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the second purpose, which is to provide an evaluation of the environmental impacts and the ways in which those impacts might be reduced to less than significant levels through fairly defined methodology involving setting the thresholds of significance. He noted that sometimes those thresholds are suggested in the CEQA guidelines provided by the State, sometimes they evolve from acceptable practice throughout the State in various jurisdictions implementing CEQA, and sometimes they have a very local orientation through thresholds that have been adopted by the City in its General Plan or other regulatory documents. Mr. Dolan continued that it is also important to understand the caveats and possible important exceptions to the two purposes, what CEQA is not. He stated that CEQA is not intended to make a recommendation on the project and should be an objective look on the impacts and suggested mitigations. He noted that theoretically, it should be just as useful, regardless of whether the ultimate decision is to support it or not. He added that the information should be factual, straightforward, and objective. Mr. Dolan stated that it is important to note that CEQA acknowledges that the documents are rarely perfect, particularly at the first draft, and that is the reason why the process includes a draft and a final document. He pointed out that sometimes, the final document is not perfect, but it nevertheless needs to be sent out with its imperfections, as long as the issues have been addressed as best as possible and there is enough information to make a good, solid decision. Mr. Dolan further noted that there are some issues that do not rise to the level of significant environmental impact in CEQA, which should be addressed not necessarily through the CEQA process but through a process that operates outside of the CEQA document, such as the conditions of approval of the project. Mr. Bocian then reiterated that the purpose of meeting is to receive comments regarding the Draft EIR and that there will be ample opportunity in the future to ask questions about the prof ect itself. Rod Jeung commended staff for the excellent and thorough staff report. He stated that his role is two-fold: first, to give a "Reader's Digest" version of the Draft EIR; and second, to listen and take down notes. He indicated that the Draft EIR is an information document to help the public and the Commission in its decision-making process. He noted that this is the draft stage of the process and that he would like to hear all the questions the Commission might have so he can prepare responses later on to ensure that the Commission is provided the basis to make an informed decision about the project. With respect to the document, Mr. Jeung stated that the standard topics are covered and that what is important is to understand the existing baseline and then the overlay which shows how the project changes those existing conditions. He noted that those changes represent the impact, which is what is identified and presented in the Draft EIR for the benefit of the community. He indicated that CEQA acknowledges that there are going to be changes as a result of the project, but it wants the community to understand that some of those changes are substantive and may affect community values. He stated that the goal is to come up with mitigation measures and make recommendations that would take those impacts below the defined thresholds of significance. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 14, 2008 Page 5 of 14