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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/27/2001ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUGUST 27, 2001 CALLED TO ORDER 6:10 P.M. City Hall Ross Annex First Floor Conference Room 1600 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California ATTENDANCE COMMISSIONERS Present: Glenn Mondo, Chairman Alexander Nalle, Vice Chairman Lynnette Verino, Pro Tem Don Cribb Molly Doughty - 6:15 Christopher Leo COMMISSIONERS Absent: Robert Richardson STAFF PRESENT Charles View, Planning Manager Jeffry Rice, Principal Planner Joseph Edwards, Principal Planner Christopher Norman, Assistant City Attorney Joyce Amerson, Public Works Mike McCoy, Police Department Yolanda Pena, Police Department Laura Johnson, Commission Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Nalle AYES: Cribb, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Verino (fi) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Doughty, Richardson (2) ABSTENTION: None (0) A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular meeting of August 13, 2001. Commissioner Cribb requested the following correction be made to the minutes: From a strategic perspective Santa Ana has not taken full advantage of the opportunities presented by the proposed Costa Mesa Freeway t~tae Corridor RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes from the regular meeting of August 13, 2001 as corrected. B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter into the minutes. The August 13, 2001 Agenda was posted at the City Hall Council Chambers on ' August 9, 2001 at 12:50 p.m. * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * Chairman Mondo requested that Item D from the Work Study Session be presented first. WORK STUDY SESSION D. CALTRANS MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY John Janton, Caltrans Regional Manager, was present to respond to issues that had been raised at the Planning Commission meeting held on July 23. He advised the Commissioners that the Broadway/Main Street area had been swept. His staff had advised him that the area was scheduled to be swept once a month and took one full day to complete. He requested that the schedule be increased to twice a month. Also, the Sunday work crews of County volunteers will be directed to clean up the area each Sunday. The landscaping of County parcels is done by an outside contractor and has not been a priority for the County. Anaheim and other cities do not receive special treatment. The Disney Corporation has taken responsibility for a considerable portion of Anaheim's landscaping. Commissioner Cribb asked who was responsible for maintaining the remnant parcel south of Main Place. Jeffry Rice advised him that it had been purchased by a private party but due to zoning changes nothing had been developed on it. Commissioner Cribb also expressed concern regarding the landscaping near the theaters at Main Place. Mr. Janton indicated that he would look into it; however, when the 22 Freeway is widened landscaping in the area will be included. Commissioner Nalle asked who set the sweeping schedule and was advised that the supervisor did and that the freeway ramps were their priority. Chairman Mondo asked Mr. Janton to confirm that there is a weekly sweeping of the Broadway/Main area by the County volunteers. BUSINESS CALENDAR 1< Marvin Ellenbecker presented the staff report. The Urban Design Element was adopted by Council in 1998 and includes 19 gateways, or recognizable points of entry to the city. He outlined common elements and options to make each unique. Funding is currently available for four gateways to be completed. The placement of the gateways and the amount of land involved was discussed. Chairman Mondo asked if when the Council took action on the Element was it recorded so that future developers of the area would be aware of it. Jeffry Rice explained the process of developing in the Urban Gateways and that with this action staff would be able to provide clearer direction. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 August 27, 2001 Commissioner Cribb questioned the placement of the gateway monument at 17th and Tustin. He felt that it was too far west and moving it east to the city limit should be considered. Jeffry Rice stated that the area does not include a solid median but that staff could work with Public Works to determine alternatives. Commissioner Cribb suggested that non-median signs be researched and that it might be an appropriate area for cultural marker. ' Jeffry Rice advised that approval for the gateway concept was being requested and that specific type and size of entry monuments would be brought to the Planning Commission for consideration and action for each area. Commissioner Nalle asked if the proposed Gateway in the area of the auto mall would require the purchase of additional land and was advised that 10-15 feet would be required to allow for parking. The Commission was advised that landscaping would be complimentary to surrounding area. Charles View advised that staff had toured the area and will bring ideas before the Commission. Commissioner Leo questioned whether the gateways and design standards needed to go together and whether or not the item should be continued until the landscaping could be determined. Commissioner Cribb stated that he felt that the request was generic and that specifics will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Reinforcement was needed by staff so that they could take advantage of opportunities to enhance upcoming projects. RECOMMENDATION: ' Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution to approve the design and development standards for Gateways. MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Cribb AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Verino (6) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) E. PENDING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Due to time constraints the presentation was cancelled and material was distributed. F. ADJOURN TO CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA The afternoon session recessed at 7:05 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 August 27, 2001 ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA ' AUGUST 27, 2001 ROLL CALL 7:15 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT N0.2001-19 Filed by Howard Glasser for La Canasta Furniture to provide a parking lot in the Two-Family Residential Parking suffix (R2B) zoning district for the store located at 504-510 South Cypress Street. PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: August 17, 2001 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 14, 2001 RECOMMENDATION: ' Recommend that the City council: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-19 as conditioned. Jeffry Rice provided the staff report, and outlined the changes that the City Council had requested. He advised the Commission that all of the design changes had been made as Council had requested. Chairman Mondo asked if any discussion had been held regarding graffiti deterrent or removal and was advised that the issue had been addressed. Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 7:20 p. m. Howard Glasser addressed the Commission. He stated that all design changes had been made and that the color palette provided him made the fence more attractive than it had been before. Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. Motion to: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-19 as conditioned. MOTION: Verino SECOND: Nalle AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle Verino (6) NOES: ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 August 27, 2001 2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2001-26 Filed by Orange County Worship Center to allow the Orange County Christian Academy to operate a K-6 grade elementary school at 1440 E. Santa Clara. PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: August 17, 2001 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 15, 2001 ' RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City council: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-19 as conditioned. Jeffry Rice presented the staff report providing the details of the project, proposed utilization of the buildings, and requested capacity limit. He noted that a traffic study will be done by the Public Works Agency to analyze the potential traffic intrusion issues and the church will be responsible for mitigation. Commissioner Doughty asked which church the applicant represented and Jeffry Rice provided the location. Chairman Mondo requested clarification on the type of fencing that will be used for the playground and whether or not it would be removed after school hours. He also asked if the applicant had a clear understanding of the funding they will be requested to provide for the traffic study and what the estimated costs could be for mitigation measures. Joyce Amerson, Transportation Manager, advised that Public Works had not had ' any discussion with the applicant. She noted that a traffic count could be done now and if the project were approved then a traffic count would also be done at a later date. If speed bumps were installed far mitigation measures the approximate cost would be $10,000; however, speed bumps would only be installed after a request from the neighborhood was received. Traffic counts are done to determine if a traffic study is warranted. If a traffic study were done it would cost approximately $10,000. Commissioner Verino asked if the Planning Commission would have input regarding the material and placement of the fence, and where it would be stored on the weekends. Jeffry Rice advised that it would be appropriate for the Commission to confirm the type of fencing with the applicant. Commissioner Nalle requested clarification on the location of the fence. Jeffry Rice outlined the area involved and activities that would take place within it. Chairman Mondo asked if the fence was a single chain looped across to block the drive aisle and was advised that was correct. Chairman Mondo asked if there were any conditions proposed to limit usage during school hours and was advised that there weren't as the school was already over-parked. Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. Norb Kohler, Executive Pastor, addressed the Commission and clarified the church's intention to create a playground with a small drop chain that will be utilized as an alternative play area for hard-topped surtaces. The primary play area is the gymnasium that was recently built. He requested that the storage sheds that are currently on the property be allowed to remain as they are used to store clothing and school supplies for children until they can be distributed. When the property was inspected two years after the previous construction was completed these sheds were there and were allowed to remain. They have PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 5 August 27, 2001 assumed that since they were not requested to remove them at that time they would be allowed to keep them. Mr. Kohler also requested that the City not conduct a traffic study as there was one done two years ago that was favorable. The church does not wish to incur the expense of another one at this time. The traffic study was done for the maximum amount of traffic possible on Wednesday's and Sunday's. The exit from the parking lot is designed to encourage traffic to exit on Santa Clara or ' Grand. The school will be expanding incrementally. The first year the proposed growth in enrollment is only 22 students so traffic impact will be minimal. He stated that if a problem did arise, the church was prepared to place a temporary sign in the driveway to ensure that traffic does not exit onto Wright Street. Commissioner Nalle asked the applicant if it had been in contact with the company that had done the original traffic study two years previously because they could most likely provide an updated report that could be of assistance. He also requested clarification of the number of additional students and the number of students that would be enrolled the first year. The applicant responded that they were only opening 1St and 2"d grade this year so the maximum increase would be 24 students. Commissioner Nalle asked why the church would not go ahead a put up a sign directing exiting vehicles in the beginning. Chairman Mondo asked for staff clarification regarding the storage sheds and whether there is any information regarding the two-year old traffic study and if another one needs to be done at this time. Charles View advised that two years ago the temporary or modular structures were not permitted. They were not approved two years ago and if they were overlooked it was most likely that they were assumed to be construction related and scheduled for removal. They are still not allowed structures and staff does not recommend an exception to the policy. Joyce Amerson advised that she did not have any knowledge regarding the previous traffic study. She stated that the Conditional Use Permit was for 300 students and that the City has no control over how quickly the school reaches full enrollment. There is currently an issue over traffic in the neighborhood and the City needs to be able to address it when complaints are received. The funds deposited for the traffic study would be refunded if complaints were not received and a traffic study is not done. Staff will do a traffic count. If the number of trips increase a traffic study can be done. Chairman Mondo asked if the school needed to be filled to get an accurate study. Ms. Amerson responded that they were going to do a traffic count and that would be used as a baseline for a study. Commissioner Cribb asked if the proposal is to only do a traffic count at this time and then a study later. Ms. Amerson responded that he was correct. Chairman Mondo asked what would trigger a study. Mr. View responded that neighborhood complaints could trigger a traffic study and also a time period could be made part of the CUP. ' Harlan Ronksley addressed the Commission regarding noise pollution from the church. He also stated that traffic on Wright Street was currently a problem. He outlined where he lived in relation to the church. He has installed double-paned windows to keep out the noise but it has not mitigated the problem. He also is unable to use his back yard in the evenings because of the noise. Commissioner Nalle asked if there was a wall separating his property from the church and was advised that there was a brick wall that does not reduce the noise. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6 August 27, 2001 Commissioner Cribb asked for clarification regarding how late the noise occurred and on what days of the week. Mr. Ronksley advised him that it has been as late as 11:00 and is mostly on the weekends. Roberta Scherbarte addressed the Commission and stated that she felt that it would be beneficial to have the school located at the church. Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. ' Commissioner Doughty asked Ms. Amerson for clarification regarding the funds put on deposit for traffic mitigation and was advised that it was only for traffic mitigation on the public streets. Commissioner Cribb asked if there were any possible restrictions that could be imposed that would mitigate the noise and traffic issues raised. Commissioner Doughty asked if the services could be moved up and closed earlier to cure the noise issue. Mr. Kohler responded that he did not feel that would minimize the noise and they are doing everything they can. Commissioner Doughty responded that if these services were moved up it might assist the neighborhood. Commissioner Verino noted that the neighborhood would be dealing with noise on a daily basis. She suggested that additional discussion with the neighborhood should be held. Commissioner Nalle stated that the church had brought a similar issue before the Commission several years ago and the noise was an issue at that time. He noted that a traffic study needs to be done at this time regardless of how many children are initially enrolled and questioned why the play yard had not been placed nearer the west side where it would be farther from the residents. Pastor Kohler responded that traffic flow when dropping children off had prompted the placement. Commissioner Nalle advised the applicant again to contact his previous traffic consultant. Jeffry Rice asked if it would be possible to approve the item with conditions that staff work with the applicant to create an appropriate fence design and direct traffic out to Santa Clara Street only. This would address the primary issues and allow the school to open on time. Chairman Mondo questioned whether it was appropriate give this discretion to staff. Chris Norman responded that was up to the Commission to decide. Commissioner Cribb stated that he would not support this at all unless he was satisfied that the noise issue was mitigated. Commissioner Nalle stated that the school could wait to open without a severe impact. Commissioner Leo stated that the item needed to be continued to resolve the noise issues. Motion to: Continue item to September 10, 2001 to coordinate with the adjacent neighbors and determine if there is a better location for the play yard. MOTION: Verino SECOND: Nalle AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle Verino (6) NOES: ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7 August 27, 2001 The applicant agreed that to continue the item would be the most appropriate action to take. COMMENTS 2. Public Comments ' There were no public comments. 3. Comments from the Staff None 4. Comments from the Planning Commission Commissioner Leo • Requested an update on the location of the court of appeals. Jeffry Rice advised that staff was working to ensure that the court of appeals stays in Santa Ana. Staff is working with the consultant to determine an appropriate design and ensure adequate parking. Commissioner Cribb • Concerning the Court of Appeals, asked if the Commission had any input as to how the Civic Center is treated with regard to ongoing development. He believes that it will be a serious loss to do the most expedient instead of the ' best thing. When someone drives down Santa Ana Blvd. in the area of the transportation facility you have a wonderful dimension. It is not just parking spaces but is an exciting space and makes the urban experience more interesting. If all we do is the cheapest thing we will end up where we were 20 years ago with nothing but courts and parking lots. He asked to what extent we have input as to how we address the future of our city and how it will look. He stated that it appeared that decisions were made for Santa Ana by people that do not take these issues into account. He questioned why the existing federal parking lot could not be increased to four levels. • Stated that litter is becoming an increasing problem particularly in areas where others are invited to participate. There must be some way to assume financial responsibility for keeping the streets clean. He ran into a representative from DGWB who stated that moving to Santa Ana was becoming a challenge. • The area around Bowers Museum is dirty and needs to be cleaned. • Caldwell Auto Body on Fairview has scaffolding that is visible and needs to be looked into. • At Jackson and 7th near Willowick Golf Course there is a chain link fence that has been run into by several cars. The area needs landscaping and lighting. • Cul de sac located at the end of 7w is owned by Santa Ana. It is closed off ' with chain link and has not been kept up at all. i D h Commiss oner oug ty • Stated she did not understand why we could not wash the streets. In Paris and Japan streets are washed everyday. • Asked for clarification as to when garage sale weekend was. Jeffry Rice advised that it was the weekend of September 1. • Asked for an update on how Commissioner Richardson was. Charles View responded that he had expected to attend that night but had not been able to. COMMISSION MINUTES Chairman Mondo • Requested an update on Civic Center. He understands that there was an engineering study done with regard to the law library parking structure. Mr. View responded that the structure is safer than originally believed. Commissioner Nalle ' • Defended the City of Santa Ana and its trash policies. He has noticed considerable chewing gum on the streets in the downtown area. Charles View advised the Commission that the sidewalks are steam-cleaned routinely. Commissioner Doughty • Asked if there was funding to allow for the washing of the sidewalks on 17th Street. Mr. View responded that there was not a budget to allow for that. 5. Excuse of Absences Motion by Commissioner Verino and seconded by Commissioner Nalle to excuse the absence of Commissioner Richardson and approved unanimously by a vote of 6:0. 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. ur Johnso Planning Co mission Secretary PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 9 August 27, 2001