ASHLAND TREE COMMISSION

MINUTES

May 6, 2010

CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Bobby Townsend called the Ashland Tree Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on May 6, 2010, in the Siskiyou Room in the Community Development and Engineering Services Building located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

May 6, 2010

WELCOME GUESTS

Michael Dawkins, Planning Commissioner

PUBLIC FORUM

Mr. Phil Townsend family owns a lot on Almond Street. A very large street tree was removed without a permit and Mr. Townsend would like to take responsibility. He asked the Commission what he should do. The Tree Commission suggested that Mr. Townsend mitigate the trees removal with a tree that will achieve similar size and stature at maturity as the tree removed. The Commission suggested Mr. Townsend pay close attention to spacing, overhead power lines and planting the tree at least five feet from the curb line. 

TYPE I REVIEW

PLANNING ACTIONS:          2010-00401    

SUBJECT PROPERTY:         160 Scenic Drive

APPLICANT:                           Laurie Sager & Associates Landscape Architects Inc.

DESCRIPTION:  A request for a Physical & Environmental Constraints Review for Development on Hillside Lands with Severe Constraints to construct a driveway turnaround, retaining wall and fencing with gate for the property located at 160 Scenic Drive and the adjacent Bush Street right-of-way.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION:  Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-7.5; ASSESSOR’S MAP #: 39 1E 08 AA; TAX LOT: 6200

Recommendation:

Applicant should consider collar excavation around the base of the Oak tree and Almond (mis-identified as Apple) since the ivy is being removed.

Recommend wheel stop or other barrier at back of wheel stop.

PLANNING ACTIONS:          2010-00434    

SUBJECT PROPERTIES:      355 Garfield St.

APPLICANT:                            David Jones

DESCRIPTION:  A request for a Site Review and Conditional Use Permit for a 4 unit traveler’s accommodation (including 1 owners unit) located at 355 Garfield St.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Multi-Family Residential

ZONING: R-2 ASSESSOR’S MAP #: 39 1E 10CC; TAX LOT: 5200

Recommendation:

Applicant shall protect maple trees from impacts of paving driveway and parking spaces.

ACTION ITEMS

Earthday Follow-up:

The pruning demo went great. Since the Commissioners were vying for people’s interest with numerous other activities they only conducted one. Casey was thanked by the other commissioners for his dedication and follow through. The Tree Commission felt it was definitely worth their time and energy.

Tree of the Year Plaque Installation:

Bobby stated he would be attending. Anne is getting a locate and she will get the hole prepped in coordination with the property owners.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) table:

William Olsen of William Olsen Designs asked to take the wood from the Tree of Heaven that was removed from the entrance of Lithia Park which was going to be chopped into firewood and had it cured. Mr. Olsen stated that the curing process took about 3 years and then he was able to mill the wood and begin the construction of the table. The table’s legs and frame are constructed of the Ailanthus wood and the center piece is from a reclaimed Walnut tree removed in Jacksonville. Mr. Olsen has donated the table as a gift to the City of Ashland. The Tree Commission proudly accepts the gift on behalf of the City.

ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS

Liaison Reports:

Council: None

Parks: None

Current Balance - $ 275.00

ADJOURNMENT - Commissioner Townsend adjourned the meeting at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Amy Gunter, Assistant Planner