Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/26/1991CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 26, 1991 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Grothe called the meeting to order at 7:08 j p.m. in the Walnut Valley School District Board .rte Meeting Room, 880 South Lemon Street, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: VC/MacBride. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Harmony, Commissioner Schey, Commissioner Lin, Vice Chairman MacBride, and Chairman Grothe. Also present were Planning Director James DeStefano, City Planner Emeritus Irwin Kaplan, Associate Planner Robert Searcy, Planning Technician Ann Lungu, Planning Technician Armando Villa, Deputy City Attorney Bill Curley, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. MINUTES: Motion was made by C/Harmony, seconded by C/Schey and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept the Minutes of Aug. 12, 1991 August 12, 1991. PUBLIC HEARING: PT/Searcy addressed the Commission regarding the request to expand the maximum number of permitted CUP 91-6 arcade video game machines within Barro's Pizza, located within the Diamond Creek Center. Staff recommended that the Commission approve CUP 91-6 within the findings of fact and conditions as listed. Frank Barro, applicant, 21000 Colima Rd., stated that he would like to expand the number of video games in order to satisfy the various teams he sponsors. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by C/Harmony and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve staff's recommendation subject to the findings of facts and conditions listed. Chair/Grothe requested that the applicant, when installing the video machines, do some general maintenance within his restaurant. CUP 90-70 AP/Searcy addressed the Commission regarding the request to amend CUP 90-70, granted August 27, 1990, to approve a live entertainment/nightclub for the restaurant project located at 21671 E. Gateway Center Drive. The applicant also requested a one year Extension of Time to begin construction of the project. The extension of time has been submitted in compliance with the conditions of approval. The request for the nightclub/live entertainment use is allowed by the interim CM Zone Ordinance. However, the application has not specifically identified August 26, 1991 Page 2 which type of live entertainment uses the restaurant will present. Staff recommended approval of the extension of time for a period of one (1) year from the date of this action via adoption of Planning Commission Resolution 91-70. Staff also recommended a continuance on the nightclub/live entertainment request, until there is adequate information regarding the live entertainment use upon which staff can complete an appropriate analysis. C/Schey inquired if the code does not provide a provision prohibiting the type of live entertainment that would probably not be acceptable I in the community. AP/Searcy responded that there are no parameters, I in the code, which outline the definition of live entertainment. However, conditions regarding the type of live entertainment can be specified within j the CUP. PD/DeStefano explained that, in order to ask the Police and Fire Department to respond accordingly, it is necessary to have the specifics of the d intended use, such as the time of day the entertainment will occur, the type of music to be played, and the age group it will attract, and so forth. C/Schey inquired if there would be a problem with time lines, if the Commission accepted the recommendation for continuance. DCA/Curley indicated that there is the basic six month consideration. However, upon the applicant's consent, continuance of the matter could be dealt with on an open ended bases. C/Harmony inquired if it would be appropriate to simply request that the specific use come back to the Commission for review. DCA/Curley explained that there are too many variables to consider for the Commission to grant a formal open ended consent of live entertainment. It is more appropriate for the Commission to indicate a formal consideration of the idea, when there are specifics available. The generic parameters of the live entertainment are lacking. The Public Hearing was declared open. August 26, 1991 Page 3 r Ernie Del Rey, an agent for the builder, residing in Diamond Bar, indicated that, basically, they are considering a small dance floor, engaging a small band that would play music within good taste, include a bit of comedy, and cater more to the professionals in the area. DCA/Curley, responding to VC/MacBride's inquiry, explained that the existing Resolution already indicates that the live entertainment aspect will be revisited by the Commission. However, the applicant should come up with a working generic plan, so that the Commission could condition it accordingly. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by C/Harmony and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation on the approval of the extension of time for a period of one year. VC/MacBride inquired why the proposed access way issue between this facility, and the Days Inn Hotel, has ceased. AP/Searcy stated that the Days Hotel was disinterested in the idea, and not willing to contribute to the monetary consideration. Chair/Grothe requested the applicant's concurrence to continue the matter to October 14, 1991, and to work with staff to come up with an appropriate descriptive marketing plan. C/Harmony explained that the applicant would not be locked into the specified date, and may in turn request an extended date. Ernie Del Rey stated his concurrence for the continuance, as well as his consent to work with staff to develop an appropriate descriptive marketing plan. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by C/Harmony and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to continue the matter to October 14, 1991. STUDY SESSION: CPE/Kaplan stated that he would like the Commission to be aware that GPAC's recommendation has set the General Plan stage for'down zoning in the community. Staff will be doing an analysis to indicate where this down zoning occurred, the extent it has occurred, as well as it's implications. He informed the Commission that the consultants will be present, at the Public Hearing scheduled for September 9, 1991, August 26, 1991 Page 4 ti to make a presentation to the general public. At the second Public Hearing, scheduled September 23, 1991, staff will submit a report summarizing the Commission's and staff's comments from the hearing. He requested suggestions from the Commission on the method of publication, the presentation format of the Public Hearing, and the summary of the information. VC/MacBride suggested that a letter be directed to every person who has worked on the GPAC, and to the identifiable leaders of the community, such as the Rotary Club, DBIA, the Lions Club, the Republican Women, the Historical Society, the Chambers of Commerce, and the City Council members. C/Schey stated that the leadership groups are not necessarily representatives of the community in general. He suggested placing notices in supermarkets and stores in order to attract the average person. VC/MacBride suggested that notices be placed on every bulletin board available, and that a prepared press release be placed in every newspaper vehicle that can be used. He questioned if the Commission should serve as a conduit of GPAC, during the Public Hearing. He suggested that the Commission make prepatory statements regarding the Pian. C/Schey indicated that the Commission's capacity is not just to serve as a forum between the public and the City Council, but rather serve as an action body that will amend or accept GPAC's recommendation. The Commission should make their comments, include comments from the public, and make the appropriate recommendations to the City council. C/Harmony made the following comments regarding publication techniques: The general summary written by staff is a good overview; the current proposed zoning map is another good tool; it should be conveyed to the civic leaders, and the public, that there are copies of the total Plan available at City Hall, upon request; not only mail the City newsletter to each resident, but also make it available at supermarkets and stores; display the zoning map, with a detailed color code description, in several of the local stores throughout the City; have Jones Intercable scan the maps; and present well thought out news releases. August 26, 1991 Page 5 VC/MacBride pointed out that the type of language used, to properly describe GPAC, is important in encouraging public interest. C/Schey indicated that the key is to make the public understand how the General Plan fits within the context of the City. It should be described in laymans terms, rather than getting too much into specific elements. I VC/MacBride suggested that the General Plan be portrayed as a constitutional document, of the City, that outlines our aspirations. i CPE/Kaplan suggested that the specific issues be dramatized so that the public can perceive the direction of the Plan. Particular issues will attract people. 4 C/Schey suggested that we identify this as a j document that will allow us to help "Reclaim Our City". VC/MacBride suggested that the leadership organizations be asked to contact their members and ...,, inform them of the scheduled Public Hearing. CPE/Kaplan began his review of the Plans for Public Services and Facilities. The following are various elements that the Commission should consider: Sect. IV, item 111-4d, and item 115 - CPE/Kaplan indicated that, though he agrees with the principle, the kind of language used leaves no room to move in terms of making policy. Sect. IV, item a, "Discuss plans by MWD to relocate a reservoir in Tonner Canyon."; on the next page, "Discuss with the County Sanitation District, the funding and scheduling any additional sewage facilities."; item e, "Discuss long term supply of reclaimed waste water."; and the next paqe, "Discuss with County Solid Waste Management the potential for access for rail haul.." - CPE/Kaplan pointed out that discussing plans is not a policy. The Commission may wish to make a policy statement and convey that as part of the General Plan. CPE/Kaplan requested the Commission to note the policy under Strategy, "Permit new developments and the intensification of existing developments, only where and when adequate public services and facilities can be insured." August 26, 1991 Page 6 sect. IV -6, "Review development projects for their impacts... it should either require on and off site improvements, or if such improvement cannot be provided, decline approval of the project." - CPE/Kaplan noted that the language does not give flexibility for overriding considerations. CPE/Kaplan asked the Commission to note item 141, regarding the pursuance of a cooperative program with Industry and Pomona Unified School District; sect. IV -7, regarding the pursuance of the acquisition of a site and development of a civic center and multi -use community center; item 153; item 211; item 212; item 213; item 214; and item 232. CPE/Kaplan suggested that the Commission look for other items that may have constraining language that need further refinement. He then reviewed the Plan for Resource Management. The following are various elements that the Commission may wish to consider: Page II -9 & sect. 111; page II -11, sect. 121; page f II -12, regarding tree preservation; page 1I-13, regarding integrated trails, page II -13, item 133, item 132, & item 135; page II -14, item 211A, item 212 & item 214; page II -15, regarding the encouragement of the use of drought tolerant plants; page II -18, regarding the city wide design of a system of bike and pedestrian trails; & vage II -18, regarding office on site trash compacting. CPE/Kaplan reviewed the Plans for Public Health and Safety. The following are various elements the Commission may wish to consider: Page III -10, item 144; paqe III -11, regarding the use of lighting to prevent theft, and limiting concealments; page III -12, item 2; item 110.1; item 110.2; and item 110.4. VC/MacBride indicated that the last two sentences, on page III -6, regarding air quality, and suggesting that the City establish itself as a model City of innovation in Southern California, is one of the most significant statements in the entire book. CPE/Kaplan indicated that a lot of the stated policies need to be worded more strongly, or gotten rid of completely. The important issues can be boiled down into a very small, and meaningful document. He suggested that the Commission review ]��Jj.,,,.,L1,,a4��__—..__-. August 26, 1991 Page 7 the document and flag other issues that may need further consideration. C/Schey inquired what other issues are scheduled, on the agenda, for the September 9, 1991 meeting. PT/Lungu stated that the political sign issue is scheduled. PD/DeStefano stated that the Commission will receive a rough draft political sign ordinance for the September 9th meeting. He explained that the City Council will create a sub -committee to deal with political signs, but they also want the Planning Commission to create a political sign ordinance. INFORMATIONAL PD/De'Stefano noted the memorandum from the Traffic ITEMS: and Transportation Commission (TTC) informing the Planning Commission that the "Fred Janz Project", Parcell No. 22986, is scheduled for discussion before the TTC on September 12, 1991 at 6:30 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Library. ANNOUNCEMENT: CPE/K plan stated that the group that attended the Claremont workshop, found the exercise on zoning to Staff bea useful exercise. It is a worthwhile exercise to bring to the entire Commission because it will help the Commission focus their thoughts, and articulate them in a way that is useful to the consultant to help prepare the development standard. We will be doing a similar exercise here sometime in the near future. Commission VC/MacBride informed the Commission of the meeting, consisting of members of the Council, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, and the DBIA, (scheduled August 27, 1991 at 4:00 p.m., to discuss sign monumentation. Because there was concern about the Commission's effective liaison with the Council, the Planning Commission was asked to have one or two person attend the meeting. He stated that C/Schey and he will attend the meeting unless another member of the Commission prefers to attendl PD/DeStefano stated that the purpose of the meeting _ is to outline some of the issues of freestanding monument signs, and come to a resolution, so that the committee can forward a recommendation to the City Council. The Commission stated no objections to the appointed sub -committee. August 26, 1991 ADJOURNMENT: I Page 8 PD/Destefano requested the Commission to determine a day, Monday through Friday, and time, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., that would be good for the Commission to tour the AQMD facility. C/Schey suggested either 8:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m., around mid September, 1991. The Commission concurred. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by VC/MacBride and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 p.m. Respectively, Ja1hAbs DeStefar_o Secretary/Planning Commission Attest: � • N;•""C': yr r M....- „��.�^ ...7'�/yY,`� JaFk Grothe airman 4