PC 07/12/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Wright inquired of staff the procedure involved in initiating an Em. Mr. Rasmussen commented that the EIR procedure regarding alternatives allows input given by the Planning Commission and the City Council. Commissioner Wright does not want to do an EIR on issues that may be removeq from the fmal General Plan. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED George Gunter, Chairman, reviewed the process taken by the General Plan Steering Committee over the last two years. He noted the Committee was asked to give input on the Ridgelands, the San Francisco Water Department property, the Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan, Del Prado, Mirador Drive, etc., which lengthened their overall process. There were six sub-committees, and no restrictions were placed on any sub-committee as to proposals and comments. Mr. Gunter advised that he compiled all the comments made at the sub-committee meetings on June 5th, and gave the Commission an overview of these comments, indicating the high percentage of those present not making any comments on the major changes. In closing Mr. Gunter commented that change is hard to make and growth will occur, however, none of the changes recommended by the GPSC will degrade the quality of life in Pleasanton. Mr. Gunter also recommended that any disagreement of findings or recommendations by the Planning Commission and City Council should be put to a vote of the citizens of Pleasanton. Mr. Gunter was also disappointed the Commissioners received the document in draft form. Commissioner Barker felt the staff report was not well done because she believes it is actually a minority report on selected items already resolved by the General Plan Steering Committee. Conversely, Commissioners Wright and Hovingh thought the arduous task of assembling all the comments was well done by staff. Commissioner Dove feels the conclusion should not be taken that because there was no discussion on a particular issue that people approve of the issue. Stan Erickson, Member of the General Plan Steering Committee, presented the Commission with a minority report dated July 12, 1995, from five of the thirteen members of the Steering Committee. Mr. Erickson advised that the minority group is not unhappy with the final report; however, they would like to add a different perspective to it. They are proposing a slow growth approach to housing. They favor several hundred housing units less than what is indicated in the final document. Commissioner Barker feels the minority report topics should have been included in the staff report. Commissioner Hovingh expressed his concern that the minority report was not prepared in time to be included in the meeting agenda packet and that the Commission is being asked to make comments before seeing the minority report. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 July 12, 1995