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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Minutes 2-23-10_CCv0001.pdf MINUTES: of the Planning Commission Meeting of the City of Redlands held Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. are as follows: PRESENT: Paul Foster, Chairman Gary Miller, Vice Chairman Carol Dyer, Commissioner Conrad Guzkowski, Commissioner Jan Hudson, Commissioner John James, Commissioner Eric Shamp, Commissioner ADVISORY STAFF Michael Reiter, Assistant City Attorney PRESENT: Oscar Orci, Community Development Director Robert Dalquest, Assistant Community Development Director Chris Boatman, Assistant Planner I. CALL TO ORDER AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD - 3 MINUTES Chairman Foster called the meeting to order, and opened up the Public Comment period. There were no comments forthcoming and the Public Comment period was closed. All members were present. Commissioner James stated he had reviewed all information from the previous meeting and will partake in the Planning Commission's actions. II. CONSENT ITEMS Vice Chairman Miller stated one of the consent items may be a source of income and confirmed he may have a conflict of interest, and recused himself. A. G & M OIL COMPANY LLC, APPLICANT (PROJECT PLANNER: ROBERT D. DALQUEST, AICP) Review of application for the person to person and premise to premise transfer of an Off-Sale Beer and Wine license for the Chevron Service Station located at 1580 W. Redlands Boulevard. B. AMERICAN LEGION REDLANDS POST 106, APPLICANT (PROJECT PLANNER: ROBERT D. DALQUEST, AICP) Review of application for the premise to premise transfer of a Veterans Club and Caterer's Permit licenses for the American Legion Post 106 located at 814 W. Colton Avenue. C. HEEMSTRA SIGNS, APPLICANT (PROJECT PLANNER: CHRIS BOATMAN) 1. Consideration of a Notice of Exemption pursuant to Section 15311(a) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Planning Commission Minutes of February 23,2010 Page 1 2. Consideration of Commission Sign Review No. 374 to construct a monument sign that is four feet (4) in height with a sign area of twenty four (24) square feet for the Redlands Industrial Complex located at 560 Nevada Street in the EV/IC (Commercial Industrial) District of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan. 3. Consideration of Commission Sign Review No. 375 for a Uniform Sign Program for the Redlands Industrial Complex located at 560 Nevada Street in the EV/IC (Commercial Industrial) District of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan. Chairman Foster opened up the hearing. There were no comments forthcoming and the hearing was closed. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Dyer, and carried on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller recused)to approve the Consent Calendar. Vice Chairman Miller returned to the Commission. III. OLD BUSINESS A. BIXBY LAND COMPANY, APPLICANT (PROJECT PLANNER: TABITHA KEVARI) 1. Consideration of a recommendation to the City Council on a Notice of Exemption pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. 2. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the City Council on Amendment No. 5 to Concept Plan No. 1 to change the land use designation of a 21.48 acre parcel containing a 411,879 square foot industrial building located at 2220 Almond Avenue from Commercial/Industrial District to Commercial/Industrial and Warehouse Distribution District of Concept Plan No. 1 of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan. Assistant Director Robert Dalquest gave a PowerPoint presentation and overview of the proposed project. Staff recommended approval of the project subject to the conditions of approval. Commissioner Dyer requested clarification if a Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.) was approved on the proposed project. Assistant Director Dalquest confirmed there is a C.U.P. and stated with the amendment to the Concept Plan the proposed use becomes a permitted use, and confirmed the modifications proposed would be addressed administratively. Chairman Foster opened up the Public Hearing. Planning Commission Minutes of February 23,2010 Page 2 Mr. Pat Meyer, representative, stated the applicant intended to eliminate the finger islands to allow access for the truck containers, and planned to relocate the landscaping. Mr. Meyer stated on Almond Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue the applicant plans to increase the height of the landscaping to five (5)feet for screening. Commissioner Guzkowski requested clarification on the interior storage area. Mr. Meyer stated it is an open warehouse with stacked pallets. There are no racks in the warehouse. Vice Chairman Miller recommended additional trees planted for screening to supplement the hedge row on San Bernardino Avenue. Mr. Meyer confirmed the applicant will plant additional Magnolia trees with a large canopy to provide screening on Almond Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue. Commissioner Dyer stated the plan indicated three trees but the site only had one tree planted. Commissioner Dyer requested staff ensure the planting of two (2) additional Magnolia trees with a 36" box. Chairman Foster closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Dyer stated there is approximately a six (6) foot wall that steps up to eight feet, on the east side of the property facing San Bernardino Avenue. The wall provided the screening necessary and recommended a similar treatment with vines, and additional trees with a 36" box. Commissioner Shamp requested clarification if the parking will be used seasonally for overflow purposes, and if the primary parking is on the east side of the building. Assistant Director Dalquest concurred. Commissioner Shamp stated he is comfortable with the overflow parking, and additional landscaping with fencing and vines. Mr. Meyer concurred. Commissioner Guzkowski concurred with Commissioner Shamp's comments and stated the site design will encourage parking on the east side of the building. Commissioner Dyer stated the overflow parking was full recently and expressed concern on the seasonal use. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Shamp and carried on a 7-0 vote that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that Amendment No. 5 to Concept Plan No.1 does not require further environmental processing, pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, based on the following findings: 1. The proposed project would not result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects; 2. No substantial changes have occurred with respect to the circumstances under which the project will be undertaken; and, Planning Commission Minutes of February 23,2010 Page 3 3. There is no new information of substantial importance with respect to this project=s environmental consequences that was not known at the time the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted.@ MOTION It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Shamp and carried on a 7-0 vote that the Planning Commission approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 1203, recommending approval to the City Council on Amendment No. 5 to Concept Plan No. 1. Commissioner Dyer requested the additional landscaping. Assistant Director Dalquest indicated that the applicant will relocate the existing trees from the Bio-Swells to San Bernardino Avenue and Almond Avenue. The applicant will plant two (2) additional 36" box Magnolia trees on the San Bernardino Avenue frontage. Commissioner Dyer concurred. B. REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS, APPLICANT Review and discussion of the Draft Five-Year Implementation Plan for the Redlands Redevelopment Project Area which encompasses approximately 860 acres and is generally bounded by Church Street, Citrus Avenue, Olive Avenue, Vine Street, Eureka Street, San Gorgonio Drive, State Street, Center Street, Palmbrook Drive, Pine Avenue, Kansas Street, Redlands Boulevard, Alabama Street, Interstate 10 Freeway, Lugonia Avenue, New York Street, and Colton Avenue. Commissioner Shamp recused himself and stated his business office is within the redevelopment area and may have a conflict of interest. Redevelopment Director Daniel Hobbs gave a presentation and overview of the proposed project. Chairman Foster inquired if there were comments from the Commission. Commissioner James inquired if there was a plan to acquire additional bonds in the next five (5) years. Director Hobbs stated they did not include it in their financial forecast; the revenues are not available although the needs are enormous. Commissioner James stated the Housing Element made mention that Vista Del Sol Senior Housing project was affordable housing and recommended adding the Housing Authority project as well. Director Hobbs concurred. Commissioner James stated the Downtown Specific Plan is incorporated in the Redevelopment area and inquired if the development of the plan can be funded or aided through Redevelopment. Director Hobbs stated Redevelopment has been funding the preparation of the Downtown Specific Plan. Commissioner James inquired if the Downtown Specific Plan should be added as a project. Commissioner Guzkowski stated the implementation plan is a document that describes what is going to be done pursuant to the project areas. Planning Commission Minutes of February 23,2010 Page 4 Community Development Director Oscar Orci stated both documents are taken into account as a vision of the City and the development projects. Assistant Director Dalquest stated Draft IV is on the City of Redlands website. Vice Chairman Miller inquired if a residential unit needs to qualify with a low or moderate income to participate in the Home Paint Program and the Emergency Repair Program. Director Hobbs concurred. Vice Chairman Miller recommended an incentive for the participation of home owner's contributions. Commissioner Dyer inquired if there was more funding for the sidewalk and curbs for the north side of Redlands. Director Hobbs confirmed the City is using funds from "Safe Routes to Schools" to improve major arterial roads, and are using funds from "C.D.B.G." for interior sidewalks. Commissioner Guzkowski stated the proposed plan is broad and detailed with the daily activities, and accomplishments which includes the future plan for the community. Commissioner Hudson stated she had met with Healthy Redlands and confirmed they are very excited about the program. Commissioner Hudson recommended contacting Healthy Redlands. Director Hobbs concurred. Commissioner Shamp returned to the Commission. IV. NEW BUSINESS A. ALADDIN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC, APPLICANT (PROJECT PLANNER: CHRIS BOATMAN) 1. Consideration of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. 2. PUBLIC HEARING to consider a Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit Study. 3. PUBLIC HEARING to consider Conditional Use Permit No. 963 to establish a water and amusement park to include an arcade and miniature golf course on approximately 17 acres located at 1101 California Street in the EV/CG (General Commercial) District of Concept Plan No. 3 of the East Valley Corridor Specific Plan. Assistant Planner Chris Boatman gave a PowerPoint presentation and overview of the proposed project. Staff recommended a continuance to March 9, 2010 to allow more time to work with the applicant and complete a final draft for the Planning Commission's review. Chairman Foster excused himself from the Planning Commission. Vice Chairman Miller opened up the Public Hearing. Mr. Pat Meyer gave a brief presentation and stated he is available for any questions and would like to hear any comments and concerns from the Commission. Planning Commission Minutes of February 23,2010 Page 5 Commissioner James inquired if the operations manual will be a part of the Conditional Use Permit. Assistant Planner Boatman confirmed the operations manual will be a condition of approval for the proposed project. Commissioner James expressed concern that revisions to the manual may be needed in the future. Mr. Meyer stated there should be an annual review of the operations to verify the manual is up to date. When there is a need for a special event the applicant will need to fill out a form and submit it to the City for approval. Commissioner James stated he will look for further information on parking, attendance, maintenance, special events, and the area where alcohol is served. Mr. Meyer stated the items are being addressed in the operations manual. Chairman Foster returned to the Commission. Chairman Foster complimented the applicant on the maintenance of the facility. Chairman Foster stated he has had a tremendous amount of phone calls from the public opposing alcohol in the park. Chairman Foster expressed his surprise that a family theme park would propose alcohol in the park, and confirmed his opposition to the proposed project if the applicant chooses to have alcohol anywhere but the restaurant, and banquet facilities. Chairman Foster requested clarification on the section of the staff report regarding some of the special events may be held all night with up to 150-5000 participants. Assistant Planner Boatman stated the applicant has proposed to have several events throughout the year; one event was for the Boy Scouts and another event was for Grad Night. Chairman Foster inquired if the events would have tight restrictions placed on them. Assistant Planner Boatman confirmed. Chairman Foster declared he is in favor of the park reopening as long as there are restrictions placed on the special events, and there is no alcohol served in the park except for in the restaurant and banquet room. Commissioner Dyer concurred with Chairman Foster's comments. Commissioner Dyer stated alcohol mixed with water is not a safe situation in general, and the City of Redlands should bring their caliber up to the standards of Disneyland. Commissioner Dyer requested an explanation why the owners chose to stop managing the facility in 2006. Mr. Meyer stated he will provide the information to the Commission. Vice Chairman Miller stated the maintenance of the facility has improved. Vice Chairman Miller recommended additional landscaping between the Slip "n" Slide and parking lot. Vice Chairman Miller requested a description on the term Family Theme Park, and recommended an added dress code requirement. Commissioner Hudson stated she is pleased with the reinvestment of the property, but expressed concern with alcohol consumption in the park. Commissioner Guzkowski requested clarity, transparency, and predictability with no ambiguity with the proposed use and activities of the park. Commissioner Guzkowski expressed his surprise and reservations to the proposed freedom of alcohol consumption in the park, and recommended recordation of the final document. Commissioner Shamp stated he is fine with alcohol at the restaurant and banquet room, and confirmed he would not be in support of the proposed project if alcohol was allowed in the park. Planning Commission Minutes of February 23,2010 Page 6 Vice Chairman Miller expressed concern on the construction date of the Wave Pool in one year. Vice Chairman Miller recommended limiting the time frame on the construction of the Wave Pool, and requested additional language. Chairman Foster closed the Public Hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner James, seconded by Vice Chairman Miller and carried on a 7-0 vote that the Planning Commission continue the Mitigated Negative Declaration, and the public hearing on the Socio-Economic Cost/Benefit Study and Conditional Use Permit No. 963 to the March 9, 2010 meeting. V. ADDENDA— None VI. MINUTES A. February 9, 2010 It was moved by Commissioner Shamp, seconded by Commissioner James and carried on a 6-0 vote (Vice Chairman Miller abstained) that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of February 9, 2010 minutes. VI. LAND USE AND CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS OF FEBRUARY 16, 2010 Director Orci stated there were two recordable actions. The City Council upheld the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve Resolution No. 6921 (Specific Plan No. 40) to allow the Beauty Salon use to include Medical Massage. The City Council upheld the Planning Commission's recommendation by approving Resolution No. 2727 amending section 15.36.290(d) to allow signs in alternative locations in the Multi-Family Residential District. Commissioner Dyer requested clarification on the City Council date for the Westside Christian School. Director Orci stated staff is working with the church and the City Attorney and the project may be heard by the City Council on the second meeting in March. Commissioner Dyer requested clarification on the date for the CEMEX/Robertson's project. Assistant Director Dalquest stated the project is going to Planning Commission on March 9, 2010. VIII. ADJOURN TO MARCH 9, 2010 Chairman Foster adjourned the meeting at 3:30 to the March 9, 2010 meeting. Linda McCasland Oscar Orci Senior Administrative Technician Community Development Director Planning Commission Minutes of February 23,2010 Page 7