A regular meeting of the Sunnyvale Planning Commission was held on Monday, May 12, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, with Chair Simons presiding.

Members Present: Chair Simons; Vice Chair Babcock, Comms Chu, Lee, Moylan, Satterlee and Swegles

Staff Present: Trudi Ryan Planning Officer; Joan Borger, Senior Assistant City Attorney; Kelly Diekmann, Associate Planner; and Alice Gamboa, Recording Secretary

PUBLIC HEARING:

Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer, reported that on April 29 City Council considered the designation of the Bianchi Barn as a Heritage Resource. She noted that Vice Chair Babcock has been working with staff on this project. The City Council approved the designation as a Heritage Resource as recommended by the Heritage Preservation Commission. She noted that the Barn is located at the Orchard Heritage Park Interpretive Center. She thanked Vice Chair Babcock for her efforts.

Ms. Ryan further reported that on May 2 City Council held an all day meeting discussing the city's service levels. She noted that departments provided recommendations regarding services and revenues. She highlighted Community Development's service level reductions, i.e. 900 hours reduction for an associate planner, which equates to one fewer study issue and about 100 hours reductions for streamlining of processes. In the development services, there is no need to reduce the level of services as the fees cover the cost for associated services.

Furthermore, on May 6, 2003 City Council considered a new fee - General Plan Maintenance Fee, which is .05% of the construction valuation. She noted that the State Legislature authorized cities to charge fees to update policies and general plan documents. The fee would generate approximately $75,000 to $100,000 a year, which is equivalent to about 3/4 or one associate planner with benefits associated with the position.

Ms. Ryan reminded the Commission of the joint study session with the City Council on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 to discuss the Downtown EIR. The City Council and the Planning Commission would be reviewing some information and new recommendations of the Downtown Stakeholders Advisory Committee that met a few weeks ago. The meeting is from 6:30PM to 7:30PM at the West Conference Room.

Ms. Ryan announced that the Downtown Draft EIR is currently out and available for public review and comment which is due on Friday, May 16, 2003 at 5PM. She encouraged the public to submit their comments.

None

2. 2003-0103 - Application for a Special Development Permit on a 4,283 square foot site to allow a second-story addition to an existing two-story home for a total of 2,679 square feet resulting in a 62% FAR (Floor Area Ratio) where 45% FAR is allowed without Planning Commission Review. The property is located at 536 Cashmere Court in an R-2/PD (Low-Medium Density Residential/Planned Development) Zoning District. (APN: 323-12-015) KD

3. 2003-0020 - The Riding Group [Applicant] Sunnyvale Community Christian Church [Owner]: Application for a Special Development Permit and a Tentative Map to allow development of 34 single-family homes and one common lot on a 3.96 acre site located at 397 South Mary Avenue in an R-2/PD (Medium Density Residential /Planned Development) Zoning District. (Previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration 3/25/2003)(APN: 161-39-022, 023) KD

Vice Chair Babcock invited the public to attend the Bianchi Barn Dedication and Barn Dance on Saturday, May 17, 2003 at 5:30PM. The event is open to the public. There will be nominal charge for food and beverages. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy an antique barn in Sunnyvale.

Comm. Swegles urged the public to apply as a Planning Commissioner. Recruitment is currently open and there could be future vacancies.

Comm. Chu invited the public to attend the next monthly historical society meeting on Monday, May 19. He noted that there would be an Art Restorer who would partially restore a small portion Martin Murphy's picture painted in 1879. The Art Restorer would also give a small commentary.

Comm. Chu stated that May is National Asian Heritage Month, which was designated 15 years ago to encourage awareness and recognition of people of Asian descent. He noted that KQED is having a series of shows highlighting Asian heritage and encouraged the public to watch the shows and also to visit the Asian Art Museum and Chinese Historical Museum.

Chair Simons thanked the volunteers who helped in the Health and Safety Faire, another successful event. He noted that there were a lot of city staff, boards and commissions who volunteered in this event.

Ms. Ryan reminded the Commission of the joint study session on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at 6:30PM.

With no further business, the Commission meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.

Submitted by:

____________________________
Trudi Ryan
Planning Officer

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