HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 PC Minutes 7-8-08ITEM #1
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 8, 2008
7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER
Given PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Nielsen, Chair Pro Tem Puckett
Commissioners Kozak, Murray, Thompson
Staff present Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director
David Kendig, Deputy City Attorney
Dana Ogdon, Assistant Community Development Director
Justina Willkom, Senior Planner
Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary
None
Approved
Received and filed
PUBLIC CONCERNS
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -MAY 27 AND JUNE 24, 2008,
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS.
2. CITY CLERK'S MEMORANDUM REGARDING SENATE
BILL 343.
This new bill adds some mandates regarding supplemental
materials that have been distributed to a majority of the
Commission members after the agenda packets have been
distributed.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file this report.
It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Murray, to approve the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
Continued to 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 08-009, A REQUEST FOR
August 12, 2008, AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH LIVE
Planning Commission ENTERTAINMENT AS AN ANCILLARY USE WITHIN THE
meeting LIFESTYLE CENTER OF THE DISTRICT SHOPPING
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 1
CENTER AT TUSTIN LEGACY. THIS PROJECT IS
LOCATED AT 2437 PARK AVENUE (LIFESTYLE
CENTER) IN THE SP-1 - MCAS TUSTIN SPECIFIC PLAN
DISTRICT (PLANNING AREA 19 - COMMERCIAL)
ZONING DISTRICT.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 4097
approving Conditional Use Permit 08-009.
Nielsen Recused himself due to a campaign finance conflict and left the
dais.
7:03 p.m. The Public Hearing opened.
Puckett Stated that the applicant had requested a continuance of this item
and invited anyone in attendance who wished to speak on this
item to come forward.
7:04 p.m. The Public Hearing closed.
Director Requested that the item be continued to a date certain, the first
meeting in August.
It was moved by Kozak, seconded by Murray, to continue the item
to August 12, 2008. Motion carried 4-0.
Nielsen Returned to the dais.
REGULAR BUSINESS
Received and filed 4. FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION: TOUR OF CENTRAL
TUSTIN.
The discussion also provides a forum for the Commission
to generally discuss the tour and to make
recommendations for future tours.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Planning Commission receive this report and
provide direction to staff.
Nielsen Reiterated that the tour was very informative, often taking the
Commissioners to places they may not have seen before and
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 2
pointing out different types of architecture; it was interesting to see
the mix of architecture in central Tustin, from historic to high-
density to low-density to commercial; the most interesting aspect
was how all that interacts in a relatively small area.
Thanked everyone involved for the tour.
Puckett Echoed Chair Nielsen's remarks, indicating he went to places he
had never been in his 33 years in Tustin; Scott Reekstin does a
great job preparing the tour materials and providing commentary
along the way.
Nielsen Added his thanks to Scott Reekstin, although he was not in
attendance, and indicated he hoped Mr. Reekstin would be
available to answer any future questions the Commissioners might
have regarding this tour.
Kozak Apologized for his absence from the meeting; and, indicated that
there was alast-minute family emergency which turned out well by
all accounts.
Stated that he would like staff to consider finding a way that the
Planning Commission can be kept informed, perhaps on a
quarterly basis, regarding the ULI studies that are going on
regarding the three study areas. This would help him to put some
context into thinking about the particular areas relating to the
public infrastructure and market-driven development opportunities
for those particular areas.
Director Responded that the Redevelopment Agency is reviewing the
market analysis for the ULI study area; staff can invite Jerry Craig
to come back to an upcoming meeting to provide an update.
Nielsen Remarked that the two Commissioners toured as the Planning
Committee.
It was moved by Murray, seconded by Kozak, to receive and file
the report. Motion carried 5-0.
STAFF CONCERNS
4. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE JULY 1, 2008,
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 3
Director reported The City Council held a comprehensive Budget workshop prior to
the regular Council meeting; the Commissioners may want to
review the minutes provided in this evening's packets.
There are items of interest related to Senate and Assembly bills on
which the Council will be commenting at the upcoming meeting,
particularly relating to the Regional Transportation Plan, Housing
Elements, and how these bills work together; the Commission may
want to track those due to the potential effects on the City's
residents.
Nielsen Asked the Director to provide a brief overview on those bills.
Director Stated that one is a House of Representatives bill having to do
with flood control insurance premiums for any residents in high-risk
areas; staff has not seen the mapping, but high-risk areas might
be any properties affected by the Prado Dam areas which could
be a large area of Tustin; the premium could be $800 per year or
higher; comments were provided on that bill once before and staff
is proposing that the Mayor send an additional letter regarding that
bill; Senate Bills 303 and 375 are difficult to explain briefly; SB 375
has been in existence for quite a long time; it joins the Blue Print
Plan to the Regional Transportation Plan, and the City has been
opposed for some time because it would tie the planning process
to the transportation process and could tie up the City's funding;
the concern is generally related to the Southern California
Association of Governments controlling the local planning process
which could impact federal funding. SB 303 also relates to
legislation related to the Housing Element and would mandate that
some of the policies identified would require that zoning occur on
identifiable sites within three years; this would force zoning of sites
the City has no control over; SB 303 might not take place if SB
375 passes.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Thompson Provided an update regarding his role as Chairman of the Citizens
Advisory Committee for OCTA:
He provided an annual report to the Legislative Committee
detailing what the Committee has accomplished during the
past year: participation in roads, to the extent of supporting
the Foothill Corridor South and attending the Coastal
Commission hearing; the appeal before the Department of
Commerce is taking place at the end of this month at UC
Irvine;
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 4
• He also participated in a workshop for the South Orange
County Major Investment Study which could impact Tustin
as the boundary is the SR-55 as it relates to traffic and
transportation matters; rail issues were considered and
OCTA projects were supported, even including signage at
Tustin's local station being more user-friendly;
• He was also on a review panel for Go Local applications
and may have a further update in that regard in a month of
so;
• The Committee considered issues regarding buses and
bikes that relate to the Master Plan update.
Congratulated Mayor Amante on his new role as Chairman of the
Foothill Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, a great
accomplishment for Tustin.
Indicated that on June 9 he attended the launching of the I-Shuttle,
a service from the Tustin station to John Wayne Airport; this
sounds like a great service; it is free now but there will be a charge
starting in September; perhaps it should be called the IT-Shuttle
since it is a part of the City; that is another issue that would be
outside the Commission's land use purview.
Extended belated Happy Fourth of July wishes.
Offered congratulations regarding the Grand Opening of St.
Thomas More Catholic Church on July 5~'.
Nielsen Thanked Commissioner Thompson for his update regarding the
OCTA Citizens Advisory Committee, which he himself is privileged
to be a part of, and for his leadership that is always subtle, strong,
and informative.
Thompson Responded that it is good to have Chair Nielsen on the Committee
and thanked him for his comments.
Kozak Stated the first Concert in the Park on July 2 at Peppertree Park
was well-attended; the Fenians did a great job as did the Parks
and Recreation staff.
Added that the Parks and Recreation Department also did a great
job at the fireworks production.
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 5
Kozak continued Congratulated Mayor Amante and Mayor Pro Tem Davert for their
respective chairmanships to the TCA and the Orange County
Sanitation District.
Noted that Tustin Pride has announced the Angels in Tustin
project for September in Old Town Tustin; he has added his name
to the volunteer list and encouraged others to do so.
Murray Stated that he enjoyed the roll-out of the I-Shuttle which is a
means of transportation that the citizens of Tustin should take
advantage of, particularly during these times of high gasoline
costs.
Thanked staff for the comments regarding the various bills; it is
helpful for the Commissioners to keep up to date on these bills;
they can move along very quickly and have some long-term
effects.
Offered accolades to the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for taking on
their new positions.
Indicated he attended and enjoyed the Fourth of July
extravaganza at Tustin High School; Parks and Recreation did a
great job.
Shared his recent vacation experience of traveling by motorcycle
across the USA on Route 66; this journey provided a fonder
appreciation for all the good things California offers, Tustin in
particular; these are sometimes taken for granted, and it is good to
see the different lifestyles across the country.
Puckett Welcomed back Commissioners Murray, Kozak, and Thompson;
the dais was a lonely place without their presence.
Remarked that Commissioner Murray's account of his vacation
reminded him of an old TV program, Route 66, in which two guys
traveled that route in a Corvette; perhaps a new version could be
developed with two guys on ,motorcycles, one being
Commissioner Murray.
Stated he attended the Tustin Meadows Parade, in which Chair
Nielsen rode; Kim Leason, Tustin Pride Committee Chair, and all
the volunteers are to be commended for their hard work on this
event.
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 6
Puckett continued Reiterated his remarks from the last meeting regarding his tour of
Prospect Village and highly recommended that the other
Commissioners tour this gorgeous project.
Thanked the Parks and Recreation staff for a great Fourth of July
celebration.
Nielsen Stated that he attended the Budget workshop; the presentations
by the Department Heads were informative; while it appears this
will be abelt-tightening year, it is good to see that the reserves are
in good shape and the planning and forecasting sound.
Indicated he enjoyed the Tustin Meadows Parade, perhaps 20 of
which he has attended over the years in one capacity or another,
and thanked Kim Leason, whose coordination of the event should
be complimented along with all the volunteers who contributed.
Puckett Interjected that he was supposed to ride in a 1964'/2 Mustang
which overheated; as a result, he shared Chair Nielsen's car; he
can guarantee that everyone in Tustin Meadows knows Chair
Nielsen; we should be honored that he chairs the Planning
Commission.
Nielsen Thanked Chair Pro Tem Puckett for his comments.
Noted that he also attended the fireworks extravaganza at Tustin
High School; he has attended this event many times, has worked
in various capacities, and has also attended as a spectator; the
Surf Tones did a great job; the fireworks get better and better
every year; this was another excellent job by Parks and
Recreation.
Indicated he attended the Chamber of Commerce Gala and the
installation of new officers; it was nice to see those who have
served the Chamber for a year receive their just due in both
serious and humorous ways; it was also nice to see Tustin
businesses of the year honored and to have been on the
committee to select the businesses.
Offered his congratulations to the Chamber for its good service to
the community and to the incoming and outgoing officers.
Remarked that the Angels in Tustin project in Old Town will be a
great service; the Tustin Preservation Conservancy will be
involved and possibly the Tustin Historical Society and the local
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 7
Boy Scouts of America; anyone willing to participate should
contact Kim Leason who is coordinating the effort.
7:28 p.m. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is
scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the City
Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way.
Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 8