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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 01-27-09MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 27, 2009 7:03 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Given INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Present: Chair Puckett Chair Pro Tem Kozak Commissioners Kasalek, Murray, Thompson Staff present Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director David Kendig, Deputy City Attorney Dana Ogdon, Assistant Community Development Director Justina Willkom, Principal Planner Terry Lutz, Principal Engineer Scott Reekstin, Senior Planner Amy Thomas, Senior Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS Linda Jennings Requested that staff prepare an addendum to the Certified Local Government Annual Report to include information regarding Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts and Tustin Preservation Conservancy sponsorship of the ArtWalk and also provide the brochure explaining the Historic Register Program. CONSENT CALENDAR Approved 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -JANUARY 13, 2009, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Murray, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. None PUBLIC HEARINGS REGULAR BUSINESS Received and filed 2. HISTORIC PRESERVATION WORKSHOP This workshop will include information regarding the Cultural Resources Overlay District Ordinance, Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 1 Certificates of Appropriateness, the Historic Survey and Historic Resources Survey Report, Certified Local Government Status, Old Town Residential Design Guidelines, Fee Waivers, the Mills Act Program, the Tustin Historic Register (Plaque) Program, and the Commendation Program. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive and file this report. Reekstin Presented the workshop report. Murray Asked if there might be any CLG grants available at this time and whether the program is on a calendar or fiscal year. Reekstin Answered that the program is on a fiscal year schedule; there is a call for grants every year; the amount of grant funding has declined over the years; the requirements for issuing grants to agencies have become more stringent regarding the ranking criteria; CLG is asking that jurisdictions increase their historic preservation programs to be considered in the top group to receive grants. Murray Questioned whether or not there is anything staff can do to promote the Mills Act program for residents of the historic areas; 12 properties out of 200 that are participating seems a very small percentage of residents availing themselves of this opportunity. Reekstin Responded that it has been a while since staff has performed outreach; in the past, there were direct mailings to property owners who are eligible; there are various reasons that people may not respond. Murray Asked if the reason might be that the paperwork involved is too labor intensive. Reekstin Answered that there is not a great deal of paperwork; it may be that the savings would not be considerable; there may be people who do not know about the program; staff often recommends that Mills Act homeowners share information with their neighbors regarding how well the program works; staff has received only positive feedback from the Mills Act participants. Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 2 Director Added that staff can check to see if there might be space for advertising in Tustin Today regarding the benefits of the Mills Act; Mills Act contracts must be entered into prior to the end of each year; also, staff receives information on a monthly basis regarding individuals moving into the City and can initiate direct mailings on behalf of the Planning Commission. Murray Asked if staff has the data regarding the number of Commendation plaques presented. Reekstin Replied that staff can provide that information to the Commission. Thompson Stated that the workshop provided a good overview of all the things being offered to Old Town Tustin; because he has been a resident of Old Town since 1987, he has observed the evolution of many of these programs; the Mills Act seems to be one of the best-kept secrets in Tustin; that is not because the program is not talked about but because it can be hard to understand; there is an annual report required that can seem daunting; each home has its own unique calculation from the County. Noted the City has a great working relationship with the Historical Society and the Tustin Preservation Conservancy related to the Commendation and plaque program; there is partnership happening within the community; realizing that there are funds available in the CLG program, perhaps those funds could be used to pursue the Commercial Guidelines. Kasalek Indicated that staff provided an outstanding summary report. Kozak Thanked staff for the report; this was a good refresher; applying for grants for the Commercial Guidelines, given the fiscal crisis, would be an important area for staff to monitor and keep the Planning Commission informed; perhaps a workshop could be held regarding the Mills Act with the participants, the Assessor, and staff that would allow the Commission to go through the program and try to encourage and invigorate interest. Suggested a future workshop to develop a work plan for the balance of the Fiscal Year or calendar year so that ways to proceed with historical preservation in spite of the financial crisis can be investigated. Puckett Thanked staff for awell-done report; it is important to follow up on the Mills Act; stated that it seems that this program could Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 3 provide a 70 percent tax reduction that should be a good incentive in these times; and, asked for a motion. Kendig Indicated that any members of public who wished to should be invited to speak on this item. Linda Jennings, Noted that the Conservancy advertises the Mills Act in their 350 South B Street, newsletter and on their website; since there is no up-to-date Tustin Survey, many houses have been left out of the historic district; there are houses along Myrtle Street that were built around 1945 that are not included in the Survey; if homes are not on the Survey, they are not eligible for the Mills Act. Lindburgh McPherson, Stated he has lived in Tustin about 16 months and is interested 310 South Pasadena, in applying for the Mills Act; if it works as well as it sounds, he Tustin believes he could interest other homeowners in the program. Marcus Brown, 340 Indicated that he lives in a D-rated home and would like to West Main, Tustin know if there is any possibility of a change in that rating in order to apply for the Mills Act. Reekstin Replied that he has received similar inquiries in the past and advised the homeowners to work with staff to present an application to the City Council determining whether or not the property would be eligible for re-rating. Puckett Requested that staff could stay in touch with Mr. Brown in that regard. Staff Answered in the affirmative. Brown Suggested that the larger factor regarding the Mills Act is fear; many of the homes inherit code violations that may require costly upgrades. Thompson Indicated that Mr. Brown's suggestion may be correct, but the $2,000-$4,000 a year savings on property taxes should be an incentive; that amount could be applied toward the home to bring the house up to Code. Llyn Smith, 540 W 3~d, Stated that she has lived in her historic home since 1983 and Tustin fear has been a factor because the Mills Act involves a 10-year rolling contract; from 35 years of experience, she knows there has to be a sample or standard regarding what the contract would include; there also should be a sample of an annual report; the Assessor being the tax calculator requires some sort of standardization to provide some idea of how much might be saved before spending $500 to start the process. Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 4 Kasalek Noted that the workshop suggested by Commissioner Kozak might provide the appropriate Mills Act information. It was moved by Murray, seconded by Thompson, to receive and file the report. Motion carried 5-0. Received and filed 3. 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 this report. Willkom Presented the staff report. Puckett Stated that it is good to see there is still a lot going on in Tustin. Thompson Requested that staff provide some measurement in the next project summary indicating, given what is happening as a result of the economy, the state of planned construction and construction on hold, especially at The Legacy Kozak Thanked staff for the project summary; and, noted that the Pasadena well site structure is very attractive, especially on the northern part of the property which has apark-like appearance. Kasalek Asked for the timeline regarding the Tustin Ranch Road extension. Lutz Answered that the project is in final design; the right-of--way at the corner of Tustin Ranch Road and Walnut is being acquired; there is no completion date available due to the current economic situation. Puckett Stated that, when he purchased his home in Peppertree in 1975, that road was planned; no one indicated it still would not be there in 2009; the project summary makes one proud to live in Tustin and know there is still a lot of building activity. Mr. McPherson Complimented the City on the appearance of the well site; however, the windsock on the roof is an eyesore that could perhaps be replaced with something that does not look so industrial and would blend into the neighborhood. Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 5 It was moved by Kasalek, seconded by Kozak, to receive and file the report. Motion carried 5-0. Approved 4. COMMENDATION NOMINATION - 310 SOUTH PASADENA RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve the nomination of 310 South Pasadena Avenue to the City's Commendation Program. Reekstin Presented the staff report. Mr. McPherson Stated how much he appreciates the commendation but requested that the name be changed to "Wilcox Manor" rather than "Wilcox Villa." Staff Indicated that request would be approved. Commission It was the consensus of the Commission that this is a beautiful property and wonderful addition to Old Town. It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Kozak, to approve the nomination of 310 South Pasadena Avenue to the City's Commendation Program. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF CONCERNS 5. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE JANUARY 20, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Director reported The City Council considered the 2008-09 Mid-Year Budget a bit earlier than usual because of the current economic conditions; various programs are being cut back throughout the City; the Council asked all departments and the City Manager to come back if there were indications of any other issues that the City may be facing. Director Stated, regarding the discussion earlier in the meeting regarding the Mills Act program, that the County Assessor meets on an annual basis with Community Development Directors, Planning Directors, and Finance Directors to discuss services the Assessor may be able to provide to local governments that may be beneficial; that meeting will be held in February at City Hall; while a specific formula for a Mills Act benefit may not be presented, the Assessor may be able to Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 6 provide various scenarios that can be shared at a future Planning Commission Workshop. COMMISSION CONCERNS Thompson Congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Amante for his recent appointment as Vice Chair of OCTA; this is a significant milestone for the City; the last Council person in an active role was the late Mayor Dick Edgar, who was never Vice Chair or Chair, but who was a great Mayor who represented the City well. Congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Amante regarding his recent announcement that he will run for Assemblyman Chuck Devore's seat when that seat is vacated. Noted he is looking forward to the Mayor's Inaugural Dinner next week. Indicated he attended the BIA dinner which included an annual forecast on the economy; while things are grim, it was stated that the current recession is a normal recession. Reported that a lot of landscaping was taken down at the cul- de-sac of Sixth Street just west of the intersection with Pacific; the freeway is now very visible from the roadway; perhaps staff can do something to screen that blight. Murray Stated he is looking forward to the Mayor's Inaugural Dinner. Offered kudos to Mayor Pro Tem Amante regarding his OCTA appointment. Thanked staff for all their hard work. Requested that staff consider more Planning Commission tours of the City when the days allow enough light. Kasalek Congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Amante. Stated she also looks forward to the Mayoral Dinner next week, especially the roasting of Mayor Davert. Kozak Added his congratulations to Mayor Pro Tem Amante. Stated that this Saturday there will be a California Native Plants Landscaping Seminar from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Clifton Miller Community Center. Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 7 Kozak continued Indicated he is looking forward to the Mayor's Inauguration Dinner on February 5~'. Thanked staff for the excellent reports this evening and the members of the Old Town community who attended and shared their comments. Puckett Encouraged everyone to attend the Mayor's Inaugural Dinner, which is always a great event. Congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Amante, adding that he has always been one of Chair Puckett's heroes; he has done many good things for the City; Chair Puckett has doubt doubt that Mayor Pro Tem Amante's political career will continue upward. Noted that at the last meeting he congratulated his grandson on his 10~' birthday; he would be remiss not to congratulate that grandson's father, Rob Dotson, on his 50~' birthday. Asked that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Jim Learakos who passed away this week; Jim was instrumental in the operation of the Spires Restaurant; when he left Spires, he and his son, Mike owned the Katella Grill at Katella and Main in Orange; Jim was a good man who did a lot for the City of Orange and Orange County. 8:20 p.m. ADJOURNMENT In Memory Of Jim Learakos The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. ~- Charles E. Puckett Chairperson Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary Minutes -Planning Commission January 27, 2009 -Page 8