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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 07-22-08MINUTES REGULAR MEETING t TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 22, 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 Doug Anderson, Transportation and Development Services Manager Justina Willkom, Principal Planner Scott Reekstin, Senior Planner Amy Thomas, Senior Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary Approved 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JULY 8, 2008, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. Thompson Moved the Consent Calendar; and, requested a comparison of the activity from past years with this year's report. Nielsen Asked that the Commission take Item 1 as a Consent item and Item 2 as a regular item on the agenda; and, asked for a motion to do so. It was moved by Murray, seconded by Thompson, to separate the items. Motion carried 5-0. It was moved by Puckett, seconded by Kozak, to approve Item 1. Motion carried 5-0. 2. FISCAL YEAR 2007-08 IN REVIEW Received and filed The Community Development Department Activity -Fiscal Year 2007-2008 in Review briefly describes the total number of discretionary projects (i.e. Conditional Use Permits, Design Reviews, Subdivision Maps, etc.), major accomplishments for various functional areas within the Community Development Department, and Building Division activity. Minutes -Planning Commission July 22, 2008 -Page 1 RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive and file. Director Indicated that staff had prepared a report. Willkom Presented a PowerPoint slide show and brief commentary, suggesting that this might answer Commissioner Thompson's questions. Thompson Stated the statistics were useful. Puckett Offered congratulations to Code Enforcement; he knows from experience that the graffiti complaints are handled promptly; the Code officers are to be commended. Murray Referred to the award that Code Enforcement received from the Orange County Human Relations Commission; it is important that Code Enforcement know how much the Commission appreciates the work they do. Nielsen Commented that one of the big success stories is the real estate Sign Code; he has talked to real estate professionals who seem to have adapted well and are no longer taking up the valuable time of the Code Enforcements officers. Kozak Echoed the above comments; this is a good gauge of the continued activity and vibrant nature of the Tustin community from the City Council to staff; this report should be placed on the City's main webpage; staff deserves thanks for the work involved in this report. Nielsen Noted that it is always impressive to see how many permits come through the City and the valuation of the projects. Commended and thanked staff for the work involved and prepping the Planning Commission for their meetings. It was moved by Puckett, seconded by Thompson, to receive and file the report. Motion carried 5-0. None PUBLIC HEARINGS REGULAR BUSINESS Adopted Resolution 3. GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY DETERMINATION FINDING No. 4098, with FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF AN EASEMENT FOR FLOOD correction noted by CONTROL PURPOSES. staff Minutes -Planning Commission July 22, 2008 -Page 2 RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 4098 determining that the location, purpose, and extent of the proposed acceptance of the dedication of an easement for flood control purposes is in conformance with the Tustin General Plan. Reekstin Presented the staff report, noting the first sentence of Section I.A should read "Orange County Public Works proposes to accept from the City of Tustin the dedication of an easement"; staff understands from the City's Public Works Department that it will be quitclaimed to the City, and the easement will be over the City's property. Thompson Noted the easement being close to the Irvine boundary; and, asked if Irvine will need a similar determination. Reekstin Answered that the City of Irvine will not need to make a determination because it is within the City of Tustin's jurisdiction. Thompson Asked if this area would involve any reservation for the planned bike trails. Anderson Replied that the piece of property is adjacent to the City of Irvine; Irvine is currently moving forward with its portion of the Peters Canyon Channel widening; as part of that widening, the Peters Canyon Regional Trail (biking, hiking, etc.) will involve the east side of the channel; on the west side of the channel, per the City's agreement with the County of Orange, the County will be funding the design and construction of an equestrian trail all the way to the Back Bay; those are backbone improvements; the others are funded by the County of Orange. Thompson Verified that those are regional trails within the County's jurisdiction. Anderson Answered in the affirmative. Kendig Indicated that this was an agendized item, if there were members of the public who wished to comment, they should be allowed to do so. Nielsen Invited members of the public to the lectern. No one came forward. It was moved by Murray, seconded by Puckett, to adopt Resolution No. 4098, with staffs correction. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF CONCERNS 4. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE JULY 15, 2008, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Minutes -Planning Commission July 22, 2008 -Page 3 Director reported The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2007-08 Budget; staff can provide copies to the Planning Commissioners when the document has been reproduced. The City Council considered the letters commenting on various Senate, H.R., and U.S. Senate bills; the City Clerk provided a summary on pages 5 and 6 of the Action Agenda stating what the Council did on each of the letters. COMMISSION CONCERNS Thompson Stated that he was reappointed for another year as Chair of the Orange County Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee. Nielsen Offered his congratulations to Commissioner Thompson whose leadership led to that well-deserved reappointment. Kozak Added his congratulations to Commissioner Thompson. Indicated that he attended another great concert at Peppertree Park; the Beatles cover band (The Silver Beatles) was excellent; the Parks and Recreation staff does a great job. Noted last Thursday evening the Tustin Ranch Golf Club sponsored a family event, hosting the Surftones, and a great time was had by all; the next event will be August 21St at 6:30 p.m. Asked his fellow Commissioners to join him in wishing the Recording Secretary and her husband a Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary. Murray Noted the 2007-08 Year in Review was excellent and gave him some perspective as to where the City has been and where it is going. Stated he has heard many favorable comments regarding the City's new business hours and also the effectiveness of the new permit process. Indicated that Tustin Pride's Chair, Kim Leason, has been doing active recruitment for the committee and would appreciate having citizen participation to keep the program active. Shared that he recently received a telephone call from a colleague who complimented the Director's professionalism and responsiveness to his issues and concerns. Asked if something could be done to alleviate the unsightly appearance of the construction area at Browning and EI Camino Real. Minutes -Planning Commission July 22, 2008 -Page 4 Murray continued Reiterated the Commission's interest in staff providing information regarding smoke shop ordinances and a timetable for implementation before school begins. Puckett Congratulated Chair Nielsen for his decision to sign papers to run for the City Council and stated his belief that the Chair will make an excellent Councilman. Nielsen Thanked Commissioner Puckett and noted those words of encouragement mean a great deal coming from someone who has served the community as Commissioner Puckett has, both on the City Council and two different times on the Planning Commission. Announced that this would be his last Planning Commission meeting; he finishes one meeting short of six years, three times as Chair; he was privileged to serve with many good people and named the following: • Tracy Worley Hagen, who originally encouraged him to apply; • Doug Davert, who resigned the seat to which he was appointed; Mark Kenny, who provided insight and guidance during his rookie year; • Steve Kozak, who was Chair at the time of his appointment; • Leslie Pontious, always detail-oriented and a model for him; and, • Chuck Puckett, who always says the right things with a lot of humanity. Thanked the current City Council and Mayor Amante for their support. Thanked staff for their immense amounts of hard work and public service over the years, Elizabeth Binsack, in particular, who always provided her expertise and assistance. Indicated he hoped to serve the City further in the future. Mayor Amante Offered his congratulations to Commissioner Thompson regarding the OCTA reappointment. Stated that Chair Nielsen will be continuing in his work on that OCTA Committee. Noted that he is very excited that Chair Nielsen will be joining him on the campaign trail. Indicated that this particular Planning Commission has done an enormous amount of work; what happens at the Planning Commission affects the lives of 74,000 Tustin citizens and thousands more who come through our City; the City Council is extremely proud of these Commissioners and appreciates their leadership. Minutes -Planning Commission July 22, 2008 -Page 5 Nielsen Thanked the Mayor for his comments. 7:38 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Charles E. Puckett Chairperson Pro Tem ~= Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary Minutes -Planning Commission July 22, 2008 -Page 6