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Commissioners Narum and Blank agreed this was needed. Commissioner Narum recalled meeting with the former mayor who was adamant about setbacks so there was still visibility of the hill. She reiterated that it would be important to ensure that the setbacks are consistent with those of the fire station and other existing buildings. Commissioner Narum then inquired if there was consideration given to delivery trucks for Safeway and circulation at the gas station. Mr. Pavan replied that the site plan was reviewed by the Engineering Division and can accommodate everything up to and including 18-wheel vehicles. He noted that smaller vehicles may be able to front-load by the dock and pointed out on the plan the loading area for the Safeway Store and the fuel station, as well as those for the pharmacy and smaller retail buildings which would use front-loading. Commissioner Narum noted that if a truck is backed-up into the loading area for the pharmacy, the driveway would be blocked. She inquired if the City’s Traffic Engineer had reviewed this circulation element. Mr. Pavan confirmed that the plan was reviewed by both the City’s Traffic Engineer and the Engineering Division. Commissioner O’Connor inquired if staff worked with the applicant regarding rotating the position of the gas pumps in order to minimize the visual impact from Bernal Avenue. He noted that this was a big issue for Commissioner Narum and himself at the last workshop. Mr. Pavan replied that staff found this position to be acceptable. He deferred its feasibility aspects to the applicant. Mr. Dolan stated that he also weighed in on this question and indicated that he did not understand why the Commissioners felt they would be less visible if turned. He indicated that he believed it would depend upon from which way people were looking at them. Commissioner O’Connor stated that if the pumps were turned the other direction, only the depth of two pumps would be visible, as opposed to seeing all the lines of the pumps and all the cars lined up. He indicated that he was not as concerned about those exiting the freeway and turning right, as with people approaching the freeway from down Bernal Avenue since the corner will be seen from quite a distance. He noted, however, that if the berm were higher and heavily landscaped, those impacts may be limited. He added that the Commission has not seen any detailed landscape plans at either of the two workshops to provide a comfort zone. Mr. Dolan stated that one concern will be the turning radius for tanker trucks to fill the tanks. He added that staff can work with the applicant to see if the other configuration works. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 14, 2009 Page 9 of 25