16 - Laserfiche WebLink

mature tree on the church property. They asked the church if they could remove the tree and to replace it anywhere on their property to have the bioswale. This offer was made on July 6, 2019. The church never replied, and in order to meet the City's requirement, they replaced the bioswale with landscaping and moved the bioswale to another area. Commissioner Balch asked if the planting would be standard as in any new development, and Mr. Hirst confirmed. Mr. Hirst further mentioned the numerous conditions applied to the project, stating that about 32 of the conditions, or about 21-percent, of the 128 conditions are project-specific. Staff has been very thorough, and they are willing to comply with all of the conditions, other than the driveway. If the combination of the wall and fence is four to six feet, they will be amenable. He explained two months ago they had proposed putting in a wrought iron fence on top and paying the property owners to the south $10,000, however, those property owners rejected that proposal. This is when they removed the wrought iron fence. Commissioner Balch inquired about the 20-foot difference where the fence stops currently and asked if the applicant would be willing to consider a low wrought iron fence continuance to the sidewalk or closer to it. Mr. Hirst replied that staff had indicated they want an open area. Ms. Clark responded that an additional criteria was to keep the fence out of the drip line area for the tree on the church's property. Commissioner O'Connor mentioned that people could walk over a fence of that height, so he questioned whether it would serve the needed purpose. Commissioner Balch referenced how common it is for people to cross over the shrubbery to avoid walking on the sidewalk. He thinks the applicant is addressing many of the church's concerns and if it is not addressed, they could request taller shrubs or bushes be planted. Chair Allen said she is hearing the Commission wants something vigorous for the area between the 20-foot area and sidewalk to discourage people from walking between the properties. They want staff to come up with something that is solid that people would not naturally cut through. Commissioner Balch noted that plants will grow and fill in time which is what is typically prescribed. Chair Allen thought it would be important to have larger plants, so they are not trampled on. Commissioner Balch said he does not mind that the fence go a little higher and would not mind it at four feet at a minimum and five feet at a maximum with wrought iron on top of the 18-inch retaining wall, so from the 7-Eleven side it is five feet. Commissioner Brown recognized the applicant being amenable to a higher fence and he thinks the only debate is the barrier between the church and 7-Eleven. He thinks whatever is decided upon should be amenable to the church and the applicant. Excerpt. Planning Commission Minutes. August 28, 2019 Page 5 of 7