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<br />Alan Bygones spoke to the traffic concerns near the high school, sharing concerns over the <br />pedestrian traffic, especially for young children. He also opined that the increased traffic <br />flow is a concern. <br /> <br />Staff Report <br />Acting Community Development Director Chang, spoke to the information in Council's <br />packets regarding the District's ongoing and amended plans, including the cutting of an <br />additional driveway on Elwood. He added that no additional driveway cuts would be made <br />until further studies were done regarding traffic issues. Mayor Foust asked Mr. Chang to <br />repeat specifically what has been done so that the community understood that in a process <br />such as this, with multiple players, compromises must be reached. Mr. Chang shared <br />information about changes that had been made in an effort to meet concerns from the <br />neighbors. <br /> <br />Mr. Chang stated that the School District had applied for the permit for new driveway cuts, <br />as well as moving existing driveways to slightly different locations. The City considered <br />permits thinking the District had done proper outreach to the community. When it was <br />found out that this was not the case, and the District was approached with this, they <br />actually withdrew the permits submittals until such time that more community outreach <br />could be undertaken, and traffic and circulation studies were planned while school was in <br />session for better information when they return for permits, etc. He stated their current <br />process is within the parking lot, and should not involve traffic outlet concerns at this phase. <br />He said this will continue an open and engaged process with the community, the City and <br />the District dialoguing. <br /> <br />The Mayor wanted everyone to be clear that once the City and Council realized outreach <br />efforts were less than would otherwise be expected, the Council listened to residents, had <br />staff at meetings with the District, and had changes made reflecting what Mr. Chang spoke <br />to. She reiterated Council and staff have been working this issue with due diligence, and <br />hoped for continued openness with the community and the District. <br /> <br />Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Pat Gemma, spoke to the current phase of the parking lot <br />plan which was underway with the parking lot reconfiguration and the building of the Teen <br />Wellness Center. He stated their initial outreach (Good Neighbor Policy) reached fewer <br />community members than expected, and more community members came forward when <br />they could see there were preparations for upcoming construction. He stated three <br />meetings occurred since that point as a way of problem-solving the areas of concern. He <br />stated the project would have minimal effects on traffic and the environment; however, if <br />they discover further changes that can be made in these areas, they would certainly make <br />those changes. He spoke to State laws and categorical exemptions which the School <br />District can make use of, and he went over those as they might apply to this current project <br />and the community concerns. <br /> <br />Council reiterated that it sounded as if the District would be diligent in community outreach. <br />Council stated the City has also noted this need for open process and due diligence. <br />Council asked for some discussion about what an ongoing process like this would look like, <br /> <br />JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING <br />MINUTES <br /> <br />AUGUST 11, 2008 <br />PAGE 7 <br />