PC 091008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Lisa Johnson noted her confusion about when the retaining wall was permitted in error to be installed. She stated that when she and her husband returned from vacation on July 6, 2008, and saw the wall, she went to the City offices at 9:00 a.m. on July 7, 2008 and spoke to Ms. Amos, who seemed just as surprised that the wall had been built. She added that Ms. Amos indicated that she would let Ms. Decker know and that someone would go out to the site to issue a citation and fine the job because it was not to be done. Ms. Johnston stated that she was also baffled at the July 10, 2008 Zoning Administrator hearing when Mr. Jeffrey and Ms. Decker were conversing that the wall that was built was fine and looks great, when she [Ms. Johnston] was under the impression that the wall was the reason for the hearing. She added that while Mr. Jeffrey stated that he tried to compromise at the meetings, her memory of the meetings is that he sat there and said nothing and that there was no compromise. She then asked what type of tree had been planted in the corner of his lot. Steve Jeffrey reiterated that his intent from day one was to work with everyone and get through it because he did not want to be where they are today. He noted that he had no idea, owning three other houses in different cities, that he would ever be in this situation. He reiterated that he did not know the CC&R's even existed. He added that he has been to several meetings and has been working with the Planning Division to get this resolved, but it appears there is no resolution. He stated that he felt he has made a lot of progress with the Planning staff and that he has come a long way from where they were before. Commissioner Olson asked Mr. Jeffrey the species of tree in the corner yard, and Mr. Jeffrey replied that it is Prunus Carolinians or a Cherry Laurel tree, which grows about three feet a year. Commissioner Olson inquired if the applicant would plant shrubs so that the lower area under the trees fills in. Mr. Jeffrey replied that the vegetation was taken out prior to knowing that the CC&R's even existed. He stated that he had a chipper come out and they were removed even before he learned about the rules. He indicated that he wished he could go back, but he could not, so he worked with Planning staff. He noted that he originally proposed 15-gallon trees, but when he went to the nurseries, he got the largest trees he could find, which were a 24-inch box trees. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Fox stated that in the private sector, there are certain contracts for certain products wherein a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or a Board of Directors say they want to review the contract before it's signed or before the product is sold to a certain customer. She noted that the Planning Commission also has things like this, such as for a particular housing development, it would like to have these particular PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 10, 2008 Page 20 of 33