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Resolution No. PC-2001-59 was entered and adopted as motioned. r- 7. MATTERS INITIATED BY COMMISSION MEMBERS Commissioner Roberts suggested that the Planning Commission discuss Jeb Bing's article which appeared in the Pleasanton Weekly. She stated that she doesn't know ifit is appropriate or inappropriate for the Commission to respond. Commissioner Roberts advised that it disturbs her that Mr. Bing was acting on some misinformation. With regard to the reference to the continuance of the Downtown Specific Plan, she noted that this was a workshop, and, it, therefore, would be continued. Commissioner Kameny noted that he was not in attendance at the previous meeting and suggested that individual Commissioners respond with letters to the editor noting that there were mistakes in the article with regard to various facts. Larissa Seto advised that any Commissioner within hislher individual capacity could respond. She further advised that it would need to be a collective decision whether the Commission wants to refute on a point-by-point basis some of the statements made in the article. She asked the Commission to consider whether they want to respond in the future to articles which they feel are factually inaccurate, or do they feel that the record reports and the people who were there understand what occurred. She noted that this is a difficult situation, because once they respond, the public will expect to see these kind of rebuttal letters, and when they don't see them there may be an expectation that the Commission agrees to what was stated. r Chairperson Maas stated that she wants to make sure that the Commission feels comfortable and understands that when meetings are lengthy they are being considerate to the public and the public is being heard, and the Commission is able to have sufficient opportunity to express their opinions. She suggested that the Commission utilize the five-minute timer for speakers and review the agenda at 9:00 p.m. to determine which items can be heard in order to conclude the meeting by II :00 p.m. Commissioner Roberts noted that the last two items on the November 28 agenda were City applications. Discussion ensued regarding hearing new agenda items after II :00 p.m. Commissioner Arkin stated that he feels there is no problem with the public speaking too long, noting that they have a right to be heard. He stated that he would support someone preparing a response on behalf of the Planning Commission and would be happy if Commissioner Roberts wrote a letter. Commissioners Roberts questioned whether it might be better not to respond. Chairperson Maas advised that she feels this would be best and that the Commission review the agenda to determine which items could be heard. r- Ms. Seto noted that at the last meeting, Chairperson Maas asked if the Historic Preservation Ordinance could be continued, and staff strongly suggested that the item be heard because the consultant had traveled from Los Angeles. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 12, 2001 Page 6