PC 102710 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Gire stated that the Arroyo is part of the Centennial Trail and unlike other trails, it is a park-like wilderness, a full nature with birds and frogs. She noted that the tower is visible from their court and would look more like 85 feet tall from their side of the bank. She also voiced concern that one fake tree will become a tree farm or an ugly debacle nd of microwave dishes. She referred to her October 22 letter and stated that of the ten questions asked, the most pressing is why Verizon states they need line of sight. She indicated that she believes moving back the tree ten feet is not enough and requested the Commission to deny the case. Lori Hanson stated that she is currently selling her house and will have to disclose the project. She expressed concern that when buyers see this in the disclosure, they may lower their asking price or back out of the deal. Mr. Lobaugh presented a photo montage and displayed views of someone walking down the trail and approaching the site, which shows the tower to be completely obscured. He then displayed the latest photo-simulation taken from the trail. He indicated that staff had requested that he take an additional photo-simulation from the site, which he had forwarded to staff. He added that staff requested more photos from the trail which he displayed, showing that the site is not visible. He then presented photos with no leaves on the tree, taken from the only location on the court where one would see the faux tree, as well as from the freeway, and standing on the trail behind the homes. He noted that when the tree is full of foliage, it is completely obscure. Mr. Lobaugh stated that Verizon representatives have spent countless hours with staff to arrive at a design and color of a pine tree with needles similar in color to the existing redwoods. He stated that the location they chose is ideal and that he is not sure where they would go if they are not able to locate here. Commissioner Blank questioned the stability of the needle color after five years of being exposed to elements. Mr. Lobaugh stated that everything fades to a certain extent, but Verizon’s maintenance crew will visit the site monthly, check on equipment, and maintain the branches and needles. He added that over time and as part of the maintenance, the needles would be replaced as needed, but there is no set time period to accomplish this. Commissioner Blank referred to the fading of cars and voiced concern about whether or not five years into the future, maintenance and replacement of faded materials would be addressed through the maintenance. Mr. Lobaugh replied that he did not have a definitive maintenance schedule but that he could make a commitment on behalf of Verizon that it would maintain its intended look. He referred to an example in the City of Fresno where Verizon developed a maintenance schedule. He indicated that Verizon will stand by their equipment. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, October 27, 2010 Page 9 of 17