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A discussion about siren noise ensued, and Ms. Burns noted that they were used as a traffic clearing measure with sensitivity to the residents in the neighborhood. She noted that if there was very little trafl3c late in the evening and early in the morning, the sirens would not be necessary to preempt traffic. Because the trucks use the Opticom system which changes the traffic lights to green, they get the right of way through the traffic signals. She added that the alarm tones within the facility were not audible outside the building. Commissioner Roberts noted that she lived right above the Ruby Hill Fire Station, and added that she did not hear the tones at night or early in the morning. Chairperson Arkin expressed concern about the design, and viewed Bernal Avenue as one of the gateways to the City. I-Ie suggested the possibility of using fake dormers, such as those used in the new Shell gas station, to break up the massing of the building_ He noted that horizontal elements could also be used to increase the fire station's visual appeal within the neighborhood. He would not favor a shiny roof, which he believed would not blend into the residential area_ He suggested a short presentation in the future to present rough alternative sketches of the architecture for the building. Commissioner Kasrieny noted that process worked well with the Applied Biosysten-is application, and saved the applicant a considerable amount of time in the design process. CotTimissioner Roberts emphasized that the LEEDTM certification should not be sacrificed. Commissioner Kemeny believed that the visual appeal was very important, given the fire station's position at the City's gateway. Ms. Burns believed that both goals could be achieved, and added that LEEDTM provided a menu of design opportunities. She added that they would return with elevations that were more consistent with what the Commission approved for the gas station, probably in a neotraditional design_ She sought clarification on the arched roof line_ Commissioner Maas noted that the roof pitch was a very important element. Commissioner Sullivan requested LEEDTM-related costs, and how they affected first costs and ongoing costs_ Mr. Van G'leeve noted that LEEDTM was intended to address office buildings with traditional office hours. He noted that the fire station was a 24/7 operation, and added that those nun-ibers would not be readily available. He noted those numbers would become available as the project progressed. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 8, 2003 Page 7 _. _ _ __..