A regular meeting of the Sunnyvale Planning Commission was held on July 14, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, with Chair Simons presiding.

Members Present: Comms. Babcock, Chu, Hungerford, Lee, Moylan, Simons, and Swegles

Staff Present: Trudi Ryan Planning Officer; Joan Borger, Senior Assistant City Attorney; Fred Bell, Principal Planner; Steve Lynch, Associate Planner; and Alice Gamboa-Navas, Recording Secretary

PUBLIC HEARING:

None

None

Thom Mayer, resident, encouraged the Commissioners that when reviewing applications to pay close attention to ADA, accessibility, and curb cuts. He stated that it would be less costly to require these earlier in the project rather than a retrofit. He commented on the Mozart Development Project that curb cuts were missing and that he is working with staff to ensure installation of the curb cuts for pedestrians and bicyclists.

He further asked the Commissioners to pay close attention to street trees and there appears to be no penalties impose on vandalism. He stated that trees in his neighborhood have been significantly damaged with nails and asked to stop this vandalism.

Ms. Ryan commented that street trees are not under Planning Commission purview, however, she will forward the issue to appropriate staff. Furthermore, she noted that there is a penalty for damaging private trees if it endangers the tree. In addition, she noted that the Mozart Project for curb cuts was not presented to Planning Commission for review. Ms. Ryan concurred with the speaker that it is important to assure that these accessibility features are accommodated early in the design.

Vice Chair Simons asked staff if the upcoming County VTA Pedestrian Design Guidelines and Technical Guidelines will be presented to the Planning Commission. Staff will look into it if there is something that would be related to Planning Commission.

Comm. Simons then suggested that the accessibility issue should be included in the study issue list and suggested a joint study session with Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

1. Election Chair
   

Comm. Lee nominated Vice Chair Babcock for Chair for Fiscal Year 2003/2004. Nomination approved unanimously 7-0.

2. Election Vice Chair
   

Comm. Lee nominated Comm. Moylan for Vice Chair for Fiscal Year 2003/2004. Nomination approved unanimously 7-0.

3. Selection of Seats

4. 2000-0523 - City of Sunnyvale - Certification of the Moffett Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report and adoption of the Moffett Park Specific Plan (Also to City Council on 08/23/03) KD

5. 2003-0402 - Grace Adult Health Care [Applicant] Dollinger Arques Associates [Owner] - Application for a Use Permit to allow an adult day health care facility. The property is located at 1197 East Arques Avenue in an M-S (Industrial & Service) Zoning District. (APN: 205-24-004) (Negative Declaration) SL
   

ACTION: Vice Chair Moylan made a motion on Item #2003-0402 to adopt the Negative Declaration and approve the Use Permit subject to Conditions of Approval. Comm. Swegles seconded. Motion carried 7-0

APPEAL OPTION: May be appealed to City Council no later than July 29, 2003.

6. 2003-0217 - Great Exchange Covenant Church [Applicant] Electra LLC [Owner] - Application for a Use Permit to allow a church use in an existing office building. The property is located at 895 Kifer Road in an M-S (Industrial & Service) Zoning District. (APN: 205-42-010) (Negative Declaration) SL

ACTION: Comm. Chu made a motion on Item #2003-0217 to adopt the Negative Declaration and approve the Use with modifications. Comm. Swegles seconded. Motion carried 7-0

APPEAL OPTION: May be appealed to City Council no later than July 29, 2003.

7. Proposed Announcements for City Council meeting

None

Comm. Chu invited the public to attend the Senior Center Opening on Saturday, July 19, 2003 at the Sunnyvale Community Center.

Comm. Swegles added that there will be a fair for this grand opening and will highlight the many services available to the residents of Sunnyvale.

Vice Chair Moylan thanked his fellow commissioners for choosing him as Vice Chair and promised to do his best during his tenure.

Comm. Simons thanked the Commissioners for their support during his tenure. He noted that the past year probably has had the most number of meetings conducted by the Commission and that there was public participation that provided strong communication avenues with the public. He commented that it was an incredible year. He thanked the Commissioners for their support with his highs and lows and in making it a smooth sail.

Chair Babcock thanked Comm. Simons for his leadership and presented him a token of appreciation. She encouraged him to stay focused and maintain what he believes in. Comm. Simons received a crystal palm tree.

Comm. Lee welcomed Comm. Hungerford and looking forward to serving with him. The rest of the Commissioners welcomed Comm. Hungerford.

Ms. Ryan reminded the Commissioners and the public that the Wednesday Music and Market series has begun. She invited the public to come and enjoy this event every Wednesday night through September 10 starting at 5:30 with music starting at 6:00pm. The event is located at Murphy Avenue between Evelyn and Washington Avenues. Chair Babcock added that Leadership Sunnyvale will be hosting the ticket, wine and beer booths this coming Wednesday.

With no further business, the Commission meeting adjourned at 9:13PM.

Submitted by:

____________________________
Trudi Ryan
Planning Officer

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