HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_03_24 - Planning Commission
Planning Commission Minutes of
April 28, 2015 Page 1
MINUTES: of the Planning Commission Meeting of the City of Redlands held
Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. are as follows:
PRESENT: Carol Dyer, Chairwoman
Ken Jeske, Vice Chairman
Steven Frasher, Commissioner
Conrad Guzkowski, Commissioner
Julie Rock, Commissioner
Patrick Wallis, Commissioner
ADVISORY STAFF Oscar W. Orci, Development Services Director
PRESENT: Sean P. Kelleher, Associate Planner
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD – 3 MINUTES
(At this time, the Planning Commission will provide an opportunity for the public
to address them on the subject, which is scheduled on this special meeting
agenda. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.)
Chairwoman Dyer called the Planning Commission to order and opened the Public
Comment Period. All members were present with the exception of Commissioner
Hudson.
Mr. Albert Kelley, stated he is representing the Quan Am Buddist Meditation Center in
Redlands. Mr. Kelley confirmed he had gone to a meeting in Yucaipa and they are
proposing a development that will block an easement and land lock to the center’s
property. Mr. Kelley said they have a two week extension to regain the right of way of
the property. Mr. Kelley stated the Center had been robbed of a three hundred year old
Temple Bell and when they had called the Redlands Police Department they were
referred to the Yucaipa Sheriff’s department because the address had been changed.
He requested assistance from the City of Redlands.
II. CONSENT CALENDAR - None
III. OLD BUSINESS
A. FRANK MISTRETTA FAMILT TRUST, APPLICANT
(PROJECT PLANNER: SEAN P. KELLEHER)
1. Consideration of a Notice of Exemption pursuant to Section 15162
of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
2. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit
Study.
3. PUBLIC HEARING to consider Variance No. 773 from Section
18.144.200(B) of the Redlands Municipal Code to waive the
requirement to develop a minimum of five percent (5%) of the
gross land area in common, landscaped, recreational open space
for a proposed planned residential development on property with
an average slope of more than fifteen percent.
Planning Commission Minutes of April 28, 2015
Page 2
4. PUBLIC HEARING to consider Conditional Use Permit No. 1036
for a planned residential development containing twenty four (24)
single family residential lots and three (3) lettered lots for open
space purposes on approximately 181.82 acres located south of
Highview Drive and east of South Lane in the A-1 (Agricultural)
District.
5. PUBLIC HEARING to consider Tentative Tract No. 18845 to
subdivide approximately 181.82 acres into twenty four (24) single
family lots for a planned residential development and three (3)
lettered lots for open space purposes located south of Highview
Drive and east of South Lane in the A-1 (Agricultural) District.
Chairwoman Dyer opened up the Public Hearing.
Mr. Pat Meyer, representative, gave a brief overview and presentation on the proposed
project.
There was discussion from the Planning Commission.
Mr. Pete Dangermond (Speaker Sign-Up) gave a brief overview of the proposed project.
Ms. Susan Finsen (Speaker Sign-Up) confirmed her opposition of any development in
Live Oak Canyon. Ms. Finsen stated the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is outdated
due to existing climate changes. Ms. Finsen said she is raising funds to purchase the
property from the Mistretta family. Ms. Finsen expressed concern on the following:
Existing Artifacts
Destruction of flora and fauna
Constructing homes in the canyon will destroy the canyon
Mr. Kelley (Speaker Sign-Up) commended the Redlands Conservancy, Mr. Meyer, and
the Mistretta family on their efforts. Mr. Kelley stated he had seen the Geoglyph in the
seventies. Mr. Kelly suggested staff conduct current biological studies on the project.
Ms. Amanda Frye (Speaker Sign-Up) expressed concern on traffic and safety. Ms. Frye
stated the there is a dedicated bridle path on the property andconfirmed the Yucaipa
Historical Museum has a display of the Geoglyph. Further she said the Socio Economic
Cost Benefit Study was completed in the year 2006 prior to the recession. Ms. Frye
expressed concern with the project’s water use.
Ms. Joanne Lassalle, resident, inquired if the project could be approved without a
guaranteed source of water.
Mr. Tim Green, VP of Western Heights Water Company, confirmed they have plenty of
water and it is not an issue at this time. Western Heights may have restrictions in the
future; at this time they encourage water conserve conservation.
Mr. Stephen Rogers (Speaker Sign-Up) said the stipulated judgements should have
been acted on within two years. He indicated that the Conservancy is the middle man
for the City to pay for the property to use as a park. Mr. Rogers stated the project is a
clear violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the cul-de-sac is
Planning Commission Minutes of
April 28, 2015 Page 3
too long for fire access.
Mr. Meyer stated the projects mitigation measures require subsequent biological studies.
The cul-de-sac connects with Freya Dr. and there is emergency access. The project
was analyzed in the EIR‘s Alternative Section and was deemed to be the
environmentally superior project.
The Planning Commission expressed concern and discussed the following:
Dry sewers
Basins, and Septic Systems
Street improvements
Geo Glyph
Drought tolerant Landscaping, cut and fill
Western Heights’ future water guidelines and restrictions
Specific recommendations from the Fire Department
Cost Benefit Analysis form dates
Mr. Don Young, Engineering Manager, clarified the Dry Sewer, Basins and Septic
Systems and Water Restrictions and Landscaping.
Chairman Dyer confirmed there were two letters of opposition, one from Ms. McLemore
and one from Ms. Pamela Smyth.
Chairman Dyer closed the Public Hearing.
MOTION
It was moved by Vice Chairman Jeske, seconded by Commissioner Rock and carried on
a 6-0 vote (Commissioner Hudson absent) to continue the Public Hearing on the Notice
of Exemption, Socio Economic/Cost Benefit Study, Variance No. 773, Conditional Use
Permit No. 1036, and Tentative Tract No. 18845 to the May 26, 2015 Planning
Commission meeting.
VII. LAND USE AND CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS FOR APRIL 21, 2015.
Chairwoman Dyer inquired if there were any City Council Actions to report.
Director Orci stated there were no reportable actions.
VIII. ADJOURN TO MAY 12, 2015
Chairwoman Dyer adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m. to the May 12, 2015 Planning
Commission meeting.
___________________________ _____________________________
Linda McCasland Oscar W. Orci
Administrative Analyst Development Services Director