03/06/2008 Community and Economic Development Department
(ALIf0RNIA
Amended
GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 6, 2008
The regular meeting of the Grand Terrace PlanninLy Commission was called to order at the
Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California, on MARCH
6,2008 at 7:00 P.m., by Chairman Wilson.
PRESENT:
Doug Wilson, Chairperson
Matthew Addington, Vice Chairperson
Darcy McNaboe, Commissioner
Brian Phelps, Commissioner
Gary Koontz, Planning Director
Richard Shields, Building & Safety Director
John Lampe, Senior Planner
Sandra Molina, Senior Planner
Laura Reinarz, Community Services Secretary
ABSENT:
Tom Comstock, Commissioner
Jerina Cordova, Planning Secretary
7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING
• Call to Order
• Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Brian Phelps
• 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 Director of Community and Economic Development.
22795 Barton Road • Grand Terrace, California 92313-5295 • 909/ 824-6621
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
JANISE MAKSHINOFF
21816 Vivienda Avenue
Ms. Makshinoff spoke to Kevin with California Landscaping Services (CLS ) on Terrace Avenue
and Vivienda. He has the five acres at railroad access road, which is a vacant lot. He is
contemplating buying the Manhole Builder's property. He wants to put Recreational Vehicle
storage down in that area. He had a meeting with Mr. Koontz and she wanted to know if it is
coming in front of the public.
Chair Wilson asked if there was anything on this matter filed.
Director Koontz stated that he met with Mr. Davison on several occasions and he is proposing
some sort of application.
ITEMS:
1. MINUTES: Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of
October 4, 2007
RECOMMENDATION: Approval
MOTION PC-05-2008
MOTION VOTE: 4-0-0-1
(Motion carries with Commissioner Comstock being absent.)
PATRICIA FARLEY
12513 Michigan Street
Ms. Farley believed the minutes for October 4, 2007 do not quote what people say. She noted
that pages l0and 12 were inaccurate and gave specifics on what she said versus what appeared
on public record. Ms. Farley does not believe the minutes for October 4, 2007 should be
approved.
Chair Wilson stated he did not have a problem listening to the tapes again to check for errors.
Commissioner McNaboe questioned whether a decision had been made on verbatim or
summarized minutes. Chair Wilson stated that unless there was a specific meeting, summarized
minutes were decided. Chair Wilson recommended the October 4, 2007 minutes be revised.
2. MINUTES: Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of
October 18, 2007
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RECOMMENDATION: Approval
MOTION PC-06-2008 Vice Chair Addington made a motion to approve
Commissioner McNaboe Seconded
MOTION VOTE 4-0-0-1
(motion carries with Commissioner Comstock absent)
3. SUBJECT: Administrative Conditional Use Permit No. 08-07
APPLICANT: Alex Martinez for Penske Truck Rental
LOCATION: 12210 Michigan St., Suite "F"
RECOMMENDATION: Seeking guidance as to whether this administrative
conditional use permit should be approved or denied.
MOTION PC-07-2008 Denied
MOTION VOTE 0-4-0-1
(motion failed with Commissioner Comstock absent)
Director Koontz made an announcement of John Lampe's official retirement and Sandra
Molina's employment.
John Lampe, Senior Planner,presented his Staff Report on the Penske Truck Company on
Michigan Street. The company is located in a Commercial Manufacturing zone and it required
an Administrative Conditional Use Permit(CUP) to operate. The application was recommended
to the Planning Commission for guidance given the history of complaints to the City's Code
Enforcement Officer. Senior Planner Lampepresented the Planning Commission with
photographs of the site.
Mr. Martinez was given until February 4, 2008 to file the necessary paperwork to get a proper
business license,by the Code Enforcement Officer. On February 5, 2008 he chose to pay a fine
for not complying. Senior Planner Lampe presented the Planning Commission with photographs
of the site of the easterly end of the park center.
Senior Planner Lampedescribed the site and discussed the present operation of the business. He
went on to discuss the mixed-use of the business park and the parking allowance of 130 parking
spaces. The agreement Mr. Martinez has with his landlord is that he is restricted to no more than
four spaces to rent trucks. Senior Planner Lampepresented a letter from the landlord outlining
the conditions imposed on Mr. Martinez to run his business and highlights areas where the trucks
can be placed.
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Property and business owners were sent notices requesting comments on the business. There
were two calls from businesses in the park. They did not object to the business; however, they
expressed concern on the parking of trucks on Michigan Street.
Commissioner Comstock,whom could not make the meeting, sent a letter of his objections. In
his letter,he pointed out several topics that addressed safety problems. He also felt that there was
inadequate parking for this company. Chair Wilson agreed with some of the concerns of
Commissioner Comstock and not that Commissioner Comstock would not be voting.
Chair Wilson stated he was not in favor of the business. Senior Planner Lampe stated the project
had not yet been approved, and was seeking guidance. Vice Chair Addington also stated,he was
not in favor of the business. Director Koontz invited the applicant to speak on behalf of his
business.
ALEX MARTINEZ
GT Sew &Vac
12210 Michigan Street
Mr. Martinez stated that he had been operating his business since 1992. Other than himself,no
one parked in front of his store beside himself and he parked in the handicapped parking. There
are trucks other than his that are in the business park. He stated that in the fifteen years he has
operated he has never had a complaint on parking.
Commissioner McNaboe asked where the maintenance of the truck occurred such as cleaning
and repairing. Mr. Martinez advised that the maintenance occurred in Fontana, California.
PATRICIA FARLEY
12513 Michigan Street
Ms. Farley stated that the business was just another example of another business that did not
belong on Michigan Street because the area is not Industrial zoned. Ms. Farley believed that
when applicants apply for a Conditional Use Permit, staff should look at the cumulative
businesses nearby.
JEFFREY McCONELL
Walnut Avenue
Mr. McConnell asked if the Conditional Use Permit was part of the zoning. Mr. McConnell
expressed his concern about having semi trucks on Michigan Street because of the future high
school. He suggested that if this project was considered, staff needed to make a condition those
vehicles larger than 15 feet should not be allowed.
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- MARISOL HERNANDEZ
GT Sew &Vac
12210 Michigan Street
Ms. Hernandez stated that their trucks have helped other businesses in the area move items to
various locations. Ms. Hernandez stated that they do not have trucks larger than twenty-two and
if they ever get a twenty-six foot truck, it goes out the same day. Ms. Hernandez stated that the
State of California permits those with a standard driver license to drive the trucks and did not see
a problem.
Chair Wilson asked why they chose the area for the business. Ms. Hernandez stated that Mr.
Martinez had already been there for fifteen years and contracted with Penske to supplement his
business during the economy.
The Commissioners continued their discussion. Vice Chair Addington questioned if there was
another place in the business park to keep the parking ratio corrected. Director Koontz stated the
parking was already tight. After hearing Director Koontz's reply Vice Chair Addington stated he
was not in favor of the project. Commissioner McNaboe stated that she believed the business
was a benefit to the community,however; it did not belong in the particular location. Chair
Wilson stated that the Commissioners were not in favor and invited the applicant to apply for a
formal Conditional Use Permit.
Director Koontz stated that after hearing the Planning Commissioners recommendation staff
would issue a letter of denial. Director Koontz suggested that the applicant can appeal it and it
would come back to the Commissioners to recommend to the City Council. Chair Wilson left
the decision up to Staff.
4. SUBJECT: New Wireless Facility at County Fire Station
APPLICANT: Reliant Land Services
LOCATION: 22582 City Center Court
RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction to staff regarding the potential siting
of a wireless facility at this site.
MOTION PC-08-2008
MOTION VOTE There was a consensus of the Commission to continue
to March 20,2008.
(motion continued with Commissioner Comstock
absent)
Director Koontz presented his report on behalf of T-Mobile regarding the potential siting of a
new wireless facility on the County Fire Station on City Center Court. He stated that they had
talked about alternatives of having stealth or a flagpole similar to the one at Rollins Park.
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Director Koontz addressed an issue regarding a clause in the wireless communications ordinance
that stated as follows, "No ground mounted structures for an antenna shall be located in the
Barton Road Specific Plan "village commercial"and "administrative professional district."The
area at hand was in the Village Commercial District.
Director Koontz asked for direction from the Planning Commissioners on how to approach the
application. Chair Wilson wanted additional information on the Barton Road Specific Plan and
how it related to wireless communications. Director Koontz stated that it was not in the Barton
Road Specific Plan and that it was in the Zoning Ordinance Wireless Communication section.
The exception was that you could not put it in one of the two zones.
Chair Wilson asked if the applicant was asking for a variance. Director Koontz was unsure.
Commissioner McNaboe asked how long it was in the Zoning Code. Chair Wilson stated that it
had been a long time.
Chair Wilson question on how many instances within other businesses that were ground
mounted. Director Koontz listed four that were throughout the City. Chair Wilson characterized
the one listed at Demetri's Restaurant to be similar to the matter at hand. Director Koontz stated
that the one at Demitri's was a monopole and indicated that the applicant would have a stealth
design.
The Fire Department was okay with a stealth design.
End of Side A Tape 1 of 2
Vice Chair Addington asked if the wireless pole, located at Rollins Park,had been leased out.
Director Koontz stated that the wireless pole had been leased for approximately three years.
Commissioner McNaboe wondered what "No ground mounted structure"was intended for.
Was it for the aesthetic value or denial of the use? Chair Wilson believed what was envisioned
was the issue of aesthetics.
Commissioner Phelps asked if the pole would be placed where the existing flagpole was located.
Director Koontz stated that it was possible that it would be placed close to the existing. He
stated that there was a concern because the pole at hand was a little larger than the current one.
Director Koontz stated that the applicant would like a flagpole or a tree.
Commissioner Phelps asked if there would be any interruption with emergency services during
construction.
Vice Chair Addington wanted to know where the tallest structures were located along Barton
Road. Director Koontz listed the buildings. Vice Chair Addington indicated the pole could be
seen from Barton Road no matter how far it was set back. Director Koontz stated the tallest
building was near Bank of America on Barton Road. Director Koontz stated that you would
have to do a visual analysis and that would generally be part of the Conditional Use Permit.
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Vice Chair Addington believed a flagpole was not inconspicuous enough. His only concern was
that the tower was sixty feet tall.
ALANZO LUGO,Applicant
9431 Haven Avenue, Ste. 222
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Mr. Lugo thanked the Planning Commissioners. He started his presentation with an explanation
of ground mounting. He proceeded with background on restrictions he came across on his
project. After reviewing, the Barton Road Specific Plan his company chose the fire station
because they were confident that they could meet aesthetics.
Mr. Lugo requested permission to submit a Conditional Use Permit that would please the
Planning Commission as well as the City Council.
Chair Wilson asked what benefit the community would obtain from this project. Director
Koontz informed the Planning Commissioners that the City had a cell phone coverage problem.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
PATRICIA FARLEY
12513 Michigan Street
Ms. Farley said the location was in the center of town and she does not believe that phony trees
are pleasant to look at. Ms. Farley believed the City was to be a nice residential community.
Ms. Farley requested strictness on things that do not look nice in the City.
JEFFEREY MCCONNELL
Walnut Avenue
Mr. McConnell felt he was familiar with the cell tower issues in the City. He believed that
aesthetically pleasing towers are great. The project is against the Barton Road Specific Plan and
if you start one then you set precedence.
Chair Wilson addressed staff and questioned the mechanism they could apply for that would
allow it to be processed. Director Koontz stated that staff was trying to make a determination on
consistency of the Barton Road Specific Plan and the General Plan. If so, then they would have
to file a full Conditional Use Permit.
Director Koontz informed the Planning Commission of a grant from the County of San
Bernardino for six hundred thousand dollars for remodeling of the fire station. There may be a
possibility that a tower can be placed on the building and be placed in a facade.
Chair Wilson requested additional information on the mechanism of the project. The possibility
of coordinating the tower into the fire station's remodel is highly desirable.
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Director Koontz requested two weeks to follow up with the Fire Department as well as with the
City Attorney.
Vice Chair Addington wanted to address that this project will set precedence as is and wanted
careful consideration. Commissioner McNaboe was not in favor of stealth tree towers. Her
recommendation was that it be attached to the building.
Chair Wilson adjourned the Site and Architecture Review Board-Planning Commission Meeting
and convened the public workshop session.
WORKSHOP ITEMS:
1. SUBJECT: Form Based Codes
(Stantec Consulting, Inc.)
Director Koontz indicated the City was moving forward with a Specific Plan that was formerly
known as the Outdoor Adventure Center.
MIKE SHOBERG
Stantec
Mr. Shoberg provided a power point presentation on Form Based Codes. The idea is to have the
street be the public space that defines what goes on, off the street. There are three steps to
making it right: 1)Buy into the vision; 2)Precise coding; and 3)Place,proof and principles.
Mr. Shoberg proceeded to discuss his power point slides, describing various items.
He discussed Genuine Design, Case Study, Zone Uses and Ambler Realty v. Euclid court case.
Chair Wilson summarized that there has been a movement in the City of the concept of a Village
type commercial area desired by the citizens. Chair Wilson described Mixed Use as being very
similar to what the consultant discussed.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
PATRICIA FARLEY
12513 Michigan Street
Ms. Farley believed that Form Base Code sounds; nice however, felt that form should not be
more important than the uses. Ms. Farley was concerned with Mixed Use.
End of side B tape 1 of 2
Director Koontz informed the Commissioners that he had a hard time scheduling a workshop at
the Lions Club. Chair Wilson informed the public that the Lions Club was to promote public
participation.
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2. SUBJECT: General Plan Workshop #12
Director Koontz requested guidance on how to discuss the General Plan. Vice Chair stated,he
would like to call him to discuss the matter. Director Koontz informed the Planning Commission
that typo's have been addressed.
PATRICIA FARLEY
12513 Michigan Street
Ms. Farley wants proper follow up in relation to the General Plan.
• Information to Commissioners
There was no information to Commissioners at this time.
• Information from Commissioners
Vice Chair Addington requested clarification on the Barton Road and Preston Street project.
Director Koontz stated that it was the start of construction.
Vice Chair Addington wanted follow up on the traffic signal timing.
ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON MARCH 20, 2008
Respectfully Submitted, Approved By,
,dary t. Koontz Doug Wilson
Community and Economic Chairman
Development Director
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