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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT September 23, 2004 Page 7 desires, the proper inquiry of this Court is whether the Algoma Township Planning Commission, in the application of its ordinances, provided for the reasonable accommodation of amateur radio communications. The Commission was not under any obligation to approve the request, but only to make a reasonable effort to accommodate it. The Algoma Township Planning Commission accommodated reasonably plaintiffs amateur radio desires by carefully considering the relevant law, offering compromise solutions, ordering an independent assessment of the application, and making detailed findings of its reasons for denying the application. In conclusion, he stated that the proposed 106 foot antenna/tower would affect many Los Altos Hills residents adversely perhaps even more than the required 500 foot radius. It is a legitimate purpose of the Planning Commission to protect aesthetics, views, and home values. The Town regulates the height of homes, regulates outdoor lighting, obstruction of views, tree trimming, etc. These regulations create high property values and discourages one resident from creating unharrnonious aesthetics that affect other residents. He stated that the Planning Commission does have the authority to regulate the proposed antenna tower. Commissioner Clow asked if a compromise where the antenna could be extended at night, during an emergency and maybe once a year for a drill and otherwise during the day time be in a retract position would meet Mr. Waschum's requirement. Mr. Waschum, felt, as a part of good negotiations, a compromise is necessary. He did not feel it was important, as a Town, to accept any height any amateur radio operator desiresjust to have late night chats with Australia. Lawrence Weiland, 12680 La Cresta Drive, in 1960 he and his wife bought their property, building a house directed towards the view. He can now see that a man's hobby is about to destroy a part of his view. This is not fair. It would appear that you can have a much shorter antenna and still get out messages during an emergency. He felt that the applicant's hobby is impinging on his privacy and the value of his property. David Gilmour, 26010 Torello Court, has served as the vice -chair of the Los Altos Hills emergency communications committee with Mr. Abraham for the last year. He stated that Jim and his service to the Town has selflessly given his time and equipment and a great deal of his efforts to lay the foundation for protecting the people in Town in the event of an emergency. He felt that the line between his hobby and his public service has been one that has been blurred in favor of the Town. He does not draw a line between his own work and that of the public. He requested support of the proposed project. New speaker, felt if this service is so important perhaps the antenna can be placed at the new Town Hall where it would serve the Town, notjust a hobby. Ray Egan, 12686 Roble Vinedo, ham radio operator and a resident since 1965. His property is on the ridge across from Concepcion Road from Jim's house. If you look for the antenna, it is clear you will see it. But those things just disappear in time. The view aspect of this in the long term will not be seen. He also stated he has a 30 foot tower on his property.