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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 PC Minutes 2-24-09ITEM #1 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 24, 2009 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Given INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Director swore in 1. SEATING OF RE-APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS Commissioners Kasalek, Kozak, and Murray ROLL CALL Present: Chair Puckett Chair Pro Tem Kozak Commissioners Kasalek, Murray, Thompson Staff present Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director David Kendig, Assistant City Attorney Dana Ogdon, Assistant Community Development Director Doug Stack, Assistant Director of Public Works Doug Anderson, Transportation/Development Services Manager Justina Willkom, Principal Planner Scott Reekstin, Senior Planner Amy Thomas, Senior Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary None PUBLIC CONCERNS CONSENT CALENDAR Approved 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10, 2009, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Kasalek, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. None PUBLIC HEARINGS REGULAR BUSINESS Received and filed 3. MCAS TUSTIN MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 1 The annual review and program memorandum provides the following: a. A general description of the project's status, including actual or projected completion dates, if known. b. The current status for each mitigation measure. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file this report. Willkom Presented the staff report. Murray Asked if staff has figures concerning vacancy rates for homes currently completed. Willkom Answered that there is no vacancy rate solely for MCAS Tustin; the State Department of Finance provides Citywide figures; the City is currently at two percent. Murray Asked if current changes in social services will impact completion of the Tustin Family Campus. Willkom Replied that construction is progressing; staff has heard nothing from Orange County Social Services that any delay is expected. Murray Asked if the current economy will impact the 192 beds at the Orange County Rescue Mission. Director Stated that soon after the Mission opened it held between 80 and 90 occupants; staff will contact the Mission to find out what the current occupancy is. Murray Asked if the City has any remaining projects with Laing. Willkom Indicated that all the projects under John Laing Homes were completed. Thompson Noted that he took a tour of the Rescue Mission facilities in December; at that time, they were about 50-60 percent occupied; the intention was to gradually fill the facility to allow for proper management at capacity. Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 2 Thompson continued Referred to the trip budget table summarized under 3-3, page 124, and how the trip budget for the overall development burn was accumulated. Anderson Stated that Public Works has entitled development equivalent to 55,481 ADTs, compared with the overall approval of 216,440 at buildout which amounts to about 26 percent. Thompson Referred to Table 4-3 that summarizes all of the on-site arterial circulation improvements that suggests most of the infrastructure is in place; and, asked staff to identify which ones are not. Anderson Referred to revised Table 4-4, page 128, which identifies the on- site ADT development thresholds and the interior roadways that will be added, improvements to existing roadways, and construction of new roadways; at the 55,000 rate, Phase 1 has been completed; everything has been constructed and completed with the exception of the second item, Barranca Parkway, Tustin Ranch Road to Jamboree Road; that road is substantially complete and open for beneficial use to the public; there are ~a few punch-list items to be worked out with the contractor to complete the project; much of the next. group down the page has not been started, some are complete; the third item, Moffett Drive, has been completed between the Peters Canyon Channel easterly to Harvard Avenue; the phasing is based upon the development that occurs. Thompson Referred to pages 57-58 under Measures HIST 3 and 4 which suggest an update since the last report; one of the hangars is considered not viable by the City; the other hangar is considered not viable by the County; and, questioned whether this means a decision has been made that neither of the hangars is to remain. Director Suggested that nothing has really changed from the last report; staff is providing as much information as there is available at this time; in 1999 the Memorandum of Agreement for the disposal and reuse of MCAS Tustin required a process; the process was not only for the City's hangar but also the County hangar to determine the economic viability for adaptive reuse; it was determined that the City's hangar was not economically viable; the County went through the same process; the difference between that marketing study and any mitigation measures if it were to be removed would be another process; there are some County processes that are ongoing to determine whether or not that hangar could still be used; if the County hangar were to be Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 3 removed, the same process would be required, i.e. the written history, illustrative history, interpretive video, etc. Thompson Stated his understanding that effort is ongoing in evaluating the viability of at least one of the hangars. Director Indicated that it was her understanding that it is not economically viable for adaptive reuse; that formal determination does not mean that it could not be used. Thompson Asked if there would be further updates in this regard with recommendations to the City Council. Director Answered that would go through the County of Orange for the County facility. Thompson Stated that his concern was losing an historic resource; the hangars are key landmarks; he understands the economic challenge involved. Requested that future updates could be shown either in bold or underline to pinpoint the items that have changed from year to year. Kasalek Added that she also believes it would be tragic to lose the hangars. Asked about the traffic flow in The District and what ongoing studies are being made in that regard. Anderson Answered that when the Tustin Ranch Road access through the Legacy to Warner Avenue back to Jamboree was completed there was a lot of traffic that was displaced from the Jamboree/Barranca intersection; it sometimes took three to four signals to get through that intersection to make a left turn from Barranca eastbound to northbound Jamboree; when the shortcut around the shopping center was opened, people started cutting through the shopping center; there is a lot of regional traffic driving through; there were many stop signs on Park Avenue to attract people who were there for shopping and the other services available; the Tustin Ranch Road route and the Barranca routes were to be used by the commuters; the traffic flow is being monitored on a regular basis; recently the traffic signal at JamboreeM/arner Avenue ramp was opened from a flashing red to a regular green cycle so that turns are coordinated; that has facilitated about 20 percent more traffic Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 4 through the shortcut off Tustin Ranch Road; the traffic signal is working better for both Tustin and Irvine; the same may be implemented at Tustin Ranch Road and Wamer Avenue which is currently on red flash to accommodate the Navy contractors that use the gate for the clean-up effort next to the southern hangar; changes are being made as the patterns are established. Kasalek Asked for more information regarding the Barranca entrance at the pedestrian crossing by the entertainment area; there are times when the traffic is backed up onto Barranca. Anderson Stated that the City is working closely with Irvine; Irvine controls that intersection; there was a lot of traffic that was not anticipated at that intersection; staff has been working with the developer who will be increasing the pocket lengths on both the left turns to accommodate more vehicles and to remove vehicles out of the through queues, thereby opening up some of the congestion; concerning the pedestrian movement, it is approximately 160 feet across that intersection; when the button is pushed, the pedestrians take priority per State guidelines. Kozak Indicated that he is also concerned about losing the hangars; at the Mayor's Inaugural Dinner, he was seated with representatives of the developers who are working with the County; this is not official, but a representative indicated that there are ongoing constructive conversations with the County; the process is moving slowly due to the financial budgetary impacts the County is facing. Thanked staff for the information regarding the hangars and other aspects of the reports, especially regarding traffic and circulation at The Legacy. Puckett Asked if there was any dateline regarding the completion of Tustin Ranch Road. Anderson Referred to page 4 of the report; the roadway is being designed in two phases; the first phase is from Warner to Valencia; the second phase is from Valencia over Edinger to Walnut Avenue; both those projects are in final design; it is hoped that final design will be reached by middle of summer this year; after that the projects will go out to bid; construction could begin by the end of the year; if so, there would be a 12- to 18-month window depending on the weather and other elements. Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 5 Kasalek Asked if there was a problem regarding the water table when Tustin Ranch Road was built over Walnut. Anderson Replied that the water table concerns were at the rail station on the south side of the railroad tracks just outside of Peppertree and also on Barranca near the channels; soil investigations have been done and no problems have been found. It was moved by Kasalek, seconded by Kozak, to receive and file. Motion carried 5-0. Received and filed 4. 1990 AND 2003 HISTORICAL SURVEYS The City of Tustin completed surveys of its historic resources in 1990 and in 2003. With the reassignment of the City's cultural and historic resources responsibilities from the former Historic Resource Committee to the Planning Commission, it is important for the Commission to understand the differences between the two surveys and how they are used in making recommendations and decisions regarding historic resources. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file this report. Reekstin Presented the staff report. Puckett Asked if staff had any idea how many cities have such a thorough report of the historic district. Reekstin Responded that the larger cities probably do not have such a survey; smaller communities that value historic preservation have similar surveys. Murray Complimented staff on an excellent report; and, asked when funding might be available for future surveys. Reekstin Replied the state makes grant funds available every year for which the City can apply; an update to the survey would be an eligible project; it is also necessary to have the staff resources available to devote to such a project, since a matching requirement is part of the grant; the amount of the grants has gone down; the City was fortunate to receive the grant amount Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 6 we did for this survey; at that time there was only one consultant interested in doing the survey for the amount we received. Murray Asked if there has been any thought toward computerizing this information, perhaps putting it on a pdf. Reekstin Indicated it would be possible to put the documents on the City's website in a pdf form. Murray Suggested that would be a very good resource to have available online. Thompson Stated that he agreed with that suggestion. Asked is there was any tracking mechanism the City uses, such as the Certificate of Appropriateness process, that could be tied to the survey. Reekstin Replied that a record of Certificates of Appropriateness is kept and could be used; the annual report to SHPO has in the past summarized additions, demolitions, etc. of historic resources; however, it would probably be necessary to do a windshield survey to ensure the structures are still there and appear to be in the same condition as before. Thompson Thanked staff for the overview. Kasalek Agreed that this was a wonderful report; and, asked if properties not represented have to wait until the next survey to be considered. Reekstin Stated that properties not in the survey would not automatically be eligible; however, if residents believe their structure is historic, staff would take a request to the City Council; the Council developed the policy for the Mills Act and could make whatever modifications might be necessary. Director Added that within the Mills Act Program D-rated structures do not conform to the policy; however, if someone were to modify such a structure to a C or higher rating, staff probably would make a positive recommendation to allow entry into a Mills Act agreement; this would require restoration to what once was. Kasalek Noted that she and Commissioner Kozak attended the historic preservation workshop in San Clemente which was very informative; San Clemente provides a lot of information on the Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 7 website and has a series of brochures to enhance recognition of the incentive program; this would be a great thing for Tustin; at present, there is very little of this type of information on Tustin's website. Kozak Agreed that the San Clemente workshop was very helpful; while he is cognizant of the budgetary restraints, he would like the Planning Commission to work with staff to analyze any options that might be available to include developments such as Broadmoor from the 1960s; based on San Clemente's information, perhaps there would be funding available through National Park grants; he encourages enhancements to the City's website to promote this important program; San Clemente also includes commercial properties in their historic area. Kasalek Added that San Clemente indicated they have 150 eligible structures and 59 participants in the Mills Act; given the comparatively small percentage of Tustin participants, perhaps a workshop similar to San Clemente's would get the word out to more residents. Kozak Encouraged input from the Tustin Conservancy Foundation and the Historical Society to develop his suggestions above. It was moved by Kozak, seconded by Thompson, to receive and file. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF CONCERNS 5. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE FEBRUARY 17, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Director Congratulated the re-appointed Planning Commissioners. Director continued Reported the City Council held the second reading of the Shopping Cart Ordinance and Prospect Village Planned Community; staff will be visiting other communities to bring some of the best ideas from empirical data collected from those cities back to the Planning Commission. Added that one of the units at Prospect Village is in escrow. COMMISSION CONCERNS Thompson Stated his understanding there are funds in the economic stimulus package designated toward programs such as the Block Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 8 Program; there should be means and methods to evaluate how, through preservation of the physical resources such as the hangars, funds could be acquired to assist in the preservation. Congratulated his fellow Commissioners on their re- appointments to the Commission. Noted that, despite all the harsh news regarding the economy, he and his wife had to wait 45 minutes to have dinner at Lucite's; this suggests the community continues to support local businesses. Murray Complimented staff on the excellent reports and wealth of information provided to the Commission. Referred to various articles that have been appearing in the newspapers regarding foreclosures; and, asked if staff has a way of tracking foreclosures in Tustin. Director Answered that, on average, the City is faring better than most other communities; staff is aware of the properties that are in foreclosure or are bank-owned; staff is tracking these properties from policing and code enforcement perspectives. Murray Mentioned that the newspaper article regarding the high cost of graffiti abatement is a big concern; perhaps it is time to revisit ways of educating the public to ways of helping to alleviate this problem. Director Stated that she and Commissioner Kozak were speaking about this earlier before the meeting; staff will bring a presentation to the Planning Commission regarding the community-wide policing on this issue; the City is embarking on a new program that staff would like to share with the Commission. Murray Offered his congratulations to his fellow Commissioners on their re-appointments. Reminded everyone that, even though there has been a lot of rain, it is still important to conserve water. Noted that he visited Kobe's on Red Hill Avenue; the food and customer service are wonderful, and it is always crowded on Friday nights. Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 9 Kasalek Congratulated her fellow Commissioners; and, thanked the Council for the re-appointment. Noted that our City's website does a great job keeping things current on community events; there is a link for a foreclosure prevention workshop which might be something residents would want to take advantage of. Asked when the street sweeping restrictions take effect. Director Stated that the ordinance was adopted and is in effect; the Field Services/Public Works Department ordered the signs. Anderson Indicated that the signs have not been installed yet on a Citywide basis. Kasalek Questioned whether this restriction would be Citywide and why some signs are covered at this time. Anderson Answered that this would be Citywide; some of the signs are covered because they were older signs; once the entire length of a street has been posted, all the signs will be visible. Kasalek Added that she has been seeing a lot of parked cars on street sweeping days; and, asked if enforcement would begin when the signs are up. Anderson Answered in the affirmative. Kozak Offered congratulations to his colleagues; stated it was an honor to be re-appointed to the Commission; and, thanked Council Member Nielsen and the Council for this opportunity. Noted that he and his family visited Roma's in Old Town over the weekend and had to wait 40 minutes for a table. Thanked staff for the recommendation regarding a graffiti presentation; it is important that the Commission be informed regarding any new efforts and how the Commission and community can help. Asked if there will be a LAFCO-SOI report any time soon. Director Stated that LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) is undertaking such a report; there is a pending hearing in March Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 10 for the North Tustin area; that hearing will probably be continued for one month; the two cities have been meeting to discuss various issues between the two jurisdictions; staff will report when more information becomes available. Kozak Thanked staff for their hard work, including the traffic engineers, community planners, and code enforcement. Puckett Added to the Tustin restaurant news that both In-N-Out Burger locations are booming. Offered his congratulations to the re-appointed Commissioners; and, added that he attended the interviews and was pleased to see there were several qualified candidates, which indicates Tustin is in good shape for years to come. Congratulated Ken Eckman, Don Ropele, and Erin Moore for their appointments to the Community Services Commission. Noted that it was nice to see former Planning Commission Chair John Nielsen in the audience. Indicated that March 1 marks the end of his 34~' year in Tustin; as a kid growing up in southeast Kansas, he had no idea he would end up in California; his work brought him here; he could not have picked a better place to live; he intends to spend many more years here. Reminded everyone that the Miss Tustin Pageant takes place March 7 at Beckman High School. 8:15 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Minutes -Planning Commission February 24, 2009 -Page 11