CALL TO ORDER –Ashland Tree Commission meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. on May 5, 2011, in the Siskiyou Room in the Community Development and Engineering Services Building located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland, Oregon.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

April 7, 2011 Tree Commission Minutes – Townsend motioned/Meyers seconded to approve the April 7^th, 2011 regular meeting minutes Voice vote: all AYES, Motion passed.  The minutes were approved as submitted.

WELCOME GUESTS

None

PUBLIC FORUM

None

TYPE I PLANNING REVIEW

PLANNING ACTION: 2011-00448

SUBJECT PROPERTY: 165 W Fork Street

APPLICANT: Suncrest Homes for Mark Ottis

DESCRIPTION: A request for Physical and Environmental Constraints review permit approval for Hillside Development including Severe Constraints to construct a new single-family residence on a vacant parcel located at 165 W Fork Street. The proposal modifies the house plans of an existing approval by reducing the size of the site disturbance from 4,252 to 2,621 square feet. The previously approved decision including tree removal to remove six trees and the Exception to Street Standards to place a driveway less than 24-feet from the adjacent driveway remains effective.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family Residential;

ZONING: R-1-7.5; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09BD; TAX LOT: 3600

Site visits by all.

Amy gave the Staff Report for the project.

The original house was designed and approved with a Physical and Environmental Constraints Review Permit in 2007. The home was two stories with daylight basement, and nearly 3,500 sq. feet. The proposal is to reduce the size of the residence by 30% in area of disturbance and impervious surfaces. The revised residence was approved by the Historic Commission at their May 4, 2011 meeting. The number of trees being removed has not been reduced but the trees that are left will be impacted less.

In attendance to speak about the property was, Charlie Hamilton, Contractor, Suncrest Homes.

Based on the discussion the Tree Commission had the following recommendation.

The Tree Commission has recommended the following for the above planning action:

1)   That the six trees on site shall be mitigated for either on-site in accordance with 18.61.084.B with trees that will achieve similar size and stature at maturity as the ones removed or a Payment in lieu of planting as set forth in 18.61.084.C or $400.00 per tree. The determined mitigation for the tree removals shall be selected and evidence of on-site planting (type, size and location of trees) or payment to the City of Ashland Tree Fund shall be submitted prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 

Commissioner Roland moved to approve, all were in favor.

PLANNING ACTION:        2011-00469    

SUBJECT PROPERTY:     332 Patterson St.

APPLICANT:                       Jeanette Robertson

DESCRIPTION:                   A request for a Tree Removal permit to remove a 28” European White Poplar located in a vacant lot at 332 Patterson Street. 

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family Residential;

ZONING: R-1-5; ASSESSOR’S MAP : 39 1E 04DC; TAX LOT: 1500

Site Visits by all.

Amy gave the staff report, Staff Advisor, Michael Pina had written a condition requiring payment in leiu of planting since there is no irrigation on the vacant parcel.

The Commission recommended approval of the conditions.

Commissioner Neff moved to approve, all were in favor.

PLANNING ACTION:        2011-00397    

SUBJECT PROPERTY:     2234 Siskiyou Boulevard (accessed from Chitwood Lane)

APPLICANT:                       Groundworks Community Development Corp.

DESCRIPTION:                   A request for Outline and Final Plan review, and Site Review approval to construct a five-unit townhouse development under the Performance Standards Options Chapter (AMC 18.88) for the property located at 2234 Siskiyou Boulevard, also known as Chitwood Park.  The applicants have also requested a Tree Removal Permit to remove three trees six-inches in diameter or greater at breast height; Exceptions to Street Standards to allow a dead-end street in excess of 500-feet in length, a private drive to serve five units, and a separation between driveways of less than 24 feet; and an Administrative Variance to the Site Design & Use Standards to allow a reduction in the separation and screening between residential units and parking areas.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family Residential; ZONING: R-1-7.5; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 14 CB; TAX LOT: 100

Site Visits all.

Amy gave the staff report.

The Commission expressed concern about the layout of the parking and the site in general and that the Ponderosa Pine is a good tree and it’s a shame to see it removed. The Commission recommended that the applicant consider removing the Leyland cypresses due to their extreme flammability.

Commissioner Roland moved to approve, all were in favor.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Earthday Follow-Up:

It appeared that there were a lot less children, in the afternoon there were less people in general. The Tree Commission is still in competition with the baby goats. Next year the Commission is going to improve their display with collections of tree diseases that can be displayed like conchs, Almeria and other wood / tree items. Pine cone bird feeders could be made as a children’s activity. The displays need to be improved so they won’t blow over. Commission would like to look into a raffle of donated items, like a bonsai tree and pruners or something similar. Steve Siewert needs to be called at the beginning of the month to let him know about the event.  

Commissioner Training – moved to next month

Groasis Water Box:

The Commissioners would like to purchase the minimum number of boxes. Since the cost is over $250, Commissioners Townsend and Roland stated they would speak with Plant Oregon to see if they would be interested in purchasing ˝ of the boxes.

ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS

Liaison Reports

      Anne will be attending the Oregon Community Trees Conference on June 2, 2011.

New Items:

None

Current Balance $525.00

Tree of the Year Plaque – on order, not paid yet.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Amy Gunter, Assistant Planner

Next Meeting:  Thursday, June 9, 2011