Planning Commission

SPECIAL MEETING

Meeting Update

July 29, 2009                     Wednesday                             7:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

ROLL CALL:      Commissioners Michael Boswell, Michael Draze, Eric Meyer, Airlin Singewald, Mary Whittlesey, Vice-Chairperson Michael Multari, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  Agenda approved. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  There was no public comment. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.  276 Tank Farm.  SPA/TR/ANNX/ER 92-08:  Discussion of the scope of the EIR for a project on the Chevron Tank Farm Property.  The project consists of remediation and restoration of the site as well as evaluation of development proposals under both County and City jurisdiction.  The remediation work proposed includes demolition of existing buildings, top soil excavation, site re-contouring, excavation and capping, and mitigation of existing impacts to wetland and rare plant habitats. The principal borrow source for soil materials will be the former quarry site known as the Flower Mound located in the northeastern corner of the project site.  The project includes off-site disposal of some contaminated soils at the Santa Maria landfill.

Two development scenarios subsequent to remediation are to be evaluated.  If the project occurs under City jurisdiction, the proposed development includes:  1) 27 acres of business park uses; 2) 26 acres of service and manufacturing uses; 3) 250 acres of open space and 15 acres of recreation uses; 4) water, sewer, and public services provided by the City; 5) amendments to the Airport Area Specific Plan; and 6) annexation to the City. 

     If development occurs under County jurisdiction, the proposed development includes: 1) 27 acres of commercial service uses; 2) 26 acres of industrial uses; 3) 250 acres of open space; 4) 4 acres for an on-site wastewater treatment facility; 5) use of on-site water; 6) public services to be provided by CalFire and County Sheriff; and 6) amendment of the County General Plan; Chevron Land and Development, applicant.  (Brian Leveille) 

     Bill Henry, presented an overview of the background of the project site, Chevron’s proposed development scenarios and remediation project.  Mr. Henry introduced some key staff members and provided an overview of the CEQA scoping meeting and what kind of feedback would be helpful in preparing the EIR.  There were four speakers during public comment. Public comment was focused mainly on bike circulation and adequate public access of open space. Bike circulation comments included discussion of safety on Tank Farm Road during construction and with permanent improvements proposed, and consistency with The Bicycle Transportation Plan. 

     Many of the Planning Commission comments echoed concerns over bike circulation and safety. Comments from the Planning Commission also included appropriate treatment of jobs vs. housing balance issues and greenhouse gas emissions analysis. 

COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 

2.    Staff 

a.   Agenda Forecast – No agenda forecast was discussed. 

3.    Commission 

ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development, 919 Palm Street, during normal business hours.