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Home My WebLink AboutPC Minutes 09-13-04 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Lee sworn in by City Council Member Doug Davert Nielsen selected: Chairperson Menard selected: Chairperson Pro Tern Nielsen Given All present Staff present Jerry Amante MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 CALL TO ORDER 1. SEATING OF COMMISSIONER JAMES LEE. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION: RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission follow procedures contained in the staff report to elect a Chairperson and Chairperson Pro Tern. It was moved by Pontious, seconded by Menard, to nominate John Nielsen Chairperson. Motion carried 5-0. Thanked Commissioner Pontious for nominating him and for her service as interim Chair between Mr. Amante's resignation and this meeting and for her guidance on the Commission; and, asked for nominations for Chairperson Pro Tern. It was moved by Floyd, seconded by Pontious, to nominate Nathan Menard Chairperson Pro Tern. Motion carried 5-0. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Elizabeth Binsack, Community Development Director Doug Holland, Assistant City Attorney Justina Willkom, Associate Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS Former Planning Commission Chairperson Amante came to the lectern to congratulate Commissioners Nielsen and Menard on their respective selections; welcomed Commissioner Lee; and, indicated he misses serving with the Commissioners but is confident the Commission will continue to provide great service to the City. Minutes - Planning Commission 9-13-04 - Page 1 Approved Adopted Resolution No. 3930 7:07 p.m. Willkom Nielsen Tim Pitts, representing Remarc Management Menard Mr. Pitts CONSENT CALENDAR 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST 23, 2004, CONTINUED SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. It was moved by Pontious, seconded by Menard, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARING 4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 04-021 REQUESTING AN AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE PLAZA LAFAYETTE SHOPPING CENTER BY REPLACING AN EXISTING CENTER IDENTIFICATION POLE SIGN WITH A NEW POLE SIGN IDENTIFYING THE CENTER AND MAJOR TENANTS. THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED AT 13011- 13051 NEWPORT AVENUE IN THE CENTRAL COMMERCIAL (C-2) ZONING DISTRICT. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3930 approving Conditional Use Permit 04-021 amending the existing master sign program for the Plaza Lafayette shopping center. The Public Hearing opened. Presented the staff report. Invited the applicant's representative to the lectern. Stated he attends public meetings all over the State; tonight's presentation was the best he has seen; the presentation made it very easy to understand the project; the sign proposed is aesthetically pleasing for the property and the City; requested Commission approval; and, agreed to abide by all the conditions of approval. Asked why additional tenant signage is necessary. Answered that most tenants look for identification in a center; since leasing space is so competitive, signage is often a part of the lease. Minutes - Planning Commission 9-13-04 - Page 2 Menard Asked if the sign code exception is being driven by one particular tenant. Mr. Pitts Answered the applicant is trying to upgrade the sign program to make the signage competitive with other signs in the vicinity; the foremost request to stay within the requirements has been met. 7:16 p.m. The Public Hearing closed. Pontious Expressed concerns regarding this exception; the findings do not support the uniqueness of this project and do not warrant allowing the major tenant signage; this may set a precedent for anyone in the City to follow; this application should be denied. Floyd Stated that he understands the competition that exists for businesses in any city; he has no problem with the proposed signage; the Planning Commission should be concerned that an 18 to 22 percent vacancy factor exists and do what is necessary to prevent such vacancies; he supports this project. Lee Asked if all the signage spaces are occupied. Staff Indicated that the property owner has not assigned the four remaining tenant spaces; the agreement is that the five major tenants may occupy that space. Nielsen Stated his major concerns were creating a precedent and the expansion of Newport Avenue perhaps requiring an adjustment or modification to the sign at some point; tenants who do not have a location within the center that provides sign visibility from Newport may be at a disadvantage; the property is unique in shape and, therefore, a sign code exception is acceptable. It was moved by Floyd, seconded by Menard, to adopt Resolution No. 3930. Motion carried 4-1. Pontious, no Nielsen Thanked Mr. Pitts for attending and staff for the presentation. None REGULAR BUSINESS STAFF CONCERNS 5. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE SEPTEMBER 7, 2004, CITY COUNCIL MEETING Director Congratulated the Commissioners on the various appointments. Indicated interviews were conducted; congratulated Planning Commissioner Jim Lee on his appointment; stated that new Minutes - Planning Commission 9-13-04 - Page 3 Cultural Resources Advisory Committee appointed as follows: members were Linda Jennings John Radice Carol Tink-Fox Brian Sjoberg (re-appointed). Stated the recent Density Bonus Workshop was beneficial to the City Council; and, suggested that, since the density bonus will be coming before the Planning Commission, a workshop can be scheduled prior to the regular meeting for which the item is scheduled. Nielsen Asked when the Cultural Resources Advisory Committee will be meeting. Director Indicated those meetings are being coordinated now; the plan is for the meetings to be held on Monday as was done in the past. Floyd Asked if there is a plan to change the name of the Committee. Director Answered in the negative, but stated various issues will be discussed related to the Committee's tasks, functions, etc. COMMISSION CONCERNS Pontious Complimented her fellow Commissioners on their appointments as Chairperson and Chairperson Pro Tern; welcomed Commissioner Lee; and, indicated she is always available to provide any assistance they may require. Menard Thanked his colleagues for selecting him as Chairperson Pro Tern. Welcomed Commissioner Lee. Stated it was a pleasure to again see former Commissioner Amante in the audience. Floyd Welcomed Commissioner Lee not only as a Commissioner, but also as a recent resident to the City. Congratulated Commissioners Nielsen and Menard. Lee Thanked his colleagues for their welcome; and, stated he looks forward to working with staff and the other Commissioners. Minutes - Planning Commission 9-13-04 - Page 4 Nielsen Thanked Commissioner Pontious for her guidance and support. Thanked his colleagues for supporting him as Chairperson. Congratulated Commissioners Menard and Lee. Reminded everyone to attend Tustin Tiller Days. Stated he noticed signs indicating the Red Hill widening will be taking place between September and December; and, asked staff if they could provide a narrower scope of that project. Director Indicated staff will follow up. Nielsen Asked when the repaving on Walnut between Red Hill and Browning will occur. Director Responded that staff will find out and let the Commissioners know. Nielsen Thanked staff for their patience concerning his shaky start as Chairperson. Thanked staff for the presentation. 7:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Pontious, seconded by Floyd, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Monday, September 27, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Chairperson &~/5~J Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary Minutes - Planning Commission 9-13-04 - Page 5