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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/04/22 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC • CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting April 22, 2009 Chairman Fletcher called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. ROLL CALL • COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Richard Fletcher, Frances Howdyshell, Lou Munoz, Pam Stewart, Ray Wimberly ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Corkran Nicholson, Assistant Planning Director; Lois Schrader, Planning Commission Secretary; James Troyer, Planning Director; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner ANNOUNCEMENTS None - NEW BUSINESS A. PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW DRC2009-00261 - RJM DESIGN GROUP INC. - A review of conceptual plans for Phase II of Central Park Master Plan,that includes an Aquatic Center and indoor pool, fire station, park maintenance center, general park amenities, and associated parking with future gymnasium, tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts. Located on the north west corner of Spruce Avenue and Base Line Road (western most 33 acres of the 100 acre Central Park site) - APN: 107659101 thru 07. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, introduced Kevin McArdle, Community Services Director, the RJM design team and noted Fire Chief Peter Bryan was also present. He commented that Planning Staff does not have any major issues with the proposed design and there are only minor issues regarding trails and architectural and material details. Kevin McArdle noted that this review is of Phase II of the Central Park site and includes an aquatic center, maintenance support facilities, a fire station, and park area. He said they plan to design the facility, get ready to bid,and then build at the right time. He said the economy would have to support the ongoing operations of the park, so the time to start construction is unknown at this time. He introduced Karen McGuire Emory and the RJM team: Bob Mueting, Larry Mouri, and Bob Coffee. He also noted that Rubio Medina from RRM design was present and would discuss the design of the fire station. Bob Mueting of RJM gave a powerpoint presentation of the history of the park site development.The remaining minutes will reflect a general reference to the presenter as RJM. Chairman Fletcher asked if the gym facility will have windows at the top that can be opened for ventilation. RJM said that part of the design is still being developed but there will probably be venting and an air • exchange. Rubio Medina gave a short presentation on the fire station. Commissioner Howdyshell remarked that the below grade parking areas and parking may help in limiting the impacts of the lights on the adjacent neighborhoods. He said the berming and "mountain" elements will also help mitigate the winds. RJM said it would help with noise mitigation as well. Commissioner Howdyshell said the plans look exciting and that much hard work has been dedicated to this. She said she looks forward to seeing the site developed with the new park. Commissioner Wimberly agreed that significant work has been done and that the design incorporates a number of elements. He said he likes the natural light and air circulation within the structures. He said he is certain they will hear more about electrical saving measures and water re- use. He said it looks fantastic. RJM said they are looking at a heat exchange plan to take the heat generated by the mechanics plant and using it to heat the pool water. Commissioner Howdyshell asked if there will be admission charged for entrance to the water park. Mr. McArdle said they plan on an admission cost for the aquatic park section that would be about the same as admission to a movie matinee. He said they want it to pay for itself. Chairman Fletcher remarked that it is beautiful but a huge overwhelming project with a huge expense to operate. He asked if some of the current uses that take place at the current Community Center will be moved to this new area. Mr. McArdle said the Community use area and the Senior use area have flexibility and that they would have been over capacity if they had not done it that way. He said the current "wellness center"at the Senior Center will move over to the new gym area as well as the dance area. He said they are operating close to capacity in certain areas of the current facility. Chairman Fletcher said he is quite impressed with the plan and that the delay in developing this may not have been so bad because the City's needs have changed over the years and so the plan will be more appropriate for where the City is now. He said it is an amazing plan. He asked about how they are addressing sustainability and being "green." He said he did not hear much about solar photovoltaic or electrical conservation measures. RJM said although they are not going for the LEED certification,they are using the LEED checklist for what they are doing. He added they are looking at mechanical systems for dual uses and are meeting with some specialists for this. He said regarding solar;the pool area can be opened and air cooled. Chairman Fletcher asked if they could use solar panels. He commented that although they would probably have to be screened. PC Adjourned Minutes -2- April 22, 2009 RJM said photovoltaic systems do not realize a payback for 20 twenty years and that he was unsure as to how long the equipment would last if it was installed and this is why they are looking at using the heat.from the mechanic systems to heat the water instead. He said they plan to do"Savings By Design"and a heat exchange. Chairman Fletcher remarked that it is a huge amount of property with the expense to pay. Vice Chairman Munoz said he likes the idea of using the same team as before for design continuity and that the current facility is quality development and they hope for the same in the new development. He said he hopes they will recycle water and be sustainable. He noted the plan has morphed over 10 years and he would like to see the attempt for the project to pay for itself. He said he likes the various elements that can realize a pay back for their use. He said it appears there has been consideration for the adjacent neighborhoods. He said excellent work so far. Chairman Fletcher said he likes the landscaping around the Community Center. Commissioner Stewart said the plan looks fantastic. She said for it to be sustainable they will have to"sell" it to the public. She said she did not know how this water park would fit into the scheme of the water rationing we are facing, that they will have to demonstrate to the public how that can be done. She noted that the Frontier Project at CVWD is doing that by educating the public. She asked about how the fire engines and equipment would access their new facility. Peter Bryan, Fire Chief,commented that the fire station will have a special exit only for emergencies with a cut through the median and it will be signaled. He said that for non-emergency entrance or exiting, they will use the Spruce Street driveway. * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS • None k Rl ki ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted,e Orivel-44-)VJames R. Troyer, AICP (F Secretary Approved: May 13, 2009 PC Adjourned Minutes -3- April 22, 2009