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r- Ms. Sommer commended the Planning Commissioners for their vision and initiative in adopting a Green Building Ordinance. She believed it was a very significant step that a local jurisdiction could take in moving towards sustainability and stewardship. She believed it could reverse negative impacts that had already occurred. She noted that neighboring cities in Alameda County were watching this process, and were waiting for the Green Building Ordinance to be adopted. She supported a regional approach, and believed this was an important first step. She thanked City staff, particularly Ms. Maier, for their thoroughness and objectivity in approaching this Ordinance. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Maas, Ms. Sommer noted that public recognition of developers who implement the green building standards may be recognized during City Council and Plarming Commission meetings. She noted that developers would like to see a streamlined permitting process. - Geof Syphers wished to underscore Mr. Gottfried's points about costs, and added that three years ago, the higher first costs were due to commissioning costs. Those costs have been reduced significantly as familiarity with the green building standards has become more widespread. He added that costs had also been reduced as developers recognized the inevitability of the adoption of green building standards. He noted that major manufacturers have adapted to the trend; all of Kelly-Moore's paints are LEED qualified as of January, 2003. In addition, every kind of insulation manufactured by Johns- Manville will be formaldehyde-free. He noted that those changes were direct responses to the LEED system, and to cities like Pleasanton that adopted these standards. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Arkin, Ms. Maier confirmed that the City Council would hear this item on October 15,2002, ifit were approved by the Plarming Commission. Commissioner Arkin believed it was important that the cost issues be articulated before the Council during that hearing. Commissioner Sullivan noted that this Ordinance had been a long time coming, and he was glad that it was finally being finalized. He wished to thank Ms. Maier, Ms. Sommer, and Mr. Syphers for working so hard to put the Ordinance and the framework together in a way that was acceptable to the development cOmniunity, the Commission, and the community at large. He noted that they had done an excellent job in accomplishing those goals, especially during some difficult times. He also wished to thank Brian Swift and Deborah Acosta-McKeehan for responding the Plarming Commission's requests to develop the Ordinance, and for their support in getting it to the Commission. He thanked David Gottfried for attending the meeting, and noted that it was an honor to have him present. He hoped that Mr. Gottfried would be able to attend the City Council meeting, and believed that it was critical that he be able to present this information to the City Council. ,--. Connnissioner Sullivan noted that the planet has limited resources, and a fInite ability to provide the natural systems necessary to support life. He believed that the Planning PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 25, 2002' Page 11