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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-10-2016 PC Minutes E<ts Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 10, 2016 1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE TO THE FLAG A regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, in the City Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Plaza Chair Kohli called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm Present: Chair Kohli, Vice Chair Mittan, Commissioners Bhuthimethee and Goel, Jeff Baker, Assistant Community Development Director; Kit Faubion, Assistant City Attorney; Kristi Bascom, Principal Planner; and Debra LeClair, Recording Secretary. Absent. Cm. Do 2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — NONE 3. CONSENT CALENDAR — 3.1 Minutes of the April 12, 2016 Planning Commission Meeting. On a motion by Cm Cm. Goel and seconded by Cm Bhuthimethee, on a vote of 4-0-1, (Cm. Do absent) the Planning Commission approved the minutes of the April 12, 2016 meeting 4. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — NONE 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS — NONE 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — NONE 7. NEW BUSINESS — 7.1 Kaiser Dublin Medical Center Project Update (PA 08-050) The Planning Commission will receive a report on the status of the project and a presentation from both City Staff and the Project Applicant on the detailed site and architectural designs for the first phase of the medical campus as well as an overview of the medical campus master plan Vice Chair Mittan recused himself from Item 7.1 due to his ownership of a rental property within 500 feet of the project Kristi Bascom, Principal Planner, presented the project as outlined in the Staff Report. Cm. Bhuthimethee asked why the project update at this time Ms Bascom answered that, due to the size and magnitude of the project, Staff wanted to give the Planning Commission a preview of what will come before them in the future and give them an opportunity to ask questions. Jeff Baker, Assistant Community Development Director, added that there is interest in the community and Staff wanted to ensure that the community is informed and has an opportunity to ask questions and provide input Cm. Goel asked if the Planning Commission will receive a presentation for the commercial portion (Phase lb) with the next presentation, since the timing is the same as Phase la. Ms. Bascom stated that Kaiser was hoping to have the commercial center Phase 1 b proceed at the same time as Phase la; however, the commercial site has not been defined as yet The application will be submitted in the future, but it has not been received by City Staff yet. Cm Goel asked how the height of the complex will compare to the adjacent buildings Mr Baker answered that the recently approved Aloft Hotel at the tallest element will be approximately 53 feet, with the main building being approximately 48 feet tall at 4 stories He stated that the Grafton Plaza residential was approved at 3 stories and will be approximately 42 feet at the peak of the roof Across Dublin Blvd. there are similar heights in the 40-50 foot range Cm. Goel asked about elevation changes across Dublin Blvd and if those developments are also approximately 45 feet tall Mr Baker stated that the properties across Dublin Blvd. are approximately 40-50 feet in height from Dublin Blvd. to the peak of the roof Cm Goel asked about receiving a copy of the environmental document as part of the presentation Ms. Bascom responded that the Planning Commission will receive a copy of the Draft EIR as well as the public comments and response to those comments. She stated that there were no comments received regarding building heights. She pointed out the buildings and their proximity to the project on a slide Hollis Harris, Kaiser Permanente, Applicant, spoke in favor of the project. She stated that Kaiser is ready to build the complex and with 134,000 members of Kaiser Permanente they are excited to expand into the Tn-Valley She stated that the existing clinics in Pleasanton, San Ramon and Livermore will remain open because they are primary care facilities. The current application will provide specialists, radiation, an oncology center and an infusion center She thanked City Staff for their collaborative effort. She stated that Kaiser wanted to the complex to be visible but as unobtrusive as possible in order to preserve the character of Dublin. Tyler Krehlik, SmithGroupJJR, Architect, spoke in favor of the project and introduced his team. He presented the architectural design of the project and listed the services that will be provided and the garden atmosphere of the site. Don (chino, SmithGroupJRR, Design Architect, spoke in favor of the project and gave an overview of the design of the entire project, i e , building elevations, building massing, pedestrian access and the "building within a garden" concept Jimmy Chen, RHAA, Landscape Architect, spoke in favor of the project and gave an overview of the landscaping plan including the water detention basins Mr. Krehlik thanked the Planning Commission for their time. Cm Bhuthimethee asked Ms Harris how she felt the project would improve the Dublin community. Ms. Harris responded that, currently the 134,000 Kaiser Members must drive to Walnut Creek for hospital services and the traffic is challenging. She felt that it is important for Dublin residents to be able to take care of their health care needs in their own community in a nice setting and felt that the complex will be a benefit for the local community and a slightly broader community outside the TTl-Valley area. Cm Bhuthimethee asked how the project will fit into the City and benefit the Dublin community Ms. Harris stated that Kaiser is embarking on a new core value of total health, which is mind, body and spirit and a community that links it all together She stated that for a community to be healthy, they need to have good health care, as well as good schools, shopping experiences, and housing and Kaiser would like to become an integral part of that community Cm. Bhuthimethee asked if there is a linear accelerator in the project Mr Krehlik answered that there will be 4 linear accelerators on-site allowing for radiation therapy at the center The accelerators are stored within shielded bunkers of 4-7 feet thick concrete around each room He stated that the radiation shielding was designed by a radiation physicist and approved by the Radiological Board of the State of California Cm Bhuthimethee asked about the energy center Mr. Krehlik responded that the energy center is a large building that houses the main transformer vaults, boilers, water heaters, and chillers for the air conditioning. The energy center would be associated with the high acuity medical building in Phase 2. Cm Bhuthimethee asked about the artwork and where it would be located Mr. Krehlik answered that the proposed artwork would be on the north side of the building facing Dublin Blvd He stated that they studied where the best place for the art would be and decided that, to give the artist the most freedom and not burden them with solar control, the north side would be best. On the south side of the building they will need to do solar control to keep glare and heat out of the building He also felt that having the artwork face away from the community would not be a good idea. Cm. Bhuthimethee asked if there would be artwork seen from the 1-580 freeway Mr (chino stated that the artwork that is currently being considered has a kinetic quality so that it changes as you move past it Cm Bhuthimethee asked if there will be artwork for each phase or will this be representing the entire campus Mr. Ichino stated that, according to the Dublin Arts Program, each building would require artwork specific to each phase Cm. Bhuthimethee felt that Kaiser has chosen a great location for the Phase la building, and will be interested to see how artwork will enhance the elevations facing 1-580 freeway. Mr (chino answered that facing 1-580 will have a different perceptual scale being seen from an automobile on the freeway. Cm. Goel asked the landscape architect if there will be an elevated deck surface in the "outdoor rooms" as shown on one of the slides Mr. Chen answered that the deck will not be elevated and the slide was to show the general concept of the roof Cm. Goel stated that he liked the elevated deck concept and felt that it would bring out some emphasis or "zen" to the area. He suggested that, when the proposal is submitted, they add more textures and colors that will work with the overall environment Cm. Goel asked if the plant materials and selections will take into consideration allergies. He felt that some of the plant materials listed could be pollen producing and wanted to ensure that some consideration was made for allergies He also wanted to ensure that the plant materials would also be drought tolerant and suggested a more Japanese environment Mr Chen answered that, while refining the design, they will be more strategic regarding allergies. He stated that he appreciated Cm. Goel's comments and will take them into consideration during the design phase Cm Goel mentioned Phase la as the center of the project with landscaping where Phase 3 will be built in the future He asked if they would remove the landscaping and replant that area as part of their strategy, and if the concept for the entire project will be "a building in a garden." Mr Chen stated that when they started the design process they looked at all the phases together but they have not developed design concepts for the different phases Ms Harris stated that what they do in Phase la will set the tone for the entire campus She stated that, as the project is built out, it will look like one cohesive design element Cm Goel asked if installation of a sub drainage basin will not only help with retention on the site but percolation as well Mike Hastings, Engineer, Sherwood Design Engineers, answered that they are utilizing the regional water quality basin for the portion allotted which will allow them to drain directly to the culverts that drain to the basin. He stated that they will manage water through bio retention and will treat all of the water to the standards that are required Cm Goel asked about traffic along Dublin Blvd and turning movements in and out of the facility. He asked how this correlates to the overall regional plan for Dublin Blvd Mr. Hastings responded that there is a full transportation study with the EIR and all the improvements with each phase will be more than adequate to handle the increased traffic loads Cm Goel asked if Dublin Blvd , at this site, will be a Level of Service (LOS) F in 2040 Mr Hastings answered no; he did not recall the details of the 2040 situation, but with Phase la all the required improvements will be completed Cm Goel asked if the project will meet the parking requirements. Mr Hastings stated that there are approximately 200 parking spaces more than required. Chair Kohli asked what uses will be allowed in Phase 1b, and the estimated number of employees working in the overall facility Ms Harris answered that the first building Phase la, will have approximately 400-500 employees on a daily basis; evenings and weekends will have a much smaller crew. She stated that there will be a broad range of uses allowed for Phase lb because of the rapidly changing medical care and what is provided She stated that uses such as office, retail, R&D, senior housing, or a skilled nursing facility will be allowed as they continue to determine the best use for the very large parcel Chair Kohli asked additional questions about the type of retail tenants that might be allowed to operate in a commercial center at this site using a yogurt shop as an example Ms. Harris stated that she is unsure at this time how the land will be developed She stated that Kaiser will ensure that their members' needs are met first. She stated that there could be a yogurt shop but was not sure. She stated that, at full build out, there should be approximately 2,500 employees at the site. Mr. Baker mentioned that, with the commercial component, a wide range of uses are proposed to be allowed, these are not necessarily all Kaiser serving uses, and could be a retail center or skilled nursing, there are a host of uses that could be allowed Chair Kohli felt that, when the uses are determined, the projects will come to the Planning Commission Ms Harris stated that they have tried to allow for maximum potential uses, but whatever use is determined will come before the Planning Commission Cm. Goel asked if there will be a full medical facility at the Kaiser project Ms Harris answered that the name "high acuity medical center" Phase 2 could be a hospital She stated that health care is a rapidly changing field and she was not sure at this time but wanted to preserve the right for a hospital, but does not want to promise a hospital and not deliver one. Cm Goel felt that this is the best location for a hospital, due to the traffic congestion along the tri-valley corridor and encouraged them to include a maternity ward Ms Harris answered that the location is the reason they purchased the property, but hospitals are incredibly expensive and an involved process to be build She stated that, at some point, she could see a hospital on the campus. She stated that the first building will include an urgent care facility which will be staffed by ER doctors and patients can avoid going to Walnut Creek ER and come to Dublin instead Scott Mittan, Planning Commissioner, spoke as a resident. He stated that he is in favor of the overall concept. He encouraged the Planning Commissioners to scrutinize the project in high detail and determine the development of the entire project so that they get it right at this point He suggested that they demand high quality building materials. He felt that with the amount of high density residential close by that pedestrian traffic should be considered paying attention to the look and feel of getting to the facility He was concerned with the amount of the parcel dedicated to a parking lot and would like to see enhanced paving materials. He wanted to ensure that there is good access to public transportation. He was concerned with the noise impact of ambulances at the possible hospital site. He asked if safety issues related to the Livermore Airport were considered in the EIR He wanted to ensure that there was a good transition from the future residential and the commercial site so that it all blends together Robert Upham, resident, was concerned about traffic in Dublin and how this project will impact the city. He asked if the facility will be open to everyone in Dublin or only Kaiser members and if so, he felt that it would not serve the entire community. Janice Wei, resident, was concerned about traffic and public transportation to the Kaiser facility, but stated that she is in favor of the hospital. She was also concerned about the number of employees and patients and how that would affect the traffic situation. Ms. Bascom stated that there was a detailed traffic analysis completed with the City's EIR which takes into account the existing and future conditions and at build out. She stated that the document looks at all development within the community that has been planned for at the year 2040 when the facility would be fully operational. She stated that, not only does it take into account all the development, but it takes into account all the traffic improvements that are planned. There will be a number of traffic improvements that will be triggered by the Kaiser project; additional lanes in the immediate vicinity, roadway width; and activating signals that are not currently operating. She stated that there will be a lot of improvements that were planned for in the long term that will come on board as additional projects are built She added that the project site was designed to account for additional rights of way for CalTrans and for the BART extension to Livermore. Ms Harris responded to the question regarding if anyone can come into a Kaiser facility, she stated that it is not a yes or no question. She added that anyone can come in, but Kaiser members pay a fee to have access to Kaiser health care If a resident is not a member they can be seen but on a fee-for-service basis. She added that there is a pharmacy that can be used by anyone, as well as Vision Essentials which is the eye care section where anyone can buy eye glasses and contact lenses She stated that a hospital cannot deny service to anyone that comes to the ER. She conferred with her legal counsel and then stated that, as part of the community benefit, when there are members of the community that need healthcare, Kaiser will work to provide that. She added that Kaiser has a broad community benefit outreach that will start to be a factor in the community j Mr Krehlik responded to the pedestrians question - He stated that there is full pedestrian access to the front doors from the sidewalks along Dublin Blvd which will be built to City design standards He pointed out the bus stop on the campus and regarding the ambulance and noise question — he stated that, for Phase 1a, the ambulances are there only for scheduled transport of cancer patients and no sirens would be needed Mr. Upham asked where he can obtain the results of the traffic study and was concerned with the results Cm. Goel stated that he assumed that the traffic study took into account the MTC's 2040 projections for the regional network and takes into account Dublin Blvd., 1-580 and all tributary corridors. He asked when the traffic study was completed Ms Bascom answered that the EIR was released for public review in February and March which means the traffic study was completed prior to that Cm. Goel asked if the traffic study took into account the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and all the developments that are currently known He asked if the study included Fallon Road as a corridor, 1-580 and the east and west movement on Dublin Blvd Ms Bascom responded that the traffic study looked at the entire circulation system throughout the City, both current and future Cm. Goel felt that the resident was asking if there would be a BART station near the Kaiser facility but the last known public information shows that the first BART station to the east would be near Isabel in Livermore and would not be close to the Kaiser facility Ms. Harris thanked the Planning Commission for their comments and questions which will give them a lot to work on Cm Bhuthimethee asked if the comments received regarding the ER were available for review. Ms Bascom responded that they are public information and will appear in the Final ER when it is published Mr Baker reminded the Planning Commission that this item was informational only and no action will be taken tonight However, the Applicant and Staff will take their comments and bring the project back at a future date for consideration Cm Goel felt that pedestrian access was important and suggested providing some additional safety elements such as color to the crosswalks and a safe landing area. He was in support of the overall design of the project and felt that using more enhanced materials in the parking lot would help He assumed that the EIR would address the residents' concerns regarding the Livermore Airport and the noise element Chair Kohli thanked the members of the public for attending the meeting and providing comments. He also thanked the Applicant for the presentation and stated that he is looking forward to continuing the discussion and felt that the hub will set the tone for the rest of the project and wanted to create a project that truly represents Dublin and benefits the community but stays in line with the Kaiser mission. 8. OTHER BUSINESS - 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) 9. ADJOURNMENT- The meeting was adjourned at 8 33 37 PM Respectfully submitted, Plan Commission Chair ATTEST: h Pr-Jeff Baker Assistant Community Development Director G 1MINUTES120161PIANMNG COMMISSIOMD5 1016 FINAL PC MINUTES(CF)docx o ! ..