PC 121306 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to an inquiry by Commissioner O'Connor regazding whether the City had any discretion in how the fees were applied, Mr. Tassano replied that the City had specific projects that were identified in the traffic fees. The fee was assessed based on the number of trips generated from a project, and the total cost was dependent on the project. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner O'Connor regazding whether the Bemal Bridge would be open by the time Home Depot opened, Mr. Tassano replied that they did not anticipate that. Commissioner O'Connor wanted to ensure that it would not be delayed. Mr. Tassano noted that staff considered it ahigh-priority project. Commissioner Blank expressed concern about the light at Nevada Street. Mr. Tassano noted that intersection was approaching apeak-hour delay. Commissioner Blank noted that there was a blind spot that made it very difficult to see and found it astonishing that anyone could safely make alert-hand tum at that light. Commissioner Pearce believed that weekends during the summertime would be a major peak use for Home Depot, which coincided with the waterslide. Mr. Tassano noted that the traffic studies examined the worst-case scenarios for lowest and highest uses. While the waterslide produced more trips on the weekend, the overall volume of service on the city streets would still be lower. A discussion of the derivation of trip rates, internal capture, and pass-by percentages ensued. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox regarding the percentage of traffic that would be newly attracted to the facility versus passersby, the applicant indicated that the rate was 48 percent. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox regazding whether an ordinance could be created to make Valley Avenue between Santa Rita Road and First Street closed to truck traffic, Mr. Tassano noted that the Municipal Code was not set up to define any given truck route. However, trucks were allowed on these streets if they were headed for a commercial destination. He noted that an enforcement effort was ongoing. Ms. Hartyman believed the Commissioners were asking whether an ordinance could be adopted prohibiting trucks on certain streets. She noted that the Vehicle Code in State law provides that the State controlled the streets unless they gave the City the specific authority in certain areas. She added that she would reseazch that issue further. She believed the City could decide where trucks would be allowed. As faz as conditioning this specific project, it would be done as an ordinance rather than in the conditions of approval. Commissioner O'Connor believed the last meeting included specific discussion of the Home Depot trucks traveling from I-580 to Isabel Avenue rather than through Stanley Boulevazd; he did not see that mentioned in the conditions of approval. Ms. Harryman did not recall that specific discussion but noted that the City has encouraged particulaz routes in past projects. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 13, 2006 Page 6 of 26