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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 07-08-08MINUTES 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 I 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 Stn 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. Joh ~elsen Chairperson Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary Minutes -Planning Commission July 8, 2008 -Page 8