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Vice Chair Narum referred to the photo simulations along the trail and noted that most <br />of the trees look deciduous.She stated that when the leaves fall off, the faux tree would <br />become visible. She inquired if there is a possibility of planting some redwood trees <br />around the faux tree to hide it, at least from the ground level on the east side. <br />Ms. Stern noted that one side of the property was owned by CalTrans and the other by <br />a private property owner. <br />Mr. Lobaugh replied that there is a possibility they could add some foliage, but he was <br />unsure what this would accomplish. He indicated that alternatively, they could install <br />some slats and a fence around the enclosure to screen the ground equipment; however, <br />if redwoods grow in front of it, it will potentially obscure the signal they are trying to <br />achieve. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. <br />Referring to the issue of disclosure in real estate transactions brought up by one of the <br />speakers, Commissioner Blank inquired if the tower was something that would require <br />formal disclosure. <br />Ms. Harryman replied that she has not researched this but could do so to determine <br />whether it is required. <br />Commissioner Blank stated that part of the neighbors’ concern involves property values <br />but that he was not sure he would make a decision based solely on that. He added that <br />an opinion that it absolutely had to be disclosed would be valuable information and <br />might influence his decision. <br />Commissioner Pentin inquired if the ordinance requires a 300-foot setback distance. <br />Ms. Harryman replied that in cases she has reviewed regarding cell and radio frequency <br />towers, property valuation and safety issues have not come into aesthetics because it is <br />pre-empted by Federal law. <br />Commissioner Pentin inquired if the current redwood trees on the property were part of <br />the conditions of approval for a landscaping plan for the sewer plant and compound. <br />Ms. Stern replied that it is hard to tell from the map, but it appears from the diagram on <br />page 2 of the staff report that all trees are outside of the City’s property; they are either <br />within the CalTrans right-of-way or on the private lands around the business park and <br />on the Arroyo. <br />Commissioner Pentin commented that CalTrans could remove any trees. He inquired if <br />the trees on private property were heritage trees and would require approval to be <br />removed. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, October 27, 2010 Page 10 of 17 <br /> <br />