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
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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.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
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None
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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