CCMIN010400 - Laserfiche WebLink

pruned his cypress trees recently. If he wants privacy, he should let his trees grow. Mr. Dingman has repeatedly delayed a decision on what kind of tree Mr. Keane is to plant. When the Planning Department made a decision, it was appealed. The Planning Commission upheld the Planning Department and that was appealed to Council. Because of all the previous demands of Mr. Dingman, there is no longer room to plant the trees set forth in the condition. He indicated he has worked with all the other neighbors to resolve issues regarding fences, drainage, and a retaining wall. He pointed out that Mr. Dingman has feuds with all the neighbors in the area. He suggested an option of adding lattice to the fence in addition to planting trees or of not planting any trees at all. Mr. Keane has worked hard to compromise with neighbors and asked to take out this condition and prohibit Mr. Dingman from using City staff and resources to harass the neighbors. He asked that the condition be deleted, but if that cannot be done, then please uphold the staff recommendation and the Planning Commission's unanimous vote and deny the appeal. John Severini, 433 Sycamore Road, indicated the Keanes had met with him and shared their plans before building next door to him and they worked out the few privacy issues Mr. Severini had. Mr. Keane purchased the required trees a year ago and has watered them until time to plant them. He indicated the Keanes are great neighbors and they have been put through a lot of turmoil and uncertainty by Mr. Dingman. He urged Council to decide the matter this evening. Ms. Ayala indicated that after having read all the letters and material, she could not imagine what else could be done. She felt the more the issue is put off the more it will fester. She thinks Council is encouraging these kinds of battles in neighborhoods by spending as much time as it is doing and by not upholding the zoning administrator and the Planning Commission decisions. It was moved by Mr. Pico, seconded by Ms. Ayala, to close the public hearing. Mayor Tarver didn't support the motion. He felt it is not appropriate and disagreed with Ms. Ayala. He felt the process with neighborhoods has been highly successful. He didn't know that there may not be another alternative. He has also read the materials and has been involved in this. He didn't feel comfortable saying Council did not need testimony from the appellant. However, if the appellant does not appear at the next hearing, it can choose to make a decision on the available information. Ms. Ayala pointed out there is a letter from Mr. Dingman dated December 30, 1999 which sets forth all his points. Ms. Michelotti also did not feel completely comfortable. Council tries to accommodate people's requests. Based on reading all the material we do need to put this to rest. Anyone who has testified tonight will not have to attend any other meeting. She indicated she had visited the Dingman residence to see the Keane house from that perspective. Pleasanton City Council 6 01/04/00 Minutes