WASCO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 10, 2006 – 7:00 P.M.
Planning Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m
2&3. FLAG SALUTE and INVOCATION offered by Chairperson Campbell
4. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Campbell, Arredondo, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan; Absent: Commissioner Voth, Arredondo left early.(8:15 P.M.)
Also present Planning Director Woodcock, Secretary Rodriguez, Absent: Senior Planner McNamara.
5. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
6. HEARING FROM PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA – this portion of the meeting is reserved for persons desiring to address the commission on any matter not on this agenda and over which the commission has jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to two (2) minutes. Please state your name and address for the record before making presentation.
7. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Planning Director Woodcock stated that Chairperson Steward had stepped down, and they needed to elect new chairperson for reorganization.
Commissioner Santillan nominated Commissioner Campbell for Chairperson. Seconded by Commissioner Arredondo. Commissioner Brown motion to close the nominations, seconded by Commissioner Mitchell. All in favor, Commissioner Campbell was nominated as Chairperson.
Commissioner Santillan nominated Commissioner Brown to the position of Vice Chairperson, seconded by Commissioner Mitchell. Commissioner Campbell closed the nominations, seconded by Commissioner Santillan. All in favor, Commissioner Brown was nominated as Vice Chairperson.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Minutes June 12, 2006 meeting
b) Approve the Reading of all Resolutions by Title only
Commissioner Arredondo moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. Motion carried.
9. MINUTE MOTION ITEMS - NONE
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS – POLICY ITEMS
a) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 06-01, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Resolution – A change to the General Plan Land Use Map of the City of Wasco re-designating approximately forty five (45) acres of a land designated as Commercial Retail to Low Density Residential; Location: The northeast corner of State Highway 46 and Magnolia Avenue; APN: 488-010-04 and 487-010-37; Applicant: Merjan Financial
b) ZONE CHANGE 06-03, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Resolution – A change to the Official Zoning Map of the City of Wasco re-classifying approximately forth five (45) acres of a land designated as Community Retail Commercial to R-1-6 (Low Density Residential 6,000 sq. ft. lot); Location: the northeast corner of State Highway 46 and Magnolia Avenue; APN: 488-010-04 and 487-010-37; Applicant: Merjan Financial
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Planning Director Woodcock reported with a Powerpoint presentation on the two projects by the same applicant Merjan Financial.
General Plan Amendment 06-01 the request is to change the General Plan Designation of approximately forty five (45) acres of land from Commercial Retail to Low Density Residential.
Zone Change 06-03 the request is to change the zoning on said property from the existing C-R (Community Retail) District to the R-1-6 (6,000 sq. foot minimum lot size) District. It is related to GPA 06-01.
The General Plan Amendment would reduce commercial area by (45 acres versus 93 acres. The low density residential property would accommodate 217 lots.
Bill Barkett owner of the property requested the zoning be changed back to residential.
There was discussion on the project site and commercial designation, the cancellation of the Williamson Act adopted on June 20, 2006 by the City Council. Also discussed were commercial sites and design, depth, and commercial buildings being built closer to street.
Staff recommends approval with the Planning Commission making finding that a substantial change in circumstances related to the property’s prezoning as C-R (Commercial Retail) has occurred since the property’s annexation to the City and recommend that the City Council approve General Plan Amendment 06-01 and also approval Zone Change 06-05.
Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
Commissioner Brown moved to approve General Plan Amendment 06-01, Mitigated Negative Declaration the findings and Resolution and Zone Change 06-03, Mitigated Negative Declaration and Resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Campbell, Arredondo, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES:NONE
ABSENT: Commissioner Voth
Secretary Rodriguez read the title of Resolution 06-24 for General Plan Amendment 06-01 and Zone Change 06-03
RESOLUTION 06-24 – A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco regarding the Application of Merjan Financial for General Plan Amendment 06-01 and Zone Change 06-03.
c) Tentative Tract 6686, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Resolution – A 215
Lot single family subdivision; Location: Approximately one eighth (1/8) of a mile northeast corner of State Highway 46 and Magnolia Avenue; APN 488-010-04 and 487-010-37; Applicant: Merjan Financial
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.
Planning Director Woodcock gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on the project. The applicant is requesting a 216 lot subdivision on 48 acres of land located one eighth of a mile northeast of the intersection of Hwy. 46 and Magnolia Ave. The parcel is bounded on the north by the Margalo Avenue alignment and to the east by the Central Avenue alignment. There was discussion on park ponding basin in the center, extension of Central Avenue to the culdesac end, working with developer to provide access to commercial area, emergency access/pedestrian access. The applicant will install sewer lines from Tentative Tract 6686 to the closest line located at the intersection of Magnolia and hwy. 46. There will be a need to work with the project to install lines.
There was discussion on Margalo alignment, park basin, sewer lines, storm drainage.
A.J. Whittier stated they concurred with the conditions set.
Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m.
Commissioner Brown moved to approve Tentative Tract 6686, Mitigated Negative Declaration and Resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Campbell, Arredondo, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: Commissioner Voth
Secretary Rodriguez read the title of Resolution 06-25
RESOLUTION 06-25 – A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the Matter of the Application of Merjan Financial for Tentative Tract 6686
d) ZONE CHANGE 06-07, Resolution – A change to the Downtown Historic
Overlay District to allow the addition to an existing commercial building located at 900 Seventh Street. The Overlay District presently calls for Public Open Space at this location. Location: Northwest corner of the intersection of 7th Street and “E” Street; Applicant: Salvador Cruz
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Planning Director Woodcock gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on the proposed project on 900 7th Street. The applicant is requesting to amend the Historic Downtown Wasco Overlay District to allow for him to add on to the existing business. The designation for the area is open space/park area.
Mr. Gary Johnson representing Sarah Low owner of Hong Kong Restaurant and the two offices located in the back that will be effected by the construction of new buildings requested that this item be continued because the Low’s had not been property noticed. They wanted more time to review the project. They were concerned with the new buildings blocking the existing restaurant and insurance business.
Planning Director Woodcock stated that all current information had been obtained and noticed properly.
Salvador Cruz owner of 900 7th Street had bought the property in 2000 with the plans of adding to the existing building two new businesses. He had had problems with people parking on his lot, he had to replace the sewer line because of vehicles from neighboring business driving vehicles on his property. He had spoken with Mrs. Low, and was willing to work with her, putting signs on his property to let people know the businesses are there in the back.
Olympia Alaya, tenant, Allstate Business spoke stating that parking was an issue already and adding two new businesses would add to the parking issue. They were concerned if a business was to be put in front there would be vandals since it would be hidden. Mr. Alfredo Alaya also from Allstate stated they would be closed in.
Mr. Cruz stated that lighting and security cameras could be placed in the area also a safety gate.
Commissioner Arredondo left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Gary Johnson read sections of the Downtown Overlay District. There was some discussion.
Mr. Cruz was not planning to sell his property.
Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
There was discussion on proposed offices, design options, no parking signage, entrance on E Street a patio way, property owners rights.
Commissioner Brown to accept Zone Change 06-07. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. All in favor, motion carried.
There was some discussion on recommendation on staff report.
Commissioner Brown amended his motion to add Condition 1. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. Motion carried.
1. Approve the project zone change provided that the applicant provides pedestrian access off of E Street to the aforementioned businesses and provide directional signage informing the public about the location of the two businesses. Also any site plans or modifications be taken back to the Planning Commission.
AYES: Commissioners Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: Commissioner Campbell
ABSENT: Commissioners Arredondo, Voth
Secretary Rodriguez read the title of Resolution 06-26
RESOLUTION 06-26 – A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco regarding the Application of Salvador Cruz for Zone Change 06-07
e) CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 06-02 AND RESOLUTION – a proposal to open a bar and nightclub in the Central Business District. Location: 1204 E Street, Wasco, CA 93280; APN: 030-412-11; Applicant: Ramon Olivas
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 8:42 P.M.
Planning Director Woodcock gave a PowerPoint presentation were the applicant was requesting a Conditional Use Permit to operate a bar/nightclub located at 1204 E Street.
He reported on some of the conditions set.
Issac Murriate, 1324 E Street, member of the Temple Emanuel Church stated they (the church) opposed any bar/nightclub be allowed because of their church activities, children safety.
Also speaking in opposition of the project were Steve Espitia, Ramiro Rios, spoke for several people in opposition Antonio Rios, 1049 E Street; Safarin Rios, 1122 E Street, Nicolas Anaya, 1118 E Street. They were not in favor of any alcohol related business in the area, had had problems with bars before. Mr. Luis Saverdra, 2409 Garden owns house on E Street had problems with bars before not in favor.
Mr. Profideo Salinas, Pastor, Templo Emanuel was not in favor of business. (Secretary Rodriguez interpreted for Mr. Salinas)
Christina Caldera lives on F Street (across the alley) and was not in favor of bar, stating before she had problems with noise, fighting, traffic, pedestrians and drunks.
Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 9:00 p.m.
Commissioner Brown moved to deny the Conditional Use Permit 06-02. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. All in favor, motion carried.
AYES: Commissioners Campbell, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES; None
ABSENT: Commissioners Arredondo, Voth
There was no resolution as the case was denied.
f) ZONE VARIANCE 06-02 AND RESOLUTION – A proposal to construct an eight (8) feet high masonry wall behind the business located at 1220 7th Street. The Zoning Ordinance currently allows for a six (6) foot high wall. Location: 1220 7th Street, Wasco, CA 93280; APN: 029-212-07; Applicant: Galal Saeed
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 9:02 p.m.
Planning Director Woodcock reported on applicant’s request for a 8 foot brick wall which would be used to cover a compacting machine for safety.
Hearing no other comments, Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 9:04 p.m.
Commissioner Santillan moved to approve Zone Variance 06-02. Seconded by Commissioner Mitchell. All in favor, motion carried.
AYES: Commissioners Campbell, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES;NONE
ABSENT: Commissioners Arredondo, Voth
Secretary Rodriguez read the title of Resolution 06-27.
RESOLUTION 06-27 – A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the matter of the application of Galal Saeed for Zone Variance 06-02, a proposal to exceed the allowable wall height
g) PARCEL MAP WAIVER 06-02 AND RESOLUTION – proposing to create a 40-acre parcel from an existing 121 acre parcel located near the southeast corner of the intersection of Schofield Avenue and McCombs Avenue. APN: 487-050-49; Portion of Section 4 of T27S, R24E; Applicant: Lotus Development
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 9:08 p.m.
Planning Director Woodcock reported on the request to create a 40 acre parcel from a larger 81.99 parcel. The property is located at the northeast corner of Scofield and Augusta Manor Alignment. Staff recommends approval with the findings and conditions set.
Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 9:09 p.m.
Commissioner Brown moved to approve Parcel Map Waiver 06-02. Seconded by Commissioner Mitchell. Motion carried.
AYES: Commissioner Campbell, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES; None
ABSENT: Commissioners Arredondo, Voth
Secretary Rodriguez read the title of Resolution 06-28
RESOLUTION 06-28 – a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the matter of Parcel Map Waiver 06-02
h) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 06-03 and RESOLUTION – proposing to establish design and landscaping requirements for projects located adjacent to state highways – Applicant: City of Wasco
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 9:10 p.m.
Planning Director Woodcock reported on the amendment proposing to establish design and landscaping requirements for projects located adjacent to state highway. He showed a PowerPoint presentation. Recommendation that new projects: require 25 foot landscape setback from State Highway right-of-way. Landscape setback to include a meandering sidewalk.
There was a brief discussion on parking, cross traffic, landscaping setbacks, design standards.
Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 9:17 p.m.
Commissioner Brown moved to approve General Plan Amendment 06-03 and forward to City Council. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. All in favor, motion carried.
AYES: Commissioners Campbell, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT; Commissioners Arredondo, Voth
Resolution 06-29 for General Plan Amendment 06-03 – will be forwarded to the City Council.
i) CONTINUED - ZONE CHANGE 06-06 and Resolution – Residential Design Criteria; Mechanical Equipment related to ground mounted and screening. Section 17.19(N)(5) Applicant: City of Wasco
Chairperson Campbell opened the public hearing at 9:19 p.m.
Planning Director Woodcock reported on residential design criteria; mechanical equipment related to ground mounted and screening.
There was a brief discussion on ground mounted units.
Chairperson Campbell closed the public hearing at 9:22 p.m.
Commissioner Brown moved to approve Zone Change 06-06. Seconded by Commissioner Mitchell and forward to City Council. Motion carried:
AYES: Commissioner Campbell, Brown, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Arredondo, Voth
Resolution 06-30 for Zone Change 06-06 will be forwarded to the City Council.
11. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Approved City Council Minutes for review
12. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Planning Director Woodcock will draft a certificate and resolution for presentation to Chairperson Steward.
13. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
There was a brief discussion on tankless water heaters.
14. ADJOURNMENT - Commissioner Brown moved to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
PC minutes july 10 06
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