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11/19/1998GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 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 November 19, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairwoman, Fran Van Gelder. PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Chairperson Doug Wilson, Vice -Chairman Matthew Addington, Commissioner Mary Trainor, Commissioner Don Larkin, Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, Community and Economic Development Director John Lampe, Planner Raul Colunga, Planning Intern Pat Peterson, CEDD Secretary 7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Addington 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 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 2 November 19, 1998 ITEM#1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 15, 1998 MOTION PCM-98-36 Motion by Commissioner Trainor to approve October 15, 1998 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Addington. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-36 Carried. 4-0-1-0. Commissioner Wilson abstained. ITEM #2 GPU-97-01/E-98-06 GRAND TERRACE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE - AIR QUALITY ELEMENT - DRAFT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CITY-WIDE Staff report was presented by Planner John Lampe. He told the Planning Commission the Air Quality Element is not one of the mandatory General Plan elements, however the Government Code authorizes optional elements which are judged to be relevant to the community's needs. This optional element is scheduled to be updated this fiscal year. An overall improvement of air quality will enhance the City's ability to reach the objectives of the Strategic Action Plan adopted by City Council in 1997. He said San Bernardino County regularly exceeds State and Federal Air Quality standards, during summer months in particular. According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the air in this region continues to improve. In 1997 there was only one Stage 1 episode, compared to 66 in 1987, and 121 in 1977. In Figure 3 of the draft element a chart shows the decrease of air pollution during the last 4 years. The AQMD has approved Air Quality Management Plans in 1994 and 1997. These plans are required by the California Clean Air Act and the State and Federal Standards. The Air Quality Management Plan calls upon local governments to play an active role and assist in efforts to reduce emissions through the implementation of specific actions. This proposed element will act as a guide to the City in meeting its obligations to assist in improving the region's air quality. The main part of the element is the statement of goals and objectives, arranged by air quality topic, including specific implementing actions to improve air quality. Following are the topics addressed in the draft element: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 3 November 19, 1998 1. Role and responsibility of local government to improve the air quality; 2. Ground transportation measures the City can take; 3. Supporting the use of clean and non-polluting fuels; 4. Land use and design review; 5. Non -motorized emissions occurring within the City; and 6. Energy conservation These topics and specific implementing actions were developed based on Regional Air Quality Plan prepared by the County in 1991, the 1994 and 1997 Air Quality Management Plans prepared by the SCAQMD, and the 1998 Regional Transportation Plan prepared by SCAG. Mr. Lampe explained the purpose of this hearing is to acquaint the Planning Commission with the air quality issues and the proposed draft element. Staff welcomed any questions and all suggestions. Director Materassi added she would like to include an appendix to the element relating to the City's Trip Reduction Ordinance. Commissioner Wilson asked if there is a possibility for financial assistance in the implementing actions involving the education portion. Director Materassi said AB2766 funds are available. Those funds have been utilized in the past for co -funding to get the EV-1, the charging stations and an air quality grant for an educational publication. Those funds were also used for supplement the bike lane grant. Continued use of AB2766 funding for implementation of the Air Quality Element should be mentioned in the element. Commissioner Wilson asked how the City will seek to coordinate with other jurisdictions in San Bernardino County. Director Materassi responded the City participates in grants through SANBAG with other cities (i.e. the Inland Empire Clean Fuels Corridor for installation of the EV charging stations). Planner Lampe said he believes this calls for the City to go on record committing to cooperation with other jurisdictions in the region to develop strategies to improve air quality. Commissioner Larkin directed staff to Page 21, Objective 7, regarding AQMD Rule 2202, and asked what that rule is. Mr. Lampe said this new rule replaces the old ride share rule to give employers more flexibility to deal with their obligations to reduce air pollution. Commissioner Larkin asked the City plans to support Objective 7, Item #3, on Page 21 relating to elimination of excess curb idling. Also he had concern about Page 26, Objective 18, Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 referring to preparing an ordinance. His concern was one of shifting the burden to private businesses, making it more difficult for them to do business. He wants to be sure we do not deter businesses from either expanding or moving to the area, while ensuring we address the air quality issues. Mr. Lampe said the implementing action regarding excessive curb idling on Page 21 is an implementing action under the most recent Air Quality Management Plan and has been dropped. He PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 19, 1998 Page 4 will be referring to the 1994 Management Plan to determine what the intent was regarding the excessive curb idling. It may ultimately be dropped from our element. Commissioner Larkin suggested the City commit to synchronizing the timing of traffic signals to reduce the idling time of vehicles in the City. He also suggested emphasizing air quality improvements in recent years versus the current tone of how serious a problem exists, which could be a deterrent to prospective new businesses. Commissioner Trainor referred to Page 21, Objective 7, Item #1, referring to the need of special event operators to reduce emissions generated by vehicles driven to the special event. She said she felt it would be helpful to illustrate an example. Mr. Lampe said this implementing action may not be applicable to this small community as we do not have any large "Blockbuster Pavilion" type facilities. What he believes is intended is possible shuttle service to events. Implementation measures should be worded specifically and include an example. Commissioner Trainor asked about the concern previously voiced about increased traffic through Pigeon Pass as it affects air quality issues as well as circulation. Director Materassi said it is not yet on the regional network but anticipates the increased traffic will occur. The environmental evaluation has not been done. When the evaluation begins she feels the City of Grand Terrace will be included for input. Commissioner Trainor suggested inclusion into the element of some generic language indicating the City would resist routing non -city directed traffic through Grand Terrace. Director Materassi acknowledged Commissioner Trainor's concern, however said the additional traffic may help our local businesses if channeled through the major arterials. Commissioner Trainor agreed it would be good for business however her understanding of the plan is to divert traffic from Moreno Valley off of the 1-215 freeway so if they stopped at local businesses it probably would not be for long. The City will definitely participate in the North/South Corridor Project development and environmental review. Mr. Lampe thanked Planning Commission members for their comments and said the Air Quality Element will be brought back to the Commission for public hearing in January, 1999. Director Materassi asked Planning Commission members if they would prefer to approve the element "actions" as a part of the General Plan or by separate Resolution. Commissioner Trainor clarified that the resolution will be easier to change in the future. On the other hand there will be less commitment. Consensus was that either way was acceptable to them. Director Materassi asked Commission members how they felt about bus and trolley transit issues. Commissioner Trainor said she felt the City has a responsibility to offer a transit connection to the citizens with the regional shopping areas in San Bernardino and Riverside since Grand Terrace is not a self sufficient community. Other Commissioners agreed. Director mentioned input from residents and past Commissioners regarding public transportation for teenagers to go to school, to parks and even to employment. Also, seniors that are not handicapped and can no longer drive are isolated from basic services. Commissioner Larkin stated when the use of PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 19, 1998 Page 5 buses becomes as convenient as cars people will use buses. He cited the experience of his brother in Chicago who did not own a car for fifteen years because a convenient mass transit system is available. Staff concluded that a trolley system at minimum would be supported with potential expansion of lines in the future. ITEM #3 GPU-97-01/E-98-07 GRAND TERRACE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE - OPEN SPACE ELEMENT - DRAFT CITY OF GRAND TERRACE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CITY-WIDE Staff report was presented by Planning Intern, Raul Colunga. The Open Space Element is one of the seven required General Plan elements. Open Space issues are addressed in our current General Plan in the following areas: 1) hazards, 2) natural resources, 3) aesthetic, cultural and recreational resources, and 4) community development. The current draft element is a result of reference to the General Plan Task Force recommendations as well as Open Space Elements of local municipalities. State of California General Plan Guidelines were also used to develop the draft. There are three focuses in the proposed Open Space Element: 1) community image, 2) Blue Mountain, and 3) family and children orientation. An example of community image is the use of Blue Mountain on the street signs and placement of City monument signs at City entrances is another example. The use of Blue Mountain for community identity was strongly recommended by the Task Force. The concept of promoting and protecting Blue Mountain as one of the City's assets is also addressed. The Task Force recommended establishing a Blue Mountain Wilderness Park and a system of trails for recreational benefit of the public to connect the Wilderness Park, Blue Mountain and the City. Feasibility of this proposal needs to be evaluated. Another proposal is for the City to approach the Gage Canal to secure access for inclusion in the trail system. The family and children orientation involves the Parks and Recreation Department and school areas within the City. Two new parks are proposed for development; the Blue Mountain Wilderness Park and a second park on the west side of the 1-215 freeway. The goal is to reflect the family values of the citizens of the City of Grand Terrace, protect the small town atmosphere and contribute to the quality of life. The Open Space Element attempts to offer something unique. The draft consists of four objectives and their implementing actions. Director stated that this is a first draft and still needs to reflect state law and overall open space inventory and relative purposes of each open space area. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 19, 1998 Page 6 Commissioner Larkin said the draft is overall very good. He applauded Objective 4, with the lighting for linear parks, Edison easements and the Gage Canal easements. These three items would significantly benefit the City. Director Materassi responded to a question from Commissioner Larkin pertaining to the reason a City gymnasium and Civic Center would be included in the Open Space Element. Director responded it is optional since recreation uses is one aspect of the open space element. Further, because our open space element goals are mostly related to recreation it may fit well in it. Director asked for input from Planning Commissioners regarding consolidation of the Open Space and Parks and Recreation Elements. The Planning Commission deferred to staff and staff concluded that specific recreation activities may be better described in a separate document, not necessarily related to open space, while open space inventory and uses belong here. Commissioner Larkin suggested the City develop commercial/industrial guidelines to ensure ample open space is maintained as the industrial area develops; not just on industrial but on residential infill lots as well. He would like to avoid linear appearances that make everything look like a row of warehouses, but instead enhance the feeling of open space and blend in with the natural aspects of the community. He also noted that per the 1988 standards, considering our population the City should have 56 acres of parks. He asked the number of acres in our parks inventory. Director Materassi said that information is contained in the current Parks and Recreation Element and is not yet incorporated into the draft Open Space Element. An inventory of park land open space will be incorporated into the draft element. She also reminded the Planning Commission that the Task Force wanted to increase recreational/entertainment uses in the industrial areas. Land uses in the industrial area will need to be evaluated and amended in that case. Chairwoman Van Gelder also expressed interest in the amount of park acreage currently in the City. She also advised the City has a fund set aside to build a gymnasium in the future. She said she likes Implementing Action #8 for Objective 4, to expand joint use agreements with the school district for other facilities such as libraries and gyms. Commissioner Wilson asked if public sidewalks can be designated as open space and as such can funds be set aside to improve them? He mentioned the sidewalk along Mt. Vernon which many people use to get their regular exercise. He would like to see it made more attractive with signage embedded in certain neighborhood sidewalks to designate it a part of the City's trail system. Commissioner Trainor suggested deletion of the word "future" from Implementing Action #2 for Objective 2 regarding protection and promotion of the beauty of Blue Mountain. She also asked how much more buildable space there is at the toe of the mountain. Director Materassi suggested evaluating the area to develop an outline or boundary designating where development shall stop. Commissioner Trainor suggested further that a philosophical base of beliefs be woven into the elements as they apply. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 7 November 19, 1998 ITEM #4 V-98-01 APPLICATION FOR SET BACK VARIANCE DUE TO LOT CONFIGURATION AND EXISTING BUILT ENVIRONMENT TO BUILD A 915 SQUARE FOOT GARAGE STRUCTURE. DOUGLAS LETH FOR PROPERTY OWNER VICKI BAILS 12713 BLUE MOUNTAIN CT., GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 Director Materassi said the property in question is at the toe of Blue Mountain and recently sustained some drainage problems from storm run-off. It appears the project will now be more detailed to solve the drainage problems so applicant is not yet ready for a public hearing and has requested it be continued to the next meeting. MOTION PCM-98-37 Motion by Commissioner Trainor to continue V-98-01 to the next Planning Commission meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Addington. MOTION VOTE PCM-98-37 Motion carried. 5-0-0-0. Chairwoman Van Gelder read Item 11 on page 2 of the Planners Pocket Guide by the League of California Cities. "Each meeting agenda should have a designated place for miscellaneous matters such as letters from citizens, inquiries from the Commissioners about progress on special projects and discussion of Commission activities. These discussion items may come in the form of a chairperson or director's report at the end of the agenda." "Staff has been asked to give us information on various topics and projects so we'll do that at this time." • Planning Intern Colunga gave an update and chronology of events regarding the tea room at the Town and Country Center operated in conjunction with Baskets Ahh la Cart. The tea room has a certificate of occupancy, however, the Angels from Above business and the antique consignment business who have sublet space from the tea room do not have certificates of occupancy. The situation is complicated by the fact that both the Angels and antiques complement the tea room use and the City zoning code does not provide for businesses to sublet and co -occupy suites. The property owner has not acknowledged the tearoom has sublet space to either business. Director Materassi said Mr. Colunga is checking with other cities to determine how they handle this type of situation. One option may be to bring a Determination of Use to the Planning Commission for review. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 19, 1998 Page 8 • Director Materassi said she had done some research regarding the recent ordinance approved by City Council reducing the Planning Commission to five members. The original ordinance which created the Planning Commission called for election of Chairman and Vice-chairman every year. The recent ordinance is consistent with the establishing ordinance. The Planning Commission Procedures Manual approved by City Council many years ago calls for elections every two years. Both City Clerk and City Manager have advised Director it is acceptable to have elections every two years if it suits the needs and purposes of the Planning Commission and citizens of the City. • Rite Aid project is moving along. Final grading plans are being developed. The block wall issues with the resident on Mt. Vernon to the north of the project have been resolved. • The T. J. Austyn project involving 28 new homes is moving along. An administrative minor deviation procedure regarding setback issues is nearing completion. Applicant has had many questions about conditions but the final letter was mailed 11 /19/98. • The City received an award last week from the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) for the work done by the General Plan Task Force involving public outreach and education during the General Plan Update process. • A copy of the John Husing economic data for Grand Terrace was given to the Chairwoman for her review. Other Commissioners were invited to contact Director to receive their own copy if they are interested. When the final report is available staff will distribute it for the information of Planning Commission members. • Director said she is currently reviewing the market analysis data prepared by the Meyers Group and submitted by Lisa Hjulberg, prospective developer for the future Town Square Project. • Director said she met with Richard Lewis, President of Lewis Homes and Mr. Paulson, owner of a large piece of property in Honey Hills, for a possible housing project. • Planning Secretary told the Planning Commission about a real estate agent who contacted the City about a possible Carl's Jr. restaurant at the GTI Market site. Associate Planner Hally Cappiello spoke with him to suggest other available sites. • The right of way dedication from Ali Yasin at Michigan St. and Barton Rd. has been recorded. We are proud of it. • Commissioner Wilson congratulated the staff and General Plan Task Force for the AEP award. The award dinner was excellent. He said it was suggested the City should approach Sacramento to include our model action plan and outreach effort in their General Plan Guidelines. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 19, 1998 Page 9 ■ Commissioner Wilson commended Chairwoman Van Gelder on the orderly manner in which she conducts Planning Commission meetings. He recently attended a meeting at the City of Yorba Linda. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 a.m. due in part to the disorganized manner in which the meeting was conducted. ■ Commissioner Wilson expressed concern about the two City plywood signs at the intersections of Mt. Vernon/Grand Terrace Rd. and Barton Rd./Preston. Would they be replaced as the street signs were? Director said she has spoken with the Assistant City Manager, John Donlevy, several times about those signs. Commissioner Wilson said he would like to send a message to City Council that perhaps the City should better implement our sign policy in relation to those two signs. Chairwoman Van Gelder and all other Commissioners shared the opinion that the City should provide a good example in relation to implementation of our own codes and in display of high standards of quality and craftsmanship. The Director agreed to draft a document and bring it to the next Planning Commission meeting. 8:35 P.M. ADJOURNED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 17, 1998. Respectfully submitted, Approved by, ]I Pa rizia Materassi, Director Fran Van Gelder Comm. and Econ. Development Dept. Chairperson, Planning Commission 11-30-98: pp c:\office\wpwin\wpdocs\planning\minutes\11-19-98. min