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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.1Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING CoMMISSION Thursday, December 9, 2004, 7:00 p.m. Bullis School Multi -Purpose Room, 25890 Fremont Road �C� . Cassettes (1) #13-04 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DRAFT r 7.1 The Planning Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Bullis School Multi -Purpose Room. Present: Chairman Kerns, Commissioners Collins, Cottrell & Clow Staff. Carl Cahill, Planning Director; John Chan, Assistant Engineer; Debbie Pedro, Associate Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENT �TIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF GARVERICK, 14460 Miranda Court (204-04-MISC.); A request for a Final Map Certificate of Correction (Tract No. 1286) (staff -John Chan) This item was introduced by staff, referring to a similar application which was approved at a previous hearing. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Garverick, 14460 Miranda Court, applicant, was available for questions. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Clow, It and passed by consensus to recommend approval to the City seconded by Commissioner Conte Map subject to the Findings as Council, a Certificate of Correction amending a Final recommended by staff, Lands of Gaxverick, 14460 Miranda Court. This item will be scheduled for a City Council agenda. 12 LANDS OF LOS ALTOS MILLS (ATaT), 27440 Purissima Road (194 -04 -CUP); A request for a Conditional Use Permit renewal for an existing wireless communications facility at the Town Ball Park and Riding Ring (staff -Leslie Hopper) Planning Commission Minutes DKAFT- December 9, 2004 Page 2 The Planning Director introduced this item noting this was more of a review rather than a renewal with one modification to the conditions of approval to extend the review period from three to five yews which is standard with other communications facility applications. Commissioner Collins noted that the ball park and riding ring has been recommended or proposed for different uses (recreation facility, and possibility the Charter School site). She asked if the exposure standards would be different if the other uses were on the site. The Planning Director indicated no as the exposure level is so low. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Clow, seconded by Commissioner Cottrell and passed by consensus to approve the requested extension of the Conditional Use Permit for an additional 5 yews, subject to continued compliance with the original conditions of approval, Lands of Los Altos Hills (AT&T), 27440 Purissima Road. This item will appear on a City Council consent calendar. 3.3 LANDS OF TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS, 26379 Fremont Road (162-04-ZP- SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 79'8" emergency communications antenna: 60 -foot lattice tower with a 2 -foot mast, and six (6) antennas (staff -Debbie Pedro) Staff introduced this item by providing an overview of the staff report The Emergency Communications Committee had prepared a detailed report that included analyzing the requirements of the EOC antenna and determination that the proposed system would provide reliable emergency communication between LAH-EOC, Santa Clara County EOC and other emergency personnel in the event of a disaster or emergency. Staff has had fin-ther discussions with the Emergency Communications Committee in the last few days and it has become apparent that the retractable (crank up) antenna tower discussed in the staff report is not a feasible alternative (due to the four antennas on the side which need to be vertically aliened and cannot be retracted with the mast). If the Commission would like to consider an alternative to the proposed design, members of the Emergency Communications Committee were available to discuss other possible alternatives to the antenna systems. She noted that the neighbors within 500 feet of the project site had been noticed of the public hearing. Commissioner KeDIS Doted that the City Council had approved the expenditure, not the design of the antenna. Commissioner Collins, for clarification, stated that Council has approved funding of the antenna and it is the role of the Commission to look at the design and see if it fits. She asked if it was also their role to took at the reasoning for the height? DRAFT Planning commission minutes December 9, 2004 Page 3 commissioner Clow asked if the Commission approved this application, would it effect what the Commission indicated to Mr. Abraham on his antenna application? The Planning Director stated that each property is unique and they are not setting a legal precedent and this is quite a different proposal. He noted that there is no section in the Municipal Code that specifically regulates the height of antennas. The Code does not set a maximum height for an antenna. It does indicate that if an anterma is 63 feet in height or greater, it shall be subject to Planning Commission review and approval. The Commission has discretion regarding setting the height of structures. At this time, a micro wave dish could be proposed in the future or an HE anterma but they are not being proposed at this time. Staff is recommending that if there we my changes to this proposal, it would come back to the Planning Commission for review and approval. What is being proposed tonight is not equipped for HF communication. He noted, in terms of time, the Commission is not under the Permit Streamline Act. Discussion ensued regarding the antennas currently on the site which do not have the same capabilities as what is being proposed. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Dru Anderson, 27920 Saddle Court, Chairman of the Emergency Communications Committee, provided information regarding the different functions of committee members. This particular proposal has been put together by one of the committee members with the assistance of a few other members. The committee members present this evening are available to answer any questions the Commission may have regarding the proposal. The proposal is representing what the ECC needs technically to support the various radios (six) located at the EOC which serve not only the City but also the County and the Sheriff S unit. Each of those units need some type of antenna system. They do need the capability for an additional antenna and the Town anterma request is not to serve my hobby type of ham operation. These are all people who me committed to serve the emergency needs of the Town. The committee is representative of many professionals in the field. If there are concerns with the proposal, she asked that the Commission delineate what those concerns are so the Committee can review them. She stated that the retractor is the least feasible of the potential alternatives because of the movement and the stability This was discussed with the Planning Director. Commissioner Cottrell asked if the existing EOC antenna on top of the Heritage House was working. Ms. Anderson responded yes. Actually, there are two antennas (one on the flag pole and one on the Heritage House), however they me not arranged to reach the County effectively. So there is an efficiency factor. Commissioner Cottrell asked if the 144/440 MHz, which needs to be spaced 12 feet apart, could be mounted opposite each other? Edwin Jones, 12105 Hilltop Drive, ECC, stated there is a need for multiple transmitters to talk to the County, to the mobile units within the City, and to other cities. If the antennas are side by side, the transmission from one antenna will go into the receiver of the other anterma, totally over loading it ' making the other receiver useless. Each antenna operates independently. There is a possibility for some future need for a microwave type link to the County. He added that a crank up tower is not stable enough for a four-sided microwave link. Planning ommission mutes December 9, 2004 Page 4 Dria Anderson commented on the height of the proposed tower which is related to the technical need for transmission. She fitirther discussed a monopole which is more expensive than the lattice type pole. Commissioner Cottrell stated, according to the staff report, an antenna that is 40 feet to 50 feet in height would do an adequate job to reach areas throughout the County. We are asking for nearly 80 feet. He asked what kind of work has been done to show this height is necessary. Mr. Jones responded stating there are two points (reasons for height): 1) for the number of antennas; and 2) due to a hill between the Town center and the County. To reach the County, you only need 50 feet; to reach Mountain View and Palo Alto, you need a higher tower. Commissioner Collins questioned if reaching Mountain View and/or Palo Alto were critical. Commissioner Kerns stated that the Town property is quite large asking if instead of having the four antennas stacked up the tower, is it possible since each one is sort of independent, to place the antennas in various places on the property. Mr. Jones responded that it may be possible but they would have to be perhaps 500 feet apart because of mutual interference. Ms. Anderson suggested, rather than trying to engineer the proposal now, she would rather have the Committee know what the Commission is looking for. She stated that there are certainly heights that me more optimal for the ECC needs for the Town. They should determine the parameters. Commissioner Clow asked how often the Committee makes an emergency broadcast. DM Anderson stated that at my time all members of the Committee are prepared to start up the equipment and do whatever needs to be done. There is at least quarterly training with the Los Altos Hills group as well as with the County. There is quite. a bit of preparation that goes on. The down side of a crank tip tower is that if they have Monday night drills, they need to depend that it will fire up and fire down in the dark. Brief discussion ensued regarding a tower on the ground that would be elevated up on an angle when needed. Steve Hubbell, Conejo Court, as a neighbor, would like the tower out of sight. He had a list of issues but would prefer to discuss them personally with the Communications Committee and ask that the Commission continue the item until the Committee meets with the neighbors and with people who will be seeing this 80 foot tower (notify them). He will be seeing this tower from his kitchen window. He provided a message from his neighbors, Alm and Linda Bien at 26540 Concjo Court, who stated in the correspondence that the structure would be unsightly and could cause a decrease in their property value. He asked that the tower be no taller than the existing communications antenna. Mr. Hubbell did not feel enough people are aware of this proposal as only people 500 feet from the proposed site received notification of this project. His biggest concern is that there would be an 80 foot tower directly outside his kitchen window. He would prefer Commissioner Kerns' suggestion regarding aground tower. He stated that the Brier's were unaware of the proposal. He felt the erection of a story pole to demonstrate the 80 foot height DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes December 9, 2004 Page 5 would be helpful. His other concerns were how often it would be used, if they would incur blackouts, and possible interference. Nancy Kelem, 26323 Esperanza Drive, stated that the Briers were aware of the proposal because she told them. She felt this proposal was different from the Abraham situation as he wanted it purely for a hobby. With the location of this tower, the Town is making the same mistake Mr. Abraham made, namely everyone at Town Hall will not be looking at the 80 foot tower but the , his tower which ruins his neighbors neighbors will. Mr. Abraham did the same thing by locating views, not his. She could not imagine an emergency in which they would loose PG&E and yet find Mountain View and Palo Alto helpful to Los Altos Hills. She further asked that they do not put I oo foot trees to block the tower. She asked the commission to minimize the ugliness in this neighborhood. Steve Hubbell asked if there were any legal requirements for emergency communication. The planning Director was not aware of my legal requirements. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING commissioner Cottrell felt they should continue the proposal as there me many unanswered questions. He had been to the Fire Station at Foothill College who seem to be in communication with the County without the use of a large antenna. He felt more work needs to be done. Commissioner Collins realized that the ECC is just trying to do their job to provide excellent emergency communication. She would really like to know what is the legal requirement and do they need to keep in contact with Palo Alto and Mountain View. She also asked how communication with the County was insufficient. Commissioner Clow suggested that the Committee meet with the neighbors for their input to make this as unobtrusive as possible. He liked Commissioner Kerns suggestion regarding a lift up tower perhaps from the roof of the new Town Hall. He did not like the crank up structure. He did appreciate the Committee's hard work regarding emergency communication. He recommended a continuance so that there can be a meeting with the neighbors to discuss possibilities trying to come up with something that is less obtrusive. Commissioner Kerns agreed with his fellow Commissioners. He felt there were some alternatives that have not been reviewed. The proposed four antennas were botbersome to him as he felt they could be separated on different parts of the property and not require the height. He would like to see the Emergency Communications Committee return with options of different locations with the goal of minimizing the height of the antenna or a mixture of antenna structures ideally with the antenna down so it would not be seen off site. Commissioner Collins also felt the Emergency Communications Committee should look at alternatives but she could not support the antenna on the Town Hall roof except as the last solution. Planning Commission Minutes __DPAFT- December 9, 2004 Page 6 Commissioner Cottrell felt they should work on the premise that the Town will have an emergency communication system. What they we looking for is the best solution. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Cottrell, seconded by Commissioner Clow and passed by consensus to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a 79.8 foot emergency communications antenna: 60-frot lattice tower with a 2 -foot mast, and six (6) antermas; Lands of Los Altos Hills, 26379 Fremont Road, to allow the Emergency Communications Committee to: (1) review alternate proposals with different ideas and concepts to minimize the antenna profile; (2) work with Town staff regarding scheduling a meeting with the effected neighbors; (3) meet with the neighbors regarding their concerns and alternate proposals; (4) decide who will receive the public notice outside the 500 foot radius; and (5) scheduling mother public hearing. 4. OLD BUSINESS -none 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Distribution of "Planning Commissioner's Handbook". The Planning Director indicated that the Handbook will be a great reference guide for the Commissioners. 5.2 Planning Commission meeting: January 13ffi or January 27" -Since there are no projects ready for noticing for the first meeting in January, the next Planning Commission meeting will be scheduled for January 27"' at which time there will be a number of applications ready for review. All Commissioners were in agreement. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for November 4"—Commissioner Kerns, reported on the following: Adobe Creek School proposal publiclprivate; Amendment to the Town of Los Altos Hills General Plan and Plan Diagram Land Use Diagram; and amendment to the Town of Los Altos Hills Zoning Ordinmee Title 10, Chapter 1, Article 2 "Definitions" and Title 10 Chapter 1, Article 7 "Residential -Agricultural District (R -A)". 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for November I ga—Commissioner Collins, reported on the following: Town Hall update; identify and fund undergrounding project; competition of the Master Pathway Map; and consideration of Parks and Recreation Committee's recommendation to develop recreation facilities at the Town Riding Ring. 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for December 2"—Commissioner Clow, reported on the following: discussion of Los Altos Hills Green Initiative -long term objectives for energy and water conservation; and appeal of the Planning Commission's Conditional Approval, Lands of Abraham, continued. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT December 9. 2004 Page 7 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of October 14, 2004 minutes MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Cottrell, seconded by Commissioner Clow and passed by consensus to approve the October 14, 2004 minutes. 8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK MEETING -OCTOBER 19,2004 9.1 LANDS OF TAN & LEE, 12129 Oak Park Court (165-04-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 895 square foot first and second story addition (maximum height 27 feet) (staff -Debbie Pedro). Approved with conditions. 9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING- OCTOBER 19 & NOVEMBER 9 & 23, 2004 9.1 LANDS OF BLECH, 25551 Burke Road (178-04-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for landscape screening and hardscape (staff -Debbie Pedro). Approved with conditions. 9.2 LANDS OF WU, 12661 Robleda Road (135-04-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for landscape screening and lundscape (staff -Leslie Hopper). Approved with conditions. 9.3 LANDS OF GANESAN, 27080 Purissima Road (151-04-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a driveway and sewer connection (staff -Leslie Hopper). Approved with conditions. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lam Smith Planning Secretary