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10/03/1996GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION NUNUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 3, 1996 The regular meeting of the Grand Terrace Planning Commission was called to order at the Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California on October 3, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. by Vice -Chairperson, Fran Van Gelder. PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Vice -Chairperson Matthew Addington, Commissioner Gerry Ellis, Commissioner Moire Huss, Commissioner Mary Trainor, Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director Larry Mainez, Associate Planner Hally Cappiello, Associate Planner Pat Peterson, Community Development Department Secretary ABSENT: Jimmy W. Sims, Chairperson Doug Wilson, Commissioner 6:20 P.M. CONVENED PART I OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION - IN CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM UPSTAIRS * 6:20 - 6:55 p.m. • Economic Development Presentation by Patrizia Materassi on the Economic Development/Downtown Revitalization Conference "Worldng Together to Build a Strong California Economy" A. RETAIL FOCUS Intensify life in your city and retailers will come. "The City exists for the sake of life; for the sake of intensifying life." Aristotle PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 3,1996 Page 2 Type of business and goods sold should reflect community values and needs. Relationship of the community with local businesses is fundamental. 2. Create a people's stage 3. 24-hour life downtown is the best attraction to businesses 4. Trade area phenomenon of Starbuck's Coffee B. SHIFT EMPHASIS TO CREATION OF JOBS 1. Commercial base is a by-product of the industrial base 2. Economic base analysis fundamental 3. Determine the regional role on the economy and the city role in the region 4. Decrease inequalities so the region will grow faster 72 % of industries surveyed stated that availability of qualified labor force is one of the most important factors to move to a specific location A. RETAIL FOCUS Local goods and services should reflect community values and needs. The community needs to identify with the Business District and needs to invest in it and feel it belongs to them. Please refer to attached material for reference, case study of Arcada, Humbolt County and other retail survey results. Create a People's Stage Create places for people to congregate. People want to be seen with others in a village environment with beautiful promenades. Create a town image that attracts people, make it beautiful enough that people will come from other places to observe it, live the atmosphere, and have the experience to be in it. Good for next 7 to 15 years. 24-hour Life Attracts Business Downtown The following are the major components found in cities with 24-hour environments according to Mark Winogrand, Community Development Director, City of Culver City: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 3,1996 Page 3 a. Very attractive neighborhoods and physical environment; b. A multi -dimensional environment (multi -use activity center); C. Convenience of corner grocery store, schools, shops, etc.; d. Relative safety and security, and; e. Alternative transportation modes - "The city that lives by the car, dies by the car". Trade Area Phenomenon of Starbuck's Coffee Shift in real estate/market theory that location needs to be determined by trade area. Usually per the current rule the the more specialty based are the goods, the greater is the trade area. Starbuck's Coffee just proved that concentration with certain block areas within a village concept is the answer to lower advertising costs, training needs, operations and management while still attracting people from larger trade areas. Conclusion - The more density in downtown, some type of transit or alternative to the car, the more life, constant movement, and goods and services reflecting the community values the more likelihood of economic development. The other issue is to have the local demographics and we do have them in the broader area. However, we are still missing people in downtown and we need to educate the community and define our market niche. Please refer to City Newsletter's Community Development Department message. It is asking questions about what should be our market niche. B. SHIFT EMPHASIS TO CREATION OF JOBS You need to have something to sustain the growth. Jobs is what sustains growth. I remember 5 years ago there was no incentives to create jobs. There was no statistics. Well now they are starting to come out because they are very important. Also instead of just doing a market analysis, in order to create jobs you need to do what they call an Economic Base Analysis. It's a much larger analysis. I have a booklet received from CALED that gives a chart that shows how to do an economic base analysis. It's not just to see how much the population makes and how much income they have available to spend after they pay their housing bills. Usually a market analysis shows only that. But this one deals with human resources. How many employed residents- skilled or unemployed, not in the labor force. The financial resources -banks, public organizations, physical infrastructure, institutions, natural resources, sources of technology and government policies. Basically instead of talking about what is the tax base, they look at the circulation of money. It is a completely different analysis thanjust a retail focus analysis. I think that is very interesting. The other thing in doing this economic base analysis, one of the questions asked of the businesses and industries is "Who are your suppliers?" Where do their goods come from? An example might be the Loma Linda Medical Center. If you analyze the whole region, and where do the hospital linens comes from? Where the medical supplies come from? Who is producing some of the dialysis equipment? There are so many people producing and selling -- supporting the hospital all over the region. The hospital can be called a cluster industry. The medical field is one of the biggest cluster industries we have in San Bernardino County. If ' you do an economic base analysis you can find out what our role is within this specific cluster. Maybe we can build from there. I thought that was very interesting and useful to Grand Terrace. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 3,1996 Page 4 Also, the other thing I learned is that it is very important to try to decrease the inequalities so the region will grow faster. They are saying there is no point in doing an economic development plan by ourselves. You need to see how your city relates to the Southern California Region and then try to help the region also. What you're doing should go in the same direction of the region, because the more the region grows the better you can profit from it also. If we wanted to do an Economic Development Element the ideal would be to see if SANBAG or another regional organization can give us an idea of what the region's role may be. An example would be the Silicon Valley. They have 25 cities in their economic development authority. They are very successful already and with this authority they are in the international scene. This is the result of an economic development strategy put together by several cities. The woman who was on a panel I moderated was very good. She said all those cities work cooperatively when they meet to develop economic development strategies. They know what they want. They have a mission and they agree on the policies. They have a very aggressive business attraction and job creation strategies. I was very impressed with their regional approach. Here in Grand Terrace we don't have that regional strategy in an organized fashion, we're barely scratching the surface. Another thing strongly emphasized is the concept of a qualified labor force. They have done a survey which reflects that 72% of the industries surveyed stated that availability of a qualified labor force is one of the most important factors considered in moving to a specific location. Many cities are contacting schools to develop curriculums so that once a student graduates, they will have a place to work. This is a very good thing. My Item C of my outline deals with "What are the Elements of an Economic Development Plan?" I will bring that back to another meeting. I have received quite a large package of information from CALED after the conference. If the City becomes a member they can really assist us in brainstorming an economic development program and possible with the element. They can also do a workshop with us and provide economists to do an economic analysis for the City. I will review this material and determine the cost, then possibly recommend some actions. • Presentation by Commissioner Mary Trainor regarding information gathered at the conference. Commissioner Trainor said the experience of attending the conference rekindled her interest in looking at the Grand Terrace Downtown area and evaluating how it can be made better using those contemporary ideas and concepts which were presented. Some of the necessary ingredients include: A vision or long term plan (minimum of 5 years) Commitment of energy and money y Time 0 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 3,1996 Page 5 Commissioner Trainor cited the example of what Sacramento has done with its Thursday "market night" on "K" Street. This revitalization is several years into the project with a completion date of 8 to 10 years hence. This project is a partnership of business, local government and the citizenry who share a common vision, commitment and each add energy toward the goal. Several of the conference speakers said creation of a commission or committee is critical to the effort of achieving the mission. She suggested creation of such a commission including the Chamber of Commerce, members of the business community, City government and citizens to first focus on a significant empty storefront as a trial run for the commission. She concluded this portion of her presentation with a quote from the conference as follows: "The perception of community is drawn primarily from its downtown." 7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ Cj PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING k, * Call to Order * Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Trainor * Roll Call * Public address to Commission shall be limited to three minutes unless extended by the Chairman. Should you desire to make a longer presentation, please make written request to be agendized to the Community Development Director. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None ITEM#1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 19, 1996 MOTION PCM-96-58 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 19, 1996 Motion by Vice -Chairperson Van Gelder to approve Planning Commission Meeting minutes of September 19, 1996. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6 October 3,1996 Commissioner Huss suggested the addition of some language to the minutes of Item #2 pertaining to signage at the Blue Mountain Coffee House. "Any future planned signs by Applicant must be reviewed by the Community Development Department staff before installation. " "Chairperson Sims agreed there may be little sympathy from the Commission in the future if this procedure is not followed. " Director stated there was a provision in the follow-up letter to applicant after the September 19, Commission Meeting which reiterated to applicant "No further signs shall be installed without proper review and permits obtained. " MOTION VOTE PCM-96-58 Motion carried. 5-0-2-0. Chairperson Sims and Commissioner Wilson were absent. ITEM #2 SA-96-04/E-96-11 APPLICATION FOR SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT A 149112 SQUARE FOOT CONCRETE TILT -UP OFFICE/COMMERCIAL BUILDING. C-Y DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, JAMES COFFIN, OWNER 22060 COMMERCE WAY, GRAND TERRACE, CA Staff report presented by Larry Mainez, Associate Planner. An environmental review was conducted by staff and determined that a Negative Declaration is applicable to this project. Zoning for the subject parcel is CM (Commercial Manufacturing). Zoning for the adjacent properties is also CM. The project is bordered on the North by the I-215 freeway. The subject and adjacent parcels are all designated General Commercial in the General Plan. A zone change and tentative parcel map for subject property have recently been approved by the Planning Commission. The project comments from Cal Trans were not incorporated in the design review as they were received late in the process. However, their comments reveal plans to widen I-215 from the current 6 lanes to 10 lanes by the year 2010. Cal Trans plans to request 35' from applicant in the future for right-of-way expansion at some time in the future, they have no authority to require dedication at this time. Cal Trans project is not adopted, budgeted or programmed at this time. Plans for Cal Trans proposed will be incorporated into a General Plan Amendment and revised project reviews in the future. Associate Planner reviewed design elements and colors of the project with the Planning Commission using overhead transparencies and passed around building materials samples. The proposed landscaping covers 13 % of the parcel. Parking landscape also meets code. I The 22 parking stalls as proposed is sufficient per code. The truck route/traffic impact will be assessed when the CUP and/or SA are filed for this parcel. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 7 October 3,1996 The only unresolved issues of this project at the time of hearing are increased landscaping along the freeway side of the property and the overhang over the main door entrance of the office portion of the building. Staff proposes to review those plans per current recommendations. Staff recommended approval of SA-96-04 and the associated Negative Declaration subject to the conditions attached. Commissioner Addington asked if the driveway is entirely within parcel 1. Associate Planner Mainz said he did not receive this requested information from the engineer. Director said she was 99 % sure it is within parcel 1, but in any event a reciprocal access agreement will be required. Commissioner Trainor asked for more details about the Cal Trans plans to widen I-215. Director said no funds have been programmed for this project until the year 2010. Neither the study nor funding have been approved to date. When additional information is received from Cal Trans as to the impact of the proposed freeway expansion on the city it will be made available to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Huss asked about the progress of acquisition of the County Flood Control property adjacent to subject property. Director explained applicant has received communications from the County indicating tentative approval but said there will be a delay of several months to prepare the necessary paperwork. Director said the Planning Commission should approve both parking plans just in case. 7:35 p.m. OPENED FOR PUBLIC HEARING JAMES COFFIN, PRESIDENT C-Y DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 222 E. OLIVE REDLANDS, CA He said the project architect is also present to answer any questions. There were no questions by Commissioners. He said he appreciates the efforts of staff and Commission Members for the expeditious processing of his various projects. He said he looks forward to the completion of the project. 7:37 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED MOTION PCM-96-59 Motion by Commissioner Addington to approve SA-96-04 and E-96-11. Seconded by Commissioner Ellis. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 8 October 3,1996 MOTION PCM-96-59 VOTE Motion carried. 5-0-2-0. Chairperson Sims and Commissioner Wilson absent. 7 9 ! 1 . IN I ' , a I Uri :0AWA neX Information to Commissioners Mary Trainor resumed her conference presentation on Economic Development and Downtown Revitalization. She used the example of the City of Huntington Beach with the crime and image problem they experienced in the 1970's to describe the changes the citizens and City affected to create a Village Concept Specific Plan. The following seven principles were defined to help create the Village Plan: 1) promote the diversity of use; 2) emphasize compactness (walkable); 3) foster intensity; 4) insure a balance of multiple uses during day and evening hours; 5) provide accessibility; 6) create functional linkages (able to walk between activity centers); and 7) build a positive identity for downtown. Mary also spoke about business retention which is described as any program which helps retailers improve their operations and their bottom line. It was said that business retention is the work of the private sector as well as the government. Some suggested private sector activities include: 1) establishment of downtown business association (i.e. Chamber); 2) workshops on the concepts of merchandising and display, accounting practices, information systems, selling skills, and customer service; 3) proactive consultation with local businesses by Chamber; 4) develop an "early warning system" to identity business at risk; and 5) follow up with businesses which have left to determine the reason. Public sector activities suggested were: A) revolving loan funds for working capital loans; B) facade loans and grants; C) retail retention and recruitment programs; D) sales tax performance agreements; E) expedition of permit processing; F) creation of a program to satisfy city zoning and occupancy requirements; G) technical assistance to businesses through libraries and small business incubators; and H) day visitor marketing campaigns. Vice -Chairperson Van Gelder asked Director if the concepts discussed are applicable to Grand Terrace. Director stated she felt these concepts are applicable. The main components are time, dedication, partnerships and funds. She said an economic analysis is needed. To continue the momentum she suggested accepting some of Commissioner Trainor's ideas. Different alternative actions are possible: First, the Planning Commission could prepare a PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 3,1996 Page 9 resolution to City Council recommending economic based analysis or formation of a commission or committee. Another idea could be is for the General Plan Task Force to incorporate some of the recommendations into actions of the General Plan Economic Development Element; and third, the Chamber of Commerce could also initiate a committee. Commissioner Ellis expressed concern that there should be a champion of the project. Absent a champion to drive the process he is afraid the project will not succeed. Commissioner Trainor said she believes such a downtown revitalization takes a very active central core group and does not believe it is the role of government to lead such a group; that it shouldbe a partnership of various sectors. Information from Commissioners Commissioner Addington said he will be out of town for the November 7, 1996 meeting. 8:30 P.M. PUBLIC WORKSHOP ADJOURNED Respectfully submitted, Approved by, T, J" j & s Pa izla Materassi Community Development Director 11-01-96:pp c:\office\wpwin\wpdocs\planning\minutes\ 10-03-96. min C Fran Van Gelder Vice -Chairperson, Planning Commission