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City council takes care of many issues at meeting
Cupertino expands time to talk to commission candidates
By GEORGE MOORE
Unlike a previous meeting when lengthy presentations and discussions prompted a "no decision" vote regarding the Cupertino Sports Center, the city council took care of business at its Jan. 7 meeting. Action was taken on several issues, which included denial of a use permit and approval of adding an extra day to conduct interviews for boards and commissions.
Applicant Gary Schmidt filed an appeal after the planning commission denied an extension of a use permit for the continued use of a shopping center parking lot where he stored new vehicles for his dealership. City staff recommended to the planning commission not to extend the permit based on incompatibility with the city's long-term land use plan for Stevens Creek Boulevard.
The parking lot is located at 10071 S. Blaney Ave. at the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard. Schmidt has been using the property since February 1999 and had had the use permit temporarily extended.
Steve Piasecki, director of community development said the property falls under the General Plan's "Heart of the City" zone. He said the objective in that area is to create a unique pedestrian and business activity center.
Schmidt's appeal to the council, stating that the site would not affect development, in the area, was not enough to gain him an extension. Councilman Patrick Kwok abstained from voting on the issue, due to his previous work with the planning commission, but other members unanimously denied the application.
The council also decided to add a second meeting to conduct interviews for the various boards and commissions. Kimberly Smith, city clerk, said that because of the excellent response, including 16 applicants for the one planning commission vacancy, the council should add another day for interviewing. Council members had already slated Jan. 14 to conduct the interviews and unanimously decided to also conduct them on Jan. 15.
Smith said several people have requested to serve on more than one commission. She suggested the council should interview just applicants for the planning commission Jan. 14 beginning at 4:30 p.m. and interview all remaining applicants the following day.
The council also held a public hearing to consider abating a public nuisance involving a vacant lot located at 10200 Stern Ave. The lot has been accumulating trash and old car parts, and an adjacent neighbor said kids have been hanging out there in the evenings smoking marijuana and drinking. Council members voted unanimously to move forward with the abatement to clean up the lot and attach the bill to the owner's property taxes.
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
