarding the level of direction that needed to be provided to the Foundation, since the Commission clearly could not support the application as presented.

It was moved by Vice-Chair Canter to preserve the cottonwood tree and remove it from the proposal. Motion died for lack of a second.

Commissioner Fraser stated that this area was the first "window on the community" as one enters Town. Anything to beautify this area would be a plus, but it must not create new view blockage. Other landscape solutions, including use of shrubs rather than trees, would be more appropriate than what is proposed.

Commissioner Lindqvist said she spoke recently to a conservationist, who expressed amazement that the Town would be considering the planting of new trees in a tidal marsh area, with spectacular views, where trees do not naturally grow. Commissioner Lindqvist also felt that consultation with the neighborhood had been insufficient. Previously constructed berms (and their landscaping) were already blocking views. The plants on them need to be trimmed down.

M/S Canter/Zender to table removal of the cottonwood tree and remove it from the plan. Motion failed 2-2.

Commissioner Fraser emphasized that the Commission does not support this plan. He wanted to give the Foundation guidance and direction and have them revise the plan. Perhaps a respite area with shrubs instead of trees is more appropriate. He noted that the consensus of the Commission was that the plan needed to be considerably revised. He suggested a field trip with the applicant present.

M/S Fraser/Lindqvist to shelve this plan and hold a field trip meeting of the full Commission to provide direction to the applicant.

Under discussion, Commissioner Zender wanted to see recommendations for other species of trees discussed at the field trip. Commissioner Lindqvist suggested considering other locations for trees, such as near the Knoll, during the field trip. Commissioner Canter wanted to see a revised plan prior to the field trip, but the other Commissioners disagreed. Commissioners Fraser and Lindqvist agreed to amend the motion to reflect the comments of Commissioners Zender and Lindqvist. The amended motion was approved 4-0.

4.    1920 Paradise Drive (Railroad Ferry Museum): Request by Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society to install a historic flagpole and railroad crossing warning sign adjacent to the Donahue Depot

Anderson presented the staff report, noting that the applicant had withdrawn the flagpole from the application and all that remained was the whistle board. The whistle board would stand 5 ½ feet above grade, was one foot wide and 3 inches thick. It would be placed two feet from the building in the planter area on the Paradise Drive-facing side of the building. A wooden stake has been placed in that location as a marker. He also noted that late mail had been received from the Point Tiburon Bayside Board of Directors opposing the application.

Anderson noted that because the whistle board was proposed in a public park, the Commission acted in an advisory capacity on this application.

The four Commissioners expressed general support for application given its minor nature and the appropriateness of placing the artifact near the Railroad Museum. The application was a staff-level Site Plan and Architectural Review item.

Dennis Ciocca, Point Tiburon Bayside Association, said that he was more concerned about the flagpole than the whistle board, and was happy that the flagpole had been withdrawn. The primary concern of the Association was that the whistle board would set a precedent for the profusion of railroad memorabilia in the vicinity of the Donahue Building. He asked the Commission to go on record as opposing any such proliferation of memorabilia.

Vice-Chair Canter agreed that this whistle board should not set a precedent for future memorabilia.

M/S Canter/Zender (4-0) to recommend approval of the whistle board as proposed.

5.    Shoreline Clean-up: September 15, 2001

The Commission discussed final preparations for the Shoreline Cleanup, which was scheduled to begin at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 15^th at Blackie’s Pasture.

6.    Appoint POSC member to serve on Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee

Commissioner Fraser offered to serve on the Committee. The Commission unanimously endorsed this appointment.

7.    Review Park Improvement ideas developed by POSC last year in relation to Proposition 12

This item was continued from the prior meeting to receive the lists from Commissioner Zender and new Commissioner Fraser. Commissioner Zender stated that her list from last year’s discussion of Proposition 12 items was unchanged.

Commissioner Fraser listed his priorities as 1) improvements to the Multi-use Path, including extending it to U. S. Highway 101; 2) acquisition of additional open space; and 3) beautification of the Blackie’s Pasture and Richardson Bay Lineal Park as these are the first public window onto the Town of Tiburon.

Anderson noted that the priorities of all Commissioners have now been received and that he will prepare a consolidated list and agendize it for a future meeting.

Commissioner Zender stated that she was contacted by a member of the Belveron Association who expressed interest in having the survey regarding park improvements sent out again to the neighborhood. There is apparently a committee of the Association studying park improvements at this time.

Anderson noted that he had also been contacted and that the survey could be distributed by hand by the Association rather than mailed by the Town. He provided a brief summary of the survey and its primary results, which favored passive recreational uses in the Park with a tot lot being a possibility. Commissioner Zender indicated that this matched the type of improvements that she had discussed over the phone the with Belveron Association representative.

Wayne Snow, 100 Jefferson Drive, provided some information regarding the new Association in Belveron, of which he was not yet a member. He indicated that he had also spoken with the Association member and provided her with a history of the park and a summary of the survey results.

It was the consensus of the Commission that since the survey was less that a year old, the results would not change appreciably if it were redistributed. What was needed was an improvement plan, not another survey.

The Commission directed Staff to provide each member with the staff report from last year that summarized the survey results, and to contact the Association representative and have her work with the existing Parks & Open Space Belveron Park Subcommittee on improvements to the park. A meeting with the Subcommittee members was encouraged, prior to the item returning to the full Commission.

Letter from Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society requesting installation of a public restroom facility near Shoreline Park

Commissioner Lindqvist wanted the item agendized for future discussion. Vice-Chair Canter noted that the Commission had discussed this matter last year and voted to recommend no action toward installing a public restroom near Shoreline Park.

Anderson stated that this was a correspondence item and if the Commission wishes to discuss it, it must be placed on a future agenda.

The Commission agreed to place the item on the next regular agenda for discussion.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.

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MINDY CANTER, VICE-CHAIR

Parks & Open Space Commission

ATTEST:

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SCOTT ANDERSON, SECRETARY \posc\091101min.doc