HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 PC Minutes 4-24-07ITEM #3
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 24, 2007
7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER
Given PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Floyd
Chair Pro Tem Puckett
Commissioner Kozak, Lee, and Nielsen
Staff present Elizabeth Binsack, Community Development Director
Christine Shingleton, Assistant City Manager
David Kendig, Deputy City Attorney
Dana Ogdon, Assistant Community Development Director
Scott Reekstin, Senior Planner
Justina Willkom, Senior Planner
Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary
None PUBLIC CONCERNS
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approved 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — APRIL 10, 2007, PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING.
It was moved by Puckett, seconded by Kozak, to approve the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
None PUBLIC HEARINGS
REGULAR BUSINESS
Given 2. PRESENTATION ON MAJOR ELEMENTS OF
AMENDMENTS TO THE DISPOSITION AND
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE
CITY OF TUSTIN AND TUSTIN LEGACY PARTNERS LLC;
THE PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES WITHIN THE
PROJECT AREAS; AND, THE RELATIONSHIP AND
STATUS OF THE LINEAL PARK DESIGN.
Shingleton Presented a PowerPoint show with an overview of the Master
Developer's plans for developing the Legacy; and, indicated she
would be willing to return to the Planning Commission on a regular
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 1
basis to answer questions and provide whatever presentations
necessary to keep the Commission apprised of ongoing
developments.
Floyd Indicated that would be appreciated since the Commissioners get a
lot of questions to which it would be good to have answers; the
presentation this evening was especially helpful in solidifying the
concept of the bridges that are replacing the arches originally
planned.
Shingleton Stated that the Master Developer must spend a minimum of $20
million on the three bridges.
Nielsen Asked if any updates were available regarding the adjacent County
park.
Shingleton Answered that the County has entered into an exclusive agreement
to negotiate with Industrial Realty Group (IRG). It is expected that
IRG will take approximately two -three months to prepare a more
detailed concept plan; at that point, the County, City and IRG will
make a presentation to the Advisory Council and National Park
Service; the challenge is the threshold of commercialization
anticipated to be proposed by IRG; the County has requested the
property as a public benefit conveyance to be used for public
purposes; the developer is proposing over 790,000 square feet of
commercial/retail use; this level or threshold commercialization is
much higher than what the Park Service has seen. The trade-off is,
without the commercialization, it may be difficult to save the hangar;
there will be a strong lobbying effort mounted in approaching the
federal government working with IRG and the County. If we are
unsuccessful, other options will need to be considered.
Floyd Asked how much of the square feet of retail would be the hangar
portion.
Shingleton Stated the hangar is currently 300,000 square feet, but the proposal
considers interior space that could include two or three levels which
could double or triple the available space; a wing could also be
added to support a major retailer that would be designed to support
other recreational and park uses on the site.
Floyd Suggested that everything planned could be within the hangar.
Shingleton Answered that would be unlikely; at least 100,000 square feet of
alteration may be in addition to the hangar; 3,000 to 4,000 people
per day are anticipated to be drawn to the proposed retail use.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 2
Nielsen Indicated that he hoped the hangar can be saved
Asked if the Development Agreement discussion regarding the
guest parking had been resolved.
Shingleton Answered in the negative; the item will be continued again.
Floyd Stated he wished to speak about this issue further during
Commissioner concerns.
Shingleton Indicated that the City also needs to consider what is fair in terms of
what has been asked of the other developers at the Legacy.
Kozak Asked the Assistant City Manager to provide an example.
Shingleton Stated that Lennar was approved for 1500 units with certain parking
accommodations; TLCP should receive the same equal and fair
consideration; the City is a real estate partner with this entity and
receives a backside portion of the participation on a threshold of
internal rate of return that may be exceeded and has a financial
stake in this developer being successful and also has a stake in
ensuring that the quality of the neighborhoods are protected.
Nielsen Thanked the Assistant City Manager for the presentation and for
answering the questions.
Given 3. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE EXISTING
CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCE DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES; AND, AGENDIZE THE CONSIDE-
ATION OF AN UPDATED WORK PROGRAM FOR A
FUTURE MEETING.
Reekstin Presented the staff report.
Nielsen Asked if during the past two years the HRC looked at updating the
Residential Design Guidelines.
Reekstin Answered in the negative; and, added that some consideration was
given to commercial design guidelines to supplement the residential
design guidelines.
Nielsen Asked if the HRC planned outreach to the School District regarding
making presentations on Old Town history.
Reekstin Responded that outreach was always a concern perhaps not
specifically to the School District but to various groups and to invite
the public to attend discussion sessions such as the Mills Act
program and other programs related to historic preservation that the
City offers.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 3
Nielsen Stated his question related more to reaching out to the schools; Old
Town presents a phenomenal resource history and outreach to the
School District would seem advisable.
Reekstin Indicated he had no recollection of any outreach over the years that
targeted school children.
Nielsen Asked for an update regarding the El Camino Park that was
mentioned in the minutes.
Director Stated the reference was to a vacant parcel that is owned by the
Redevelopment Agency; Public Works commenced development of
the respite, but staff will have to bring back information whether or
not the project is complete.
Kozak Added his recollection that at one time connectivity to the parking
structure was proposed.
Director Affirmed Commissioner Kozak's recollection.
Nielsen Asked how far the HRC proceeded regarding the commercial
design guidelines.
Reekstin Responded the suggestion was discussed preliminarily as a desire
to look into the idea, but no further staff involvement took place.
Kozak Commented that the members of the Planning Commission are
committed to the stewardship of the HRC and to preservation and
revitalization of Old Town and the historic Overlay District;
members of the Commission have registered for the OHP
Workshop May 3`d; the Commission will make decisions involving
Old Town preservation and related matters within the context that
all Commission decisions are made, i.e. in the best interests of the
community; he supports preservation and revitalization of Old Town
and is excited about the opportunity to participate in the process
and offered the following suggestions for the work plan:
• Institute a multi-year program with annual goals
• Review and update the Design Guidelines
• Create Commercial Design Guidelines
• Preserve the CLG and Overlay District
• Weigh in on the ULI Town Center Study
• Update the Historical Survey every five years
Floyd Asked staff for information regarding the Historical Survey and
staff's involvement in that process.
Reekstin Answered that the Survey was comprehensively updated five years
ago; ten years might be a more realistic time frame for updating the
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 4
survey given the housing stock that would be included; houses that
are 50 years old will soon be homes that were built in the 60s;
historic preservation professionals are looking at the issue of
dealing with those types of properties that were often tract homes
rather than custom homes.
Floyd Stated the Commission needs to look at the last Survey to make a
determination how to proceed.
Kozak Indicated it was not his intention to assign dates but only to suggest
a working relationship between staff and the Commission and also
interested parties in the community; work effort priorities need to be
established and then scheduled over time in order for the
Commission to present to the community their active engagement
in the process.
Nielsen Suggested that perhaps a work plan should be outlined and then a
group workshop scheduled that would include interested parties
providing their input.
Kozak Noted that would demonstrate the support of the program as it goes
forward to the City Council.
Floyd Stated his understanding that workshops would include invitations
to the interested parties to attend and provide comments.
Noted that there were several people at the City Council meeting
voicing their concerns regarding the consolidation of the HRC into
the Planning Commission, especially given that none of the
Commissioners live in Old Town and did not have a vested interest
in the Overlay District; that presumption is not true; every street in
the City if equally important; the Planning Commission has always
supported the preservation of the historic district.
Kozak Added that the Planning Commission will bring a deliberate and
iterative process to the work that comes before the Commission;
there is a lot of work to do and the input from the community will
enhance the process.
Puckett Indicated that an Old Town resident approached him at the
Business Expo with the question whether or not the Planning
Commission will be able to do as good a job as the HRC; he
answered that the Planning Commission shares the concerns of the
residents of Old Town.
Floyd Noted that the Mills Act should also be the subject of a workshop;
and, referred to a recent article in the newspaper describing the
impact of the Mills Act on historic communities.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 5
Floyd continued The commendation program needs to continue and may require
working with former members of the HRC.
The Residential Design Guidelines need to be updated and
commercial guidelines created.
Puckett Asked about the plaques that designate historic homes, how the
homes are nominated, who pays the cost of the plaque, and how
many homeowners have accepted/declined the plaque designation.
Reekstin Answered that the cost is borne by the homeowner; the Council
authorized up to four plaques per year that would be paid for by the
City under the commendation program; there are no figures
available for those who have declined a plaque.
Director Suggested that developing a work program will take some time; the
Commissioners' feedback has been beneficial; staff will bring back
more information; short-term goals with programs continuing would
be the best way to begin; items can be agendized.
Floyd Asked if staff would have items that could be agendized during the
next quarter.
Director Answered in the affirmative; and, noted the article referred to above
was in the Sunday LA Times; staff will e-mail the article to the
Planning Commission.
STAFF CONCERNS
4. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE APRIL 17, 2007,
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
Director reported The City Council heard an in -building public safety radio coverage
ordinance related to the 800 MHz program; as evidenced in the
Legacy presentation, more dense, subterranean buildings are
planned in the future, which may impair police and fire
communications; there will be a repeater system within some of the
structures; the City adopted an ordinance that amended the local
Building Ordinance to incorporate those requirements; staff will be
meeting with the City of Irvine to discuss how to make the system
work seamlessly as they have already adopted an ordinance.
Floyd Stated he was not aware of Tustin having any buildings that would
be affected.
Director Indicated there are not any buildings currently but there will be.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 6
Director continued The City Council held the public hearing on the 2007-08 CDBG
one-year action plan; staff will be making application to HUD.
The City Council held the first reading on the Historic Resource
Committee/Planning Commission consolidation; the second reading
will take place at the next Council meeting; the ordinance will take
effect thirty days beyond that meeting.
The City Council considered the Specific Plan Amendment related
to parking; a discussion occurred at the meeting regarding whether
or not that was the same ordinance the Planning Commission
considered; it was; however, the ordinance the Planning
Commission considered pertained to tandem parking and compact
issues in certain locations; an issue that was addressed at the City
Council meeting was a footnote related to guest parking that was
not a part of the amendment.
Floyd Noted that the Planning Commission did not receive quite the same
presentation the Council received; the Commission is on record as
being concerned about parking issues on projects such as
Arborwalk and guest parking overflowing onto Newport Avenue.
Director Added that, in general, parking is an issue; establishing a standard
may work in one instance and not in another.
Kozak Suggested that a policy allowing parking in the public right-of-way
to count against requirements for a private development would
create a lower standard.
Director Stated that would be difficult to answer; for example, in Tustin
Ranch, public streets for single family residences were permitted to
count toward guest parking requirements; however, those also
included longer driveways, sometimes a three -car garage was
required, or larger driveway aprons may have been required; this
may not be the case in other planned communities.
Floyd Indicated that his community is restricted to two automobiles per
house.
Nielsen Pointed out there are also different requirements at Tustin Field.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Nielsen Congratulated Pat Sanchez, Director of Parks and Recreation, on
his retirement; he has been a friend to the community of Tustin and
has gone above and beyond the call of duty; he will be sorely
missed.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 7
Nielsen continued Stated he attended the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
which was a very good event for looking at all the businesses in
Tustin and to talk with people; anyone wanting to know about any
of the businesses in Tustin should make very effort to attend this
event next year.
Noted his appreciation of all the volunteerism of those who served
on the Cultural Resources/Historic Resource Committee (HRC);
they did a good job and kept people interested in the Old Town
district; he wished to reassure the former members of the HRC that
he takes very seriously the responsibilities the HRC performed prior
to the assignment of those duties to the Planning Commission; the
goals and commitment will not be diminished, and the Commission
has no plans to bulldoze and plant; his formative years were spent
in a Victorian home that was bulldozed for the construction of
apartment buildings; his dedication to the preservation of historic
homes remains strong.
Lee Thanked the Assistant City Manager for the presentation regarding
the master developer's plans for the Legacy.
Added his commitment to preserving Old Town; and, stated it will
be exciting for the Planning Commission to get involved in another
aspect of the community.
Kozak Added his thanks to the Assistant City Manager for the update on
the changes to the DDA with Tustin Legacy Community Partners
and also for providing a better understanding of the location,
design, and scale of the bridges.
Indicated that the responsibilities of the HRC will not be taken
lightly; he has been a member of the National Trust for Historic
Preservation for years, and this gives him an opportunity to learn
more about preservation and get involved in the Tustin community.
Noted he is looking forward to the training on May 3rd at the
Preservation Conference in Hollywood.
Mentioned there was an article in the Orange County Register
about the fund-raising efforts of the children at St. Jeanne de
Lestonnac, one of 102 schools and 26 countries that are raising a
minimum of $10,000 to build a $1,000,000 school in the Congo that
will have 28 classrooms and serve 1400 elementary students
through the high school grades; this is related to the 400th
anniversary of The Company of Mary and the gift of education; the
local St. Jeanne school has raised $7,000 of their $10,000
commitment.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 8
Kozak continued Indicated he is interested in learning more about what the
Commission can do about a voluntary green program for the City of
Tustin; and, asked that staff bring back information for the
Commission to consider.
Puckett Echoed the other Commissioners' comments regarding the Legacy
presentation; this area will be a destination point of which the City
can be proud.
Encouraged everyone to attend the luncheon for Pat Sanchez
tomorrow at the Community Center.
Congratulated the Chamber on the fine job they did on the
Business Expo, which was completely sold out.
Stated he is also looking forward to the May 3`d training session.
Floyd Noted that the Commissioners probably should not carpool to
Hollywood due to Brown Act restrictions.
Kendig Stated that no more than two Commissioners should ride per
vehicle; and, added that the Commissioners should also take care
not to convene and discuss Planning Commission items.
Puckett Congratulated Chair Floyd on his appointment to the Tustin
Community Foundation; there were 15 Board members selected
from throughout the City; Erin Nielsen is also a member of the
Foundation.
Floyd Thanked Commissioner Puckett, indicating he is honored and
looking forward to working with the Foundation.
Reiterated that residents of Old Town should be reassured that the
Planning Commission will take seriously the responsibilities the
Council has given to the Commission to preserve and protect and
move forward and will ask for recommendations from the residents
of Old Town.
Indicated he will be attending the Sanchez retirement luncheon.
Commended the Chamber of Commerce regarding the success of
the Business Expo, which gets bigger and better every year.
Thanked staff for the two presentations this evening.
Stated The District at the Legacy and the master developer project
are awesome projects for which the City should be receiving more
publicity.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 9
Director Noted that TJ Maxx is stocking and hiring.
Floyd Asked if the May 10 opening for some stores is still accurate.
Director Indicated that some temporary certificates of occupancy may be
issued; staff will update the Commission as things move along.
8:27 p.m. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held
Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber
at 300 Centennial Way.
Minutes — Planning Commission 4-24-07 — Page 10