01-22-03 Minutes - GPC TOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
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SUMMARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GENERAL PLAN
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, JANUARY 22, 2003 HELD IN THE
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC CENTER, 110 EAST MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS,
CALIFORNIA.
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The meeting was called to order at 5:40 P.M. by Acting Chair Joe Pirzynski.
ATTENDANCE
General Plan Committee
Members Present: Joe Pirzynski, Sandy Decker, Phil Micciche, Morris Trevithick, Mark
Sgarlato, Mark Weiner, Jo Zientek
Members Absent: Mike Burke, Josh Bacigalupi
Staff Present: Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner; Bud Lortz, Director
of Community Development; Tim Boyer, Parks Superintendent
Others present: Dave Dockter, contract arborist; Ray Davis
Verbal communications:
None
ITEM 1: Discuss Draft Tree Ordinance
Bud Lortz introduced the item and provided background and steps taken to date.
Dave Dockter, APC, contract arborist, presented an outline of the draft ordinance
and went over proposed changes to the ordinance. A questions for the Committee
is whether the Town wants to charge fees for tree removal permits. Key elements
of the ordinance update are as follows:
· Pruning: new definition uses industry standard (pruning that is considered
severe and is detrimental to a tree is not allowed)
· Significant impact: precludes tree removal for minor damage to patio or
walkway
· Protected trees include trees required to be planted or retained as part
of development
· Criteria for emergency removal
· Application protocol for tree removal permits
· Arborist report may be requested by Town staff if warranted
· New tree replacement criteria based on canopy size being lost
· Hazardous trees will be evaluated based on a Tree Hazard Rating Form (national
standard)
· Standards for property development have been added
· Criteria for tree protection during construction has been added
· Pruning and maintenance: best management practices to be used
· Violation remedies have been added
Discussion:
Joe Pirzynski said he very much appreciates the direction this has been taken.
The Town will be able to take a more aggressive stance towards tree protection.
Bud Lortz noted that the best methodology available is being used.
Phil Micciche clarified that removal of a tree does not mean moving a tree within
the property boundary.
Sandy Decker would like to have a lot of graphics to help readers understand and
visualize the ordinance content. She would like to review the Tree Hazard Rating
form and other referenced documents (referenced documents will be provided to
the Committee prior to the next meeting).
Joe Pirzynski commented that graphics should be used to exemplify the language,
not to replace it.
Sandy Decker said it appears that Los Gatos is the only municipality to evaluate
trees four-inches and greater for development proposals, and consideration should
be given to changing that to lessen work load.
Mark Weiner said that a standardized form should be created for tree survey plans.
He asked about citizen involvement in the enforcement of the ordinance, and the
mechanism for reporting illegal tree removals. He also suggested adding a simple
flow chart.
Public Comments:
Ray Davis said that based on last night’s Council meeting, he believes that the
General Plan Committee Regular Meeting
January 22, 2003
Page 3 of 3
“thought police” have arrived. He wondered why this issue isn’t before the Planning
Commission (it was noted that the ordinance will be forwarded to the Commission
later in the process). He believes that only indigenous and important species
should be protected. The concept of “monster trees” should be addressed. It
is a matter of scale. Some trees outgrow their sites and should be allowed to
be removed. He also noted that the Town should have a Zoning Administrator.
Heritage trees should be preserved.
It was requested that Committee members review the draft ordinance for continued
discussion at the meeting of February 26, 2003.
ITEM 2: Approval of Minutes
Sandy Decker made a motion to approve the minutes of November 6, 2002 as submitted.
The motion was seconded by Mark Weiner and was approved unanimously.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. by Acting Chair Pirzynski. The next regular
meeting of the General Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12,
2003 at 5:30 pm.
Prepared by:
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Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
cc: Planning Commission Chair
General Plan Committee
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