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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/03/27 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting March 27, 1996 Chairman Barker called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at the Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: David Barker, Heinz Lumpp, John Melcher, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: Larry McNiel STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Scott Murphy, Associate Planner ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no announcements. OLD BUSINESS A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 95-16 - SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH - A discussion of the bells to be used at a church facility and school on a 20.14 acre site in the Very Low Residential designation (1-2 dwelling units per acre) of the Etiwanda Specific Plan, located on the west side of Etiwanda Avenue, between Summit and Highland Avenues - APN: 225-171-12, 20, 22, and 23. Brad Buller, City Planner, gave a brief introduction of the project. Scott Murphy, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Father Gaglia, pastor at Scared Heart Church, explained the existing bell schedule. Father Gaglia indicated that a letter was presented to the City indicating the volume of the existing bells based on testing conducted within 600 and 1,300 feet of the source. Commissioner Melcher asked if the hymns are played every day. Commissioner Lumpp stated that the hymns are played everyday, except Sunday, at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Father Gaglia played a tape of the various bell patterns and hymns currently in use. Michael Cocknell, 12966 Cherokee, Rancho Cucamonga, questioned the quality and noise level of the recording. Father Gaglia stated that the recording was taken about 100 feet from the church. IVfr. Cocknell felt the bells am much Iouder than the tape portrayed. He said he has sat in his car at Price Club and heard the bells more clearly and loudly than heard on the tape. Gina Johnson, 7895 Ocean Court, stated that she owns a convertible and can not hear the Sacred Head bells when sitting in front of the church. Mr. Cocknell indicated he was familiar with decibel equipment. He felt the noise levels allowed by the City's Noise Ordinance seem reasonable. He stated that environmental factors, however, can affect the noise level. Pat Loy, representing Sacred Heart Church, felt that the Price Club center offered ideal noise transmission conditions because of the expanse of asphalt and open area. Landscaping, unpaved areas, and buildings all help to dampen noise impacts. Commissioner Tolstoy stated that the tape player is attune to the human voice, not bell sounds. The tape is not intended to reproduce the actual noise level but to demonstrate the type and length of the various sounds generated throughout the day. Larry Matejka, 13122 Arapaho Road, Rancho Cucamonga, said he found out about the meeting on Sunday. He reported he had called the Los Angeles Archdiocese about the church policy on bell ringing and he was told that bell ringing is a decision of each individual church. Mr. Matejka stated that he can hearthe noise from Interstate 15 now. He thought the church would be an asset to the community but was opposed to the use of bells that close to his house. He indicated that other members of the community should be contacted and their input should be considered. He stated that on the weekends he can hear motorcycles, shotgun blasts, etc., that are occurring in the County area at the north end of Etiwanda Avenue. Mr. Cocknell pointed out that the Noise Ordinance indicates the interior noise level shall not exceed 45 dBA. He thought any house can be used to determine compliance with the Ordinance. He noted the exterior noise limits are much higher. He said the density in the area is very low and many people have landscaped their back yards in order to enjoy the outdoors. He felt the bells will intrude on their ability to enjoy the outdoors. Doug Peterson, 6271 Blue Gum Court, Rancho Cucamonga, stated he looked for a quiet area when he moved into the area three years ago from a noisy city. He said the introduction of bells posed a serious concern for him. Mark Detter, 12949 Cherokee, Rancho Cucamonga, asked the current schedule of bells. Chairman Barker repeated the bell schedule. Mr. Detter asked if the schedule could be curtailed. He felt that 6:00 a.m. was too early for bells to be going off. He thought special occasions were acceptable but bells playing every quarter-hour, seven days a week was too much. He observed there will eventually be homes on all sides of the church. He felt playing hymns at 12:00 p.m. was okay but the 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. times should be eliminated. Mr. Peterson felt that Sundays were acceptable. Don DLugos, 12902 Cherokee Rancho Cucamonga, felt the bells should be allowed only on Sundays. Ms. Johnson stated that there ~s no legal research with respect to church bells. She thought the area where the church is proposed is changing and will continue to change. She felt the bells, if viewed by the church as part of their religion, are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. She stated that Sacred Heart is regulated by the San Bernardino/Riverside Diocese, not Los Angeles. PC Adjourned Minutes -2- March 27, 1996 Chairman Barker stated that St. Peter and St. Paul Church does not have bells because a neighbor cut the wire. Mr. Matejka suggested that the meeting be continued to allow other residents to participate. Mr. Cocknell felt that the days of bringing people to mass with the bells is over. He stated that if the bells were toned down during the week he might find them acceptable. Chairman Barker recommended that the item be continued for two weeks. The other Commissioners agreed with the continuance. Commissioner Lumpp asked if Mr. Castle, the person who took the sound readings for the church, could be present. Father Gaglia did not think that would be possible but said he would try to have him attend. Chairman Barker asked that any technical information be provided to the Commission and the Church at the earliest opportunity. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. COMMISSION BUSINESS There was no Commission business. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brad Buller Secretary PC Adjourned Minutes -3- March 27, 1996