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09/21/1995GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 21, 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 21, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Jimmy Sims. PRESENT: Jimmy Sims, Chairman Matthew Addington, Commissioner LeeAnn Garcia, Commissioner Moira Huss, Commissioner Ray Munson, Commissioner Fran Van Gelder, Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director Maria Muett, Senior Planner Larry Mainez, Planning Technician Pat Peterson, Planning Secretary ABSENT: Doug Wilson, Vice -Chairman 6:35 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION Commissioner Addington was nominated Acting Chairman in the absence of Chairman Sims and Vice -Chairman Wilson. * Information/comments from commissioners • Commissioner LeeAnn Garcia discussed the highlights of the League of California Cities "Economic Development Conference" she attended August 16-18, 1995, in Long Beach. She explained her 4 recommendations: 1) Invite Steve Gibson, Executive Director of the Riverside Downtown Association to speak to our City; 2) Consider having CALED professional service visit our City to come up with economic development strategies for our City; 3) Have staff discuss with other small cities their success in creating a thriving downtown and strong economic base in the Community; and 4) Have members of our Grand Terrace "family" (anyone who might be interested) visit other successful downtowns. Director Materassi clarified that Commissioner Garcia is proposing that each one of the four "recommendations" be sent to the Task Force for evaluation to be incorporated in the General Plan Update process. Director said there is a cost associated in retaining CALED to advise the City on Economic Development plans. She suggested further exploration of the concept and said it could be included in the General Plan update as part of an action plan. She asked for a consensus on this proposal. Commissioner Addington endorsed CCommissioner Garcia's four recommendations. Item 1 Chairmanship relinquished by Commissioner Addington to Chairman Sims. There was consensus of all commissioners present to forward all four of Commissioner Garcia's recommendations to the General Plan Task Force. * Information/comments from staff • Director advised Commission members there has been further work done on the microphone/PA system. • Director requested that Chairman Sims sign additional copies of minutes after the meeting. • Director discussed the three Barton Road Beautification Plans. Each of the following plans has been completed: 1) Barton Road Beautification Project - completed approximately 5-6 years ago with FAU funds and included curbs, meandering sidewalks and liquidambar trees along Barton Road. 2) Barton Road Block Wall Policy - City Council approved a subsidy for people along Barton Road which pays the differential in price to build an upgraded decorative tan, slumpstone block wall, providing continuity along Barton Road. The same is true for property adjacent to City parks, however funds need to be requested on a one -by -one case basis for park walls. 3) City Entry Program - Built the block wall along Grand Terrace Elementary School, provided for many trees, created the median in Barton Road, upgraded the City entry, crosswalk for the school, improvements to the intersection of Barton Road/Mt. Vernon, and landscaping on LaCrosse. Director stated there are currently no plans for further beautification projects. Chairman Sims suggested that the Planning Commission should be involved in all future City beautification projects. Commissioners made overall recommendation to City Council to this effect. 7:03 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION 7:03 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING * Call to Order * Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Van Gelder. * 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. N PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None. ITEM #1 PLANNING COMNIISSION MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 MOTION PCM-95-37 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - SEP'I'EMBER 7, 1995 Motion by Commissioner Munson to approve the September 7, 1995 minutes. Commissioner Addington seconded. On page 5, paragraph 6, Commissioner Addington pointed out the word conservation was erroneously spelled "conversation". MOTION VOTE PCM-95-37 Motion carries. 6-0-1-0. Vice Chairman Wilson absent. ITEM #2 Z-95-04/E-95-10 CITY OF GRAND TERRACE AMENDMENT TO REVISE RESIDENTIAL PARKING REGULATIONS OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 10, SECTIONS 10.16.0009 10.16.021 AND 10.16.030 ITEM #1 STREET PARKING -NUMBER OF VEHICLES PER HOUSEHOLD ITEM #2 PARKING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN FRONT YARDS OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS The Community Development Director presented the staff report. This item was first discussed informally at the last Planning Commission Meeting on September 7, 1995. At that time four motions were made. The motions were as follows: 1) Support staffs recommendation of not pursuing prohibition of street parking or overnight parking and to create a procedure to punish repetitive violators of street parking regulations. This motion will go before City Council for public hearing on October 12, 1995. 2) Amend staffs recommendation to pursue research of commercial vehicles on private property. The requested research is the subject to today's staff report. 3) Staff to review Sheriffs contract with City to determine if there is sufficient resources for pro -active enforcement of 72-hr. abandoned vehicle policy. This motion will be taken to the City Council as a recommendation from the Planning Commission on October 12, 1995. 4) Staff to review residential area parking problems resulting from assembly uses. This will also be taken to the City Council on October 12, as a recommendation of the Planning Commission. 3 In addition to doing the research requested in motion #2 above an amendment was also prepared. At the meeting of September 21, 1995, which was a public hearing, the Planning Commission received and reviewed the latest research regarding commercial parking. Attachment B to the staff report shows the results of the windshield survey staff performed to determine there were only 31 commercial vehicles parked throughout the city in driveways and front yards. Attachment C is the summary of codes of other cities regarding commercial vehicle parking. Attachment D is a description from DMV of the various types of commercial vehicles. In our current code, motorized RVs are not prohibited from parking in driveways, but non -motorized trailers are prohibited. Director reviewed the various other types of commercial vehicles which are proposed to be prohibited from parking on the front yard of residential zoned areas. The only proposed exception would be a temporary permit to park a commercial vehicle in case of emergencies or special circumstances. Director explained the positive and negative impacts of such an amendment. The environmental review for CEQA shows an insignificant negative impact. Director recommended Option #3 in the staff report - Commission to support staff recommendation to prohibit parking of certain commercial vehicles in the front yard of residential -zoned areas. 8:15 P.M. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING BOB DOMINGUEZ 23016 PALM AVENUE GRAND TERRACE, CA Mr. Dominguez said he has counted 260 abandoned RVs and cars in the City. He expressed concern about enforcement procedures and asked why this code is not being enforced. He said commercial vehicles should be prohibited from parking in the City and suggested storage facility parking for commercial vehicles. Regarding code enforcement he suggested a "hot line". He said he is concerned about the future of Grand Terrace because of the effect abandoned vehicles has on deterioration of the City. He also expressed concern about the deteriorating landscaping at the Quick Stop gas station at Barton Road and Mt. Vernon. STELLA DOMINGUEZ 23016 PALM AVENUE GRAND TERRACE, CA She said she hopes the Commission will vote to recommend the proposal to City Council. It would be an improvement. Said the appearance of her neighborhood between Observation and Paradise to Honey Hill Drive has declined. 8:19 P.M. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING 4 Chairman Sims said code enforcement is one of the biggest and most passionate issues over the years. He explained the process is complaint -driven and said staff is doing a fine job with the limited resources available. Staff is limited to do code enforcement on these issues unless the amendment is approved. Currently the vehicles specified in the amendment are not prohibited from parking in the residential areas. He said it is important to look at this proposed amendment from a city-wide perspective, not a specific problem in one area. Commissioner Van Gelder commended staff for the work they did on the survey and research materials. She said she is in agreement with the proposed amendment. She asked Director how residents will be notified of the zoning changes if/when the amendment is adopted. Director said the City Newsletter, possible insert in the sewer billing, and possibly a direct mailing to the addresses noted in the survey, however, she did not recommend it. Chairman Sims asked about the process, as proposed, of issuing a special permit. Director proposed it would be done through the land use approval process and notice the adjacent neighbors. A discussion took place between Director and Commissioner Munson regarding the code enforcement process. Chairman Sims and other Commissioners requested staff to provide information at the October 19, 1995 meeting regarding code enforcement procedures. Director explained the Community Development Department will continue to write articles addressing the issue of code enforcement for publication in the City Newsletter. Director said City Manager intends to request that Citizen Patrol methodically mark tires on vehicles in violation of the 72-hour code. The Sheriff' s Dept. will then be notified to follow-up on these vehicles. Commissioner Huss said she has called the Graffiti Hotline at 824-6637, and found the number has been disconnected. Director said this may be related to current installation of the new phone system. Commissioner Huss asked if letters will be sent out to the addresses of violators noted in the recent survey done by the Community Development Department. Director explained notices will not be sent out unless policy direction changes from the City Council. Current staffing levels are insufficient to accomplish this task as well as those with higher priority already in process. MOTION PCM-95-38 Z-95-04/E-95-10 Motion by Commissioner Addington to approve Option #3, to support staffs recommendation to prohibit the parking of certain commercial vehicles in the front yard of the residential zoned areas. Motion seconded by Commissioner Van Gelder. 5 MOTION VOTE PCM-95-38 Motion carries. 6-0-1-0. Commissioner Wilson absent. ITEM #3 SA-95-06 RESTITUT0 ESPADERO APPLICATION FOR SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW FOR A SECOND -STORY ADDITION Staff report presented by Larry Mainez, Planning Intern. OPENED FOR PUBLIC HEARING. Stan Davis, friend of applicant 2214 Calle Margarita San Dimas, CA Mr. Davis said the applicant, Mr. Espadero invested a considerable amount of time evaluating the current structure of the home to determine the best way to expand the structure and have it blend aesthetically with the balance of the surrounding community. Chairman Sims asked staff if the water pressure present at the subject property will support this type of housing. Staff said a test was done by the Fire Warden's Office and a determination made that the pressure is adequate. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. MOTION PCM-95-39 SA-95-06 Motion by Commissioner Van Gelder to approve application. Commission Addington seconded the motion. MOTION VOTE PCM-95-39 Motion carried. 6-0-1-0. Commissioner Wilson absent. 0 ITEM #4 OTASK FORCE REPORT General Plan Update Task Force Progress Report (continued). Task Force Members present: LeeAnn Garcia JoAnn Johnson M Comments by Director on the Review/Discussion Process: Director reviewed 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 Socio-Economic Element, Commissioner Huss to give her comments first. Then each Commissioner to present his/her own comments on the Socio-Economic Element text - not only comment on Commissioner Huss's comments. When all comments on the Socio-Economic Element are concluded staff to begin on the next element, followed by the assigned Commissioner. Comments/Sumniga by Director on Socio-Economic Element The Socio-Economic Element was discussed at the last Planning Commission Meeting on September 7, 1995 and is back on this agenda for further discussion by Commission and direction to staff. Director referred to page 6, Item 1 of minutes of September 7. Input was received from all Commission members. Director said she hoped Commission could reach consensus today to give more specific direction on this optional element at this meeting. There were three issues at the last meeting which need further discussion and clarification: 1) Should there be a Park -and -Ride lot in the City? 2) Should there be more flexibility regarding signage requirements? 3) Is there value in developing the optional Socio-Economic Element for incorporation into the General Plan? Comments by Commissioners on Socio-Economic Element ISSUE #1 Chairman Sims stated he is against the idea of a Park -and -Ride lot in the downtown area. Director said a Park -and -Ride lot would help implement the Trip Reduction Ordinance, and in fact it is one of the TCMs in the ordinance. Caltrans did a study which indicated a high demand for Park -and -Ride facilities in our City. $80,000 is available from Caltrans to do landscaping, lighting, drainage, fencing, curb and gutter and other improvements. Maintenance is also provided by Caltrans. Caltrans requires a 10-year contract during which time they maintain the property and provide security protection as well. At the end of the contract the owner regains possession of the property. Two locations in the City have previously been considered by Caltrans for potential Park -and -Ride locations -Towne & Country Shopping Center and the McDuffee property at LaCrosse and Barton Road. Director explained there are three main reasons for locating Park -and -Ride lots in the City vs. in isolated areas. Commuters who use the Park -and -Ride lot do business in the shopping centers, there is less vandalism of vehicles and the City could then apply for a sign on the side of the freeway identifying the City of Grand Terrace. 7 Commissioner Van Gelder stated she is opposed to a Park -and -Ride in the downtown Barton ORoad area. Commissioner Huss said she felt a Park -and -Ride lot with landscaping up to code would look better than some of the strip malls and the GTI Building. She suggested the possibility of locating a Park -and -Ride lot on Palm Avenue across from the Azure Hills Church to alleviate some of the parking congestion on the street. She also suggested rezoning the area near Palm and Barton Road to "professional/retail" . I Commissioner Munson agreed he does not want to see a Park -and -Ride lot in Grand Terrace. Director added that a Park -and -Ride lot can be re -located in favor of a business development on the same piece of property should such an opportunity arise that could be part of contract with Caltrans. Director said she understands there is a consensus from the Planning Commission that the City should not list a Park -and -Ride lot as a priority in the Socio-Economic or Air Quality Elements. Chairman Sims said in case we would receive straight or monetary credit from Air Quality it would be worthwhile to consider. He feels there are better topics to concentrate on in the Socio- Economic Element than establishing a Park -and -Ride lot. ISSUE #2 On the issue of creating more flexibility on the City signage program, Director said she feels the program is sufficiently flexible but emphasized the need to establish and maintain a relationship with the business community to monitor their needs. The Community Development Department staff will personally talk with the business owners to determine if there is any way the City can help local businesses (excluding financial subsidies). Commissioner Addington stated he feels the sign program we currently have is good and does not need to be more flexible. He said he feels we need to start enforcing the current ordinance. Director said the City Council has authorized the Community Development Department to do sign code enforcement in a pro -active manner, not just on a complaint -driven basis and that is being done. Consensus was the sign ordinance is considerably flexible as is and no changes should be made. ISSUE #3 Director said she believed the majority of the Planning Commission feels it is important to include this element in the General Plan, but felt further discussion was needed for clarification. Commissioner Addington said he has a problem with vagueness of this element. From his perspective, as an engineer, this element needs to move more toward specifics and away from vagueness to be useful. N. Commissioner Van Gelder said this element appears to be vague but it represents the dream for the future of the City. Commissioner Munson inquired about the cost of implementation of the Socio-Economic Element. He also agreed with Commissioner Addington regarding vagueness of the element. Chairman Sims said the purpose of the Planning Commission is to bring clarity to vagueness. He would be concerned, however, about not having a Socio-Economic Element. Commissioner Garcia said the Socio-Economic Element is the beginning of the plan needed when potential new businesses come to the community, to let them know what character the residents want in the community. There is much more information needed to be gathered to give more specificity, she agrees. Director said the Task Force has accepted Margarita McCoy's suggestion of doing an action plan adopted as a resolution in lieu of being adopted as an ordinance in the General Plan text. Comments/Summary by Director on Noise Element Recommendations are to adopt stricter standards for noise. The City currently follows the stricter County noise ordinance by policy but it should be officially implemented. Noise impact from the freeway, airport runway approaches and other significant sources of noise need to be re-evaluated. Conformity with the Municipal Code Noise Ordinance needs to be achieved. Comments by Commissioners on Noise Element Commissioner Huss suggested asking for the assistance of Citizen Patrol and Neighborhood Watch groups to identify loud parties. She also suggested using the City Newsletter and Cable Channel 3 to get the word out to citizens. Commissioner Garcia had nothing to add. Commissioner Van Gelder answered Commissioner Addington's question about noise from the former Norton Air Force Base runways. The current plans are for planes to take off and land over Colton. Regarding Section 1P e), she suggested the wording "Grand Terrace should comply with County and State noise regulations. " Instead of Section 1P g), related to "good neighbor policy", Chairman Sims suggested "Evaluation of landuse types, how they relate and where they are placed in relationship to others." Commissioner Munson said he does not feel noise is generally an issue in Grand Terrace. He said that people overcome objectionable noises. He said he's not sure why we need a noise element. Director explained it is mandatory. Commissioner Munson said his recommendation is to make it as simple as possible. 9:10 P.M. ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING E NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 5. 1995. Respectfully submitted, Patrizia Materassi Community Development Director 10-20-95:pp c:\wp51\planning\minutes\9-21-95.M Approved by, U04044// --OP immy W. ims Chairman, Planning Commission 10