| Time | Speaker | Text |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00:00.03 | Unknown | Will not die |
| 00:00:02.06 | Maria | We're here. |
| 00:00:12.70 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 00:00:12.72 | Maria | CHAIR FELLER. for the public is in and we are ready to go. |
| 00:00:16.94 | Kristina Feller | Terrific. Thank you, Maria. And welcome everybody. Welcome this evening to our regular planning commission meeting for Wednesday, November 3rd. Interim Community Development Director Scoble, could you kindly call the roll? |
| 00:00:30.84 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. And before I start, good evening, Chair Feller, members of the Planning Commission. This meeting is being held pursuant to government code section 54953, subsection E. And in light of the declared state of emergency, this regular meeting of the Planning Commission on November 3rd will be conducted telephonically through the zoo and broadcast live on the city's website. With that, I will commence the roll call. Commissioner Saad. here. Commissioner Luxenberg. |
| 00:00:57.73 | Jeffery Luxenberg | THEIR, THEIR, THEIR, THEIR, |
| 00:00:58.72 | Heidi Scoble | in the Hinner Juniors. |
| 00:01:00.16 | Andrew Junius | present. |
| 00:01:01.29 | Heidi Scoble | Commissioner, or Vice Chair of Graff. Fairfeller. |
| 00:01:05.81 | Kristina Feller | THE FAMILY. |
| 00:01:06.01 | Andrew Junius | Thank you. |
| 00:01:06.06 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. All members are present and we have a quorum. |
| 00:01:09.81 | Kristina Feller | Terrific, thank you. The next item is the approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve and a second? |
| 00:01:19.53 | Richard Graef | I'll move to approve. |
| 00:01:20.86 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 00:01:20.90 | Richard Graef | Yeah. |
| 00:01:20.91 | Nastassya Saad | I'll second. |
| 00:01:22.52 | Kristina Feller | Thank you, Director Stovall. |
| 00:01:24.98 | Heidi Scoble | Senator Assad. |
| 00:01:25.10 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 00:01:25.97 | Heidi Scoble | Yes, Mr. Luxenberg. |
| 00:01:28.10 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yes. |
| 00:01:28.98 | Heidi Scoble | Commissioner Junius. |
| 00:01:30.26 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yes. |
| 00:01:30.95 | Heidi Scoble | Vice Chair Grath? |
| 00:01:32.10 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yeah. |
| 00:01:32.78 | Heidi Scoble | Carefeller. Yeah. |
| 00:01:33.97 | Kristina Feller | you |
| 00:01:34.03 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. |
| 00:01:34.28 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 00:01:34.31 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. Motion carries 5-0. Right. |
| 00:01:37.40 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. So moving on to item three, we have public comment on any items not on the agenda this evening. Director Scoville, could you please let the public know how to raise their hand in the Zoom application? |
| 00:01:51.10 | Heidi Scoble | Yes, and thank you, Chair Feller. This is the time for the Planning Commission to hear citizens regarding matters that are not on the agenda. Except in very limited situations, state law precludes the Planning Commission from taking action on or engaging in discussions concerning items of business that are not on the agenda. However, the Planning Commission may refer matters not on the agenda to staff or to direct the subject to be agendized for a future meeting. In order to provide public comment via Zoom, video or audio public comment participation is limited to three minutes per speaker. If you'd like to comment, please raise your hand in the Zoom application and you'll be called upon when it's your time to speak. To raise your hand on a phone, press star nine, and each speaker will be notified when the time is elapsed. |
| 00:02:36.73 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you. So I'm looking for hands in the audience at this time. Seeing none, I'll go ahead and close public comment and we can move on to item four. which is the approval of the Planning Commission minutes. And I think this evening we only have one meeting minute to approve from October 20th. So I'm looking for any comment from any commissioner Motion to approve and a second. |
| 00:03:07.48 | Richard Graef | Motion to approach. It's not good. |
| 00:03:12.57 | Heidi Scoble | Commissioner Saad? Yes. Commissioner Luxenberg? |
| 00:03:16.51 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yeah. |
| 00:03:17.33 | Heidi Scoble | Commissioner Junius. |
| 00:03:18.77 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yes. |
| 00:03:18.80 | Heidi Scoble | Yeah. Vice Chair Gras. Chair Feller. Yes. Motion passes unanimously. |
| 00:03:25.15 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 00:03:25.55 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. |
| 00:03:28.01 | Kristina Feller | All right, moving on to our consent calendar this evening. Director Scobo, I'm gonna hand this over to you. |
| 00:03:34.90 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you, Chair Feller. So this is the first time in a very long time that the Planning Commission for Sausalito has had a consent calendar. So if you'll just indulge me for a second, I'm just going to read the purpose and the intent of the consent calendar and how a planning commissioner or the public may request the item to be pulled. So, I will start. Matters listed under the consent calendar are considered routine and non-controversial, require no discussion, and is expected to have unanimous planning commission support and may be enacted by the Planning Commission in one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion of the consent calendar items. However, before the Planning Commission votes on a motion, To adopt the consent calendar item, Planning Commissioner, City staff, or members of the public may request that specific items be removed from the consent calendar for separate actions. in order to request an item to be pulled you must participate in public comment items will only be removed from the consent calendar by a vote of the planning commission items removed from the consent calendar will be discussed later on the agenda when public comment will be heard on any item that was removed from the consent calendar so with that as you recall at the the last meeting that we had on october 20th the planning commission closed public comment and referred this or closed the public hearing and referred 310 harbor drive which is a design review |
| 00:04:48.56 | Adam East | Yeah. |
| 00:04:57.65 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. permit conditional use permit and non-conformity permit to remove and replace existing boat docks at the clipper yacht harbor for basins three and four so with that we have trisha stevens who is here to answer any questions that plan a commission may have |
| 00:05:13.23 | Kristina Feller | Thank you, Director Scoble. And just a process question, do we take public comments first and then commissioners. Yes. Okay. So let's go ahead and open this up for public comment on for the consent calendar. I'm looking for any raised hands in the audience. Seeing none, I will close public comment and Trisha, I'll hand this over to you. |
| 00:05:42.73 | Maria | Yes, good evening, Chair Feller and members of the Commission. Based on the public hearing on October 10th, prepared a supplemental staff report to address the remaining items and that the commission had. We, provided a new condition regarding landscaping of the peninsula area. We added a new condition on pre-construction management. And then we... made a change to the Um, Mitigation measure Bio 2 to address the buffer area for eelgrass surveys. And then the applicant provided updated project plans with the date October 25th. that are all up to date and consistent. So we recommend that you adopt the resolution. to approve this project, but those changes |
| 00:06:55.17 | Kristina Feller | Thank you very much. And just to confirm the revised date on the drawings. I'm assuming staff did confirm that those drawings are actual to date and the date wasn't just changed, but they are. actually correct. |
| 00:07:10.66 | Maria | We did. |
| 00:07:13.23 | Kristina Feller | Right, thank you. So let me just ask each of the commissioners if they have any questions or further comment. And thank you, Tricia, the revised language and conditions Commissioner Luxenberg, do you have any further comments? |
| 00:07:28.47 | Jeffery Luxenberg | No, I'm all fine, thank you. |
| 00:07:29.94 | Kristina Feller | Right. Commissioner Junius. |
| 00:07:32.26 | Andrew Junius | I'm fine. Thank you, Chair Feller. |
| 00:07:34.09 | Kristina Feller | Thank you, Commissioner Saan. |
| 00:07:36.33 | Nastassya Saad | No questions, thank you. |
| 00:07:37.90 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. Vice Chair. |
| 00:07:40.67 | Richard Graef | I'm fine with this. |
| 00:07:43.06 | Kristina Feller | As am I. Thank you very much. though I think at this time we just need a motion to approve I put them on the consent calendar, and I'm looking for a second as well. |
| 00:07:55.69 | Andrew Junius | So moved. |
| 00:07:58.22 | Kristina Feller | Okay, so I think we have Commissioner Luxenberg with the motion. Commissioner Junius to approve as a second. And Director Scoble, if you could please take the roll call. |
| 00:07:59.18 | Andrew Junius | Yeah. |
| 00:08:08.95 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Feller. Commissioner Saad? Yes. Commissioner Luxembourg? |
| 00:08:14.10 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yes. |
| 00:08:14.98 | Heidi Scoble | Ms. Narbunius. |
| 00:08:16.29 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yes. |
| 00:08:17.08 | Heidi Scoble | Vice Chair Gras. |
| 00:08:18.25 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Thank you. |
| 00:08:18.32 | Heidi Scoble | All right. Chair Feller. Yes. Motion passes unanimously. |
| 00:08:22.58 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you very much and thank you, Tricia, as well for following through with this. So let's go ahead and move on to item five on our agenda, which are the public hearing items. Director Scoble, I'll hand this over to you so we can disclose ex parte communications. |
| 00:08:39.82 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you, Chair Feller. This is the time for any commissioners to declare any ex parte communications. |
| 00:08:47.22 | Kristina Feller | Commissioner Luxenberg. |
| 00:08:49.97 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I visited the sites but did not talk with anybody. |
| 00:08:54.48 | Kristina Feller | Commissioner Junius? |
| 00:08:57.74 | Andrew Junius | no ex parte communications, Chair Follin. |
| 00:09:00.08 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. Commissioner Saad? |
| 00:09:02.39 | Nastassya Saad | No ex parte communications. |
| 00:09:04.94 | Kristina Feller | Vice Chair Graff. |
| 00:09:06.12 | Richard Graef | None for me either. |
| 00:09:07.12 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. I do not have anything to declare. No exparte, so thank you. |
| 00:09:12.13 | Heidi Scoble | Fantastic. So with that, our first public hearing item is a request for a tree removal permit at 111 Brickway. |
| 00:09:19.15 | Unknown | one more. |
| 00:09:20.70 | Heidi Scoble | Assistant planner Adam East will be providing a presentation. Adam will need to have co-host functions given to him so he can share his screen and provide his presentation. |
| 00:09:34.84 | Kristina Feller | Great. Welcome, Adam. |
| 00:09:36.57 | Adam East | Thank you. Thank you, Chair Feller. Thank you, Commissioners. I'm going to try to share my screen really quickly. So bear with me. |
| 00:09:44.83 | Unknown | Thank you. and then, |
| 00:10:06.01 | Kristina Feller | Great. Looks good. |
| 00:10:07.85 | Adam East | Okay. |
| 00:10:11.55 | Adam East | Okay, thank you, Chair. May I begin? |
| 00:10:14.96 | Kristina Feller | Yes, please. |
| 00:10:16.14 | Adam East | Okay, and thank you, Heidi, for that introduction. Again, my name is Adam East. I'm a new assistant planner here with the city of Sausalito. I briefly met you all at the last meeting, so it's good to see you all again. I do have two presentations tonight, both tree removal permits, the first being at 111 Bridgeway Boulevard. You can see in this first photo here on the title slide, it is the tree on the left. And a little bit of information about what the request is. Again, it's at 111 Bridgeway Boulevard. The owner is requesting approval to remove one Eugenia tree. If you look at the photos below, both of these kind of indicate on the lot where on the lot the tree is located. You can see on the parcel view just to the right there, the tree is located along the north property line towards the rear of the lot. You can look at that little blue dot there that's just along the north property line and also towards the rear of the lot which abuts the property to the rear on 2nd Street as well. We'll have some other photos that give some context to that as well. But again, the request is to remove this Eugenia tree, A little bit of information about the tree itself, and this is also included in the staff report as well as the arborist report, which were included. The DBH or the diameter of breast height is measured at 26.2 inches. It is noted in the report that the tree is in fair health and does have healthy foliage and shoot growth, but also shows signs of that moderate aphid infestation. And perhaps of more concern in the arborist report is the seam that's indicated on the tree, which is indicative of that internal decay of the main trunk on the west side of the tree and also the secondary trunks with the significant trunk decay as well. So the arborist report concludes that this is a heritage tree as defined by the city code because it is 10 inches or more. It does note those conditions that I just referenced. And I just want to reference also a quote from the Arborist Report that speaks specifically to the condition of the tree itself. It says, the tree has a large trunk seam on the main trunk, several narrow trunk attachments with embedded bark, and obvious areas of significant trunk decay in its secondary trunks. All of these defects are considered chronic and are a significant potential for collapse. Targets include the house on 111 Bridgeway, and the nearby apartment building just to the north and again i reference that location on the lot but it is very near the property line as well the arborist then goes on to recommend that the tree should be considered a high risk tree for limb and trunk collapse during high wind events so again that's just a little bit of information from the arborist report regarding that tree's condition. And these are some photos that the arborist included as well. And you might have already had some time to look at these, so I won't linger too long unless you'd like me to. |
| 00:13:26.71 | Adam East | So when looking at those criteria for granting an application, they're specified in section 11.12.030 of the city code, specifically subsections B1 through three. And the city code requires that the planning commission make a number of findings to be able to approve a tree removal. I'm not sure. So we do believe and agree with the Arborist report that the application and the report does make those findings that the tree should be approvable from those conditions, specifically condition A. Bear with me here, I'm just, I'm fumbling through my papers. Yeah. specifically condition A, to ensure public safety as it relates to the health of the tree, potential hazard to life or property, proximity to existing or proposed structures, and interference with utilities or sewers. The subject tree is in fair condition as noted, but the trunk decay is significant, and the arborist report does indicate a significant potential for collapse and damage to the adjacent property. So we do believe that it meets that criteria as well. And looking at the other conditions, the ordinance states that the Planning Commission must follow one of the following conditions. That the tree to be removed will either be replaced by a desirable tree or that the Planning Commission may waive the requirement in subsection B2 of the section. There is an adjacent or a nearby avocado tree on the lot. the arborist states that this tree could potentially grow to be 40 to 60 feet, and they are requesting that that tree be the replacement for the removed Eugenia tree. And In subsection three, we do believe that the application meets those requirements. Specifically, the ordinance states a finding of any one of the following is grounds for denial, regardless of the finding in subsection B2 of the section. And I'll just go through these. Removal of a healthy tree of a desired species can be avoided by any of the following, whether that's through reasonable redesign of the site plan, thinning to reduce the density, shaping to reduce the height or spread or heading or topping. The arborist does address the provisions for drainage erosion control, land stability, and they believe that there would be no adverse effects there. This tree is not a member of a group of trees, and they believe that due to the condition of the tree that it is a negative value when looking also at the cost of removal as well. So we are recommending that the Planning Commission I do want to address also we did receive one public comment from nearby property owner from Scott Harrington, who is the owner at 104 Third Street. He states that I support the removal of the tall Eugenia tree at 111 Bridgeway that overhangs the Portofino. So we do recommend. that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution to approve the tree removal permit for the Eugenia tree located at 111 Bridgeway. Alternatively, The planning commission may approve the tree removal permit, but with modifications, deny the tree remover permit for the Eugenia tree or continue the agenda item with direction to the applicant as to what needs to be corrected. |
| 00:16:57.66 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you very much. Thank you, Adam. I appreciate you going through the slides with us. Um, At this point, let me go to our commissioners here to ask if they have any questions for clarification. Um, from you. Commissioner Junius, do you have any questions for staff? |
| 00:17:20.95 | Andrew Junius | No questions at this time. |
| 00:17:22.43 | Kristina Feller | Thank you, Commissioner Luxenberg. |
| 00:17:25.30 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I just want to thank Adam. I thought that was an excellent report. It was very succinct and also wanted to comment that getting it in advance today was very appreciative. So we appreciate that. I don't have any questions at this time. |
| 00:17:37.82 | Kristina Feller | Okay, thank you. Commissioner Hassan? |
| 00:17:40.12 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you. No questions for staff. Thank you, Chair Peller. |
| 00:17:43.71 | Kristina Feller | Okay, first check round. Thank you. |
| 00:17:45.25 | Richard Graef | I have no question. |
| 00:17:46.97 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. Adam, I just had a quick question. Is barbarous here in the audience tonight? |
| 00:17:56.91 | Adam East | I do not know, but if he is, I would ask that he speak up this time. |
| 00:18:02.53 | Kristina Feller | And I'm just curious, because it wasn't very clear to me in the arborist report. Okay, I see the arborist is here. If this tree could be somehow treated since it's only in fair condition if it was able to be revived where its condition reversed somehow to a more healthy tree the reason I'm asking is that there are not a ton of trees in that area and when we look at a fairly mature tree like this, there's a whole habitat that's attached to it. that the city of Sausalito is very interested in preserving. So that's the question I have for you, Adam. I mean, before we ask the applicant to speak, |
| 00:18:56.51 | Adam East | Yeah, thank you, Chair. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to speak with the arborist or the applicant before presenting. So I really can't speak to what alternatives there may be. I didn't have the chance to ask those follow-up questions to them. So unfortunately, I don't have an answer for you there. I'm hoping that the applicant might be able to address those questions. |
| 00:19:18.47 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Adam. Um, Does anybody else have any follow-up questions at this time? Otherwise, I'll ask the applicant. to come up here and present it looks like The name is Cass, but Sir, I'm sure that is not your full name. So if you could... I'm assuming that you are representing the applicant and will be making a presentation this evening. So we want to welcome you. Um, |
| 00:19:48.12 | Unknown | I... |
| 00:19:48.50 | Keith Stonkey | Thank you. |
| 00:19:48.81 | Kristina Feller | If you could. |
| 00:19:49.57 | Keith Stonkey | Thank you. |
| 00:19:50.19 | Kristina Feller | state your, your name real quick, just so we, we can get that right. |
| 00:19:55.24 | Keith Stonkey | Chair Feller and Commissioner, staff, good evening. Keith Stonkey, property owner, the applicant. I this tree has been on my mind for quite many years. This summer I did have a fairly large limb come down. I hired, well called in a tree company to come in and take a look at it. I asked about trimming it. and what could be done, and they looked at it and recommended removal. And then, that then I started the permit process and working with the arborist He agreed that trimming or pruning was not going to be a good program for that tree. The limbs, each limb is fairly significant, and they basically, each limb overhangs properties, and each limb had shown some pretty significant Um, deterioration |
| 00:20:55.65 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you for the clarification. Did you want to make any more of a presentation or talk anymore about about your that your tree permit removal, the application for that, because it's an applicant, you do have 15 minutes, and I'm sure we'll have questions for you, but that is your time to use as well, if you'd like to use it. |
| 00:21:18.97 | Keith Stonkey | Thank you. The staff report was very well done. The presentation was good. You do have the attached arborist report, the tree, is very large for its size. I was kind of surprised when he told me about the tree and I learned about it. It was meant to be a bush, then he had never seen one that large. Apparently they were popular decades ago, but fallen out of favor. They don't really have, they're non-native and The tree has been there for quite a while. In fact, I think it predates the Fortofino. And before the Fortofino was built, there was a small driveway between the two properties. The tree is basically on the property line, just inside of it. And with the size of the tree now, it overhangs everything, both actually three properties, 110. the Portofino and Second Street. They've been very worried that at some point a large limb will come down. Luckily, during the storm, we only lost some branches, but not major limbs. that we're going to have We also, the yard is very small. It's pretty built out, all the properties in the area. The yard itself is 17 by 30. That's one of the reasons why we'd like to keep the existing avocado tree. And the hope is that it will improve and thrive being unshaded by the dominating tree. |
| 00:22:48.91 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you, thank you for that. Why don't we go ahead and our Zoom team will reserve any of the remainder of your time Should you want to use it in the future here? but let me first ask the commissioners if they have any questions of the applicant. And I'm just gonna go in order that I see you on my screen at least, Commissioner Junius. Nope. Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Luxenberg. |
| 00:23:17.08 | Unknown | I'll see you next time. |
| 00:23:17.13 | Kristina Feller | Nope. with your side. |
| 00:23:20.23 | Nastassya Saad | I was just wondering how we knew this tree, how this came about since it was supposedly in good condition, but I think that was just answered. So I'm good now. Thank you, Chair Fowler. |
| 00:23:29.97 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Vice Chair Gras. |
| 00:23:32.43 | Richard Graef | Well, I'm just interested in the avocado. and, um, if that really is pretty viable and, and, uh, if it would grow up because from the Street View, I was not able to get there you know, it's nice to see some greens. there and I think Chair Feller made a comment similar to that. And so we would be losing a nice piece of greenery on the streetscape there and also from the other side. I don't know. one would hope then that the avocado would grow it. I mean, optimistic about that. And the arborists? |
| 00:24:16.60 | Keith Stonkey | The arborist did believe that the tree would improve without the shading and the aphid infestation. That's been, it's been dripping kind of a black sap in the area too. We did we did get We, in the past we've had requests from neighbors up on third street to to trim the tree for view purposes |
| 00:24:44.39 | Kristina Feller | I assume that's why we got the one comment from somebody who wrote in regarding their support of this. It probably is a view impact from third street Could be. |
| 00:24:57.30 | Richard Graef | now. |
| 00:24:58.60 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Vice Chair Grapp, did you have any additional questions? |
| 00:25:02.63 | Richard Graef | No, that's it for now. Thank you. |
| 00:25:05.06 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Um, you I don't think I have any questions for you, sir, at this time. um, I'll have a couple comments maybe after we hear public comment here. Um, so at this time, and don't go too far. because we'll come back to you. But at this time, I'd like to open this up for public comment. And as Director Scoville had mentioned, should you want to make public comment please raise your hand in the zoom application or press star 9 on your cell phone if you're calling in. Although I don't see really anybody from the public here. I see no hands. I'm going to go ahead and close public comment. and bring this back up to to our virtual dais. Um, I'm going to do something unusual. I'm going to go ahead and start off. I, I, I, I... I can see how this tree is strained in its location. It's a very, very tight, narrow area. drive by and sort of walk by, but it's very difficult to access. but I don't know that I agree that there's no value to this tree. because again, there's a whole habitat that goes along with the tree. And so, um, Adam, if we feel that this area in the yard is not really viable for a replacement tree I would like to entertain the idea of, um, Uh, using a replacement tree, taking the value of the tree, and using that value to place a tree in the public realm somewhere within the city. So there is a replacement tree that's just not on, this gentleman's property. And I think that is, there's plenty of case present where we have done that before, where there's a crowded area. and a replacement tree might impact the viability of other vegetation that, that could, that could thrive, um, with a little less, uh, crowded area. So those are my thoughts. Commissioner Genius, what are, how about What are your thoughts? |
| 00:27:26.24 | Andrew Junius | Well sure, it's really unfortunate it is a very large tree and it's you know beautiful it's It's interesting, it's one of these tough ones interior lot lines, it's certainly, I'm not sure. Okay. A TREE THAT IS HARD TO SEE FROM THE STREET, NOT WITHSTANDING ITS It's not in the right of way. I'm not sure. but I kind of agree with you. you know, maybe there is, instead of a replacement tree, we can do something else. I mean, possibly even consider putting a tree on the, you know, when you look at this part of Second Street, Um, although it'd be in front of somebody else's property. It's really funny that the Bridgeway address here you know, Bridgeway is in the Bay. at your address and the pay there. I'd be curious if there'd be any interest in literally putting a tree in the right of way there on the sidewalk, the street tree, is there any room Looks a little tight there, but there's a big gap The Portabino has some nice trees in front. They might be palm trees. And then there's a gap in no trees on the street and then some trees start. I'm certainly supportive of that concept, President Chair Feller. |
| 00:28:32.20 | Kristina Feller | Excellent. Thank you. of Commissioner Luxenberg. |
| 00:28:37.33 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I'm not objectionable to having a replacement tree elsewhere. I'm not sure. That is a narrow sidewalk there, so I'm not sure that it would work there. But I'm sure there are other places in Sausalito that might be appropriate. |
| 00:28:56.40 | Kristina Feller | Okay, thank you. Commissioner Saad. |
| 00:29:00.50 | Nastassya Saad | Um, yeah, I, I agree. I, I think it's unfortunate, um, when these trees of that nature and the history, it's such an old tree too. needs to go. I'm not going to disagree with the arborist report, but yeah, it is sad that it will need to leave. I agree. rice share graph. I don't know about the avocado tree, so I don't know if you want to revisit that conversation at all just to see if there's anything in that area, if that avocado tree. I also know that don't avocado trees take like a significant amount of water? So that's my My concern with the avocado tree, just essentially being in a drought in order to supply it with what it needs to grow to a viable, status, I'm completely on board with a replacement tree elsewhere. I don't know if Second Street is the right place for it, but if we don't have to make that decision now and just say we're in agreement, I definitely, THE END OF THE END OF THE I would definitely agree to, uh, have a replacement tree somewhere else in town, but it's the water aspect on the avocado tree. And I don't know if our applicant can speak to that. Maybe at some point. |
| 00:30:18.03 | Kristina Feller | Yeah, I think that you raise a really good point. I'm not sure. I think that's something that we need to hear from professional arborist. because unfortunately this arborist report doesn't assess or identify the viability of another uh, replacement tree there. I mean, it certainly talks about, you know, the avocado tree will not be so crowded. But that doesn't, that's only one aspect of this. So unfortunately that report is not as complete as I would have hoped it would be. |
| 00:30:51.30 | Maria | Mm-hmm. |
| 00:30:51.98 | Kristina Feller | but you raise a really good point with the avocado I share graph. What are your thoughts and comments? |
| 00:31:01.02 | Richard Graef | Well, I, uh, are tend to concur that they Probably the wise thing to do is to take the tree out As far as the replacement goes, Um, I think, you know, putting a tree elsewhere It was always a nice idea. Um, but has the idea of putting another replacement tree on the property has that been vetted to the point where it's just not viable or not a good idea or they're serious problems with that or If that's a real issue, then certainly we should consider an offsite replacement. |
| 00:31:46.67 | Kristina Feller | I personally don't think that question's been answered. I don't think there's information here to indicate that one way or the other. Um, So, you know, I, I, feel pretty strongly that because there's not a lot of greenery in that area, think there's like a palm tree. If I recall, as I was there at Portofino, like trying to look down, you know, between these structures. you know, It's a pretty big mature tree that definitely supports a fairly big habitat in it. you know, birds, Peace. Squirrels. you You name it. Thank you. So, um, I would say at this point, I don't know that I have enough information to make a motion one way or the other. I don't know that I completely disagree that the tree is in fair condition as the arborist says, I've got no reason not to believe that. Awesome. Adam, did you want to weigh in here? Do you have additional information for us here as we deliberate? |
| 00:32:58.10 | Adam East | yes thank you chair no no professional expertise as far as uh suggested replacement tree but i did just pull up the arborist report and i did want to read his section on a tree replacement because he does speak to some of the soil conditions i believe which might help the conversation he does states that many native or many native tree species will not do well this close to the bay water and possible high water table of salt water so that's that's really the only conversation there around the replacement tree, but I did want to add that in case you all had not seen that. |
| 00:33:35.01 | Kristina Feller | Thank you, that's greatly appreciated. Thank you for reminding us of that. Any other thoughts from the commissioners here at this time or any questions, follow up questions? Yep. Commissioner Junius. |
| 00:33:51.98 | Andrew Junius | Well, I certainly think there's probably no disagreement that the tree's gotta go. So, you know, in the interest of public safety, I'm hoping we can, even if we can't resolve the replacement tree issue, at least release the owner here to remove the tree as quickly as possible because we just had a huge storm come through I'd hate for something to happen while we take a few more weeks. as long as we can maintain enough jurisdiction continue to deal with the replacement, I'd sure like to turn them loose on the removal. |
| 00:34:23.96 | Kristina Feller | I appreciate that. Maybe what we can do is make a motion to approve the removal but will require a replacement tree of equal or greater value Um, species to be determined. Um... and obviously, you know, an approved species from Southern Maroon Fire. either on the property or I'm not sure. that value is donated to the city to use at their discretion in other locations. and Adam, I think we need additional information from the arborist And I see Mary's come up here, so maybe she can give us some guidance as well. |
| 00:35:09.42 | Mary Wagner | Yeah, thank you, Chair Feller. And just to point a clarification, so the tree removal provisions in Chapter 1112 do talk about the Planning Commission being able to impose a condition to replace trees that have been removed. We've kind of evolved that into this next phase of if you can't replace it on site, you have this option to donate into a fund or replace a tree if we need it somewhere on city property. We need to to work through the work through that a little bit, but if the applicant is agreeable, I think that that is acceptable, but we would like to have them indicate their their agreement with that condition on the record. |
| 00:35:54.83 | Kristina Feller | Yeah, and I guess Mary just while you're up here, The issue is, that we can't determine there's not enough information for us to determine if it's on site or somewhere else. |
| 00:36:11.10 | Unknown | Mm-hmm. |
| 00:36:11.76 | Kristina Feller | And so, um, I think that's something that we really need to get some info professional advice from an arborist from the applicants arborist about that. what type of species may or may not be able to thrive in that condition. So are we saying the same thing? |
| 00:36:32.14 | Mary Wagner | Yeah, I mean, I think I was speaking primarily to this, this the creation of a city tree fund, concept and that we need to So, I think we need as a staff to work through some details on that. But if the applicant's agreeable to it, that's okay. to the you know whether it's the information from the arborist is obviously information we need to get from the arborist I can't really speak to that but hopefully you know, what I'm trying to create is we do have that provision that says a tree to be removed will be placed by a desirable tree. It doesn't say where, but I think that the city, you know, needs to, if we're going to continue to have that requirement that it be, or an option to have it be on city property. We need to create more of a more parameters around that. |
| 00:37:22.65 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Yeah, okay, got it. |
| 00:37:25.79 | Mary Wagner | Thank you. Thank you for letting me jump in. |
| 00:37:28.34 | Kristina Feller | I appreciate it a lot. So based on what Commissioner Junius has mentioned, what I've mentioned, Commissioner Luxenberg, Where are you and what are your thoughts on this? |
| 00:37:42.72 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I'm with, I think, as Commissioner Junius said, of allowing the removal. And if Mary could provide Adam with a language that would be matched, sort of what she sort of described, for a replacement tree into a fund or on site, I guess, I think that would be the way to go with this tonight. |
| 00:38:10.47 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you. Commissioner Saad, your thoughts on that? |
| 00:38:15.27 | Nastassya Saad | I think... I think that all makes sense. I'm in agreement. |
| 00:38:21.49 | Kristina Feller | Okay. voice choreographs. |
| 00:38:24.50 | Richard Graef | Yes, I think that's a good approach. to go ahead and authorize the removal of the tree, but the replacement and then, Maybe I'm just missing something, but I'm not 100% sure that there isn't a good possibility for a replacement tree on site. |
| 00:38:46.47 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:38:46.49 | Richard Graef | Correct. |
| 00:38:46.54 | Unknown | Oh. |
| 00:38:47.24 | Richard Graef | I think it's a very good totally exhausted and then said Isn't there a tree that would survive in that? environment that might be suitable. I mean, that would be my preference. If that turns out, because of some you know, real serious technical problems. to be not possible then of course, you know, putting a tree elsewhere. would be fine. But I would like to really be sure that that an onsite replacement is not viable before moving in. |
| 00:39:24.62 | Kristina Feller | I think by share graph, we're all saying the same thing. The preferences is for it to be on site. We don't have enough information to determine that here right now. |
| 00:39:35.15 | Unknown | Right. |
| 00:39:35.64 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. but that is the preference. And certainly if that is not possible, then Mary can help craft the condition where the value of that tree in lieu of the replacement on site would be planted elsewhere in the city. So I think that's what we're talking about. I think to Commissioner Junius' point, which is a good one, is there is a public safety issue here and we don't, |
| 00:40:02.36 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:40:03.54 | Kristina Feller | you know, that is why we're entertaining, you know, you know, I think there's enough consensus here to approve the removal of the tree. It's how we deal with the replacement, which is Um, uh, why we're kind of toing and froing here about, about the location. Um, so Um, So that's really where we are. Adam looks like he's taking copious notes. At this point. Um, it would be good to ask the applicant to come back on camera and microphone if you don't mind doing so. And we just want to review this with you to make sure that you are first of all that you understand where where we are with our deliberation and the direction that we're going but also that you're amenable to what we're talking about. |
| 00:41:04.54 | Keith Stonkey | Hello, can you hear me? |
| 00:41:06.40 | Kristina Feller | We can hear you, yes. |
| 00:41:07.91 | Keith Stonkey | Okay, it's there. It's not letting me go camera. So first off, yes, this place is Nope. there we go okay this uh this address is not on the street the street is a mapped underwater street so there is no street access or street front to it so planning over over there was not not going to work but you know the constraint is the yard it's 14 by 30. it's you know it's a pretty small yard and we could potentially replant on site except you know wherever we plant it's going to be adjacent to buildings very close, you know, 14 foot yard is it's going to put it fairly close to the house. And I think that's the reason why we wanted to put the effort into reviving the existing tree that is kind of struggled the last few years and thinking that it was partly due because it's overwhelmed by the other tree. The other one part I wanted to bring up was the tree value. And I asked him about the value and he said that the reason why there is a zero value is the significant cost of removal. It's not, there is not any street access. It's gonna be very difficult to remove the tree and expensive. You know, I've, the removal, the arborist report and the permit, the city permit fees are pretty steep. And that's, it wasn't in my budget this year. That was one of the reasons for doing what we're doing. |
| 00:42:48.61 | Kristina Feller | I appreciate that. I think, um, certainly I think we're all sensitive to the price of taking trees down, you know, in this in this part of California, we We all have been affected by that on our properties or neighbors properties or what have you. So that aside not to diminish that at all, the way that we value trees is something a little bit different in terms of valuing the replacement of it. And so I guess the question that we have for you or what we'd like to pose is we understand this tree has to come down. So I think that you have full support from this commission to take this down. one issue and let's let's just park that to the side here The issue that we have is that there is no there's no information about of replacement tree on site and it doesn't look like the arborist really looked into that. And that's what we're interested in. So there will be a replacement tree either on the property or paid into this city fund as our city attorney mentioned that will, you know, location to be determined at the discretion of Parks and Rec and DPW. So we just can't make that determination right now because we don't know if there's any viability on your site in your yard. understanding it's a narrow, long and narrow yard. So that's the piece of information that we are missing. Um, so. We would like to make a motion to approve your application for a permit to remove the tree. There will be a replacement tree. We just can't determine tonight if that's in your yard or or let's say other location outside of your yard. and |
| 00:44:50.11 | Adam East | Thank you. |
| 00:44:50.12 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 00:44:50.65 | Kristina Feller | And so we'll be in a little bit more work needed there. to figure that out. Commissioner Junius. |
| 00:44:58.72 | Andrew Junius | Thank you. A quick clarification. I mean I'm extremely sensitive to the expense of removal of such a large tree. I know that's going to really be expensive and complicated and onerous, I'm really curious if staff can explain how the replacement tree cost is calculated. that we're going to be I mean, you know, We all know that you can go out and get big trees and they're very expensive, the little starter tree and it's not that expensive. So I'm hoping. for the sake of this applicant that It's the latter because this is a big undertaking You know, I'm really, I think that, you know, the owner should be commended for coming forward, going through the process. and removing a dangerous situation. So let's do what we can to help. But I'd be curious about the range of costs we're talking about here. |
| 00:45:46.91 | Kristina Feller | Thank you, Commissioner Junius. Director Scoble, do you want to, Help explain that, please. |
| 00:45:53.36 | Heidi Scoble | Yeah, I was actually gonna defer this to our city attorney. If you have a little bit more experience than I do, but I can definitely jump in if you'd like as well. |
| 00:46:04.85 | Mary Wagner | Sure, so again, Chair Feller, we don't have like a really established procedure and policy in place. And that's what I'm suggesting to the commission, to do some more work on. I'm not. you know, to the extent that this tree is an extremely mature large tree. I don't believe we should be asking the applicant to fund the cost of such a tree and you know to the tune of however many thousands of dollars. I think what we should do is work with DPW and or Parks and Rec to find out what is their normal kind of planting of a tree and what is the need for more city trees. I think you're all aware there was significant planting at MLK recently when the field was redone. Also planting at Dunphy when that park was redone. I don't know if there's a need at Southview Park |
| 00:46:58.46 | Adam East | at the end. |
| 00:46:59.95 | Mary Wagner | as that park is being completed. But so Chair Feller, I can't give you a dollar amount, but I would suggest to you that we should be a little flexible. and work through DPW perhaps and Parks and Rec. |
| 00:47:10.88 | Kristina Feller | Absolutely. And I'm, I'm just calling on previous applications in front of this commission where we have actually assessed that before. |
| 00:47:21.46 | Unknown | Yeah. |
| 00:47:22.19 | Kristina Feller | and identified that so that that's uh i think you know commissioner junius again is asking a good question we do we are sensitive to this applicant and any other applicant that isn't even here tonight that is contemplating this or is come before uh um uh this applicant. We've done this before. That's why I think it's a fair question to ask. |
| 00:47:45.07 | Mary Wagner | Yeah, and I think Chair Feller, as you've done it before, you've asked for kind of the same value of tree to be replaced on site or to be placed elsewhere offsite and look to the arborist on kind of what that that valuation would be. I think my suggestion to you in this case is that might not be the right formula. because the city wouldn't plant such a tree. And I think we need to establish those parameters around it so there's certainty and clarity for applicants in the future. about what that, |
| 00:48:21.32 | Kristina Feller | Okay. So with that, and Mary, don't go away. I think, uh, um, The real question is, again, we know that this tree has to come down. We do not want to hold up this applicant. We understand there's a public safety issue. and do appreciate that being flagged to everyone's attention here as well. Um, The second, so that part, I think we can all agree on. The second part is how we go about moving forward. Can we bifurcate? this a motion this evening to approve the removal of the tree and then continue the second part which is how how we go about the replacement. Is that possible? |
| 00:49:04.52 | Mary Wagner | Well, I see that Commissioner Luxembourg has his hand up. So I'm happy to wait. prefer to have him. |
| 00:49:12.60 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Can I just suggest, let me suggest something just to throw it out there. If we could approve this tonight with an additional condition that says something like the following, that a replacement tree must be put on site if possible, and if not possible, funds must be provided to the city fund, and Mary can give that and we mean we don't need to have a come back we can have Public Works and Parks review that selection of the tree and that way the applicant can go back to his arborist and see if there's a tree that can be put on the property that makes sense I do agree that it not, it should not be the same size of that tree. Tree is too big for the property. So that way we could do this tonight without having to continue part of it. I mean, that's just my thought. |
| 00:49:59.56 | Adam East | Thank you. |
| 00:49:59.58 | Kristina Feller | to go. |
| 00:50:08.00 | Kristina Feller | I agree that that was the question. Can we bifurcate it? Um... |
| 00:50:14.72 | Mary Wagner | Madam chair and I see your community development director has her hand up too. So I'm also happy to wait if |
| 00:50:18.82 | Kristina Feller | I'm also happy to THE END OF THE END OF THE |
| 00:50:21.57 | Mary Wagner | I had my thinking was somewhat along the lines of commissioner Luxembourg's that you don't need to bifurcate the approvals. You know, this is your opportunity to condition this tree removal permit. So I would suggest something very much along the lines that commissioner Luxembourg suggested, which is your approval and removal of the tree. I would suggest that within a certain time period after removal, and that's up to the commission that the applicant, um, you notify the city of the work that they've done to determine if another tree can be located on site. And if not, that within X days of that, they would provide the city with the cost to plant a tree on city property as directed or as with the input of DPW and parks and rec, something along those lines. |
| 00:51:10.01 | Kristina Feller | Okay, Director Scalbo. |
| 00:51:11.52 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you, Chair Feller. Yes, to echo Commissioner Luxembourg and our city attorney's comments, I do also recommend a supplemental condition of approval that would be similar to like prior to removal of the tree a subsequent or sub supplemental Arborist report shall be submitted to identify that an alternative Um, site on site location is not viable. and if not then defer the applicant to work with the director of public works So very similar to everything that was being said tonight. But I do believe that this can be approved with a condition of approval. |
| 00:51:50.58 | Kristina Feller | Good, good, good, good. |
| 00:51:51.92 | Mary Wagner | Thank you. |
| 00:51:52.73 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. |
| 00:51:52.74 | Mary Wagner | Madam Chair, I think the Community Development Director's timing is much better. So before they get to take the tree out, they have to do that work. I think that's a really great suggestion. |
| 00:52:01.30 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you both. |
| 00:52:04.05 | Richard Graef | Yeah, I totally agree with the way this is going. I'm still unclear about how the value. works into this because All right. All right. Um, according to one scale reference, there's a zero value. because of the trade off of the cost of taking the three down. On the other hand, um, We can't be too arbitrary about Um, specifying a replacement tree without giving some sense of whether it's a young tree or a medium tree or what, you know, obviously we don't want to burden applicant with you know, trying to plant a mature tree somewhere. So, I'm just searching for some language in there that would make this a reasonable proposal for the applicant. |
| 00:53:06.37 | Kristina Feller | Yeah, and I think that's where Mary was talking about discussing with parks and rec Thank you. |
| 00:53:13.05 | Unknown | Aha. |
| 00:53:13.57 | Kristina Feller | about the typical size, you know, what gallon tree, they typically I mean they're they're obviously the size of the tree that's being taken out but they're they're also not a tiny little sapling they're a reasonable size tree that has every opportunity to to uh |
| 00:53:20.59 | Unknown | Obviously. |
| 00:53:31.65 | Kristina Feller | thrive. Right. And, So I think, I think we can, we can cover that with the resources of the city, um, to define that further. Um, So I think where we are and unless I see any other hands, yes, Commissioner Junius, |
| 00:53:51.26 | Andrew Junius | Thank you, Chair Feller. Okay, I'm there too. I think we're almost into the end zone here. I'm a little concerned about the timing that got discussed there. because I'd like the owner to be able to tomorrow start you know staging to remove the tree I mean if it's dangerous it's dangerous and we shouldn't be you know, beating around the proverbial bush here to get it all straightened out. I'm comfortable that if we condition the applicant moving forward, that he would be in violation of our order if he in fact didn't cooperate, didn't do the subsequent report, didn't participate. come back and deal with that. I don't think that's going to happen. but I also don't want to, to spend two or three months with additional reports and talking to TPW and picking out all this stuff and all of a sudden the tree falls over and a house has been destroyed. keep that in mind. I hope we can get there. |
| 00:54:44.51 | Kristina Feller | Okay. With that, do you want to make a motion? Do you have a timeframe in mind? I mean, you know, getting I don't know how I can't speak to how busy this particular arborist or another arborist would be, but I mean, typically you know half that assessment has already been done so I'm hoping it won't take too long to produce that. |
| 00:55:09.54 | Andrew Junius | I would agree, I mean, within 30 days, I mean, again, as long as they're allowed to go forward with the removal immediately, I think that the 30 day window to provide a supplemental report and begin discussions with you know the city staff as to what kind of tree is going to be either you know replaced on site if that's possible but if not it looks like likely you know what the amount of the donation is to the city And I don't think that's gonna be that complicated either. I think if we had somebody from DPW here that does the tree, installations in the city we're gonna you're gonna see you know we do a b and c style you know size trees and you know 25 15 75 gallon trees and we'll pick one and that'll be the cost of the replacement tree. So I don't think this needs to be that complicated. |
| 00:55:54.24 | Kristina Feller | Okay. |
| 00:55:55.29 | Andrew Junius | So I would move to allow the, removal to move forward immediately. with a 30 day and we're going to have a condition applicant come back within 30 days and submit to the staff a supplemental arborist report either confirming that replacement tree of some kind can be put in the backyard or confirming that it can't. in which case at that time the applicant will go discuss with the staff what the in-luffy is going to be. |
| 00:56:26.89 | Kristina Feller | Okay. So we've got a motion on the floor. Is there any further discussion or a second? |
| 00:56:31.74 | Nastassya Saad | I was going to second. |
| 00:56:34.66 | Kristina Feller | Dr. Saad second. Okay. Director Scoble, can we... |
| 00:56:38.55 | Andrew Junius | before we vote is the applicant fine with that I I I I should have brought him in are you okay with that |
| 00:56:43.30 | Keith Stonkey | I'm a bit concerned about an uncapped in lieu fee of not knowing what that might be. Is this, you know, $100 or? $20,000. |
| 00:56:53.25 | Andrew Junius | I don't think it's going to be 20,000 and I honestly and I would also if |
| 00:56:53.30 | Keith Stonkey | I don't think it's a good thing. |
| 00:56:58.82 | Andrew Junius | you know, from my perspective, If you feel that the cost of the replacement tree is unacceptable or too high or something's out of whack there. I don't think you're going to, but if you do, I think we'd probably be talking about that again in the future. Again, now we're talking about It's something that can take some time to develop and work out. Um, because the removal will have already happened or is underway. |
| 00:57:23.64 | Keith Stonkey | I can certainly engage the arborist again to determine if a tree can be placed on site and it sounds like I'd be going to the city staff or the fire district to determine the suitable tree. |
| 00:57:37.38 | Kristina Feller | So you would be working with staff, with Director Scoble and her staff. The Southern Marin Fire District does have a published approved list. of species for trees and other types of vegetation that your arborist would be well versed in. For sure. worked with this list before. |
| 00:58:01.12 | Andrew Junius | And as far as the tree size and how much that costs, you know, I'm pretty confident you're not going to be shocked. And if you are, you should come back and talk to us so that we can, because I think to the city attorney's point, we frankly should. be able to answer this question for you. And I apologize that we can't. we should have a. you know, something that the commission could pick from and, you know, it would cost, you know, $250, $500, $750, just sitting on the sides of the tree. And you'd know tonight, and I do apologize We don't have that for you, I think this still should work out. Yeah. |
| 00:58:31.11 | Keith Stonkey | Thank you. |
| 00:58:31.13 | Andrew Junius | Thank you. |
| 00:58:31.14 | Keith Stonkey | Thank you. My concern is that it is a very large established tree in a very difficult access place. And I think that's why the value is determined to be zero because yes, it's probably a significant cost, but the removal is also significant. |
| 00:58:47.66 | Andrew Junius | But yeah, I thank you for the opportunity for the dialogue, Chair Feller. This is, I think this is productive. I don't think you should be worried that the cost of the replacement tree is going to have anything to do with the size of the existing tree. I think the idea here is we're gonna find out what the city needs and what's generally done in the city in terms of new plantings for young trees, young immature trees. And again, to Chair Keller's point, it's not gonna be a sapling, but we're not gonna ask for a 75 foot pine tree brought into Dunphy Park. it'll, it'll, I'm very confident it'll be something you can deal with. And again, if you're not happy, I think we can talk again. |
| 00:59:28.39 | Kristina Feller | I'll just go on to note, I mean, the most successful tree replacements are when they're not super large anyway, they need time to sort of adjust and grow in place. So I don't think you're talking about a huge tree. If you may or may not recall when Dunphy Park was re um replanted or when mlk was replanted with the trees i mean those were reasonably small trees i mean two people could kind of move them around you know and get them into place. So these are not super 20-year-old trees or anything like that. That's what we're talking about. |
| 01:00:13.78 | Kristina Feller | So, |
| 01:00:14.05 | Andrew Junius | Thank you, Chair Feller. |
| 01:00:14.12 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. if, Sir, if you're okay with the direction that we're going in before we... go ahead and finalize a motion here. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much. And definitely do appreciate the dialogue. So, Commissioner Junius has a, motion here on the floor I believe Commissioner Saad seconded that Is there any further discussion from the commission? Yes, Commissioner. |
| 01:00:42.26 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I just want to make this comment now, and it might be out of order, but I think for the long-term, Director Scoble and her staff and Parks and Public Works should develop this program so that we have rules. So we say, when we do this, these are the rules, and somebody doesn't have to ask the question, what is the value or what does the tree cost? So there's some process. So for a future thing, if a program could be developed that they bring back to us, I just make that comment for the public to hear because that'd be helpful for the one to. |
| 01:01:16.15 | Kristina Feller | I, Yes. Okay, Director Scoville, could we please take the roll call? |
| 01:01:23.03 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you for your fellow Commissioner's thoughts. . Commissioner Luxembourg. |
| 01:01:27.91 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yes. |
| 01:01:28.64 | Heidi Scoble | Commissioner Junia. Yes. Vice Chair Grass. |
| 01:01:31.67 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yeah. |
| 01:01:31.91 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:01:32.30 | Heidi Scoble | Chair Feller? Yes. Listen passes unanimously. Please note that any action of the planning commission may be appealed within 10 days of the action to the city council. You must complete the required appeal form and pay the appeal fee within 10 days of action for the appeal to be filed timely. Questions regarding how to file an appeal may be directed to the project planner or the community development department staff. |
| 01:01:55.72 | Kristina Feller | Thank you, Mr. Seiki, and thank you, Adam. Appreciate your time. and report. Thank you. Okay, moving on to item 5B this evening. |
| 01:02:07.82 | Heidi Scoble | The next item we have on our agenda is another tree removal permit at 23 Casno Avenue. We have our assistant planner Adam East here again, and he will be providing a presentation. |
| 01:02:23.82 | Adam East | Thank you, Heidi. Thank you, Chair Feller. I'm going to go ahead and share my screen once more, so bear with me. |
| 01:02:37.15 | Kristina Feller | Great. Looks good. |
| 01:02:39.44 | Adam East | Okay. Thank you everyone. So again, as Heidi mentioned, this is another tree removal permit request, this time at the address of 23 Casno. Um, The applicant is requesting to remove the whole tree which is a big leaf maple. Again in the site photos you can see here that this time the tree is located more towards the front yard. And you will see in some of the other photos and again in sort of the title slide it's this tree here on the left side of the house which is near the staircase and near the parking area as well. And then something to know which will be referenced as well is that it's kind of like three main stems on the tree as opposed to one large trunk. Again, it's a request to remove the big leaf maple towards the front yard. A bit of information about the tree from the arborist report. The tree is composed of three stems measuring 25.1 inches, 21 inches, and 20.7 inches diameter at breast height. Again, that tree is located in the front of the property near the entry stairway, about 12 feet from the home as they have measured it. And then the arborist report also notices there are varying degrees of decay observed in the outermost portions of the tree. The diseased tissue is affecting the roots on the side of the tree facing the stairs. They've also noticed some girdling as well, which is essentially kind of the loss of that bark, which is almost that connective tissue that helps the nutrients to the tree. Um, So again, the tree, the arborist report indicates that the tree has varying degrees of decay |
| 01:04:12.93 | Adam East | White fungal masses were found under the bark in the common crotch of the tree. And then the stem that is closest to the adjacent dwelling is mostly girdled, and that the diseased tissue is affecting the roots on the side of the tree facing the stairs. And then the arborist report concludes that although the subject tree appears functional, Its capacity to assimilate water and nutrients is severely affected by an active fungal disease. The trees dominant stem is almost girdled. In other words, it is almost disconnected from the root system. It is only a matter of time before the stem is compromised and when it is, the tree will no longer be viable. So the arborist does recommend removal of the tree. The applicant has indicated in the request that they are requesting that a nearby young oak tree serve as a replacement for this tree. These are some of the photos that were included in the arborist report. It's hard to read, but the commentary box there with the arrow is kind of pointing to the dead vascular tissue Um, And then once again, I'm looking at the criteria for granting of the application. The Planning Commission must make those findings. So the first criteria, we do believe that they have satisfied this recommendation. One of the criteria is to protect nearby property. And also another criteria is for professional practices for just good tree care. So we do believe that they have satisfied of those initial criteria. Um, and looking at the second conditions as we kind of discussed with the last application the planning commission may approve the tree request as is or also require a replacement tree so again the applicant in this case is requesting no replacement required to allow a nearby oak tree to take that place and we also believe that this request meets all of the criteria and that for subsection three, so removal of a healthy tree of a desired species can be avoided. We do believe that the Arborist Report has addressed all of these criteria as well. So we are recommending approval or that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution to approve the tree permit as requested alternatively as we discussed previously the commission may approve the tree removal permit with modifications requiring that replacement or deny the tree removal permit for the big leaf maple or continue the agenda item with direction to the applicant regarding revisions to the application |
| 01:06:58.68 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you, Adam. Thank you so much. for doing double duty this evening and for another thorough |
| 01:07:01.70 | Adam East | Thank you. |
| 01:07:06.42 | Kristina Feller | staff report here and presentation Um, just a quick question for clarification. Can you confirm whether or not there was any written public comment received on this particular application. |
| 01:07:23.18 | Adam East | Thank you, Chair. We did not receive any public comment for this application. |
| 01:07:27.57 | Kristina Feller | Okay, thank you. Thank you. Okay, let's go ahead and open this up to the commissioners to see if there's any questions for staff. Uh, commissioner Assad, let's go ahead and start with you. |
| 01:07:43.57 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you, Chair Feller. And this might be for the applicant if they're here, but the Arborist Report is dated from January of this year. And it's been, you know, almost end of year. I didn't know if there was any further updates or comments on the condition, if anything's changed since that arborist report was submitted |
| 01:08:08.61 | Adam East | I do not have any updates, Commissioner Saad. I do believe the applicant indicated that they will be attending this meeting, so they may be able to speak to that. But to answer your question, I have not received any updates as to the current condition of the tree since that initial harvest report and the application was made. |
| 01:08:24.37 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you for confirming. That's all I had for the moment, Chair Feller. |
| 01:08:29.19 | Kristina Feller | Commissioner Luxenberg. |
| 01:08:31.22 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Thank you Chair Feller. Adam this was before your time because you've just been hired and before Director Scoble came on board but I believe and I'm hoping other commissions can help me here I believe we got an email from the abutter very concerned that this tree was going to fall on their house and so we got written we got a written correspondence that was not necessarily the application, but in anticipation of the application, did others get that as well? |
| 01:09:07.67 | Kristina Feller | Truthfully, you have a better memory than I. I don't recall that. That doesn't mean I didn't receive it, but off the top of my head, Commissioner Luxenberg, I do not recall that. |
| 01:09:20.11 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Okay, anybody else? So. |
| 01:09:24.01 | Richard Graef | I vaguely remember |
| 01:09:24.68 | Jeffery Luxenberg | for my time. |
| 01:09:27.65 | Richard Graef | Just a communication coming. I don't remember if it was for this particular application are But it was a while back. and somebody was expressing, serious concern about a tree on the impact a possible impact on their property. Yeah. |
| 01:09:48.46 | Kristina Feller | Yeah, I don't know if it, I mean, we get a lot of correspondence. I don't know if it's specific to this. application perhaps staff can look into that as we as we are up your discussing this item. Um, but thank you for a far better memory than I. Do you have any questions for staff? Thank you. |
| 01:10:08.15 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Not at this time. I will look for that email while we're talking here as well. |
| 01:10:08.20 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:10:13.55 | Kristina Feller | Okay, okay. Yes, Director Scoville. |
| 01:10:16.47 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. One of the things that I was able to do prior to the departure of our former community development director is that I was able to receive access to her emails. And I did see that an email did come in on September 14th, 2020 from a Steve Babes who wrote the city to the city. And I'm going to say, Um, concerned about the danger of the falling tree onto their property. |
| 01:10:43.99 | Kristina Feller | We know what address Mr. Faves. lives at, did he indicate in his email? |
| 01:10:49.16 | Heidi Scoble | I'm just trying to, I can look that up. |
| 01:10:55.47 | Nastassya Saad | He's at 19, Kaz, no. I just saw the email as well. |
| 01:10:59.01 | Kristina Feller | He's at 19 castouts. So this came in last year. |
| 01:11:00.56 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. September 14th of this year. |
| 01:11:05.63 | Kristina Feller | Of this year. Oh, I thought you said 2020. Okay. |
| 01:11:07.95 | Heidi Scoble | Sorry. I may have. quality. |
| 01:11:12.53 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Great, thank you. |
| 01:11:18.81 | Kristina Feller | All right. Um, So Director Scobo, while we have you there, is that something that needs to be posted to Granicus? If that, I mean, since it's not specific to this application yet, somehow relevant, let's just make sure that the public has all the information at their fingertips. |
| 01:11:36.90 | Heidi Scoble | I could definitely do that, Chair Feller. It's interesting, the timing of this application is such that the tree removal permit was submitted on September 15th, And the date of the email was September 14th. So I believe this application wasn't response to that initial email. So we will definitely, I will save it to the file and post it to the agenda. |
| 01:11:57.45 | Kristina Feller | Fantastic. Thank you for that. |
| 01:12:00.23 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Commissioner, Chair Feather, there's a section, if I remember correctly, and my memory might be off, but they're specifically worried about it taking so long to get this permit done. It's part of the text of this email. So, do you have that in front of you, Director Scoville? I mean, if we could read that into the record, because they were referring to this application, and so maybe that's why they didn't bother to be here, but I think it's important that their concern be read into the record if that is doable. |
| 01:12:36.95 | Kristina Feller | Well, if the application just came in on September 15th, as director Scoble has said, um, and this email came in the day before I'm not, |
| 01:12:47.74 | Jeffery Luxenberg | No, after, after. Come in after. |
| 01:12:51.80 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:12:51.85 | Heidi Scoble | Well, Dee Dee, email, I guess, that I have access to is to Our city manager is included Mayor Hoffman, Chair Feller, Director McGowan and It's like I was copied on it as well. So don't recall it, but in seeing this email, if you would like Chair Feller, I can read the email that was submitted to our city manager or I'm not quite sure if I have access. Oh yeah, it does look like this one was submitted to the Planning Commission as well. And this is dated September 13, 2021. |
| 01:13:29.35 | Kristina Feller | Okay, and the application came in what day? |
| 01:13:32.19 | Heidi Scoble | September 15, 2014. |
| 01:13:33.55 | Kristina Feller | So the email came in two days before the application. |
| 01:13:36.22 | Jeffery Luxenberg | report. |
| 01:13:37.15 | Kristina Feller | Okay. |
| 01:13:37.97 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Sorry about that. I was mistaken. But I do think that the text of this is important because they're concerned about what we're doing right now. And so if we could have that read in for the record or just bring it up on screen either way. |
| 01:13:39.80 | Kristina Feller | No, no, no. |
| 01:13:51.69 | Kristina Feller | I think we'll bring it up on screen and it can be posted on Granicus. I mean, we don't usually read everybody's emails into the record because that can take a long time. |
| 01:13:51.73 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I think they'll bring it up. |
| 01:14:00.91 | Kristina Feller | as long as there's access that is part of the public record Um, I think that that's fine. So if Director Scoble, you don't mind sharing your screen, |
| 01:14:15.57 | Heidi Scoble | So this is the email that was written to the applicant regarding the neighbors at 19 has those concerns. They've apparently identified that they were exhibited or stated concerns since June of 2021 regarding the dying tree and concerns regarding that tree was gonna fall onto their house bedroom and do great damage. Um, Again, the sender of this email was just really concerned that nothing was happening. And here you have it. I can read it into the record if you would like. |
| 01:14:50.91 | Kristina Feller | I can read it I think that that's, that's fine. Let's post it on Granicus. That is the public record. I just want for a point of clarification for the record here Um, Mr. Faves at 19 Casnell has never applied for a permit to remove this tree. he was he was trying to get his neighbor who owns the tree at 23 casnell to take action, is that correct? |
| 01:15:20.54 | Heidi Scoble | That is correct. Yeah, so the tree is located on the property of 23 Casno and he was stating concern that the tree may cause hazard. Yeah. |
| 01:15:31.59 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Very good. Okay. Any other questions for staff, Commissioner Luxenberg? |
| 01:15:43.73 | Jeffery Luxenberg | No, thank you. |
| 01:15:44.89 | Kristina Feller | Okay, Commissioner Junius. |
| 01:15:46.86 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Questions for staff? |
| 01:15:48.18 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. Vice Chair Graf. all. Okay, great. Um... Is the applicant in the audience here somewhere, Adam? Were they available? |
| 01:16:04.09 | Adam East | I did email them earlier today and I believe I received a response that they would be attending, but, um, I do not know if they are. |
| 01:16:13.04 | Kristina Feller | Okay, I will just ask out here if the applicant is listening at home through the website if you can dial into Zoom. This would be your time to present to the commission here or discuss any additional items to your application. Um, or if you are in the audience and I'm not seeing you, just raise your hand and we'll find you. But I am not seeing the applicant here. Um. which is which is too bad. Um, Well, let's go ahead then and take public comment on this item. So at this time, we'll open up this application to public comment. Please raise your hand in the Zoom application or star nine. If you are calling in from a cell phone, |
| 01:17:12.07 | Kristina Feller | I do not see any members of the public wanting to comment on this item. So I will close public comment at this time. and bring the discussion back up to our virtual dais here If anyone would like to kick us off. Yes, Commissioner Junius. |
| 01:17:28.23 | Andrew Junius | Chair Feller, thank you. Well, it's always... disappointing when the applicant doesn't show up I think. That said, we have another situation where there is very likely some I'm not sure. imminent possible hazard |
| 01:18:05.46 | Andrew Junius | So, just like we talked about the last episode. |
| 01:18:09.63 | Kristina Feller | Okay. Commissioner Luxenberg? |
| 01:18:13.10 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I concur with Commissioner Junius. Again, I raised that email because I think I wanted everybody to know that the owner of Butter had a specific, was worried about safety. And so I think we should push this through tonight. And I think the language we did for the last one is totally applicable as well. So we should use that. |
| 01:18:35.01 | Kristina Feller | Commissioner Zahra. |
| 01:18:35.78 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you. |
| 01:18:35.82 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:18:38.01 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you chair Fowler I would agree I mean there's not I don't think we can get too many questions answered. The report being all the way back from January, it's almost been a year. Given the storm we had, almost be worried that the condition of the tree has changed further for the worse. So in that regard, I would go ahead with the same proposal from the last application and apply that here as well. |
| 01:19:09.31 | Kristina Feller | Bye. Vice Chair Graham? |
| 01:19:11.20 | Richard Graef | Thank you. |
| 01:19:11.29 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:19:12.20 | Richard Graef | Yes, it's a remarkably similar situation. Also in that this applicant was suggesting that another tree on site, as I understand it, |
| 01:19:20.00 | Adam East | Ugh. |
| 01:19:24.10 | Richard Graef | be become the replacement tree. which we did not allow the last time around. And I'm wondering, is that, an issue uh, this time. There are no pictures of that tree that I recall. Um, but, uh, Um, So we just need to fit that. into the picture. Do we accept the other tree as a replacement or not? I would say no. |
| 01:20:00.18 | Kristina Feller | I mean my thoughts are absolutely not And I think that there are some similarities with the last applicant, but I don't, but not enough similarities. I think there's plenty of room for replacement tree on this property This is a beautiful part of Sausalito that enjoys some really lovely |
| 01:20:15.36 | Unknown | Uh-huh. |
| 01:20:21.39 | Kristina Feller | trees, but I also think that some of the issues that you're seeing on this maple is a lack of maintenance. And so, I mean, although we can't necessarily condition applicants to, you know, maintain and everything we're hoping that that is just common sense and it's certainly much cheaper to have preventative maintenance of your beautiful trees and it is to remove them and replace them uh particularly when they're this mature so i would just really stress the need to maintain trees, they will remain healthy if you you help maintain them. but But I would... I would not. want to support a replacement tree offsite. This site can handle a replacement tree and I think it's perfect. for such a replacement. It's just a beautiful part and it's a wonderful street to walk on and it's got some beautiful species of trees and a lot of different types of trees it's a beautiful street for that reason and I think because this is not a tight study, There's no reason to replace this tree anywhere else but on site. |
| 01:21:35.76 | Andrew Junius | I'd be supportive of that. And I certainly, again, given the applicant doesn't even bother to show up. I'm certainly not interested in cutting anybody any slack here saying that an existing tree on the site is going to be fine. That's not going to work here. |
| 01:21:50.17 | Kristina Feller | Not on the phone. Agreed. So, but I would go on to say that, you know, that this applicant is, I think, you know, commissioner Junius and Luxembourg both stated, you know, this applicant does need to work with their arborist we do need to identify a proper and appropriate replacement species I don't see any problem with the location. It's really not too close to the house. It's a reasonable location for a tree. Um, And, you know, I think that regarding whatever oak trees on the site and I did go by the site today. And I do walk that street fairly often anyway. Um, you know, I think we should |
| 01:22:35.07 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:22:35.36 | Kristina Feller | you know really ask this applicant to work with their arborist to also understand if there's any other maintenance required on any other trees. on this property. We want to make sure a replacement tree is viable. |
| 01:22:54.76 | Kristina Feller | So with that, Is everybody any other comments from anybody else or, or further discussion? Is anyone ready to make a motion? |
| 01:23:07.91 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I think a motion that we approve this with the additional condition that a tree be replaced on site with the language that we developed earlier, whatever that finally is with the city attorney and community development staff. but approve the removal of the tree subject to that additional condition. |
| 01:23:37.09 | Kristina Feller | Great, thank you both. Director Scoville, take the roll call please. |
| 01:23:41.57 | Heidi Scoble | Commissioner Saad. Thank you. Yes. Commissioner Luxembourg. |
| 01:23:45.47 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Yes. |
| 01:23:46.23 | Heidi Scoble | McNarginius. |
| 01:23:47.58 | Andrew Junius | Yes. |
| 01:23:48.34 | Heidi Scoble | Vice Chair Greff. |
| 01:23:49.79 | Jeffery Luxenberg | All right. |
| 01:23:50.47 | Heidi Scoble | Carefeller. Yes. Motion passes unanimously. As with the last application, any action of the Planning Commission may be appealed within 10 days of this action to the City Council. |
| 01:24:02.67 | Kristina Feller | And thank you, Adam, again for double duty this evening. Thank you very much for that. Thanks for that. I'm sure. |
| 01:24:07.19 | Adam East | Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Commissioners. Appreciate it. |
| 01:24:10.87 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you, Adam. |
| 01:24:12.22 | Kristina Feller | Okay, let's see, we're going on to item six on our agenda. Director Scoble I don't think we have new business or old business do we? |
| 01:24:23.09 | Heidi Scoble | Mr. Feller, you are correct. We do not have anything listed under those two items. we just have our communications to talk about. |
| 01:24:30.50 | Unknown | Great. |
| 01:24:31.64 | Heidi Scoble | So with that, I will just provide the planning commission with an update. So on October 28th, last week, the Historic Preservation Commission conducted a public meeting and they reviewed three projects. All three projects were historic resource determination information packet reports regarding the properties at 240 Glen, 409 to 411 Napa Street, and 489 to 491 Bridgeway. The first item didn't have a lot of discussion per se, but the second two items are actually very interesting in the sense that they could have been associated with notable architecture and persons. So if you're ever interested in a little bit of Sausalito's history, I would go back and listen to that meeting and hear that discussion. So it was quite fascinating. Another item that I wanted to just bring up briefly was to provide an update on the landslide task force zoning ordinance amendment update. Thank you. Thank you. |
| 01:25:30.13 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:25:30.27 | Heidi Scoble | I'm not. |
| 01:25:30.32 | Kristina Feller | Absolutely. Pardon me, I'm so sorry for interrupting you, Director Scoble. I apologize. I don't want to be rude, but But was the objective design standard brought up to the historic preservation |
| 01:25:42.60 | Heidi Scoble | Oh, excuse me, yes, that is correct. I forgot to include that in there. So we had a presentation by our city attorney, Mary Wagner, to discuss the objective development design standards. And, um, With that, it was, the staff reports attached and it just provided, it was essentially the same presentation that was brought before the planning commission regarding the process and the next steps. So apologies for that. I just went right into the projects and not the business items. |
| 01:26:16.67 | Andrew Junius | And was there any comment from the commissioners? I'm curious if there was any discussion of notes. |
| 01:26:22.36 | Heidi Scoble | Nothing of note, you know, I know. No, please jump in. |
| 01:26:26.38 | Mary Wagner | Yeah. Thank you. |
| 01:26:28.76 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. |
| 01:26:28.79 | Mary Wagner | Mostly, oh God, I look very ethereal. Mostly questions, you know, primarily around for historic districts and that sort of thing. We got into a little bit of discussion of SB9 and SB35. HAB-Charlotte Pitts, Heide, what am I missing. Thank you. |
| 01:26:45.12 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. |
| 01:26:45.19 | Mary Wagner | He touched everything. Yeah, no public comment, I don't believe. |
| 01:26:49.75 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:26:49.77 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. |
| 01:26:49.87 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. Thank you. Great, thank you. Thank you both. Sorry for the interruption, Director. |
| 01:26:56.67 | Heidi Scoble | No, no, no, I appreciate that. my HCC agenda and I just totally skipped over that. So my apologies. So the next item that I was just gonna bring up was regarding the landslide task force zoning ordinance amendment update. I reached out to director McGowan in the public works department. And that's something that we're gonna, community development and DPW will be working on moving forward. We just need to put together a game plan as to how to bring it to the city council, how to integrate it into our regulations, and then bring it to the legislative committee for ultimate review before we bring it back to the planning commission for recommendations to the city council for approval. So you'll the planning commission will definitely be involved in multiple steps along the way. So that is on our radar, moving forward. And lastly, although not listed on our agenda, I wanted to let the planning commission know that this was the first week that we actually opened our public counter to the public. So, um, |
| 01:27:58.28 | Unknown | Yay! |
| 01:27:58.28 | Heidi Scoble | since March 16th, we've been working in this virtual world you know staff and the public has been great to adapt and pivot but it was time to actually you know open up our gates and um and today so how our counter is working is right now since we're gradually rolling this out and getting staff acclimated to what a public counter is supposed to look like um on Tuesdays and Thursdays we're accepting appointments from nine to noon And then on Wednesdays, we have a free-for-all open counter like it used to be. And we, I think we issued something like eight current building permits today. And we had a steady stream of applicants from before 9 to a little bit afternoon, just you know, asking questions primarily related to the building department. So it was super optimistic. It was a great moment for staff to get revitalized as to what we're here to do. And that's really to help the public and serve the public. With that, I'm available to answer any questions you have. There. |
| 01:29:05.03 | Kristina Feller | . |
| 01:29:05.24 | Heidi Scoble | you |
| 01:29:05.29 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. Bravo for getting the counter opened. |
| 01:29:08.44 | Maria | and you |
| 01:29:08.98 | Kristina Feller | Thank you for your leadership on that. And thank you to all the staff. um you know at the city community development for doing that it's it's such a critical part of our city and and and each and every one of them, you know, Obviously they are not all here, although Adam is still hanging in there, which is great. Please, please extend our sincere gratitude. for that step forward. Thank you. |
| 01:29:41.54 | Kristina Feller | Great, okay. Any other items, Director Coval? from your end from staff. |
| 01:29:48.88 | Heidi Scoble | Yeah, there's always something, but those were just the items that were most notable at this time. And I am sure that for our next meeting, we'll have even more of a list. It looks like our city attorney popped up as well. |
| 01:30:00.45 | Mary Wagner | I just wanted to ask you, Heidi, we may have already notified the commission that the Langston project got appealed. So the council and that hearing is set for |
| 01:30:10.80 | Heidi Scoble | Wednesday, November 17th from 5 to 6 30. So thank you for that. That meeting just got solidified today. |
| 01:30:19.17 | Mary Wagner | Right, right, right. Thanks Heidi. |
| 01:30:19.59 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. |
| 01:30:21.04 | Mary Wagner | Thank you. |
| 01:30:21.06 | Heidi Scoble | No, no, no, thank you. |
| 01:30:21.43 | Unknown | HEAD. |
| 01:30:21.83 | Mary Wagner | THE END OF THE END OF THE |
| 01:30:21.92 | Unknown | Thank you. |
| 01:30:21.94 | Mary Wagner | Thank you. |
| 01:30:22.39 | Unknown | Okay. |
| 01:30:22.41 | Mary Wagner | Thank you. |
| 01:30:22.42 | Unknown | . |
| 01:30:24.04 | Heidi Scoble | And I'm not quite sure if former Community Development Director Whalen let the planning commission know that the project was appealed. It was appealed back in September. |
| 01:30:33.38 | Kristina Feller | Yeah, no, thank you. Thank you for that update. We knew and somewhat suspected it might be appealed based on a neighbor. Um, but thank you for confirming also when that that that appeal hearing will be and I am assuming that that is a special hearing just for that appeal |
| 01:30:53.24 | Heidi Scoble | it will be a special hearing. So, um, The timing of the meetings might be a little tight because we do have a regularly scheduled planning commission meeting that's scheduled to start at 6 30. Based on our streaming technology, we're going to do back to back meetings. |
| 01:31:09.13 | Unknown | So, |
| 01:31:09.27 | Heidi Scoble | So if we're running just a little bit late, please know that I'm just gonna be jumping from the appeal hearing with the city council to this next planning commission meeting. |
| 01:31:19.92 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:31:19.93 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you. |
| 01:31:19.97 | Kristina Feller | Sure. |
| 01:31:20.90 | Heidi Scoble | Appreciate it. Yeah, and I just remembered one more thing, and apologies for bringing this up. I did want to let the planning commissioners know that as of November 17th, we will be terminating our contract with the Michael Baker consultants. That would be Jeffrey Graham, Mary Machado, and Kevin Law. They've been a huge asset to our city staff, helping us with our backlogs. And they've been amazing, but having a full complement within the community development department, we're hoping to have some cost savings with our contract because their contract is not cost recoverable. So we're hoping to experience some cost savings by ending the contract a little bit early. and then it also gives our new planners an opportunity to take over some of the projects that those planners have been working on and kind of roll it into our work program. And one more thing, next Tuesday, November 9th at the city council meeting, I will be providing an update to the city council regarding the community development. And we typically don't put our quarterly reports on a business item, but since I will be providing an update for our entire community development department, we'll also be including our quarter one statistics. So if you're so inclined and you wanna watch another night meeting, |
| 01:32:40.88 | Kristina Feller | Thank you. |
| 01:32:42.54 | Heidi Scoble | please join us. If not, it will be recorded and you can hear our overview. |
| 01:32:48.21 | Kristina Feller | Great. Thank you so much for the updates and, We're obviously here to support CDED as well in any way we can. So thank you. in here. So we have a couple subcommittees to report out on. |
| 01:33:04.00 | Jeffery Luxenberg | Can I just ask a question before we go on to that? Sure. Director Scoble, is it possible, Director Whalen was sending those reports to us when, after she sent it to the city council, so if you could send that along, that would be helpful. And then at this point in the agenda, Director Whalen was providing a list of the next meeting and I know you gave me some heads up on what that might be, but do you have any more refinements of what the next meeting might have? at this point. |
| 01:33:38.97 | Heidi Scoble | Thank you, Commissioner Luxembourg. Unfortunately, I'm still working with staff to move projects along. We have this weird little bottleneck right now that we're unsticking. I would suggest that in January, the planning commission's going to see a lot more projects rolling out. We're just kind of in these weird moments of incompleteness and turning around completeness items. So it'll be pretty light for the next couple of meetings, but we will be providing a lot more projects moving forward starting in January. |
| 01:34:11.94 | Jeffery Luxenberg | That's fine. I just, if you knew, that was fine. But thank you for that update. I appreciate that. |
| 01:34:17.80 | Kristina Feller | Great. And any other questions for Director Stoble? Okay. Then let's go ahead and move to the subcommittee. So we have four sort of outlined here on our agenda. And I can start with sea level rise. The task force is very close to completing their report, which includes recommendations to the city council. we've been working very, very closely as well with the county and a lot of their initiatives and also looking at a, sort of a joint opportunity with sea level rise, with Marin City, with sort of the unincorporated areas of the county. which are just north of Susley though. Um, the areas that flooded during our, um, cyclone bomb, atmospheric river, whatever, storm that was those are a lot of that is unincorporated area and so you know water doesn't really know boundaries very well so we are looking into that. But those recommendations in the presentation of the City Council should be later this month. a date to be determined. and So we're looking forward to that. Um, the housing element advisory committee and housing element update I'll just give a quick update here. Our first meeting was held on October 21st. And our next meeting is tentatively December 2nd. Um... And I also want to make note that Sausalito did appeal the RENA numbers that were generated by the state. that appeal was denied. And so we are looking, I believe, at 724 units here in Sausalito. I also want to announce that Commissioner Saad has been appointed by the city council to sit on the housing element advisory committee along with myself so I'm looking forward to working with you Commissioner Saad. on this initiative. |
| 01:36:37.61 | Maria | Me too. |
| 01:36:39.53 | Kristina Feller | Thank you for your service and and step stepping up to do so so thank you for that Um... And you were appointed on October 26th at the city council. |
| 01:36:51.11 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you. Thanks for letting me know. |
| 01:36:54.08 | Kristina Feller | You connect the dots on that. Okay. So the first meeting there was really Mm-hmm. not not much to report. on that there were not any actions. We have not voted on a chair or vice chair of that committee yet. because we did not have two commissioners yet. There were certain members of the public that had been appointed to this advisory committee that we're not at this first meeting either. So hopefully at December 2nd meeting, we will, be able to make a little bit more progress Objective Development Design Standards Working Group is myself and Commissioner Junius. Do you want to give everybody a quick update? |
| 01:37:39.01 | Andrew Junius | Sure. We are making some progress. Last meeting we had a couple of weeks ago, we had a pretty in-depth discussion of how difficult it is going to be to objectify the view analysis. I think we're getting some really good progress on public use from various parks. which I think will kind of set the standard, discussion is still pretty complex and it's going to take a little bit more time to work that through We're looking very closely at the Marin County's toolkit in terms of other ways to I'm not sure. bring in some component, you know, some kind of set piece components into our code as kind of a standalone you know, Housing Accountability Act SP-35. |
| 01:38:28.88 | Andrew Junius | It's very interesting trying to get your head around. you know, our existing a very discretionary planning code here in Sausalito and the extraordinarily detailed objective toolkit that the Marine folks put together with Opticos, which is fascinating. but overwhelming still. but we're making progress. So I'm hoping in the next, our next meeting is Monday. And I think we'll have some work product here, hopefully, before the end of the year. |
| 01:38:58.29 | Kristina Feller | Yeah, I think it's great that HPC was briefed on this so they understand what's coming up and this may be a subject for a joint commission hearing here soon. So stay tuned on that. Um, okay. Going on to the parklet visioning working group, which I guess is the name of our new working group for IT WAS A LITTLE BIT. for the commission to be working with the city This has to do with how the city Um, moves from its temporary parklet provision that was a result of the pandemic and sort of more of an emergency stop gap for economic recovery and viability in Sausalito and moving more towards a thoughtful, more permanent opportunity for outdoor dining, parklets, and the combination thereof. Um, So at the city council meeting, um, Several city council meetings ago, the city council move for the staff to work with planning commission on developing what exactly those guidelines and standards might be. and I would like to appoint Commissioner Luxenberg to work on this working group, along with myself and community development and others, including Sausalito Beautiful and perhaps members of the public to use the benchmarking exercise that was previously executed by Vice Chair Graff and myself and to develop something that's that is responsive and unique to Sausalito that works for us. And Commissioner Luxenberg, if you would be so willing, as we had discussed, I think you have an incredible skill set to bring a lot to the table, a lot to bear here. |
| 01:41:00.87 | Jeffery Luxenberg | I'm sure there's a opportunity |
| 01:41:02.54 | Kristina Feller | Great. Thank you. And with that, I would just ask Director Scoble, if with Commissioner Luxembourg agreeing to do such important work for the city among all of his other important work that he's doing from the commission. could we please set a meeting maybe at some point next week. at a time that's convenient to Commissioner Alexa Burke because he's on a different time zone. so we can just quickly brainstorm through the remit that has already been authored for this working group and we can put together some guardrails on exactly what we're doing in the timeframe for which we need to be working in. Because I believe the city council is looking to have something um, by March, April of next year. |
| 01:42:00.71 | Heidi Scoble | We'll do. We'll send out a doodle poll and see what date and time we can meet next week. |
| 01:42:08.05 | Kristina Feller | Great. Let's just get that kicked off. So thank you for that. Thank you for doing that. and thank you Commissioner Luxenberg Are there any other announcements by any, any member of the commission? at this time. |
| 01:42:26.38 | Andrew Junius | I just wanted to thank Commissioner Saad and Commissioner Luxenberg for their efforts here. Really appreciate the work on these subcommittees there. Thank you. |
| 01:42:34.58 | Kristina Feller | Yes. I think all of you, all of you have do layman's work here, so this is great. Um, Okay. Well, Thank you. motion to adjourn. |
| 01:42:46.61 | Andrew Junius | I'm so moved. like a |
| 01:42:49.30 | Kristina Feller | Great. I think we're all in favor. Thank you. |
| 01:42:52.23 | Andrew Junius | You know what I mean? |
| 01:42:52.25 | Kristina Feller | you know, Yeah. |
| 01:42:53.70 | Andrew Junius | All right. See you next time, everybody. And I'll see you Monday, Christina. Thank you. |
| 01:42:55.47 | Kristina Feller | I see it. |
| 01:42:56.03 | Unknown | You are. |
| 01:42:57.60 | Kristina Feller | Great. Thank you, everybody. |
| 01:42:57.83 | Andrew Junius | Thank you. |
| 01:42:58.74 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you. |
| 01:42:59.28 | Andrew Junius | Bye. |
| 01:42:59.60 | Maria | Thank you. |
| 01:42:59.62 | Unknown | Bye. |
| 01:42:59.98 | Nastassya Saad | Have a good night. |
| 01:43:01.60 | Unknown | No. |
| 01:43:02.66 | Nastassya Saad | Thank you. |
| 01:43:02.68 | Maria | you |