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PC 06-19-91 CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA. 95014 (408) 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL STUDY SESSION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON JUNE 18, 1991 ROLL CALL: commissioners Present: Chairman Mackenzie Vice Chairman Fazekas Commissioner Mann Commissioner Mahoney Commissioner Austin staff Present: Robert Cowan, Director of Community Development ciddy Wordell, Associate Planner MOTION: Com. Fazekas moved to adopt a Resolution for Mr. Mark Caughey Com. Mahoney Passed 5-0 SECOND: VOTE: Discussion of Preliminary Goals Ms. Ciddy Wordell noted the Commission had taken testimony from several Commissions and at this meeting Public Safety, Energy and the Parks & Recreation Commission would make a presentation. Ms. Wordell reiterated the comments from the last general plan hearing noting the different views the commissioners had. Mr. Ron stasiak, Chairperson, Public Safety, presented recommendations to the General Plan Update as outlined in the staff report and stated he would answer any questions. In response to Com. Fazekas' question regarding major changes, Mr. Stasiak stated it was a consensus of the Public Safety Commission to encourage public education for the purpose of prevention of safety risks rather than rely on enforcement alone. He felt everything would fall into place after this. He noted without being specific it is difficult to define goals. Mr. stasiak noted, looking into the future, he recommended an Ordinanse be adopted for central alarm systems in commercial buildings. with regards to the elimination of architectural barriers to pedestrian mobility, Ms. Barbara Brown noted the kinds of obstructions that make it difficult for pedestrians or people with limited access. She noted there are two issues, to increase pedestrian use; and accessibility for more than just handicap. commissioner Mann expressed concern regarding hillside development and access for emergency vehicles. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Study Session of June 18, 1991 Page 2 Commissioner Fazekas questioned seismic and fire sprinklers in older buildings. Mr. stasiak noted the Commission has been mostly considering earthquake safety and don' t have the expertise to upgrade old buildings. Mr. Cowan noted the city follows state standards. Ms. Debra Friedenberg, Vice Chairperson, Energy Commission, presented handouts to the Planning Commissioners and read the Energy Commission's goals as outlined in the staff report. The five goals are as follows: Conserve Natural Resources to Improve Our Quality of Life; strive to Improve our Environment; Promote Energy Conservation; Promote Water Conservation; Recognize Regional Impacts of Environmental and Energy Issues. Ms. Friedenberg also went over the changes the Energy Commission would like to see in the General Plan as presented in the staff report. In response to Corn. Friedenberg noted there issue and more regional Fazekas' question regarding CFC's Ms. is not enough local input regarding this effort is needed also. Com. Fazekas questioned water conservation vs. reforestation. Ms. Friedenberg stated they are looking at appropriate ways of watering landscaping as well as the type of plants used. Regarding Land Use, Ms. Friedenberg noted as development goes forth it should have the least amount of impact on the environment. Mr. Darwin Thorne, Parks & Recreation Commission, presented a work plan to the Commissioners as outlined in the staff report. In response to Corn. Fazekas' question regarding major changes, Mr. Thorne stated there are no specific changes, but reinforcements. He noted parks should be at least 3.5 acres with some exceptions. In response to Corn. Fazekas question Mr. Thorne noted 1 and 2 acre parks would be acceptable. Mr. Thorne noted staff is reviewing park boundaries and maybe can suggest changes to provide some neighborhood parks. Regarding the Diocese property, Mr. Thorne noted the General, Plan provides general statements and the Parks and Recreation Commission would like to see more specific guidelines with regards to this property. He noted the Parks and Recreation Commission had directed staff to screen out areas to be preserved and zoned for wild life. Maintaining a trail linkage from stevens Creek Reservoir to San Antonio park was discussed. Mr. Thorne noted the Mid Peninsula Open Space District are interested in a linkage. Corn. Fazekas questioned horse trails and stables. Mr. Darwin noted there are stables on the north side of the open space area. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Study Session of June 18, 1991 Page 3 In response to Chr. Mackenzie's question regarding privately owned open space, Mr. Darwin stated they encourage those to remain, but economics make it difficult. He noted the general policy is to encourage private owners to stay and the City help maintain this. The Planning Commissioners went on to discuss their goals as outlined in the staff report. City identity was discussed. Corn. Mann felt one particular place was not needed for city identity. She noted there are places were people congregate and these should be enhanced. Com. Fazekas spoke in support of a downtown area with retail shops. He suggested mixed-use development and pointed out some areas were he thought this might work. Com. Mahoney noted the City should build on to what is already has. He noted the Goals Committee did not focus on any single place. Com. Mahoney stated the Goals Committee considered the crossroads as the heart of Cupertino. He would encourage social contact. The Commissioners then discussed their view of what the City is now. commissioners agreed it is a middle class community. The Commissioners discussed where they see the City in 10 years. Com. Austin supported enhancing schools, parks and residential areas. She spoke in support of mixed-use development and increased density in certain areas. Also promote economics to keep the city viable. Com. Mann stated the City must be kept economically viable, but does not want to see the residential areas suffer for this, there must be a balance. Com. Fazekas spoke in support of higher density on major arterials and affordable housing. He spoke in favor of a downtown concept with small retail shops and mixed-use development. Com. Fazekas supported a grand hotel and stated projects must be open and not walled in. Com. Mahoney noted while protecting the classical suburban areas there is need to intensify major arterials to meet affordable housing needs. He supported adding retail to meet fiscal needs of the City and keep the major companies in Cupertino. Chr. Mackenzie outlined his goals as follows: Focus Development Create retail nodes Higher density along arterials - both affordable housing and office buildings. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Study Session of June 18, 1991 Page 4 Maintain traffic flow Provide open pedestrian friendly areas Avoid walled projects Avoid buildings with no public access There was a consensus by the Planning Commission to enhance what the City now offers. Corn. Mackenzie suggested maintaining the parks the City has, but look at accessibility. Com. Fazekas suggested making parks more usable and would like to see a park on the Grand Blvd. The Planning Commission reached a consensus to: 1) maintain existing parks and 2) add parks where no accessible parks are available and for new residential developments not adequately served. Open Space was discussed by the Planning Commission. Corn. Mann supported protecting sensi ti ve natural areas. Also identifying the open space which is too sensitive to develop on. Corn. Fazekas suggested restrictions on grading volume and vertical cuts allowed on hillside areas. He also commented on height, slope density, fencing and scenic easement. The Commissioners discussed zoning property open space. Mr. Cowan noted if property is not safe to build on and proved, it can then be zone open space. Chr. Mackenzie recommended that the General Diocese property with regards to zoning and be open space should be kept looking undeveloped Plan address the specific. He noted if developed. Chr. Mackenzie noted some of the ideas from the Planning Commissioners: Keep Deep Cliff recreational; buy Stocklemeir if available; maintain link around the bay; keep the City looking undeveloped while being developed. In response to Com. Mahoney's question regarding the link around the bay Mr. Cowan stated the City has regional obligations and the City may want to reserve a trail. Chr. Mackenzie opened the hearing for public input. Ms. Ciddy Wordell noted the next scheduled meeting for General Plan input would be June 24, 1991 at the Regular Planning Commission meeting and again on June 26, 1991 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Phil Zeitman noted he will give comments to staff regarding this hearing. He requested that the Planning Commission discuss PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Study Session of June 18, 1991 Page 5 the Williamson Act. Mr. Mark Kroll noted the balance of viable grow stated the concept of the Grand Blvd. can be ma~ area over a period of time. Mr. Kroll went on ~ housing is needed in a downtown area to make retail Vl not feel that today's market will support a grand hotel. is a strong concept and will allow more affordable housL. Ms. Ann Anger noted the City should have an identity. ADJOURNMENT: Having concluded business, the Planning Commission adjourned at 8:40 P.M. to the next Regular Meeting of June 24, 1991 at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~N.. ~a..¥cI Cather~ne M. Robillard, Recording Secretary Approved by the Planning Commission at the Regular Meeting of July 8, 1991 ~cJJ~al=an Attest: ~