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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT April 3, 2008 Page 2 services for new development, reducing water use for landscaping, annexation procedures, pathways maintenance and construction, and allowed uses in open space conservation areas. Ms. Hopper explained that in order to maintain consistency between the updated Land Use Element and the Open Space & Recreation Element that was adopted in 2007, it would be necessary to make a correction in the form of a housekeeping amendment. The amendment would change the language regarding Open Space Conservation Areas on page 8 of the Open Space & Recreation Element to be identical to language in the Land Use Element. The statement that no structures are allowed in Open Space Conservation Areas is incorrect and needs to be revised as shown in the staff report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Nick Ward, Via Ventana Way, wondered how the Town would encourage the use of drought - tolerant plants for landscaping. He asked about pathway placement designation and pathway maintenance. Earnest Solomon, Elena Road, stressed the importance of the statement in the Land Use Element regarding water conservation and the reduction in the amount of water used for landscaping. Sandy Humphries, Fremont Road and Environmental Design Committee, stated that the Environmental Design Committee has for many years informed applicants on the existence of drought -tolerant landscape plants. She announced the completion of the drought -tolerant garden at Town Hall. Jim Abraham, Viscaino Road, commented that the current maximum development area and maximum floor area formulas were discriminatory against sloped lots. In Policy 2.5, he wanted the 30 percent slope changed to 50 percent slope. He felt the green building suggestions were not necessary. He felt current City Council and Planning Commission practices demonstrated little respect for homeowner's rights compared to previous City Council and Planning Commission groups. He suggested consideration of a longer time period for a real reflection the Town's character. Richard Steinberg, Radcliffe Lane, brought to the attention of the Planning Commission a path shown on the Pathways Map for Radcliffe Lane that has no connecting pathway. He asked for assistance to reevaluate the need for the path in light of statements in the updated General Plan. Commissioner Harpoodian suggested that Mr. Steinberg discuss the pathway concern with the Pathways Committee and pointed out one of the members, Nick Dimckel, in the audience. Roger Spreen, Rhus Ridge Road, speaking as Open Space Committee Chairman, proposed changing the land use designation on the Land Use Diagram from "Open Space Conservation Area" to "Conservation Area." This change would simplify the terminology and avoid the confusion resulting from the use of similar names and acronyms. He also said there is an ambiguity in the Open Space & Recreation Element, which refers to specific areas of steep hillsides and creek corridors with the intent to protect them. But these areas on the map were painted with a broad brush and many buildable sites are included within the areas designated