WASCO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 8, 2007 – 7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER by Vice Chairperson Brown
2&3. FLAG SALUTE and INVOCATION led by Vice Chairperson Brown.
Planning Director Woodcock swore in the new Commissioners Jim Forrest and Dave German.
4. PRESENT
Commissioner Arredondo
Commissioner Brown
Commissioner Drescher
Commissioner Forrest
Commissioner German
Commissioner Santillan
Commissioner Mitchell absent
Also present Planning Director Woodcock, Secretary Rodriguez, Secretary Lopez, Senior Planner McNamara, Associate Planner Manry, and Assistant Planner Jaquez.
5. NOMINATIONS OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON
a) NOMINATION OF CHAIRPERSON
Commissioner Santillan nominated Commissioner Brown for Chairperson. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Hearing no other nominations, Commissioner German moved to close the nominations. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Brown was nominated as Chairperson.
b) NOMINATION OF VICE CHAIRPERSON
Commissioner Arredondo nominated Commissioner Santillan for Vice Chairperson. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Hearing no other nominations, Commissioner German moved to close the nominations. Seconded by Commissioner Forrest. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Santillan was nominated as Vice Chairperson.
6. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS – NONE
7. 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.
8. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS - NONE
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Minutes December 11, Special Meeting Dec. 18, 2006
b) Approve the Reading of all Resolutions by Title only
Commissioner Santillan moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Motion carried.
10. MINUTE MOTION ITEMS
a) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Request for Special Meeting for January 22, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.
After brief discussion the commissioners were in agreement to meet January 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
b) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Discussion on Accessory Kitchens
c) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Amendment to the Definitions Chapter of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to Dwelling Unit and Dwelling, Single Family
d) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Amendment to the Definitions Chapter of the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to Casitas
e) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Fencing in new subdivisions
After discussion on kitchens, secondary dwellings, fencing Commissioner Brown moved to draft several ordinances for items b,c,d,e with options to approve or deny projects with casitas and kitchens. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan, all in favor motion carried. Staff will draft several ordinances for review and approval at a future meeting.
f) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION Discussion of Thresholds that would require New Development to Provide Traffic Studies
Associate Planner Manry reported on possibly requiring new developments to provide traffic studies within the city for either residential or commercial. There was a brief discussion on cost, engineering, and developers.
Commissioner Santillan moved to draft an ordinance for review implementing traffic studies for new development. Seconded by Commissioner Arredondo. All in favor, motion carried.
g) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Establishing a General Plan Amendment Cycle for 2007
Director Woodcock reported on the possibility of establishing a General Plan Cycle for 2007 because state law limits the number of times that each element of the General Plan be amended only four times per year. This would be done quarterly March, June, September and December. Brief discussion.
Commissioner Forrest moved to approve establishing the General Plan Amendment Cycle and return draft ordinance to forward to Council. Seconded by Commissioner Arredondo. Motion carried.
h) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Amend Section 17.73 (Interpretations and Miscellaneous Provisions) of the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to rear yard encroachments
i) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Amend City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance pertaining to front yard setback for main dwelling from 25 feet to 20 feet
Senior Planner McNamara reported on items h) and i) proposing to allow an encroachment of up to six (6) feet into the required fifteen (15) foot rear yard setback, provided that the patio/porch are not enclosed. Recommending that the Planning commission initiate an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance related to porches/patio in the rear yard area. i) Staff proposes that the front yard setback be amended from the present 25 feet to 20 feet. Staff recommends that the Planning commission initiate an amendment to the zoning ordinance related to front yard setbacks.
After a brief discussion Commissioner Brown moved to draft an amendment to Section 17.73 for rear yard setback and return to Planning Commission. And also draft an amendment to the front yard setback with options. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. All in favor, motion carried.
j) REPORT AND POSSIBLE MINUTE MOTION – Allow the Outside Preparation of food at an existing restaurant (Red Door Café) on Highway 46
Senior Planner McNamara reported that the owner of the Red Door Coffee House (1911 Hwy. 46) Mr. Gerald Pfeiffer requested permission to be allowed to prepare food (barbecue) outside of his establishment. There was a brief discussion on other establishments wanting to do the same.
Commissioner Arredondo moved to change the language for the requirements to allow outdoor cooking in the highway businesses that do food preparation. Seconded by Commissioner Brown. All in favor, motion carried.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS – POLICY ITEMS
12. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Approved City Council Minutes for review
13. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Planning Director Woodcock stated he was working on a Planning Institute meeting in Wasco possibly in March.
14. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Chairperson Brown welcomed the new commissioners and requested a plaque be presented to Linda Voth and Dennis Campbell for their services to the commission.
15. ADJOURNMENT – Commissioner Santillan moved to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
PC JANUARY 07 minutes
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