08/17/1995GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 17, 1995
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 July 6, 1995 at
7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Jim Sims.
PRESENT: Jim Sims, Chairman
Matthew Addington, Commissioner
LeeAnn Garcia, Commissioner
Moira Huss, Commissioner
Ray Munson, Commissioner
Fran Van Gelder, Commissioner
Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director
Larry Mainez, Planning Technician. Pat Peterson, Planning Secretary
ABSENT: Doug Wilson, Vice -Chairman
6:54 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
* Information/comments from staff
• Dave Yarnall of Pure Design at 22471 Barton Rd. appeared for a discussion with
Commissioners regarding building materials of his new trash enclosure. Proposed
enclosure was approved with re-evaluation at the end of two years.
* Information/comments from commissioners
7:09 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION
7:10 P.M. CONVENED 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
ITEM #1
TASK FORCE REPORT General Plan Update Task Force Progress Report.
Task Force Members present: LeeAnn Garcia
JoAnn Johnson
Mary Trainor
Comments by Director on the Review/Discussion Process:
Director reviewed her proposed procedures for the discussion. The Task Force has requested
each Commissioner to read and comment on each of the elements. Director will give her
summary of the major changes in each element. Beginning with the Housing Element, Chairman
4 Sims would give his comments first. Then each Commissioner would to present their own
comments on the Housing Element text -not only comment on Chairman Sims's comments.
When all comments on the Housing Element are concluded staff would begin on the Safety
Element, then Commissioner Addington would present his comments and finally each other
Commissioner would have the opportunity to present their individual comments.
Comments/Summary by Director of Maior Chanees Proposed by Task Force
Director said the Housing Element approved in 1989 by the Planning Commission and City
Council was not yet certified by the State Housing Community Development (HCD). The City
has not previously met the state regulations for low and very low income housing. The element
was revised and is currently close to what HCD would like to see.
The Housing Element given to the General Plan Task Force and Planning Commissioners is the
1989 text which has been revised three times after comment by the HCD. It is a "draft"
document not yet made public. We are required to submit another element to HCD by the end
of 1996. While we are trying to certify our current housing element, we plan is to do a "new"
Housing Element in connection with the General Plan Amendment. We are not using the
information from 1980 used in the current element you are reviewing. We will develop our own
housing needs data this time. The comments from the Task Force are to renew the Housing
Element.
Following are the major changes proposed by the Task Force:
1. Provide housing for a balanced traditional community, not just to meet short-term needs
of special groups.
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2. Collect or develop our own data to prove we are meeting City housing needs and we are
able to certify our own element. There is an urgency to collect data and get our element
certified because the State data is likely to be much higher than SCAG's data which may
make it difficult for us to get our Housing Element certified.
3. Emphasize code enforcement to protect and enhance existing housing stock.
4. Reach a housing/jobs balance within 20 years.
5. Introduce the concept of commercial/residential mixed use areas.
Chairman Sims asked about the potential effect of not having the current Housing Element
certified. Director said we have gotten letters from the State Department in the past but there
have been no further ramifications. Some cities have been denied CDBG funds because their
Housing Element has not been certified. Also, if the City were named in a lawsuit we could be
in a less advantageous position if the Housing Element is not certified. Ultimately, the courts
have the right to stop the City from issuing permits.
Comments of Chairman Sims on his review of the Housins Element
Chairman Sims commented that he found the Housing Element quite informative and complete
in the description of the character and make-up of the City. Much of the information is out of
date and agreed it needs to be updated. He felt the goals set forth are good. He confirmed with
Director that all of the tables will be updated by the consultant who will be hired to collect and
analyze the data.
Chairman Sims stated we should recognize the goal to meet the low income housing mandates.
He said he feels all the elements are addressed in the current version. He did not specify any
changes. He did not disagree with any of them. Being a relatively small city these are good
goals to set, but he had some reservations about how applicable and achievable they may be for
a town our size. The goals are not unreasonable and are just that, goals to aim for. He liked
the provisions to improve homes falling into disrepair and the plans to blend the old parts of our
community with the newer areas.
Comments by Commissioners on Housing Element
Commissioner Garcia agreed with the comments of Chairman Sims. She particularly liked the
provision for "promotion of energy -efficient development" in Grand Terrace.
Commissioner Addington recommended re -wording the term "pro -active code enforcement"
on Page 2, in Section 3P. He said this is an oxymoron. Chairman Sims suggested "fair and
firm code enforcement program". Commissioner Garcia said she recalled the Task Force
discussion on the "pro -active" wording and felt it held an additional meaning; it could mean an
action which is policy -driven, not complaint -driven. She gave the example of a code enforcement
"sweep" of Barton Road on the non -permitted A -frame signs to be initiated by the City.
Chairman Sims suggested "Initiate a fair and firm code enforcement program. " The goal is to
have a fair system and be supportive of the community. Where there is an issue of public safety
the City should take an active role in code enforcement. Director said the City does take an
active role when employees become aware of issues which jeopardize public safety.
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Commissioner Garcia said she sees code enforcement as a positive action. She doesn't believe
most code violators know what the code states. Director suggested removing the word "pro-
active" and qualify it in a way that says when there are specific circumstances then we need to
initiate code enforcement. Chairman Sims suggested a goal which states "Explore new methods
to implement the code enforcement program in the City to eliminate deteriorating and unsightly
conditions. " Commissioner Huss suggested deleting "pro" to read "Initiate a fair, firm and
active code enforcement program ... " She agreed with Commission Garcia that many people
do not violate codes intentionally, but rather out of ignorance. Commissioner Huss likes the
idea of a friendly, informative letter to the violators initially. Director suggested listing an
education program on code enforcement as one of the goals. Chairman Sims said he likes the
idea of getting the community involved to solve neighborhood problems. He feels the City
should act in the role of mediator to help the neighbors solve the problems themselves.
Commissioner Garcia asked if there is currently an administrative policy which directs code
enforcement procedures. Director explained there is such a manual currently under
development. Chairman Suns said perhaps the City Council should be encouraged to embrace
the community and work with the community. He suggested having community meetings to
bring people together to care about the community in which they live.
On Page 3, Section 4P he said it is unclear as to what the Task Force was referring. Director
said the Task Force talked about the design of the house. For instance, placement of
landscaping which can reduce the cost of energy. Chairman Sims summarized by saying it
appears to be more promotional in nature to get developers to be more conscious of energy
consumption savings.
On Page 4, Section 7P Commissioner Addington asked for a clarification as to meaning.
Director explained the State recommends the General Plan be updated every five years. Every
five years when the update is done we would determine if the job/housing ratio is increasing.
The idea is to provide jobs in our City for more of our residents. Commissioner Addington
suggested clarifying the wording of that section. Also on Page 4, Section 8P, he felt a lay
person should be able to understand the meaning from the wording. Action a) needs to be re-
worded for clarification. Director explained there are provisions in the Trip Reduction
Ordinance which presents alternatives available upon review of developments which promote less
commuter traffic. Director agreed it will be re -worded to clarify the intended meaning.
Commissioner Van Gelder referred to Page 1, Section 1Pc) "Subsidize loans for new current
needs groups, etc. " She asked from where these funds will be originated. Director explained
the Redevelopment Agency has 20% (mandated by redevelopment law) set aside for low income.
That subsidy can come from that fund. The State and Federal governments may also be a
source.
On Page 2, Section 2Pb) "Conduct feasibility study of Barton Road Specific Plan addressing
construction of housing... " Commissioner Van Gelder again stressed the recommendation of
using a Master Plan to accomplish that. She also asked what Section e) "Provide more
availability of houses for first-time home buyers with modem design standards" meant. Director
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said Task Force Member Phyllis Sternberg presented this idea. She has found that even though
there are many houses for sale in Grand Terrace, potential buyers are looking for characteristics
of new developments which older homes do not have. Phyllis said when old houses are rehabed
some new features should be included. In Section f) Commissioner Van Gelder asked Director
if this meant the City would create special loan program(s) to meet needs of Moderate Income
Housing. Director answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Van Gelder pointed out that g)
seems to be repetitive of e). Director agreed g) should be consolidated with e).
In Section 3Pc), "Entice and encourage beautification of the community through a 'rewards'
program," Commissioner Van Gelder said she feels this is a good idea but pointed out this is
very subjective. Director said this type of program has been successfully implemented in many
cities.
On Page 3, Section 5Pc), "Include sociological statement that reflects the current condition . .
. ", Commissioner Van Gelder suggested re -wording to state "Prepare a sociological statement
which includes the following: geographic information, nature of people, location, freeway
accessibility, lowest crime rate, and modern infrastructure which minimizes the need to have low
cost housing. "
On Page 4, Section 7P, Commissioner Van Gelder asked if there is a prescribed percentage ratio
between jobs and housing which we should try to attain. Director responded that currently there
are approximately 4,000 units in the City and 1,500 jobs which is a ratio of almost 3:1. It is
preferable to increase the ratio to 1.2:1 (housing:jobs).
Regarding vacant lots and infilling, Commissioner Van Gelder said she does not feel every lot
in the city needs to have a structure. Director said State Law requires the city to have available
sites to meet a percentage of the residential need for housing. If the City cannot demonstrate
that availability the Housing Element does not get certified.
On Page 4, in the Section "Demographics/Data to be Updated", "Amend Zoning Code to be
consistent with State Code that enables construction of second family units for all ages,. . . "
Commissioner Van Gelder asked if there would be restrictions as to locations where second
family units could be built. Director confirmed the long, narrow residential lots in the City are
possible locations for second family units.
Commissioner Munson had no comments.
Commissioner Huss about Section 3Pc) "Entice and encourage beautification of the community.
.. " She asked Director for an example of beautification for a "reward". Director deferred this
question to Task Force Member Mary Trainor for comments. Mary said the Task Force talked
about initiating a contest, possibly for the best new landscaping or new feature to encourage new
plantings, or upgrade old landscaping. One of the ways to encourage that might be to have a
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"reward" of a water rebate for a given period of time (or free). This would encourage people
to add to their properties, improve the looks, maintain their interest in the property and therefore
the beauty. The contest could be on an annual or semi-annual basis, with 1 to 3 winners, but
everyone would add to the beautification of the community.
On Page 3, Section 5Pc), regarding low income housing, Commissioner Huss said realtors can
provide a list of requirements which must be met to qualify as low income housing. Public
transportation is one which Grand Terrace cannot meet. She liked the section in the General
Plan which addressed establishment of a senior housing complex. Director said this has been
discussed and the feeling is that Loma Linda has quite a lot of senior housing possibly due to
the convenient medical facilities. The repeated financial distress of the Senior Hotel
demonstrates either no demand in Grand Terrace or poor management.
Director Summarizes Major Changes to the Safety Element Proposed by the Task Force
1. Emphasis on maintaining a low crime city. A place for families and a friendly
atmosphere. Consistency with crime prevention programs is strongly recommended with
emphasis on Neighborhood Watch Programs. An educational outreach program to the
residential and business community.
2. Several man-made hazards were of concern:
a. Circulation of traffic
b. Maintenance of roads, including stabilization of Mt. Vernon hillside, and
crosswalks for students.
3. Development of a Drainage Master Plan consistent with the City Emergency Plan for
fire, earthquake and other natural disasters.
Comments of Commissioner Addington on his review of the Safety Element
On Page 1, Section la), "Cooperate with other jurisdictions to improve the Mt. Vernon hillside
safe. ", this is not grammatically correct and therefore the meaning is unclear. Need to re -word
and be specific. Director explained the hillside is gradually slipping. Grand Terrace has tried
in the past to gain the cooperation of the City of Colton to evaluate and address this issue. The
Task Force feels negotiations with Colton should be emphasized to evaluate the safety of the
hillside and potential hazard.
Section lb) also is too vague. It needs to be specific as to the type of study to be conducted at
the intersection of Grand Terrace Rd. and Mt. Vernon Avenue. Chairman Sims said possibly
the wording should be "Conduct a safety study... " Director suggested taking this back to the
Task Force with direction from the Planning Commission to create a specific goal.
Commissioner Addington was supportive of Section 2, "Provide up to date data ...regarding
geological hazard locations. "
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Section 3, on Page 2, "Provide safety along our streets for school children" is too vague.
Commissioner Garcia recalled the focus of the Task Force was on parked cars near parks and
the places children play. The intersection of Grand Terrace Rd. and Mt. Vernon was an issue
because many children cross there on their way to and from school. That intersection has been
improved, however continuous sidewalks are still a problem.
Section 4, "Provide best and lowest cost flood insurance coverage for our citizens. " He asked
if there is a Flood Plain Ordinance in place. Director said the City has never conducted a flood
study to give the information to the State agency which makes the flood maps. Right now the
flood plain status is "not determined. " Residents are assessed the maximum insurance because
of the "not determined" status. The City needs to commission a review and get a formal
determination of where the flood plains are then submit that information to the State. The flood
plain maps would then have a lower code which would be reflected in lower premiums for
residents, since we have only one area close to the Santa Ana River which is on a flood plain.
Commissioner Addington Section 5, "Provide up to date data regarding location of potential
flood areas or heavy water carrying streets to our citizens. " is a good idea.
He agrees with the Staff Action Plan on Page 3, for the flood hazard areas.
Commissioner Garcia said she is very much in favor of Section 7b), "Conduct a practice mock
disaster drill with all special interest groups, citizens, community service groups and emergency
personnel. " She would like to see this happen as soon as possible.
Commissioner Van Gelder asked the Task Force members about the intent of Section 3,
"Provide safety along our streets for school children. " Task Force Member JoAnn Johnson said
the Task Force discussed the difficulty of walking along Michigan in front of the skating rink.
Director said the other area was on Michigan near the school, used as a "drop-off" for the
students which fills up with water when it rains. She said the Task Force was united behind the
idea of providing walkways for children to provide ways the community can safely walk and
bicycle around town. Commissioner Van Gelder also endorsed the mock disaster drill action
plan. She feels it is very important.
In the Staff Action Plan on Page 3, she asked if there are plans to paint cross walks at the
intersection of Grand Terrace Rd. and Mt. Vernon Avenue. There is currently a stop sign and
flashing yellow light at that intersection.
Chairman Sims asked about Section 8, "Maintain effectiveness of storm drain system in the
community. " He asked if this means we want to work with adjacent cities to compare notes to
be sure we're not building parallel systems, etc. so we can economize and save money between
cities. Director said the intent is to create a more interactive production of the plans between
the agencies and cities. Chairman Sims said under the NPDES discharge requirements the
County is working on a program of stormwater pollution prevention or control. He said this
needs to be addressed in the General Plan as conforming to the national requirements.
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On Page 1, Section lc) Chairman Sims expressed concern that this policy gives the inference
that Blue Mountain will be developed in any great detail. He expressed concern about seeing
sporadic development of the hillside. Director explained the specific intent of the Task Force
was to prohibit such development. Chairman Sims suggested re -wording to say, "Develop a
process through a specific plan to minimise development on Blue Mountain. "
Chairman Sims said Section 3 on Page 2, addressing the street safety program for school
children is a good idea. There may be a need to put down more visible pavement markings near
the Jr. High School. Where there are no sidewalks we need to program the installation.
Section 7, regarding the mock disaster drill is a good idea according to Chairman Sims. He also
suggested mailing emergency information to residents. He suggested offering a program
periodically so residents could purchase emergency survival kits.
Chairman Sims suggested there should be more emphasis placed on the safety issues involved
with widening some of our streets and other similar type improvements.
Director asked if it would be appropriate to add these ideas which have a consensus as actions
under the applicable policy. There was a consensus that this is a good idea.
Commissioner Munson made no comments on the Safety Element.
Commissioner Huss concurred with previous comments made on the Safety Element.
ITEM #2
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 3, 1995
MOTION
PCM-95-30
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 3, 1995
Commissioner Huss made a motion to table the August 3, 1995 minutes.
Commissioner Addington seconded the motion for discussion.
Chairman Sims asked Commissioner Huss if she could relate specific comments to Staff.
She asked for more time to review the minutes.
Commissioner Addington said the phrase on Page 3, in the last paragraph referencing Cal
Poly students should be re -worded, instead of saying "use students" it should say "utilize
student talents."
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MOTION
VOTE
PCM-95-30
Motion carried. 6-0-1-0. Commissioner Wilson absent.
8:50 P.M. ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 7. 1995.
Respectfully submitted,
Patnzia Materassi
Community Development Director
08-29-95:pp
c:\wp5l\planning\ininutes\08-17-95.M
E
Approved by,
Timmy W Sims
Chairman, Planning Commission