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7. MATTERS INITIATED BY COMMISSION MEMBERS a. Discussion of Issues Relatin¢ to "Big Box" Retail Development Mr. Iserson summarized the staff report and advised that staff attached ordinances from several communities for the Commission's review, as well as several recent articles on the subject. Staff understands that there were community concerns with respect to superstores in excess of 150,000 square feet and which typically contained full-service grocery stores. When this issue was presented to City Council, it decided not to direct staff to prepare an ordinance on "big box" stores at that time, but suggested that the issue be part of the General Plan review; staff concurred with that suggestion. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Iserson replied that he did not know whether Wayne Rasmussen would raise this issue at the next General Plan meeting on February 19, 2004 but that the Commission could. Chairperson Roberts advised that this issue had not been included on the next Planning Commission. Commissioner Sullivan noted that he had requested more information regarding the percentage of floor space dedicated to non-taxable items. Mr. Iserson noted that information was not included in this report. He noted that the existing WalMart was _ approximately 100,000 square feet with approximately 30,000 square feet of expansion allowed through the development plan. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Roberts, Mr. Iserson replied that there were commercial parcels in Pleasanton where a "big box" store could be placed without a zoning change. He noted that the Auf de Mar parcel at Bernal Avenue and Stanley Boulevard had been the subject of discussion for a potential shopping center for some time and was already zoned as a retail district in the General Plan. Commissioner Kameny inquired whether the concern was whether people would shop exclusively at WalMart and abandon Safeway, Albertson's, and the smaller grocery stores. He inquired whether the lack of adequate pay or health benefits was a factor in that opposition. Commissioner Fox replied that it was. Commissioner Kameny cited the question in the handout whether planners had a responsibility for maintaining a fair distribution of income in the United States. Commissioner Sullivan advised that page 21 of the 2003 State General Planning Guidelines states: "Preparing, adopting, implementing, and maintaining the General Plan serves to identify the community's land use, circulation, environmental, economic and social goals and policies as they relate to land use and development." He believed that all those questions were relevant. He noted that page 79 (Economic and Fiscal Goals, Policies and Programs -Program 2.1) states: "Identify a desirable mix of businesses that will produce tax revenue on a continuing basis." He noted that if the Wa1Mart shifted from a primary merchandise store that sells taxable items to one that devotes more floor PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 11, 2004 Page 11 of 19