Day 1999.03.16PC

Also Present: Community Development Director Rowland, City Planner Emerson, Assistant Planner Behvand, City Engineer Baird, Assistant Director of Public Works Tompkins, Assistant Engineer LaShells, Associate Civil Engineer Teraura.

Vice-Chairman Minkler moved, Commissioner Williams seconded to approve the agenda and continue item G.3, Vineyard Hills Estates to April 6, 1999. Motion approved 6-0.

It was the consensus of the Commission that the minutes as proposed, correctly reflected the statements that were made at the meeting by Commissioner Turpen, and that no revisions were necessary. Vice-Chairman Minkler noted a correction that Chairman Wilkins had called a recess at the meeting, not Vice-Chairman Minkler. Commissioner Drake moved, Commissioner Aldrich seconded to approve the minutes of March 2, 1999 with the correction noted by Vice-Chairman Minkler. Motion approved 6-0.

Commissioner Drake requested that Condition #22, which recommends that the applicant contact John Jacobs, be changed to “ the applicant shall” contact John Jacobs.

Dean Evans, applicant, stated that he had already contacted John Jacobs. He reviewed the wood and chain link fences that exist on the site. He stated that they don’ t intend to keep vehicles outside because of theft or vandalism problems, but the longest a car would be kept outside would be two days.

Chris Patrini, representing the applicant, clarified that the site backs up to a hill that is owned by the City and designated as open space. He added that it is also within the flight path and no development will occur on the property. He clarified the that the yard area is completely enclosed by a chain link fence and that there is a wood fence and dense vegetation along the property line separating this site from the adjacent apartment complex.

Commissioner Williams felt that the issue of potential odors are sufficiently addressed in the conditions of approval. He added that he has done business with Corby’ s Collision and there were no detectable fumes when he was at the site.

Commissioner Dimmick questioned how long cars would be stored outside while they are being repaired. He also questioned if they could add a requirement that slats be added to the fence to provide additional screening.

Commissioner Drake moved, Vice-Chairman Minkler seconded that the Planning Commission approve Resolution No. 99-020, adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Plan, and approving the Conditional Use Permit for Corby’ s Collision Repair located at 1330 Callen Street with amended conditions to read as follows:

City Planner Emerson reviewed the project and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that it is a request for a 1-year time extension for a 30-lot subdivision, located south and west of the intersection of California Drive and Marshall Road. The project includes four house plans, with floor areas ranging from 2,300 to 3,100 sq. ft. Minor changes are proposed to the dimensions of one lot. No other revisions are proposed to the approved plans. Pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is within the scope of a previous Negative Declaration (EA-24-91), which adequately described the impacts of this project and meets the requirements of CEQA.

Mr. Emerson reviewed the letter from the school district, noting that for this project, the previous mitigation fees will apply. He also reviewed when the approval will expire adding that the project has allocations for this year. He clarified that Conditions 2 & 4 should be changed to reflect a 50’ easement.

Commissioner Williams noted that the letter from the school district indicated that Elm school was at or over capacity. He stated that it was his understanding that Elm was one of the only schools that was not over capacity. Regarding school impact fees, Mr. Williams noted that if the developer were to delay his approval by one week, he would not be subject to the higher impact fees and questioned if this was a consideration for the applicant.

Charles Toscano, applicant, noted that they are in for second plan check and they anticipate starting construction at the end of the summer. He noted for the Commission that he would not delay the project just to pay the lower school impact fees. He stated that they would do whatever was necessary to see that the needs of the school district are met.

Commissioner Williams clarified that the school district may not be able to guarantee that students go to the area school even if the full mitigation fees are paid.

Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Aldrich seconded that the Planning Commission approve Resolution 99-002, reaffirming the previous Negative Declaration and granting a one (1) year time extension to the Majestic Oaks subdivision. Motion approved 6-0.

A proposal to construct an 18-lot custom home subdivision on 23.6-acre site, located between Vine Street and Markham Avenue. Access to the new subdivision would be from a single cul-de-sac connecting to Vine Street south of Alta Mira Drive. The minimum lot size is 20,000 sq. ft. Subsequent house plans will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Consideration of this item was continued from the Planning Commission meeting of February 16, 1999. This item was continued to the next regular meeting of April 6, 1999.

City Planner Emerson reviewed the project and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that this is a proposal to replace the existing 120,000 gallon above-ground water storage reservoir at the end of Tranquility Lane with two new reservoirs that would each have a capacity of approximately 75,000 gallons. The project includes improvements to on-site pumps, piping, emergency power and other facilities. Mr. Emerson also noted that the hillside will also have additional planting to provide more stabilization to the slope.

Assistant Engineer LaShells clarified the type of driveway that will be installed on tranquility lane, which would be similar to a standard street.

Mr. Emerson provided a contrast with the Westminster tank that failed and this project, noting the difference in type of construction which would make these new tanks safer.

Tom Mingee, Nolte & Associates reviewed how a temporary tank will be used while the old tank is removed and the first tank is constructed. He noted that the temporary tank would be used for approximately 6 weeks and area residents should experience no change in their service during construction. He added that they anticipate starting construction towards the end of the summer, or possibly delaying the construction to the same time next year.

Commissioner Williams noted concern with the aesthetics of the site, noting that the current tank has been vandalized with graffiti, even though there is an 8 foot fence. He felt that the motion sensor lighting will help at night, but questioned how the problem could be mitigated during the day. He suggested that slats be placed in the fence to help discourage climbing on the fence. Commissioner Williams stated that active measures need to be taken to prevent graffiti and requested that even though there is a condition that requires that sensor lighting will be placed on the pump station, that it be added as a mitigation.

Mr. LaShells noted that the west side of the site does have slats in the fence, but the view down the hills does not have slats because of the concern about wind load in that area. He agreed that vandalism is an on-going problem, but they have taken measures to prevent access to the water supply.

Assistant Director of Public Works Tompkins, reviewed the monitoring of the water tanks and the measures that have been taken to prevent vandalism and access to the water system.

Vice-Chairman Minkler stated that it has been his experience that if graffiti is painted over immediately, eventually the situation discontinues.

Bill Seiden, 160 Wykoff, stated that he lives across from the site and has concern about maintaining adequate water pressure during construction. He also requested that graffiti be removed as soon as possible.

Commissioner Williams requested that a new mitigation measure be added to provide staff the opportunity in the future to address the situation of graffiti if the need arises, in terms of mitigation for visual impacts. He stated that he was in favor of the project, and liked the idea of having two tanks that would provide a backup during maintenance.

Chairman Wilkins agreed that graffiti should be immediately painted out. He questioned if there will be a public awareness campaign to make area residents aware of possible change in service. Mr. Tompkins noted that they anticipate that there will be no impacts during construction and will take the necessary steps to provide consistent service.

Vice-Chairman Minkler questioned if the proposed sand color would provide the least impact. He suggested researching it further adding that possibly camouflage type paint would look better. Staff noted that they would look at alternative color schemes for the tank.

Commissioner Williams moved, Vice-Chairman Minkler seconded that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 99-025 approving the Wykoff Reservoir Improvement Conditional Use Permit and Mitigated Negative Declaration adding a mitigation measure to address lighting and with the following new conditions to read as follows:

1. The exterior building materials for the pump house shall include split face block siding and architectural grade metal roofing or an approved equivalent. The final pump building design and materials are subject to review and approval by the City Planner prior to the issuance of building permits.

2. City maintenance personnel shall monitor the Wykoff Reservoir site for graffiti. Graffiti shall be removed from all building surfaces as soon as practical, but no more than two working days after the incident is reported. If graffiti removal is an ongoing issue at the site, the City Planner shall consult with the Public Works Department to implement alternative solutions including, but not limited to, providing additional site security and installing slats in the south facing chainlink fence.

1. Community Development Director Rowland reported on City Council actions pertaining to Planning Commission items and reviewed the tentative schedule of future Planning Commission items and select items under staff review.

2. Community Development Director Rowland reported on the City Council’ s discussion of the strategic plan. He noted that the items they chose to address are: 1) Public Safety; 2) Economic Development; 3) Downtown; 4) City Services, and; 5) Senior Citizens. Commissioner Williams questioned how the Commission’ s recommendations to the Council were presented, specifically their desire to have an open space mitigation or maintenance plan developed. Mr. Rowland noted that the recommendations were in written form that the Commission was given copies of. He added that even though there were only five items that the Council selected to address at this time, action on some of the items selected by the Commission may be able to be addressed with the Community Services Commission.

3. Community Development Director Rowland reviewed the zoning applicability to public agency projects. The Commission noted that the memo was well written and appreciated the information.

Commissioner Dimmick noted that if developers are required to provide a letter from the school districts, that new students may not be able to attend their neighborhood school, they may not be able to attract executive housing. Chairman Wilkins stated that people have expressed concern that they were never told about the school impacts, and that they have an obligation to provide that disclosure. Commissioner Dimmick agreed that it is important to make people aware of the situation, but the problem is statewide and as a Commission they may not be able to solve the problem even if a developer did provide full mitigation. Mr. Rowland noted that the Chamber of Commerce had addressed the Council and their top priority was education. Vice-Chairman Minkler felt that the letter from the School District with updated information should be provided to homebuyers, as well as encouraging developers to help address the problem. He stressed the importance of passing bonds and pressing for a comprehensive solution. Commissioner Drake noted that this problem needs to be addressed by the community as a whole, and that a developer may not be able to completely mitigate the impacts. He commented on the importance of the School districts finding ways to solve this problem and determine how they raise and spend funds.

Chairman Wilkins noted concern about an article that was in the paper that gave the perception that one Commissioner was against the others, or that they may have been misinformed about impacts of a project.

Commissioner Drake stated that he had driven past several schools that day and has a new appreciation for the concerns about traffic near schools. He also commented that many of the shopping center parking lots need to be restriped, which would make the community more attractive. Mr. Emerson noted the steps that staff is taking to contact shopping centers regarding parking lot striping.

Vice-Chairman Minkler questioned if the conditions of approval require maintenance of striping for parking lots. Mr. Emerson noted that they address striping as well as the condition of the pavement.

Chairman Wilkins noted that he and Commissioners Drake, Aldrich and Williams would be interviewed by the City Council regarding reappointment to the Commission.

Commissioner Aldrich noted that the condition of the landscaping at Red Carpet Carwash continues to deteriorate. Mr. Emerson commented that staff has been in contact with the owner and is trying to resolve the situation. He also noted that he had been in contact with the Public Works department regarding the paving on Nut Tree Road, which had been a concern of Commissioner Aldrich’ s at a previous meeting.

Commissioner Williams commented regarding the school impact situation, that there is action being taken, much of which is being done behind the scenes in the way of background research for bond issues. He also noted that he has traveled throughout the state recently and is more conscious about signs. He noted some communities that are good role models.

City Planner Emerson noted a sign proposal scheduled for an upcoming Commission meeting that includes a computerized reader board for the Auto Center.

Commissioner Dimmick commented that the Brenden theater sign is too tall and close to the freeway. He felt that it would have had a much less visual impact if it had been shorter and further from the freeway. He commented that it is hard to refuse other signs when other businesses are allowed to have them.

Vice-Chairman Minkler stated regarding the issue of schools, that the Commission needs to continuously be mindful that they are often the only focal point in the review process.

Chairman Wilkins agreed that their main area of concern needs to be if a major subdivision is proposed, rather than for small infill projects, and is hopeful that these issues will be resolved soon.

Commissioner Williams commented that they are doing the right thing to look at each project on it’ s own merit, and the school districts are looking at ways to receive matching funds. He noted concern about developments already in the pipeline, because the District won’ t be able to go back to the state and request additional funds for this type of project.

There being no further business to discuss at this regular meeting of the Planning Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.