SR 06:097 - Laserfiche WebLink

Public Facilities Element ofthe General Plan Review and provide comment on a Draft Public Facilities Element of the General Plan. Ms. Stern summarized the staff report and noted that this was an optional element in the General Plan but that its inclusion in the General Plan Update would give it as much weight as any other element. State law did not provide for specific contents of this element. She described the update and reorganization process and added that a section on sustainability had been added, which stressed an emphasis on conservation, recycling, and reuse of resources, as opposed to expanding facilities. A distinction was made between resources and facilities, with resource information moved to the Conservation and Open Space Element. She detailed the main changes to the policies and programs, including the following: 1. Goal 2, promoting sustainability, was included; 2. Goals covering most of the major topics; 3. Program 7.1 added detail regarding recycled water; 4. Programs 8.5, 8.6 and 8.7 have been added entirely in order to address the issue of water conservation more thoroughly; 5. Program 18.12 was added regarding taste and hardness of water; 6. Program 18.13 was added regarding water supply. She noted that the City intended to become a leader in using best practices with respect to reusing and recycling products and by purchasing products that are environmentally friendly. The City would also focus on bringing environmental awareness and proper stewardship of the land in schools. She noted that the item regarding the need for new school facilities cannot be very specific because the new development patterns have not been identified; this section will be revisited. The concept of lifelong learning will be added. A library needs assessment had recently been developed. She detailed the changes with respect to evolution of recreational and sports fields and their amenities. The Parks and Recreation Commission wanted to be sure that youth were encouraged to use the Callippe Golf Course. Ms. Stern advised that the Cultural Arts section had been expanded and that building a healthy environment within Pleasanton was a stated goal. Childcare, seniors, and youth needs were also addressed. Staff requested the Commissioners' feedback prior to forwarding the document to the City Council. Commissioner Fox preferred to see the revisions before forwarding them to the City Council. Ms. Stern noted that staff would like to meet the deadlines and move the process forward in an efficient manner; staff hoped to produce a working draft by the end of the year. She noted it would be difficult to keep to that schedule if more than one Planning Commission meeting was spent on each element. Commissioner Blank would be in favor of scheduling additional sessions to keep the process on schedule. Chairperson Arkin agreed with Commissioner Blank's suggestion. EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, February 22, 2006 Page I of 10