Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993/03/03 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPCCITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting March 3, 1993 Vice Chairman Chitiea called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the Tolstoy residence, 9540 Hillside Road, Rancho Cucamonga, California. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Suzanne Chitlea, Larry McNiel (arrived 6:30 p.m.) John Melcher, Peter Tolstoy, Wendy Vallette ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Dan Coleman, Principal Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Larry Henderson, Principal Planner; Gall Sanchez, Planning Commission Secretary , , , , PLANNING COMMISSION WORK PROGRAM Brad Buller, City Planner, briefly outlined the work program and staffing. Commissioner Melcher felt that there is an enormous amount of work assigned to the Planning Division which the Planning Commission knows nothing about. He gave the Metrolink as an example. He hoped that the Commission could place more emphasis on larger issues instead of merely project review. He thought staff time should be freed up to work on more advance planning 'projects to better prepare for the future. He suggested that staff time at the counter could be reduced by allowing the public to queue up, and by streamlining development processing. Mr. Bullet observed that regional government bodies, such as SCAG, SANBAG, etc. are working on regional issues and the City Council has appointed subcommittees for those and other regional issues. He noted that the City Council Members typically work directly with the City Manager's staff or Rick Gomez on those issues and the Planning Division is then assigned work on those projects requiring planning assistance. Commissioner Vallette remarked that the Commission is providing input on the Foothill Freeway but wished they could work closer with the Council on this and other regional issues. Commissioner Melcher noted that the City Council would of course have final authority, but he felt the Planning Commission could contribute. He thought the Conunissioners should be cognizant of proposed growth management legislation in Sacramento and formulate opinions and forward their views on that proposed legislation before it becomes law. Mr. Buller predicted that more Planning Division time would be requested by City Council and administration for special projects. Commissioner Vallette remarked that one of the reasons the work program was being discussed was because of her desire to revise the Hillside Development Ordinance. She thought it is important to have the Ordinance revised as soon as possible. Mr. Bullet noted there may be some opposition to tightening the ordinance because the development con~nunity may feel it will hurt development. Commissioner Vallette asked if a condition could be added to any new projects to stipulate that if the lots are sold off, certain design p~rameters must be met. Commissioner Tolstoy felt the intent of the Hillside Develo~nent Ordinance needs to be defined. He thought that if the intent is defined well, any changes would be more palatable to the development community. Commissioner Melcher noted that the tougher the ordinance, the less likely there will be any future annexations of sphere territory. Commissioner Tolstoy noted that there are two aspects to the development occurring in the hillside area: 1) tracts and 2) individual infill lots. He felt that the Hillside Development Ordinance must address both situations. He observed that generally the infill lots have already been graded. Mr. Buller suggested staff could prepare a summary of the Hillside Development Ordinance revision schedule before the Co~nission moves forward with hearings. Commissioner Tolstoy asked if the Recycling Collection Ordinance should be assigned to Planning. Mr. Buller responded that the Recycling Collection Ordinance is for the residential areas and has been mandated by state law. He noted that Planning is assisting other departments in this area. He observed that the Commercial Security Plan was initiated by the City Council and he felt the Planning Commission should support it. He hoped the plan would show that the City is pro-active in trying to prevent problems. Commissioner Chitlea felt the business community should support the Commercial Security Plan because it would be in its best interest. She suggested that the development community be tapped to assist in preparation of the ordinance. Commissioner Chitlea agreed that Metrolink is an important issue and land use issues should be considered. Larry Henderson, Principal Planner, gave a brief overview on the status of Metrolink. Planning Commission Minutes -2- March 3, 1993 Commissioner Tolstoy felt that the Metrolink station will be a gateway to the City and he thought the station should be designed to reflect the City's high standards. Mr. Buller remarked that the City is relying on SANBAG for money and that money would only cover a basic station. Commissioner Tolstoy felt that additional amenities should be designed in the project to make it better than Just a standard platform. Mr. Henderson remarked that Metrolink feels the Rancho Cucamonga station will be the largest station on the system besides the downtown Los Angeles station because it is anticipated that the Rancho Cucamonga station will serve commuters from the 1-15 freeway corridor. Mr. Buller and Dan Coleman, Principal Planner, excused themselves to attend the City Council meeting. , , · , PLANNING COMMISSION GOALS AND PRIORITIES There was general discussion regarding comprehensive planning and issues and the design review process. It was suggested that a vision for the future of the City be developed in conjunction with the City Council. Mr. Henderson suggested that one way to involve the City Council would be to send a memo to City Council members outlining the Planning Commission's concerns and/or direction following initial reviews of major projects. Commissioner Chitiea felt the Commission should be informed when the City Council, RDA, or City Manager's staff make commitment to developers. She thought that would allow the Planning Commission, staff, and the City Council to work together to get the best possible project. · · · , , The meeting adjourned at 8540 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brad Buller Secretary Planning Commission Minutes -3- March 3, 1993