SR 06:204 - Laserfiche WebLink

DRAFT THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. There were no speakers. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. In response to Chairperson Arkin's inquiry if this change is being recommended by the Traffic Engineer, Mr. Tassano said yes. Commissioner Fox inquired if the Traffic Engineer spoke with the Alameda County ambulance service. Mr. Tassano said no. Vote: 4-1 Yes: No: Commissioners, Arkin, Blank, Olson, and Pearce. Commissioner Fox. Commissioner O'Connor requested the Commission to consider the proposal to remove the traffic signals at the three Valley A venue intersections. He noted that there have been so many accidents and injuries in the area, even in crosswalks, because vehicles do not stop at the signs. He added that traffic lights provide the opportunity to constrain and open up traffic, and vehicles will stop when the light turns red. Chairperson Arkin asked Ms. Stern to explain what went into the determination of "not compatible with community character." Ms. Stem replied that the determination was made from the planning perspective, based on the concern that this was a fairly low key pedestrian residential area, and increasing the lights there would emphasize the traffic flow into the area and change it into a different area. Commissioner Blank inquired if, should this end up in the General Plan, this would not have to be built unless the Traffic Engineer or the City elected to do so. Ms. Stern replied that most General Plans have an implementation plan which indicates whether programs are planned for near-term, mid-term, or sometime in the future as resources become available. She added that this determination would depend on the list of priorities. In response to Commissioner Blank's inquiry regarding when the implementation plan occurs, Ms. Stern replied that while the 1996 General Plan did not have an implementation plan, most General Plans today include a plan in the form of a matrix at the end of the document that would indicate which department would be responsible for implementing the programs. She added that the 2006 General Plan would have one. Commissioner Blank stated that it would be useful for the Commission to know if the programs are for the near-term, mid-term, or the future. He added that if these identifications have already been made, these should be part of what is presented to the Commission so the Commission can take these into account when considering the improvements. DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, July 26, 2006 Page 6 of8