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02/21/2002 0TY BRAND TERR CE Community Development Department GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 2002 The reqular meetinq of the Grand Terrace Planninq Commission was called to . order at the Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California, on February 21. 2002, at 7:02 p.m., by Chairperson Fran Van Gelder. PRESENT: Fran Van Gelder, Chairperson Doug Wilson, Vice Chairperson Brian Whitley, Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, CEDD Director John Lampe, Associate Planner Steve Cumblidge, Assistant Planner Michelle Boustedt, CEDD Secretary ABSENT: Matthew Addington, Commissioner Mary Trainor, Commissioner 7:02 P.M. CONVENE SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chair 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 Director of Community and.Economic Development. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: NONE - -r 1 22795 Barton Road • Grand Terrace, California 92313-5295 • (909) 824-6621 s ITEMS: 1. MINUTES Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2002 RECOMMENDATION: Approval MOTION: PC-04-2002 Commissioner Whitley made a motion to approve the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes dated January 17, 2002. Chair Van Gelder seconded the motion MOTION VOTE: Approved 2-0-1-2. PC-04-2002 Commissioner Wilson abstained. Commissioner Trainor abstained. Commissioner Addington absent. 2. CUP-99-01-A2 Application to extend the time limit for Swertfeger's Equipment, Inc. to complete various improvements required by the original approval including that of Phase I for an additional period of time. APPLICANT: Thatcher Engineering & Associates on behalf of Swertfeger's Equipment. LOCATION: 12438 Michigan Street, Grand Terrace, CA 92313 RECOMMENDATION: Open the public hearing on CUP-99-01-A2, hear testimony, close the Public Hearing and approve the Resolution calling for the approval of CUP-99-01-A2. Planning Associate Lampe reported that Thatcher Engineering requested to speak to the Commission on behalf of Swertfeger Equipment Company to modify the deadlines that Mr. Swertfeger had to complete certain actions and install certain improvements by February 28, 2002. In January of 2001, an application was submitted by Swertfeger Equipment under Conditional Use Permit 99-01, and a Site and Architectural Review 99-06, to operate and expand the site for a truck trailer manufacturing repair and sales company. There were various conditions that were proposed on three phases of the original approval. Several of the original conditions were to be completed by July of 2001. However, Mr. Swertfeger did approach the Commission for a deadline extension of six months until February 28, 2002, to complete the requirements. During this period of time, many of the requirements have been met, or partially met. A site 2 inspection was done to see what progress has been made. Swertfeger Equipment has completed installation of a wrought iron fence with stone pilasters along the Michigan Street frontage. Landscaping has been partially installed on the site including along the front setback area, and along the northerly property line of the site. In addition, by walking the property, it appears to Staff that additional progress has been made to clean up the original condition of the property, and it is to Planning Associate Lampe's understanding that Swertfeger Equipment has hired two full time employees to work on cleaning up the site and general maintenance of making improvements to the site. In addition, the street dedication for widening Michigan Street, in front of the site has been offered. The grading plans have been prepared by Thatcher Engineering on behalf of Swertfeger Equipment and are now in plan check, near completion of review. Thatcher Engineering has prepared street improvement plans, and are in the process of being reviewed, and plan checked by the City. Lastly, landscape and irrigation plans have been reviewed and approved by the City A business plan of the original conditions were submitted to the County Fire Department and have been approved. One of the original conditions required three of the individual parcels of the subject site be combined in some fashion. Towards compliance, the engineer has submitted a lot merger application, which is in the t process of being completed. Swertfeger Equipment is requesting additional time to complete the requirements of the Phase I approval that were originally granted in January of 2001. The staff believes that Mr. Swertfeger has made a good faith effort to meet the timelines, but was unable to comply with all of the deadline requirements because of difficulties he has illustrated in his letter that has been attached along with the staff report. These difficulties resulted from various business and financial problems. The applicant, Mr. Swertfeger, is present and is willing to explain in detail. Mr. Lampe completed his presentation by reporting that Staff is recommending that the Phase I conditions be extended to approximately eleven additional months, to January 18, 2003. This extension would be acceptable to Mr. Swertfeger and feels that he will be able to complete all of the requirements by the new deadline. Chair Van Gelder invited the applicant and the designee to speak to the Commission. 3 Vickie Valenzuela Thatcher Engineering 345 5tn Street, Redlands Ms. Valenzuela reported that the modified timeline was reviewed as outlined in the staff report and agrees to the conditions as proposed, and is able to answer any questions that the Commission may have. Chair Van Gelder invited Mr. Swertfeger to speak before the Commission. Lee Swer#eger Swertfeger Equipment 12438 Michigan Street, Grand Terrace Mr. Swertfeger thanked the Commission and referred to a letter that he sent to the Planning Department. Mr. Swertfeger explained that in the letter he had submitted explains most of the delay in making the improvements as required. Mr. Swertfeger informed the Commission that he has found a financial institution that will loan his business the funds to complete the improvements. Mr. Swertfeger has also acquired an accountant to assist with the company bookkeeping. _ Chair Van Gelder asked if the Commission had any questions of Mr. Swertfeger, or Ms. Valenzuela; or if anyone in the audience wanted to speak for or against the project. The Public Hearing was closed and the project was brought back before the Commission for comment and approval. MOTION: Chair Van Gelder moved to approve CUP-99-01-A2. Vice Chair Wilson seconded the motion MOTION VOTE Approved 3-0-0-2. PC-05-2002 Commissioner Addington absent Commissioner Trainor absent 3. CUP-01-041 SA-01-11 Application to construct a 24,751 square foot seminary complex on vacant church property located at the southeast corner of Pico Street and Oriole Avenue, in the RI-7.2-Residential Zoning District. APPLICANT: Kristi Hanson, Architect for the Diocese of San Bernardino 4 LOCATION: 12745 Oriole Street, Grand Terrace, CA 92313 r RECOMMENDATION: Open the Public Hearing, receive testimony, close the Public Hearing, and approve CUP-01-04, and SA-01-11, subject to conditions. Assistant Planner Cumblidge presented his report for the Serra House seminary complex. Staff has determined that the project qualifies as categorically exempt per Section 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act. A notice of exemption will be filed. The Serra House is a residential facility for young men transitioning into the priesthood. The facility, or .seminary is mostly a residence hall with 23 student rooms and common living facilities. There are two larger rooms for live-in staff and one guest room. There are two meeting rooms, and a library that will be used by residents and staff only. The applicant has stated in their application that they expect between 10-20 seminarians living in the facility. When the five-acre property for the church site was initially developed, there was a master plan to build a 748-seat sanctuary on the site that is now proposed for the Serra House. The proposed seminary is less intensive type of use than the former r master plan of the 748-seat sanctuary. The site design reflects a high degree of sensitivity to the surrounding neighborhood with the parking lot located behind the building mostly out of view from adjacent residential areas. The site plan also indicates generously landscaped, front, and street and side yard setbacks. The primary parking lot entry is from Oriole Avenue with a secondary access and exit to Pico Street. Diagonal parking will be one way from Oriole Avenue, exiting on Pico Street. Loading and trash enclosures will be on the east side of the building and further parking and access towards the south next to the existing office and classroom buildings. A circular driveway at the street intersection is also proposed for passenger loading and unloading. The City's transportation consultant did have some issues. Pico and Oriole Streets are residential in character and do not have high volume traffic. The applicant was asked to move the driveway on Pico Street as far as they could from the actual corner, which has been done. Staff is recommending a condition of .approval that the circular driveway be posted no parking with sensitively designed signs posting this. And, no parking rules posted within the rules of the house governing the students living at the facility. 5 Because this a unique type of land use, staff does not have a specific standard for dormitories or similar uses. Staff has applied the similar parking standards based on hotel/motel standards at one parking space for each room, and two parking spaces for each employee. The resulting parking calculation comes to 32 parking stalls. Staff has also reviewed the overall parking of the existing school, church, and office buildings to the south; and it is staffs opinion that the Serra House stands alone in terms of its parking impact on the site. Any future expansion or construction by the church will require additional review at that time. The Applicant is proposing a large quantity of mature landscaping materials. As mentioned, there are street improvements needed along Pico Street consisting of curbs, gutters and sidewalks; which would be required to be completed as a part of this project. There are currently no unresolved issues with the project. No calls have been received or comments based on our public notice. Planning Assistant Cumblidge concluded his report to the Commission by recommending that the Planning Commission approve this project subject to the conditions of approval contained in the staff report and with the recommended findings contained in the proposed resolution. Chair Van Gelder asked if there were any questions of staff. -' Commissioner Whitley asked why the Circulation Improvement Fee contained two different dollar amounts; and would staff clarify the two different dollar amounts. Planning Assistant Cumblidge replied that the higher amount would be applicable to what a single-family detached dwelling would pay. Planning Assistant Cumblidge assured the Commissioner that staff would verify that amount if necessary. Commissioner Wilson asked if there were any comments from any of the adjacent homeowners with regard to the rsecond story of the interior of the proposed site. Planning Assistant Cumblidge replied that there was no comment.from over 60 individual public notice mailers. Chair Van Gelder opened the Public Hearing and invited the applicant and designee to speak before the Commission. Kristi Hanson Serra House Architect Ms. Hanson reported that the area at Pico Street would contain the classroom, the library, a recreation room, the kitchen and dining facility that will be utilized by the students and priests. 6 Ms. Hanson used site renderings to describe to the Commission what each building is proposed to look like; and asked if any of the Commissioners had questions for her. Chair Van Gelder asked if the Sisters of Stability would also be using the sanctuary. Ms. Hanson replied that there is a convent behind the property and will not be using the facilities on a regular basis. Chair Van Gelder asked if anyone wished to speak to the Commission with regard to the project. Corinne Robinson Stonewood Construction 22145 DeBerry Street Mrs. Robinson greeted the Commission and introduced herself as a parishioner and the building chairperson of the Serra House Building Committee. She commented that the sanctuary will be a beautiful complex and will add class and dignity to the neighborhood. Dennis O'Neil 12770 Oriole Grand Terrace Father O'Neil introduced himself as the auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of San Bernardino. Father O'Neil commented that he was very pleased to live across the street from a beautifully proposed building, and shall serve as a wonderful purpose. Chair Van Gelder asked Father O'Neil if he would be involved in any of the activities at the proposed site. Father O'Neil replied that he would be living at his current residence, but will be Visiting and working at the sanctuary often. Sister Mary Ann Sheppers 22791 Pico Street Grand Terrace Sister Mary Ann introduced herself as the prowess of the Benedictine Sisters. Sister Mary Ann also commented that she was very pleased to have the Serra House Residents as neighbors. Chair Van Gelder closed the public hearing and brought the item back to the Commission for discussion and action. 7 �- MOTION PC-06-2002: Vice Chair Wilson made a motion to approve CUP-01-04 and SA-01-11 subject to the conditions as presented. Commissioner Whitley seconded the motion. MOTION VOTE PC-06-2002: Approved 3-0-0-2. Commissioner Addington absent Commissioner Trainor absent 7:35 P.M. ADJOURN SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CONVENE PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION Information from Commissioners Chair Van Gelder asked Director Materassi if she was able to receive the City Council minutes from the City Clerk. Director Materassi replied that she was unable to receive the minutes of the last meeting, however, she does have a report of the workshop priorities as listed by the desires of the City Council. Director Materassi reported that the Council held a workshop with regard to City priorities. The twelve priorities for the last year were as follows: 1. Improve City image through overall beautification. 2. Improve City image through city entries. 3. Clean up Barton and Mount Vernon Road, primarily Northeast Corner. 4. Improve external communications. 5. Pursue funds for a new library. 6. Establish and Build a Community Cultural Center. 7. Create a comprehensive plan for Economic Development. 8. Expedite high-speed internet sources. 9. Establish an Economic Development Task Force. 10.Increase law enforcement with a 40-hour unit. 11.Improve relationship with School District with joint meetings. 12.Work with School District in finding a high school site in the area. 8 Out of the above priorities, the following six were considered top priority: 1. Improve City image through city entries. 2. Pursue funds for a new library. 3. Create a comprehensive plan for Economic Development 4. Expedite high speed internet services 5. Improve relationship with Colton School District by holding joint meetings. 6. Work with School District in finding a high school site in the area. Director Materassi updated the Commission on staff accomplishments regarding the top priorities and listed the new top priorities of City Council for this year. They are as follows: 1. City image-City entries, as well as complete all of the bike lane projects. 2. Study the feasibility to build a new library. 3. Develop a comprehensive Economic Development Plan. 4. Continue to maintain the relationship between the City and School District. 5. Examine possibility of increased level of law enforcement. 6. Increase communications-Public Access Channel, website update, etc. • Information to Commissioners Director Materassi announced that funds have.been granted to upgrade the Richard Rollins Park. Assistant City Manager Berry has found a park grant to obtain additional funds. This particular grant is at State level, and will need to come before the Commission as soon as possible. Director Materassi asked the Commission if it would be all right to hold an additional meeting at the beginning of the month of April, (April 4, 2002). Director Materassi reported that this Planning Commission Meeting was the last meeting that she will be attending. She has accepted a position in Capitola, which is located in Santa Cruz County, California. She thanked the Commission for their assistance and dedication, and announced that the Assistant City Manager and the Planning Secretary were planning a special luncheon in her honor on March 6, 2002. ADJOURN PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION 7:47 NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON MARCH 21, 2002 Respectfull Submitted, rvutu , , J hn Lampe, Interinf Planning Director Doug Wilson, Chairperson Planning Commission 9