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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/07/13 - Minutes - PC-HPCCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting July 13, 1994 Chairman Barker called the Regular Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Chairman Barker then led in the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: David Barker, Heinz Lumpp, Larry McNiel, John Melcher, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Laura Bonaccorsi, Landscape Designer; Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Rick Gomez, Community Development Director; Ralph Hanson, Deputy City Attorney; Steve Hayes, Associate Planner; Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer; Karen McGuire-Emery, Associate' Park Planner; Scott Murphy, Associate Planner; Gail Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS A. PRESENTATION OF 1994 AWARDS FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE Chairman Barker acknowledged the presence of Mayor Dennis Stout, Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Buquet, Council Member Bill Alexander, Park and Recreation Commission Chairman Mark Whitehead, former Park and Recreation Commissioner Molly Mitchell, and Community Development Director Rick Gomez. Commissioner McNiel gave an overview of the history of the Planning Commission and the background of the awards. Chairman Barker presented an Honor Award in the Industrial Category to Ryder Truck Rentals and an Honor Award in the Institutional Category to the Rancho Cucamonga Stadium and Adult Sports Complex. The Planning Commission recessed from 7:20 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. Brad Buller, City Planner, invited the Commissioners to a press conference to be held at City Hall at 12:00 noon on July 14, 1994, regarding Best Buy. Mr. Buller announced that Associate Planners Steve Hayes, Beverly Luttrell, Scott Murphy, and Alan Warren had recently received word that they had passed the examination to become members of the American Institute of Certified Planners. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Moved by Lumpp, seconded by Melcher, carried 3-0-0-2 with McNiel and Tolstoy abstaining, to adopt the minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of May 25, 1994. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Melcher, carried 4-0-0-1 with Tolstoy abstaining, to adopt the minutes of the AdjOurned Meeting of June 8, 1994. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Lumpp, carried 4-0-0-1 with Tolstoy abstaining, to adopt the minutes of June 8, 1994. PUBLIC HEARINGS VICTORIA COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT 94-02 - CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA - An amendment to the Victoria Planned Community pertaining to the timing of construction of parks. Karen McGuire-Emery, Associate Park Planner, presented the staff report and indicated a proposed resolution had been provided. Commissioner Melcher asked if one developer would be acting as a spokesperson for the group. Ms. McGuire-Emery replied that Lewis Homes is the spokesperson. Commissioner Melcher noted that is the same company that is constructing La Mission Park, which seems to be stalled. He asked how many units have been constructed and how many permits have been issued. Ms. McGuire-Emery replied that 254 permits have been issued and they are still in construction on some of those units. She stated there are 626 units for the total development, so that the 450 permits would still be well under the 626 final number of units. Commissioner Melcher asked if the park is graded as it is intended to be built. Planning Commission Minutes -2- July 13, 1994 ...... Ms. McGuire-Emery replied it is rough graded. Commissioner Melcher observed that construction debris has been dumped on the site. He asked if staff knew when it was dumped. Ms. McGuire-Emery responded staff did not know who had dumped the debris or when it was dumped. Commissioner Melcher asked if the City will eventually become the owner of the park. Ms. McGuire-Emery replied it will be dedicate to the City prior to final completion of Vineyards South. Commissioner Melcher asked if the City has or will require a Phase I site assessment for hazardous materials. Ms. McGuire-Emery said one could be required. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Gary Luque, Lewis Homes, P. O. Box 670, Upland, stated he represents the Merchant Builders who are requesting an amendment to the Victoria Community Plan. He stated he did not know who had placed the debris on site but they would be willing to do a site assessment to be sure the City does not inherit a hazardous condition. He said plans for Elena Park have already been updated and are in plan check. He mentioned the La Mission Park is currently in its third plan check. Commissioner Tolstoy asked who would be responsible for building the park now that there is a group of Merchant Builders. Mr. Luque replied that Lewis Homes is the lead builder and will be responsible for processing the plans and constructing the park. He said they have their own in-house landscape architect involved with the project who will see it through. Commissioner Melcher asked if the park design architect is still RJM. Mr. Luque replied affirmatively. Commissioner Melcher asked if RJM would be doing construction administration. Ms. McGuire-Emery replied they are normally called out as necessary for design clarification and meetings. She said they will technically work for the Merchant Builders but the City can request that they be there and they have been very responsive in the past. Commissioner Melcher did not object to the aplicant's request, but he felt it was important to continue the design landscape architect on the team through the project. He felt it incumbent that a Phase I site assessment be required for hazardous materials. Planning Commission Minutes -3- July 13, 1994 Brad Buller, City Planner, observed that the action before the Commission was an amendment. He suggested that the Commission could direct the Community Development Director to take appropriate measures by minute action. Chairman Barker asked if the City can hold one company and one person responsible. Mr. Luque replied that there are a series of agreements involved with the project: 1) An agreement whereby the Merchant Builders assumes the obligation from The William Lyon Company; 2) An agreement amongst the Merchant Builders establishing Lewis Homes as the lead builder; and 3) An agreement between the Merchant Builders and the City. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner McNiel ~greed about the possibility of toxics and the need for an assessment. He also concurred that the team designing the project should be kept in place. Commissioners Lumpp and Tolstoy agreed. Motion: Moved by Melcher, seconded by McNiel, to adopt the resolution recommending approval of Victoria Community Plan Amendment 94-02 with minute action to direct the Community Development Director to require a Phase I site assessment for toxic materials and to require that RJM continue with the park project. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, LUMPP, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY NONE NONE -carried CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 94-18 - BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH - A request for a temporary modular classroom structure for an existing school on 5.6 acres of land in the Medium Residential District, located at 9974 19th Street - APN: 1076-051-12. Steve Hayes, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner McNiel asked if Design Review comments had been incorporated into the resolution. Mr. Hayes responded affirmatively. He said a revised site plan had been submitted and the modular structure had been moved as requested by the committee. Commissioner Lumpp asked if staff was satisfied with the change. Mr. Hayes responded affirmatively. Planning Commission Minutes -4- July 13, 1994 Commissioner Melcher did not feel that Condition No. 13 fully addressed the Design Review concerns about appropriate access being provided to the playground area for persons with disabilities. He felt that access to rest rooms was equally important. Commissioner Tolstoy stated it had been discussed and a path had been indicated where such access could be accommodated. He said it would involve going to the east side, down the driveway, and back into the area. Commissioner Melcher felt a better access route should be provided. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Steve Taylor, Chairman of the Building Committee, Brethren in Christ Church, P. O. Box 485, Rancho Cucamonga. He felt they could cut curbs and put in ramps to shorten the distance and avoid having to go around the parking lot. Commissioner Melcher felt such a requirement should be included in the resolution. Brad Buller, City Planner, observed that Mr. Taylor had not been at the Design Review Committee meeting. He felt that disabled access is a mandated building requirement and the condition would merely reinforce that requirement. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Lumpp supported the project so long as staff was satisfied that the criteria recommended in the Design Review Committee meeting had been addressed. He suggested additional language be added to Condition 13 regarding access for persons with disabilities. Commissioner McNiel agreed the issue should be addressed. Commissioner Tolstoy noted that the Design Review Committee had requested that the portable classroom unit be moved so that another unit could be added if the church had such a need in the future. He wanted to be sure there is enough distance between the modular unit and the driveway to add another portable classroom. Mr. Buller stated that the Commission would be approving only the one modular unit requested. He indicated that st~ff would look at the spacing but the church would have to return with a separate application in order to add another unit. Motion: Moved by Tolstoy, seconded by McNiel, to adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 94-18 with modification to require better access from the classroom building to the existing playground and the rest room facilities for persons with disabilities. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, LUMPP, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY NONE NONE -carried Planning Commission Minutes -5- July 13, 1994 VARIANCE 94-04 - CAMPOS - A request to reduce the required number of parking spaces, to reduce the required rear yard setback from 15 feet to 0 feet, and to reduce the required side yard landscape setback from 5 feet to 0 feet in conjunction with the development of 5 parcels in the Specialty Commercial Designation (Subarea 3) of the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, located on the north side of Foothill Boulevard between Archibald and Klusman Avenues, APN: 208-153-08, 09, 10, 11, and 23. Brad Buller, City Planner, commented that the applicant had not yet arrived and staff had been unable to contact them by telephone. He suggested that the Commission may wish to continue the matter until July 27, 1994. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Lumpp, to continue Variance 94-04 to July 27, 1994. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, LUMPP, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY NONE NONE -carried CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 93-45 HILDENBRAND - Consideration of revocation of a stress reduction clinic within an existing industrial complex in the Industrial Park Designation (Subarea 6) of the Industrial Area Specific Plan, located at 8645 Haven Avenue, Suite 550 - APN: 209-144-54. Scott Murphy, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Melcher noted that Item G on the agenda is an application for a permit for a massage establishment. He questioned if this applicant could apply for a massage permit. Mr. Murphy replied that this business is located in an Industrial Park designation and the Massage Ordinance stipulates that massage is permitted only in the General Commercial designation. He said this location would therefore be an inappropriate location. Detective Danny Scaturro, Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, stated two arrests had been made at the Lily Pad in early May 1994, one for prostitution and the other for possession of methamphetamine. He said an undercover operation had been conducted as the result of numerous complaints and informant information and the individuals are now being prosecuted. Commissioner McNiel asked if the location has now been abandoned. Detective Scaturro replied he had returned to the business location several times. He said that at the end of May he had stopped an individual for vehicle violations after leaving the establishment and the individual had Planning Commission Minutes -6- July 13, 1994 confessed he had just left the Lily Pad where he had obtained sex services. He stated he then went into the business and confronted the business owner, who denied having any knowledge. He felt the undercover operation would result in convictions and he thought one of the individuals had already pled guilty. He felt that two separate instances in such close proximity in time is a good indication that the business is not legitimate. Commissioner Lumpp asked if the business is currently open. Detective Scaturro replied he has returned twice in the last two and a half weeks and it does not appear to be open. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. closed the hearing. There were no comments, and he Mr. Murphy indicated a copy of the notice of the hearing had been sent by certified mail to the applicant and the City had received written confirmation that she had received the notice. Motion: Moved by McNiel, seconded by Tolstoy, to adopt the resolution revoking Conditional Use Permit 93-45. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, LUMPP, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY NONE NONE -carried CONSIDERATION TO MODIFY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 92-33 - OASIS SPA - A request to modify a condition of approval to extend the hours of operation to 10:00 p.m. for an existing massage establishment located at 7890 Haven Avenue, #14 - APN: 1077-401-29. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report and indicated that four letters had been received from individuals objecting to the proposed request. He said some object to the extension of hours and some object to the business itself. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Elisa Ice, owner, Oasis Spa, 7890 Haven Avenue, #14, Rancho Cucamonga, stated she had just received copies of the four letters and none of the allegations were true. She requested that her hours be extended so that she could remain open until 10:00 p.m. She said no one is living on the premises. She stated that her maintenance man comes after hours to clean and she thought perhaps someone may have seen the lights on and assumed that someone was living there. She commented there had been an inspection of her facility and no proof was found. She stated she does not employ a male prostitute. She said she does not allow her massage technicians to do out call. She stated that she employs one male technician who works for her part time and already had an out call license. She said that all of her staff is fully licensed. She requested that her hours be changed because she has customers who come by Planning Commission Minutes -7- July 13, 1994 after working out at a nearby health spa. She said all of her technicians have permits. She stated there are no sleeping areas; however, there is one massage table in the lounge so that technicians can lie down when their back or arms hurt. She said they do not have a kitchen; they only have a refrigerator to keep drinks cold. Chairman Barker asked how many technicians are employed. Ms. Ice responded they have nine including the male technician. Chairman Barker asked if they wear their identification. Ms. Ice replied they have large badges which are issued by the City and the technicians sometimes feel uncomfortable wearing their badges because they do not want the customers to be able to identify them. She said the badges are always on the premises at their lockers. She stated she has told the technicians to send away customers when they do not feel comfortable with them, but sometimes they take off their badges instead. She said when they had the inspection from the City that was the only thing found wrong. Chairman Barker asked how many treatments are given per day. Ms. Ice responded about 11 to 12 average. She said that one of the letters had stated she does not have the required log. She stated she keeps the log; however, some of the customers do not want to give their name, address, and/or telephone number and she can not force them to do so. She said there is also a log at the counter where the customers sign in for their treatments and the City has the log from the day they opened. Commissioner Melcher asked when she took over the business. Ms. Ice replied it was August 1993. She said that one of the letters stated she lives there because the Fictitious Business Name Statement showed that address as her home address. She said her accountant had merely put the wrong address on the form. Jeff Tucker, 9832 Flower, stated he is a customer and he would be one of the patrons impacted if the facility is forced to close at 9:00 p.m. He said he had suffered a mild stroke about three months ago and his doctor wanted him to reduce and exercise so he currently goes to a health spa three nights a week and then goes to Oasis Spa to work the lactic acid out of his legs to reduce the chance of stroke. He requested that the application be approved. He said he had never seen anything improper go on at the facility. Chairman Barker noted that some of the allegations were received after the staff report was completed. He asked who would enforce that type of violations. Mr. Coleman stated that the Business License Department is responsible for massage permits for the establishment and for each technician and handles enforcement. Planning Commission Minutes -8- July 13, 1994 Chairman Barker asked if anyone from Business License was present to answer questions. Mr. Coleman said there was not. He said that Business License was part of the inspection he had participated in on May 5. He was not aware of any inspections since then. Chairman Barker noted that the inspection was made on May 5 and the letters were not received until July 12 and 13. He asked if staff had been aware of any of the allegations at the time of the inspection. Mr. Coleman said staff had not previously heard from any of the individuals who sent letters and unfortunately there were no return addresses or telephone numbers so that staff could contact them. Chairman Barker asked if any wrongdoing was noticed at the time of the inspection. Mr. Coleman replied the technicians were not wearing their badges. He said the applicant had indicated that there had been threats and they feared that wearing a photo ID would allow them to be physically tracked down. He said that issue has not been resolved so far. Chairman Barker asked if the wearing of badges is a requirement. Mr. Coleman responded that it is a regulation in the Massage Ordinance. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the tags were on premises. Mr. Coleman responded affirmatively. Chairman Barker asked if there had been any evidence of people living on the premises. Mr. Coleman responded negatively. Mr. Buller stated that the Business License Division had indicated that the log they reviewed at the time of the field inspection was inadequate and did not follow the requirements of the ordinance. He said the ordinance requires that customers provide their name and address. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Melcher observed that massage permits are non-assignable. permit. the Massage Ordinance indicates that He asked if Ms. Ice has a valid massage Mr. Coleman replied affirmatively. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the log required under the Massage Ordinance is unique to Rancho Cucamonga. Planning Commission Minutes -9- July 13, 1994 Mr. Buller said it is his understanding that other cities have similar requirements. He said the City will seek full compliance unless the applicant requests an amendment to the ordinance. Motion: Moved by Melcher, seconded by Lumpp, to adopt the resolution to modify Conditional Use Permit 92-33 to extend the hours to 10:00 p.m. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, LUMPP, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY NONE NONE -carried Chairman Barker noted the business is legal until 10:00 p.m. Commissioner McNiel stated the log should be brought up to date. , , , , , CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 94-19 - COOK (ACCU-CENTER) - A request to allow a massage establishment within a leased space of approximately 1,350 square feet in an existing commercial center on 9 acres of land in the General Commercial District, located at 7890 Haven Avenue, Suite 11 - APN: 1077-401-29. Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner McNiel questioned the difference between acupressure and massage. Mr. Coleman responded that acupressure is one form of massage and our ordinance covers all types of massages. He said acupressure is deep pressure applied into the nerve points and other types are generally thought of as massaging the muscles and the skin. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the technicians at this establishment were wearing their badges and if the log was satisfactorily completed at the time staff visited the facility. Mr. Coleman stated that the only employee present who was a massage technician was not wearing a badge and he had not actually seen either the badge or the log because the Business License Representative checked those items. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Guido R. Smith, Attorney at Law, 1~40 West Orangewood Avenue, Suite 110, Orange, stated he is the attorney for applicant Terry Cook. He said he had been involved in the drafting of Rancho Cucamonga's Massage Ordinance. He stated that Mr. Cook had taken over a business which had consisted primarily · of a nail salon with only incidental acupressure, and the business therefore needed a massage establishment permit but did not need a conditional use permit. He noted that as time progressed, the business evolved so that the acupressure services are now a larger part of the business; therefore, the need for a conditional use permit. Planning Commission Minutes -10- July 13, 1994 Commissioner Melcher thought it is customary for different types of uses to be protected against being duplicated within the same center. He felt it was unusual for two massage establishments to be within a few doors of each other. Mr. Smith agreed that many times CC&Rs restrict the number of a certain type of business which may be located within a center. He said there is a differentiation between massage services and acupressure services and both leases address that issue. He said that the landlord had submitted a letter in support of his client's conditional use permit application to the City. Mr. Coleman stated that staff had received a copy of a letter from the property owner to the applicant which indicated the property owner felt the applicant may be in violation of their lease by advertising in the local paper that they offer certain types of massage other than acupressure. However, he agreed that the Planning Commission would not want to become involved in lease disputes. Commissioner Lumpp asked if Mr. Coleman had satisfactorily explained the difference between acupressure and massage. Mr. Smith replied that he was not sure. Elisa Ice, owner, Oasis Spa, 7890 Haven Avenue, #14, Rancho Cucamonga, stated the business is located in the same shopping center as her business. She indicated Accu-Center can perform acupressure services but not massag~ services. She said her business offers acupressure services as well as massage services. She explained the difference between massage and acupressure. She stated that oils, chemicals, and lotions can be used with massage but generally acupressure does not use chemicals. She did not object to Accu-Center giving acupressure treatments but opposed their performing massage services. Commissioner McNiel stated that the City would not be the enforcement agency for CC&R violations. Ms. Ice said she understood. Claudine Eubank, 4565 Triple Crown Drive, Bonsall, stated she was the original owner of Oasis Spa. She further discussed the differences between acupressure and massage. Hearing no further testimony, Chairman Barker closed the public hearing. Commissioner Melcher noted the resolution is quite specific that the use is for acupressure massage. He thought staff should now be able to determine if other types of massage are being conducted under the conditional use permit and he felt the City has adequate protection. Motion: Moved by Lumpp, seconded by Melcher, to adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 94-19. Motion carried by the following vote: Planning Commission Minutes -11- July 13, 1994 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, LUMPP, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY NONE NONE -carried , , , · , H. VARIANCE 93-05 - OAS PARTNERSHIP - A request to increase the sign area for the Project Identification Monument Sign from 24 to 49 square feet; increase the sign area for the Tenant Identification Monument Signs from 24 to 49 square feet; and increase the maximum number of tenant names on the Tenant Identification Monument Signs from three to five per face, for Thomas Winery Plaza, located at the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Vineyard Avenues - APN: 208-101-22 through 25. Related File: Amendment to Uniform Sign Program No. 88. OLD BUSINESS AMENDMENT TO UNIFORM SIGN PROGRAM NO. 88 - OAS PARTNERSHIP - A request to amend the Sign Program to allow a Project Identification Monument Sign, internally illuminated Tenant Identification Monument Signs, and various changes to the sign criteria for Thomas Winery Plaza, located at the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue - APN: 208-101-22 through 25. Related file: Variance 93-05. Brad Buller, City Planner, commented that the applicant had advised staff tha~ he would like to have the items tabled so he could continue to work with staff. Chairman Barker opened the public hearing. Kevin McConnell, Signs & Services, 10980 Boatman Avenue, Stanton, said he had been working with staff for approximately 11 months and he felt they were getting close to an agreement with staff regarding the signage. He asked that the variance and sign program amendment be tabled so he could continue to work with staff. He observed that on July 27, 1994, the Planning Commission would be considering an amendment to the Sign Ordinance and stated he would like to bring back his items after that. Mr. Buller suggested the items be continued to a specific date so that additional costs for readvertising would not be incurred. Motion: Moved by Melcher, seconded by McNiel, to continue Variance 93-05 and Amendment to Uniform Sign Program No. 88 to August 10, 1994. The Planning Commission recessed from 9:25 p.m. to 9:35 p.m. , , , , · PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments at this time. Planning Commission Minutes -12- July 13, 1994 COMMISSION BUSINESS J. ELECTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION OFFICERS Motion: Moved by Lumpp, seconded by McNiel, to nominate Barker as Chairman and McNiel as Vice Chairman. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: BARKER, LUMPP, MCNIEL, MELCHER, TOLSTOY NONE NONE -carried , , , , , K. METROLINK RELATED DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that Commissioners Melcher and Lumpp and he had attended a seminar regarding transit-related activity centers. Commissioner Melcher stated they had been told that land within 1/8 to 1/4 of a mile around a transit facility is particularly well suited to a mix of pedestrian-related development. He suggested a study be made of the land within 1/2 mile radius of the Metrolink station to see if there are future development opportunities which could now be identified so that desig~ considerations could be taken into account. He said the principal land for development within walking distance is the parcel across the street to the south. He thought the Engineering Division may not permit a crosswalk at that location. Chairman Barker suggested the Commission should put forth recommendations and ideas before development starts to occur. He thought uses such as child care should be considered. He hoped the area would not just be utilized for small stores. Commissioner Tolstoy felt it would be good to have the ability to have automobile services performed during the day while the commuters are using the Metrolink. He was not sure if such uses would be compatible and if an automotive activity in that location could meet City standards. Chairman Barker asked how large the parking lot will be at full build out. Mr. Buller replied it will have approximately 1,000 spaces. Commissioner Lumpp noted that well laid out high density residential is being proposed near some of the stations and the stations became very useful for such residents. He thought there is a multitude of uses which would be appropriate. Commissioner Melcher suggested that automotive services could be handled through a kiosk facility to receive keys with the cars being driven to a remote location for the actual services. Planning Commission Minutes -13- July 13, 1994 Chairman Barker agreed that may be a good idea, with check-in stands similar to rental vehicles. He thought car washing would also be useful service. Commissioner Melcher suggested the Commission alert the developer that the City expects transit-related development around the station. Mr. Buller stated that when Subarea 18 was created, it was anticipated that there would be transit-related uses. Commissioner Tolstoy felt it would be good to develop a listing of such uses. Mr. Buller suggested that several Commissioners make some notes and staff could pursue it in a meeting with General Dynamics. Commissioner Melcher suggested asking Engineering to determine if a crosswalk would be permitted. Chairman Barker agreed that would be an important consideration. Commissioner Melcher volunteered to work on it. Commissioner Tolstoy suggested that Commissioners Melcher and Lumpp work with staff on recommending a listing of possible uses. Mr. Bullet said he would look forward to working with them. Commissioner Tolstoy felt that if uses are established which require people to cross the street, that Engineering should find a way to make it happen. He noted that the station is expected to be the largest on the San Bernardino Metrolink line and he thought it should provide opportunities to the City and to the commuters. Chairman Barker said he had worked in Long Island and total communities were generated around the stations with the ability for commuters to take advantage of those opportunities. · · · , Chairman Barker announced that a memorandum regarding commercial land uses had been drafted and given to each Commissioner. He said as there had been no objections, he intended to forward the memorandum to the City Council and City Manager from the Commission with the recommendation that a commercial land use study be undertaken. Commissioner Melcher suggested that the Commission members reinforce the need for an analysis by appearing before the City Council when the matter is placed on the City Council agenda. He asked if staff would alert the Commissioners when the item is docketed. He felt the matter should be addressed by the City Council as soon as possible. Chairman Barker stated he had informally talked to the Mayor and the City Manager and they had indicated funds could be made available if necessary. He Planning Commission Minutes -14- July 13, 1994 agreed with the urgency before receiving more requests for changes so that the Commission could base recommendations on up-to-date data. Commissioner Melcher asked when the Commission would be receiving a report on the railroad crossing at Hellman and Hermosa. Dan James, Senior Civil Engineer, responded that the City Engineer was in the process of reviewing a memorandum from the Traffic Engineer to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Melcher questioned if an application had been received in connection with proposed changes for Sam's Place. Brad Buller, City Planner, stated that the City had not received anything other than the letter which had been sent to the City Council and the Planning Commission. Commissioner Melcher asked if staff had encouraged the proposed change. Mr. Buller replied he had given them facts on how to process an application. Commissioner Melcher asked when the Commission would be receiving an update on the Housing Element. Mr. Buller said there had been a delay in getting some information and he would check on the status. Commissioner Melcher asked if Mayor Pro Tem Buquet had met with the Chairman and Vice Chairman regarding the Regional Comprehensive Plan. Chairman Barker responded that they had met. Commissioner Lumpp stated there had been a lot of recent changes and the plan is still evolving. He said some of the items originally recommended by the in-house technical committee had been agreed to by SCAG staff but SCAG staff is now saying they would like to make further changes. He thought it may be best to contact Mayor Pro Tem Buquet for an update. Chairman Barker said his belief from the meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Buquet was that the Regional Comprehensive Plan was defined as an attempt to usurp local authority by creating another level of government accountable to no one. He said that he and Commissioner McNiel had expressed a willingness to involve the Commission or personally write letters indicating concerns with such an approach, but Mayor Pro Tem Buquet had indicated no formal action was needed Planning Commission Minutes -15- July 13, 1994 at that time. He said they had not been advised that anything further is needed from the Commission. Commissioner McNiel stated that their position was consistent with opposition being voiced from other jurisdictions as well. Commissioner Tolstoy asked the latest on the proposal for regional government. Mr. Buller responded that Mayor Pro Tem Buquet is the Council's representative and staff members Rick Gomez and Diane O'Neal are working closely with him on the issue. He said the proposal is continuing to evolve. He thought that Chairman Barker and Vice Chairman McNiel seemed to feel comfortable that Mayor Pro Tem Buquet would continue to speak in opposition to anything that will take away local authority. He said that SCAG is hoping to be the regional authority in charge. Commissioner McNiel stated that Sanbag would have some of their authority usurped as well under the proposal. Chairman Barker felt it would be a nightmare of bureaucratic independence. Commissioner Melcher stated it was then his understanding that any response by the City will be handled separately from the Planning Commission. Mr. Buller said that Mayor Pro Tem Buquet had indicated his interest and willingness to hear from the Planning Commission on the matter. Chairman Barker said they had told Mayor Pro Tem Buquet the Commission would be willing to write letters, pass a resolution, or whatever else it was felt would be helpful. He said someone has already invested several million dollars in the writing of this proposal and he feared there may be resistance to dropping the program because of that investment. Commissioner Tolstoy recalled there had been a lot of talk several months ago, but he said he had recently not heard much. Chairman Barker feared that might mean that it will pop up suddenly. Commissioner Lumpp commented that several bills are still in process. Commissioner Tolstoy felt that some people who are regulated by various cities and counties may support a regional board approach and are probably willing to spend money to secure such a change. Commissioner Melcher suggested the Commissioners each be given a copy of the current Executive Summary of the plan. He thought perhaps the Commission should then possibly have a presentation from SCAG planners. He. said he does not feel informed. He thought there are issues that will come to light that will need to be solved in a more comprehensive way than on a .community-by- community basis and if a cooperative way cannot be found, then a grand plan will be imposed. He felt it would be wise to be as informed as possible. Planning Commission Minutes -16- July 13, 1994 Chairman Barker requested that copies of the Executive Summary be provided. He suggested that the Commission may also wish to send a memorandum to Mayor Pro Tem Buquet following review of the summary. Commissioner Melcher requested that the 1994/1995 Work Program be added to an agenda as soon as possible. Chairman Barker observed that the Commercial Land Use Study would also have to be added to the Work Program. Mr. Buller said he add it to the July 27, 1994, agenda. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Moved by Lumpp, seconded by Tolstoy, carried 5-0, to adjourn. 10:12 p.m. - The Planning Commission adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Brad Buller Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -17- July 13, 1994