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Notes from the Planning Commission's March 14,2001 workshop on Green Building Practices. r Tricia Maier, Assistant Planner presented the staff report. She provided an overview of the staff recommendations for the objectives of the workshop and described the materials provided with the report. Ms. Maier noted that Wendy Sommer, representing the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, and GeofSyphers, a consultant from Zenergy, were present to address any questions related to technical and design assistance available. She further noted that the facilities manager of the Shaklee building in Hacienda Business Park has extended an invitation for the Planning Commission and staff to tour the building. PUBLIC COMMENT Wendy Sommer, Alameda County Waste Management Authority (ACWMA), 777 Davis Street # 1 00, San Leandro, advised that the ACWMA is available to assist the Commission with any decisions regarding the direction the City may wish to take with regard to green building practices. She noted that the ACWMA has now contracted with Zenergy, which has a team of engineers, architects, and others experienced in the area of green building. She further noted that those consultants are available to help facilitate workshops, and assist with the development of design guidelines and applying green building practices to City facilities. Ms. Sommer described the demolition model ordinance that has been prepared. She advised that it is had written to allow it to be customized by individual cities. She provided information on how the ordinance has been implemented in adjacent cities. r GeofSyphers, Zenergy, 492 Ninth Street, Suite 220, Oakland CA 94607, advised that they have been hired to assist cities by providing services to initiate green building programs, developing ordinances, selecting materials with builder programs, and providing education on green building. Mr. Syphers discussed the incentives that can be offered for encouraging the use of green building practices. He commented on the effects the implementation of a green building ordinance has had on other cities, noting that he feels the climate is right in Pleasanton for developing and implementing an ordinance. He spoke about the important elements of an ordinance (e.g., making sure there are sufficient suppliers in the area). Phillip R. Serna, Vice President, Home Builders Association, 200 Porter Drive #200, San Ramon CA 94583, noted that his association represents 80+% of the builders in the Bay Area. He advised that if the City wants to establish City-specific guidelines for green building, he would hope that the Home Builders Association would be invited to be involved in the development of standards and other elements associated with a future program. He stated that the concept with providing specific incentives for the development community to commence with Green Building practices is a good idea, and that he thinks the program will have a better reception if the idea of incentives is discussed initially. James Paxson, Hacienda Owners Association, stated his concurrence with the previous speakers, noting that they have been very encouraged with the three or four projects during the last year and one-half that have come through the LEED process. He noted that he is particularly --- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 14,2001 Page 16