Two public hearings go before City Council

The Thousand Oaks City Council will take a look at construction that would remove two oak trees and encroach upon seven others during one of the public hearings to be held during its Tues., Sept. 23 meeting.

The council will hear an appeal of the planning commission's approval to allow construction of a new single-family detached dwelling at 349 Corrine Hill Court. The project would include removal of the two oak trees and would encroach on the protected zone of seven oak trees and build on natural terrain that exceeds a 25 percent slope.

The council will also detail how the city spent $742,000 of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008. These funds are supposed to be used for community improvements and social services that primarily benefit low-income people.

An ordinance to adjust wastewater connection charges and water connection charges is also on the council's agenda. The proposed 5.4 percent increase does not affect current customers but is specifically for new construction in the city, according to associate financial planner Nancy Arrieta.

"It's not fair for existing customers to have to pay for new construction to connect and the additional wear and tear for replacements and upgrades needed because of new construction," Arrieta said.

Those who challenge decisions made after these public hearings may be limited to the challenges made during the hearings, which begin at 6 p.m. in the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

—Nancy Needham