HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-2004 Planning Commission Minutes
MINUTES
SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
DATE: Wednesday, October 27, 2004
PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA
TYPE: Regular Meeting
Chair Garakani called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Rodgers and Zutshi
Absent: Commissioners Schallop and Uhl
Staff: Director Tom Sullivan, Associate Planner John Livingstone and Associate Planner Ann
Welsh
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of October 13, 2004.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, the
Planning Commission minutes of the regular meeting of October 13, 2004, were
adopted with corrections to pages 5,6,7 and 17. (5-0-0-2; Commissioners Schallop
and Uhl were absent)
ORAL COMMUNICATION
There were no oral communications.
REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA
Director Tom Sullivan announced that, pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this
meeting was properly posted on October 21, 2004.
REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS
Director Tom Sullivan announced that appeals are possible for any decision made on this Agenda by
filing an Appeal Application with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the
decision, pursuant to Municipal Code 15.90.050(b). Associate Planner John Livingstone advised that
the appeal time frame for the Use Permit is 10 calendar days.
CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no Consent Calendar Items.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 2
***
PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 1
APPLICATION #04-112 (397-24-032) WOOD, 14161 Douglas Lane: The applicant requests Design
Review Approval to construct a two-story single-family residence. The total floor area of the proposed
residence is 5,907.5 square feet. The floor area of the first floor and the garage is 4,575.5 square feet
and the second floor is 1,332 square feet. The maximum height of the proposed residence is 24 feet 6
inches. The lot size is approximately 20,080 square feet and the site is zoned R-1-20,000. (CHRISTY
OOSTRHOUS) (Continued from the meeting held on October 13, 2004)
Director Tom Sullivan advised that the applicant was withdrawing the request for a two-story residence
and would be resubmitting a one-story design in its place.
***
PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 2
APPLICATION #04-265 (403-24-034) WORDEN, “Union 76”, 14395 Big Basin Way: Request for
Conditional Use Permit approval to expand the existing retail food market by 70 square feet. The site is
located in a Commercial Zoning District. (JOHN LIVINGSTONE)
Associate Planner John Livingstone presented the staff report as follows:
• Advised that the applicant is seeking approval for a 70 square foot addition to an existing food mart
at the Union 76 Station at 14395 Big Basin Way. The expansion would accommodate additional
food sales such as yogurt and ice tea.
• Added that the expansion would be within the existing rooflines and all materials will match
existing.
• Explained that this expansion requires a Use Permit. The original Use Permit for this service station
was approved in 1997. Tonight’s action would modify that Use Permit.
• Reported that the site meets the parking requirements of 9 spaces, exceed by one at 10 spaces. Staff
surveyed the parking and found it to be adequate.
• Stated that the operational hours would remain the same, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays through
Fridays, and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Stated that no negative correspondence was received and that 28 surrounding neighbors signed a
neighbor notification form. No concerns were raised. No adverse feedback was received.
• Informed that this proposal meets the required findings for granting of a Conditional Use Permit.
• Recommended approval and advised that the applicant is present and available for questions.
Chair Garakani asked staff what triggers to bring this item before the Planning Commission.
Planner John Livingstone replied that the requirement for a Use Permit in order to approve this request
was the trigger.
Commissioner Hunter asked staff to explain the difference between the terms Use Permit and
Conditional Use Permit.
Director Tom Sullivan replied that the terms are synonymous.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 3
Planner John Livingstone added that the more formal term used in the Code is Conditional Use Permit.
Chair Garakani opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Mr. Eber Jaques, Applicant’s Representative:
• Explained that this is a small expansion within an existing footprint to better serve existing
customers.
Commissioner Nagpal asked for verification that no soil excavation activities would occur on this site
as part of this request.
Mr. Eber Jaques replied none whatsoever.
Chair Garakani closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Nagpal, seconded by Commissioner Rodgers, the
Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit (Application #04-265) to
allow the expansion of an existing retail food market by 70 square feet at the Union
76 Station located at 14395 Big Basin Way, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Rodgers and Zutshi
NOES: None
ABSENT: Schallop and Uhl
ABSTAIN: None
***
PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 3
APPLICATION #03-218 (503-13-067) WILLIAM WAI YAN HO, Mount Eden Road, south of Villa
Oaks Lane: The applicant proposes to subdivide a 29.28 acre property into five clustered lots with an
average lot size of 1.73 acres. The remaining 19.49-acre portion of the property is to remain in open
space with a pedestrian, equestrian trail winding through the open space. Access to the property is to be
via a cul-de-sac, which egresses onto Mount Eden Road. An emergency access road is proposed from
Vista Regina Road to the cul-de-sac. The property has a general plan designation of RHS, Hillside
Conservation and is zoned HR – Hillside Residential District. (ANN WELSH)
Associate Planner Ann Welsh presented the staff report as follows:
• Reminded that this proposal had been before the Commission on April 28, 2004 and subsequently
during a Study Session held on August 25, 2004. At the April hearing, the Commission suggested
that the applicant provide additional environmental documentation.
• Explained that the proposal is to subdivide a 29.28-acre property into five cluster lots with the rest
of the property to remain open space.
• Stated that access to the site would be via a cul-de-sac from Mount Eden Road.
• Said that the lots would range between one and three acres.
• Explained that the property is steeply sloped and includes a Riparian corridor within the proposed
open space area. There is no public access. Access would be via an easement.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 4
• Stated that condition required to support the concept of cluster homes with corresponding open
space is that the clustering of residential lots would result in an equal or greater area of land being
left as open space. Clustering must reduce the gross developed area. No single lot may be less than
20,000 square feet. The smallest in this proposal is 43,000 square feet. Additionally, the total
number of lots cannot exceed the number derived from the formula regarding slope. No unit would
exceed 7,800 square feet in area. The cluster concept results in a greater area of natural terrain.
• Provided the requirements to deny such a request to cluster the homes. The Commission would
need to make findings including that the Tentative Map is not consistent with the General Plan or
Specific Plan(s) or that the clustering conflicts with easements.
• Reported that this project received geotechnical approval and that the Traffic Consultant’s
recommendations regarding safety have been addressed. The applicant would have to conduct a
field study prior to construction.
• Said that staff has reviewed the proposal and found that the required findings to support this request
can be made.
Commissioner Zutshi asked if the open space would be dedicated.
Planner Ann Welsh replied that yes, in order to be able to cluster the residential lots, the applicant
would be required to dedicate the open space area as public open space. However, she added that staff
is not yet sure if the City is prepared to accept this dedication as public open space but the City will
accept the dedication of the trail.
Commissioner Rodgers asked about the in-lieu fees.
Planner Ann Welsh said that the in-lieu fees are imposed on a per-lot basis. With this project there
would be four new building lots. The in-lieu fee is approximately $20,000 per lot. If the open space
were to be dedicated, the applicant would not be required to pay this fee, which is collected by the
Public Works Department.
Commissioner Rodgers asked for clarification as to whether the in-lieu fee would have to be paid if the
land is dedicated.
Director Tom Sullivan said that the applicant has offered to dedicate the open space. The decision on
whether or not to accept the open space dedication would be made by Council at the time of approval of
Final Map. It is likely that Council would reject the dedication and require that the in-lieu fees be paid
as well as accept the Trail easement.
Chair Garakani asked if the fee is paid at that time.
Director Tom Sullivan said that the fee is simply levied at that time.
Commissioner Nagpal asked if the open space would be maintained in perpetuity.
Planner Ann Welsh said that the open space is likely to be private/public open space with an access
easement.
Commissioner Hunter pointed out the many letters received a couple of years ago and asked if the
concerns raised at that time have been resolved.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 5
Planner Ann Welsh said that she has worked with neighbors for approximately the last three years and
that a number of issues are addressed with the conditions in the Resolution.
Commissioner Hunter asked about the drainage problems raised.
Planner Ann Welsh advised that the applicant would have to address any drainage issues to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer. Water cannot be drained off-site but rather must be managed on site.
Commissioner Hunter asked what the benefit is between the cluster concept versus allowing the homes
to be spread throughout the 29 acres.
Planner Ann Welsh pointed out that if the property were to be chopped into five parcels the wildlife
corridor would not be the same as there would be more disturbances. Additionally, some of the land is
not appropriate for development.
Commissioner Hunter questioned the need for security gates.
Planner Ann Welsh said that the City does not have a policy prohibiting gates. Consideration by the
Commission on the issue of gates is not to solve a traffic problem but more of a social question.
Chair Garakani asked if the gates would affect the trail.
Planner Ann Welsh replied no, only cars and not horses or people.
Commissioner Nagpal complimented and thanked Planner Ann Welsh for her complete report, saying
that it is easy to go through the points made by the Commission.
Commissioner Hunter stated that it was important for the community to know that all letters submitted
on this project were provided to the Commission.
Chair Garakani opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3.
Mr. Maurice Abraham, Applicant’s Representative:
• Said that he has very little to add to the earlier testimony but wanted to recap a couple of points.
• Reminded that there has already been one public hearing as well as a productive Study Session.
• Stated that issues have since been satisfactorily addressed.
• Reported that they had met individually with several neighbors and resolved most concerns raised,
making a number of revisions and refinements to their proposal. This project has a better plan as a
result and the project is good for the community. It is well thought out and would be developed at
well below the allowable density while providing open space and distance between surrounding
existing homes.
• Stated that they are anxious to move forward and asked the Commission’s support by approving this
request tonight.
Commissioner Zutshi asked Mr. Maurice Abraham if he has looked at the community concerns and
feels that they have been resolved.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 6
Mr. Maurice Abraham replied yes. The concerns have been resolved except for the Marinero’s.
Commissioner Hunter reminded that one concern raised was the prospect of having houses visible at or
above the ridgeline.
Mr. Maurice Abraham said that they moved the road above and pushed the houses further down from
the ridge. This also hides the road from view while it is on the ridge. The elevations would be below
the ridge.
Commissioner Hunter asked Mr. Maurice Abraham for the reasoning behind the gates.
Mr. Maurice Abraham replied that the gates were something that Mr. Ho wanted albeit not essential to
the project.
Chair Garakani asked staff to confirm that the only issue under consideration tonight is the subdivision.
Director Tom Sullivan replied correct.
Commissioner Nagpal:
• Pointed out that there are limitations on where houses can be placed on this property.
• Expressed appreciation for the biotic evaluation done.
• Stated that she shared the concerns regarding the proposed security gates.
• Questioned whether not having the gates might assist with the flow of traffic and whether the
transportation consultant considered that issue.
Mr. Maurice Abraham reported that they do not have a project traffic consultant. The City’s consultant
would have to make that determination.
Commissioner Hunter questioned if the road width is 20 feet wide.
Mr. Maurice Abraham replied that it is 24 feet wide.
Ms. Hazel Marinero, 22501 Mount Eden Road, Saratoga:
• Said that she resides across the road from the proposed access to this project site.
• Reminded that she had previously summarized her concerns in written form.
• Explained that this is a fairly dangerous corner and that her main concern is that this project would
worsen an already bad situation.
• Reported that at the last hearing, they were told that further traffic studies would be done.
• Complained that when she attempted to reach Ann Welsh her calls were not returned.
• Stated her belief that this project would make a bad situation even worse.
• Suggested that the access to the site be placed somewhere else.
Planner Ann Welsh:
• Reminded that the driveway configuration did change to lessen the impacts on the neighbors. It is
now a divided road and a median has been added. The revised driveway has the egress further up
the road from the ingress. The gate was moved back per the recommendation of the City’s Traffic
Engineer.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 7
• Expressed her understanding that the applicant was going to discuss these revisions directly with the
Marinero’s.
• Stated that a condition has also been added, and the applicant had agreed, to put in additional
landscaping on the Marinero’s property to help mitigate any headline glare.
• Stated that the applicant has tried his best to address the concerns raised by the Marinero’s but they
have to have access to their property.
Mr. Ernest Marinero, 22501 Mount Eden Road, Saratoga:
• Stated that he had raised concerns regarding safety at previous meetings.
• Said that it had been promised that alternatives for the driveway would be considered, that
additional traffic studies would be done and that they would be able to participate in the process.
However, three attempts to reach Ann Welsh resulted in no calls back. Nothing has happened.
• Asked that the Commission abide by those promises.
Commissioner Nagpal asked if the August Study Session was noticed.
Planner Ann Welsh replied that the meeting was advertised and posted but that no letters were sent.
Mr. Jack Daly, 21931 Via Regina, Saratoga:
• Thanked the Commission and Planner Ann Welsh.
• Said he resides directly across from this proposed development and that most of his concerns have
been dealt with.
• Expressed the concern that the proposed 7,000 square foot homes are large for the area and that he
would prefer to see the house sizes scaled down.
Chair Garakani advised Mr. Daly that the subdivision is the issue for this evening. The homes
themselves would be reviewed one by one. This type of concern can be considered during Design
Review.
Ms. Sheila Daly, 21931 Via Regina, Saratoga:
• Said that they would be looking at Lots 1, 2 and 3 from their home.
• Expressed appreciation for the work done and joked that they had come to think of this property as
being theirs over the last 20 years.
• Pointed out that there are no other security gates in the area and reported that Mr. Ho is concerned
about the potential for vehicles pulling horse trailers using this driveway. She advised that she has
never seen one parked on the corner on that street.
• Stated her assumption that this would be a private street.
• Reported that since Mr. Ho purchased the property no fire trail abatement has been done.
• Suggested that a requirement for such fire trail abatement be included in the CC&Rs.
• Said that the weeds get as high as her shoulder and she is five foot, nine inches tall.
• Expressed her concern that the rooflines are kept below the ridge.
• Questioned how the access to the open space would be accomplished, would it be directly from Via
Regina?
Chair Garakani reminded that the roofline issue would be discussed during Design Review but that
access and fire prevention clearing can be dealt with this evening.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 8
Mr. Brad Baker, 13991 Vista Regina, Saratoga:
• Stated that he has no complaints.
• Said that this project is well thought out and he is excited to see this.
• Stated that the concept of clustering homes is a good one.
Mr. Maurice Abraham, Project Representative:
• Said that he spoke with Mr. Ho about the issue of fire protection weed abatement. Mr. Ho advised
him that it had been done. The weeds were disked in a 30-foot wide swath around the perimeter.
• Added that Mr. Ho is fine about allowing access to the trails.
Chair Garakani asked if access would be permitted from Vista Regina.
Mr. Maurice Abraham replied yes.
Chair Garakani asked Mr. Maurice Abraham about the security gate.
Mr. Maurice Abraham said that they are open to not having the security gate if that is the pleasure of
the Planning Commission and the community.
Chair Garakani asked Mr. Maurice Abraham to discuss the road safety issues raised.
Mr. Maurice Abraham said that they have made the intersection as safe as it could be, short of not
having it there at all. Reminded that with changes made, they have saved another Eucalyptus and have
offered additional landscaping to deflect any headlights from view by the Marinero property.
Chair Garakani closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3.
Commissioner Hunter:
• Pointed out that new subdivisions are hard for existing communities to accept.
• Stated that five new homes are coming into a pristine area and it is very difficult for people to see
that kind of change.
• Said that she was moved by the letters received and the concern raised for the safety of wildlife.
• Expressed her hope that fencing would not be excessive on this development.
• Stated that very hard work has been done on this project both by the City and Mr. Ho.
• Declared that the entrance is as it must be and suggested that the gate was not needed. Rather a sign
can be posted saying “no horse trailers.” This area of Saratoga is not a gated area.
Commissioner Zutshi:
• Agreed that Mr. Ho and his team put a lot of effort and expertise into coming up with this plan.
• Pointed out that environmental studies and two traffic studies were prepared.
• Said she is satisfied with the proposal and does not feel the gate is an issue either way.
Chair Garakani asked Commissioner Zutshi about the concerns of the neighbors across the street.
Commissioner Zutshi said that Mr. Ho needs to meet the concerns and agreed that people do drive fast.
Suggested having the City install bumps and/or signs.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 9
Director Tom Sullivan pointed out that this is a County road and not a City road.
Commissioner Nagpal:
• Said that there are concerns with hillside development in general.
• Agreed that the various experts have done a good job.
• Stated that cluster development is intended for property like this where open space can be
maintained.
• Reminded that the Design Review process would occur at a future date.
• Said that she feels strongly that the gate is not conducive to this hillside area.
• Agreed that there are safety concerns and said that she travels this road twice a week to take her
children to horseback riding.
• Expressed her empathy for that concern over safety.
• Stated that the separated driveway entrance and exit mitigates that concern.
• Said she is inclined to support this proposal with the exception of the gate.
Commissioner Rodgers:
• Said that this is a beautiful piece of land and that she understands why the neighbors would hate to
see it developed.
• Pointed out that this project has been designed to achieve the most open space.
• Stated that she supports the cluster-zoning concept for this land.
• Said that it would be important to ensure that the new neighbors appreciate this rural neighborhood.
• Stressed the importance of requiring fire prevention weed abatement and fencing limitations.
• Said that she did not like the security gate at all as it is not in character with the neighborhood and
would represent a jarring contrast to the rural area.
Planner Ann Welsh reminded that the Hillside Zoning District prohibits enclosing more than 4,000
square feet per parcel. Therefore, fencing should not be an issue.
Commissioner Hunter pointed out that sometimes fencing is put in illegally.
Commissioner Rodgers added that there might be more impact if the restrictions are reiterated in the
CC&Rs.
Chair Garakani:
• Said that it appears there is consensus on the issue of the security gate and the applicant is willing to
remove it.
• Said that access to the site has been dealt with and that the area proposed for access is the only
viable access point for this property.
• Reminded that the applicant is willing to install screening landscaping to prevent light from
imposing on the Marinero property.
Commissioner Hunter asked staff to verify the width of the road.
Planner Ann Welsh replied 24 feet paved.
Commissioner Hunter asked why it was so wide.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 10
Planner Ann Welsh replied that this is the standard to allow the Fire Department emergency access.
Commissioner Hunter said that it would be important to encourage native landscaping when the
individual Design Review applications come forward.
Director Tom Sullivan said that a notation to that effect could be crafted for the CC&Rs, reading, “all
landscape schemes shall rely on native plant species.”
Chair Garakani reminded that one concern was raised about mature tree heights being below the
ridgeline.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, the
Planning Commission recommended approval of a subdivision (Application #03-
218) of 29.28 acres located on Mount Eden Road, south of Villa Oaks Road, into
five cluster lots with a 19.49-acre portion to remain open space with the added
requirements:
• That landscaping be predominately native and that the CC&Rs reflect that
requirement as well as requirements for fencing and grading limitations per the
Hillside Residential Zoning District requirements;
• That fire prevention weed abatement be performed annually; and
• That the security gate be removed from the project,
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Rodgers and Zutshi
NOES: None
ABSENT: Schallop and Uhl
ABSTAIN: None
***
PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 4
APPLICATION #04-052 (386-14-011) CINGULAR WIRELESS/PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN
CHURCH, 12770 Saratoga Avenue: The applicant is requesting a Use Permit to construct an antenna
site on the rear of the grounds of Prince of Peace Church. The proposal is to install a 60-foot high
artificial conifer tree in a stand of existing conifers. The artificial tree limbs would camouflage six
panel antennas, which are 51 inches high by 13 inches wide. At the base of the artificial tree, four
equipment cabinets are proposed, which would be five feet high and painted dark green in order to
blend into the existing vegetation. (ANN WELSH)
Associate Planner Ann Welsh presented the staff report as follows:
• Advised that Cingular Wireless is seeking approval for a 60-foot high artificial Redwood tree at the
Prince of Peach Church. In addition to the tree, there would be four equipment cabinets.
• Reminded that the FCC has jurisdiction over RF levels while the City’s jurisdiction includes
consideration of the aesthetics of an antenna installation.
• Said that this installation has been certified as being in compliance with FCC standards.
• Reported that this installation also serves a public benefit in that it results in income to a non-profit
organization (church).
• Stated that an exception to height limitations exists in the zoning to accommodate utility poles.
• Said that the conditions have been met and the applicant is available for questions.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 11
Commissioner Hunter asked staff if there are any other tree antennas in Saratoga.
Planner Ann Welsh replied no. She reported that she went to Palo Alto to see one there. She found a
very straight Redwood tree. It didn’t jump out at her and was not jarring at all nor was the tree
industrial in appearance.
Commissioner Hunter asked what occurs if the trees surrounding the tree antenna grow taller.
Planner Ann Welsh replied that this might take 20 years to occur. In the event that it did, trees might
have to be trimmed to allow reception to occur.
Director Tom Sullivan reported that south on Highway 101, both generations of tree antennas exist. It
is obvious that improvements have been made in their appearance.
Commissioner Nagpal asked if the applicant had looked at alternate locations and/or considered co-
locating with an existing provider.
Commissioner Nagpal asked staff if there is a list of antenna site locations in the City.
Planner Ann Welsh replied no.
Chair Garakani opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 4.
Mr. Luke Stamos, Ruth & Going, Applicant’s Representative:
• Said that his company has represented Cingular since 1996.
• Said that they are prepared to comply with the conditions.
• Advised that they have to go into residential areas in order to achieve adequate service coverage.
• Reminded that all cell sites now have GPS systems, which provide a benefit in helping to locate
people in distress who are calling for emergency assistance by cell phone.
• Stated that it is extremely important to serve the community and there is a need for this particular
location. They need the proposed height because of the existing trees.
• Said that to match the existing trees, they will take digital photographs and send actual tree limbs to
the manufacturer in order to best match the grove of trees in which this tree antenna will be placed.
The tree antenna will have bark, texture and fit within this existing grove of Redwood trees.
• Assured that the tree antenna would not interfere with any other radio, television or any other type
of transmission.
Commissioner Rodgers asked how this tree antenna would be maintained.
Mr. Luke Stamos replied by using a cherry picker.
Commissioner Nagpal asked Mr. Luke Stamos if he had reviewed surrounding sites to consider co-
location.
Mr. Luke Stamos replied yes. He said it is very difficult when going into residential neighborhoods.
Additionally, churches appreciate the revenue earned by having an antenna on their property.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 12
Commissioner Hunter asked how much is paid.
Mr. Luke Stamos was reluctant to cite specifics since they have competitors.
Mr. Jeff Johnson, 18765 Westview Drive, Saratoga:
• Stated that his family resides nearby in the Saratoga Woods Neighborhood, across the street from
the church.
• Said he is here on behalf of himself and his family.
• Expressed his strong support for this application as cellular phone coverage is bad from their home.
• Stated that this installation will solve the poor reception problem and help foster competition to
offer them multiple choices in cellular providers.
Chair Garakani read an email from Ms. Marilyn Porter, 18117 Saratoga Park Circle, who expressed her
opposition to this application due to safety concerns.
Chair Garakani reminded that safety concerns are not under the purview of the Planning Commission.
Mr. Luke Stamos said that the RF report has been provided and that standing near a microwave is easily
ten times worse than emissions from any cellular antenna installation.
Chair Garakani closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 4.
Commissioner Zutshi said that the Commission has Ann’s word on its beauty.
Planner Ann Welsh demurred, simply saying that it is unobtrusive.
Commissioner Hunter said that she couldn’t wait to see it. It is about time to have one in the
community.
Commissioner Rodgers said that cellular coverage is a problem for many in Saratoga and this site will
serve the community well. Agreed that she too could not wait to see it in place.
Chair Garakani joked that it is just because the Commissioners are all tree lovers.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Rodgers, seconded by Commissioner Zutshi, the
Planning Commission granted a Conditional Use Permit (Application #04-052) to
allow the construction of an antenna site on the rear of the grounds of Prince of
Peace Church, 12770 Saratoga Avenue, with a 60-foot high artificial conifer tree,
six panel antennas and four equipment cabinets, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Rodgers and Zutshi
NOES: None
ABSENT: Schallop and Uhl
ABSTAIN: None
***
DIRECTOR’S ITEMS
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of October 27, 2004 Page 13
Director Tom Sullivan advised that the City Manager’s Office is coordinating the Annual
Commissioners Training for November 15th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Topics will be the same as last year
and include Brown Act and Open Meeting Laws. He encouraged all Commissioners to RSVP to the
City Manager’s Office.
COMMISSION ITEMS
Commissioner Nagpal suggested that a list of cellular antenna locations be prepared and that co-
locations be encouraged, perhaps even on City-owned property. Perhaps a City policy needs to be
developed.
Director Tom said that preparing a list of existing locations is fine. However, he wants to keep lease
issues on City-owned property out of the jurisdiction of Planning staff to prevent any potential conflicts
of interest.
Commissioner Nagpal said she would just encourage co-locations when possible.
COMMUNICATIONS
Written
• City Council Minutes from Special Meeting on September 30, 2004.
ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING
Upon motion of Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Zutshi, Chair Garakani adjourned
the meeting at 8:40 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission meeting of November 10, 2004, at
7:00 p.m.
MINUTES PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY:
Corinne A. Shinn, Minutes Clerk