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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 PC Minutes 10-23-07ITEM #1 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 23, 2007 7:02 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Given PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Puckett absent ROLL CALL Present: Chair Nielsen Commissioners Kozak, Murray, and Thompson Absent: Chair Pro Tem Puckett Staff present Elizabeth Binsack, Community Development Director David Kendig, Deputy City Attorney Jerry Craig, Redevelopment Program Manager Justina Willkom, Senior Planner Scott Reekstin, Senior Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary None PUBLIC CONCERNS Given PRESENTATIONS TUSTIN TOWN CENTER -ANEW BEGINNING (ULI STUDY) Jerry Craig, Presented the PowerPoint show and commentary. Redevelopment Program Manager Murray Asked for clarification regarding the timeframes. Craig Explained that once the contract with Field Paoli has been executed, they will have 120 days to complete that market analysis; somewhere in that 120 days City staff will direct them to begin the Concept Plan for each neighborhood; once they have that go- ahead, they have 120 days to come back to the Planning Commission and City Council with a final Concept Plan for that neighborhood, including an implementation strategy. Kozak Suggested that it would be helpful if one meeting each month the Planning Commission could receive a status report on the progress or when a particular milestone is reached. Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 1 Craig Stated the Agency would be happy to provide updates; and, reiterated that the Planning Commission will be invited to various meetings to keep them engaged in this exciting endeavor. 2. TUSTIN LEGACY UPDATE Director Provided the PowerPoint show and commentary. Noted that staff will be meeting with the Tustin Legacy Community Partners soon to discuss the schedule; several Concept Plans and Tentative Maps have been submitted and are under review; the Planning Commission and City Council will be seeing those in the near future. Thompson Referred to the quarterly updates that the Planning Commission has been receiving and the importance of those updates to a new Commissioner; and, asked where the religious organizations might be located within this community. Director Answered that those have not been identified specifically as the fire station and elementary school have; religious uses may be permitted or conditionally permitted uses within one of the other designated uses, showing possible locations within the commercial use area on the slide. Murray Stated his interest in having a perspective in relationship to the total buildout. Director Referred to the monitoring reports that track the progress; annual mitigation monitoring is also required. Thompson Asked what has been happening to transform the industrial areas along the perimeter of The Legacy to add economic growth. Director Indicated that the Gateway development would be one; some of the industrial areas are transforming to condominiumization of some of the industrial buildings, specifically the former Steelcase site where half the building was removed and replaced by 19 buildings and sold for condominium purposes; warehouses are being removed and replaced by smaller spaces, resulting in intensification of the use. Nielsen Asked Commissioner Thompson if he was referring to City outreach in those areas. Thompson Stated he is trying to understand how the City is changing and where trends are going relating to land use and the General Plan. Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 2 Nielsen Noted that he had seen the presentation at the Chamber BEDC meeting; the presentation is interactive and informative; he had questions at that time and would repeat his questions for the sake of the Commission. Stated he had asked whether Cal-State Fullerton and other universities are interested in possibly having extensions in The Legacy. Director Answered that there is still a desire on the part of the City to outreach to universities; there have been ongoing discussions in that regard. Nielsen Asked if there has been any progression on the school sites. Director Responded that the City and Tustin Unified School District are continuing to discuss school site development with the District and with the Tustin Legacy Community Partners and have outreached to a consultant; things are going well. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 9, 2007, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. It was moved by Murray, seconded by Thompson, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0. Pulled for 2. TUSTIN HISTORIC REGISTER NOMINATION - 560 EL discussion CAMINO REAL. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve the nomination of 560 EI Camino Real to the Tustin Historic Register Plaque Designation Program. Nielsen Stated he wanted to pull the item because this site is one of the most visual landmarks in Tustin, the old Tustin Garage; Linda Jennings, President of the Tustin Preservation Conservancy, submitted this nomination which is well warranted; when he first came to Tustin 22 years ago, this was one of the first structures he saw as he drove down EI Camino Real; it was originally built in 1915 and has been a notable landmark for a long time. Murray Concurred that Tustin Garage is a landmark in Old Town that stands out and has significance throughout the County; he has heard lots of people talk about the site; it is something that needs to be acknowledged. Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 3 Nielsen Added that it is also nice to see that the Garage will be reused for a nice barbecue rib establishment, Beach Pit Barbecue, which is a ,great reuse situation, keeping the basic building intact. Invited Linda Jennings to the lectern. Linda Jennings Stated that she was delighted the Planning Commission approved this nomination; the Conservancy is very pleased with this reuse of the site; Tim DeCinces is determined to keep the building as much as it was as possible; he hopes to open in January; the Conservancy is purchasing this plaque in appreciation for what he is doing. Murray Indicated he had hoped that Ms. Jennings would share tidbits of trivia about this location. Ms. Jennings Responded that the Conservancy has a newsletter coming out within the next two weeks, which will include an interview with Tim DeCinces by Juanita Lovret, who does the articles in the Tustin News about historical places. Thompson Stated he lives down the street from the Garage, far enough away that he can vote on this item, and is very excited about this transformation; the commemoration of the property is a wonderful thing to do. It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Murray, to approve this plaque nomination. Motion carried 4-0. None PUBLIC HEARINGS REGULAR BUSINESS Directed that the 3. HISTORIC REGISTER AND COMMENDED PROPERTY proposed work PROGRAMS program be sent to the City Council At the October 9, 2007, Planning Commission meeting, staff was directed to refine the revised procedures regarding the Tustin Historic Register and Commendation Programs to reflect a collaboration between the Tustin Area Historical Society and the Tustin Preservation Conservancy regarding the programs. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive the report and provide direction to staff. Reekstin Presented the staff report. Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 4 Nielsen Asked ,about the alternating basis for the Conservancy and Historical Society to submit nominations; and, asked why that could not be a joint nomination. Reekstin Responded that staff wants input from both organizations; this proposal would give each an opportunity to participate twice per year and would not allow for possible disagreement since each would choose two to be presented to the Planning Commission; it would be at the Commission's discretion whether or not the property would be commended. Nielsen Questioned whether staffs aim is to reduce any sort of competitive ideas or situations. Reekstin Indicated the proposal is intended to streamline the process with an equal opportunity for each group to recommend a property; this seems a good way to structure the program. Thompson Asked if the commendation program will be blended in or would it be held back to see how the plaque program is working in order to iron out the efficiencies; the emphasis on collaboration is very important; connecting with the community and receiving the value of that input is also a priority; it is important not to add more red tape to a process that should be pretty simple. Kozak Indicated that staffs suggestions seem workable; as Commissioner Thompson mentioned and the Commission has discussed as a group, the collaboration would be built in to the procedures; it would be useful if staff would report back in six months to let the Commission know how the process is working. Thanked staff for their hard work on developing the procedures to be followed. Murray Noted that collaboration is the No. 1 priority; Commissioner Kozak's suggestion regarding asix-month evaluation is excellent. Nielsen Thanked staff for putting together a lot of different ideas and disparate comments into a concise plan. Noted the six-month review would be desirable in order to see how the program is progressing; if both groups could operate simultaneously and the program be enacted similarly, it would be good to know about any adjustments that may be necessary; cooperation and collaboration are important. Added that he would like to see a framework from the Conservancy and the Historical Society regarding how they will work together, particularly on the Historic Register nominations. Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 5 Nicelsen continued Invited the President of the Tustin Preservation Conservancy to the lectern. Linda Jennings Reiterated that the Conservancy offered to take over the plaque program in order to save staff time; it seems this procedure will increase the staff time; perhaps there will be a way to change that in the future; the proposal for the commended property will work well; it might be determined in the future that the plaque program could be handled similarly; the nomination form has been placed on the Conservancy website. Added that the Historic Resource Committee had recommended that an alternative plaque be considered for sites that are significantly altered and no longer the historic sites they were; it had been suggested that such a plaque would be a different size with different language; the Conservancy would still like for the Planning Commission to consider such a plaque. Nielsen Agreed that one of the goals was to help reduce staff time, however, other considerations included collaborating among groups; asix-month review will allow the Commission to examine how this procedure is functioning. Thanked Ms. Jennings for her volunteering and assisting in this program and for all the work she has done and will be doing. Noted that the Commission had asked about the possibility of including commercial property in the program; and, asked for staffs comments in that regard. Director Indicated that commercial and institutional property consideration were included. Nielsen Indicated this will be a good beginning for everyone to work together and see what develops in the first six months. Thompson Questioned what the next step should be. Reekstin Stated that staffs plan was for the Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council. It was moved by Murray, seconded by Kozak, that the Commission's recommendation be submitted to the City Council. Motion carried 4-0. STAFF CONCERNS 6. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE OCTOBER 16, 2007, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 6 Director reported The City Council held a parking workshop prior to the meeting; the workshop related to on-street, off-street, garages, sun/shade issues, etc.; these issues will be brought to the Planning Commission as workshops and public hearings as zone text amendments; the City Council directed staff to develop ordinances for the Planning Commission's consideration and recommendation to the City Council. John Tillotson, the developer of Prospect Village, spoke at one of the Planning Officials Forum sessions and did a very nice job; the Director has extra copies of the that presentation and other sessions she attended if the Planning Commission might be interested. Chairperson Nielsen may wish to comment on the Strategic Planning meeting. COMMISSION CONCERNS Thompson Stated that he attended the Planning Officials Forum and found it very informative; one workshop he attended referenced Mr. Tillotson's work in Huntington Beach; high compliments were paid to that development. Referred to the fires burning nearby and suggested Tustin residents have much for which to be thankful. Kozak Acknowledged the tireless work of the members of the Orange County Fire Authority here and all the firefighters throughout all the burn areas; we can be thankful for the infrastructure in place in our City to help fight fires and also limit the loss of lives. Thanked staff for the various reports, especially the traffic workshop; the Planning Commission can look forward to working through those issues. Thanked Linda Jennings for bringing the Tustin Garage recommendation forward; he was surprised this site was not awarded such a plaque sooner; and also for her work on the policies and procedures for both the plaque and the commended property program. Murray Indicated the Tustin Legacy presentation was outstanding; he continues to see good things happening at the Legacy, the result of great initial planning. Stated the Strategic Business Summit was very enlightening and helpful; it was good to see the involvement of the Chamber and all the different entities represented and strategically looking at Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 7 business in the City of Tustin; one of the common themes related to building permits; perhaps staff could provide the Commission with a short presentation regarding the building permit process. Referred to the recent firestorms and complimented the Orange County Fire Authority and the Tustin Police Department; he worked hand in hand with them and knows they did a fantastic job regarding letting people know what was going on and making sure the areas that were threatened were covered; Sergeant Gallagher, in particular, was manning the watch commander's desk and remained calm and cool in his coordination in that effort; Commissioner Murray was involved in the evacuation center in an adjacent city to which Tustin residents were evacuated. Asked if staff could research additional communication means to assist the community in these kinds of emergencies; one possibility would be AM-station notification for identifying what kinds of things people need to do and where they should go. Stated he is looking forward to the Tustin Garage eatery and hopes to attend that ribbon-cutting. Nielsen Thanked Commissioner Murray for his diligence and service in working very hard on the public safety end to protect citizens in Orange County and his personal concern for residents in Tustin. Thanked and commended the Orange County Fire Authority for their extraordinary work keeping the citizens of Tustin safe when it seems that all of Southern California is on fire. Reminded everyone that the Mayor's Thanksgiving Breakfast takes place November 15"' at 7:00 a.m.; this function is sponsored by the Tustin Community Foundation; the proceeds benefit that foundation which helps to fund non-profit organizations in the community; please call 714-393-8506 with any questions. Noted that he attended the Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting for GoRoma Restaurant at The District where the food is extraordinary. .Stated he attended the Chamber of Commerce Strategic Planning Retail Summit; this was very interesting; there were a number of surveys performed relating to how the retail centers are viewed by different members of the community within Tustin including the owners themselves, customers, and members of the City looking towards trying to improve the retail centers in Tustin business-wise, perception-wise, marketing-wise, etc. Indicated he attended the Planning Officials Forum and had a chance to hear major Orange County developer Mr. Segerstrom's Minutes Planning Commission -October 23, 2007 -Page 8 thoughts regarding the development of Orange County over the past few decades. Noted that he has received questions regarding the reverse 9-1-1 emergency systems and also 2-1-1 services through Tustin or through Orange County and would appreciate any information staff could provide. Director Indicated that staff would try to get that information. Nielsen Stated the reverse 9-1-1 emergency system is being used effectively in San Diego County to evacuate areas and to call evacuees with notification when it is time to leave; 2-1-1 seems to be within San Diego County; one can dial the number for emergency information regarding fires and other emergencies; any information from staff regarding the possible implementation of these systems in Tustin would be appreciated. 8:12 p.m. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Kozak, to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. 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