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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-2008 PC Minutes Plal1ning Cornmissiof'l Min~utes Tuesday, Jauuary 22, 2008 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL A regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commissicn was held on Tuesday, January 22,2008, in the City Library, Program Room located at 200 Civic Plaza. Chair Schaub called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Chair Schaub, Vice Chair Wehrenberg; Commissioners Tomlinson, King and Biddle; Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager; and Taryn Gavagan, Recording Secretary. Absent: None ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA - NONE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS - On a motion by Cm. King, the minutes of December 11, 2007 meeting were approved as modified. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 5.1 Election of Officers for Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Chair Schaub opened the floor to nominations for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Cm. Biddle nominated Chair Schaub for Chairperson, with a sEcond from Cm. King. Vice Chair Wehrenberg nominated Cm. Tomlinson for Vice Chair, with a second from Chair Schaub. By a vote of 5-0-0, the Planning Commission re-elected Chair Schaub as Chairperson and elected Cm. Tomlinson as Vice Chairperson. 5.2 Planning Commission Goals and Objectives. Chair Schaub asked Ms. Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager, if she would present the Staff Report. Ms. Wilson discussed the specifics of the Goals & Objectives process as outlined in the Staff Report. She explained that the 2008-2009 Preliminary Goals & Objectives are the Community Development Department's (CDD's) implementing strategies of the City's Ten Year Strategic Plan Preliminary 2008-2009 Update. She further explained that input from the Housing Committee was also included in CDD's Preliminary 2008-2009 Goals & Objectives and that one item from the Building Department's Preliminary Goals & ObjE'Ctives would be discussed, although the Planning Commission is not required to review tl1e Preliminary Goals & Objectives for the Building Department. Ms. Wilson stated that there are twelve CDD Preliminary Goals & Objectives recommended for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. CP[annt:ng (-ommiSS1(H! 1 :!0IJ8 Cm. Wehrenberg expressed confusion in regards to Goal #1, not understanding the meaning of, "create a new village." Ms. Wilson explained that although the village has already been planned and most of the land has been entitled and zoned around the BART Transit Area, the Goal is being recommended as a high priority to ensure that Staff is able to continue ensuring:he individual project implementation. Cm. Wehrenberg then expressed interest in Goal #2, stating that she understood the Military was working on the Camp Parks Project at a slower pace and didn't understand why it was ranked with high priority. Ms. Wilson explained that the Camp Parks Project is dependent on the Military and has been slow to move forward; however, after the Notice of Availability process is through, the Military will then look at the potential developers and proposed plans far the Camp Parks area. She explained that once a master developer has secured an agreement with the Military, the City would begin the entitlement process. Cm. King asked what the status of the City's plan was for the Camp Parks area. Ms. Wilson explained that there isn't a plan in place but that th~ City Council did have a community meeting with a consultant in which five alternative plans were discussed for the area. She explained that there was a preferred design but City =:ouncil suggested several changes. Ms. Wilson stated that no plans were adopted or approved and that this Goal is recommended as a high priority to ensure Staff's ability to move forward on the project. Chair Schaub stated that he would like to spend more time discussing the Transit Center and what the Planning Commission would like to see for the overall look of the area. He stated that he would like to discuss the Transit Center, conceptually, as a whole before looking at an individual project. Ms. Wilson explained that the Stage 1 PD and associated EIR for the Transit Center have land use standards, but that the Planning Commission would continue to review architecture for individual projects. Vice Chair Tomlinson asked how much flexibility the Planning Commission has in regards to approvals for the Transit Center projects. Ms. Wilson stated that the Commission reviews individual project design. Chair Schaub stated that he is concerned about how the Center will hold together from all four street views. He suggested that the Transit Center be reviewed as a whole instead of one piece at a time. Ms. Wilson stated that the purpose of the area being included as a part of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan (EDSP) Stage 1 PD was to implement the idea of the Transit Center as a whole. Cm. Biddle expressed interest in Goal #3, asking if Staff planne:l to complete the new Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) by the end of 2008. (om-mIssion 2 January 22,2008 ~Af{'t'finll Ms. Wilson stated that the DSP is a multi-year project that will be completed during the 2008- 2009 fiscal year. Cm. King stated that there are currently two Planning processes taking place and neither is in sync with one another. He explained that between the comprehensive Plan update and the West Dublin BART Specific Plan, it is difficult to have directior. on approval.when individual projects are brought to the Planning Commission for review. He stated that he is concerned that the City is eliminating options for Planning approval. Cm King asked if it would be feasible to do a partial moratorium on approvals for certain projects, if they plan to occupy critical areas. Ms. Wilson stated that City Council has decided not to put a moratorium in place for the Downtown Planning Area. Chair Schaub proposed speaking with City Council, first, if any further projects come in that are looking to occupy a part of the Downtown Area. He proposed the idea of slowing down any final building being done in the Downtown Area. After much discussion, the Planning Commission agreed that until the DSP is complete, it would be beneficial to hold a briefing on any projects coming in that are looking to occupy a part of the Downtown Area. Ms. Wilson suggested adding a new CDD Preliminary Goal & Objective stating, "Briefings to the Planning Commission regarding significant redevelopment projects within the Downtown Planning Area." After discussing the meaning of significant, the Planning Commission agreed that significant would refer to significant changes of land use or site layout changes. Ms. Wilson confirmed the verbiage for the new CDD Preliminary Goal & Objective stating that it would read, "Briefings to the Planning Commission regarding significant redevelopment, which would include site and/ or land uses, within the Downtc.wn Planning Area, as necessary. " Planning Commission agreed that the following CDD Prelimin:lry Goals & Objectives would be considered high priority: #1- Implement residential planned development and investigate opportunities to create a new village in Eastern Dublin Transit Center. #2- Complete Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (Camp Parks) general Plan and Specific Plan Amendments. #3- Prepare Community Design Element of General Plan. #4- Update Downtown, West Dublin BART and San Ramon Specific Plans into one comprehensive Plan that addresses the entire Downtown Area. #5- Complete Scarlett Court Specific Plan. ('ommls.n>n 3 January 22J zoos #6- Create Multi-Modal general Plan Circulation Map. #7- Participate in 2010 Census. #8- Complete General Plan Amendment on Nielsen property. #9- Complete Grafton Plaza General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan Amendment. Cm. Wehrenberg expressed concern with Goal #10, explaining that she has found fallacies in the current General Plan and believes it is important to have it updated quickly in order to connect with other plans. Ms. Wilson explained that the cost to update the General Plan is extremely high and the City does not anticipate updating it at this time. She further explained that there are several Specific Plans in place that are used in conjunction with the General Plan. Cm. Wehrenberg suggested using some of the money collected from developers to help pay for the cost of updating the General Plan. She then suggested that the Goal be moved up to medium priority. Ms. Wilson stated that she would provide training on General Plans for the Planning Commission to inform them of document updates. After discussing changes to the General Plan, the Planning Commission agreed that the update for the City's General Plan would be moved to medium priorit:,r. Vice Chair Tomlinson expressed concern in having Goal #11 as low priority.. He explained that many new development projects lack useable backyards and believes it would be beneficial to have small parks within easy walking distance. Chair Schaub suggested moving the Goal up to medium priority. Cm. Biddle clarified that the Planning Commission is not referring to City Parks but small neighborhood parks that would be maintained by the local Homeowner's Association. After much discussion, the Planning Commission agreed that c.eveloping a policy requiring play areas in walking distance of new homes in new subdivisions should be moved to medium priority . Chair Schaub asked why Staff was recommending the deletion of completing the General Plan Amendment on the DiManto Property. Ms. Wilson explained that the Goal has been on the CDD's Goals & Objectives list for several years and no/very minimal activity has taken place. She explalned that Staff felt other projects held higher priority. Vice Chair Tomlinson suggested leaving the Goal as a low priority so if activity does happen, Staff is able to work on it. After a brief discussion, the Planning Commission agreed to change the priority to low. {olrHmss-h,n 4 :JaNuary 22, 20U8 Ms. Wilson discussed the Housing Committee's Preliminary GJals & Objectives and stated that the Committee wished to change the goal number of First Time Homebuyer Loans from ten to fifteen. Chair Schaub and Vice Chair Tomlinson stated that they believed it would be beneficial to evaluate how we make proactive decisions when giving developers the option to pay in lieu fees for their Inclusionary obligation. They stated that this would contribute more funds to the current In-Lieu Fee account, therefore enabling more funds to be allocated for the First Time Homebuyer Loan Program. Chair Schaub and Vice Chair Tomlinson further stated that they were concerned that the homeowners occupying Inclusionary units were owners that hold the usual upkeep for a single- family home, plus the Homeowner's Association Dues, and GHAD fees that they may not always be able to afford in some remote locations such as the proposed Moller Ranch area. Chair Schaub expressed concern about the high number of Inclusionary units that have yet to be constructed. He explained that the current housing market, he believes the City's need for Affordable Housing vs. adding money to the Housing Fund should be discussed. Chair Schaub then stated that he would like to evaluate the Housing Committee, which was set up as a two-year pilot program. After much discussion, the Planning Commission agreed to create a new CDD Preliminary Goal & Objective to, "Evaluate the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance with respect to all potential opportunities". Chair Schaub; Vice Chair Tomlinson; Cm. Biddle and King agreed that the Goal would be created with high priority. Cm. Wehrenberg stated t::lat she believes it is of medium priority. Planning Commission then agreed that the existing Housing Committee Preliminary Goals & Objectives are of high priority. Chair Schaub requested a way for the Planning Commission to stay current on environmentally sustainable building practices. Ms. Wilson stated that one of tre high priority Goals & Objectives for the Building Department is to implement a self-certification program for Green Building practices. Cm. King expressed concern in regards to educating the community on water conservation. Ms. Wilson stated that air quality and water issues are discussed as a part of CEQA documents. Chair Schaub suggested the General Plan including an environmental element. He expressed concern for solar power and the fact that not many developers ;;eem to be incorporating the use of solar power. Ms. Wilson informed the Planning Commission that Lennar Homes has installed solar powered roofs for a current development under construction in the City. Chair Schaub stated that he would like to make sure that' the Cty is doing everything possible to make sure that developments are environmentally sustainable. He stated that it might be a good idea for the City to have a goal of reducing energy consumption by 20%. { '(,ll?;,mlsY{:n 5 ,jO!HWt)' 20U8 'llee! mq Ms. Wilson recapped the CDD's Preliminary Goals and Objectives with the Planning Commission votes. The Planning Commission agreed that the Housing Committee's recommendation to process ten First Time Homebuyer Loans should be changed to fifteen First Time Homebuyer Loans. Chair Schaub opened the floor to Public Comment, hearing no comment closed the public comment. CONSENT CALENDAR - NONE WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE Ms. Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager, invited the Planning Commissioners to attend the Downtown Specific Plan Walking Tour and Community Meeting on February 7th. Chair Schaub asked what the turn out was for the Downtown Specific Plan Online Survey. Ms. Wilson stated that she was unsure of the exact number of responses but indicated it was very successful. Cm. Wehrenberg asked if anyone had looked at the details br this year's Planner's Institute. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that it might be a better idea for the Commissioners and Planning Staff to have dinner together for team building, as oppose to having the Commissioners attend the Planner's Institute this year, due to the limited number of sessions of interest to the Commissioners. Ms. Wilson stated that the Commissioners could attend the Planner's Institute for a day if there was a specific class they wanted to take. Ms. Wilson asked if the Planning Commission could bring their Historic District Plans to the next Planning Commission meeting for updates. She state:! that Staff anticipates a Study Session in March to discuss the Blake Hunt project. OTHER BUSINESS 10.1 Brief INFORMATION ONLY reports from the Planning Commission and/or Staff, including Committee Reports and Reports by the Planning Commission related to meetings attended at City Expense (AB 1234). ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. { (1fzmtsnon 6 .1a tluory ..22;- ,?OU8 G: \ MINUTES \ 200B \ PLANNING COMMISSION \ lol2.0B.doc Respectfully submitted, J~ Bill Schaub Planning Commission Chair Jauuary 22} 2008 7