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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/03/12 - Minutes - Joint Meeting with P.C.March 12, 2009 RANCHO CUCAMONGA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, FIRE DISTRICT AND CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER The joint meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District, and City Council and the Planning Commission convened in the Cultural Center South at Victoria Gardens, located at 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman/PresidenUMayor Donald J. Kurth called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Present were Agencymembers/Boardmembers/Councilmembers: Rex Gutierrez, Sam Spagnolo, Diane Williams, Vice Chairman/Vice PresidenUMayor Pro Tem L. Dennis Michael and Chairman/PresidenUMayor Donald J. Kurth. Present were Planning Commissionmembers: Howdyshell, Stewart, Wimberly, Vice Chairman Munoz and Chairman Fletcher. Also present were: Jack Lam, City Manager; James Troyer, Planning Director; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary and Debra McKay, Records Manager/Assistant City Clerk. Sam Gennawey, Senior Project Manager for Hogle-Ireland, Inc. facilitated the meeting. B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Roy LaPerry commended the Planning Commission and staff for preserving the gas station at Foothill and Archibald. Helda Phillips spoke about the need to preserve the City's natural resources. She suggested birdbaths and a dog park at Central Park and a museum in the City. Also, she requested that refreshments be provided for people using the Etiwanda walking trail. Christopher Weller addressed the goal of sustainability and suggested that wind turbines and local currency be established. C. ITEM FOR DISCUSSION A. REVIEW AND COMMENTS ON THE "THE SPIRIT OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA" GUIDING PRINCIPLES James Troyer, Planning Director, presented the staff report. Sam Gennawey, Senior Project Manager for Hogle-Ireland, Inc. received the following comments from the audience on the Spirit of Rancho Cucamonga guiding principles: A comment was made that the Founder's Day parade is commercialized and does not belong at Victoria Gardens. Citrus plantings are not currently represented. A suggestion was made that the City designate citrus groves and vineyards. A suggestion was made that people should focus on home food production. The speaker indicated that empty storefronts could be turned into live/work units, and that there should be a link with transportation systems. Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District, City Council Minutes Joint Meeting with Planning Commission Minutes March 12, 2009 Page 2 of 3 There is a need to reutilize (not modernize) buildings. In response to the speaker, Mr. Gennaway suggested that the word, "revitalize' be used. A comment was made that the statement regarding open space is too vague; "whenever possible" is weak language, the speaker wanted more protection of hillsides. The statement should be written for residents, not for developers. Comments were made that: 1) The Spirit of Heritage statement does not necessarily reflect where we are now; 2) the walls on east/west corridors prevent views; 3) There is a need for diverse housing stock, more could be done could do more small single/family detached homes; 4) Currently, noticing is not adequate for single/family infill developments; 5) The reference to national tournaments should be removed, as it is not likely to happen. A suggestion was made that recycling electronics needs to be more convenient for residents. It was noted that the language gives emphasis to business, not residents. A speaker expressed a concern with notifcation about General Plan meetings. A comment was made that more emphasis should be made on the need to preserve the hillsides at the Claremont Wilderness Park. The speaker suggested that the City should start or host a speaker series to discuss ideas and educational advances. A speaker suggested that each section of the Guiding Principles should reference the need for sustainability. A comment was made that services should not be too expensive. The need for water sustainability was stated. Composting was encouraged. The speaker spoke about the use of a Verni-composter. He suggested that people should be educated regarding home sustainability. A suggestion was made to reclaim the water from the melting snow pack. The speaker liked the concept of Victory Gardens, noted that adult school should be offered at the high schools and suggested that more forums be held. A concern was raised regarding the water rates and it was suggested that the two month cycle be eliminated. A comment was made regarding the need for more community outreach and better communication. Perhaps a Department could be formed that was devoted to community connections. A concern was raised regarding the aging Etiwanda infrastructure. The City should allow windmills to produce our own electricity. A speaker noted that building should be limited in the fire prone areas. Redevelopment Agency, Fire Protection District, City Council Joint Meeting with Planning Commission Minutes March 12, 2009 Page 3 of 3 D. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Kurth adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. in honor of conservation and the revitalization of the City. Respectfully submitted, ~~ ~c~~ D bra L. McKay, MMC As istant City Clerk/Records Manager Approved by City Council: April 1, 2009 Approved by Planning Commission, 4-0-1 (Wimberly absent): April 8, 2009