SR 06:079 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Pearce regarding whether the nearby ice house had a historical significance and whether it would be retained, Mr. Jorgensen noted that he believed that the ice house sat on the County corridor and was outside the scope of this project. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox regarding the timing of Charles Huffs involvement and when the Commission could see a potential change in design, Ms. Decker replied that staff would forward the Commission's comments ofthe design and anticipates that additional discussions could happen in concert with furthering the design. She believed there would be time to refine some of the exterior elements during the period between now and when the project would go to Council in early March. She added that the collaborative effort between the community and City staff would likely be desirable. She emphasized that discussion regarding the project would not end with the comments from the Planning Commission being forwarded to the City Council. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Blank regarding whether staff recommended that the Planning Commission approve this project as stated in the project description, Ms. Decker noted that staff s recommendation at the end of the staff report was inappropriately stated. She noted that the Commission's role was more specifically detailed earlier in the staff report and that staff recommends the Commission review and provide comments on the project, which would be forwarded to the City Council for final action. Mr. Jorgensen noted that the Commission's comments would be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration as it provides direction to staff and the architects, who had been directed to start the construction drawings. He noted that in the fall of 2006, the Council will again review the construction drawings, the success of the fundraising, and the internal funding ofthe project, and will then make a determination on whether to go forward with the project. He believed there was room for the Planning Commission's recommendations to Council as to the direction of the architecture. He added that the Council would like a bid opening by November 2006. Chairperson Arkin noted that this discussion would be treated as a workshop and requested that each Commissioner provide comments. Commissioner Pearce believed the combination of firehouse and arts center was a brilliant idea and that the arts were extremely important to Pleasanton. She commended the Task Force and the fundraisers for their time and effort. She appreciated the PDA's input into the design process. She liked the interior design and believed that the changing tables in the restrooms were essential. She liked the inclusion of classrooms, and although she would have liked a continuation of the brick, she recognized the cost involved. She liked the combination of historical and modern design elements and would like to continue to find a way to bring the design into conformance with the Downtown Design Guidelines. Commissioner Fox noted that she was very supportive ofthe arts in Pleasanton. She noted that if she were looking at this building coming from an outside commercial firm into Downtown, she would be fairly certain that the Planning Commission would direct staffto revisit the design so that it would be in conformance with the Downtown Design Guidelines. She noted that she would have also recommended a peer review by Larry Cannon. She believed the PDA should EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, February 8, 2006 Page 6 of8