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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 PC Minutes 7-10-07ITEM #1 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 10, 2007 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Given PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Present: Chair Floyd Chair Pro Tem Nielsen Commissioners Kozak, Murray, and Puckett Staff present Elizabeth Binsack, Community Development Director 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 -JUNE 12, 2007, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. It was moved by Puckett, seconded by Murray, to approve the Minutes. Motion carried 5-0. Approved 2. TUSTIN HISTORIC REGISTER NOMINATION -455 WEST THIRD STREET RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve the nomination of 455 West Third Street to the Tustin Historic Register Plaque Designation Program. Floyd Indicated that Commissioner Nielsen wished to pull Item No. 2 for discussion. Nielsen Stated that he felt it was important to recognize and comment on these nominations; he visited the property and found a beautifully well-kept home; he heartily endorsed the recommendation. Minutes -Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 1 Floyd Noted that he also visited the property and was impressed by its appearance; the property owners are Dave and Sandra Rost and the historic name is "The Silber House." Murray Added that he also drove by the house and felt the white picket fence provided a very nice touch; and, indicated there seems to be a renovation underway at the property on the corner of A and Third Streets. It was moved by Nielsen, seconded by Puckett, to approve the recommendation. Motion carried 5-0. None PUBLIC HEARINGS REGULAR BUSINESS Provided direction 3. TOUR OF OLD TOWN RESIDENTIAL AREA to staff Based on staff's suggestions presented in the report, the Planning Commission should provide specific direction to staff regarding the proposed tour of the Old Town residential area, including the format, route, meeting location, and public outreach. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission provide direction to staff. Reekstin Presented the staff report. Floyd Interrupted to state that the tour can start at the Senior Center, but the regular Planning Commission meeting would need begin in the Council Chamber at 7:00 p.m. Reekstin Continued with the report, pointing out the route and the stops where the people on the tour may exit the van and walk for a short distance to focus on the architecture in the area. Murray Complimented staff on the report; and, suggested that it may be beneficial to have a digital camera available along the route in order to photograph notable structures and also to have a checklist of the focal points with space for taking notes. Reekstin Indicated that staff plans to prepare more detailed information for use on the tour. Puckett Asked if this will be a walking tour. Minutes -Planning Commission 7-1 D-07 -Page 2 Reekstin Answered the proposal is for a van route with a stop; the dashed portion shown on the route would be the walking portion; those unable to walk could remain on the van as the driver would continue to drive the van to the next point. Puckett Indicated that he would be fine with whatever staff arranges. Floyd Pointed out the van stops would be posted ahead of time so that residents or others would know what the time frame might be. Reekstin Noted that staff is still working on the noticing aspect of the tour. Nielsen Questioned whether the noticing would be major public media or individual mailers. Kendig Stated that staff will comply with Brown Act requirements regarding the noticing. Nielsen Suggested that starting at the Senior Center and winding up at the Council Chamber would require a special meeting notice. Kendig Responded in the affirmative; there would be two meetings; the route would be described for the special meeting but would not include a specific time commitment. Nielsen Indicated his understanding that the City Attorney had trepidation regarding this format; and, asked if the new plan would be acceptable. Kendig Answered in the affirmative. Kozak Asked if the two meetings would be linked in terms of having discussion at the regular meeting about issues raised on the tour. Kendig Stated that would be up to the Planning Commission; the item could be included on the agenda. Director Noted it would be beneficial for staff to hear the Planning Commissioners' thoughts at the regular meeting in order to compile that information. Floyd Indicated that, since Commissioner Kozak will be absent from the July 24, 2007, meeting, the tour should be planned for a meeting in August. Nielsen Stated it is important that all the Commissioners be in attendance. Floyd Suggested that perhaps the first meeting in August would be a possible alternative. Minutes -Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 3 Director Asked for direction from the Planning Commission regarding notification; reiterated the suggested forms of notification presented in the staff report; and, indicated that targeted mailing would perhaps be more appropriate than a mailing to all the residents in the vicinity. Floyd Agreed that blanket mailings are not the best method in these cases, because someone will always be missed; the Chamber of Commerce is a good outreach source. Nielsen Stated that it is important to contact the groups directly related to preservation; a mailing to all the property owners may be cost prohibitive. Floyd Suggested that an article in the newspaper by the local reporter would be a possible way to assist the residents of the community in understanding the purpose of these tours. Murray Asked if the Director had a recommendation fora particular outreach medium that would be the most effective. Director Answered that in the past outreach was provided to all the people mentioned above, but the question was why a direct mailing to everyone in the District was not done; part of the concern of a direct mailing is that current property owners are not always known; there is also a risk of setting a precedent. Floyd Reiterated that the newspaper article/press release, targeted mailing, and information posted on the City's website seem to be the most logical plan. Director Indicated that staff can also poll the leadership of the preservation groups for names of other individuals who would like notification. Kozak Stated his agreement with Chair Floyd's comment; and, added that the Planning Commission's new role in the area of historic preservation requires special attention to Old Town for educational purposes; the more input the better in terms of the work program being established. Murray Suggested that postings in the area of the Concerts in the Park could be acost-effective approach to reaching the residents. Floyd Asked if there might be an informational City booth at the concerts. Director Indicated staff could check on that possibility. Puckett Stated his approval of the plan. Minutes -Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 4 Received and 4. FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 IN REVIEW filed The Community Development Department Activity -Fiscal Year 2006-2007 in Review briefly describes the total number of discretionary projects (i.e. Conditional Use Permits, Design Reviews, Subdivision Maps, etc.), major accomplishments for various functional areas within the Community Development Department, and Building Division activity. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive and file. Director Indicated that staff had formerly presented this report on a calendar year and would be switching to the fiscal year because it is easier for budgeting purposes; and, suggested that .the Commissioners might want to highlight special projects of interest for a future tour. Nielsen Mentioned that this report shows how much work has been accomplished in a short period of time; and, complimented staff on their hard work. Asked how Ainsley Park and the senior housing project are coming along. Director Indicated that both are going well; and, explained how the developer met the building permit thresholds. Floyd Suggested this report should be on the City's website. Director Answered that staff would check into that possibility; the information was provided to Lisa Woolery, the City's Communications Manager; it is likely she will be providing some of the information to the newspaper. Nielsen Asked for an update regarding the circulation issues with the cities of Irvine and Santa Ana. Director Indicated the City is still working with the City of Newport Beach on the issues pertaining to the IBC and the pending lawsuit; the City continues to meet with the Santa Ana staff regarding mitigation measures. Kozak Asked for the status of Cathy's Kids and the Strata project at Mitchell and Newport. Director Responded that Cathy's Kids still has an active building permit; the temporary use permit expires in October. Minutes -Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 5 Kozak Asked if the project is on schedule. Director Answered in the negative. Floyd Mentioned that the Planning Commission granted a 30-day extension. Director Stated that the project is behind schedule even with the extension. Indicated that Strata and Public Works are in discussions regarding the corner parcel. Puckett Referred to the temporary sign at Danny's Carwash; and, stated his assumption that a permanent sign will be installed when the driveway work is completed. Director Indicated that is staff's expectation. Puckett Referred to the graffiti statistics; and, asked if those are up or down from previous years. Director Answered that staff is taking a proposed ordinance to the City Council next Tuesday; the City spent approximately $173,000 the last fiscal year on graffiti removal, which is significantly more than was spent the previous year; Code Enforcement Officer George Wiesinger is preparing a chart that shows the comparative numbers; staff is asking that Council consider graffiti on facilities within the public right of way be removed within 48 hours or the City can recover its costs for that removal. Puckett Suggested that graffiti removal involves more than spray paint. Director Stated that any nuisance condition would be included. Murray Asked, since graffiti can be considered a quality of life issue, if there would be any way to assess a fine to the violators. Director Indicated staff and the Police Department have been considering that possibility, but it is difficult process. Floyd Noted that it is often hard to identify the offender(s); referred to white goods removal, the recovery of those costs, and the new ordinance regarding signs that includes cost recovery for removal of illegal signs. Kozak Encouraged staff to include decals in the definition of graffiti; these decals are often on publicly owned signs and create a visual blight. Minutes -Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 6 Director Indicated her belief that the graffiti definition is broad enough to include decals; staff will double check. It was moved by Puckett, seconded by Murray, to receive and file the report. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF CONCERNS 7. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE JUNE 19 AND JULY 3, 2007, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Director Reported that the City Council considered proposed City branding which may mean modification of the City's logo; staff will bring further information to the Planning Commission when it becomes available. COMMISSION CONCERNS Puckett Stated he was happy to be back in Tustin after a trip to Kansas and Oklahoma where the flooding has been unbelievable. Indicated he plans to attend the ribbon-cutting at Farmers & Merchants Bank tomorrow at The District; it is important that the Commissioners show their support by attending these events if at all possible. Noted that the progress at The District is wonderful to behold and a great thing for Tustin. Murray Added that he has been attending the ribbon-cuttings and enjoying the development of The District; noted he was pleased to see the water element is getting started; and, complimented the Commissioners and staff for the planning that went into this project. Added that the Chamber of Commerce notifications are very helpful and appreciated; and, noted the Recording Secretary has provided helpful information to him as a new Commissioner. Puckett Noted that the Commissioners have not missed aribbon-cutting since the Recording Secretary began e-mailing the Chamber flyers. Kozak Offered his congratulations to City Councilman Jim Palmer regarding his selection to the Corporation for National and Community Service, nominated by the President in May, and recently confirmed by the Senate; the Corporation oversees AmeriCorp, SeniorCorp, and FreedomCorp. Minutes -Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 7 Kozak continued Complimented all those involved in the spectacular Fourth of July program; the finale was the best he had ever seen. Thanked staff for their hard work. Nielsen Added his congratulations to Councilman Palmer; no one is better- deserving of such a national appointment. Echoed Commissioner Kozak regarding the Fourth of July program and the workers involved; the event was very well attended; the cover band actually looked like the Rolling Stones. Congratulated the residents of Tustin Meadows for their annual Fourth of July parade, which has turned into a community event; it was good to see Chairman Floyd on a vehicle, waving to the people and throwing candy to the children. Puckett Asked what kind of vehicle the Chair was riding on. Floyd Stated that it was a new Ford Mustang convertible. Nielsen Reminded everyone the Trolley Tours begin the 21St of Juiy; and, encouraged everyone to enjoy a ride. Noted that the ribbon-cuttings have been enjoyable to attend; it is wonderful to see the businesses opening in The District and other parts of the City. Commended the Chamber for doing a great job keeping everyone informed regarding this hectic pace. Floyd Added his congratulations to Councilman Palmer; his involvement in the community is amazing and being awarded a Presidential seat is wonderful honor for him and the City, the County, and the State of California. Thanked Tustin Meadows for inviting him to participate in the Fourth of July celebration; the residents are to be commended for a tremendous party and parade. Reminded everyone that Concerts in Park will be continuing on Wednesday evenings, after the break for the Fourth of July. Encouraged Tustin residents to support the The District and to take advantage of the online for free popcorn at the AMC theaters. businesses opening in free coupons available Minutes -Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 8 Floyd continued Thanked Cox cable for the first televised Planning Commission meeting. 7:50 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Minutes- Planning Commission 7-10-07 -Page 9