01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Stern said no, the ridge lands as defined by the Initiative. Councilmember McGovern questioned why the ridge lands in one part of the town were different than the other part of the town, feeling they should be equally treated as important. Ms. Stern said this particular part was subject to an initiative and this was the reason for the specific language. She felt in concept, similar protections of ridge lands could be placed for other parts of town. Councilmember Sullivan agreed and said one of his comments was that the Council should talk about a similar policy for the southeast hills. Mayor Hosterman in questioning how assisted living units were counted, she wanted to maintain flexibility so that the Council can look at potential, additional opportunities for people to age in place. She felt assisted living units and skilled nursing facility beds should not be counted as homes or counted against the cap. She felt the Council would vigorously defend its voter- approved limit cap on housing, would not count any of the units because of its designation as a medical facility under state law; however, good points were raised about apartment-like duets which were full living facilities and she would be willing to count these against the cap numbers, but not beds. Councilmember Cook-Kallio agreed, but also questioned whether or not those types of apartments could provide assisted living, which might be a grey area because plans have not been reviewed by the Council. Councilmember McGovern felt there were people living in their homes with assistance provided at their residence and felt the Council should go along with what the ABAG housing unit definition was. City Manager Fialho felt the Council did not have to make the decision tonight, said no where in the land use plan does staff identify where the units are going but are simply zoned areas for accommodating potential density and projects. The projects will be evaluated based on their merits as they come forward and at that time, the Council can collectively determine whether or not to count them. Mayor Hosterman said she likes the new designations, likes the idea of staff looking also at a hillside development designation and asked staff to look at the concerns of Ms. Roberts and Councilmember Sullivan. Regarding the gross developable acres, while she wants to see as little development as possible in all ridge lands, she felt it was extremely important to recognize the fact that there are land owners who have acreage in hills and have rights. She thanked the Planning Commission for their suggestion in this area. She believes the jobs-housing balance should be reviewed regionally and felt transit-oriented development and higher densities near transit all made good sense and was excited in looking at the opportunities. She was interested in economic, environmental and social sustainability and felt it was woven throughout the land use element. City Manager Fialho reiterated that the intent of the draft element was not to advance TOD, but to provide maximum flexibility for the Council to consider TOD or alternatively affordable housing that is more scattered and traditional to what has been done in Pleasanton in the past. The goal is to allow the Council to measure every project based on its own merits through a PUD process. While new terms are being introduced such as mixed use and high density, making the conclusion that this is advancing TOD in the business park was not the intent but rather responding to Council's interest in evaluating each project as it comes forward. PULLED CONSENT ITEM 2. Continued to September 4th -Waive second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1957 amending Section 2.04.020 of the Municipal Code concerning salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers City Council Minutes 15 August 21, 2007