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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 PC Minutes 9-23-08ITEM #1 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Given PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Thompson asked for a moment of silence for the ailing financial market and the resulting effects on everyone. Sworn in by the 1. SEATING OF COMMISSIONER KASALEK. Director Puckett, Chair 2. PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION. Kozak, Chair Pro Tem That the Planning Commission follow the procedures contained in the staff report to elect a Chairperson and Chairperson Pro Tem. It was moved by Murray, seconded by Thompson, to appoint Commissioner Puckett as Chairperson. Motion carried 5-0. It was moved by Puckett, seconded by Murray, to appoint Commissioner Kozak as Chairperson Pro Tem. Motion carried 5-0. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Puckett Chair Pro Tem Kozak Commissioners Kazalek, Murray, Thompson Staff present Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director David Kendig, Deputy City Attorney Dana Ogdon, Assistant Community Development Director Terry Lutz, Principal Engineer Justina Willkom, Principal Planner Amy Thomas, Senior Planner Reina Kapadia, Associate Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR Approved 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -AUGUST 26, 2008, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued to 4. LARGE FAMILY DAY CARE PERMIT 08-008 REQUESTING October 14, 2008 AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH A LARGE FAMILY DAY Planning Commission CARE HOME AT AN EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY meeting RESIDENCE, CARING FOR UP TO FOURTEEN (14) CHILDREN. THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED AT 14481 PINEBROOK DRIVE IN THE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No.4100 approving Large Family Day Care Permit 08-008. 7:05 p.m. The Public Hearing opened. Kapadia Presented the staff report. Murray Complimented staff on the comprehensiveness of the staff report; he has had experience dealing with this type of item in another jurisdiction and this staff report was exceptional. Thompson Asked why large day care facilities cannot be closer together than 300 feet. Kapadia Replied that state law allows for cities to apply reasonable standards relating to spacing and concentration; the Tustin City Code requires the 300-foot distance requirement. Thompson Asked if Nelson Elementary School provides child care in the morning and after school hours. Kasalek Indicated that Nelson does provide child care services. Thompson Asked how close Nelson Elementary is to the property line of the applicant. Kapadia Answered that the Tustin City Code requires that no other large family day care may be located within 300 feet. Thompson Stated that he understood that but was trying to understand why, if Nelson Elementary operates day care, this application seems to propose a contradiction or conflict with the intent of the law; perhaps the City Attorney would need time to research this aspect. Kendig Indicated that the Zoning Code expressly prohibits a location within 300 feet of an existing licensed large family day care home; for a Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 2 conflict to exist, the other facility must be so licensed; this section excludes schools with the large family day care definition. Thompson Asked if it would be accurate to say that the intent of the law was not to have a concentration of successive impacts either by traffic, noise, and parking impacts by having day care facilities clustered in a certain area that all have similar arrival and departure sequences. Kapadia Read from the state law that "it is the intent of the Legislature that family day care homes for children should be situated in normal residential surroundings so as to give children the home environment which is conducive to healthy and safe development. It is the public policy of this state to provide children in a family day care home the same home environment as provided in a traditional home setting." Thompson Asked for clarification regarding the hours of operation and the days of operation. Kapadia Responded that the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thompson Asked for the employment requirements of a large family day care facility. Kapadia Explained that the maximum number of children cared for when there is an assistant provider in the home including children under the age of 10 who live in the home and the assistant provider's children under the age of 10 is up to 14 when one child is at least six years of age and one child is enrolled in school, with no more than three infants. Thompson Asked for confirmation that the single employee would have use of one parking space in the driveway, and the other space in the driveway would be for dropping off and picking up. Kapadia Answered in the affirmative. Thompson Asked if the current use is properly licensed. Kapadia Answered in the affirmative. Thompson Stated that the letters of complaint raise questions regarding the current operation; and, asked if staff has seen similar complaints for this operation or are the concerns associated with the timing of this application. Kapadia Indicated that no complaints have been filed with the Community Development Department previous to this application. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 3 Kozak Asked if staff was reading from the Housing and Safety Code 1597.465 Large Family Day care Homes in response to the question regarding the number of caregivers. Kapadia Stated that she was reading from the California Family Child Care Home Licensing Regulations, published January 7, 2007. Kozak Noted that 1597.465 mirrors the quote read by staff; perhaps it will be necessary to take a closer look at that section during later discussion. Kasalek Questioned whether or not a second employee would be present on the premises at all times during the day care operations. Director Indicated that the Government Code section that licenses these facilities is not a section enforced by the City, but rather Title 22; the state agency oversees this; there are different ratios depending upon the ages of the children; if the children are older, there can be fewer caregivers; if the children are infants, there must be more caregivers on-site; therefore, it would be difficult to say there would only need to be two caregivers; the requirements of Title 22 must be met. Kasalek Suggested that there should be two adults when there are 13-14 children. Director Answered that would be correct; fewer adults would be required when fewer children are being cared for. Kasalek Asked if it was common to condition the staggered arrival and pick-up times and how it would be possible to monitor that requirement. Kapadia Responded that the condition was included to prevent fourteen cars from showing up at the site at one time. Kasalek Questioned whether it was specifically for this large family day care. Kapadia Answered that this format has been implemented in prior large family day care permits. Kasalek Asked for verification that the homeowner gave permission for this increase in the number of children. Kapadia Stated that permission is required as part of the development application form. Puckett Invited the applicant to the lectern. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 4 Mariela Berrios, Stated that she was the applicant; and, asked that her husband be applicant allowed to assist her by translating questions and providing answers in English. Murray Asked if the fence has been repaired. Rafael Berrios, Indicated that the fence has been repaired; an inspector came out last applicant's husband Saturday and accepted it as sufficient; there is a need for the neighbor and the owner to get together and decide on a permanent solution. Murray Asked who the inspector was. Mr. Berrios Indicated that the inspector was from the City of Tustin. Kasalek Asked if there were swimming pools involved. Mr. Berrios Answered in the negative; and, added that the fence was leaning toward the other property. Murray Asked whether there is a pool on the other side of the fence. Mr. Berrios Answered in the negative. Thompson Asked for an explanation of how the traffic works with the current number of children. Mr. Berrios Stated that there was a meeting with the neighbors during which the staggered pick-up and drop-off plan was explained; the parents who bring their children understand the need for different times. Thompson Asked for the reason to request the increase in the size of the operation from eight to 14. Mr. Berrios Answered that the reason is financial; his wife hopes someday to open a business that would not be at home. Thompson Asked how many more employees would be needed if half the children were infants or small children. Ms. Berrios Indicated that the numbers are regulated by state agencies; she is not required to have an employee with eight children but would be required to add an employee with 14, regardless of the ages of the children; she has had the employee for about a year even though she is not required to do so with eight children. Kozak Requested that the applicant share with the Planning Commission a typical day based on the current number of children and how that might compare with 12-14 children. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 5 Ms. Berrios Explained that most of the children go to school and there are rarely eight children there at the same time. Kozak Asked for an explanation of how 14 children would be cared for in an 1865 square foot space in terms of the different needs of the children and whether or not that space is adequate to care for them. Mr. Berrios Translated for Ms. Berrios that, even with the increase in the number of children, the environment is controlled/organized based upon the requirements of the state agency; the fenced back yard is also available for the children; the children arrive and are walked to Nelson Elementary at different times and also arrive after school at various times; none of the children are at the home full-time; inspectors from the state agency check from time to time to be sure that the applicant is in compliance. Murray Asked if there were programs to accommodate children who are not school age. Mr. Berrios Indicated that his wife has implemented the programs that the Children's Home Society requires. Murray Asked if the plan would continue to be primarily school-age children. Mr. Berrios Indicated in the affirmative; and, added that it is difficult to predict what the ages will be, but she would be allowed to have up to three infants. Puckett Questioned whether or not the other six children were already waiting to come in. Mr. Berrios Answered in the negative. Kasalek Asked if the current employee is there all day. Mr. Berrios Responded that the employee is there between 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at this time. Toby Moore Reiterated the points that were included in the letter received by the Planning Commission relating to traffic control and the problems that already exist on this street; and, suggested that the Planning Commission continue this item to allow him time to review the City's response to his letter, which he received just before the meeting. Elizabeth "Sissy" Stated that she lives next door to the large day care; having two Oberlin, residences that are not owner-occupied next door and a 14-child day 14482 Pinebrook care business that will bring more traffic to the streets destroys the quiet neighborhood she moved into 20 years ago; the increase in number of children will make the street unsafe for everyone; the fence Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 6 between her yard and the day care facility is unsafe; a child could climb on it and be severely injured; a temporary fix will not work; she has a swimming pool and two dogs and does not want to worry on a daily basis; the fence must be replaced; the safety and welfare of many of the children and residents are a concern; she has seen unsafe dropping off of children. Kozak Asked if the fence Ms. Oberlin described is the damaged fence that was addressed by the applicant that is between her property and the homeowner's property. Ms. Oberlin Answered in the affirmative. Kozak Questioned whether the two property owners would be responsible for replacing that fence. Murray Asked for a description of the composition of the fence. Ms. Oberlin Indicated it is a dog-eared wooden fence that splinters easily and is about 15 years old. Murray Asked if there was a locking mechanism on the fence. Ms. Oberlin Answered that it is a straight fence that has been damaged by termites; there is no gate. Gloria Clemens, Stated she was at the meeting to support the provider; she has been 1593 W. Cerritos, a licensed child care provider for more than 20 years; she operates as Anaheim a large day care; when a provider has eight children, no license is required; when a provider becomes a large care provider with 9-14 children, one assistant is required; it does not matter if there are infants; the applicant has had an assistant for six months because she wanted to provide quality child care; family child care providers work very long hours; they care for children of parents who have unusual work schedules and perhaps longer hours; she never knows when the parents are arriving, but they always arrive at staggered times. Yessika Magdaleno Indicated that she has been a child care provider for seven years; she 12782 Twintree Lane, has had large family day care facility for six years; she attended the Garden Grove meeting in support of Mariela Berrios; she read the Governor's statement regarding child care providers and the importance of such care to parents and communities. Luz Gallardo, Stated she has been a day care provider for 13 years and enlarged 1313 East 14t" St., her facility because of the needs of the parents who were bringing Santa Ana their children to her small day care facility; she now has 14 children in her care because the families have been growing. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 7 Jose Martinez, Stated he is the property owner of 14481 Pinebrook Drive; he lived at 440 South Pacific, this address for five years and was the only resident who parked his Tustin cars in the garage; everyone else parked on the street or in their driveways; his renter is doing everything she has been asked by the City to do to make the least inconvenience for her neighbors; the fence will be repaired properly. Murray Stated his understanding that the temporary fix of the fence met the City inspection; and, asked if Mr. Martinez was now stating that the fence will be further repaired. Mr. Martinez Answered that he wants to do the best he can to protect the neighbors and children; spending extra dollars to ensure the fence is repaired will be worth it. Kozak Questioned whether the plan was to replace the entire fence in question. Mr. Martinez Indicated that he will hire a contractor to provide the best solution to make the fence safe; if this requires complete replacement, that is what he is prepared to do. Kozak Asked for a description of the condition of the fence at the north side of the property. Mr. Martinez Stated that fence is still in good condition. Kozak Questioned whether the contractor would also inspect that fence to ensure that both sides of the house have safe fences to protect the children. Mr. Martinez Answered in the affirmative. Thompson Asked how long the current tenant has been renting this house. Mr. Martinez Answered that the rent began in March 2008. Thompson Asked if the house was rented prior to that time. Mr. Martinez Stated that he lived in the house for four years; he considers this a good environment for the children in Ms. Berrios' care. 8:17 p.m. The Public Hearing closed. Thompson Indicated that he appreciated the people who took their time to attend the meeting and the enlightenment regarding state law; there is no question there is value to this service; as a father of four, he understands the importance of a home environment rather than a Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 8 more structured environment; he also empathizes with the impacts of the operation; he would like assurance that this approval would not be in conflict with the day care provided at Nelsen Elementary; it is important not to set a precedent or create a loophole; Dr. Moore's comments regarding the arrival sequence and his other suggestions may require more time for the Commission to be able to address; it is necessary to ensure there is not adouble-parking situation or other parking issues; it may be useful to continue this item to address these issues. Kozak Thanked Commissioner Thompson for his comments; he shares some of the same concerns; a continuation seems appropriate to allow time to review the restrictions from the Health and Safety Code and the local public agency and the ability of the Commission to approve the requests; the applicant is complying with the permit process; parking and traffic are concerns; additional time may be necessary to incorporate these issues into the final approval; Dr. Moore's suggestions should be considered; perhaps. an additional condition should be added regarding Title 22; the fence repair or replacement needs to be addressed. Kasalek Noted that the staff report made clear that the law states this type of use must be allowed in residential areas; the traffic problems at Nelson Elementary and on this street have existed for years; there is a great need for day care; her concern would be how this will effect a neighborhood that is already adversely affected; the Commission needs to consider whether or not this approval would impact the well- being of others; monitoring the dropping off and picking up and having staggered times sound like good ideas but may be difficult to implement. Murray Thanked everyone who attended and spoke to this item; child care is important to everyone; the state mandates these facilities; the traffic situation will be challenging; over-regulating traffic issues may not be the answer; having monitored the situation, he does not feel this use is creating the problem; this applicant should not be penalized for something that is a by-product of the general neighborhood and the nearby school; staff will need to determine whether any other traffic mitigation measures are feasible. Director Stated that staff has forwarded these recommendations to the City's Director of Public Works/City Engineer; the conditions of approval could be enhanced if it is the Commission's consensus to do so; it is up to the Director of Public Works to decide whether these recommendations are warranted separate and apart from this application; this may be a situation for the digital speed monitor that the City has available for monitoring traffic. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 9 Condition 1.8 could be modified to allow the Community Development Department and/or the City Engineer to review this application on an annual basis and additional conditions could be imposed if there are nuisance or negative impacts. Condition 3.12 identifies that the large family day care operation must comply with the California Vehicle Code and any local traffic control ordinances or traffic control devices. There will be monitoring on that street; individuals who live on the street who are concerned will be watching; the difference will be that everyone is required to comply with the rules of the road and local ordinances. Murray Suggested that the applicant show due diligence in efforts to accommodate the neighbors; it is important that this be a partnership; changes always bring some kind of impact; there is a revocation provision to ensure the conditions are met. Puckett Noted that he concurred with Commissioner Kasalek; his children attended Nelson Elementary; he is familiar with the street and the traffic problems; there is a tremendous need for well-qualified day care centers; his mother provided such care for years and had a big impact on the lives of the children in her care; the state laws are clear regarding what is allowed; Dr. Moore's suggestions are good ones and something that should be incorporated into the conditions; children-at-play signs would be useful on that street; perhaps Public Works would like to comment. Terry Lutz Stated that those types of signs provide a false feeling of security, are not in conformance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and are a thing of the past; what could be placed on the street are 25 miles per hour signs and a legend in the street; as suggested by the Director, the radar trailer could also be placed on that street. Puckett Indicated he thought the radar trailer was a good idea. Kozak Reiterated that the following enhancements should be added to the conditions of approval: • Log sheets • Pick-up and drop-off plans • Information sheet signed by the clients to provide protection to the applicant and the community • Title 22 condition Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 10 Puckett Noted he is in favor of the project with the stipulations that have been discussed. Asked for a motion with the stipulations discussed. Murray Moved approval. Kozak Verified that the approval would include the amendments discussed; and, asked whether or not those should be articulated again for the record. Kasalek Referred to Commissioner Thompson's concern regarding the day care at Nelson Elementary and suggestion of a continuance of the item in order to allow more time for review of the conditions. Thompson Reiterated his wish that the approval be clearly understood; voting yes could conceivably contradict what the City Code intended; it is necessary that the conditions be very clear and that a loophole is not being created. Murray Asked staff for advice in that regard. Kendig Stated he did not see a conflict when he reviewed the report; one more exemption was brought to his attention during the discussion: the applicability of one of the chapters that refers to extended day care programs operated by public and private schools; given all the areas to be considered, it may not be clear how it all pieces together; a continuance to the next meeting would give him time to sort out the issues. Puckett Stated his belief that there was not an urgent need to pass the application at this meeting; and, asked if anyone would be opposed to a continuance to the next meeting. Commission It was the consensus of the Commission that a continuance would be desired if the applicant had no objection. Murray Amended his motion to continue the item to the next regular Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Thompson. Motion carried 5-0. REGULAR BUSINESS Received and filed 5. SENATE BILL (SB) 375: TRANSPORTATION PLANNING: TRAVEL DEMAND MODELS: SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY STRATEGY: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 11 At the Planning Commission meeting of August 26, 2008, staff was requested to provide a summary of Senate Bill 375 proposed by Senator Steinberg. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive and file. Willkom Indicated there was no presentation, but staff could answer any questions the Commission might have. Kozak Thanked staff for the thorough job on a complicated piece of legislation; and, suggested that, where mandates have a fiscal impact, this bill provides no funding; perhaps more important is the usurpation of local land use planning authority by the state; everyone is concerned about the environment, but this is another drastic move, though well-intentioned, at a cost to local land use authority. Asked if the City Council has taken an opposed position on this bill with the League of Cities. Director Answered that the Council has been closely monitoring SB 375; several letters have been sent in this regard; staff will be forwarding this report to the City Council. Murray Thanked Commissioner Kozak for bringing this matter forward; it is of the utmost importance; and, thanked staff for summarizing very difficult subject matter. Thompson Added that he found the information provided by staff very helpful; and, requested that a future workshop session be planned to assist in further understanding the impacts of this bill, because the information being provided in various places seems to be contradictory. It was moved by Murray, seconded by Kozak, to receive and file the report. Motion carried 5-0. Maintain status quo 6. REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS At the August 26, 2008, Planning Commission meeting, staff was requested to evaluate the feasibility of reducing the number of regular Planning Commission meetings from two per month to one per month. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 12 RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission maintain the status quo. Director Presented the staff report. Thompson Thanked staff for the report; and, moved approval of staffs recommendation. Murray Added that it is important to also remember that one of the things the Council has asked is that City business hours be extended in order to facilitate the public; it would be somewhat contradictory to then lessen the Planning Commission's hours. Kozak Reminded everyone that not too long ago the Council directed the Planning Commission to be the local preservation committee which requires the Commission to remain available. Kasalek seconded Thompson's motion. Motion carried 5-0. Received and filed 7. PROJECT SUMMARY The summary focuses on the status of projects that the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, or Community Development Director approved, major improvements projects, and other items of interest. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive and file. Willkom Presented the staff report. Puckett Asked if the plan is to tear down the old Kentucky Fried Chicken and build a new one. Willkom Indicated that staff is working with Kentucky Fried Chicken through the Plan Check process which is almost complete. Puckett Asked if there is an expected date for the opening of the new Arby's. Willkom Replied that no date is set but they are moving fast. Kasalek Questioned whether or not there is an anticipated completion date for the new Library. Director Indicated the expected date is September 2009. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 13 Kasalek Asked for clarification regarding Monarch Village. Willkom Stated that Monarch Village is a senior facility designed for independent living, consists of 201 units, and is located at the former Main Place Church. Murray Asked what is happening regarding the parking structure at the Metrolink station. Lutz Answered that a Cooperative Agreement was just processed through the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA); design is expected to take a year and 18 months to construct; there will be 825 spaces; there will be no vehicular activity during construction; the station will be closed except for transit access, pedestrians, and bicycles. Thompson Stated that he is a train user and is always surprised by how full the trains are; the stampede out of the Tustin station exceeded what is normally seen in Irvine; it will be interesting, when construction begins, to see how high use will be implemented without the parking. Lutz Added that access to the north of the station is being proposed by the OCTA; there is also a Cooperative Agreement in process for that; this will be along the old BNSF railroad spur which would be turned over to the City for maintenance; the OCTA would be in charge of the design and construction of that additional access up to Dow Avenue to serve the Business Park area. Kozak Asked if there will be additional parking on the north side. Lutz Indicated the parking will be within the parking structure; there would be access from the north; there is a possibility of an agreement with a company called Printronic to allow parking within their parking lot. Thompson Suggested that is the location where folks are currently stepping over the fence to get to the station; it will be good to get that area cleaned up. STAFF CONCERNS 8. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE SEPTEMBER 2 AND SEPTEMBER 16, 2008, CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. Director reported The City Council awarded the contract for construction of the Citrus Ranch Park project in Tustin Ranch, the last park site to be developed in East Tustin. The City Council approved a cooperative agreement between the Orange County Transportation Authority and the City for a Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 14 rail/highway safety enhancement at Red Hill Avenue for the benefit of the residents in that area. The City Council held a workshop on September 15th related to both on-site and off-site parking citywide; as a result of that workshop, the Council will be holding a public hearing on October 7th on an item that the Planning Commission considered some time ago related to the comprehensive zoning ordinance; the Council will also be considering at the October 7th meeting some on-street parking restrictions related to street sweeping, the potential for some permit parking programs in certain areas, and an administrative citation ordinance also. Thompson Asked when the process will be completed for the parking ordinance and related matters. Director Replied that the first reading will be at the October 7th meeting. Thompson Asked when the second reading would be. Director Answered that would presumably take place at the second meeting in October. Kendig Added that the ordinance would go into effect 30 days after that; some of the parking restrictions will be set up to go into effect perhaps 60 days from the effective date. Director Noted that there are also procedural and administrative issues that preclude stating an exact date for this ordinance to take effect. Puckett Proposed that the Invocation be reinstated at Planning Commission meetings; and, suggested that the Invocation be placed ahead of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge designee give the invocation. Commissioners Stated their agreement. Puckett Requested that this procedure begin at the next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for October 14, 2008. COMMISSION CONCERNS Thompson Stated he attended the Open House for the Cranbrook Senior Living facility, was very impressed with improvements, and offered kudos to the new ownership. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 15 Thompson continued Indicated he attended the Open House for Fluid Research Corporation on September 6~'; this high-tech facility is a nice addition to the Tustin business core; this facility demonstrates how Tustin's industrial area is transforming into smaller uses rather than those similar to the old Steelcase. Noted that he regretted missing the Village of Hope Grand Opening last Sunday; and, offered his congratulations to Councilman Palmer who is to be commended for this impressive facility. Offered his congratulations to Mayor Amante who was the No. 1 speaker for the Department of Commerce hearing on the Foothill Transportation Corridor; there were hundreds of people who requested permission to speak. Stated he is looking forward to Tustin Tiller Days, October 3ra 4tn and 5~' and also the workshop on October 6"' referred to as "Tustin Town Center: A New Beginning." Shared that he and his wife are in training for the Multiple Sclerosis 100-mile bike tour from Irvine to San Diego and would appreciate everyone's prayers that they are successful in this long trek on October 11-12. Noted that he has been sponsored by his employer to attend a President's Leadership class series offered through the BIA for Orange County and will be attending this class over the next five months. Kozak Offered his congratulations to Chair Puckett for his selection as the Chairperson of the Planning Commission; and, stated he looks forward to the next year under Chair Puckett's leadership. Welcomed Commissioner Kasalek; he attended the City Council interviews; there was no question who was the best candidate; Commissioner Kasalek is to be complimented on her presentation that evening. Echoed Commissioner Thompson's comments regarding the Open House and Ribbon-Cutting at the Village of Hope; hats off to Councilman Palmer for his vision and leadership and to all the public and private sector partners that participated in making the Village a reality. Indicated he attended the September 15"' Parking Ordinance Workshop and is glad to see that process moving forward. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 16 Kozak continued Thanked the City for the opportunity to attend the Planning Commissioners training on September 18th in Los Angeles; many topical issues were discussed, including sustainability, global warming, design review; he will share the materials with his fellow Commissioners. Mentioned the Tustin Pride and Tustin Conservancy project at 305 and 315 C Street on September 20th where he put in a few hours working with a lot of young men who did a great job. Reminded everyone that September 27th is Graffiti Wipe-Out Day and, for those who dislike vandalism on public property, this is a chance to get out there and do something about it: show up that Saturday morning at the Tustin Police Department between 8:00-9:00 a.m.; Officer Gordon Margulies is the police coordinator of this event. Referred to the report in the newspaper and at City Council stating the Godbe Research headline reads, "Tustin residents 98% satisfied with their city," and the "overall city performance which includes safety and community services ranked at 95 percent satisfaction." Kasalek Stated that it is good to be back on the Planning Commission; and, thanked everyone for their kind words. Noted that no one called for her opinion, but she also read the article referred to by Commissioner Kozak and also is very satisfied living in Tustin. Added that Mayor Amante was featured on the Channel 4, 11 o'clock news, during his speech referred to above. Murray Offered congratulations to Chair Puckett and Chair Pro Tem for their selection to those positions and to Commissioner Kasalek as the new Commissioner. Commended staff on their comprehensive reports this evening. Presented accolades to Chief Jordan regarding the upcoming Graffiti Wipe-Out and the 98% satisfaction rate of the Tustin community, much of which was based upon the community feelings regarding safety and partnerships with all the other City departments. Stated he is ecstatic about Citrus Ranch Park; that project began while he served on the Parks & Recreation Commission; seeing the park come to fruition is a personally rewarding experience. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 17 Murray continued Noted he regretted not being able to attend the Village of Hope Grand Opening but offered his congratulations to Councilman Palmer on his great work. Puckett Thanked his fellow Commissioners for their confidence in selecting him as Chairperson; and, indicated he would attempt to continue in the fine tradition of past Chair John Nielsen. Welcomed Commissioner Kasalek, noting that he has known her for 30 years as a nearby neighbor; and, noted her prior Planning Commission experience and expertise. Offered congratulations to Commissioner Kozak on his selection as Chairperson Pro Tem. Stated that he will be absent from the next Planning Commission meeting but knows he leaves the Commission in capable hands. Thanked staff for the Summary of Projects. Reminded everyone to attend Tustin Tiller Days October 3-6. Indicated that he was able to attend the dedication on September 11tH of the Mottoes Wall recently unveiled in City Hall. Congratulated Commissioner Thompson on his plan to ride in the 100-mile bike ride. Noted that Huell Howser will be featured on "California Gold" on KCET September 28~' at 7:30 p.m.; people will be gathering at Beach Pit BBQ to enjoy the show; everyone is invited. 9:24 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Minutes -Planning Commission September 23, 2008 -Page 18