body,date,page,text,path
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,1,"MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
2263 SANTA CLARA AVENUE - 7:00 PM
President Kohlstrand called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE:
Board member Cunningham led the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
President Kohlstrand, Vice-President Ezzy Ashcraft,
Board members Autorino, Cook, Cunningham, Lynch
and McNamara
STAFF PRESENT:
Cathy Woodbury, Planning & Building Director,
Andrew Thomas, Planning Services
Manager/Secretary to the Planning Board; Assistant
City Attorney Mohammed Hill, Simone Wolter,
Planner I, Althea Carter, Executive
Assistant/Recording Secretary
4.
MINUTES:
Minutes from the meeting of August 11, 2008. Board member Cunningham moved/Vice
President Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion to approve the minutes from August 11,
2008.
Approved 5-0-2 (Autorino and Cook abstained).
Minutes from the meeting of November 24, 2008. Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft
moved/Board member Cunningham seconded the motion to approve the minutes from
November 24, 2008.
Approved 6-0-1 (McNamara abstained).
Minutes from the meeting of December 8, 2008 (pending)
5.
AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION:
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft requested Item 8-A be moved from Consent to
Regular Agenda.
6.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS:
6-A.
Future Agendas- Staff presented the report.
6-B.
Zoning Administrator Report - Meeting of January 6, 2009
Page 1 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,2,"Oral Report
Alameda Point Update. Staff informed the Board that on December 19, 2008 SunCal
submitted a Draft Redevelopment Master Plan containing SunCal's vision for the
redevelopment of Alameda Point including design guidelines and transportation
strategies. Last week SunCal presented the plan to ARRA for public comments. No
action was taken by ARRA at the meeting. The draft plan submitted on December 19,
2008 is inconsistent with the City Charter and therefore Staff expects SunCal to pursue
a ballot measure. Staff does not know the language the ballot measure will contain. In
June 2009 SunCal must complete a new term sheet for conveyance of the land with the
Navy. There was an existing term sheet with the previous master developer. If a ballot
measure does not pass the draft plan as written cannot be implemented.
President Kohlstrand inquired about preliminary dates for Planning Board discussion on
the draft plan.
Staff suggested March or April when there will be a better idea of whether or not there
will be a ballot measure.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft referred to a presentation by the Veterans Administration
(VA) and the Navy regarding plans for locating a one-stop VA facility at Alameda Point.
She asked how this proposal fits in with SunCal's development plans.
Staff responded that when a federal agency disposes of land other federal agencies are
given first choice. This specific portion of Alameda Point was originally scheduled to be
transferred from the Navy to the Department of Fish and Wildlife but an agreement was
not reached. The Department of Veterans Affairs stated an interest in using a portion of
this area for a cemetery, hospital, offices and a number of other veteran services. Prior
to conveying the land to the VA a number of federal procedures must be adhered to.
The City has several concerns regarding this site including the birds, the additional
transportation pressure on the City, and the need for municipal services. As a Federal
agency the City has no permitting authority with the VA, which is another concern.
Council has adopted a fiscal neutral policy for Alameda Point and staff is unsure how
this project will affect this policy.
President Kohlstrand asked if the VA and the Navy have been open to City input.
Staff stated that both federal agencies have listened to staff's concerns.
Board member McNamara asked for clarification on the ballot timeline.
Staff stated that a draft of the ballot measure must be submitted to the City Attorney's
office for summary and title preparation. Signatures must be collected and are due by
April. SunCal will confirm whether there are enough signatures and whether the ballot
measure will move forward.
Page 2 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,3,"In response to a Board inquiry staff stated that the City would make a case about the
impact this type of project would have on municipal services and transportation.
Board member Cook suggested that a thorough alternative site analysis could include
Oak Knoll as an alternative site for the VA facility.
Board member Cunningham asked why the deal with the VA had only recently come up.
Staff responded that the Navy is interested in an all or nothing proposition. Either the VA
takes all the proposed land or none of it. This proposal between the Navy and the VA
has been in the works for several years.
Board member Cunningham asked how many signatures SunCal would need in order to
get the measure on the ballot.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft stated that a percentage of the number of voters who
turned out in the last general election would be required.
Board member Lynch stated that a VA facility is needed in the community and in the
Bay Area. He approves of the site for this purpose. He would not support the VA
becoming a tenant of the developer.
President Kohlstrand asked if the VA was proposing a below ground cemetery.
Staff stated the proposal is for a columbarium not a cemetery. Staff asked if the Board
would like a presentation on the VA facility at a future meeting.
The Board responded affirmative.
7.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
*
Anyone may address the Board on a topic not on the agenda under this item by
submitting a speaker's information slip, subject to the 5-minute time limit.
B. Smith commented on solar power.
8.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be enacted, approved or
adopted by one motion unless a request for removal for discussion or
explanation is received from the Planning Board or a member of the public by
submitting a speaker slip for that item.
Page 3 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,4,"8-B.
Recommendation to Endorse the Parking Management Plan for the Park
Street and West Alameda Business Districts. The applicant, the City of
Alameda, is requesting that the Planning Board review and endorse a parking
management plan for the Park Street and West Alameda Business Districts. The
parking management plan outlines a series of actions that the City could take in
the future to improve the supply and management of on and off street parking to
support the business areas. (AT/EF). Continued from December 8, 2008.
Staff is requesting a continuance of this item to the meeting of January 26,
2009.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft moved/Board member Cunningham seconded the
motion to continue Item 8-B to the regularly scheduled meeting of January 26,
2009. The motion carried 7-0.
9.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
8-A.
Residential Condominium Conversion - PLN08-0264 -3215 Fernside. The
applicant is requesting a subdivision of ownership to condominium form for two
detached single-family dwellings on one site. The site is located within an R-2,
Two Family Residence Zoning District. (SW)
Staff presented the report.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft disclosed that she had visited the site. She expressed
concerned with the applicant's compliance regarding tenant relocation. She was
concerned that the relocation plan submitted by the applicant was inadequate.
In response to a Board inquiry Directory Woodbury stated the City has bilingual and
multilingual employees to assist with communicating with citizens in the Planning and
Building department.
Board member Autorino asked how this project fits with previous Board discussions on
the second unit ordinance.
President Kohlstrand stated that the second unit ordinance is not applicable to this
project.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft moved/Board member Cunningham seconded the motion
to approve the condominium conversion with the condition that the applicant comply
with all applicable municipal code sections including but not limited to sections 30-8.3,
30-8.4, and 30-8.6. The motion passed 7-0.
B. Smith spoke on the housing market.
9-A. Workshop Regarding the Planning and Building Department Work Program
for Fiscal Year 2009/2010. A presentation and discussion of Planning and
Page 4 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,5,"Building Department work program priorities, resources, and items for future
Planning Board consideration. (CW)
Director Woodbury reviewed projects completed last year. She presented the current
work program report and asked for Board input on proposed projects.
Board member Cunningham asked if the Planning & Building department's move to the
Carnegie building was still being planned.
Director Woodbury stated plans for the building have gone through design development
but given the current economic climate, moving the department is not feasible at this
time.
In response to a Board inquiry Director Woodbury stated that projects on the work
program are scheduled for completion in fiscal year June 2010.
Board member Lynch asked if the City was conducting midyear budget revisions. He
suggested that after the 09/10 budget is approved Staff overlay the approved budget
with the work program and circulate an updated work program to the Planning Board
that shows what projects are funded based on council prioritization.
In response to a Board inquiry Director Woodbury stated that certain projects listed on
the work program would be completed by staff rather than consultants. Building projects
are currently on the decline and this is an opportunity for Staff to work on advanced
planning projects. Staff will advise the Planning Board once the budget has been
adopted.
President Kohlstrand asked staff to clarify that some work program items would be
accomplished with existing staff.
Director Woodbury responded affirmative.
President Kohlstrand appreciated the opportunity for the Planning Board to provide
input on priorities and what projects can be accomplished with current resources. She
asked if the land use element had a timeline.
Directory Woodbury responded that it is a project being proposed to Council. Land use
is the biggest element affecting planning and development.
Board member Cook stated that as projects become more complicated and more
mixed-use projects come before the Board it is a good opportunity for the Board to
consider priorities. She would like to see a distinction made between typical mixed use
and waterfront mixed use projects. She wants waterfront design guidelines given a high
priority in the work program.
Page 5 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,6,"Director Woodbury stated that this item is already on the work program for 2009/2010
and will be given priority.
Board member McNamara stated that at previous meetings when the Board discussed
the work program, legal responsibilities were identified and given high priority. She
asked beyond legal obligations what were other driving forces for identifying priorities.
Director Woodbury stated that projects where the City was not in compliance with state
law were given priority. Projects related to sustainability, for example the green
ordinance, were given priority. Waterfront and commercial design guidelines were
considered important. She stated that when the economy turns around and
development projects increase Staff wants to be prepared. If the Board has certain
items that are perceived as a high priority Staff would appreciate receiving this
information.
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft stated she would like the Bay Friendly Ordinance
expanded to include elements of green infrastructure. She asked if the historic
preservation ordinance amendment would be presented to the Board.
Directory Woodbury stated that the historic preservation ordinance is in a different
section of the code and the ordinance will be presented to the Historical Advisory Board
(HAB) then to Council. Staff could organize a workshop for the Board or members can
attend the HAB workshop as private citizens.
Board member Lynch suggested the Board consider sending a representative to the
HAB workshop.
A Board discussion ensued on a public art ordinance.
Board member Cook asked who in the City was responsible for fee policy and when did
the last update occur.
Directory Woodbury stated that a nexus study was done a few years ago for Planning
and Building, Fire, and Public Works that led to an overhaul of the master fee schedule.
A Consumer Price Index (CPI) escalator was also put in place. Every year in June the
City Council adopts a resolution that includes the CPI increase.
Board member Cook asked if the school district was handled separately.
Director Woodbury stated she was not aware of the process for the school board.
President Kohlstrand stated that the last item on the work program has to do with the
North of Lincoln strategic plan. She stated that Directory Woodbury had mentioned
looking at form based code amendments for this project but is not stated in the work
program. She asked if it was an ongoing project listed elsewhere.
Page 6 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,7,"Directory Woodbury responded yes, it is shown under the Park Street district.
President Kohlstrand stated her priority is to incorporate green building structure codes
into the green building codes. She asked if it was possible to accomplish with the new
mitigation requirements proposed by CEQA. She stated that the design guidelines for
the waterfront are a very high priority and the work program should reflect that. She
mentioned legislation SB375 and AB32 which are related to sustainable communities,
and asked if CEQA significant thresholds are incorporated into the work program.
Director Woodbury responded yes. She stated that Public Works and the Planning
department are working on CEQA thresholds of significance for transportation. Staff will
be attending a workshop on the two bills mentioned and will provide the Board with an
update.
Board member Cunningham asked if the study included data on level of service (LOS).
President Kohlstrand stated that there is a proposal to eliminate LOS thresholds. A
hearing on this issue has been scheduled. The proposal is to look at average daily
traffic as a measure of transportation significance.
Board member Lynch suggested staff create a document listing pending legislation that
impacts planning.
President Kohlstrand stated that MTC had identified priority development areas (PDA)
and funding is being linked to these areas. She stated that Alameda is not listed as a
PDA.
Directory Woodbury stated that Alameda Point has been designated as a PDA. The
area has to be at least 100 acres.
President Kohlstrand would like staff to give a presentation to the Board on this topic
and how it fits into funding, projections and the housing element.
A Board discussion ensued on potential funding sources and the relation to density.
Directory Woodbury stated that Staff could provide the Board with the council report on
the Alameda Point PDA.
Board member McNamara asked how she could get information on continuing
education for a non-planner.
Directory Woodbury responded that if there are subject areas the board would like
presentations on or training in to let Staff know. She suggested ABAG could appear
before the Board to discuss priority development areas.
Board member McNamara stated industry newsletters and magazines would be helpful.
Page 7 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf
PlanningBoard,2009-01-12,8,"Directory Woodbury stated Staff would provide the Board with information on upcoming
seminars and conferences.
A Board discussion ensued on continuing education sources.
President Kohlstrand thanked Staff for providing the work program report.
10.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
11.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Board members may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement
or make a brief report on his or her activities. In addition, the Board may provide a
referral to staff or other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to
the body at a subsequent meeting concerning a City matter or, through the chair, direct
staff to
Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft provided an update on biodiesel fuel storage.
12.
ADJOURNMENT:
a 8:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Woodbury, Planning and Building Director
City Planning Board
This meeting was audio and video taped.
Page 8 of 8",PlanningBoard/2009-01-12.pdf