04/26/1984 Grand Terrace Planning Commission
Minutes of Special Joint Meeting
April 26, 1984
The Special Joint meeting of the Grand Terrace Planning Commission and City
Council was called to order on April 26, 1984, at 7:35 p.m.
PRESENT: Sanford L. Collins, Chairman Hugh J. Grant, Mayor
John McDowell , Vice Chairman Jim Rigley, Mayor Pro Tempore
Ray Munson, Commissioner Tony Petta, Councilman
Jerry Hawkinson, Commissioner Roy W. Nix, Councilman
William De Benedet, Commissioner Barbara Pfennighausen, Councilwoman
Gerald Cole, Commissioner Seth Armstead, City Manager
Norm Caouette, Commissioner Ivan Hopkins, City Attorney
Joe Kicak, Planning Director Myrna Erway, City Clerk
ABSENT: Vern Andress, Commissioner
Winifred Bartel , Commissioner
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE/GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT - LAND USE ELEMENT
Planning Director Kicak advised the Planning Commission, as directed
by Council , held public hearings on the General Plan Amendment to the
Land Use Element and the remaining elements of the General Plan
Update, and recommended the following changes to the Land Use Element:
(1 ) changing the designation of four parcels on Michigan between
DeBerry & Van Buren from R-1 to Commercial ; and (2) changing the
designation of a single parcel on Canal near Carhart from residential
low density to residential medium density.
The Planning Commission also recommended the following changes to the
Circulation Element: (1 ) Downgrading Grand Terrace Road, between
Barton Road & Mt. Vernon, from collector to local ; and (2) designating
Main Street between Mt. Vernon & the westerly City Limits as a
secondary highway. Indicated no input was received regarding Canal
Street between Newport & Barton Road; a designation change for that
street would require either widening the east side only, or the
removal of existing improvements, since most properties in that area
are presently developed.
John Starner, CG Engineering, recommended Grand Terrace Road remain as
a collector, based on the traffic volume, and the fact that it
connects two major secondary streets and has local streets feeding
into it; supported Canal Street, between Newport & Barton Road, as a
collector, and upgrading Main Street to a secondary highway.
Councilwoman Pfennighausen questioned upgrading DeBerry & Van Buren
and whether Riverside County 's concurrence would be required on the
designation of Main Street. Dale Beland, Beland/Assoc. , advised
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State law requires referral/review of the general plan by the local
county; Riverside County would be obligated to review and indicate
concurrence/disagreement with the designation as established by the
City; if there is disagreement, the decision can be based on the
existing development pattern; the City has first option to designate.
Mr. Starner recommended upgrading DeBerry & Van Buren to assist with
future negotiations with potential development; indicated they can be
downgraded later if appropriate.
Dale Beland supported Mr. Starner's recommendations relative to the
Circulation Element; voiced concern about the General Plan being
parcel specific; recommended enlarging the commercial designation on
Michigan to include the entire quadrant. Councilman Rigley questioned
if anything would preclude designating the quadrant commercial , and
whether the Planning Commission had considered and concurs; was
advised the Planning Commission responded to public input on requested
designation changes; nothing would preclude the proposal .
Mayor Grant and Chairman Collins opened Joint Public Hearing on the
General Plan Amendment to the Land Use Element and all elements of the
General Plan Update.
Land Use Element - Barney Karger, 11668 Bernardo Way, speaking in
e a o rances Carter, with ee Swertfeger, 12438 Michigan
concurring, recommended designating the west side of Michigan as
either commercial , or preferably M-1-T. Dennis Evans, 22064 DeBerry,
felt the City has been planning everything west of Michigan for large
commercial or industrial development.
Circulation Element - Bill McKeever, 12714 Blue Mountain Court, with
John Starner concurring, recommended removing Blue Mountain Court, a
cul -de-sac, from the Circulation Element, since it only consists of
seven parcels, and was designated a private street, with maintenance
responsibility not accepted by the City. Kathryn Capps, 23173 Vista
Grande Way, supported downgrading Grand Terrace Road to local . Barney
Karger, 11668 Bernardo Way, supported downgrading Grand Terrace oat�d;
recommended constructing improvements on the east side of Canal and
not disturbing the west side. Danny Schweir, 22843 DeSoto, felt the
City should not require a lien to be recorded for future
improvements.
All other elements - there being no testimony on the other elements,
Mayor Grant and Chairman Collins closed Public Hearing.
Council Recessed at 8:23 p.m.
CIRCULATION ELEMENT
PCM-84-29 Motion by Commissioner Cole, Second by Commissioner DeBenedet to
recommend designating Canal Street as a collector street with
widening/improvements to be added on the east side, and the west side
to remain undisturbed. Commissioner hawkinson questioned
complications regarding the canal . The Planning Director felt there
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Minutes - April 26, 1984
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would be sufficient right-of-way on the easterly side, but not for the
full , normal parkway as exists on the westerly side. Following
discussion relative to proposed construction, Motion No. PCM-84-29
carried, ALL AYES by all present.
Commissioner Collins recommended coordinating the designation of Main
Street with Riverside County. Planning Director Kicak advised the
area of Main Street being considered is probably developed to
secondary standard, with only one parcel not having street
improvements; recommended secondary designation, feeling the City
could not require dedication from that one parcel unless it is
designated secondary standard.
PCM-84-30 Motion by Commissioner Cole, Second by Commissioner Hawkinson, ALL
AYES by all present to recommend upgrading Main Street from a
collector street to a secondary highway.
PCM-84-31 Motion by Commissioner DeBenedet, Second by Commissioner McDowell , ALL
AYES by all present to recommend removing Blue Mountain Court from the
Circulation Element.
LAND USE ELEMENT
PCM-84-32 Motion by Commissioner McDowell , Second by Commissioner Hawkinson, to
recommend designating the entire quadrant on the westerly side of
Michigan, between DeBerry & Van Buren, as commercial . Commissioner
Caouette questioned whether the property owners indicated a preference
for commercial or light industrial .
Chairman Collins re-opened Public Hearing on the Land Use Element.
Lee Swertfeger and Ken Carter, property owners in that quadrant,
indicated a preference for light industrial ; indicated they did not
feel that area is conducive to residential . Chairman Collins voiced
concern about changing the designation of the entire quadrant without
hearing from the other property owners. Roy Nix questioned and
received clarification that the quadrant ouundaries are the northwest,
40-acre corner opposite Mavis Street, southerly to Van Buren.
Chairman Collins closed Public Hearing. Motion No. PCM-84-32 carried
6-1, with Chairman Collins voting NOE.
RESOLUTION NO. PC-84-01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
E CITY OF GRAND TERRACE, CA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE UPDATED
GENERAL PLAN FOR THE CITY OF GRAND TERRACE & THE GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF SAID GENERAL PLAN; CERTIFYING THE
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT; & MAKING OTHER DETERMINATIONS.
PCM-84-33 Motion by Commissioner Cole, Second by Commissioner McDowell , ALL AYES
by all present to adopt Resolution No. PC-84-01.
Recess of the Planning Commission was called at 8:40 p.m. Council
reconvened at 8:40 p.m. , with all members present.
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GPA - LAND USE ELEMENT
CC-84-85 Motion by Councilman Nix, Second by Councilman Rigley, to concur with
the Planning Commission recommendation to designate as commercial the
quadrant located on the northwesterly corner of Van Buren & Michigan,
the limits being the westerly extension of the centerline of Mavis to
a depth to mid of that block, being all of Lot 28 of a portion of East
Riverside Land Company as per Map Book 6, Page 44, records of San
Bernardino County, consisting of approximately 9.27 acres.
Councilman Nix felt designating that quadrant as light industrial
would be spot-zoning and inconsistent with the surrounding land use
designation. Councilwoman Pfennighausen stated various property
owners have indicated this would be a compromise; indicated
conditional use permits could be considered to allow the types of uses
desired by the property owners. Following confirmation by the City
Attorney that Councilman Petta would have no conflict of interest,
Motion No. CC-84-85 carried, ALL AYES.
CC-84-86 Motion by Councilman Nix, Second by Councilwoman Pfennighausen, ALL
AYES, to concur with the Planning Commission recommendation to
designate Assessor' s Parcel No. 275-241-23, located westerly of Canal
and southerly of Carhart, as medium density.
CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Following Planning Director Kicak 's recommendation that the record
reflect the proper designation, improvement plan and centerline of
CC-84-87 Canal Street, Motion by Councilman Nix, Second by Councilman Petta,
ALL AYES that Canal Street is to remain a collector street; that the
centerline of the right-of-way and centerline of construction will not
be coincidental , but will be offset, which will indicate dedication
will not be required on the westerly side of Canal Street.
CC-84-88 Motion by Councilman Rigley, Second by Councilman Nix, ALL AYES to
upgrade Main Street, between Mt. Vernon and the westerly City limits,
from collector to secondary status.
CC-84-89 Motion by Councilman Nix, Second by Councilman Rigley, ALL AYES to
remove Blue Mountain Court from the Circulation Element.
CC-84-90 Motion by Councilman Rigley, Second by Councilman Nix, ALL AYES to
downgrade Grand Terrace Road from a collector to a local street.
Chairman Collins noted some residents requested changing the land use
designation for the north side of Barton Road, between Canal and
Vivienda, from AP to commercial during the Planning Commission Public
Hearing of April 2; the designation remains AP.
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RESOLUTION NO. 84-11 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
A E RACE, CA, ADOPTING THE UPDATED GENERAL PLAN FOR THE CITY OF
GRAND TERRACE; ADOPTING THE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE
ELEMENT OF SAID GENERAL PLAN; CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT; AND MAKING OTHER DETERMINATIONS.
CC-84-91 Motion by Councilman Nix, Second by Councilman Petta, ALL AYES to
adopt Resolution No. 84-11.
Planning Commission reconvened at 8:53 p.m.
TENTATIVE TRACT 12553
Planning Director Kicak advised an extensive Staff Report, Subject:
Specific Plan 84-1, Tentative Tract 12553, had been provided which
includes a copy of the Specific Plan; this proposed development is
located westerly of Mt. Vernon, northerly of Barton Road and northerly
of a development known as Town & Country Center; consisting of 69
units on approximately 6+ acres.
Mayor Grant and Chairman Collins opened a Joint Public Hearing on the
Specific Plan for Tentative Tract No. 12553.
Brian Esgate, Esgate Engineering, representing the applicant, voiced
concurrence with all conditions in the Specific Plan except No. 3,
concerning parking spaces and setback; requested a waiver of the
10-foot setback perimeter requirement for parking spaces to allow them
to be built as guest spaces in the northerly portion; felt the
five-foot setback, as shown in the Specific Plan, could be increased
as the project nears completion.
Chairman Collins questioned the street widths, noting the 26-foot
streets would be a variance to the ordinance; whether attempts were
made to gain access across Gage Canal ; whether there were plans to
increase the size of the private street, and who would maintain that
street. Mr. Esgate indicated written approval has been received from
the Fire Marshall , as conditioned in the ordinance, for the 26-foot
streets; Staff did not condition the project to provide access to the
north; felt the project was in close proximity to Barton Road and,
since Gage Canal has indicated only one access will be allowed over
the canal , felt the access would be wasted on this project; as the
project develops, there will be a crash-gate type access to the north;
there are no plans to increase the size of the private street; not
aware of plans for its maintenance.
Commissioner Caouette requested & received clarification that the
road through the Town & Country Center will be 36 ft. curb to curb,
with curbs & gutters, and will have curb cuts to allow vertical
traffic through the Town & Country parking lot. Commissioner McDowell
and Councilman Rigley indicated they would not support the project
with no access to the north. Mrs. Ian Smith, 11914 Mt. Vernon, felt
there is legal access north through the church property. Applicant
Bob Keeney stated Gage Canal has repeatedly indicated the City will
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only be allowed one access across the canal ; felt the access would
enhance his project, but would eliminate access for the remainder of
the area; has designed two roadways to the north which could connect
with a street running east and west which could have access across the
canal and to the remainder of the area; the development will be
enclosed and gate-controlled, with one entrance and three exits.
Councilman Nix felt it is the City's responsibility, rather than the
developers, to conduct negotiations for access over the canal .
Councilwoman Pfennighausen left Council Chambers at 9:22 p.m.
Mayor Grant and Chairman Collins closed Public Hearing.
Council recessed at 9:25 p.m.
Chairman Collins requested a staff recommendation relative to
Condition Nos. 3 and 6, relative to the setbacks and street widths,
noting the zoning ordinance requirement for private street
maintenance; also noted the proposal will require a zone change. The
Planning Director indicated the applicant has a five-foot or more
setback; Staff requested 30-foot streets, but the Forestry Department
has indicated 26-foot streets are satisfactory; felt private street
maintenance could be covered within the Covenants, Conveyances &
Restrictions (CC&R's) and agreements with adjacent property owners
having rights to that road; felt any easement would be a legal access;
recommended including a condition whereby the homeowner's association
would be responsible for maintenance of all access roads from Barton
Road and Mt. Vernon. The City Attorney advised proper zoning should
be one of the conditions of approval . Applicant Keeney stated the
homeowners 's association will maintain Britton Way, to which they own
fee title.
Chairman Collins re-opened Public Hearing. Kathy Harmon, 11834
Kingston, stated she purchased access to the private road, which was
an easement prior to being paved by Mr. Britton, which is included in
the CC&R's; indicated there is an agreement whereby all property
owners are required to share the maintenance responsibility. Chairman
Collins closed Public Hearing.
PCM-84-34 Motion by Commissioner McDowell , Second by Commissioner Cole, ALL AYES
by all present to add Condition No. 7 to Specific Plan 84-1,
specifying that in future development, ingress and egress will be
provided from the project to any adjacent development.
PCM-84-35 Motion by Commissioner Cole, Second by Commissioner McDowell , ALL AYES
to add Condition No. 8 to Specific Plan 84-1, specifying that a
condition of approval of the project is changing the zoning.
Commissioner Munson indicated no desire to delay the project, but
requested an investigation by Staff to determine the number of
possible accesses across the canal .
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RESOLUTION NO. PC-84-02 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF GRAND ACE, CA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF SPECIFIC PLAN
NO. 84-01 & MAKING OTHER DETERMINATIONS. (TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 12553)
PCM-84-36 Motion by Commissioner Hawkinson, Second by Commissioner DeBenedet,
ALL AYES to adopt Resolution No. PC-84-02, subject to the conditions
as amended.
PCM-84-37 Motion by Commissioner Hawkinson, Second by Commissioner Cole, that
based on the material in the Staff presentation and the testimony
received, to recommend approval by the City Council of Tentative Tract
Map 12553, including the findings as written in the Staff Report, and
subject to the Conditions recommended by Staff and outlined in Motion
Nos. PCM-84-34 and PCM-84-35.
Motion by Commissioner Caouette to amend the Motion to include adding
a condition specifying that the 36-foot roadway going through the Town
& Country Center is to be curbed with the exception of two 30-foot
wide curb cuts to allow traffic flow within the center, died for lack
of a second. Motion No. PCM-84-39 carried 6-1, with Commissioner
Munson voting NOE.
Planning Commission recessed and Council reconvened at 9:44 p.m. , with
all members present.
RESOLUTION NO. 84-12 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GRAND TERRACE, CA, APPROVING SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 84-01 AND MAKING OTHER
DETERMINATIONS. (Tentative Tract No. 12553)
Councilman Nix questioned how a closed-gate access development can be
proposed in the middle of a legal access road to the property to the
north, if a legal easement exists; feels in that case, the proposed
roadway would be inadequate. City Attorney Hopkins advised the
adequacy of the roadway would be determined by the Planning Commission
and Council ; noted several parties can have legal access, but there is
a potential problem if the project is gated, without access; felt the
road maintenance condition is a problem, since the City can only
require maintenance pursuant to the CC&R's; concurred there is an
access problem in that area.
Kathy Harmon voiced concern the gated community could deny legal
access to the commercial property, and for traffic congestion when it
develops. A question was raised whether the church has an easement
through the property. Applicant Keeney stated his development will
not affect the easement referenced by Kathy Harmon, and that the title
report does not reflect an easement going north. Councilmen Rigley
and Nix felt additional investigation is required, since the church
may have an easement.
Council recessed at 9:55 p.m. and reconvened at 10:13 p.m. with all
members present.
Council questioned the City Attorney relative to conditionally
approving the project, due to a possible easement through the proposed
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Minutes - April 26, 1984
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development. City Attorney Hopkins advised an easement should be
recognized if it exists; recommended either continuing the matter or
approving the project with the condition that if an easement exists,
it must be recognized and provided in the approval .
CC-84-92 Motion by Councilman Rigley, Second by Councilman Nix, ALL AYES, to
adopt Resolution No. 84-12, contingent upon recognition by the
developer of the existing easement, if it exists, for the church
property.
TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 12553
CC-84-93 Motion by Councilman Nix, Second by Councilman Petta, ALL AYES, to
approve Tentative Tract No. 12553 as recommended by the Planning
Commission.
Planning Commission adjourned at 10:22 p.m.
Joint Session adjourned at 10:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo eph cak, Planning Director
Zl,,'iA�J
-4 airm , P anning Commission
Grand Terrace Planning Commission
Minutes - April 26, 1984
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