CC Min 2008-08-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Lynne Ledanois spoke about the Sequoia High School parking project and reiterated the traffic and safety issues because of the elderly and children in the area. She stated they are seeing progress and help from the City, but the process is not complete at this point. Alan Bygones spoke to the traffic concerns near the high school, sharing concerns over the pedestrian traffic, especially for young children. He also opined that the increased traffic flow is a concern. Staff Report Acting Community Development Director Chang, spoke to the information in Council's packets regarding the DistricYs ongoing and amended plans, including the cutting of an additional driveway on Elwood. He added that no additional driveway cuts would be made until further studies were done regarding traffic issues. Mayor Foust asked Mr. Chang to repeat specifically what has been done so that the community understood that in a process such as this, with multiple players, compromises must be reached. Mr. Chang shared information about changes that had been made in an effort to meet concerns from the neighbors. Mr. Chang stated that the School District had applied for the permit for new driveway cuts, as well as moving existing driveways to slightly different locations. The City considered permits thinking the District had done proper outreach to the community. When it was found out that this was not the case, and the District was approached with this, they actually withdrew the permits submittals until such time that more community outreach could be undertaken, and tra�c and circulation studies were planned while school was in session for better information when they return for permits, etc. He stated their current process is within the parking lot, and should not involve traffic outlet concerns at this phase. He said this will continue an open and engaged process with the community, the City and the District dialoguing. The Mayor wanted everyone to be clear that once the City and Council realized outreach efforts were less than would otherwise be expected, the Council listened to residents, had staff at meetings with the District, and had changes made reflecting what Mr. Chang spoke to. She reiterated Council and staff have been working this issue with due diligence, and hoped for continued openness with the community and the District. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Pat Gemma, spoke to the current phase of the parking lot plan which was underway with the parking lot reconfiguration and the building of the Teen Wellness Center. He stated their initial outreach (Good Neighbor Policy) reached fewer community members than expected, and more community members came forward when they could see there were preparations for upcoming construction. He stated three meetings occurred since that point as a way of problem-solving the areas of concern. He stated the project would have minimal effects on traffic and the environment; however, if they discover further changes that can be made in these areas, they would certainly make those changes. He spoke to State laws and categorical exemptions which the School JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING AUGUST 11, 2008 MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 199