01/07/1999GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 7, 1999
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
January 7, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairwoman, Fran Van Gelder.
PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Chairperson
Doug Wilson, Vice -Chairman
Matthew Addington, Commissioner
Don Larkin, Commissioner
Patrizia Materassi, Community and Economic Development Director
John Lampe, Planner
Pat Peterson, CEDD Secretary
ABSENT: Mary Trainor, Commissioner
7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
* Call to Order
* Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice -Chairman Wilson
* 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
January 7, 1999
ITEM#1
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 1998
MOTION
PCM-99-01
Motion by Vice-chairman Wilson to approve November 19, 1998 meeting
minutes, with changes in the third paragraph of page 6 as requested by
Commissioner Larkin.
Seconded by Commissioner Addington.
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-99-01
Carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Trainor absent.
ITEM #2
PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 9, 1999
MOTION
PCM-99-02
Motion by Commissioner Larkin to approve the minutes of the November 9, 1999
Special Meeting Minutes.
Seconded by Commissioner Addington.
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-99-02
Carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Trainor absent.
ITEM #3
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
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 3
January 7, 1999
MOTION
PCM-99-03
Motion by Commissioner Addington for discussion to continue this agenda item
to the next Planning Commission meeting.
Seconded by Vice-chairman Wilson.
Pursuant to Commissioner Addingtons request Director Materassi explained the
property just recently had an erosion problem. The City Engineer subsequently is
suggesting grading conditions to control the erosion. Applicant is working with his own
engineers to resolve the grading issues. In addition, applicant is now exploring the idea
of adding a room addition at the same time since he will be making a Planning
Commission appearance for the garage addition. Director said it may take a couple of
months before applicant is ready to proceed.
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-99-03
Motion carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Trainor absent.
ITEM #4
GPU-97-01/E-98-15
GRAND TERRACE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE - AIR QUALITY ELEMENT
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 being updated in-house by staff. This proposed Air Quality
Element is the work product following the Planning Commission workshop of November
19, 1998. Several additions and deletions were made pursuant to Planning
Commission recommendations at that workshop. Copies of the staff report and
proposed element were mailed to the General Plan Task Force, South Coast Air Quality
Management District and the Bicycle Commuter Coalition of the Inland Empire. Copies
were also available for public review in the Grand Terrace Library and City Hall public
counter. Three residents were selected and copies were mailed for them to review so
we could obtain their unbiased opinions of the proposed element. No correspondence
nor phone calls were received concerning the proposed element.
Mr. Lampe said the air pollution in this region affects the health and scenic views of all
who live and work in the area. However, air quality in the region is improving. 1997
was the best year on record, with only one Stage 1" smog alert as compared to 1977
when there were 121 Stage 1" alerts.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 4
January 7, 1999
In 1977 the South Coast Air Quality Management District adopted the most recent Air
Quality Management Plan. This plan was required by the California Clean Air Act to
meet State and Federal standards. Local government is called upon to play an active
role to assist in reducing emissions through implementation of specific actions. Our
proposed Air Quality Element, part of the Citys General Plan, will act as a guide to the
City in meeting its obligations to assist in improving the regions air quality.
Mr. Lampe handed out copies of a proposed ordinance approving the Air Quality
Element and read it into the record.
Director Materassi made the following suggested additions/changes to the proposed Air
Quality Element:
Page 4, under "Air Quality Conditions"
Director suggested the original draft wording should remain because it discusses
the history of the region.
After discussion by staff and Commissioners it was decided the first paragraph
under the heading "Air Quality Conditions - History of the Region" should read as
follows:
"Around the turn of the century, Southern California promoters boasted of
the healthful air in the Southern Califomia region. Sanitariums were
established, particularly in the foothills of the local mountains, to bring
tuberculosis patients from the East Coast of the United States to the
clean, dry air of Southern Califomia. Rapid industrial growth followed
these early years and, by the mid- 1940's, the region had the distinction of
having the most polluted air in the nation. Much of this is due to the
unique regional climate and topography of the South Coast Air Basin
(SCAB) which includes the portions of four counties. The City of Grand
Terrace lies at the easterly side of the basin. (See Figure 2 for a map of
the South Coast Air Basin.)"
Page 21, Implementing Action 1f, regarding support and development of a diverse
multi -modal ground transportation system.
Add "i.e. intra-city shuttle" at the end of Implementing Action #1f.
Page 22, Implementing Action 3, regarding support and development of a diverse multi -
modal ground transportation system.
Add "and attend the Colton Joint Unified School District. i.e. establishment of
bicycle lanes and an intra-city shuttle" at the end of Implementing Action #3.
Page 23, Objective 7, Implementing Action #3, regarding City support to eliminate
excessive curb idling.
Change the first sentence to read "The City will support the elimination of
excessive curb idling as funds are available, whenever this control measure is
implemented by the South Coast Air Quality Management District." Balance of
Action #3 to remain as is.
Page 25, Non -Motorized Means of Transportation, Objective 10, regarding provision of
bicycle and pedestrian pathways and facilities to encourage non -motorized trips.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 5
January 7, 1999
Add Implementing Action #4 to read "The City will develop a Bicycle Master Plan
to continue to be eligible for State and Federal funds for installation of bicycle
lanes and related facilities."
Page 28, Convert Objective 6, "Support tree planting programs to reduce air pollutants"
to a Goal. Director said one of the best ways the City can help reduce emissions is by
planting trees. Tree planting is consistent with other goals of having attractive corridors
and pedestrian pathways. If public awareness is developed then funding will come.
Director read an excerpt from the "Summary of Benefits from Trees", a publication from
the USDA Forest Service Southern Region.
Page 28, add Objective 17, to support the Tree Planting Goal
"Implement an urban and community forestry program for tree planting and
management, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,
Southern Region."
Add Action #1, to support the Tree Planting Goal
"The City will combine its beautification programs which include tree planting with
air pollution reduction efforts to both beautify the City and to improve City air
quality. Trees have been found to be a very effective biological agent to remove
air pollutants and improve air quality. Tree leaves absorb carbon dioxide and
other poisonous gases and, in turn, replenish the atmosphere with oxygen for us
to breathe."
Add Action #2, to support the Tree Planting Goal
"Renderings of an ideal Barton Road and Mt. Vernon corridors streetscape will
be developed as funds allow to provide examples of the City Vision for
streetscape to prospective developers."
Add Action #3, to support the Tree Planting Goal
"Develop and pursue funds for implementation of a tree planting and
management program U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines which includes
but is not limited to tree inventories, participation of schools and other community
groups, sources of grant funding, etc."
Add Action #4, to support the Tree Planting Goal
"While the program is being developed, adopt a tree ordinance to regulate the
planting, maintenance and removal of trees in right-of-way and City facilities."
Add Action #5, to support the Tree Planting Goal
"For every tree removed from City parkways, a new tree will be planted of a
mature size or two trees of a smaller size."
Add Action #6, to support the Tree Planting Goal
"The City shall study the feasibility of adopting a city-wide tree preservation
ordinance."
Add Action #7, to support the Tree Planting Goal
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 6
January 7, 1999
"The City will initiate the project and pursue funding for a median on Barton Rd.
to include appropriate large scale/tall trees."
In conclusion, Director Materassi suggested one more addition: a summary in the
element listing all 6 goals and 20 objectives.
Director Materassi recommended approval of the element with the suggested changes
and additions.
The Planning Commission had no further questions of staff.
7:40 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
LARRY MAINEZ
REPRESENTING THE BICYCLE COMMUTER COALITION OF THE INLAND EMPIRE
P.O. Box 1523
San Bernardino, CA 92401-1523
He said he sits on the Board of Directors for the Bicycle Commuter Coalition, as
Director of Government Affairs for San Bernardino County. Part of his
responsibility is to appear at public hearings such as this one to ensure safety
factors are included in each applicable General Plan Element addressing bicycle
routes.
Mr. Mainez's suggestions included:
Objective #1- add "civic groups" in addition to the Chamber of Commerce. He
said his organization (BCCIE) is currently working with the City of Redlands by
going to employers to educate them about bicycle commuting. BCCIE provides
bicycle lockers for employees who ride bicycles. The coalition is also involved in
the Electrical Bicycle Assist Program to provide electric bicycles to employees to
ride to work. Bicycle racks on public transportation buses are a result of grant
funding from BCCIE.
Objective #10 - add the word "safe". I.e. Provide "safe" bicycle and pedestrian
pathways and facilities to encourage non -motorized trips.
Objective #10, Action #1 - Reword to say "Promoting a pedestrian friendly
streetscape to encourage walking and bicycling.
Objective #10, Action #2 - Replace the phrase "bike routes" with "safe bicycle
commuter routes".
Page 28, Objective #6, Support tree planting programs to reduce pollutants. Mr.
Mainez suggested a statement such as "The City will establish and enforce a
tree preservation and planting ordinance for the public right-of-way as well as
private property."
Mr. Mainez suggested the section pertaining to multi -modal transportation for
"youth and seniors" should reflect "all citizens".
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 7
January 7, 1999
He suggested deleting the section on Page 27, Action #2, pertaining to the City
hiring people who live within the City, and suggested making housing affordable
to City employees using Redevelopment funding.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Mr. Lampe said some of the safety issues brought up by Mr. Mainez should probably
addressed in the Circulation Element.
Director Materassi said the tree preservation ordinance is a good idea but it is
something the Planning Commission will need to recommend to the City Council as it
expands beyond the public right-of-way.
Director Materassi said the issues of safety and the multi -modal transportation are
addressed well in the Circulation Element. Commission members agreed to add the
wording suggested by Mr. Mainez.
Chairwoman Van Gelder and Commissioner Larkin suggested rewording Action #2 on
Page 27. The wording "The City will encourage businesses to employ. . .", deleting the
word "requiring" was suggested. Staff agreed.
Regarding the suggested tree preservation ordinance, Commissioner Larkin expressed
concern about the potential financial burden involved to property owners if they are
"required" to replace one tree with two, as the example was given. He said he is in
favor of encouraging citizens, but not mandating them to plant trees. Commissioner
Wilson suggested an ordinance requiring any tree removed in the public right-of-way be
replaced with twol5-gallon trees. Commissioner Addington said he is very supportive
of a tree ordinance. He also said he would like to see more trees in parking lots.
Consensus was to recommend to City Council a tree ordinance for the public right-of-
way.
Commissioner Larkin suggested "Review feasibility of establishing a tree preservation
ordinance" as an action in support of the tree planting goal suggested by Director
Materassi.
Chairwoman Van Gelder commended staff on the work done on the Air Quality
Element.
MOTION
PCM-99-04
Motion by Commissioner Addington to approve the proposed Air Quality Element
with those revisions as discussed and agreed upon, along with the Negative
Declaration, and send it forward to the City Council with a recommendation of
approval.
Seconded by Chairwoman Van Gelder
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Page 8
January 7, 1999
MOTION
VOTE
PCM-99-04
Carried. 4-0-0-1. Commissioner Trainor absent.
8:05 P.M. ADJOURNED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING
8:05 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
• Information to Commissioners
Director Materassi asked if all Commissioners are planning to attend the
January 23, 1999 Planning Commissioners Forum at Fontana City Hall.
All four Commissioners in attendance expressed interest in attending.
Director Materassi talked about the status of the Town Square and Rite
Aid Projects.
• Information from Commissioners
Commissioner Larkin pointed out some interesting articles in the
"Planning" magazine.
Commissioner Larkin expressed concern about the recent vacant store
fronts (Village Food & Wine, the Spanish Bookstore and the gas station at
the corner of Mt. Vernon and Barton Rd.) He suggested a workshop in
the future to discuss what the City is doing to promote businesses.
Director Materassi said she will bring a report to a future meeting showing
the successes we have had. Director Materassi said just recently we
have received an inquiry from a broker interested in consolidating the gas
station property with the Pure Design property. She also stated the
Village Food and Wine has always struggled in an attempt to be
successful. It has never been the "gourmet deli" it was originally
supposed to be.
Chairwoman Van Gelder asked Director Materassi to find out who can
and will remove the paint from the windows on the Village Food and Wine
building.
NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 4. 1999.
Respectfully submitted, Approved by,
Pa rizia aterassi, Director Fran Van Gelder
Comm. and Econ. Development Dept. Chairperson, Planning Commission
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