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<br />Discussion ensued regarding the use of conservation easements in the City. It was <br />noted that if an easement was granted to a foundation, the holder may have some <br />monitoring responsibilities and perhaps some consequential costs. <br /> <br />Mayor Hosterman clarified with staff that most of the issues of concern from the <br />neighborhood have been addressed. <br /> <br />Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. <br /> <br />Charles Austin, applicant, addressed the City Council providing a history of the site <br />and the project proposal process. He urged Council's approval of the project. <br /> <br />Brad Hirst addressed the Council and noted the history of the planning of this project. <br />He commented that they looked at two potential site development plans and this one <br />was the preferred plan. He noted 7.6 acres will be low density residential and 22.5 <br />acres will be dedicated to the public. The homes will have a minimum of 3,500 square <br />feet and a maximum of 8,000 square feet. The 3,500 square foot minimum is to <br />protect the investment of someone who buys there. He provided photo simulations of <br />what is being proposed. Regarding the Open Space comments, he noted the people <br />who live in that neighborhood feel very strongly about that open space being open. <br />They would like it to remain open in perpetuity. It was noted the developer does not <br />have control over that; the City will have that control. He recommended that at such <br />time the Council considers doing something with the open space, that the Council form <br />a citizen's task force to include the people in Laguna Oaks and on Jorgensen Lane. <br />He recommended that the Council approach the subject of trails, particularly circular <br />trails, with great caution. Concerning housing height, he noted one of the difficulties is <br />not the height of the house, but where you measure the height of the house from. He <br />asked that the size and location of the proposed trees be addressed at the Tentative <br />Map stage. He urged approval the project with the proposed conditions. <br /> <br />Joseph Gorny, project architect, Gorny and Associates, gave a brief overview of the <br />project and indicated he is open to any questions. <br /> <br />Christine Ellis addressed the Council indicating the importance of the surrounding land <br />remaining unspoiled. She voiced concern with Council discussing how plans for the <br />future might change that to include additional picnic tables, trails and/or parking. She <br />stressed that it should be written that this area remain as open space in perpetuity. <br />She stated concern that the number, location and size of the trees for the area are not <br />defined. She asked that the Council require that a specific number of trees be planted <br />and their locations specified. She noted concern with the planting of 5 gallon trees as <br />they are small and provide a 1 to 2 foot canopy. She continued by noting there are no <br />specific requirements written relating to the color of the homes. She expressed <br />concern with the height of the homes on the two upper-most lots as she feels they will <br />be beyond screening from any angle. She recommended single story homes on those <br />lots. <br /> <br />Cindy Atherton voiced concerns regarding the preservation of the view shed that they <br />currently have. She added they would like to make sure that when the landscape plan <br />is finalized that there are a significant number of appreciable sized trees that will be <br />planted. She also pointed out that the elevation will need to be taken into account <br />because there are seeps and swales throughout the development. She noted their <br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />October 17, 2006 <br />