CCMIN092016 - Laserfiche WebLink

that is mutually beneficial, stated they are working on a parking agreement with the adjacent church and hoped to have a good relationship with neighbors p 9 P � In response to Mayor Thorne's question, Community Development Director Beaudin reported their CUP application will go through the normal review process Austin Ashmore, Master of Pleasanton Masonic Lodge No 321, explained the appeal, referenced a recent article in the newspaper, provided a brief history of the Masons and the local chapter, addressed their work in the community, presented the three basic tenants of the Masons, and stated most of the Millers' statements are untrue He appreciated the opportunity to enter their side of the story into the public record He noted there have been no large events in the last seven years, addressed rental of their property and subsequent events and stressed that no other neighbors have issued complaints Additionally, there have been no violations found, the lodge has followed all City regulations, and they have not morphed into a for-profit organization Mr Ashmore reported the Mason does not agree with all of staffs findings or all the modifications to the CUP, such as the 9 00 p m curfew inside the building, noting the Millers have said they have no problem with them holding services until 11 00 p m He asked to replace the "four events per year" requirement with provisions stated in their attorney's letter dated May 23, 2013 adding they have been following those rules and no neighbors, other than the Millers, have ever objected He opined replacing the French doors with a solid door serves no purpose and agreed with the addition of a shade He asked that City Council set aside the Planning Commission's ruling and let them return to the voluntary agreements of May 23, 2013 and allow them to finish their tenancy, unharmed, until the close of escrow He added that if Council is void the Planning Commission's recommendations, he stated a preference for Option B and modify conditions to include the suggested changes. Mike Miller recommended City Council reject staffs CUP and accept the Planning Commission's recommendations He alleged the level of outside activity is unworkable, that the 1977 CUP got it right, and suggested if some outdoor activities are allowed, they should not include commercial activities He stated their preference is to keep all activities inside and asked that City Council approve the Mason's request for extended operating hours inside the building Stuart Flashman attorney representing the Millers, noted this is a conditional use, requiring a CUP because it isn't a use that can be guaranteed to work. He addressed the intent of the 1977 CUP and a 9 stated when staff approved a door and a patio on the north side, it "opened the door" too many problems and there were no conditions regarding use of the back yard Mr. Flashman reported the Planning Commission did a good job in its consideration of this matter and in defining how that area will be used and suggested adding conditions limiting the decibels in that area to ensure it is compatible with the adjacent neighborhood Darlene Miller said the Masons are in violation of their existing CUP as they have held large events on the north side of the property She expressed concerns with excessive noise and decreased property values and noted the opinion of a sound/noise expert She asked that City Council not allow commercial activities in the north yard Kevin Keene President of the Building Association, referenced an article in the Pleasanton Weekly noting that its claims are untrue, distributed copies of letter from the City, as well as a list of paid activities held in the backyard of the Center, for the last three years He stressed they have never been cited for any violation, even though forty complaints have been received by the Police Department from the Millers. Bill Taylor referenced a letter submitted by the Masonic Center, asking for feedback from nearby residents, but no responses were received He added that the Center cannot hold 600 people City Council Minutes Page 5 of 8 September 20, 2016