Public Meetings - Walnut Creek, California

Meeting Date: June 4, 2025 Note on Attendance: The published agenda roster lists Chair Casey Case and Vice Chair Philip Newsom, with Commissioners Velilla, Kilian, and Weingarten. The meeting transcript records the following members participating: Chair Newsom presiding, Vice Chair Weingarten, Commissioner Case, and Commissioner Riley. The summary below reflects participants and actions as captured in the meeting transcript. The Walnut Creek Design Review Commission (DRC) held a regular meeting on June 4, 2025, to conduct study sessions on two significant development proposals: a new Taco Bell drive-thru at the Rossmoor Shopping Center and a new Toyota dealership on North Broadway. The Commission provided detailed design feedback and recommendations to the Planning Commission for both projects. Consent Calendar There were no items on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony Taco Bell at Rossmoor (Item 4a) Public comment was overwhelmingly from residents of the single-family neighborhood adjacent to the shopping center. Residents uniformly expressed strong concerns or opposition to the project. - Steve Shavinsky (1915 Devil View Place): Expressed concerns about increased traffic and safety hazards for elderly drivers, the proposed 2:00 a.m. closing hours, and the design not matching the character of the recently renovated shopping center. - Karen Bates (1995 Honey Lakes Court): Requested the preservation of two large sycamore trees to screen the building, raised concerns about light pollution, increased crime, trash, and the prominent sign tower being visible from her home. - Ann Hotanaka (1982 Sydney Court): Questioned the size and illumination of the signage, the store hours, potential exhaust odors, and the overall impact on the neighborhood's quiet ambiance. - Betina Uno (1984 Sunnan Court): Stated concerns about traffic safety (specifically the single access road for the neighborhood), the negative impact on local small businesses like El Jardin, and the design's aesthetic. - Terry McDonald: Emphasized the danger of the shopping center exit, citing previous major accidents, supported saving the London plane trees, and opposed the late-night operations. Toyota Dealership (Item 4b) No members of the public provided comments on this item. Discussion Items & Study Sessions 4a. Taco Bell Drive-Thru (Application Y24-071) - Staff (Principal Planner Chip Griffin) presented a proposal for a 1,495 sq. ft. Taco Bell with a dual-lane drive-thru, small indoor/outdoor dining, and the removal of 13 trees, including two protected London plane sycamores. The project requires Design Review, Conditional Use Permits, and Tree Removal Permits. It will proceed to the Planning Commission for final approval. - Applicant (Chris Cis of Diversified Restaurant Group) described the site constraints, including a utility easement and a Safeway tenant-protected area, which tightly dictated the building placement. They argued the queuing analysis showed it would not exceed capacity and promised mitigations for trash and odors. - Commissioners discussed the awkward site layout, urged the applicant to prioritize saving the two large street trees by using underutilized parking spaces, and strongly recommended redesigning the building's tower, color palette (specifically the dark black and bright purple), and signage to reduce its visual impact on the neighboring residential area. 4b. Toyota Walnut Creek Dealership (Application Y25-025) - Staff (Senior Planner Simar Gill) presented a study session for a new 82,592 sq. ft., two-story Toyota dealership on a merged lot. The project, a critical first step in the city's economic development plan, includes a showroom, rooftop parking, and a service center. Final Design Review will be conducted by the Planning Commission. - Applicant (Stephen Scanlan and Rick Ferrara of Gensler) detailed the unique urban prototype design which consolidates all operations onto a tight urban infill site. They explained efforts to activate the Pine Street frontage (under the Makers Row overlay) with a service lounge and balcony, screening utilities, and using premium materials to soften the auto-centric use. - Commissioners praised the creative urban infill solution. Discussion focused on ensuring pedestrian activation on Pine Street, requiring variety and texture in the building materials, recommending dark-sky compliant roof lighting, and selecting non-columnar, low-water tree species for the streetscape. Key Outcomes Taco Bell at Rossmoor (Item 4a): - The Commission gave a positive recommendation to the Planning Commission for the project's Design Review and Use Permits, contingent upon substantial design changes. - The Commission explicitly withheld support for the removal of the two London plane sycamore trees. - Specific recommendations to the applicant included: - Redesign the site layout to save the sycamores, even if it requires reducing parking. - Reconsider the tower, color scheme, and signage to be more compatible with the residential neighborhood. - Prioritize intuitive and safe traffic circulation. Toyota Dealership (Item 4b): - The Commission gave a unanimous positive recommendation to the Planning Commission for the Design Review. - Specific recommendations and conditions for the applicant to finalize with staff included: - Ensure the stone veneer material provides significant contrast and visual interest to break up the massing. - Refine the roof lighting to be dark-sky compliant (downcast, shielded, minimal height). - Re-evaluate the proposed tree species to be lower-water and non-columnar to enhance the pedestrian experience. - Finalize detailed plans for fencing, lighting, and utility screening. Commission Member Reports & Adjournment - Staff announced upcoming items for the June 18, 2025 meeting. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Walnut Creek City Council held a regular meeting on June 3, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and adjourning at 9:24 p.m. The meeting included proclamations, consent calendar actions, public hearings on revenue bonds and city job vacancies, and review of the proposed FY26-27 operating budget and master fee schedule. All councilmembers were present. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (5-0): City Council minutes of May 20, 2025; acceptance of warrant registers and payroll transfers; authorization of arts and recreation printing services agreements (Folger Graphics and Stevens Printing, annual not-to-exceed $125,000 per vendor); award of contract for Lesher and Hofmann Stage Replacements to Rodan Builders Inc. ($633,503 contract price, $60,000 contingency, total authorized $693,503); and approval of Measure J Growth Management Program Checklist for fund reimbursement. - Item 2c (SB1 projects) pulled by Mayor Darling – Adopted Resolution 25-20 after correcting neighborhood references. Approved unanimously. - Item 2d (plan check consulting firms) pulled by Councilmember DeVinney – Authorized the City Manager to enter into Master Consultant Services Agreements with seven firms for up to $715,000 each over five years. Approved unanimously. - Item 2g (Q3 budget update) pulled by Councilmember Silva – Accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 Third Quarter Budget Update report. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Denise Kalm (Walnut Creek resident) – Expressed opposition to proposed bike paths at Lime Ridge Quarry, citing safety concerns with e-bikes, fire risk, and biodiversity damage. - Bob Linscheid (Walnut Creek Chamber & Visitors Bureau) – Thanked council and staff for the successful Art & Wine Festival held the prior weekend; noted Saturday sales were about 40% below last year due to heat, but Sunday was strong; acknowledged police, AMR, and BART support. Discussion Items - Proclamations – Recognized Gun Violence Awareness Day (Mayor Darling read statistics) and LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Representatives from Moms Demand Action and Rossmoor End Gun Violence Club accepted; Rossmoor LGBTQ Alliance presented for Pride. - Councilmember Reports – Members reported on various community events, including the Art & Wine Festival, BART new fare gates, Aquanuts fundraiser, Memorial Day ceremony, and legislative updates (SB1, cap-and-trade, homelessness funding). - Public Hearing 5a (TEFRA Bonds for Sequoia Living/Viamonte) – Staff introduced item; David Latina (Sequoia Living) explained $165 million bond refinancing for four continuing care communities, with a minor portion for Viamonte. Council adopted Resolution 25-21 unanimously. - Public Hearing 5b (AB 2561 Job Vacancies) – HR Director Trish Raver presented vacancy data (10.3% overall vacancy rate; no bargaining unit exceeded 20% threshold). Presentations were also given by: Shane Blatz (Walnut Creek Police Officers Association) – Detailed sworn staffing challenges: 61 full-duty officers out of 85 authorized, attrition due to retirements, competition, and lengthy hiring process; requested competitive compensation and support. Zachary Riquelme (Dispatcher, Teamsters) – Stated dispatch center has 12.5 FTEs, down from 14.5; forced overtime for 25 of 30 days in June; urged restoring two positions to reduce burnout and improve 911 response times. Council received and filed the presentation unanimously. - Consideration 6a (TBID Assessment Report) – Economic Development Manager Mike Nimon and Nicole Hankton (Visit Walnut Creek) presented the Tourism Business Improvement District annual report and intention to levy assessments for FY26 (no rate change). Council adopted Resolutions 25-22 and 25-23 unanimously, setting a public hearing for June 17, 2025. - Consideration 6b (FY26-27 Proposed Operating Budget & Master Fee Schedule) – Budget Manager Ryndie Azevedo presented: projected deficits of $4.97M (FY26) and $6.33M (FY27) before balancing actions, addressed through revenue increases, operational cuts (including overtime reduction), and personnel reductions of 3.75 FTEs. Proposed adds include general plan update, body-worn cameras, and Clark Pool master plan. No changes to police or dispatch FTE. Council discussed adding an outdoor dining incentive program. Public comment: Jan Warren questioned the use of tree replacement funds for salaries and criticized charging swimming fees for two-year-olds; she urged funding for police dispatchers and homeless services. Key Outcomes - Unanimous votes on all consent items and resolutions. - Motion by Mayor Darling, second by Francois, carried 5-0: Directed staff to add approximately $100,000 to the proposed budget for an outdoor dining incentive/rebate program (potentially from Downtown Parking and Enhancement Fund), with a cap on monies per applicant; and to hold off on deciding the use of Measure O unallocated year-end fund balance until the cost of the new aquatic and community center at Heather Farm Park is known. - Motion by Councilmember DeVinney to direct staff to revisit the $48 per square foot assumption for outdoor dining parking fees – failed for lack of a second. - Council provided feedback on the budget and master fee schedule; staff will incorporate direction and bring the full budget for adoption on June 17, 2025. - Separate special meetings earlier in the day (not on video) resulted in appointments: Lorie Tinfow to Library Commission (alternate), Cherise Khaund and Brendan Moran to Planning Commission, and Board of Appeals recruitment reopened; all motions carried unanimously.

The Park, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Commission met on June 2, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:47 PM at City Hall in Walnut Creek. Commissioners present: Fran Garland, Brendan Moran, Art Oller, and Vice Chair Sharon Pinkstaff. Chair Jason Cooke and Commissioner Eli Konson were absent. The meeting included the first reading of proposed amendments to Municipal Code §11-1.516 governing bicycles, e-bicycles, scooters, and skateboards, followed by a comprehensive update on city parks and open space projects. No formal action was taken on either discussion item. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (April 7, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Oller, second by Commissioner Moran, carried unanimously (4-0). The minutes of the regular PROS meeting on April 7, 2025, were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Kime Smith (President, Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation): Expressed general support for the proposed code amendments but recommended making the definition of electrically motorized scooters/boards more generic to cover emerging devices like electric unicycles. Reported results of the Foundation's 2024 trail user survey (958 responses, 714 answered the e-bike question): 49.3% opposed e-bikes anywhere in open space; 30.99% supported e-bikes only on trails 6–8 feet wide; 19.72% supported e-bikes wherever mountain bikes are allowed. The Foundation recommends against motorized traffic on single-track trails to preserve user experience and reduce ecological impact. - Elizabeth Hudson (Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation board member, equestrian): Stated that e-bikes have increased safety concerns for horseback riders. Requested that the code include language requiring bicyclists to stop and ask the rider how to safely pass, as hard rules do not suit live animals. - Saveen Krowbar (Woodlands neighborhood resident, hiker/dog walker/bicyclist): Expressed concern that banning e-bikes on single-track now might lead to trail widening in the future. Cited a social trail in the Lime Ridge quarry area with high biodiversity that should remain for passive uses only, per the original master plan. Discussion Items 4a. Recommend Amendments to §11-1.516 Bicycles and Skateboards Municipal Code - Staff Presentation: Mike Vickers, Assistant Public Works Director, presented the proposed amendments, which add definitions for e-bicycles (Class 1, 2, 3), electrically motorized scooters, and motorized boards. Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist) would be allowed on all trails where regular bicycles are allowed; Class 2 e-bikes (throttle) only on paved trails; Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) prohibited in parks and open space except on public roads. A 15 mph speed limit would apply to all bicycles in parks/open space. Skateboard rules remain unchanged. New provisions require single-file travel on blind corners and when passing. - Commissioner Feedback: Commissioners asked about alignment with other agencies (East Bay Regional Parks model), ability to modify rules for seasonal/habitat concerns (director authority affirmed), enforcement by rangers with police backup, visibility of manufacturer class labels, and data on safety and fire risks. Mr. Vickers agreed to follow up on fire incident data and injury statistics from police and neighboring agencies. Commissioner Oler suggested keeping e-bikes off narrow connector trails; staff noted enforcement challenges distinguishing Class 1 from traditional bikes. - Outcome: No formal action taken. Staff will incorporate feedback, possibly return for a second reading, then forward to City Council for adoption. 4b. Walnut Creek Parks and Open Space Update - Staff Presentation: Mike Vickers provided updates on multiple capital projects: Heather Farm synthetic turf field (on time, on budget, completion November 2025); Heather Farm aquatic and community center Phase 1 (bids received, council award June 17, potential July start); Bramhall Pond desilting (permits from Fish and Wildlife pending, to restore pond depth to 3–4 feet); Civic Park and Walden Park playgrounds (public outreach events planned summer 2025); Urban Forest Grant (USDA awarded $100K but now requires 100% match; city negotiating modification); Sutherland traffic mitigation pilot (parking lot closed March 8, reopened May 3, county recently removed barriers; debrief pending). - 10-Year Trail Improvement Plan (2017–2018): Mr. Vickers reviewed a list of over 20 potential projects, ranging from low-cost amenities (signage, benches, distance markers on the Ignacio Canal Trail) to major regional connectors (grade-separated crossings, BART trail connections). Many maintenance items from the original list have been completed. Staff requested commission guidance on priorities; commissioners expressed interest in smaller enhancements (e.g., canal trail improvements, trail maps, interpretive signage) and a potential field trip to assess sites. - Public Comments: None. - Outcome: Report received; no formal action. Staff will organize a field trip and continue working on high-priority items. Commissioner Reports - Commissioner Garland (liaison to Walnut Creek Senior Club): Reported senior club members' concerns about parking availability at Civic Park during upcoming construction of playground renovations. They also expressed interest in moving activities to the future community center once built. - Vice Chair Pinkstaff (liaison to Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation): Invited the public to volunteer with the Foundation. Shared her experience joining an oak seedling project and observing birdhouses built by Eagle Scouts. Key Outcomes - No formal actions taken on the municipal code amendments or the parks update; both items were for discussion and feedback only. - Consent calendar (minutes) approved unanimously (4-0). - Next meeting: Scheduled for August 4, 2025. - Staff directives: Mr. Vickers will: (1) research e-bike fire and injury data from police and other agencies; (2) consider more generic language for electric devices; (3) coordinate with the Open Space Foundation on survey data; (4) return to the commission with a summary of feedback and possibly a second reading; (5) organize a commission field trip for the 10-year trail improvement plan. - Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

The regular meeting of the Walnut Creek Planning Commission scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. was cancelled due to no business to conduct. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Note: The provided transcript does not correspond to this meeting. It contains a commencement speech and a Measure O Citizens Oversight Committee meeting from April 24, 2025, which is a separate body and date. The agenda and minutes confirm the cancellation.

Note: The official agenda for May 21, 2025 states the meeting was cancelled due to no business to conduct. However, a transcript from a Design Review Commission meeting dated May 7, 2025 was provided. This summary is based on that transcript, which covers a regular meeting that took place on May 7, 2025. The discrepancy is noted per accuracy guidelines. Discussion Items Taiwanese Community Center and After School Program (1755 Sunnyvale Avenue) - Purpose and Background: The project proposes a 4,500-square-foot, one-story community center to serve Taiwanese cultural classes for adults and an after-school program for kindergarten through 8th grade students. The site, zoned R-8 single-family residential, currently houses the East Bay United Methodist Church (built 1938) and other structures. Three parcels are being merged. The project includes demolition of an existing building, construction of a new community center, widening of the existing driveway, relocation of ADA parking, new walkways, landscaping, and a shared parking agreement with the existing church (50 total parking stalls). - Operations: The cultural center will operate 9 a.m. to noon, Monday–Friday (adult/senior classes). The after-school program will operate Monday–Friday, with a maximum capacity of 33 students (anticipated 20 students and 40 teachers daily, split between two classrooms). The church operates only on Sundays, so no parking overlap is expected. The city's traffic administrator confirmed parking is sufficient. - Design and Architecture: The building has a modern design with three masses: a white stucco wall (45 feet long facing Sunnyvale Avenue), a gray mass, and a triangular auditorium mass. The main entrance faces south (interior of site) to maintain a low profile from neighbors. Materials include gray and white stucco, standing seam metal and PVC roof, and yellow cedar glue-lam columns at the entrance. The north elevation has a long blank wall (45 feet) that does not meet the city's design standard (max 30 feet of blank wall along sidewalks). Staff recommend breaking up this wall with additional design elements and larger trees (currently 15-gallon trees; 24-inch box size recommended). Other design standards not yet met: pedestrian-scale lighting along walkways, downward-directed shielded lighting, and a material change for the pedestrian crossing at the driveway. - Landscape: Preliminary plan includes four new 15-gallon trees (redbud, strawberry, guava) and shrubs/grasses. Existing trees (cedar, mulberry, evergreen pear) are to be preserved or removed per arborist report. Commissioners noted the need for a more refined landscape plan with appropriate species (e.g., dogwood and maple may not tolerate Walnut Creek heat) and larger tree sizes for screening. - Mechanical and Noise Mitigation: The HVAC unit (heat pump, about 6-7 feet tall) will be located in a fenced area on the east side, adjacent to a residential neighbor. A 6-foot fence is proposed, but the neighbor's existing hedge is 9-10 feet tall; commissioner suggested a taller CMU wall to screen the unit and mitigate noise. A noise study is underway. - Cultural Identity: Commissioners encouraged the applicant to incorporate elements that celebrate Taiwanese culture more explicitly, such as art, patterns, or signage, so the building does not disappear among the residential context. - Drop-off/Pickup: The after-school program drop-off area is planned near the EV parking spaces. Commissioners noted the operational plan should address how 30+ students will be safely dropped off and picked up. Key Outcomes - No formal vote or decision; the Design Review Commission provided feedback and direction for the applicant to refine the design before going to the Planning Commission for approval of the Conditional Use Permits (cultural institution, after-school program, legalization of existing church use) and design review. - Commissioners' recommendations included: - Break up the 45-foot blank wall on the north elevation (e.g., with windows, obscure glass, vertical elements, control joints, or additional landscaping at the required 24-inch box size). - Improve pedestrian crossing material differentiation and add pedestrian-scale lighting. - Provide a more detailed landscape plan with appropriate species and larger tree sizes. - Conduct a noise study for the HVAC unit and consider a taller masonry wall (e.g., CMU) on the east property line. - Add solar panels on flat roof areas (future installation, per code requirements). - Consider unified campus design connecting the new building with the existing church and social hall. - Incorporate cultural identity elements to celebrate Taiwanese heritage. - Applicant accepted the feedback and will refine plans for the Planning Commission hearing.

The Walnut Creek City Council held a regular meeting on May 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber, preceded by a closed session at 4:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations for Affordable Housing Month and National Public Works Week, presentations from the Las Lomas Wellness Center and the Lesher Center for the Arts strategic plan update, approval of the consent calendar (including $2 million in affordable housing grants), discussion of 2025-2026 council priorities scopes of work, and selection of commission interview candidates. Councilmember Francois was absent at the start and joined at 7:09 PM. Mayor Pro Tem Wilk participated remotely. The meeting recessed twice and adjourned to closed session at 10:40 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of May 6, 2025. - Accepted warrant registers and payroll transfers. - Authorized a consultant services agreement with TruePoint Solutions for G-Wiz software at $120,569. - Rejected bids for the 2025 Unsignalized Pedestrian Crossing project (Contract 24-07) and authorized staff to solicit new bids. - Approved an informal bid limit increase from $200,000 to $220,000 for public construction contracts. - Item 2e – Affordable Housing Grants (pulled for discussion): Councilmember Silva requested an update from staff on the new RFP process. The council then unanimously approved awarding $1,000,000 to Habitat for Humanity for Esperanza Place Phase 2 (19 low/moderate-income ownership units) and $1,000,000 conditionally to Resources for Community Development for Civic Crossing (93 rental units). The conditional award is contingent upon exhaustion of other funding options and demonstrated need. The remaining affordable housing fund balance is approximately $2 million. Public Comments & Testimony - Sandeep Kaujalgi (DRAA board member, Walnut Creek resident) expressed support for the Lesher Center strategic plan, highlighting excitement for the upcoming SF Jazz partnership and the new Diwali Festival (October 17-18, 2025). - Mike Weintraub (Alamo resident, DRAA board member) expressed full support for the strategic plan, noting his $100,000 challenge grant to launch the "Lesher Center in Your Neighborhood" outreach program, which has reached thousands of students and seniors. - Bob Linscheid (Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce) praised the Lesher Center as a venue for conferences and noted its national reputation. Discussion Items - City Council Priorities 2025-2026 Scopes of Work: Staff presented five strategic priorities: Economic Development & Downtown Vitality, Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action, General Plan Update, Parks & Recreation Facilities, and Public Safety & Social Wellness. Each department lead outlined proposed objectives and actions. Council provided input on outdoor dining incentives, cross-priority integration of traffic safety, robust community engagement for the general plan, and the need for contingency planning for capital projects. No formal action was taken; staff will incorporate feedback and return with quarterly updates. - Selection of Commission Interviewees: The council considered unscheduled vacancies on the Design Review Commission, Planning Commission (2 seats), Board of Appeals (2 seats), and Contra Costa County Library Commission (alternate). After discussion, the council voted unanimously to: - Interview both Board of Appeals applicants. - Interview all five Library Commission applicants. - Reopen the Design Review Commission recruitment (only one applicant). - Ballot to select eight candidates for Planning Commission interviews. The eight highest vote-getters were: Jonathan Bartlett, Casey Case, Matthew Guichard, Cherise Khaund, Katherine Ming, Brendan Moran, Rob Rees, and Eric Wright. The council then voted unanimously to interview these eight. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar items 2a-d and 2f approved unanimously (5-0). - Affordable housing grants (item 2e) approved unanimously (5-0). - Commission interview selections approved unanimously (5-0). - No formal action on the priorities scopes of work; council feedback will be incorporated. - Closed session held on labor negotiations with Police Officers Association and Police Management Association; no reportable actions. - The meeting was adjourned in memory of former Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal D. Glover.

The Walnut Creek Transportation Commission met on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Vice Chair Charles Kreling presided in the absence of Chair Samantha Caygill. Commissioners Jared Asch, Laura Patch, Robert Rees, and Student Commissioner Diego Kirsch were present. The meeting included updates on Bike to Wherever Day 2025 and the Downtown Curbside Management Plan, along with public comments and commissioner announcements. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 20, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Asch, seconded by Commissioner Patch, carried unanimously to approve the minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Vecchio (resident): Spoke during re-opened public communications (non-agenda items) asking about the status of the city's bicycle master plan and requesting a staff contact for an update. He later commented on Bike to Wherever Day, praising the event and suggesting coordination with East Bay Regional Parks and other cities for surveys, as well as noting the potential for losing parking when advancing bicycle access. On the Curbside Management Plan, he emphasized the importance of data and balancing bike lanes versus on-street parking, and mentioned that electric bike parking at the Art & Wine Festival now represents about 25–30% of bike parking. Discussion Items - Bike to Wherever Day 2025 Update (Staff: Henry Rood, Transportation Planner): Staff reported on the May 15 event, which moved from City Hall to Broadway and Newell Avenue to better reach students. The new location was "wildly successful" with 223 visitors — nearly four times the previous year's attendance (up from roughly 56). The Energizer Station operated from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and provided snacks, bike lights, bells, and information. A lunchtime group bike ride from City Hall also participated. Staff sought commission feedback for Bike Month 2026. - Commissioners asked about visitor demographics, survey possibilities, and coordination with other stations. Commissioner Reese suggested adding an Energizer Station at the Canal/Iron Horse Trail intersection to capture riders from the north/east. Commissioner Ash proposed using youth commissioners to collect data from student bikers at schools. Commissioner Patch recommended coordinating a survey across all Energizer stations to avoid duplication and suggested engaging schools for assemblies. Commissioners also expressed interest in collecting data on electric scooter and bike use. - Downtown Curbside Management Plan - Outreach Update (Staff: Briana Byrne, Associate Traffic Engineer): Staff presented the second of three planned updates, summarizing feedback from stakeholder groups (parking enterprise fund, enforcement officers, economic development, Downtown Walnut Creek, County Connection, bicycle/pedestrian groups, youth commission, and the general public via tabling at events). Key data from fall 2024 collection showed: on-street weekday occupancy in Area A (downtown core) at 88% (above the 85% target), while garages averaged 57%; weekend on-street occupancy dropped to 82%. The Locust Street Garage reached 100% occupancy during typical conditions. Five major themes emerged: street parking preference (people want to see their car, proximity, safety concerns), loading/curbside pickup challenges (app-based drivers idling in 15-minute zones and commercial loading zones, delivery trucks parking at red curbs), employee parking difficulties, wayfinding (library garage unknown, desire for central information), and pedestrian/bicycle space (interest in outdoor dining, parklets, safe bike connections to trails). Staff also noted issues in the Commercial Lane alley, including double parking, trash enclosures, and tenant spaces. - Commissioners asked about enforcement strategies (e.g., reducing 15-minute window to 5 minutes, requiring "active loading"), dynamic pricing, private metered lots (ParkSmart), garage lighting and safety, employee parking solutions (proposed reserved zones in less-used areas like the "blue zone"), bike parking supply/demand, and converting parking spaces to parklets. Commissioner Asch requested a presentation from the Parking Enterprise Fund. Commissioner Reese emphasized flexibility for quarterly rate adjustments and suggested using recommendations in the plan to address longer-term policies. Commissioner Patch advocated for increased enforcement fees for delivery companies and better bike parking cages. - Commissioners’ Announcements and Brief Reports: - Commissioner Asch announced the upcoming Art & Wine Festival at Civic Park (first time downtown) with free bike valet parking and free shuttles from eight hotels and BART stations. - Vice Chair Kreling forwarded a public request for a future agenda item on safety enhancements or improvements to traffic signal equipment (yellow borders around signals). - Secretary Matt Redmond provided updates: base repairs and striping improvements on Ygnacio Valley Road (San Carlos to city limit) in preparation for next year's repaving; a successful staff bike ride to the Bike to Wherever Day station with police escort; and upcoming Public Works Week events. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Bike to Wherever Day 2025: Staff received commission suggestions for 2026, including adding a second Energizer Station at the Canal/Iron Horse Trail intersection, conducting surveys across stations, engaging schools, and collecting data on electric scooters/bikes. Directives: staff to explore these ideas for future planning. - Curbside Management Plan: Commissioners directed staff to consider several strategies in the draft plan, including dynamic pricing, adjusting the 15-minute loading zone enforcement (e.g., "actively loading" requirement), creating employee parking zones in peripheral areas, improving wayfinding to garages, enhancing bike parking, and addressing private meter pricing. Staff will present additional updates or a draft plan in July/September, with a target of late 2025 for City Council consideration. - Future Agenda Item: Vice Chair Kreling requested a future item on traffic signal safety enhancements, which will be scheduled.

Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript, which begins with "Good evening. Welcome to the April 24th meeting..." The official agenda for May 8, 2025 states the meeting was cancelled. No minutes were available. The following summarizes the proceedings as recorded in the transcript. Consent Calendar - No items were moved to the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments during the public communications period or during the hearing. Discussion Items - 10-Year Capital Investment Program (CIP) 2026-2035 General Plan Conformance Senior Civil Engineer Alex Wong presented the draft 10-year CIP and capital budget, covering five two-year cycles. The CIP includes projects in categories: asset management, downtown, transportation, parks and open space, climate resiliency, and facility projects. Key projects highlighted: - 2026-27: Heather Farm Aquatic and Community Center (replacing Clark Swim Center and community center); Affordable Housing and Sustainable Community (AHSC) grant projects including a road diet on Broadway for pedestrian/bicycle safety. - 2028-29: Park clock pool and pool house repurposing design/construction; Leisure Center upgrades; Civic Park Community Center lounge and office upgrades; City Hall restroom renovations. - 2030-31: EV charging infrastructure (climate resiliency category); Ignatio Valley Road pedestrian and bike facilities. - 2032-33: Replacement of parking management system; Main Street intersection redesign (Main/Cypress and Main/Bonanza). - 2034-35: Creek and wetland restoration project; Olympic Corridor trail connection from Iron Horse Trail to Olympic Boulevard. Commissioners asked clarifying questions: Commissioner Strongman noted the Olympic Corridor design route not yet finalized; inquired about south Main bridge replacement (scheduled for 2026-27) and synthetic turf field replacement (10-year lifecycle from current installation). Commissioner Kwok asked about the AHSC grant description. Vice Chair Nieting discussed TDM (transportation demand management) and EV readiness, noting the need for forward planning; also expressed concern about potential regulatory triggers (CDFW Section 1602) for the creek restoration project. Staff noted ample time for permitting. Key Outcomes - The commission adopted Resolution of Conformance, approving that the 10-year Capital Investment Program (2026-2035) conforms to the General Plan. The motion was made and seconded, and passed unanimously (5-0: Commissioners Quok, Strongman, Klopp, Vice Chair Nieting, Chair Anderson all voting yes). Commissioner Reports and Announcements - Vice Chair Nieting reported on a quarterly breakfast with City Council, where she raised the issue of the revised design review process. She noted that when projects come to the Planning Commission after a single design review meeting, the commission lacks feedback from design review on whether their suggestions were addressed. The design review chair and co-chair agreed with the need for improved communication. This issue is being discussed further. - A report (likely from a commissioner or staff) highlighted Earth Day celebrations: downtown cleanup gathered 40 bags of litter; sustainability fair at Civic Park. Also noted groundbreaking for Measure O funded turf fields at Heather Farm and new field lights at Tice. - A detailed historical narrative was presented about the "Hand of Peace" sculpture by Italian-American sculptor Bufano. The 32-foot-tall copper hand was commissioned by San Francisco in 1962 but rejected; later purchased for $50,000 and placed in an office park in Walnut Creek, where it remained obscure for decades before being restored and relocated. The narrative included anecdotes about the sculptor and the sculpture's journey. Next Meeting - The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

The Design Review Commission (DRC) held a public hearing on May 7, 2025, to review the design and site plan for a proposed 4,320–4,500 square‑foot single‑story Taiwanese Community Center and afterschool program at 1755 Sunnyvale Avenue (APN 170‑270‑087). The project also includes legalizing an existing church use and requires three Conditional Use Permits and final Design Review approval by the Planning Commission. The DRC provided broad feedback and reached consensus on a set of recommendations for the applicant to incorporate before the Planning Commission hearing. Consent Calendar - No items were placed on the consent calendar. Staff recommended moving no items to consent. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided oral testimony. One written public comment (primarily about parking and special events) was received and addressed by staff. Discussion Items Item 4a – Taiwanese Community Center and Afterschool Program (Application Y24‑077) Staff Presentation (Simar Gill, Senior Planner): - The 4,320‑square‑foot building (agenda description) / 4,500 square feet (staff presentation) will be built on a merged three‑parcel site zoned R‑8 (single‑family residential). The site currently houses an East Bay United Methodist Church that operates only on Sundays. - Proposed uses: Taiwanese cultural classes for adults (9 a.m.–noon, Monday–Friday) and an afterschool program for kindergarten–8th grade students (cap of 33 students; anticipated 20 students and 40 teachers daily). The church will continue on Sundays. - Parking: 50 total stalls (including ADA), confirmed sufficient by the city traffic administrator because church and community center operate at separate times. - Building design: Modern, one‑story with a sloped roof, gray/white stucco, standing‑seam metal roof, glulam columns at the south entrance. The main entrance faces south (away from the street) to maintain a low profile toward neighboring residences. - Staff highlighted several design standards that were not fully met: a 45‑foot blank wall on the north elevation (exceeds the 30‑foot maximum along pedestrian walks), pedestrian‑scale lighting not detailed, outdoor lighting not shown as downward‑directed, and landscape screening using a 15‑gallon tree instead of the required 24‑inch box size. Applicant Presentation (Dr. Ko, President of TACEB; Cyril Chong, Architect): - Dr. Ko presented the mission: to preserve and share Taiwanese American heritage, foster community relationships, and create a permanent home for the East Bay Taiwanese Association. - Cyril Chong explained the design logic: the long blank white wall on the north side was intentional to provide a clean backdrop, drawing inspiration from traditional Taiwanese garden walls. The massing aims to relate to the existing church spire. The south side features glass and wood to create an active, welcoming entrance. - Materials: white and dark gray stucco, medium‑gray metal roof, light wood (glulam) for columns and interior. - The landscape plan is preliminary; a more detailed plan will be developed for the Planning Commission. Commissioner Questions and Comments: - Commissioners asked about pedestrian safety (crosswalk material changes), the 45‑foot blank wall (whether design elements like transom windows, art, or additional landscaping could break it up), compatibility with the existing church, and the size of trees in the landscape plan. - Concerns were raised about the HVAC unit located in the east side yard (noise, screening, fence height), the need for a noise study, and the drop‑off/pick‑up area for the afterschool program (operational plan needs more detail). - Commissioners encouraged celebrating Taiwanese culture through architecture, public art, or design features (e.g., ceramic tiles originally proposed but removed; commissioners supported their inclusion). - Lighting, solar panels (to be placed on flat roofs), and control joints in stucco were also discussed. Key Outcomes The DRC reached consensus on the following recommendations to be forwarded to the Planning Commission (no formal vote was taken as this was a study session): 1. Landscape Plan: Enhance the ornamental garden with 24‑inch box trees; reconsider species (avoid maple and dogwood for heat tolerance); use landscape design (both hardscape and softscape) to create visual connectivity between the new building and the existing church; landscape the area around the removed mulberry tree. 2. Blank Wall (North Elevation): Address the design standard by incorporating architectural elements, public art, landscaping, or a combination (e.g., transom windows, opaque glass, or a mural) to break up the 45‑foot wall. The commission upheld the standard; the planning commission may waive it if deemed unnecessary. 3. East Side Yard (HVAC area): Conduct a noise study for the HVAC unit; mitigate noise as needed; install a solid wood fence (redwood or cedar) at least 7 feet tall to screen equipment and maintain neighbor relations; coordinate with adjacent neighbors on fence height and screening. 4. Lighting: Provide a complete lighting plan showing downward‑directed, shielded fixtures and pedestrian‑scale lighting along walkways. 5. Solar: Solar panels (if required) should be located on the flat roof areas only. 6. Operational Plan: Include further detail on student drop‑off and pick‑up procedures to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. 7. Architectural Details: Provide control joints in stucco; ensure glulam columns are exterior‑grade, sealed, and elevated slightly above grade to prevent rot. 8. Neighborhood Outreach: Engage with nearby residents (especially the adjacent neighbor) to discuss the project and address concerns. 9. Cultural Expression: Incorporate elements that celebrate Taiwanese culture, such as the previously proposed ceramic tiles, public art, or symbolic design features. The DRC’s input will be presented to the Planning Commission, which will conduct the final Design Review and rule on the three Conditional Use Permits.