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The Planning Commission recommended the draft Negative Declaration, Specific Plan amendment, PUD modification and development plan to the City Council. The Commission also recommended the addition of a fence at the southern end of the property, as outlined in Condition of Approval No. 36, to prevent any unauthorized access along the flagpole to the facility. Councilmember Thorne asked and Ms. Stern confirmed that the site was originally approved for development of a two-story office building. He asked how the height of the sound wall was determined and Ms. Stern explained that 6 feet is a standard height between residential and commercial uses. Councilmember McGovern confirmed that Council has the authority to require that all appliances and water fixtures meet the standards outlined in Conditions Nos. 19 and 20. Councilmember Sullivan concurred, stating that the bar seemed to be set rather low. He noted that Conditions Nos. 45 and 46 speak to LEED building standards, which are frankly a bit out of date. He strongly recommended revisiting the City's green building standards to bring them more in line with the goals of the current Climate Action Plan. Mayor Hosterman asked how difficult it would be to apply the City's new standards regarding energy efficiency to the language contained in the staff report. The reality is that if done properly, the overhead is greatly reduced with efficiency installations. She noted that the Council has not approved any new developments under the "PV ready" language in some time, which is something the applicant needs to seriously consider. Director of Community Development Brian Dolan said the applicant has expressed an interest and willingness to work with staff in increasing the number of efficiency installations, though a final number was not agreed upon. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked if new construction is eligible for rebates, similar to those discussed under Energy Upgrade Pleasanton. Councilmember Sullivan said there are utility incentives for green construction design through PG&E's Savings by Design program. Councilmember McGovern said she spoke with the applicant and staff regarding her desire to see LED installations in the parking areas. She discussed the possibility of admitting residents under the specified age limit, thinking specifically of those with early onset dementia conditions, and was told it could be considered on a case-by-case basis but their license is for patients aged 60 and above. She was also pleased to see the presence of plantings in the courtyard areas, which provides a much more comfortable and enjoyable area for residents and their families than she originally envisioned. Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. Carmen Rivera-Hendrickson asked whether the applicant intends to implement universal design standards throughout the facility. She also asked whether those individuals described by Councilmember McGovern would be eligible for residence or discriminated against solely based on their age. Mr. Dolan deferred to the applicant regarding licensing and the age of residents. He explained that universal design is a tool designed to increase the usability of housing that is wide open to the public by those with more specific needs. In this instance, the facility serves a more targeted section of the population and staff has not added any specific universal design requirements. Nick Kavayiotis, applicant, explained that the age restriction of 60 and over is required by the State Department of Social Services. He said there might be the potential for exceptions, provided they are able to provide the services required in an adequate way. City Manager Fialho explained that when presented with these types of privately operated projects, staff typically focuses on the land use aspects of the project rather than looking into the operation's City Council Minutes Page 3 of 8 November 1, 2011