PC 11/11/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

expertise. Mr. Smith further stated that even though he himself has ealt with similar indepth studies over the last 30 years that he has never seen such ex sive studies as done on this project by Mr. Makdessi and Dr. Pike. He noted that these tudies have cost in the area of $250,000; however, they now understand the ancient landsli much better than they did in 1988. Dr. Robert Pike, 1076 Carol Lane, Lafayette, stated that he came to California from Australia 23 years ago and studied at the University of California. e stated that he studied with Professor Harry Seed, who is the father of earthquake geotec cal engineering. He noted that earthquakes have been studied in all times, but only in the last 23 years has an actual area of study been developed. After graduate school, Dr. . worked for a large national/international consulting firm for a number of years. Since 1 77 he has worked on his own as a consultant, specializing in unusual, difficult problems' geotechnical engineering, one of those being earthquake engineering. He said he s presently consulting with the Los Angeles Corps of Engineers about the construction of a dam that sits on the outreaches of the San Andreas fault. He believes that all projects, n matter how large or small should have equal consideration and care. He noted that he al deals with conditions of dispute. Dr. Pike stated that he has reviewed Terrasearch's reports of August 4 and October 12. He said the August 4 report was questioned by the City's consultant, an when he was asked to review it, he had questions and supported the City's consultant that i was appropriate to do additional studies. Since that time the October 12 report was compl ted. He has reviewed this report and concluded that it is correct in saying that the ancient dslide is stable and that reasonable evaluations will conclude that. Chairman Hovingh questioned Dr. Pike at great length. Robert Cordtz, 262 W. Angela, Pleasanton, stated that he is neither pproving or disapproving of the project. He asked staff if the City would be liab e in the event that the project is built and something does happen, either an earthquake or me other disaster. He wanted to know who the homeowner would go to in the event of an quake. He also asked whether the developer has tangible assets. Other than those ncems, he felt it would be a good project for the City. Dennis Beougher responded to Mr. Cordtz, stating that Conditions 1 and 40 are designed to protect the City to the maximum possible, should an earthquake ppen. Condition 11 includes the Geologic Hazards Abatement clause and Condition 40' ludes a hold harmless clause relieving the City of liability. He stated there would be no m re liability than any other subdivision in the City. Unless something is obviously and gr ssly negligent, a court would not find the City liable. Planning Commission Minutes November 11, 1992 Page 7 .