pages: CityCouncil/2017-02-21.pdf, 7
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2017-02-21 | 7 | Mayor Spencer stated that she would like to have seen a written, impartial report from the City arborist; knowing his credentials and qualifications is important; the other party's arborist credentials were requested; an independent report would have been preferred; the City does not have a written report from the tie-breaker expert. The Assistant Community Development Director stated staff could discuss changing the process; staff, the Planning Board, and the City arborist all felt comfortable another opinion was not needed for the project. Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether the City arborist attended the Planning Board meetings regarding the project, to which the Assistant Community Development Director responded in the negative; stated the City arborist reviewed all the materials presented at the meetings and found no issues. Councilmember Oddie stated Council and Boards have to rely on the expertise of the professionals. In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Assistant Community Development Director stated the garage foundation will be replaced with no new load. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the foundation has to be replaced because the old foundation would not be able to hold the new building. Mr. Calpestri responded the old foundation lacks reinforcement; it is better to remove the old foundation and spread the load; the slab size will remain the same. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the foundation size matches the size of the building, to which Mr. Calpestri responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she visited to the property; the neighbors expressing concern for the well-being of the trees is appropriate; the homeowners care about the trees as much as the neighbors; she hopes there was no attempt to mislead the Council with the two video clips that did not show the outcome; the Planning Board is competent; concerns were addressed at the January 23rd meeting; she feels due diligence has been done and is prepared to support the Planning Board decision; having the neighborhood feeling resurrected again is important going forward. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft moved adoption of the resolution. Councilmember Matarrese stated the Council's charge tonight is to determine whether or not the Planning Board made an error; he has reviewed all the reports and watched the videos; he does not see any new information that the Planning Board determination was made in error; he is satisfied with the judgements and findings of staff. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 February 21, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-02-21.pdf |