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09/07/1995GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 7, 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 September 7, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Jim Sims. PRESENT: Jim Sims, Chairman Matthew Addington, Commissioner LeeAnn Garcia, Commissioner Ray Munson, Commissioner Fran Van Gelder, Commissioner Doug Wilson, Vice -Chairman Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director O Larry Mainez, Planning Technician Pat Peterson, Planning Secretary ABSENT: Moira Huss, Commissioner 6:54 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION * Information/comments from staff • Director requested the discussion of the Barton Road Beautification Plans be postponed until the next scheduled Planning Commission Meeting to allow more time for Commissioner Garcia's "Economic Development Conference Report. * Information/comments from commissioners • Report by Commissioner LeeAnn Garcia on the League of California Cities "Economic Development Conference" she attended August 16-18, 1995, in Long Beach. Commissioner Garcia reviewed the bullet points of page 1 of her 8-page report/summary. She also explained her 4 recommendations, as outlined on page 1 of her report/summary. Presentation will be completed at the next workshop session at 6:30 p.m. 7:00 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION c ITEM 1 7:00 P.M. CONVENED PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING * Call to Order * Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Garcia. * 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: Michael Cass 22525 Franklin St. Grand Terrace Mr. Cass wished to speak about parking. Chairman Sims said it is an agenda item and Mr. Cass will have the opportunity to speak on this subject when it comes up on the agenda. Commissioner Munson asked if anyone has heard the City Council is considering reduction of the number of Planning Commissioners. Director said she has been asked by the City Council to evaluate such a reduction for cost efficiency purposes. Copies of staff's report will be mailed to Commissioners. Director said it is being proposed that the reduction be accomplished by attrition, when and if Commissioners voluntarily resign. Commissioner Van Gelder said there are still problems with the microphones in Council Chambers. During the last City Council Meeting on August 24, the Mayor could be heard part of the time, Councilman Buchanan's microphone was fine, but the rest of the Council could not be heard at all. Public Participation Closed. ITEM #1 TASK FORCE REPORT General Plan Update Task Force Progress Report (continued). Task Force Members present: LeeAnn Garcia JoAnn Johnson Mary Trainor Doug Wilson 2 V Comments by Director on the Review/Discussion Process: Director suggested limitation of the General Plan discussion to 1 hour due to the length of the agenda. Director reviewed her proposed procedures for the discussion: The Task Force previously requested each Commissioner read and comment on each of the elements. Director to present her summary of the major changes in each element. Beginning with the Parks & Recreation Element, Commissioner Addington to give his comments first. Then each Commissioner to present his/her own comments on the Parks & Recreation Element text -not only comment on Commissioner Addington's comments. When all comments on the Parks & Recreation Element are concluded staff to begin on the next element, followed by the assigned Commissioner. Comments/Summary by Director of Major Changes Proposed by Task Force Director said the Parks & Recreation Element was drafted by the previous Assistant City Manager and Parks & Recreation Director, Randy Anstine. The Task Force reviewed that draft and added several items. The goal of the Element is to have 6 acres of parks for every 1000 residents. The Task Force felt that it is distorted because a large portion of park land is unusable or unused park sites (i.e. Blue Mountain and park sites on easements which do not have any facilities or play equipment.) The Task Force suggested some short-term action plans such as 1. pursue funding for portable toilets, drinking fountains, swings for children, benches and walkways for strollers; 2. Consider facilities improvements at existing parks for different ages of park users, (i.e. the City of Loma Linda has built a jogging/walking track near the hospitals. One of the Task Force members has requested funding from the Lions Club to improve neighborhood parks; and, 3. Coordinate with City of Colton to consider a cooperative effort towards a park for residents of both cities, near the city boundaries. Comments of Commissioner Addington on his review of the Parks & Recreation Element Commissioner Addington liked the goal of increasing the parks to 7 to 8 acres/1000 residents. He particularly likes the idea of having several small, local parks throughout the City, within walking distance of home for children. Greenbelts, without play equipment, were also suggested. Comments by Commissioners on Housing Element Commissioner Garcia agreed with the comments of Director. Commissioner Van Gelder referred to Page 4, and the Blue Mountain Wilderness Park. She asked if it is possible to make hiking trails there. She also suggested using some of the vacant (infill) lots throughout the City as temporary mini -parks until permanent development by the owners. Chairman Sims agreed that he the likes the small neighborhood parks, himself, rather than larger community parks. He likes the idea of linear parks for walking and bicycling, with benches and shelters. He brought up the security aspect for linear parks and for temporary use of infill lots; and suggested incorporation of security measures for parks into the Element. 3 Commissioner Wilson agreed with Chairman Sims that security and lighting mechanization of the linear parks are of concern to him. He pointed out the current linear park in the City which is in Honey Hills has lighting only from the surrounding houses. He advocates a linear park on Blue Mountain. He would like to see an organized volunteer group to plant trees, clear land, take ownership of neighborhood parks, etc. and offered to meet with any citizens with similar ideas. Commissioner Munson said that he feels parks developed in the future should be done with the thought of having drought resistant and maintenance free trees and shrubs, because our water and budgetary resources are limited. Comments/Summary by Director of Major Changes to the Strategic Element Proposed by the Task Force The purpose of the Strategic Element is an implementation plan, incorporating all elements, prioritizing actions and establishing a time line for implementation. The Task Force has suggested Community mentors to implement a related group of actions. The mentor would be responsible for organizing/managing people, securing funding and actual implementation of the action. The Implementation Plan of the General Plan can be adopted by resolution. The benefits being: 1. More dynamic 2. Easier to change 3. Change more often as needed Comments by Commissioners on Strategic Element Commissioner Munson made no comments about the Strategic Element. Commissioner Garcia is a proponent of strategic/action plans. She said the General Plan needs to be as action -oriented and specific as possible. She agreed with Director it is important to have broad -based goals in the General Plan, but the specks should be in a resolution document. She would like to see the General Plan used as a working document -not simply put on the shelf upon completion. This is a key element, to which close attention needs to be directed in order to make the General Plan a working document. Commissioner Addington said he agrees the General Plan needs a focused, practical, action - driven program for implementation. Commissioner Van Gelder asked for the definition of "Main Street", and also identification of the "commercial corridor". Director explained the "Main Street Program" would include Barton Road. The purpose of the program is to revitalize the downtown core of business. The program provides technical assistance most often to organize the business community and the City in partnerships and bring downtown to life. Michigan and Barton Road would be considered the "commercial corridor." Commissioner Van Gelder suggested delineation of the commercial corridor in the General Plan elements. 4 Chairman Sims said he likes the idea of "mentoring" . He is concerned that the proper language be in the text which would empower the mentor to accomplish the tasks for which he/she would be responsible (i.e. the liabilities associated with "pursue funding"). He likes the idea of residents being involved with the "hands on" changes in the community. Commissioner Wilson asked Director about implementation of the Strategic Plan. Who would the mentors report to? Director said in the few cities which have done what is proposed, they have reported to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, the Economic Development Director, and for a Downtown Coordinator. Comments/Summarby Director on the Conservation Element The purpose of the Conservation Element is to preserve the open space. Concerns of the Task Force include: 1. Conservation of all natural resources 2. Integrate the City into regional and subregional plans The desire is to establish a plan to connect with other cities and counties. The Santa Ana River has parks and trails. Reference is also made to Blue Mountain to discourage development. Comments by Commissioner Munson on the Conservation Element Commission Munson said he feels common sense are key words when dealing with conservation. Regarding Blue Mountain, he said he is in favor of keeping it natural. He said the door should be open to any community/agency who might desire to work on a cooperative plan. Commissioner Garcia said she likes the idea of working a regional level and coordinated. She said it is important to follow through if/when a ,% ater conservation ordinance is proposed/adopted O to be sure all other ordinances/procedures are is in agreement. When the Element is written it should show conservation in a very positive position so as not to cause conflict between developers and environmentalists. Commissioner Addington asked about Section 1P d) and e) involving endangered species. He asked the intention of the Task Force. Director said the intention is to respect the findings of environmental agencies which have determined that some species are endangered and should be protected. Identification is being done by the County. They are also establishing habitats. The Task Force has suggested the City tie into a regional conversation plan with the County. Commissioner Van Gelder asked if there are already endangered species conservation habitats in place. Director said that in the General Plan evaluation, 10 years ago there was no identification of endangered species in Grand Terrace. However, if the County plan has made such an identification the City should coordinate with the County to discover the species. Chairman Sims said he agrees with Commissioner Munson that common sense is important. He said it is smart to use the information the County has gathered. Commissioner Wilson said that every development done in the last 20 years has been required to address environmental impact issues. Habitat circumstances are also included in these studies. He said the habitat conservation information sought in this element already exists and pointed out there is no language in this element suggesting utilization of existing information. He said ( , there is also data available in the regional libraries. 5 Commissioner Wilson said he would like to see a more objective review of initial environmental impact studies take place. Director said the County is moving toward elimination of the environmental impact reports with regard to endangered species. They are going to clearly establish those areas with endangered species, therefore expediting the process for all cities involved. The County is using existing data and collecting new to develop new habitats. Comments/summary by Director on Socio-Economic Element This is new element. The major purpose is to bring the human element into the planning process. It focusses on the improvement of the built environment but also on the overall quality of life of the residents. There are two segments to this element -social and economic. The major messages of the economic development segment are to determine the regional economic role of Grand Terrace and try to maximize it; increase tax revenues and local jobs; give priority to high-tech business users; promote city business and identify future business demands for the area; evaluate expansion of medical support services and a possible meeting site for Grand Terrace. Director suggested inclusion of some of Commissioner Garcia's ideas from her recent Economic Development Conference. She asked Commissioners to read Commissioner Garcia's report on the Economic Development Conference, for discussion at the next Planning Commission Meeting. The major social messages are to create a new cultural identity for Grand Terrace; to strive for excellence in education; to give priority to family needs and children; to celebrate ethnic diversity; and continue pursuing methods to keep crime very low in the community. Comments by Commission Van Gelder on Socio-Economic Development Element Commissioner Van Gelder said paragraph 1, addressing the goal of this element needs revision. She asked where the goal of providing jobs of 1/3 of the Grand Terrace residents came from. Director said we know the size of the workforce but not where they work. An evaluation of the census data needs to be done to determine how many people living in Grand Terrace also work here. The idea is to increase the number of people who work and live in Grand Terrace. Commissioner Van Gelder pointed out that Grand Terrace is a "bedroom community" and she believes it will be difficult to attain that 1/3 goal. Commissioner Van Gelder said she has a problem with the term "cultural identity". She said we are all Americans and should strive for that cultural identity. Commissioner Van Gelder is against the idea of creating more flexibility as regards to signage for new businesses as discussed in Section 2P c). She emphasized the importance of Master Planning in the Barton Road Specific Plan to produce development continuity. Delete Section 6P, as Colton's Megamall is history. In Section 8P, Commissioner Van Gelder is against the idea of having Park & Ride facilities in downtown Grand Terrace. Regarding Section 2P (create a new cultural identity) of the Social Development part of this element, Commissioner Van Gelder said it might be helpful to have some of the census data regarding ethnic make-up of the community. Director explained the idea of creating a new cultural identity was not necessarily related to the ethnic background of citizens but about "What does the City of Grand Terrace want to be known for?" The Task Force talked about the possibility of the City being known for the honey production of many years ago. Commissioner Van Gelder said she has always thought of Grand Terrace as being know for Blue Mountain -the Blue Mountain community. Commissioner Garcia said in Section 1P a), regarding the City's development of a market analysis to determine economic role of Grand Terrace in the region/subregion. She also feels it is important to simplify City plans, processes and procedures to clarify who is responsible for what and who are the liaison persons, to avoid confusion for business people as well as residents. The Task Force believes Grand Terrace is a very strong family community and education is a key factor they want to promote, as well as low crime. Regarding "cultural identity", Commissioner Garcia suggested the wording of "art, cultural and historic identity. " Commissioner Addington said he would recommend not including this optional element in the General Plan. Q Chairman Sims said he would like to see a marketing absorption study. He agreed with Commissioner Van Gelder that Grand Terrace is a "bedroom" community. He said the Socio- Economic aspect of a General Plan is important as it brings the community together. Commissioner Wilson said his main thought in this element is to create a "center" for the town, possibly for the production of plays. Successful towns most often have a "center" for people to gather for multi -uses. He said "centers" could be created along with residential units and commercial properties along Barton Road. Commissioner Munson reiterated this is a "bedroom" community and that he believes the majority of citizens want it to remain as such, with a clean, safe environment. He does not believe citizens want the City to attract major tax -producing businesses; but rather we should work to attract people to live in our community. Director asked Chairman for this element to be brought back at the next meeting for further direction since there are differences of opinion among Commissioners. Chairman Sims said the Noise Element will be held over for discussion at the next scheduled Planning Commission meeting on September 21, 1995. Director invited Commissioners and Task Force Members to attend the next City Council Meeting on September 14, when the General Plan Update comes before Council for the first time for their review and comments. 7 ITEM #2 PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 3, 1995 MOTION PCM-95-31 PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 3, 1995 Motion made by Commissioner Munson to approve the August 3, 1995 minutes. Motion seconded by Commissioner Van Gelder. MOTION VOTE PCM-95-31 Motion carried. 6-0-1-0 Commissioner Huss absent. ITEM #3 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE POLICY Staff report by Director. Director explained this commercial vehicle policy has been in development for approximately six months and is specifically addressed to the families with home -based businesses only. It does not specifically restrict commercial vehicles city-wide, by direction of the City Attorney. This policy restricts the number of commercial vehicles, not the size or weight. Those persons with Home Occupation Permits may have only one commercial vehicle. Director explained this is proposed only as a policy. At some time later it may be proposed as an addition to the municipal code. Director reviewed the definition of commercial vehicle as set forth in the proposed policy. She also reviewed the conditions to restrict visual impact on adjacent properties. Commissioner Van Gelder said she feels it is inappropriate to use the term "ideally" in Section 2 of the policy. Commissioner Addington said he would like to see verbiage disallowing semi truck/tractors. He does not like to see them parked in the neighborhoods. Director said there is currently a code which prohibits parking of commercial vehicles on the public right of way in excess of one ton. They may circulate on City streets and park on private property but not on the streets. Commissioner Garcia asked if the applicant is asked during the HOP application process, what type, if any, commercial vehicle is/will be used for the HOP. Director said no, but it can be added when it comes up for Council hearing. She will carry it forward to the City Council. 0 MOTION PCM-95-32 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE POLICY Motion by Commissioner Van Gelder to approve Commercial Vehicle Policy. Second by Commissioner Addington. MOTION VOTE PCM-95-32 Motion carried. 5-0-1-1. Commissioner Huss absent and Commissioner Wilson abstained. ITEM #4 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 17, 1995 MOTION PCM-95-33 PLANNING COMIVIISSION MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 17, 1995 Motion by Commissioner Van Gelder to approve minutes of August 17, 1995. Second by Commissioner Munson. Chairman Sims stated there is a correction to be made at the bottom of page 7. It should read NPDES instead of MPDES. MOTION VOTE PCM-95-33 Motion carried. 5-0-1-1. Commissioner Huss absent and Commissioner Wilson abstained. ITEM #5 CITIZEN -PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE, RESTRICTING PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS ISSUE 1 - STREET PARKING & NUMBER OF VEHICLES PER HOUSEHOLD ISSUE 2 - PARKING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY Chairman Sims explained to citizens in the audience this agenda item is before the Commission for discussion purposes, but comments from the public will be heard. Staff report by Director. Director asked the Planning Commission to be objective in their discussion and direction with respect to the proposed amendment which would have city-wide impact, instead of just serving a group of residents. 6 Director asked for a motion at the end of discussion in favor of or opposing staff recommendations as direction. If the Commission approves staff recommendations or forms another recommendation it will come back to the Planning Commission for public hearing before going to the City Council. If the Commission decides no changes should be made to the current code a letter will be written to the City Council so stating. City Council may then send it back O to the Planning Commission with direction for further study and implementation. Public Participation opened by Chairman Sims. Steve Perkio 22401 Ladera Grand Terrace Said he agrees with the 72-hour regulations. Said he feels the complaint resolution process is successful and does not feel the City needs to add more bureaucratic rules. Said he feels a fine of $50 for repeat offenders is reasonable. Said he thinks semi trucks should be allowed to park on private property. He agreed with staff's preliminary recommendations a) & b) of Alternative 1. Michael Cass 22525 Franklin St. Grand Terrace. Said a problem in his area is people who park on the grass in the front yard. Can this be addressed by Citizen Patrol? Suggested opening an RV storage lot in Grand Terrace. Director said there is a nuisance abatement ordinance which addresses parking on the grass of the front yard. Also, there is an RV storage lot on the west side of the I-215 freeway, and a potential one probably coming on Van Buren in upcoming months. Bob Dominguez Complained of lack of enforcement regarding abandoned vehicles. Stated he identified over 200 abandoned vehicles by driving through 3/4 if the City on 9/7/95, in 2 hours. Feels it is a big problem in the City. Asked why code enforcement people are not out on the streets looking for violations. Regarding commercial vehicles, he does not want to see trucks in the city. Suggested the City encourage storage of the vehicles within City limits; the City could buy property or offer voucher to pay for storage of vehicle. Encouraged people to park cars in garages -not use garages for storage. Eileen Hodder 22253 Van Buren Grand Terrace Asked if the proposed ordinance would restrict all cars on the city street, or only those over 72 hours? Chairman Sims stated it would affect all vehicles. lt$] Said she is against limiting the number of cars a household can have. Said it is unreasonable to restrict the entire City because of a few complaints. Paul Francis 23005 Palm Avenue Grand Terrace Said he believes the existing codes are adequate regarding parking. Does not have a problem with commercial vehicles parked on private property. Said there should be no changes. Stella Domingues 23016 Palm Avenue Grand Terrace Said real problem is lack of enforcement of current codes. Repeat offenders is a real problem. The size of commercial vehicles parked on the streets is a safety issue. She does not like the appearance of commercial vehicles parked in driveways. Karen Welsher 22245 Lark Street Grand Terrace Endorses 72 hour restriction. Said economy has forced many people to put commercial vehicles on their property -vandalism and safety are the real issues. Said she does not like the idea of permits. It would be expensive and take additional manpower to enforce. Regulations are good as they are. Angela Cass 22525 Franklin Street Grand Terrace Said the proposed changes seem like too much bureaucracy. Everyone for the most part is happy with current regulations and enforcement is sufficient. Public participation closed by Chairman Sims, and discussion among Planning Commissioners resumed. Commissioner Garcia asked for clarification from Director. Is a truck driver considered an HOP? Director stated truck drivers are subject to HOP requirements only if they work out of their own house. Director also clarified that recreational vehicles must be operable and parked in a paved drive approach. Boats on a trailer are also allowed to be parked on a driveway. Chairman Sims said he is concerned about imposing new regulations, given there is not enough staff to do more enforcement. Director said the policy from City Council is that enforcement will be done on a case by case, complaint -driven process. Code enforcement is currently done by the Community Development Director, a planning intern, Assistant City Manager, the 11 Building and Safety Director, and the City Manager. Although each of these people does code enforcement there is still a backlog. Commissioner Wilson said he thinks the abandoned vehicles should regularly be addressed by the Sheriff's Department. He also stated he feels the issue of overcrowding with other uses (large assemblies) needs to be addressed. The concerns here are safety and unsightliness. Director said the City Attorney has told her that to a large extent the street belongs to the public. Chairman Sims said he feels the Citizen Patrol should be encouraged to enforce the 72 hour parking regulations as they apparently did formerly, instead of staff. Commissioner Munson said he sees no reason to adopt any alternatives to our current vehicle parking policy until there are more complaints than the record currently reflects (3 in 15 months). Commissioner Garcia said she agrees that no new regulations should be added with two exceptions: repeat offenders and commercial vehicles. She supported approval of staff recommendations with the addition of doing further research into enforcement procedures. Commissioner Van Gelder endorsed the idea of collecting $50 from reoffenders. Chairman Sims said possibly a stiffer penalty would work as a deterrent to discourage repeat offenders. Commissioner Wilson clarified the enforcement issue. He suggested staff be directed to review the City's agreement with the Sheriff's Dept. to determine if they should be performing enforcement actions. MOTION PCM-95-34 Motion by Commissioner Garcia to amend alternative #2 by inserting the words "pursue research to restrict parking of commercial vehicles on private property", instead of amendment. Second by Chairman Sims for further discussion. Commissioner Van Gelder asked what type of research would be done. Director said evaluation of other cities' codes, information from the League of California Cities, analyze the types of complaint we have and conduct a survey of the City to determine impact of proposed changes. Chairman Sims clarified that the intention is to research available information from other cities to determine how they address the restriction of commercial vehicle parking. Upon presentation of the report on research amendment may be considered at that time. 12 MOTION VOTE PCM-95-34 Motion carried. 5-1-1-0. Commissioner Munson voted No and Commissioner Huss absent. MOTION PCM-95-35 Motion by Commissioner Wilson to direct staff to pursue investigation into contract with Sheriff's Department to see if possible for Sheriffs to do enforcement action of abandoned vehicles without adding additional deputies. Also, to direct staff to pursue the question of overcrowding with large assembly uses. Second by Commissioner Garcia. MOTION VOTE PCM-95-35 Motion carried. 5-1-1-0 absent. MOTION PCM-95-36 Commissioner Munson voted No, and Commissioner Huss Motion by Commissioner Garcia to direct staff to pursue alternative #1C, develop procedure to punish reoffenders of street parking regulations. Motion seconded by Commissioner Van Gelder. MOTION VOTE PCM-95-36 Motion carried. 5-1-1-0. Commissioner Munson voted No and Commissioner Huss absent. 13 9:35 P.M. ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 21. 1995. Respectfully submitted, Patrizia Materassi Community Development Director 09-18-95:pp c:\wp5l\planning\minutes\09-7-95.M 14 Approved by, Jimmy W Sims Chairman, Planning Commission