Month 1995.09 September


Day 1995.09.05PC


PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
City of Vacaville
7:30 p.m. - Council Chambers    September 5, 1995

CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Vacaville Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Augustine at 7:30 p.m.

A.    ROLL CALL:
    Present:    Chairman Augustine, Commissioner Allen, Commissioner Dominguez, Commissioner Lawson, Commissioner Risso, Commissioner Wilkins.
Absent:    Vice-Chair Shopay.
Also Present:    Assistant Community Development Director Rowland, City Planner Emerson, Associate Planner Trippi, City Engineer Baird.

C.    COMMUNICATIONS:
    1.    Letter from Carlyn Crystal regarding the Buck Foundation Offices.

D.    APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
    Chairman Augustine moved, Commissioner Allen seconded to approve the agenda. Motion approved 6-0.

E.    CONSENT CALENDAR:
    Commissioner Risso moved, Commissioner Lawson seconded to approve the consent calendar.  Motion approved 6-0.

F.    BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
    None

G.    PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1.    INTERIM COLLEGE SITE - Mission Land Company, applicant
a.    Reaffirmation of Previous Environmental Document
b.    Tentative Map

A proposed tentative map to subdivide the portions of the North Village project area, and to create a 13.5 acre parcel for Planning Area 14.  The tentative map includes the subdivision of 848 acres located between Interstate Highway I-505, Leisure Town Road, Vaca Valley Parkway, and Midway Road, into 11 parcels of land.  Consideration of the tentative map was continued from the Planning Commission's meeting of August 15, 1995.  Pursuant to Section 15168 (c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is within the scope of a previously-approved Program EIR (North Village EIR).  No new effects would occur as a result of the proposed project, and the previous Program EIR adequately described the impacts of this project and meets the requirements of CEQA.

COMMISSION ACTION:
Chairman Augustine moved, Commissioner Wilkins seconded to continue this item to the September 19, 1995 Planning Commission meeting.  Motion approved 6-0.

2.    BUCK FOUNDATION OFFICES - Frank and Eva Buck Foundation, applicant
File No. 95-102
a.    Conditional Use Permit

Associate Planner Trippi reviewed the project and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that this is a proposal to convert a portion of the Buck Mansion to office uses for the Frank and Eva Buck Foundation.  In addition, six parking spaces are proposed on the rear portion of the property.  The Buck Mansion is located at 225 Buck Avenue.

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED:
    Carlyn Crystal, 201 Buck Avenue, expressed concern about holding fund raisers at the Buck Mansion.  She felt that it would not be consistent with the family living of the area.
    Bill Heigh, Project Manager, clarified that because of the nature of the estate, he was recommending to the Buck Foundation that fund raisers be limited to one every four years.  He felt that there should not be any impact on area residents, and this will continue to be a unique property for Vacaville.
    John Goodwin, 201 Buck Avenue, stated that it is important to be sensitive to the residential area.  He felt that this may be another step toward more commercial uses in the area.
    Public hearing closed.

COMMISSION COMMENTS:
    Commissioner Allen stated that it is important to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood and to preserve the character of the Buck Mansion.

COMMISSION ACTION:

Commissioner Allen moved, Commissioner Lawson seconded that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 95-102 approving the conditional use permit to establish 1,200 square feet of office area for the Buck Foundation on the second floor of the Buck Mansion location at 225 Buck Avenue.  Motion approved 6-0.

H.    BUSINESS ITEM

1.    FOXBORO VILLAGES EAST TENTATIVE MAP AMENDMENT -- Lewis Homes - Vacaville I and West Coast Home Builders, Applicants
File No. 95-107
a.    Tentative Map Amendment

City Planner Emerson reviewed the proposal and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that this is a  request to amend a condition of the Foxboro Villages East Tentative Map.  Foxboro Villages is a phased subdivision located east of Putah South Canal, west of Nut Tree Road (future), and north of Foxboro Parkway (future).  The applicants request to revise condition IV. N. of the Tentative Map to construct an attached or monolithic walkway along the north side of Foxboro Parkway in place of the previously-required meandering sidewalk.  The proposed monolithic walk is consistent with the existing sidewalks along Foxboro Parkway, west of Putah South Canal.

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED:
    Tom Phillippi, Phillippi Engineering, stated that he was available to answer questions from the Commission.

COMMISSION ACTION:

Chairman Augustine  moved, Commissioner Lawson seconded that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 95-107 approving the amendment to the Foxboro Villages East condition IV.N to permit an attached sidewalk on Foxboro Parkway. Motion approved 6-0.

I.    DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
1.    Assistant Director Rowland reported on City Council actions pertaining to Planning Commission items and reported on the tentative schedule of future Planning Commission items and select items under staff review.
2.    City Planner Emerson reported on the property located at the south side of  Foothill Drive west of the City boundary.   He noted that the County indicated that a custom home and private, 3-hole golf course are under construction this site.

J.    COMMISSION COMMENTS:
    Chairman Augustine stated that when writing letters to the editor, the Commission should consider carefully what is said in a political nature.  He stated that the Commission has every right to submit letters to the editor, but that it would be more appropriate that Commissioners write letters as a public citizen rather than addressing themselves as a Planning Commissioner.
    Commissioner Allen stated that as a Commission, they have a responsibility to improve the community.  He felt that his letter was written primarily to the community at large to get them interested in the planning process, and carefully crafted not to be political.
    Commissioner Wilkins stated that it is important not to side with council members, which could cause a division among the Commission.
    Commissioner Risso asked for the status of the Newberry Place subdivision.  Staff noted that the developer is still working through some of the issues raised and is determining whether to proceed with the project.
    Chairman Augustine questioned the status of the IHOP restaurant.  Staff stated that the applicants have completed some preliminary demolition work, but at this time have not decided if they will proceed with the project.

K.    ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to discuss at this regular meeting of the Planning Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


Mary Page
Recording Secretary