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Zulfiqar Ali, 46560 Fremont Boulevard #115, Fremont, noted that they have worked extensively with staff and incorporated substantially all of the Planning Commission's ideas into the current design proposal. He noted that they have evaluated staff's recom~ farther south, but it is his belief, as well as the belief of the two a location for the house, and that moving it farther south would impac be achieved. He requested that the Planning Commission consider existing location. He noted that the Homeowners Association took and made some very valuable suggestions. He stated that he feels the Association's idea as to where the house should be located. tendation to move the house chitects, that this is the best I other trees and nothing will approval of the house in the an active part in the project that the proposal represents Gus Khenaisser, GFK and Associates, 3206 West Las Positas Blvd4 Pleasanton, stated that he is a geoteohnical engineer and the geotechnical consultant for Mr. Ali. He noted that he did the original geotechnical study and the response to peer reviewer's comments. He stated that it is his opinion that this site is very typical of any hillside project in the area, in general. He noted that any major fill slopes and changes to the natural topography have been avoided. He also commented that the grading of the building pad to create a flat pad will result in enhancing the stability of the building site. Discussion ensued regarding the analysis of the bering samples eom >leted for the site. PUBLIC I;IEARING WAS OPENED Commissioner Arkin statmt that he has concerns regarding the geote~hnical issues regarding the site and the possibility of the house sliding, and concerns about fire ~afety. Commissioner Kameny stated that he believes the major issue with the site is the geotechnical concerns. He noted that he would rely on the expertise of the City e~ginecring staff. He commented that the site is a lot of record. He advised that he had difficulty seeing the story poles, therefore, the visibility is not a major concern. He noted that he doesn't feel moving the house southerly would make a difference, especially since it would need to be redesigned. Commissioner Roberts noted that her major concern is for the rest ot~the community and the visibility of home. She stated that she appreciates that the applicant has discussed the project with the Homeowners Association, and if a homeowner was complaining about the design or location, she would object to the proposal much more strenuously. She noted that she wants to include non-reflective glass and keep the colors toned down. She advised that she does not believe moving the house farther to the south will reduce the visibility and it may make it worse fi'om certain view points. She indicated that she appreciates the spliMevel design and positioning the house into the hillside. She also indicated that she likes the applicant's attempt to preserve trees as much as possible. She noted that her only objection is that the size of the house has not been significantly reduced, but she recognizes that the applicant has done a lot with the colors and has tried to comply with the current WFRCO District guidelines. She noted that she accepts the City's legal counsel and engineering determinations. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 27, 2000 Page 5