Notes from E Hills Community Meeting 5/31 Dilford School MUB

Huge meeting, standing room only

Lisa Gr0te, SM County Director of Planning

People are now coming in without signing in so that meeting can get started.

Sign up sheet will be passed around during meeting, we will send copies of notes and future mailings, via email and snail mail. Also will send around speaker sign up list for tonight, will also take speakers by show of hands.

Speaker (name ?)

More attendees than room available, please don't block neighbors' driveways or cars will get towed. Please move your cars.

Starting meeting, thank you for coming, lots of interest and opinions. Please express your opinions at appropriate point in meeting, she knows there will be a variety of opinion and she would like to hear them all--calmly.

Other county officials at meeting: George Bergman is long-range planning manager, Marc Duino is special projects manager, Mary Raftery from county council's office; Jeremy Dennis from Supervisor's office.

First, LG wants to go over existing regulations, and also existing design stadards.

There is a difference between zoning and design review:

Zoning standards are numeric limitations: FAR, height, setbacks, etc. Listed in package under RH standards. 20' front and side setbacks, 10' side setbacks, 28' height (from floor of basement to hightest point of room above it) limit, etc.

Everyone has to meet Zoning regulations.

Design standards are in ordinance code, but are not zoning standards. Style, materials, colors, etc. Reviewed by design review committee on individual basis. Council reviews based on unique site characteristics and neighborhood characteristics. It is a qualitative review for each major addition or new single family house in EH.

Design Standards have been brought up for review, also zoning standards, because of homes built in last 16 - 20 years that seemed to be out of context with existing neighborhood. Refinements were brought forth to address such issues.

THIS IS NOT A DECISION-MAKING MEETING. THIS IS AN INPUT MEETING SO COUNTY CAN HELP DECIDE WHAT TO DO

PROPOSED CHANGES TO ZONING CODES:

1) FAR (Floor Area Ratio)

Curerntly FAR - 30% of lot size.

Proposed: Sliding FAR, to limit overall house size to 5500 overall

Steep slopes would also reduce FAR

Tall entryways counted twice in square footage

Audience member Carys A notes: square footage includes covered back porches

2) New concept: Daylight Planes

(New to EH, not new to other areas in county)

2nd floor 45% set back so as to not interfere or block neighbors' views.

Includes garages

3) Prohibit new flag lots (But currently must have "pole" (entryway) of 50' width, so v. difficult to approve anyhow)

4) 5' limit for crawl space

5) Refine Grading Requirements

Retain 1000 cy max

Minimize fill (I think there is more to this but LG didn't get to finish as audience members were starting to get vocal and agitated)

Member of Audience

Why are parcels being "illegally" merged by San Mateo county in 70's subject to different requirements for slope building, when smaller, steeper lots are being approved for building? Question about legal-non-conforming parcel?

LG Responds

Possibly slope is greater than allowed and lot is smaller, but if is legally buildable lot, then people can petition...?

Member of Audience2

Avers that local developers' old boy network gets anything approved, regardless of zoning or design codes. Says any restrictions are useless if variances are continuously being granted. Says houses built in last three years near his own home seem to violate every zoning code mentioned by LG above.

LG Responds

Variances can't be outlawed. Needed so that lots of unusual shapes or other unusual physical characteristics can be accommodated.

LG said she would now open the meeting up to speakers as that seems to be what the audience wants.

Vicki Constantini

Wants eclectic classy homes. She is building a craftsman herself, but doesn't see why everyone should be forced to have a craftsman-style home.

Speaker 1

Wants to know why ELHA thinks they represent him.

Brian Musante (Local Real Estate Agent who frequently sells vacant EH lots)

Wants to know who all is for proposed changes, raise your hands (Pro: minority) Against: (Most of audience)

Mike Pict

Can't we all get along, did any of you actually read the codes we're talking about? I spend the weekend reading the proposals. Don't let other people govern you by fear.

Speaker 2

Says Mike is wrong: ELHA wants to oppress individual homeowners and suppress their individual rights. We want freedom, diversity, and tolerance.

Young Heineman

I represent myself as interested homeowner, I have done previous remodels, very familiar with design codes, etc.

Has graphs for overhead projectors to illustrate his points about the proposed FAR ratios penalizing homeowners with smaller lots.

EH.HA had lots of meetings, process was flawed, In his opinion, people didn't get to ask enough questions.

Says that EH.HA FAR was proposed to not affect people with smaller lots at all but he says it does--if you have double-height entryways, crawlspaces, and steep slopes. He says totally unacceptable to him.

Says EH.HA was asked if FAR proposals include garages, says EH.HA replied that they didn't know. Expressed disbelief that they wouldn't know.

Betty Veronico

Has vacant lot in EH bought in 1970. Bought it because wanted to live in diverse neighborhood. Still doesn't live here, and says has to rely on word of mouth to find out about things affecting her property such as proposed code changes.

Sallie Martin

President of EH.HA

Wants to take a minute to give a bit of background

Thanks to all of you for attending

We have website plus our newsletter goes out to every landowner

We have annual meetings, they are sparsely attended. We put up flyers and announce the meetings in our newsletters.

We spent a year taking input, holding meetings, then put proposals back to community. Then had vote on community last summer. Notices about the process went to every last property owner (not just residents) (Murmurs that didn't receive them, SM says that people may have chosen not to respond or thought was junk mail). We looked at all sorts of different hillside communities in coming up with our proposals.

Our ordinances have been in place since 1990. A lot of the things people are complaining about now have been in place since then, are part of the existing codes.

#1 complaint we heard during our process is that some people get to do what they want to do no matter what.

We are all here because we value living in EH, though all for different reasons. We want to help represent you, but there's a lot of misinfo going around about codes that exist already.

Guy in audience keeps heckling about not voting for her

Barbara

Lives on Lakeview: Went through design review process, started in 2001. We're not done. Spend 1.5 years researaching laws. Entered design review being 100% in compliance. But didn't have gables...long processes delayed by Design Board. Went to EH.HA, then EH.HA came to meetings and started reciting codes they were already in compliance with. Got all neighbors except one to sign off on project.

Design review person called home monster home: said "I live in 2200 ft2 home, why can't you?"

Says: If I'm legal/meet design code why can't I put windows where I want?"

In conclusion: EH.HAssociation: I don't want to come to your meetings because you don't make me welcome. Said didn't receive notice of any of meetings.

Matthew

New resident: Foster City refugee: am surprised by all the proposed zoning and design codes. He thinks people really do read their mail, if that was the case, why would everyone be here?

Marguerite Ca5ey

Appalled by narrow-minded actions of EH.HA, they do not represent me. They are not an association that is on our deeds. Votes of last summer did not not give pros/cons. They new proposed codes do not represent us

(NOTE: She and her husband are some of the biggest developers in the entire area)

Really worried about how it came about. Lisa was intro'd at meeting of EH.HA, said hugged new board member Amy French and promised to help with EH.HA codes.

Says lots of people are concerned about EH.HA and LG's connection

LG Responds: Please identify yourself and your business

Multiple Audience Members: And how many parcels you've developed in this area

Marguerite Ca5ey

I've lived in EH fore more than 27 years and I am a developer and it is not in my best interest to be saying this since I will have to deal with LG in future (MC does not mention how many parcels she has developed)

I've been with county for 1 year. I do know Amy French. Amy was not part of board when any of these proposeal were put forward. First time she (LG) saw any codes was in August 2005, had no idea Amy was going to be on the board at that time. There are no offical county recommendations on these processes. It goes forward through the planning dept for recommendations, then the board of supervisros. LG is not involvred in any of the desicions. Her friendship with AF is irrelevant.

Mozin Shaihai

For 25+ years he has lived near Emera1d Lake, he reactivated EH.]HA associaion, lives near Emera1d Lake, When sewers went in, you came in and built your huge houses, we want less government! You have subverted our association, you do not represent us!

Speaker 3

We live in EH because we have lots of kids and want lots of space! We need big houses for our big families.

LG:

69% of people who responded to survey approved of house size restrictions.

Speaker 4

My kids live in Elk Grove because San Mateo County merged my 10 lots illegally for the reason only that they were in my name.

Francie Miller

I live on Lakeview/Jefferson:

28 year resident. It's nice to see the planning dept. listen to residents. We should listen to Rodney King: Why can't we all just get along?

She has a friend in Los Altos who had a 3 year delay in design approval, not because of design coucil but because neighbor had good lawyer.

Keeps things they way they are, and look at improvements. Concerns should be about energy requirements and savings.

People: You have the power of the pen; use it wisely!

Jack Hickey

40 year resident, Dillydally Way.

Used to own 3 lots on Dillydally, had vision of owning whole street and putting gate on it so it could loook like he wanted it to, but now he sees new construction across the street and thinks it's beautiful even though it's different than his ideal. He doesn't understand how they managed to get it in there with all the setbacks and lot restrictions (Heckler from audience: They did it by building it over a creek!!).

Thinks we need to keep status quo.

Also thinks we should loook at existying codes. Why should anyone else be able to tell you what color your home is?

Concerned with water runoff, big home roof runoff coming down and flooding other homes. So thinks county should focus on area of safety, and that we don't actually need design review intereference in EH.

Bob Long

Relative newcomer (15 years)

Recently went though design review process. Can commisserate with young lady still working on it. When he went, 5 people were looking for permits and result was 0 for 5. Doesn't understand why it's so difficutl.

He is real estate appraiser with 32 years experience. He has read a lot of codes, and the proposed codes are one of the most arduous and restrictive he's ever seen. Puts in the hands of the design review committess (3 people) an incredible amont of power. Unless people understand that you can appeal, then you'll listen to them and do something you don't really want to do. He thinks the proposed ordinances are really restrictive. If improvements costs more than 45 % of your assessed value, then everything has to be to code.

EH is very fertile. Our real estate values have increased at rate exceeding Atherton and Belmont; why would we want to restrict this? Marginal land will then be useless. Remaining lots will be left to very wealthy who can afford to hire experts and facilitators.

If you have remodel, you'll have to bring it up to code. This will flatten our market.

Mark from Oak Park

Went through design review process, was unhappy. So joined EH.HA board--lasted only 5 months:

Asked to step down from board or have another board member vote for him...

EH.HA is a vocal minority: myopic, and want to impose their views on you.

Mike Mangini

Formal scripted intro.

Didn't stir up hornet's nest because wanted to, did it because he had to. Is glad he did it because he got everyone here.

These issues will affect you, your neighbors, and your children---financially.

Freedoms were being usurped by minority of residents and were being accepted withouth comment by County officials.

EH.HA is group of residents! Not true homeowners Assoc.

Last summer sent out "vote" that was a "Push Poll," to create statistics that support a controversial position. Even with all the sales and marketing, they didn't get 100% support.

He said that the proposals were supposed to be testing the waters, and that the real guidlines were going to be coming up.

Brought 37 pages of design review association to annual EH.HA meeting, which was attended by >50 people, most of whom were county officials.

Michael Mangini says EH.HA's rebuttal to his letter caused him to go over existing codes. However, he parts company with EH.HA in that the EH.HA proposals "are given the force of law."

Says he wants to thank EH.HA: Now he knows what he's for: Using the EH actual homeowners to revisit the entire book of regulations. Beginning again! With full knowledge and participation of all residents. Let us begin again and invite us all to the table.

Andrew C

45 year(?) resident

We should not let county go make laws without our approval! Let's vote out those who do not represent our interests.

Milo Medin

We live here because we don't want to look like Redwood City! I started going to EH.HA association meetings. Lots of debate, got heated--so he tried to calm things down, and he got invited to join the board.

He's been on the board. People on the board really do try to listen to the community. People really try to listen to the community and do its will. If you don't like it then please participate!

LG and her team have a hard job to do. Let's work together to make this a great place to live.

Doug Finlay

Someof you may know me, I've been on RWC School Board for 8 years. One of the things most proud of is building we're in right now. Emera1d HIlls Plurality mad the difference in getting bond passed for its construction.

He helped set up new codes because Mel Ca5ey put 50% FAR house on lot next to his. 8000sf lot, 4000sf house.

We should make sure Small lots have small houses, and let the Big lots have big houses.

We'd have had a lot more monster houses if codes hasn't changed in 1990.

He is also ashamed of uncivility that has happened during this meeting. (Boos, hisses from audience)

The proposal that sits bergore the board needs more work, doesn't reconcile rights of flat vs. hillside properties.

Let's compromise (Muttering from audience: typical politician)

Ellen Hill

1.5 year resident. I don't know history that is upsetting you all. But I drive through neighborhood and there are a lot of houses that announce that the residents are wealthy. But we need diversity. And she is proud to be a resident of SM county; she moved here from a progressive state. She hopes that we can work through all the animosity she's hearing about between neighbors.

George Wilson, wife is Beatrice

37 year residents

No ax to grind, not for or against any regulations, but having lived in the area this long, being former EH.HA presidnet, when RWC wanted to annex us and put in sidewalks..remembers a lot of the same heat. But always remembers the diverstiy of opinions and that people are free to do what they want in their individual oases.

Why he's always liked EH is not so much the way it's been built but the natural envirnoment that enfolds us--the "cloak." He had written ordinances for the planning of new communities, and after 35 years of doing this, he's come to conclusion that design review guidelines are pretty useless.

He would rather have people express themselves with exuberance than have someone else tell us we should tone ourselves down and be all gray.

We should protect natural environment as much as possible. As many trees as possible. Maintainikng the look of the neighborhood, narrow streets, etc,.

After 37 years, can't imagine living in nicer place.

Most important thing: maintain diverstiy:

Those of us in EH are trying to get away from tracts!

(Audience murmurs: that's right)

Remember that Thomas Jefferson said that the gov't that can give you everything you want also has the power to take it all away.

Luda Figos (sp?)

Professional engineer:

2 years ago: neighhbors appealed for new development on Summit (8 monster houses)

Went through hearing and were denied, so 8 houses are now under construction. Exceed FAR.

Came to US from Russia in 1979. Still USSR at time. Impressed by freedoms in America, and that individuality is still respected in this country. Individuality means very little if it can be stolen by elitist view of people. Under cover of good intentions, individuality is being suppressed. SM County has proven to be very inflexible

Next week we have small extension going up for reveiw. Trying to comply with all codes. But terrified that DRC will reject it all under the power of the codes.

I feel like I'm in Russia. Scared, powerless, and being steamrolled.

Steve Whiting

I bought 4 lots in 1985. They are grandfathered together, and I hope that I can build my dream house some day.

How many people would move to EH if we all had to have houses that look like Dutch barns? I didn't work this long and this long to have to have a house that looks like a barn. I wouldn't have bought here if I knew about these regs.

Bob Hartzell (sp?)

I do believe our neighborhood values. Environmental savings, trees, need to revisit the environmental impact of developing all these steep slopes.

Helen Phillips

50 year resident

You should thank EH.HA for what they have done for the hills. Otherwise our hills would no longer be Emera1d. RWC tried to "Daly City" us. EH.HA rallied community, and 80% of homeowners were active and made it so we could retain current characters of hills.

Why are we even here? We hashed this out 30 years ago, came up with good general plan. "Preserving a living environment: A living plan for EH" Covered everything that we're covering tonight.

Why can't we just enforce the policies we already have?

Shows pictures of 5 stories of Sylvan concrete retaining walls (across from closed park entrance). How does something like this happen? How is this possible with current FAR guidelines? This house is adjacent to house in next lot, how could it possibly comply with described setbacks?

We need to work to prevent things like this or EH will be Cement Hills.

Terry Lee

Lives in bright blue house on Lakeview, got approval from neighbors to paint house that color.

Left regimented country (Singapore), to come to Land of the Free.

If the majority want change, then change! If not, don't.

Harold "Buck" Shaw

35 Year Residnt, mad as hell

Says DRC (Design Review Committee) is in bed with EH.HA

Says EH.HA vote could be repeated online as many times as wanted

Went to 3 of 6 meetings, said was very agenda-based, and his view did not get heard at all. County said they they had duty to act on EH.HA proposals.

He doesn't want any changes at all. Would actually prefer for codes to go away.

Says is sinking own agenda in DRC as has upcoming project.

Retaining walls: says EH.HA played with words to misrepresent poll results.

More allegations about ties between EH.HA and county. Hopes that news media is here, because this is a big story.

Ray Belfurst

Says surprised by educator being ashamed of us, we are expressing our strong emotions and opinions.

Knows that when people are angry, it's usually because of injustice.

EH.HA is fraudulently selling themselves as representatives of community.

End of meeting is usually action items: What has happened so far, what will happen next, what will be done differently in the future? Something different I would hope.

Marge Parkhurst

32 year Summit resident

Showed EH.HA poll, vs. 37 pages submittal to documents, plus 8 pages of tree standards.

Based on her calculations, only 21% of residents voted.

57 items were presented altogether, but EH.HA is submitting more than 100.

Audience member responds

You are quoting things about the existing regulations, we are not discussing the existing regulations. This is not what we are here to discuss.

Bob Parkhurst

32 year resident

EH.HA does not speak for me. I can speak for myself.

Questions whether county works for me. County will speak for me anyhow.

Quotes from all the papers that are tracking this very debate, says it's messing with our property values.

Dan Chapelier

Has lived on Wilmington way for 30+ years in house that he has to tear down if he wants to do an addition. This all affects him very personally.

He says that the county will be against all the environmental and green factors in the home he is planning to construct. Radiant sand bed heating, etc.

How come people are building $1M stucco homes when current codes say you can't do it?

Developers are getting away with ignoring codes. Keep county honest. A lot of people spending a lot of money and having a lot of influence at county.

Regulations proposed are not practical. Says they don't understand design, architecture or engineering of homes. Says codes disallow solar panels (LG later noted that this is not true).

Would like to see County come to understanding that EH.HA doesn't represent people in EH. Would like to see County step up. They need to be the power, not the EH.HA.

Dave Kors

Vernal way since 2000

Attracted to EH by diversity. A lot of people say that, but we are talking about an informal poll being counted as real numbers. We need to stand up and say what we really believe.

Read poll, voted against most of proposals, though it was very "we have ours, now you can't have yours." But did vote for environmental concerns.

Speaker 5

Would like to make two proposals: Let's get rid of DRC, then wants to talk to Finley, says that we should thank Mel Ca5ey because he put all the sewers in EH.

With regards to other cities: "Stupid is as stupid does." They want us to make the same mistake as those other towns.

If you read the Federalist Papers, and listen to the woman from the former USSR: Anyone that would want to give up a little bit of freedom for a little bit of security deserves neither.

Robert Fraone

Previously did personal walk to get a petition for his project. 95% of the people were for the project (This project?)

Talked to lots of people who got tangled up in EH delays, some of whom (2) went bankrupt.

Doesn't want to cut down trees, doesn't want concrete walls, doesn't think anyone here does. But we need to make the process easier, and get along.

How do we take it from here?

Speaker 6

Been here since 1969

Been trying to build for 2.5 years. Been treated very rudely.

LG came here and is here as facilitator, show her some respect.

DRC direct quotes on his project, quotes are a matter of public record: You don't need a house that big. WE don't like anything about your design. You need to put your garage on the on the other side of the house. We ride by your house sometimes and I don't want to have to look at it.

It cost him 2.5 years, 20% building costs, re-engineering and re-designing because of what DRC wanted, not because of what he wanted.

Paul

Born and raised in EH, been here all his life, but now lives in Kentfield Commons with its restrictions on lawns and garages and hates it.

Paula Brown

Been on Sylvan for 30 years, worried about impact on property values if house size is limited.

To Sallie: You tried really hard to be fair. I think what's happened is that things have swung so far to the other side, but now everyone got pushed until all their long-term frustrations have come out.

Squid Rosenberg

I live on Dillydally Way next to Mr. Hickey. I have a question, it is not an accusation, but...isn't Michael Mangini's (the person who sent out letters saying that the "style police" were attempting to take over EH) wife Nancy on the DRC? People talk about DRC and EH.HA being in bed with each other...but NM is on DRC...isn't that a conflict of interest?

Arlene Underrwood:

Horrible DRC Experience:

Woman with no architectural experience on board. The moment she walked into the room she knew she was in trouble because the woman there was wearing Birkenstock sandals and had on a denim skirt.

Told her that house had to be yellow-gold, wood siding, square windows.

When asked why, was told that it was because "That's what your neighbors want."

So she walked several blocks around lot, and asked. Not one of neighbors had been asked, and every one signed her petition for what she wanted.

Asked researcher friend to research safety of wood vs. stucco, and stucco has zero flame issues.

At end of next design review, got home she wanted--but it was arduous.

In summary, leave the current guidelines, don't increase them. In fact review 90's guidelines, and disband the homeowner's association.

Paul Hanley

31 year resident.

Worried about what would happen if house burned and had to rebuild.

Does new criteria apply? Can I rebuild as was? Or will be grandfathered in?

Also, since this is a democracy, do a new poll.

Jean Attkinson

32 year resident

The joy of living in EH is live-and-let-live attitude.

No one should be able to tell me what I can do with my land.

Creeks. I live on Sylvan, where depending on who I talk to my creek is either a creek, a runoff creek, or a drainage ditch. How wiill the new regs affect it?

Linda Broshari

Lakeview resident, grew up here, but new to the homeowner experience. One heck of a way to get to meet neighbors!

Open to change as we all want to protect the environment. Thinks that many of the problems could be solved if the county consistently enforced the existing regulations.

If the regulations exist in one form or another, then why are we here? We are talking about both design issues and zoning codes, is that right?

Reading from doc: "Where there is a conflict between proposed regs and existing standards, the new regs shall prevail."

Worried about enclosed yards (e.g., hedges) for kids' safety/play yard.

Thinks the proposals are too restrictive. Really appreciates all the work that went into them, but thinks we need more work.

Tom Broshari (Brouchard?)

Wants to know how the 17 items that were voted on became a 37 page "monstrosity" to be submitted to the county.

Karen Cater (SP?)

From Alaska, where live and let live is really possible.

Also wants to applaud woman in blue-and-white house, and they all approved. So we need to have some consideration for the people around us. So it is possible with the tight-knit community in the beauty of Emera1d HIlls that we can come to a resolution, but I do not envy the peopole who will take it from hjere.

Mel Ca5ey

If you people let this crazy legislation pass, you deserve it. Don't let this happen without your input. Otherwise we will all be up shit creek without a paddle.

Ken Lauts

Civil (?) engineer, did lots of work in the EH and other local areas. Says EH.HA has not asked for his input even though he went to lots of the meetings and gave them his info.

Says it's important that you have qualified people drawing up these guidelines and making thiese decisions.

Vicky Tout

Lives on Fallen Leaf. Thought that they'd worked really hard to come up with fair results for design review proposals. Also says that it's really hard to come up with people to be on the EH.HA board. if you're really interested, then you should be on the board.

Carol Henley

Been on EH.HA board for more than 10 years. Is very excited that everyone turned out, even though EH.HA took a beating. Wished we had same turnout at annual meetings.

Procedural points: It is important to be fair. So, yes we take their membership roles from county assessor's records. Update them 2x/year. If they get mail sent back, then correct is as best they can and resend.

Also, as far as community meetings go, sent out the meeting notices several ways. By mail and also now by email (300 - 400 go that way).

Proposals: we received 650 votes back on these proposals, 55 to 75 percent approval. Eight items had to do with zoning, the balance had to do with tree and community protection. We wish that more people would have voted, we need that kind of input. The county is trying really hard to do their job, she was shocked by allegations of corruption. Our public employees are trying to do the right job, the fair job, and they deserve our respect.

Audience member to Carol Henley: Just because I live in EH doesn't mean I'm a member of your association or give you the right to speak for me. EH.HA is a private association.

Lisa Gr0teEmera1d Summarizes

Concern about solar panels being outlawed:

Not the case; they are not only not outlawed; in fact there is discussion of exempting them from design review.

Rebuilding non-conforming buildings: If destroyed by natural causes, you can replace it in the same place. New regulations do not apply. New regulations do apply to vountary destruction of homes.

Flexiblity of design standards. They are supposed to be flexible, but they are also supposed to be met. County has are examples of different lots in dfifferent context meeting design codes.

Zoning is NOT flexible.

Sending out notices from county: Independent notices were sent out, they did send 2000+ notices and apologize if missed anyone.

Zoning regulations have been in place for 25+ years, design standards have been in place for 16+ years. Proposals are attempts to clarify standards.

Would like to suggest 2nd meeting when have chance to respond to everything discussed here tonight. Sorry everything got so acrimonious. However want to respond to all residents' concerns before this goes to the board.

Audience Member to LG

Is this meeting an endorsement of the proposed design regulations? Don't you think by what's taken place tonight that it's obvious that the majority of the residents want to stop this process?

We can't stop it mid-stream. We hear your comments and we want to address them. It may be that no proposal or a modified proposal.

There is consideration of the proposals. There is no endorsement.

Another audience member to LG

Don't you hear that EH.HA doesn't represent us, but even so you are taking them seriously? If I told you that the building was on fire, would you respond that you'd consider what I said. Approximately 650 out of 3000 residents voted. Only 70% of those voted for it. This is bullshit.

I understand that they do not represent you as individuals. However, they have made a formal proposal and we are obligated to consider it. We are not obligatied to approve it. We are obligated to consider it.

Audience member to LG

Then what will the process be with regards to alternative applications?

We do not generally accept competing applications, but it can be done.

It may be that the county should send out their own survey. (Much audience applause!)

Battery runs out of power, but meeting is pretty much over anyhow.