1. Minutes of October 1, 2003

1. OPEN FORUM (10 Minutes)

   John Pilger, Communications Officer introduced himself and noted that one of his job responsibilities is to maintain relationships with the Sunnyvale Sun Newspaper and other media outlets. He stated that he would like to discuss public communications and the various options available to the HPC. He noted that he is also here to discuss protocols because he was notified that this Commission would like to publish an article in the Sunnyvale Sun Paper. He noted that there are certain aspects and venues that the City gets involved with for public communication. He noted that the best venue that the City has is the San Jose Mercury Newspaper’s local insert called "The Guide". He noted that there are three place holders within the guide that Sunnyvale uses; one being the cover page, the other is what is called "The Next Story", and the other is "The Sun Breeze" which take more planning. He further noted that the stories the City usually uses are neighborhood profiles or human interest stories.

   He explained that his visit is to inform the Commission that they should communicate with the media through him, rather than directly contacting the newspapers. He stated that this is City policy and noted the advantages of doing so. He further explained the protocol. He noted that the Commission can indeed get articles into the Sun Paper, however, there are certain reporters who they communicate with and that the reporters write the articles from the City’s ideas.

   Comm. Love noted that one of their primary goals was to outreach to the community through articles about heritage resources and events. Mr. Pilger responded and further clarified about how the Commission can submit ideas to him who in turn will work with the media reporters about getting an article out. He noted that an editorial review will probably be involved prior to publishing possible articles from the Commission. He further noted that the City is better served by professional writers.

   Chair Shoemaker noted to Mr. Pilger about Comm. McQueen’s idea about geo caching. Mr. Pilger noted that the idea may be geared more for the City’s Heritage Preservation Web Site. He noted that he is very familiar with geocasting since he is an avid user of the technology. He noted that geocaching is a great idea for a short story, although there are also other types of media to use to outreach, like the web site.

   Mr. Pilger noted that the City gives the writers the "seeds" to evolve a news article. He further noted several ideas and examples of information that could be submitted to him for writing.

   Comm. Pang asked for clarification to what the protocol is for getting their ideas out to the public. He noted that plenty of lead time is needed to get an article out for a story from the Commission (several weeks). He noted that every pitch that they have been giving to the media has been a cover story on the Sun Paper. He noted that The Guide (insert for the Mercury) is for current items, but not as time sensitive as The Sun Newspaper. He noted that his division is very responsive when it comes to cover story material.

   Mr. Pilger noted his background to the Commission. Chair Shoemaker asked if the Commission can contact him directly if they had ideas for a story. The Commission thanked Mr. Lynch for having Mr. Pilger join this meeting for clarification regarding News Media articles and City policy.

   Comm. McQueen noted that Mr. Pilger can really help the Commission with getting ideas out to the public. Staff noted that the City Website is in the works at this time from transitioning from the old web site to the current one.

2. COMMISSION OLD BUSINESS (15 Minutes)

1. Discussion of potential Study Issues

   Staff noted that the four revised study issues presented tonight need to be ranked to be presented to The City Council. Mr. Lynch summarized the four Study Issues.

   Commission asked staff where the Study Issue item with the question marks instead of a number derived from. Staff responded that the idea of this issue was from the last meeting, where Comm. Hopkins asked staff about the guidelines that the Commission has in terms of demolishing possible historic sites and buildings.

   Staff clarified how the Commission can do the rankings using the "Bubble Method".

2. Selection and ranking of Potential Study Issues

1. COMMISSION NEW BUSINESS (60 Minutes)

Mr. Lynch noted about the demolishing on 160 N. Sunnyvale Road, which went to the Commission on August 6 of this year. He further updated the Commission with this project. Comm. Love stated that this item put the Commission in a difficult situation and noted that further role clarification would have helped them.

6. COMMUNICATIONS (10 Minutes)

The Commission commented that there is another banner sign on Murphy that needs evaluation. Comm. Love asked if there are any guidelines about signs in the Murphy area. Mr. Lynch clarified the process of signs not conforming to code. He noted that Neighborhood Preservation Division would again be notified. Commission asked who or what exactly is neighborhood Preservation. He noted that the Commission can directly contact Neighborhood Preservation.

Comm. McQueen noted the he forgot the book he mentioned at the last meeting but will be given to Comm. Pang to give to the Historical Society.

The Meeting ended at 8:30PM

Respectfully submitted by:

__________________________
Steve Lynch, Associate Planner