PC 022008 Special Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Olson inquired if, in the process of putting together the inventory, it would be possible to segregate out the air quality problems that come specifically from the City versus those that emanate from the freeways about which the City cannot do anything. Ms. Stern replied that what is being done is an inventory of the City and that she is assuming that ICLEI is looking at how the residents live as a City; she does not know how much of that would address how many of the residents commute and how far they commute. She added that ICLEI maybe able to segregate out those coming through the City; however, focus is mainly on actions the residents take. She indicated that she can find out if segregating out can be done. Ms. Stern then requested the Commission to provide feedback on the Draft Element. She stated that staff would then amend the Draft Element and include the Commission's input into the consolidated Draft General Plan which would come before the Commission at a later time. Ms. Stern noted that Commissioner Fox had submitted questions and comments on the Element, which are included in the minutes in brackets. Chair Blank inquired when the law requiring EPA-approved wood-burning fireplaces would take effect. He noted that there are a number of recently constructed homes in the City that do not appear to have EPA-approved fireplaces, judging from the particulates that come out of their chimneys. Ms. Stern replied that she believes it is enacted through the City's Building Code and added that she would look into that. Chair Blank noted that the technology measures in Policy 7 only addresses motor vehicles and not any other kind ofpollution-generation to which the technology could be applied. He inquired if this was intentional or if there was not sufficient time to think of other things to which the technology could be applied. He added that that he had some ideas about other areas that maybe appropriate such as reducing the air pollution generated by the recycling plant. Ms. Stern replied that Program 7.4 mentions landscaping and other equipments and that there are others that are also included in the Energy Element. Chair Blank inquired why the landscape buffer zone program under Policy 3 was removed and if the language exists in the Land Use Element. Ms. Stern replied that it was moved to the Land Use Element because landscape buffer zones do not necessarily help with pollution. Chair Blank noted that another element mentioned alternative means of transportation such as bicycles. He inquired if the concept of having City-sponsored bicycle stands can be added so people can bike-share. Ms. Stern noted that reference is made at the top of page 9-22 to the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs in the Circulation Element. She added that references rather than repetition are utilized in the document. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, February 20, 2008 Page 4 of 18