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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4.01 Draft CC 2-2-08 Min DRAFT SPECIAL MEETING - FEBRUARY 2, 2008 A special joint meeting (Goals & Objectives Workshop) of the Dublin City Council, Planning Commission, Parks & Community Services Commission, and Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission, was held on Saturday, February 2,2008, in the Dublin Library Community Room. The meeting was called to order at 9:08 a.m., by Mayor Lockhart. .. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Hildenbrand, Oravetz, Sbranti, Scholz and Mayor Lockhart Parks & Community Services Commissioners Elias, Flores, Jones, Guarienti, and Muetterties Heritage & Cultural Arts Commissioners Acuff, Lussie, Mack, Swalwell and Vonheeder-Leopold, Halket Planning Commissioners King, Schaub, Biddle, and Wehrenberg ABSENT: Parks & Community Services Commissioners Elias and Flores Planning Commissioner Tomlinson Heritage & Cultural Arts Commissioners Carr .. I. WELCOME Mayor Lockhart welcomed the Parks & Community Services Commission, Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission, Planning Commission, Staff and members of the public to the Goals & Objectives Workshop. Mayor Lockhart reviewed ground rules, indicating that the purpose of this meeting was to provide each Commission an opportunity to have a dialogue with the City Council regarding those goals and objectives related to their respective area of responsibility. This information will assist the City Council as they consider the City's 2008-2009 Goals & Objectives Program on March 31st. The discussion at DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 25 DRAFT this meeting would initially focus on those objectives in which the priority of the Commission differed from City Staff and any new objectives proposed by the Commission, as well as how those objectives related to the 2008-2009 Strategic Plan update. City Manager Richard Ambrose presented an overview, in lieu of a Staff Report, to review the City's Strategic Plan, Mission Statement, Vision, Strategies. He detailed the City's accomplishments in relation to these strategies. .. II. PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION/DISCUSSION OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES The Council and Commission discussed the proposed objectives for accomplishing each of the Parks & Community Services Commission's goals, focusing primarily on those goals in which the Staff and Commission rankings differed, as well as an additional objective proposed by the Parks & Community Service Commission. Commissioner Flores joined the meeting at 9:12 a.m. Parks & Community Services Manager Paul McCreary explained that in regard to Goal #s 8, 9, and 10, as listed below, there had been it typographical error and they should all have had a Commission ranking of "High". Goal #8 PLAN FOR NEW SUMMER NATURE DAY CAMP PROGRAM AT THE NEW SHANNON COMMUNITY CENTER INTERPRETIVE . AREA (BEGINNING SUMMER 2009) Goal #9 IMPLEMENT A VOLUNTEER CARPOOL PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE SENIOR CENTER Goal #10 INVESTIGATE OPTIONS FOR EXPANDING SENIOR CENTER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAMS AND HOURS . DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 26 DRAFT Additional Objective #1 EXPAND USE OF THE CITY WEB SITE TO PROMOTE SENIOR CENTER EVENTS. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Commissioner Jones stated the Commission would like to expand its outreach to different generations. The needs were different but this would enable the generations to get in tune with each other. Mayor Lockhart asked if, by the events at the Senior Center she had seen advertised lately, were they trying to encourage more members of the community to use the Center. Commissioner Jones stated that yes, there were. This enabled residents of all ages of Dublin to experience the Senior Center and feel more comfortable later in life when they might use the Center more. Vm. Sbranti stated that one of the goals last year had been to develop outreach to working seniors. Had any programs or outreach been developed? The use of the website idea was a good one. Park and Community Services Manager McCreary stated t)1at since September, the City had expanded Senior Center hours. It was now opened until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. They had mailed information to residents of parcels that had been in the City before 1980 to generate new interest. The Senior Center had partnered with the Groves and Wicklow developments to expand its outreach. Cm. Oravetz ask the Commission if the Superbowl party scheduled at the Senior Center was an example of an event designed to get all ages at the Senior Center. Commissioner Guarienti stated the Commission had been trying to attract more people to the Senior Center through marketing, such as more activities on the weekend and a new color newsletter. They had specific email lists to target different audiences. The website would also be a good marketing tool. Mayor Lockhart suggested adding the newsletter to the website. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 27 DRAFT Parks and Community Services Manager McCreary stated they would look into that possibility. Vm. Sbranti stated there could be an activity guide just for seniors and that guide could also be placed on the website. Martin Baron, Senior Center Advisory Committee member, stated there was a misconception that there was only bingo and light lunch available at the Senior Center. There was actually a good mix of people and that created opportunities as well as challenges. If there were citizens that made connections they could create more and these connections were important for the City to recognize and cultivate. Commissioner Muetterties stated she was very impressed with the Senior Center Advisory Board. They had been trying to reach out and be proactive. They were very interested in marketing and as a result, communication had been great. Cm. Scholz stated she enjoyed the lunches, classes, tours and trips available through the Senior Center. Mayor Lockhart stated it was a good idea to introduce people at a younger age to the Center. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that the City should continue to use these marketing tools to advise more people of activities that were in the evenings or on weekends, not just during the day; continue the marketing expansion. Goal #12 WORK WITH EBRPD TO COMPLETE NEGOTIATIONS FOR LAND ACOUISITION IN THE WESTERN HILLS FOR AN OPEN SPACE AREA Mayor Lockhart stated she had recently met with Mr. Robert Nielsen who informed her that he was in discussions with other agencies regarding his land and a portion being mitigation land. If that worked out, he would be interested in speaking to the City in regard to an easement to connect trails within the City. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 28 DRAFT Goal #15 IN COOPERATION WITH THE DUSD. UPDATE THE EXISTING AGREEMENT REGARDING USE OF FACILITIES BETWEEN THE CITY AND DUSD Mayor Lockhart asked Staff for an update on this goal. Parks and Community Manager McCreary stated there would be a meeting with the School . District Superintendent in about two weeks to begin the discussion regarding this goal. Cm. Hildenbrand asked if this would allow the City easier access to School District facilities. Parks and Community Manager McCreary stated Dr. Hanke had been very proactive in trying to get the City access to School facilities as early as possible. It took some time, but the City was having better luck. Vm. Sbranti stated it was important to acknowledge Dr. Hanke's efforts in this area. Goal #11 ASSESS POTENTIAL FOR JOINT PROJECTIFACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AT DUBLIN HIGH SCHOOL City Manager Ambrose stated the Council would receive a report on this goal, in particular the swim center competitive pool at their next meeting on February 5, 2008. Commissioner Guarienti stated he wanted to commend the City on its sports, activities and recreation programs in connection with the California outdoor bill of rights recently signed by the Governor. There were ten items on the list that kids should do before the age of 14 and the City had about 13 of 14. The City provided activities for everyone. Cm. Hildenbrand stated she enjoyed the City's family movie night and commended Staff for its work on family events and would like to see more of them DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 29 K\ Df QU~ 1/'i:~&~~'\1 19~~8'2 ,~, ;s, DRAFT Vm. Sbranti asked if there were any City projects that would be affected by the impact of less facility impact fees. City Manager Ambrose stated the Commission would receive more information regarding facility impact fees before the Budget Hearing. As of December, there was $592,000 in revenue in this category. The projects the City was planning this year totaled $9 million. There were some projects that would be impacted by the housing slump in regard to less facility impact fees. The Council would receive more information at its February 5 meeting when it would receive the City's mid- year financial report. Commissioner Muetterties asked what was the status of Camp Parks. City Manager Ambrose stated Camp Parks' staff was soliciting proposals for its development project. They did not anticipate having anyone in place until this summer. The City might not see an application for a general plan amendment until end of summer. Mayor Lockhart stated Camp Parks had recently had its Industry Day where over 200 attendees received a list of what the Army was looking for. Businesses would bid on what they could provide from that list. Whoever was chosen would have to agree to purchase NASA's seven acres within Camp Parks. The Council and Staff discussed Irvine and the EI Toro Air Base, in relation to a military base being redeveloped within a city, and how it had eventually become part ofIrvine. Public Comments: There were no public comments received at this time. -+- DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 30. DRAFT RECESS 9:44 a.m. Mayor Lockhart called for a brief recess. The meeting reconvened at 9:51 a.m with all Councilmemberspresent, except for Councilmember Scholz who left the meeting during the recess. ... III. HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION/DISCUSSION OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES The Council and Commission discussed the proposed objectives for accomplishing each of the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission's goals, focusing primarily on those goals in which the Staff and Commission rankings differed. Goal #7 WORK WITH THE DEVELOPER TO LOCATE SIGNIFICANT WORKS OF ART IN TWO KEY PLACES OF THE DUBLIN TRANSIT CENTER. THE VILLAGE GREEN AND THE "IRON HORSE" PLAZA City Staff rated this goal "High" where the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission rated this goal as "Medium". Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor John Hartnett stated this item had been on the list for a while and the City had been waiting for a 25% occupancy rate of the project. Once it was achieved, they could move forward with the public art project, possibly in the spring. City Manager Ambrose stated the City did have the funding for this project. The County had been required to provide half of the funding for the artwork. Mayor Lockhart stated that in conversations with BART, they thought art at the stations was a great idea, but could not assist with funds for the art. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 31 DRAFT Commissioner Acuff stated murals could be an option on the BART parking structures. Commission Chair Swalwell stated that the Commission's rating of Medium did not reflect a lack of enthusiasm on their part, it was only because the development had not reached the 25% occupancy rate. Cm. Oravetz stated Dublin had made some bold moves in terms of art, such as the murals under the overpasses. The City should continue to be bold. The City should do something at the Transit Center that said this was Dublin. Commissioner Vonheeder-Leopold stated the City was known for its art. Goal #10 OFFER A "VINTAGE FILM SERIES" EVENT 4 TIMES PER YEAR AT THE DUBLIN HERITAGE CENTER Mayor Lockhart stated there was a typographical error on this item. The Commission's ranking on this goal should have read "High". Additional Objective #1 DEVELOP A BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION IN FEBRUARY 2009 WORKING COLLABORATIVEL Y WITH COMMUNITY REPRESENT A TIVES Commissioner Mack stated she had been approached by a resident regarding this objective. They had also met with Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor Hartnett and Heritage Center Director Elizabeth Isles and Betty Joe Mack. They discussed having presentations and events at the Heritage Center, such as performances by church choirs. Commission Chair Swalwell stated the City could work in conjunction with City schools. Cm. Hildenbrand stated school students had written biographies for Black History Month. It could be expanded to include a contest or maybe display reports or even have a reading of reports for this new event. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 32 DRAFT Mayor Lockhart asked the Commission for more information regarding the Bus Obscura Program. City Manager Ambrose stated the Council would receive a report on the Bus Obscura program at the February 19 City Council meeting. Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor Hartnett stated the City of Livermore was no longer part of the project. The City of Pleasant on would be meeting on Monday to decide if they were still going to fund the project with Dublin. It would cost about $31,000, split between the two cities. Mayor Lockhart explained Bus Obscura was an art program on which the three communities had been working. What had happened with the three Cities trying to do something cooperatively? It kept getting narrowed down. Councilmember Hildenbrand stated this program was originally Art Takes Place, which was going to consist of multiple events. Bus Obscura was just one part of it. Commissioner Vonheeder-Leopold stated that when the Cities were deciding how much money would be needed in September, the people from Livermore stated they were not sure they could participate. They apparently had not been kept up to date on the project. Because it was late in the process, the Committee decided on Bus Obscura and Livermore would not be participating. If Pleasanton voted not to participate, then Dublin participants would ask for direction from Council as to whether to have the event sponsored by only Dublin. The artist was on board. The bus was like a camera obscura, but this involved the entire bus, with music in the background. The bus would be available to the schools during the week and then in the communities during the weekends, for a two week span. The Commission would decide later what recommendation they would provide to the Council. The Council, Commission and Staff discussed the logistics of residents taking part in the ten minute Bus Obscura ride, such as different stops for pick up, reservations or walk up lines for rides, Dublin residents' getting preference in regard to reservations, the Bus visiting businesses and/or schools, and marketing. These DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES . VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 33 DRAFT details would have to be worked out if the City decided to go forward with the project. Public Comments: Martin Baron, Senior Center Advisor, asked if the galvanized fences on either side of the underpass murals could be replaced. Bill Schaub, Planning Commission Chair, stated they had discussed this with Caltrans and they responded that they could not replace the fences. City Manager Ambrose stated the City had a similar conversation with Caltrans regarding their property on Dougherty Road and were not successful. Commissioner Lussie stated the City could use more directional lighting to illuminate the art instead of the surroundings and the lights also served as a safety measure. Cm. Hildenbrand asked if there could be more hands-on art classes during the summer, maybe a camp. Projects could include origami, pop-up art, use of clay or other unique arts and crafts. The Council and Commission discussed lack of space for offering more classes. There might be more room when the new Shannon Center opened. The library, or Heritage Center might be options for more space. The Murray Schoolhouse and Old St. Raymond's Church was currently being used for classes. Vm. Sbranti asked if there had been any interest in a Heritage Teen Camp and asked about the film series in the Old St. Raymond Church. Mr. Hartnett stated there had not been enough interest in the Heritage Teen Camp this year, but they would try something similar this year. As for the film series, there would probably four films shown on different nights at the church. Commissioner Muetterties asked about the impact of the restoration of the museum and also the status of the Heritage Park. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 34 OfQU~ 11l~&~~'" 19~~81. ,~, ,,'11> DRAFT Mr. Hartnett stated the museum had increased its hours. School tours had increased and the workshops had done extremely well. City Manager Ambrose stated in regard to the Heritage Park, the City had acquired the Dublin Shopping Center and had successfully worked to relocate the tenants, with the exception of US Bank. They would stay on the property because of their 15-year lease. Staff was working on the assessment of the Kolb structures and. would give the Council and Commissions a report on the properties in the next month. The schedule would probably be completed at the same time and demolition would come first. Mayor Lockhart stated there had been some creative ideas about the Kolb property. The architects suggested using the buildings for different purposes. The little house could be the public restrooms, the Sunday school barn could be a small black box theater, and the hay barn could be a shade structures. The house could be office space as well as public space. The buildings would have active uses for the community. Cm. Hildenbrand stated the tour was fascinating. The house had never really been changed. There was so much history in the home, such as pictures and postcards. It had been wonderfully preserved. The Mayor thanked Commissioners Lussie and Acuff for their years on the Commission as they would be termed out of their seats. ... RECESS 10:39 a.m. Mayor Lockhart called for a brief recess. The meeting reconvened at 10:48 a.m. with all remaining Councilmembers present. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 35 DRAFT IV. PLANNING COMMISSION/DISCUSSION OF GOALS & OBJECTIVES The Council and Commission discussed the proposed objectives for accomplishing each of the Planning Commission's goals, focusing primarily on those goals in which the Staff and Commission rankings differed. Community Development Director Jeri Ram stated in regard to First Time Home Buyers Loans, the Housing Committee had proposed to the Planning Commission, increasing the number ofloans to 15. Staff had recommended a total of 10. Mayor Lockhart asked if funding 15 loans was a reasonable request. Ms. Ram stated it was a reasonable request because the loans were across the board in regard to income levels. City Manager Ambrose stated the City had funded 10 loans already this fiscal year, and were still within the allocated budget for the loans. Ms. Ram stated the City was nearing the budgeted amount for loans and would probably fund 12 loans total this year. Vm. Sbranti asked ifthere was an average amount per loan. Ms. Ram stated the loan amounts varied quite a bit because some were used to buy Below Market Rate (BMR) units. An avera.ge would not provide the Council with a good feel for amount per loan. City Manager Ambrose stated the City had allocated $500,000 for this fiscal year for these loans. There would be money to fund 13 loans and have $19,000 left. Housing Specialist John Lucero stated the lowest loan had been for $8,000 and the highest was $58,000-$60,000. Commission Chair Bill Schaub asked why not measure in dollars budgeted versus number of loans; make loans until the money ran out DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 36 DRAFT City Manager Ambrose stated the number of loans was tied to Staff workload; that needed to determine the number of loans due to time spent processing. Because it was the program's first year, the City was trying to gauge how the program was received, and how to accommodate the associated workload. Commissioner Wehrenberg asked if the City had were numbers regarding foreclosure rates. Mayor Lockhart stated that when the Tri-Valley Mayors were in Washington, D.C., they requested an earmark of $2.6 million for the Housing Opportunity Center for a three year program that would support people that the Center had worked with in the region, in getting them into homes. Many of those were BMR units. The residents would get education and follow up in support of completing applications for units. The Housing Opportunity Center was suggesting hiring someone that would work specifically with residents that were now housed to ensure they did not lose their homes. They would assist in any gap funding needed to keep them in their homes until they could either sell their home at a reasonable price, or help them get through a couple of months until their financial situation improved. They would work with those who were in jeopardy of losing their home. The loan would be attached to the house so there would be money coming back once the house was sold to repay the loan and then the money would go back into the program. Commissioner King asked if with First Time Home Buyer loans, was the City loan subordinate to the mortgage. Mr. Lucero stated the City currently underwrote the loans just as a mortgage lender. The City followed procedures in reviewing credit reports, asked that the applicant have a vested interest in the property, have three percent down of their own funds for the transaction, so it was not a 100% financed deal. The City did ask for a deed of trust on the property for the amount of the loan. There was also title insurance purchased at the time of the loan closing. If there was a foreclosure, and the bank did sell the property, the City would get repaid. Commissioner King asked if the mortgage company foreclosed on a home, would the company only have to sell the house to cover its loan. Would they have to sell it to cover other loans on the house? DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 37 DRAFT Mr. Lucero explained that the City would get a noticed of default if the property were to go into default, the City would start working with the lender in terms of how they were working with the owner. At that time, the City's Attorney's Office would get involved and start working with negotiating with the lender. That situation had not yet occurred. Cm. Oravetz asked ifthe City could end up owning a home. Mr. Lucero stated no. Most likely the bank would sell it to cover outstanding loans. If it was a BMR unit, the City had first right of refusal to purchase the home. Commission Chair Schaub asked what would happen if the City chose not to purchase the home in terms of the home remaining a BMR unit Mr. Lucero stated if the executed resale restriction document was recorded before all the other documents, then the house would remain a BMR unit. If that document was recorded after the first mortgage, then the affordability clause would disappear. The City had control over when the resale restriction document was recorded to ensure that it was recorded first. City Manager Ambrose stated the Jarvis initiative, which was on the ballot and precluded rent control, could affect the City's BMR program. There were going to be attorneys looking at the initiative to determine whether or not in effect, it killed an inclusionary zoning ordinance. It was Proposition 98. Commission Chair Schaub asked if that would only apply to new homes. City Manager Ambrose stated that was something the attorneys would need to assess if the proposition would have a retroactive application. Vm. Sbranti asked if the City followed up to ensure financing on these homes was sound. Mr. Lucero stated the City did get involved in that aspect. The applicant had to have minimum credit scores, demonstrate, in some cased three months reserve in DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 38 DRAFT liquid financial accounts they would be able to access in order to make three months payments. The credit score was a good indicator of ability to pay. There were five or six salient factors that came into producing the credit score. The City reviewed all loan documents. They made sure loans did not have negative amortization or unusual fees. The market was now taking care of itself as far as loan conditions. Cm. Oravetz asked at what point did mortgage conditions make the City's BMR rates less advantageous for buyers. . Mr. Lucero stated that was a market call driven by the market and the developer on how they were selling and marketing their units. For the City's BMR for-sale program, the sale price was based on 35% of the gross household income on a monthly basis. The sales price was dependent on the household that was buying the home. Mayor Lockhart asked Mr. Lucero to speak to the City's affiliation with the Housing Opportunity Center. Mr. Lucero stated the Tri-Valley Opportunity Center was helping with the City's affordable housing program and homebuyer education. They provided post- purchase education and foreclosure counseling services. They were two very different services. The Center was also helping Arroyo Vista residents relocate into BMR units and also assisting BMR owners sell their BMR units. Goal #10 UPDATE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN Ms. Ram stated that this item had been on the Goals and Objectives since 1996. One reason Staff had not made it a high priority was because the City was a specific plan city. There was very little area in the City that was not part of a specific plan. The process for completing a general plan was very time and Staff intensive, as well as expensive. Staff did not feel it had been a good idea to put resources in this area since the City had covered almost the entire City with specific plans. Mayor Lockhart stated that in regard to the General Plan, would items such as energy, be included in the General Plan. Could those changes be incorporated into DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 39 DRAFT the General Plan without doing a complete update or could the City complete a specific plan to incorporate those changes? Ms. Ram stated there were alternatives. The City could do a General Plan element like the Housing Element. If the City decided to do an energy element, Staff would go through the General Plan and make sure all the elements were consistent with that element. Mayor Lockhart asked if that could be done without doing a complete General Plan update. Ms. Ram stated they would have to go through all the elements of the General Plan for consistency. Commissioner Wehrenberg stated in regard to specific plans, they were not always consistent. That was the reason she would like to see a General Plan update. Commissioner King asked if there were only three or four items to be reviewed in the General Plan, would that take less to update, than reviewing the whole General Plan. There was an inconsistency in the planning text of the General Plan. A developer might be able to take advantage of those inconsistencies. City Manager Ambrose stated Staff had been working on cleaning up some of the General Plan inconsistencies. When Staff had time, they had been working on them. If there were areas of interest on the part of the Planning Commission, Staff could focus on those areas. Vm. Sbranti asked if when specific plans moved forward, was there not a review of the General Plan as well, for consistency. What would be the amount of Staff time involved to compare the General Plan with specific plans for consistency? Ms. Ram stated, for example, there were different areas in the City with different height limits. That was not inconsistency; those were Council decisions at the time. The General Plan was not specific enough to where it addressed building height. It spoke more in general in terms of intensity of land use. There were differences in specific plans in terms of height. When the City did its Planned Developments DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 40 DRAFT (PD), that was when they became more specific. When the City did a specific plan, Staff had to make sure that it was consistent with the General Plan. For example, when the City completed the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Staff also went through the General Plan to make sure the two documents were consistent. City Manager Ambrose stated, for example, Doolan Canyon was a large area, about 6,000 acres and the plan was worked on in the 1980s. The area was so vast, you did not have all the detailed planning information, such as examining every piece of property or environmental issues. You had to look at the plan in the context of the huge area. Yes, there was room for interpretation. Any of those issues were worked out wit the more specific planning entitlement issues. Mayor Lockhart asked if there was a way to define what the City was interested in seeing so the developer did not come back and say you did not specify this in particular. Was there a way around those conflicts, probably in what the City was not looking for? City Manager Ambrose stated those items could be detailed more in a specific plan. Cm. Oravetz when the General Plan had last been updated. Ms. Ram stated that after the General Plan, the City had not completed any visioning with the community because the Council had decided to work on specific plans. The City would look at specific areas versus the General Plan. Mayor Lockhart stated the natural break for a General Plan update would be after the City reached buildout. The City was in the middle of the vision that was established that had a lot to do with the financials of how the community operated. To jump in and start changing that know, could drastically affect the services and the potential the City had in the east that had already been established. Once development had been completed in the east might be an opportunity for a new Council to review the General Plan. She was concerned about making those changes now. Commissioner Wehrenberg asked if a specific plan trumped the General Plan. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 41 DRAFT City Manager Ambrose stated the General Plan was general. The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and the General Plan for that area, were adopted at the same time. Other than the Transit Center, there had not been any other Specific Plans adopted in that area. Ms. Ram stated that if the Camp Parks redevelopment moved forward, the City would have to do a specific plan for Camp Parks and amend the General Plan so the two were consistent. Although there had not been a new General Plan, it had been amended frequently. Cm. Hildenbrand stated this issue came up almost every year. The general policy had been to continue with Specific Plans and at buildout, do a General Plan update. Commission Chair Schaub stated what the Commission wanted was for Staff to continue with updates to the General Plan, as was being done. Goal #11 DEVELOP POLICY REOUIRING PLAY AREAS IN WALKING DISTANCE OF NEW HOMES IN NEW SUBDIVSIONS Commission Chair Schaub stated this request was to provide enough space in backyards or in project areas for people to have grass for kids to play; have Staff continue to review this issue. Ms. Ram stated Staff had heard the Commission and Fallon Crossings had an open . grass area and such areas would be incorporated into Arroyo Vista. Commissioner King stated he had been impressed with the design of projects, but there were some that did not have areas for kids to play. A play area did not have to be a park. City Manager Ambrose stated the County left the City fairly park deficient on the western part of the City. There were more parks or open space in the eastern area of the City. The City Council and Staff discussed how parks could be integrated into the community. Even if there were large parks, parents did not always let their children DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 42 DRAFT venture far without adult supervision. There was a need for more play areas throughout neighborhoods. Although there was a need for small play areas, the City still needed large parks for organized sports and practice areas. Goal #12 COMPLETE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT ON DIMANTO PROPERTY Staff had ranked this Goal "Delete," and the Commission had ranked it "Low". The Commission ranking was for work to begin once there was movement on the property owner's part. Additional Objective #1 BRIEFINGS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGARDING PROPOSED SIGNIFICANT REDEVELOPMENT. WHICH WOULD INCLUDE SITE AND/OR LAND USES. WITHIN THE DOWNTOWN PLANNING AREA Commissioner King stated he was concerned about the approval of individual redevelopment projects in the Downtown area. The more individual projects the City approved, the less options left to have a meaningful study into the specific plans or design guidelines in these areas. Should there be a moratorium on the projects in the areas the City was now studying? According to Planning Manager Mary Jo Wilson, the City Council had already discussed that issue and had elected to go ahead with individual projects. How could the City avoid the problem? Could there be a workshop for each project as it arose? Could the Commission be notified when a project arose in the area in terms ofthe Community Design Element to avoid conflicts with overall Design Guidelines? City Manager Ambrose stated there were two significant projects with entitlements in the Downtown area, the Windstar project and the A&B project. The Windstar project was key to the BART Station financing. There would be some problems if the City tried to inform Windstar that they could not move forward. Commissioner King asked why the City was paying for a consultant to make plans if options were being removed with new projects. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 43 DRAFT Mayor Lockhart stated she thought the reason the City was going through the Design Guidelines and combining the Downtown Specific Plan was for the next generation of development. If someone wanted to invest in Dublin's community, and the City turned them away, there was no way to know ifthey would come back. It was not fair to existing landowners and businesses that were depending on this from the City. The City had to use its best judgment right now of what it looked like, what it felt like, based on these Design Guidelines. The message the City would send to developers if it tried to stop development would not be a healthy one. The BART station would open up ideas for people. It was a long term project. These guidelines would come into play in the future. Commission Chair Schaub asked that the Commission to be briefed when projects were submitted. City Manager Ambrose suggested Staff provide a regular report or monthly report identifying Planning applications that would be on the Planning Commission's agenda in the future. Mayor Lockhart suggested the Council also receive that same information. Additional Objective #2 EV ALUA TE THE INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE WITH RESPECT TO ALL POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES Commission Chair Schaub stated when a project went to the Planning Commission, the developer was making the call of building inclusionary housing or paying in- lieu fees. The Council had the option of requiring the units or funds. He proposed the Council let the developer know upfront what percentage of units they would prefer in in-lieu funds (?) and not let the developer make that determination. Mayor Lockhart asked Ms. Ram how Staff approached the developer with the concept of building inclusionary housing or paying in-lieu fees. Did they let the developer know that there was a range of what they could do and did Staff work with the developer on what the best alternative was before they reached the Planning Commission? DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 44 DRAFT Ms. Ram stated that Staff did do that. Often times the developer wanted to put includionary housing in the development as opposed to paying the entire in-lieu amount. They might come to Staff and asked for something different. When they asked for something different Staff would set a study session with the City Council. If something did not seem logical to Staff, they might suggest they do something different and approach the City Council. City Manager Ambrose stated the City had done that with Fallon Village and had been negotiating on the affordable housing agreements based on the City Council's earlier direction. Commission Chair Schaub stated that the developers were still coming to the Commission making the decisions and he believed the City should be managing the affordable housing asset and telling the developer's what was needed. Mayor Lockhart stated maybe the City needed a forecast from the Housing Department as to what the City needed, units or money. As projects came forward, the Council could then evaluate the agreement based on that information. Ms. Ram asked if it would be useful to the Council to have that information' during the Budget process. Mayor Lockhart stated the Budget process would be a good time to have that information available. The reason to have affordable housing was to integrate people of all income levels throughout the community. She understood the Commission's request. City Manager Ambrose stated he believed the Commission was saying that if you have so many units in play already, was the City going to be able to monitor them, make certain that they remain affordable through the term of the 55 years. The report the Commission received included both rentals and owned homes. Staff would show a breakout on the report. In lieu-monies were used for funding the City's Housing Staffto manage the City's Affordable Housing Program. The funds were also used to leverage other funds, such as a loan to the Lins for Fairway DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 45 DRAFT Project, and Eden Housing to move project forward with Arroyo Vista, for the benefit of the City. Mayor Lockhart stated the Commission was right in the need to look at in-lieu fees versus units, as the City moved forward to buildout to maintain the affordable units. Public Comments: Ms. Muetterties asked about industrial space available in the City. Economic Development Director Foss stated that the current vacancy rate was about 10%. ... There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lockhart thanked the Commissioners and Staff for their participation, and adjourned the meeting at 12:14 p.m. in memory of our fallen troops. ... Meeting minutes taken and prepared by Caroline Soto, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor ATTEST: Deputy City Clerk DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 26 SPECIAL MEETING February 2, 2008 PAGE 46