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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-2001 Adopted CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING - September 18, 2001 CLOSED SESSION A closed session was held at 6:30 p.m., regarding: Conference with Legal Counsel 1. Anticipated Litigation ~ Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1) Facts and Circumstances: Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(3)(B) East Dublin Properties Stage I Development Plan, Annexation and Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report. A regular meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, September 18, 2001, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m., by Mayor Houston. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Lockhart, McCormick, Oravetz, Zika, and Mayor Houston. None. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTION Mayor Houston advised that there was no reportable action. A NIGHT FOR THE VALLEY TO SHINE A LIGHT ON THE WORLD Mayor Houston announced that the City Council, Staff and audience would join with community members for "A Night for the Valley to Shine a Light on the World". This event, which will be held outdoors, will be a time for the Th-Valley community to come together to remember those victims of the tragic events on September 11, 2001. The event is being planned by Dublin High School Juniors Alicia Sanchez and Jaimee Marshall and Wells Middle School 6th graders Morgan Sanchez and Ashley Marshall. The event will feature a candlelight vigil, choral selections by the DHS Choir and words from Tri~Valley clergy and leaders. A moment of silence in remembrance of the victims and their families will be observed. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 9.0 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 395 Following the candlelight vigil, Mayor Houston called the meeting to order once again at 8:06 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Houston led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA DONATION TO AMERICAN RED CROSS Mayor Houston stated he wished to add Item 3.a to the agenda; discussion related to the establishment of a fund for victims and families of Washington D.C. and New York. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Zika, and by unanimous vote, the Council added this item to the agenda for discussion. Mayor Houston stated everywhere around the Country, people are coming together and looking for ways to participate. Young ladies from our schools said last Friday we need to have an event to unite the Valley, and they put the candlelight event together. Mayor Houston made a motion that the City of Dublin set up a relief fund in the amount of $10,000 to be sent to the American Red Cross to help support victims and families. He suggested that the City set up a hot line to receive funds from individuals or businesses for 30 days. Vice Mayor Lockhart seconded the motion to establish the fund and also offered heartfelt condolences to fire fighters and police officers and stated our best wishes are with them also and to rest of community, thank you for your support. She stated she appreciated everyone here. Cm. McCormick added her support to the motion. The program was very well done and it touched her heart. She expressed her concern for other residents who may be a different color or who look differently, that we all remember they are Americans too and we should show tolerance and grace. Cm. Zika stated he appreciated and supports the motion. The young ladies did an excellent job. The community really came together. He thanked firefighters and police CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 9.0 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 396 officers doing very difficult work. We can't comprehend what they are going through and what they are feeling. He relayed an instance of a man who has been coming to the Senior Center for 4 years, who is a Sikh and wears a turban; he came to the center wearing a baseball hat. Cm. Oravetz stated he also supports and thanked the Mayor for this. He told his son this could lead to a draft and his son said he is ready to go. The young people in this community will stand up with this Country. God Bless America. Mayor Houston stated he received an e-mail from Ann Ferris, the Mayor of Bray, Ireland. Last Friday, the whole Country shut down and held a national day of prayer on our behalf. The world is with us. This means a tremendous amount to the citizens of Dublin. On motion of Mayor Houston, seconded by Vice Mayor Lockhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council approved an additional appropriation from unallocated reserves in the amount of $10,000 to be set up as an American Red Cross relief fund to help victims and families of this disaster. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES 8:15 p.m. $.1 (700-10) Police Chief Gary Truman introduced new Deputies Ronald Graber and Mark Pickett. 8:20 p.m. Dave Haubert, 4886 Redwood Avenue, provided information about the recently formed group, Friends of Dublin. He advised that 110 people have signed up on their website www. friendsofdublin.com to get weekly updates. Their goal is to reach 1,000 people by next October. On Thursday, September 20th, they will have a program shown on Community TV Channel 78. On October 3~a, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Town Hall meeting here with Supervisor Nate Miley and the topic for discussion will be the Juvenile Hall. October I lth they will meet at the Dublin Library and will have a special guest speaker from the Greenbelt Alliance. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September t8, 2001 PAGE 397 Alameda County Fire Department Chief Bill McCammon reported that a FEMA sponsored California team has been activated and we will be sending 16 to 20 members to the east coast next Tuesday. He requested that we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. CONSENT CALENDAR 8:22 p.m. Items 4.1 through 4.7 Vice Mayor Lockhart pulled Item 4.4. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Vice Mayor Ix~ckhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council took the following actions: Approved (4.1) Minutes off Regular Meeting of August 7th; Special Meeting of August 21 a; Regular Meeting of August 2la; and Regular Meeting of September 4, 2001; Adopted (4.2 1060~80) RESOLUTION NO. 168- 01 SUPPORTING THE i-580 SMART CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN Authorized (4.3 600-35) Staff to advertise Contract 01-13, Civic Center Fuel Tank Upgrade, for bids; Approved (4.5 600-30) an Amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement; Adopted (4.6 1060-90) RESOLUTION NO. t69- 01 AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR REGIONAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR THE DUBLIN BOULEVARD WIDENING PROJECT FROM VILLAGE PARKWAY TO SIERRA COURT/CIVIC PLAZA AND STATING THE ASSURANCE OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT CITY coUNcIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 398 Approved (4.7 300-40) the Warrant Register in the amount of $2,3:34,732.22. Vice Mayor Lockhart pulled Item 4.4 and questioned the plans for permanent parking, as parking really seems to be an issue at the Park. Ms. Lichtenstein explained that there will be 120 spaces allocated in the future, once the community center is built. This weekend's event will show where the temporary parking is. On motion of Vice Mayor Loc~art, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized (4.4 600-30) Staff to issue a Request for Proposal for Emerald Glen Park Phase 2 design; WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS REQUEST FROM WOMEN'S CLUB OF DUBLIN FOR USE OF CITY SEAL 8:24 p.m. 5.1 (610~20) J Assistant to the City Manager Julie Carter advised that the City has received a request from the Women's Club of Dublin to use the City Seal on a commemorative throw for the City's 20th anniversary celebration. Staff requested that the City Council consider this request and also determine whether to adopt a formal policy regarding the use of the City Seal. Mr. Ambrose stated the company they are working with requires us to give official authorization from the City. Cm. McCormick asked if anyone can use the City Seal now. Cm. Zika asked if it is copyrighted? Mr. Ambrose stated it is not. We are judicious in watching this. Mayor Houston stated he is thrilled when it is used. He suggested if people ask permission to allow Staff to make the wise decisions they usually do. Staff should have the liberty to make the evaluation. Vice Mayor Lockhart questioned what happens if Staff says no. should have some type of policy. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 399 She stated she felt we On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized use of the City Seal by the Women's Club of Dublin and also directed Staff to prepare a formal policy. PUBLIC HEARING SPRINT PCS SITE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PA 01-018 8:29 p.m. 6.1 (410-50) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. Community Development Director Eddie Peabody presented the Staff Report and advised that the applicant is proposing to construct a new telecommunications facility adjacent to the rear parking lot of the Shannon Community Center. The facility would be located within a light standard and would attain a maximum height of 30' above grade. The applicant also proposes to construct a 230 square foot accessory structure that would attain a maximum height of I0' 6" above grade. The applicant also proposes to construct a new trash enclosure adjacent to the telecommunications facility. Mr. Peabody advised that Staff is requesting that this item be continued due to the fact that the applicant is conducting a noise study which has not been completed. Once this has been completed, Staff will review the study and prepare an analysis of the Site Development Review application for the October 2na City Council meeting. Mayor Houston questioned the exact location. Cm. Zika stated Sprint held a meeting up at Shannon in the middle of August, which was not well attended. Since this will be in a building, they will have to come in and cool it down for maintenance purposes. There were heat and noise concerns. It will be right up against the back of the hill and sound travels up, so we don't know the impact on those houses. John Belsner, Holanda Lane, asked about the public notice and reference to the trash enclosure. He also questioned the fact that the notice says 74' east of the San Ramon Road right~of~way. This is apparently incorrect. It should be west of San Ramon Road. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing and continued this item to the October 2, 2001 meeting. CITY COUNCIL MINUq~$ VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 400 APPROVAL OF HNAL PROMOTIONAL MARKETING BROCHURE 8:34 p.m. 7;1 (150-:30) Economic Development Director Chris Foss presented the Staff Report and advised that the City Council approved a contract with ValForms, Inc., to prepare a promotional marketing brochure. The Council is being asked to review and approve the final version (including multiple cover pages) prior to production of the 8-page brochure. It is anticipated that the brochure will be completed and printed in the next 3,4 weeks. Cm. McCormick commented that under "A Proud Heritage", the verbiage that starts "From the Ohlone tribe...', this is not a complete sentence, and the wording needs to be revised. Vice Mayor Lockhart pointed out a correction near the bottom of the page which starts with "A user-friendly town". Mayor Houston stated it seemed apparent to him when there are Dublin photos and when there are stock photos. Some just don't look like Dublin, but he stated he understands how this works. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated based on comments she received, people would like to see the green expanded on the front, with a little less of the gold. Cm. McCormick stated she would like to see the revised opening paragraph before it goes for final printing. The Council expressed the opinion that it was unnecessary to return to the Council with this item, but rather Staff should just contact Cm. McCormick to review it. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council approved the final version with changes discussed and authorized Staff to proceed with production of the brochure. BUS SHELTER PROJECT 8:40 p.m. 7.2 (600-30) Recreation Supervisor Bonnie Leonard presented the Staff Report and advised that $118,S00 is available in the 2000~2005 Capital Improvement Program for the Bus Shelter Project. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 401 Ms. Leonard advised that Staff had prepared for Council consideration, two approaches to the Bus Shelter Project. Each approach includes design work by professional artists. Option 1 provides for the design and construction of 3 distinct bus shelter designs by 3 different artists. The timeline was discussed. Total costs for 3 bus shelters would be $118,500. LAVTA will contribute $6,000 toward the cost of each shelter. Option 2 provides for the design of a template for one bus shelter design unique to the City of Dublin. The template would be used to fabricate all of the bus shelters throughout the City as they are replaced, except for special locations where unique shelters could be developed. The project timeline was discussed. Total costs for 3 bus shelters would be $80,000. Again, LAVTA will contribute $6,000 toward the cost of each shelter. Under both options, the establishment of an Art Selection Committee is recommended. The suggested make-up of the Committee is as follows: Two representatives from the downtown business community; One representative of the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission; One representative of the City Council; and Three representatives from the community at~large. Non-voting members of the Committee would include the Art Consultant and City Staff. Openings for the Committee would be noticed in the newspaper, on Community Cable Television and in the Chamber of Commerce newsletter. The Mayor would appoint the Committee, with the approval of the City Council. Ms. Leonard requested that the Council select the preferred option and direct Staff to negotiate an agreement with art consultant Lynne Baer, or to provide alternate direction. Cm. McCormick stated she supports option 2, however would like to see if it is possible, without changing the bottom line, if indeed, we can have more than one artist with a variation on the same theme. She would like to open it up for more creativity as long as we don't change the budget. Ms. Leonard stated this would necessitate paying the artist fee twice. Cm. McCormick stated not necessarily; they are able to do the Art in the Parks projects for $15,000. She stated she would like to give Staff the opportunity to get more artists into the program if it fits in the budget. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 402 Cm. Zika stated he also likes option 2. He cautioned that these are bus shelters, but the ones he saw, he did not feel they would shelter anyone in Dublin. Make sure the operative word is "shelter". Vice Mayor Lockhart stated this was the first time she has seen figures applied to this. The concept that worked so well in Tucson and Phoenix had to do with the unity. These can be created specific to our community. If we can use two artists for the same price, this would be good. Cm. McCormick stated she would like Staff to have the opportunity to explore this. Mr. Ambrose clarified whether they mean two artists to do one template or two separate templates. Cm. McCormick replied she felt the art consultant could work this out. We could go with one template, but if we can bring in a second artist, do it. If possible, we could have a second template, but we should stay within the budget. On motion of Cm. McCormick, seconded by Vice Mayor Lockhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council selected Option 2 with modifications discussed with the possibility that 2 or more artists may be involved (so long as it doesn't increase the $118,000 budget) and directed Staff to negotiate an agreement with Lynne Baer. REPORT ON 4TM OF JULY FIREWORKS ACTIVITY 8:51 p.m. 8.1 (650-60/110-30) Police Chief Gary Thuman presented the Staff Report and stated he would show a video depicting fireworks/trash disposed of at City parks and what the City looked like the following morning. Police Services utilized five additional overtime patrol officers to work from 5:00 p.m., on July 4th until 1:00 a.m., on July 5th at a cost of $1,825. The Fire Department utilized the services of four additional fire fighters for the July 4th holiday at a cost of $1,928. MCE utilized their Staff for a period of 37 ½ hours to clean up after the July 4th holiday at a cost of $1,225. The total cost to the City related to the July 4th holiday was $4,978. There was no reported fireworks-related injuries during the July 4th holiday time period. There was no damage to public structures, and minor damage to turf located at the Shannon Community Center as a result of fireworks use. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 403 This year saw a significant increase in the use of City parks to ignite safe and sane fireworks. Reports from Police personnel indicated that the majority of individuals using Dublin parks as a place to ignite legal fireworks were not residents of Dublin. The Dublin Sports Grounds and the Shannon Community Center were the two parks most heavily utilized by the public for fireworks. Staff recommended that the City Council authorize the establishment of a Committee that would develop a plan to address fireworks related activities in the City of Dublin on July 4, 2002. The Committee would include one representative each from Police Services, Public Works (MCE), Fire Prevention, and Parks & Community Services. The Committee would also include representatives from the non-profit organizations operating the fireworks stands and from the manufacturer of the fireworks. Mayor Houston stated he noted some big time illegal mortars going off, Cm. McCormick asked how we compare with other cities with regard to illegal fireworks. Cm. Zika questioned how we know that the majority of people using the parks were not Dublin residents. Chief Thuman explained that officers asked the people. Cm. Zika asked if anyone was cited. Chief Thuman stated no one was cited. The illegal fireworks were interspersed with the safe and sane ones. The entire parking lot at Shannon was littered with safe and sane debris. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she felt if we are going to attract people by selling them, we shouldn't be surprised if they shoot them off here. Kathy Sullivan, Vice President of American Promotional Events, stated it was a pleasure to sit through the candlelight prayer service and the pledge of allegiance to our flag certainly does take on more meaning. She stated it is a pleasure working with Dublin, and they are very comfortable with the idea of forming a taskforce. They've done this in many communities. Sacramento County has a model for this. Mr. Ambrose reported that things got really out of control in Union City this year. We don't want to put the City Council in a position to have to face the types of issues they have had to face. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 404 Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she felt if we provide fireworks we need to provide a location to set them off. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized Staff to establish a Committee that would develop a plan to address fireworks related activities in the City on July 4, 2002. The Council clarified that there should be representatives on the committee from each of the fireworks vendor/ manufacturers. TRANSIT CENTER PROJECT STUDY SESSION PA 00~01 $ 9:08 p.m. 8.7. (420-30/430-80) The Staff Report was presented by Community Development Director Eddie Peabody. The issues for discussion include the provision of affordable housing and BART parking as proposed in a letter submitted by the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority (ACSPA) relating to their Application for Approval of a General Plan Amendment, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan Amendment and Stage 1 Planned Development Rezone for a 91-acre site adjacent to the east Dublin BART Station. ACSPA indicates in their letter that the provision of affordable housing is tied to a broader land use and financing plan that includes the sale and provision of moderate units on Sites B & C, clustering the low and very low income units on Site A, and proposing certain financial actions on the part of the City to make more affordable housing and a BART parking garage feasible. ACSPA's letter identifies three issues relating to the BART parking garage: 1) The size of the proposed BART parking garage; 2) That the garage be considered a part of traffic mitigation for eastern Dublin development; and 3) That if the garage is considered part of traffic mitigation for eastern Dublin, ACSPA is requesting that the City provide $6 million in traffic impact fee credits for the structure. ACSPA indicates that they are working with BART to increase the number of permanent spaces at BART with a parking structure. At the present time, there are 1,753 surface parking stalls available (1,326 in the permanent lot and 427 in the temporary lot). ACSPA has indicated to Staff that when the structure is completed, some amount of surface parking will still be available. ACSFA's agreement with BART is that they will CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 405 provide a parking structure that will increase the current amount of permanent parking by at least 500 spaces. The combined structure and surface parking would be at least 1,826 spaces. ACSPA has indicated to Staff, however, that they are also working towards increasing that amount to 1,000 spaces, or 2,326 spaces. ACSPA is requesting that they receive traffic impact fee credits as part of the Eastern Dublin Traffic Impact Fee Area for constructing the BART parking garage. The Transit Center site is currently outside of the EDTIF Area. In order to include the BART parking garage in the Area, the City would need to perform an analysis that is required under State Law relating to the provision of impact fees (also referred to as an AB 1600 Study). ACSPA is also proposing that should the Transit Center Project become part of the EDTIFA, they should receive $6 million worth of traffic impact fee credits for building the parking garage. Staff cannot provide the City Council the appropriate analysis on this issue without the information that would be provided in the AB 1600 Study. Staff discussed the Affordable Housing issues. ACSPA has indicated they would like to concentrate the low and very low income units on one site and they would like City participation in the financing of the units. Staff will be preparing a tour of successful affordable housing developments and asked the Council for available dates to schedule the tour. Following the tour, this issue can be brought forth at another City Council meeting for direction on the type of affordable housing project the Council would like to see at the Transit Center. With regard to the request for a City financial contribution to the development of the affordable housing component of the Transit Center, Staff indicated that it would need additional information from the County to analyze this request. Additionally, the City would need the services of a specialist in housing financing to provide expertise in the analysis of complex financial pro~formas. Staff has met with the County on these issues and discussed them at length. While the County's proposal is interesting and may have merit, Staff would need additional information and studies prior to preparing analysis and recommendation to the City Council on the housing financing and traffic impact fee/credit issues. Cm. Zika asked if any of the units would be for sale. Mr. Peabody stated he thought they are all to be rental units. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 406 Pat Cashman stated they are before the Council tonight to reach out as a partner. With the transit center, they have an opportunity .to increase the number of parking spaces and at the same time, build a significant amount of affordable housing. They had some very positive discussions with Staff on the feasibility issue. They have taken the Council's comments to heart. They are asking for the City Council to understand and appreciate and further study the parking issues and the City's approach to affordable units. The garage isn't feasible unless they get cooperation with affordable housing. The only way that real affordable housing is being created in California is through tax credit incentive programs. They feel they can package site A in order to get 100 or so affordable units. They are just getting educated on what might work and ways to achieve a significant amount of affordable housing. This will probably be a mix of different integrated types of units. They are just looking for an open mind and consideration that it may work. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked about ideas for the public/semi-public area and what they have in mind. Mr. Cashman stated part of this is where the 2,000 space BART garage would be. Cm. Zika stated he had two concerns; one is putting all the low and very low into parcel A. He would rather see them moved around, but stated he is willing to look at projects that have been around for at least I0 or 15 years. His second concern is tying and joining the rest of area and joining the $6 million into the number of affordable units we will get. If the AB 1600 study shows they can only justify a smaller number, do the rest of the units just fall apart? Mr. Cashman stated the park and ride lot next to Koll was reviewed. They have a contract for site B which pays them a little over $20 million and all this goes into the garage and they hope to recoup some when they cash in some mitigation credits and with CMA which realizes this is a regional benefit. This is a complicated issue. They are basically taking the money they make from sites B and C and building a garage. There is state and federal money available. Create a site they can compete for is what the affordable housing people have told him. Cm. Oravetz stated he has an open mind and looks forward to looking at this. Of concern is having ail the Iow cost housing in one area, but he is willing to look. Mr. Cashman stated this will not be a separate neighborhood. Cm. McCormick thanked the County for coming in and being a partner on this. She stated she is willing to take a look at what they propose, to take a field trip and hire consultants. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 407 Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she felt maybe it is time for Dublin to put their money where their mouth is, and we need to consider being an active partner in this. She stated she appreciates them taking our affordable housing needs seriously. Adolph Martinelli stated they are not proposing 30% low and very low, but working with City on 10% moderate dwelling units. They just went out with an RFP and received I 1 proposals for residential transit package. The transit-oriented community to be built in Dublin will be a model for probably all of California. It will have all the things you want in a community. He explained the costs of land for the affordable housing units. Water fees are confusing at best. The fees are around $28K per dwelling. They can create it by tapping all resources. With regard to BART parking, they will replace every permanent space they lose and will always have the number available even during construction. They are taking ali the financial risks and are asking for some assurity with the overall project. Mayor Houston stated the City definitely wants to work with them and asked that the County be just as flexible with the other properties. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council agreed to a field trip to view affordable housing projects and directed Staff to begin the process for hiring two consultants: 1) Specialist in Housing Finance, and 2) Specialist in AB 1600 (Impact Fee Studies). The Council discussed one possible field trip date of Wednesday, October 17th and agreed to get dates to Staff after the meeting. RECESS At 0:42 p.m., Mayor Houston called for a short recess. The meeting was reconvened at 0:54 p.m., with all Councilmembers present. REQUEST BY COMMERCE ONE TO INITIATE A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT STUDY FOR A Z7.4~ACRE SITE WITHIN THE EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIFIC PLAN AREA 9:54 p.m. 8.3 (420-30) Community Development Director Fxtdie Peabody presented the Staff Report and advised that the site is located at the southwest corner of Hacienda Drive and Dublin Boulevard. The City Council approved the Commerce One Project in February of 2001 that allowed for the development of a four~building 780,000 square foot campus office complex on the site. , ,, Ola,v'CO~ r~ClL " VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September t8, 2001 PAGE 408 The City received a letter from Commerce One that indicates that they have postponed development of the site and are now considering a number of different uses on the site. In order to locate possible general commercial and/or residential development on the site, changes to the General Plan, Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance would be required. Mr. Peabody stated it has been normal procedure to evaluate a request for a GPA Study where the applicant has a clear picture of what the new uses might be for the subject site. This request does not have a specific use or density exactly in mind. Staff may have difficulty evaluating a request for general use changes for this site without specifics at this time. As a result, additional environmental evaluations may be necessary if the conditions now present in campus office designations on the site are modified substantially by any additional traffic or other environmental considerations of new uses on the site. Cm. Zika stated we are 3 planners short right now. He asked who is going to do this? We have a non~specific project and he asked when we will get to this? Mr. Peabody stated the Council could establish the priority. If no priorities change, it will probably be 6 months before Staff can get to this. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked if they could hire a consultant to do some of the work. Mr. Peabody stated it has not been our practice to utilize applicant's consultants to do staff reports. Mr. Ambrose stated on the few occasions we have tried this, we have had significant problems and spent extra money correcting the information. The consultant needs to work for the City. The applicants usually have their own consultants. We need to have a project manager on staff. Brian Griggs stated he heads up the Real Estate Division for Commerce One. He explained the rationale behind why they are doing this. They are asking for the ability to allow up to 15 acres of the western side of the property to be used as high~density residential and request that the entire 27 acres of the property be allowed to have general commercial uses. It is their intent to immediately work with the planning staff to define the exact density of development which will be allowed and it is their objective that the traffic and other environmental impacts of the additional allowed uses will be equal to or less than those associated with their recently approved Campus Office project on the site. Based upon their preliminary analysis, they anticipate that the density of the residential land would range from a minimum of 25.1 units per acre to a maximum of COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME £0 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 409 approximately 60 units per acre and the general commercial uses would not exceed a floor area ratio of approximately 40-45%. Commerce One intends to retain the right to develop campus office uses at a density not to exceed a floor area ratio of the previously approved 65%. Mr. Griggs stated they want to pursue general commercial uses. They had some preliminary discussions with II<EA. If they get approval to generate the GPA study, they hope to generate some specific use interest. They could get some parties willing to spend some money. Commerce One is willing to hire a City approved consultant and they are cognizant of the City's arrangements. They believe the generation of a GPA study is consistent with the General Plan. There was some alternate zoning on the Koll property and this is similar to what they are interested in. Their objective is, in order to have this happen in a timely manner, the major approvals would be with the previously approved uses. He stated he is apprehensive about the down turn in office uses. They would hope to pick whoever can get a project up quickly. Cm. Oravetz asked if IKEA is interested. Mr. Griggs stated no, they have withdrawn their application and are in exclusive discussions with another party. Mr. Ambrose stated he thought he heard 15 acres with high density. Mr. Griggs stated they would like flexibility to have 15 of the 27 acres high density residential or commercial. They want to explore the demand. Mayor Houston stated he likes the idea of flexibility but it has to be within plans. This isn't any different than Hacienda or Bishop Ranch. Staffing and how we get it done is more of a concern. It is not realistic to expect that this particular request is going to jump to the front of the line. Cm. Zika stated he has concerns about residential down there, especially When they just approved 1,500 units on the County's property. We have a lot on our plates right now. We have a fiduciary responsibility to have a project manager go through this. He stated he felt 6 months would be generous. Mr. Griggs stated they are interested in pursuing this in whatever timeframe the City can accommodate. Cm. Zika stated when we planned this we took jobs/housing into consideration and he would hate to see this get off kilter. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 200t PAGE 410 Mr. Griggs stated they are just looking for the City to initiate something. They realize the Staff constraints. They have some potential interested parties. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she struggled with this in the beginning and in making changes to our plan. We have already built in some of the options in case the market changes, so congratulations were offered to those who wrote the plan. Adding more housing in a transit area is not a bad thing. In looking at the amount of housing needed on a regional basis, this is a benefit. She stated she would be supportive of this. Cm. McCormick stated she was willing to look at the housing portion and a true mixed~ use project and not big blue boxes. We have to look at the integrity of the whole area. Pat Cashman stated the City seems to be putting the cart before the horse. You don't do a General Plan Amendment just for the beck of it. Commerce One should come forward with a concrete proposal and then the Council can take action. The plan would be the basis for the Council taking the first step. Mayor Houston stated he is right, but maybe we need to show some flexibility. Mr. Cashman urged them to show what they are talking about. They are willing to be open~minded, but not giving them carte blanche. Adolph Martinelli stated the ACSPA owns this site and Commerce One has an option on it. They have a very complicated purchase agreement on it. They don't have the right to just come in and ask for what they want. They have to look at additional mitigation and who pays for it, and other issues. Cm. Zika stated he felt Pat and Adolph were fight. We've got a pig in a poke here. Bring us a project. A lot of people, including himself spent 10 years on a plan. Residential is a tax negative and commercial is a tax positive. Vice Mayor Lockhart pointed out you won't really know until you study it. Mayor Houston felt it is not bad to allow flexibility for some ideas. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by 4 ~ 1 vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. t70- 01 APPROVING THE INITIATION OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT STUDY FOR COMMERCE ONE FOR PROPERTY OWNED BY COMMERCE ONE Cm. Zika voted in opposition to the motion. CITY COUNCIL MllXltrrEs VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 411 CITY ,OF DUBLIN 20TI'i ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR 10:29 p.m. 8.4 (1 ~0~50) Assistant to the City Manager Julie Carter presented the Staff Report and advised that it had been proposed that the City produce a 20th anniversary City calendar depicting the changes that have occurred in Dublin over the past 20 years. This would be in lieu of a City Newsletter. f Ms. Carter advised that price quotes have been obtained for a full color calendar printed on recycled paper. The lowest quote is for approximately $18,000, including postage. In contrast, the Newsletter was budgeted at $5,500, a difference of $12,500. Cm. McCormick asked if we plan to sell the calendar. Ms. Carter replied no, it will be mailed to all Dublin residences. Cm. Oravetz asked who will select the pictures. He stated he has some pictures he will share. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she prefers a calendar as this is something unique. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Zika, and by unanimous vote, the Council determined that it would prefer to produce a City Calendar commemorating the City's gOth anniversary and approved a $12,500 Budget Change. OTHER BUSINESS 10:34 p.m. Mr. Ambrose reported that Supervisor Miley will be having a meeting on October 3'0 and we will have a City Staff representative at that hearing. Mr. Ambrose advised that at the September 27th Tri-Valley Council meeting, there will be a discussion related to long and short term energy projects and a presentation on water issues by Tri~Valley Business Council. Pleasanton is hosting the meeting, which starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Pleasanton Senior Center. .... ' ..... CITY COUNCIL MI1WUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 412 Cm. McCormiCk reported that she had attended a sustainable housing workshop in San Leandro. This was an interesting exercise and worthwhile. Cm. Zika stated he also attended this and we at least have some criteria about what someone defines as smart growth. It is a good place to start. Cm. Zika reminded everyone of Day on the Glen event on Saturday, September 22ha. Vice Mayor Lockhart apologized and stated she will be out of town and won't be at Day on the Glen. Cm. Oravetz reported that he attended an Alameda County Library meeting and the bad news is Governor Davis asked that the bill returning ERAF funds not even come to his desk this year. This was predictable with the energy crisis this year. They will try again next year. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she had had inquiries regarding parking in front of the Post Office on Village Parkway. Mr. Thompson stated a memo had been prepared and the Council should be getting it within the next day or two regarding this situation. Vice Mayor Lockhart inquired about the Iron Horse Trail status. Mr. Thompson stated as soon as the signal is finished up it should be open. This should be completed pretty soon. Vice Mayor Lockhart commented that some of the Irish people from Bray called to let the community know their feelings about the terrorist attack. Joe Buckley was instrumental in forming the sister city group. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she attended a planning committee meeting for Waste Management. Many tons could be re. cycled by using food waste. $5.5 million is available for each of two facilities for composting. Five companies have submitted CITY COUNCIL MINU'r£S VOLUME Z0 REGULAR MEETING September t8, 200t PAGE 4t 3 proposals. Something good and exciting is happening with this money. They're working on a facility for Altamont Landfill. Mayor Houston reminded everyone of the fund established earlier. The money will be turned over to the American Red Cross and contributions can be made by calling City Hall at (925) 833-6650. Mayor Houston adjourned this meeting in memory of the firefighters and police officers who lost their lives trying to save others. ADJOURNMENT 11.1 There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:43 p.m. A'ITEST: -- ~k_(~ty Cle{~k CITY COUNCIL MINUT£S VOLUME 20 REGULAR. MEETING September 18, 2001 PAGE 414