CITY OF WASCO
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 12, 2009- 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairperson Santillan at 7:02 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE and INVOCATION led by Chairperson Santillan
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Santillan; Commissioner Drescher; Commissioner Forrest; Commissioner German; Commissioner Hutson; Commissioner Lawrence
Absent: Commissioner Elholm
Staff: Community Development Director Heiser; Senior Planner McNamara; Secretary Lopez-Joslin
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS - NONE
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. NONE
7. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Senior Planner McNamara asked that Item 9d be heard first.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Minutes for December 8, 2008 regular meeting.
b) Approve the Reading of all Resolutions by Title only
Commissioner Drescher made a motion to approve the consent calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Forrest. All in favor. Motion carried.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - POLICY ITEMS
d) Conditional Use Permit 08-08. A Conditional Use Permit to construct a fifty eight (58) unit housing project, located approximately six hundred feet south of State Hwy 46 and is bounded on the south by Spruce Ave, the east by Beckes Ave and the west by Central Ave, Assessor's Parcel Number 488-010-23, and accompanying Notice of Exemption
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.
Commissioner Drescher recused herself on this project.
Senior Planner McNamara gave a PowerPoint presentation on a Conditional Use Permit to construct a fifty eight (58) unit housing project, located approximately six hundred feet south of State Hwy 46 and is bounded on the south by Spruce Ave, the east by Beckes Ave and the west by Central Ave, Assessor's Parcel Number 488-010-23, and accompanying Notice of Exemption. McNamara reported that the project is consistent with zoning and that the General Plan allowed the project subject to a Conditional Use Permit being approved and that the project was also exempt from CEQA with staff recommending approval.
Commissioners commented on the positive aspects of the project.
Cesar Juarez - KSA Architects - 4660 American Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309 - Asked that the fire sprinkler requirement be removed from the conditions of approval as they are not required by the fire code. He would like this item removed so the plans can be submitted with the approved code required.
After discussion by Commissioners of the request Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.
Commissioner German made a motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit with the option of the Architect working with the Kern County Fire Department on requirements for codes. Seconded by Commissioner Hutson. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Forrest; German; Hutson; Lawrence; Santillan
NOES:
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Drescher
ABSENT: Commissioner Elholm
Secretary Lopez-Joslin read the resolution by title - Resolution 09-04 - A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco approving Conditional Use Permit 08-08 a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to Table 17-3 of the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance to allow for the construction on a fifty eight (58) unit housing project located approximately six hundred (600) feet south of State Route 46 and is bounded on the south by Spruce Avenue and the east by Beckes Avenue, Assessor's Parcel Number 488-010-23, and Accompanying Notice of Exemption.
Commissioner Drescher returned at 7:20 p.m.
a) Discretionary Site Review 08-01. Approval by the Planning Commission, pursuant to Section 17.75 Permit Procedures, of the application of Guillermo Campos for proposed aesthetic improvements to the property located at 1524 G Street, Wasco CA, APN 030-441-05.
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
Director Heiser gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Discretionary Site Review 08-01. Approval by the Planning Commission, pursuant to Section 17.75 Permit Procedures, of the application of Guillermo Campos for proposed aesthetic improvements to the property located at 1524 G Street, Wasco CA, APN 030-441-05.
Questions were raised by Commissioners on the type of fencing and why he would have to eliminate parking spaces and if that would be a problem. Director Heiser explained the type of fencing being used and that the applicant had no problem eliminating parking spaces.
Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 7:27 p.m.
Commissioner German made a motion to approve Discretionary Site Review 08-01. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Forrest; German; Hutson; Lawrence; Santillan
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: Commissioner Elholm
Secretary Lopez-Joslin read the resolution by title - Resolution 09-02 - A Resolution of the planning Commission of the City of Wasco approving Discretionary Site Plan 08-01 to install aesthetic improvements for the property located at 1524 G Street, APN 030-441-05, as reflected in Exhibit A and Conditioned in Exhibit B.
b) APPEAL 08-04 Appeal of the Planning Director's Decision by Ernie Lowe/ Orange County regarding the determination of a non-allowable use (stone cutting) in a C-S (Service Commercial) Zone District
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m.
Director Heiser gave a PowerPoint presentation staff report on the Appeal of the Planning Director's Decision by Ernie Lowe/ Orange County regarding the determination of a non-allowable use (stone cutting) in a C-S (Service Commercial) Zone District.
Questions were asked by Commissioners on option 2 given in the staff report. Director Heiser explained what would need to happen for option 2 to continue.
Another question was asked on what was being appealed the business license or the manufacturing of stone tile. Director Heiser explained that both items were part of the appeal.
Discussion by Commissioners on the text amendments and ordinance changes with Commissioner Hutson recommending taking to City Council.
Commissioner German disagreed due to the business violating City Ordinances on two separate occasions he would like to see this go back to staff for further study and review.
Commissioners discussed business going through the legal channels with all Commissioners in agreement with further discussion on ways to handle business owners.
Commissioners asked about the areas zoning with Senior Planner McNamara explaining the zoning and how this affected existing businesses.
Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 7:57 p.m.
Commissioner German made a motion to uphold the denial of Appeal 08-04 with the option of staff working with the applicant on a resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Hutson. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Forrest; German; Hutson; Lawrence; Santillan
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: Commissioner Elholm
Secretary Lopez-Joslin read the resolution by title - Resolution 09-01 - A Resolution of the City of Wasco Planning Commission disapproving the appeal of Orange County Stone/Ernie Lowe to sustain the Planning Department's decision for the denial of the nonallowable stone cutting/manufacturing use located at the 1500 G Street, Wasco CA APN# 030-441-08 with the option of staff working with the applicant to resolve the issue.
c) Conditional Use Permit 08-07. A Conditional Use Permit Pursuant to Table 17-1 of the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance to allow for the construction and operation of a waste cooking oil recycling facility. The project is proposed to include a 3,000 square foot metal building and eight storage tanks, located approximately one third (1/3) mile north of the northwest corner of State Route 46 and N. F Street, Assessor's Parcel Number 487-250-17, and accompanying Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:59 p.m.
Senior Planner McNamara gave a PowerPoint presentation of a Conditional Use Permit Pursuant to Table 17-1 of the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance to allow for the construction and operation of a waste cooking oil recycling facility. The project is proposed to include a 3,000 square foot metal building and eight storage tanks, located approximately one third (1/3) mile north of the northwest corner of State Route 46 and N. F Street, Assessor's Parcel Number 487-250-17, and accompanying Mitigated Negative Declaration a determination of similar use was requested by the applicant with staff recommending approval of the project.
Commissioner German asked if the applicant operated any other facilities.
Mark Craig - 133 E. De La Guerra #109, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 explained that this would be their first company his being a new company. Mr. Craig went on to explain that there are other facilities around the state that recycle more than cooking oil but his company is considered light rendering.
Mr. Craig was asked by Commissioners on the number of trucks that would be coming to his facility. He explained that there would be possibly three a day in the beginning.
Craig Boyson - 133 E. De La Guerra #109, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 explained to the Commissioners what their business is and how the process of cooking oil is done. He also showed an example of what the cooking oil looks like after it has been processed.
Questions were asked by Commissioners on the water and storm drain. Senior Planner McNamara along with Mr. Craig explained how the business would impact the water and storm drain.
Mr. Craig asked that a chain link fence with slats be allowed around portions of the property due to the cost of a masonry wall around the whole property. Once another business comes in then a masonry wall might be able to be negotiated with a shared cost.
Commissioner German excused himself at 8:36 p.m.
Joanne Martin - 14889 Annin Avenue, Wasco - Asked Commissioners if this was the type of industry wanted in Wasco and why it is being allowed in an area not zoned properly? She also questioned the amount of time spent discussing the appeal of Ernie Lowe's property but not on this project when this is a new business. She asked why the business wasn't moved across North F Street next to Sunnygem. She also voiced concerns on the use of Annin Avenue as a truck route for the business and the height of the tanks.
Mark Craig asked if the area was all zoned Heavy Industrial. Senior Planner McNamara stated that yes, that whole area is zoned Heavy Industrial. Mr. Craig also explained what the hours of operation would be and also that no trucks would be using Annin Avenue as a truck route, trucks would use North F Street. He also explained the height of the tanks would be less than the height allowed by the City. Mr. Craig also added that their business is a "green" recycling company and they work hard for the environment and are looking forward to working with people in Wasco.
Commissioner Forrest asked for a five minute recess. Chairperson Santillan called for a five minute recess.
Chairperson Santillan re-opened the meeting at 9:00 pm.
Commissioners discussed with staff the fencing types allowed.
Julie Townsend - 1221 Gromer Road, Wasco - Very impressed with the project and her concerns had been addressed. She asked about possible spills and how they would be handled and if they only process cooking oil, if they are restricted to just cooking oil. She also spoke on fencing and asked the Commissioners to consider the intent of fencing and encouraged them to work with the owners of the business.
Commissioner Santillan explained that cooking oil would not be considered hazardous material.
Mr. Craig explained that his business was not looking to expand they just want to recycle cooking oil.
Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 9:10 p.m.
Commissioner Forrest made a motion to approve Conditional Use Permit 08-07 with the modification that fencing type would be discussed by staff and the applicant. Commissioner Drescher seconded the motion. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Forrest; Hutson; Lawrence; Santillan
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: Commissioners: Elholm; German
Secretary Lopez-Joslin read the resolution by title - Resolution 09-03 - A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco approving Conditional Use Permit 08-07 a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to Table 17-1 of the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance to allow for the construction and operation of a Waste Cooking Oil Recycling Facility located approximately one third (1/3) mile north of the northwest corner of State Route 46 and N. F Street, Assessor's Parcel Number 487-250-17, and Accompanying Mitigated Negative Declaration with the modification that fencing type would be discussed by staff and the applicant.
e) Time Extension Request for Tentative Tract 6670 - The application of Northern California Universal Enterprises for a one (1) year time extension to Tentative Tract 6670 The proposed project is located approximately 1/8th mile north of the northeast corner of the intersection of State Highway 46 and Scofield Avenue (Assessor's Parcel Number 487-050-48) and accompanying Notice of Exemption
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 9:13 p.m.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the application of Northern California Universal Enterprises for a one (1) year time extension to Tentative Tract 6670 the proposed project is located approximately 1/8th mile north of the northeast corner of the intersection of State Highway 46 and Scofield Avenue (Assessor's Parcel Number 487-050-48) and accompanying Notice of Exemption with staff recommending approval.
After hearing no discussion by Commissioners Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 9:20 p.m.
Commissioner Drescher made a motion to approve the Time Extension Request for Tentative Tract 6670 with the addition of the fire service tax. Seconded by Commissioner Forrest. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Forrest; Hutson; Lawrence; Santillan
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: Commissioners: Elholm; German
Secretary Lopez-Joslin read the resolution by title - Resolution 09-05 - A Resolution of the City of Wasco Planning Commission approving the request of Northern California Universal Enterprises for a one year extension to Tentative Tract 6670 as shown in Exhibit A and conditioned in Exhibit B with the addition of the fire service tax.
10. INFORMATION ITEMS - NONE
11. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
Director Heiser reported that he would be attending a CEQA Workshop on January 22 in Los Angeles. He reported that the State was coming down hard on green house gas. He would also be learning about green building. He also reported that building activity is down, the Planning Department is working on cleaning up the processes and that Code Enforcement is moving forward on violation issues.
12. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Chairperson Santillan asked how the Downtown Workshop went as he was not able to attend. Director gave a report on the workshop and thanked Commissioners Drescher and Forrest for attending. Commissioner Forrest asked how much money had been spent on the downtown program; he would not like to see taxpayers money used for this. Director Heiser explained the reasons for the downtown plan and that the City is waiting on the draft report on the workshops.
Commissioner Forrest asked the status of the sign ordinance grant. Director Heiser reported that the City had been turned down for the grant. Commissioner Forrest stated he would like an opportunity to sit down and rewrite an ordinance that would be better than the one now.
Commissioner Hutson stated he was upset about the fencing requirements and that the City needs to be more business friendly on these items.
Commissioner Lawrence voiced his concerns over the sign heights and if one is allowed to exceed the required height then all businesses will want them.
Discussion by Commissioners and staff on scheduling a workshop to change the sign ordinance for late January or early February.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Lawrence made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. All in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
John Heiser, Community Development Director
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