PC 04/28/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Sullivan commended staff for their work on the project. He noted his support with doing the studies for reducing the off-site portion of Vineyard Avenue into two lanes and reducing cut-through traffic. He expressed concern with existing residences funding the traffic calming program. He commented on organic fanning and expressed support with the statement that would exclude Methyl Bromide use; however, he expressed concern with other types of pesticides that could be used in the future which have not been examined and the potential health effects on the school children and residents. He noted that there is a trade-off for the convenience of the farmers versus the potential health risk to the public by not requiring organic farming and noted his continued support for organic farming. Mr. Rasmussen noted that there is a provision in the Draft Specific Plan under the Vineyard district that relates to the use of the chemicals and states that "each individual vineyard or other crop owner shall be responsible for preparing an Integrated Pest Management Plan with the reduction of chemicals as an objective." Mr. Sullivan noted that his objection is that agriculture is "recommend" not "required" to restrict chemical use. He noted that this subject has not been adequately addressed in the EIR. Discussion ensued relating to the 1990 California Organic Act as the standard for chemical use. Ms. Seto commented that she had obtained information regarding the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and there is a problem with the Commission attempting to restrict specific chemicals. Commissioner Sullivan noted there is a need in Pleasanton for daycare and he would be in support ora daycare center that had 30-50 children from the school. He addressed Lot 28 and Lot 31 and noted his agreement with staffs recommendation; however, he expressed concern with the owners of lots 29 and 30 raising issues at a later time relating to the redistribution of units. Ms. Seto noted that the owners of Lots 29 and 30 have been properly noticed of the Specific Plan hearings. Commissioner Sullivan expressed concern with issues relating to the undergrounding of utilities and noted that there were 60KV power lines running on the west side and if front of the school site. He provided the Commission with an article relating to a study that was conducted on electromagnetic fields (EMF) and health and safety concerns. He noted that the City should address issues relating to utility lines being routed so there are no ill health effects on children at school, even though it would affect the economic feasibility of the project. Mr. Rasmussen noted that the EIR addresses this issue and states that the school will be required to have ample set back requirements from high-voltage line easements. Commissioner Sullivan noted that the Specific Plan should adhere to the state requirements for the setbacks; however, he expressed doubt that was adequate. Commissioner Sullivan spoke in support of reducing the speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph on Vineyard Avenue to reduce noise to pre-project noise level conditions. Commissioner Sullivan commented on the RMC Lonestar quarry operation and stated that mining activity is not a compatible land use with residential development. He noted that this operation creates a health and public safety issue. He noted his desire for phasing the project in the Medium Density Residential and school areas to coincide with the completion of mining and processing operations. He further supported negotiations with Lonestar for Lot 21. He noted that signing a disclosure and efforts to reposition residences are not adequate mitigation. He reiterated his desire for phasing the project in the Specific Plan and noted he did not agree with the EIR statement of overriding considerations regarding aggregate operations. PLANNiNG COMMISSION MINUTES Page 7 April 28, 1999