Month 1999.05 May.


Day 1999.05.18PC


PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
City of Vacaville
7:30 p.m. –  Council Chambers    May 18, 1999

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

A.    ROLL CALL:
Present:    Vice-Chairman Minkler, Commissioner Aldrich, Commissioner Dimmick, Commissioner Drake.
Absent:    Chairman Wilkins, Commissioner Turpen, Commissioner Williams.
Also Present:    Community Development Director Rowland, City Planner Emerson, Associate Planner Trippi, Associate Planner Duffy, Assistant Planner Behvand, City Engineer Baird.

C.    COMMUNICATIONS:
1.    Requested revisions to the minutes of May 4, 1999.
2.    Reminder of the Planning Commissioner conference on May 22, 1999.
3.    Letter from H.F. Biestek regarding Item G.1, Vaca Valley Preschool Fence.

D.    APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
    It was suggested that the discussion on the Downtown Mural Project be postponed to the Planning Commission meeting of June 1, 1999, since three of the Commission members were not able to attend the meeting.  Commissioner Drake moved, Commissioner Dimmick seconded to approve the agenda as amended.  Motion approved 4-0.

E.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
    Commissioner Aldrich moved, Commissioner Dimmick seconded to approve the minutes of May 4, 1999 with the revised wording.  Motion approved 3-0-1 (Drake abstained).

F.    BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR:
    None.

G.    PUBLIC HEARING:

1.    VACA VALLEY PRESCHOOL FENCE –  Harold F. Biestek, applicant
File No. 99-062
a.    Variance

Assistant Planner Behvand reviewed the project and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that the applicant, Harold, F. Biestek, proposed to replace an existing three-foot high fence with a five-foot high chain link fence in the front and street side yards of the Vaca Valley Preschool and Child Care Center, located at 1018 Callen Street.  This fencing will enclose the existing play areas and separate them from the adjoining roadways at the southwest corner of Callen Street and Valley Drive.  The proposed fence exceeds the City’ s maximum height standard of three feet in the required front and street side yard setback areas.

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED:
    Fred Vasquez, 129 Valley Drive, stated that he was in favor of the fence as long as it was chain link and they didn’ t use plant materials on the fence that would block visibility.
    A resident who lives across the street from the preschool stated that she was in favor of the fence because it would provide more safety on the busy street.
    Public hearing closed.

COMMISSION COMMENTS:
    Commissioner Drake noted that because of safety reasons he would be in support of allowing a five-foot fence.  He questioned if there could be an adverse possession problem, since the fence would be located on City property.  City Engineer Baird clarified that there would not be a problem because everyone is aware of the situation and a hold harmless agreement must be signed by the applicant.

COMMISSION ACTION:

Commissioner Aldrich moved, Commissioner Drake seconded that the Planning Commission approve Resolution No. 99-062, approving the Vaca Valley Preschool and Child Care Center Fence Variance at 1018 Callen Street subject to the conditions in Exhibit A.  Motion approved 4-0.

H.    STUDY SESSION:
    1. DOWNTOWN MURAL PROJECT
A study session to review the City of Vacaville “ Mural Project” .  The project includes development of a City policy to guide in the design and location of murals proposed in the downtown area.  The murals would be painted on selected building facades and/or walls to depict contemporary and historic life in the City.  After adoption of the policy and any implementing codes, two buildings would be considered for the first murals: Heritage House restaurant at 303 Merchant Street; and Merchant and Main Grill and Bar at 349 Merchant Street.  The study session will include an update on the Mural Project Committee work efforts, review of mural projects in other cities, consideration of appropriate building facades/walls in the downtown, and a preliminary review of the first mural proposals.  This item was continued to the Planning Commission meeting of June 1, 1999.

I.    DIRECTOR’ S REPORT:
1.    City Planner Emerson 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.    Executive Housing Committee –  Final Report:
    Community Development Director Rowland introduced the item, noting that the document defines “ executive/luxury housing”  for the City of Vacaville.  Mr. Rowland reviewed the five primary areas of the definition, which are: 1) City Image, 2) Project Settings, 3) Project Characteristics, 4) Project Size, and 5) Housing.  A project may be exclusively executive/luxury housing or executive/luxury housing may be a component of a larger housing project.  In addition to text, the definition includes a series of photographs to illustrate intended meaning of the words.  He also added that a project must consist of at least 100 executive/luxury homes to qualify.  Commissioner Drake questioned if a minimum of 100 homes was an ambitious requirement.  Commissioner Dimmick noted that they need to start someplace, adding that he knows there is a desire for this type of home in the move-up market.  Mr. Rowland noted that less than 100 homes would not provide a sense of community, adding that typically, all the homes do not develop at the same time.  Rulan Hatch stated that he is familiar with an area in Napa where these type of homes are being built, and that they are selling very well.  He felt that there is a need for this type of development.  The Commission thanked Mr. Rowland for his presentation.

J.    COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Drake congratulated staff on the proposed relocation of the ARCO AM/PM on Orange Drive.
Commissioner Aldrich thanked staff for their assistance with the medical building behind her residence, adding that the parking lot lights have been shielded and they are being turned off at a reasonable time in the evening.  She questioned when the Outback Restaurant would be open.  Staff noted that they anticipate construction will start this summer.  Ms. Aldrich also stated that she had heard that Albertsons on Peabody Road may be closing.  Mr. Emerson noted that they had no information to confirm that.  He also noted that Nugget Market is moving forward with their plans to relocate in the vacant K-Mart building.

K.    ADJOURNMENT:
    There being no further business to discuss at this regular meeting of the Planning Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


Mary Page
Recording Secretary