HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/1995 (2)Approved 3/8/95 4
Minutes of a Special Meeting
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, February 8,1995,5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
cc: Cassettes #04-95 (2 )
1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Chairman Schreiner, Commissioners Cheng, Doran, Finn (arrived at 6:00),
McMahon, Gottlieb & Stutz
Staff: Jeff Peterson, City Manager; Sandy Sloan, City Attorney; Linda Niles,
Planning Director; Sheryl Kolf, Assistant Engineer; Susan Manca, Planner;
Lani Lonberger, Planning Secretary
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Mr. Peterson opened the meeting, noting the meeting would be a training orientation
session with topics of interest discussed by the Planning Director, City Attorney and the
City Manager. At the close of the meeting, there would be a question and answer
period.
Ms. Niles explained the planning process, highlighting review of projects; the General
Pian; Zoning Ordinances; Site Development Ordinances; Conditional Development
Permits; Conditional Use Permit; Variances (minor and major); the Planning staffs
responsibilities versus the Planning Commissioners' responsibilities; and policy versus
ordinances. It was suggested calling the Planning Director prior to meetings regarding
any questions relating to the staff reports. This would give the Director an opportunity
to respond to concerns.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/8/95
February 8, 1995
t Page 2
�r Ms. Niles further commented that public agencies develop standards that are based on
what the majority of the community would like to see in development design in their
community. The General Plan is a document that sets out goals and policies the
community would like to see in Los Altos Hills for the next 10 to 20 years. The public
interacts by attending meetings and giving input. The audience at public hearings are
invited to participate in defining what the goals and limits are for the development in
the Town (General Plan public hearings). The Planning Commissioner's role is to see
that each project that comes before them is in compliance. Changes to the General Plan
do not occur without public meetings.
Mrs. Sloan discussed the following: the Brown Act (the sunshine law); right of notice;
emergency item brought up after agenda published; acceptable to limit the length of
time of speakers; not engaging in dialog during public hearing (waiting until all
speakers have been heard); serial meetings (daisy chain/hub & spoke); conflict of
interest laws; the function of a local municipal body; legislative action; and CEQA
(California Environmental Quality Act). In discussing the Holistic Survey prepared by
Commissioner McMahon, Mrs. Sloan felt if the survey helped with the decision process,
there would be no problem with its use.
Mr. Peterson concluded with a discussion regarding drainage issues.
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lani Lonberger
Planning Secretary
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