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In comparing the two projects, each home shall have a minimum of 100 LEED points. Originally <br /> 248 trees were going to be impacted without defined mitigation and under the 4 lot project, 67 <br /> trees would be lost and staff identified strict ratios of 3:1 for heritage trees, and 1:1 for non <br /> heritage trees and they identified specific areas where this could be accommodated. He then <br /> presented areas A -1 through A -5. <br /> Mr. Dolan said one issue associated with the project, as is typical with all hillside projects, is <br /> visibility. There were a series of before and after visual simulations prepared, identifying the <br /> view from West Los Positas just to the west of 1 -680, elevations, and spread of what is currently <br /> there. From that same location, he presented the four Tots mixed in. All are visible to some <br /> extent from this particular location, but their elevations are below in some cases to what exists <br /> now and it adds somewhat of an infill look. He presented another view point from the south <br /> entry of Foothill High School looking up the hill, and the home will be able to be seen on Lot 2. <br /> He presented an older graphic of Lots 3 and 4, stating there is a home to the left which was <br /> removed from the project. He presented views from Laguna Oaks Park existing homes <br /> scattered on the hill and the only one seen from this location is Lot 2. <br /> Regarding environmental issues, Mr. Dolan stated that a number of species were investigated, <br /> such as the Alameda Whip Snakes and none were found on site, nor was there suitable habitat. <br /> However, there have been Whip Snakes found some distance away, but they are mobile and <br /> there is mitigation in the CEQA document that would require the applicant to install fencing <br /> around the building sites throughout grading and construction so the snake could not be hurt <br /> from the activity. Also investigated was the California Red Legged Frog, Tiger Salamander and <br /> the Calipe Silver Spot butterfly. Staff determined that there was no habitat for those species. <br /> They had the applicant's biologist conduct the work for the site and staff had it peer reviewed by <br /> its own biologist who concurred with their findings. <br /> He said the next set of issues was nesting birds; the San Francisco Dusty Footed bat and <br /> Roosting bats. They were not found on site, but it is possible they could enter the site. <br /> Therefore, additional surveys need to be done immediately before construction begins to ensure <br /> mitigation. <br /> Finally, the Planning Commission discussed at length the issue of the bike path and whether or <br /> not 200 feet without the bike path was problematic, and ultimately did not recommend anything <br /> different than staff recommendation. <br /> Mayor Hosterman referred to nesting birds and said they would have to make an investigation of <br /> the site 15 days prior to the intent to begin construction. If they found a nesting bird, she <br /> confirmed with Mr. Dolan there were specific procedures to follow, and he could have the <br /> biologist go through them. Mayor Hosterman felt developers would need to understand there <br /> are certain seasons where animals are nesting and raising their young, and construction should <br /> not go on, or tree removal should not occur when there are baby's nests in the trees. Mr. Dolan <br /> agreed. <br /> Mr. Dolan said the Commission also discussed the request for a change in the height limitation, <br /> and after discussion, did not make a recommendation to change what had been presented and <br /> agreed to the 40 foot guideline as recommended by staff. The Commission did ask that the <br /> activity of Foothill High School be disclosed to potential purchasers of homes. In response to <br /> some testimony from speakers who had previously commented on the environmental document, <br /> they asked that staff investigate potential impacts to some specific trees which are numbered in <br /> the report. Staff added a condition regarding this. They wanted to clarify construction hours and <br /> City Council Minutes Page 9 of 16 June1, 2010 <br />