PC 01/14/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Robert Cordtz, 262 W. Angela, addressed the Commission. He noted that he is a member of the W. Angela, Harrison and Augustine Watch and also TNT, Trains, Noise and Traffic. He stated his groups have reviewed the proposed plan and staff's report and would like some additional information. First, he would like to review a copy of the finalized land use agreement between the City and the County, as well as a copy of the contract between Alameda County and the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association. They would also like to know the City's position, as the lead agency, in CEQA, noting that they would like to see afull-blown EIR on the marketing plan and how it will impact Pleasanton Avenue. Mr. Cordtz noted that on April 2, 1996 Mr. Roush discussed the fact that the City and County are considered to be sovereign, noting that the fairgrounds is not required to adhere to city ordinances, especially the noise ordinance. He feels it's unfair that unlimited noise can come from the fairgrounds, and that City police have no enforcement powers over the noise problems. He further commented that the City has no control over the sign ordinance on the county property, noting that signs are displayed all along Pleasanton Avenue. Mr. Cordtz also wanted to know who the Fair Board considers to be the "stakeholders", besides the City of Pleasanton. He feels that the neighbors should be considered stakeholders as well since they suffer the noise, lighting, and traffic problems caused by the fairgrounds. Larissa Seto, Assistant City Attorney, responded to Mr. Cordtz's questions and concerns. She advised him that she will send him a copy of the final land use agreement. She also stated that he would need to request a copy of the contract between the county and the fair association directly from Alameda County. In response to Mr. Cordtz's question regarding whether the City is the lead agency for CEQA purposes for the proposed 20-year plan and, if. so, whether they can require a complete EIR for the project, Ms. Seto stated that since the fairgrounds is owned by Alameda County, that the County is actually the lead agency in the event that CEQA is needed. She again, therefore, suggested that he direct this inquiry directly to the County Board of Supervisors, rather than to this Commission. With regard to sovereignty issues between the City, County and the fair association, Ms. Seto stated that under the education code, school districts do have sovereign authority over the property that they own. It is her understanding that under the food and agriculture code, that fairgrounds also have sovereign authority since the property that they operate on is owned by the County. She further noted that the City, therefore, does not have the ability to regulate all uses of the fairgrounds, and that these issues are detailed in the land use agreement. Planning Commission Page 9 January 14, 1998