Tiburon, California

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Burgin called the special meeting (field trip) of the Parks & Open Space Commission to order at 5:00 P.M., Monday, October 29, 2001, at Blackie’s Pasture Park, Tiburon, California.

A. ROLL CALL

PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS: Burgin, Canter, Fraser, Lindqvist & Zender

ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None

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

B.    PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

There were none.

C. STAFF AND COMMISSION BRIEFING         There was none.

D. BUSINESS ITEMS

1.    Blackie’s Grove: Field Trip to explore alternatives and locations for the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation’s request to install trees, benches, and other improvements in Blackie’s Pasture Park

Anderson summarized the purpose of the field trip, noting that the Commission had requested the field trip at its meeting of September 11, 2001. The purpose was to review in the field the project as proposed by the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation (TPF) and review possible alternatives in terms of locations, tree species, and so forth.

Larry Smith, representing the TPF, introduced other TPF members in attendance, including Bruce Ross, Petey Stein, and the Foundation’s landscape architect, Ralph Alexander. Mr. Smith noted that there were approximately 8-10 members of the public present as well.

Mr. Smith described the major elements of the project as follows:

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.

In response to a question from Wayne Snow, 100 Jefferson Drive, Mr. Smith added that the TPF would consider funding the trimming of vegetation on the berms between Tiburon Boulevard and Blackie’s Pasture Park. Mr. Snow responded that the same view problems would return in a few years if only trimming occurred and asked if removal and replacement with lower-growing species was not more appropriate. A Belveron resident suggested that low landscaping similar to that planted by the Town along the Multi-Use Path from Rock Hill Road to San Rafael Avenue Road would be more appropriate.

A member of the public asked why a grove of trees was requested, rather than a single tree. Mr. Smith responded that a grove would provide much-needed shade in the Park more quickly and effectively than a single tree.

Commissioner Canter asked if mayten trees could be used instead of coral eucalyptus trees. Ralph Alexander responded that mayten trees could blend with and complement the coral eucalyptus trees.

Commissioner Fraser said there was doubt as to the ultimate height of coral eucalyptus trees. He asked if there was another species that we could better predict its ultimate height?

Marc Tayer, Reedlands resident, stated that the cottonwood tree and others in the Park are his main concern because of view blockage. He asked why more trees were being considered at all since the existing trees already cause view blockage problems.

Commissioner Zender suggested creating a subcommittee to address, on a broader level, trees in the Park that block views.

Larry Smith suggested that an escrow account or endowment could be funded by the TPF to pay for ongoing trimming of the trees that would be planted as part of Blackie’s Grove.

Commissioner Lindqvist mentioned the current proposal to include the area in a wildlife refuge. Concerning the proposed grove nearest the Bay, she thought that planting trees (especially exotic trees) this close to a wetland area was not appropriate. She preferred the proposed grove location nearer to the paved parking lot. Commissioner Canter agreed.

Doris Heath, Greenwood Beach Road resident, was opposed to moving the existing benches that face the waterfront. Bruce Ross clarified that additional benches would be provided, and that the existing ones could remain as well.

Commissioner Canter stated that she opposed the removal of the cottonwood and saw it as an independent issue from Blackie’s Grove. Bruce Ross responded that removal of the cottonwood was an option offered by the TPF, but it could be separated from the Blackie’s Grove proposal at the Town’s discretion.

Commissioner Canter said that trees on public property are special and must go through a careful public process before any decisions are made to remove them. She said such proposals for tree removal are usually very controversial.

Bruce Ross explained that the public review process involved a recommendation from the Parks & Open Space Commission and a final decision by the Town Council, both of which would involve public hearings.

Commissioner Fraser wanted the TPF proposal to include the endowment or other long-term funding mechanism for trimming of the trees. He said that both the Blackie’s Grove proposal and the cottonwood issue would need to be addressed, although they could be addressed separately.

Mr. Smith responded that the TPF could work with that approach.

Commissioner Lindqvist expressed reservations about separating the cottonwood issue, which she saw as an integral part of the proposal, if the Blackie’s Grove project were to move forward. Marc Tayer agreed that the cottonwood issue could not be completely separated, as far as the Reedlands homeowners were concerned.

A public member asked if the cottonwood could be trimmed. Chair Burgin responded that the trimming of such a large tree would not be advisable, and would need to be done repeatedly. She did not see this as a viable solution. Bruce Ross and Commissioner Lindqvist agreed. Commissioner Canter suggested that a qualified arborist be retained to give an opinion on the cottonwood trimming issue.

Mr. Anderson noted that the Parks & Open Space Commission had specifically requested that alternate species be considered and a palette be prepared by the landscape architect for consideration by the Commission. Ralph Alexander responded that he would prepare such a palette.

Chair Burgin asked if the TPF would be ready to return to the Commission at its November meeting, otherwise the item would not be heard again until next year. Mr. Smith said they would try to be ready and would contact Staff as soon as they knew for certain.

E. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 PM.

________________________________________

JUDY BURGIN, CHAIR

Parks & Open Space Commission

ATTEST:

___________________________________

SCOTT ANDERSON, SECRETARY \posc\102901min.doc