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06/18/1998GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING JUNE 18, 1998 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 June 18, 1998 at 6:20 p.m. by Chairwoman, Fran Van Gelder. PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Chairperson Doug Wilson, Commissioner Moire Huss, Commissioner Don Larkin, Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, Community and Economic Development Director Hally Cappiello, Associate Planner Raul Colunga, Planning Intern Pat Peterson, CEDD Secretary ABSENT: Matthew Addington, Commissioner QMary Trainor, Commissioner 6:20 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION. Refreshments were served honoring Commissioner Moire Huss who is planning to move from Grand Terrace so is not seeking re -appointment. Chairwoman Van Gelder told Commissioner Huss her strong presence will be missed and wished her family well in their move to Arizona. Commissioners Larkin and Wilson joined in expressing their best wishes. Director Materassi said Commissioner Huss was appointed to the Planning Commission in 1992 and thanked her for her valuable input throughout the years. Power Point Presentation was narrated by Director Materassi about the Community and Economic Development Department, accomplishments in 1997 and goals for the 1998-1999 fiscal year as incorporated in the Activity Report Fact Sheet. CEDD 1997 ACTIVITY REPORT FACT SHEET The Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) diversified significantly within the last few years. We are helping to build enduring neighborhoods and prosperous business areas by reviewing development, planning for the future and enforcing the zoning code. We are looking for alternative ways to produce revenues and provide efficient public services through our efforts in economic development, GIS and the web page. Enduring neighborhoods do not exist in a vacuum, but in a context of efficient city services, good schools, transportation, utilities, retail and community services and jobs. For that we need continued economic vitality from within; only then can we ensure our property values will increase and our best asset -low density neighborhoods will endure. Current Planning/Entitlement Division • 40% increase in case processing from 1994 to 1997 (287 cases, see chart on reverse). • Tracking and issued 208 permits plan checked by Building & Safety Advanced Planning Division • Completed General Plan update outreach effort • Completed GPTF Strategic Action Plan with City Vision for next 20 years. • Completed Housing and Circulation Elements currently under State review. Zoning Code Enforcement • Completed sign subsidy for Terrace Town Center -subsidized sign #21 of the program. Processed 100 zoning code enforcement cases Transportation Division • Completed City Pedestrian/Bikelane Project ($370,000 Grant) • Secured $1 M of STP funds for 1-215 improvements adjacent to Grand Terrace • Leveraged $4,500 of AB2766 funds for $26,000 electric charging stations (4) • Leased an EV-1 for 3 years -education outreach/field inspections GIS/Web Page • Structured, organized, equipped and staffed division; secured updated data, attracted investments from outside in terms of technical assistance and software • Improved, enhanced City Council and Planning Commission presentations • Placed Grand Terrace in the international arena-ESRI and City web pages • Saved production time/cost of departmental operations; trained City staff in ArcView • Strategic spatial analysis of housing target data vs. other city databases Economic Development • Secured Rite Aid - $1.5 B company • Attracted 6 developer groups interested in City Center project • Completed Industrial/Residential vacant site inventory • Marketing Grand Terrace via Inland Empire Business Journal, City profile, etc. We have accomplished all our listed goals for Fiscal Year 1997-98, and done much more... 7:12 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION UNTIL AFTER THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 7:12 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 3 June 18, 1998 Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Huss Roll Call PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None ITEM#1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - MAY 21, 1998. MOTION PCM-98-16 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - MAY 21, 1998 Motion by Chairwoman Van Gelder to approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of the May 21, 1998 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Larkin with his suggested changes to the wording in second to last paragraph on page 4. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-16 Motion carried. 4-0-0-2. Commissioners Addington and Trainor absent. ITEM #2 SGN-98-06 RITE AID SIGN PROGRAM BILL ROBISON FOR RITE AID CORPORATION 22524 BARTON ROAD, GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 Hally Cappiello, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. The Rite Aid project at the corner of Barton Rd. and Mt. Vernon was approved by the Planning Commission on May 21, 1998. The purpose of this hearing was to consider a sign program for the project. Staff worked closely with applicant Rite Aid regarding size, design, type and number of signs to be used. Two red channel letter wall signs are proposed by applicant. Two internally lit can signs are planned with the word "Pharmacy". Two cloth canopies will be used to say "1-hour Photo" service. In addition, three accessory hanging signs relating to the drive-thru are proposed to say "Drop Of', "Pick Up" and "Drive-thru Pharmacy". These three signs are not addressed in the BRSP sign code. Two "Food Mart" wall signs are proposed and one monument sign is proposed on the Mt. Vernon side of the project. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 4 June 18, 1998 Ms. Cappiello explained that although applicant's proposals deviate from the BRSP sign code the Planning Commission has the power to approve a proposal if it fits in with the general aesthetics of the area, meets the intent of the specific plan and is a creative sign solution. Although the proposed sign program does not meet the BRSP because of the number of signs, the greater square footage than code and the overall height requirements, the actual proportion of signs and letters is much smaller than allowed. Although there are deviations from code she said the key point is that they do meet the intent of the specific plan for scale, coloring and design consistency. The various signs indicate the varied uses within the building. She pointed out the size of the signs is very compatible with the size of the building and they do complement each other and the architecture very well. Staff proposed two temporary signs, limited to 25 square feet each, be allowed for this project, subject to application approval and payment of fees. Ms. Cappiello recommended additional conditions of approval as follows: "Proposed monument sign should match the color and texture of the building"; "Pharmacy Drop Off and Pick Up signs be internally lit to promote safety during nighttime hours"; and "Applicant to submit applications and fee deposits for building permits and signs 0 concurrently with construction plans." Commissioner Huss asked if there will be signs on the overhang opposite the "Drop Off' and "Pick Up" signs indicating "Do Not Enter" which would advise drivers the "Drop Off' and "Pick Up" lanes are one-way only. Chairwoman Van Gelder invited applicant to speak. Sy Golob, Architect for the project CASCO Corporation He said the east elevation will indicate "Do Not Enter" on the canopy for the drive-thru. In response to Commissioner Larkin's question Mr. Golob stated the French pane windows will be clear glass. The diamond -shaped windows will be translucent. MOTION PCM-98-17 Chairwoman Van Gelder made a motion to approve the Rite Aid Sign Program SGN-98-06, subject to conditions of approval as amended by the Planning Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Wilson PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 5 June 18, 1998 MOTION VOTE PCM-98-17 Motion carried. 4-0-0-2. Commissioners Addington and Trainor absent. ITEM #3 TTM-14078-1 APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF CONDITION OF APPROVAL #1 IN TENTATIVE TRACT MAP - BLOCK WALL BETWEEN LOT 1 (RESERVOIR SITE) AND LOT 15 OF THE REMAINING TRACT. J. B. KARGER/RIVERSIDE HIGHLAND WATER COMPANY EAST END OF PICO STREET, GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 Staff report was presented by Planning Intern Raul Colunga. He clarified the subject block wall of this hearing is between the easement road and lot 15. Per staffs initial environmental study the project is found to be exempt per CEQA. The site is zoned R1-20 and land use is designated low density residential. Applicants J. B. Karger and Eugene McMeans were both present in the audience. He said the proposed retaining wall needs to be 10'4" to reach the top of the slope, plus 42" above the easement road grade. Commissioner Huss asked if it would be possible to lower the grade of the easement road so the wall can be lower. Director Materassi suggested applicants may be able to answer the question as the Public Works Director could not attend the hearing. Planning Commission Chairwoman Van Gelder invited Mr. McMeans to address the Planning Commission. Eugene McMeans Riverside Highland Water Company 1450 Washington Colton, CA 92324 He said the description of the project should again be changed to "Retaining wall between Lot 15 and the easement road on Lot 15." He said the third paragraph of the report pertaining to a chain link fence has nothing to do with the proposed change which is the subject of this meeting. The project was originally approved for a 6' garden wall. This hearing is to consider replacing the block wall with a combination block wall/retaining wall. Mr. McMeans suggested re -wording of the recommendation should the Planning Commission approve this proposal; "13'10" between Lot 15 and the easement road on Lot 15." PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 6 June 18, 1998 Commissioner Huss asked Mr. McMeans if the 42" above grade level must be a block wall also. Mr. McMeans responded that chain link or wrought iron would work as well. Barney Karger 11668 Bernardo Way Grand Terrace, CA 92313 He said the project as originally approved was for 6' high pillars spaced 10' apart with wrought iron around the entire project. Somehow during processing it was change inadvertently to a solid concrete block wall. It was not his desire to do a solid concrete block wall, but he never pursued correction of those conditions. Mr. Karger said the easement road is too high. He has discussed the grade with his Engineer, Mr. McKeever who does not agree with Mr. Karger's interpretation that the hill should be lowered. He asked the Planning Commission for direction to lower the "bump" in the access road by 18". He said he will be happy to do so. He said he would like to have the top 42" of wrought iron with pillars instead of a solid block wall. Commissioner Wilson asked Mr. Karger if there is a reason the retaining wall is proposed at grade instead of in the slope at a 2:1 ratio. He asked if it is Mr. Karger's desire to make the yard larger. Mr. Karger said potential buyers always want as much lot as possible. By making this wall change at this time he will recover 16 feet of lot space. Director Materassi suggested an additional condition be worded as follows: "Final plans to be satisfactory with Director of the Building and Safety/Public Works Department." She said if the Planning Commission members agree with the concept of applicant's proposal they can approve it subject to final approval of the Director of the Building and Safety/Public Works Department. 8:04 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED 8:04 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Commissioner Huss commented she wanted to know why the grade of the access road cannot be lowered. She had hoped the Director of the Building and Safety/Public Works Department would be present at the meeting to explain that issue. She said she felt she could not make a decision on this project based on the information provided. MOTION PCM-98-18 Motion by Commissioner Huss to continue this hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 7 June 18, 1998 Director Materassi suggested the Planning Commission may be able to set some parameters for the project to transfer authority to staff to make administrative decisions. Motion seconded by Commissioner Larkin. Commissioner Wilson said there is a way the Planning Commission can approve the project yet make it flexible. The height of the road does not have to be specified, only the height of the wall in relation to the road elevation. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-18 Motion failed. 2-2-0-2. Chairwoman Van Gelder and Commissioner Wilson voted "no". Commissioners Addington and Trainor absent. MOTION PCM-98-19 Commissioner Wilson made a motion to approve the proposed change to Condition of Approval #1 of TTM 14078-1 with staffs additional conditions and the flexibility to adjust the height of the top of the wall to maintain the height 42" above the access road and the flexibility to reduce the elevation of the access road as much as possible upon approval of the Director of the Building and Safety/Public Works Department. The top 42" of the subject wall is to be constructed of wrought iron with masonry pillars every 10'. Seconded by Chairwoman Van Gelder. Commissioner Larkin asked applicant what impact a continuance would have on this project. Mr. Karger stated there is a tremendous lead time for masonry sub -contractors at the present time so the project would be delayed. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-19 Motion carried. 4-0-0-2. Commissioners Addington and Trainor absent. ITEM #4 SA-98-03 and E-98-01 APPLICATIONS FOR SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR A PUBLIC STORAGE EXPANSION OF 61,335 SQUARE FEET, CONSISTING OF 9 STORAGE BUILDINGS AND AN OFFICE/RESIDENCE APARTMENT MICHAEL JONES ARCHITECT, INC. FOR TIMBERLAKE GROUP INT'L 21971 DeBERRY STREET, GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 8 June 18, 1998 MOTION PCM-98-20 Motion by Commissioner Larkin to continue to the Planning Commission Meeting of July 16, 1998 per request of applicant. Seconded by Commissioner Huss. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-20 Carried. 4-0-0-2. Commissioners Addington and Trainor absent. ITEM #5 SA-98-06 and E-98-04 APPLICATION FOR SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW TO DO A 2,670 SQUARE FOOT CONVERSION FROM CLASSROOM/INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITY TO A SHOP AREA FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF SEMI TRUCKS AND TRAILERS. MID -CAL EXPRESS INC., DBA COUNTRYWIDE TRUCKING SERVICE 21496 MAIN ST., GRAND TERRACE CA 92313 MOTION PCM-98-21 Motion by Commissioner Wilson to continue to the Planning Commission Meeting of July 16, 1998 per request of applicant. Seconded by Commissioner Huss. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-21 Carried. 4-0-0-2. Commissioners Addington and Trainor absent. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 9 June 18, 1998 ITEM #6 GPU-97-01 AND E-98-06 APPLICATION FOR UPDATE OF THE GRAND TERRACE GENERAL PLAN - AIR QUALITY ELEMENT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CITY-WIDE MOTION PCM-98-22 Motion by Commissioner Huss to continue to the Planning Commission Meeting of July 16, 1998 per request of staff. Seconded by Commissioner Wilson. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-22 Carried. 4-0-0-2. Commissioners Addington and Trainor absent. 8:22 P.M. ADJOURNED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 8:22 P.M. RECONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION Director Materassi explained the 1997 CEDD Activity Report Fact Sheet is a summary of the department's accomplishments during 1997. Since 1994 the department has seen an increase of 40% in current planning. 1997 saw a big increase in "preliminaries" which means the department had many inquiries from persons interested in pursuing commercial and residential projects. Preliminaries are an indicator of increased future business. An invitation to the Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner was passed around to the Commission members for their information. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES June 18, 1998 Page 10 Budget Considerations Director Materassi asked Commission members' their opinion about reducing the stipend to $50 per month instead of the current $50 per meeting; and their feelings about reducing the number of the Commission through attrition to 5 members, instead of 7. The majority of Commissioners preferred to keep the number of seats on the Commission at 7, although they unanimously agreed to a 6-month trial reduction to 5 Commissioners. At the end of that time the Planning Commissioners will evaluate and recommend to City Council action on this item. Regarding the stipend reduction issue, the majority felt the stipend should remain as is. 8:62 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON JULY 16. 1998. Respectfully submitted, 0" - Patrizia Materassi Community and Economic Development Director 07-02-98:pp c:\office\wpwin\wpdocs\planning\minutes\06-18-98.MIN Approved by, :;� �� z4gze� Fran Van Gelder Chairperson, Planning Commission