CCMIN072109 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Fialho advised the Council to explore the topic further when a new community or neighborhood development project comes forth. Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. John Carroll voiced opposition to the certification of an EIR he does not believe to be complete, stating that supplemental EIR work is still taking place and the public was given inaccurate information in the draft EIR. He said the public was led to believe that the extension of Stoneridge Drive was removed from the General Plan and asked the Council not to move forward with certification until the public has been allowed a full and proper review. He also said that the General Plan's growth strategy is unsustainable and the city should take a strong look at the consequences of that growth ending. Mayor Hosterman closed the public hearing. BREAK: Mayor Hosterman called for a short break and, thereafter, reconvened the regular meeting. Councilmember Sullivan cited the General Plan's new themes and policies and commended the efforts of everyone involved in creating the document. He said that the concepts of climate change, sustainability, energy, and water are all things that many have been advocating for years as part of the core of planning principals. He concurred with Councilmember McGovern on the need for measured sustainability indicators and asked that it be part of a sustainable development concept and reflected in Land Use Program 1.1. Councilmembers voiced their support for the program change. Councilmember McGovern requested the addition of "sewer capacity" and that "water quality" include "availability." Councilmember Sullivan suggested this be looked at as more of a policy statement, with the opportunity for staff to return later with a full list of indicators. Mr. Fialho concurred, stating that the policy will evolve as measurement indicators are developed. Councilmember Sullivan noted that Program 6.1, referencing the East Pleasanton Specific Plan, makes no mention of open space, greenbelt buffers between Pleasanton and Livermore, or wildlife corridors. He reiterated Councilmember McGoverrl's request that the language be clear in that it does not confer any entitlement. Mr. Fialho provided the following amendment, which the Council supported: "Although the General Plan map indicates several types of land uses that may be considered in the specific planning process, this General Plan confers no entitlement to any future development of land in East Pleasanton." Referring to Program 12.2 on Page 2 -32, Councilmember Sullivan requested that the Civic Center Master Plan concept include the possibility of a transit- oriented plan incorporating the Civic Center, ACE Train Station, and San Francisco property. Councilmember McGovern expressed her concern with the lack of open space and plazas. She noted that the latest survey of the Bernal property indicated support for the plaza at Tully's and how something similar would be appreciated in the downtown area. She requested assurance that maintaining the vitality of the downtown character with plazas and open space would be a priority. Mayor Hosterman said that would undoubtedly be part of the discussion. City Council Minutes Page 8 of 14 July 21, 2009