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MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 5, 2006
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula Planning Commission convened in an adjourned regular meeting at 6:30
p.m., on Thursday, January 5,2006, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200
Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.
Chairman Mathewson thanked Eve Craig for the prelude music.
ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Harter led the audience in the Flag salute.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioners: Chiniaeff, Guerriero, Harter, Telesio, and Chairman Mathewson.
Absent:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Referencing a recent accident, Mr. Robert MacHa Ie, French Valley, stated that the
corner of. Walcott Lane and Calle Chapos is a dangerous corner at night, advising that the
corner is not property lit; that the corner lacks yellow blinking lights; and that the corner is too
sharp for the posted speed limit.
In response to Mr. MacHa Ie's concern, Chairman Mathewson suggested that he contact the
Department of Public Works.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1 Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1 Approve the Minutes of November 16, 2005.
1.2 Approve the Minutes of December 7, 2005.
MOTION: Commissioner Chiniaeff moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Commissioner
Guerriero seconded the motion and voice vote reflected approval with the exceDtion of
Commissioner Chiniaeff who abstained on Item No. 1.2.
Chairman Mathewson advised the audience that any comments regarding Item No. 2
(Temecula Hospital) be limited to new items that were not addressed at the December 7, 2005,
Planning Commission hearing. Chairman Mathewson also requested that speakers observe the
time limit, respect those who speak, and refrain from making any comments.
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PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
Continued from December 7, 2005
2 Plannina ADDlication No. PA04-0462. General Plan Amendment. PA05-0302 Planned
DeveloDment Overlav. PA04-0463 Conditional Use Permit and DeveloDment Plan. PA04-
0571 Parcel MaD. submitted bv Universal Health Services. Inc.. for a General Plan
Amendment. Zone Chanae. Conditional Use Permit. DeveloDment Plan and a Tentative
Parcel MaD to construct a 566.160 sauare foot hosDital. includina medical office buildinas on
35.31 acres. located on North side of Hiahwav 79 South and south of DePortola Road. and
aDDroximatelv 700 feet west of Maraarita Road
Senior Planner Papp provided the Planning Commission with a staff report (of written material).
Responding to a question raised by Commissioner Chiniaeff, Director of Public Works Hughes
stated that an access point mid-block between DePortola Road and Highway 79 South has
been discussed, but that it was not found to be a viable option due to the fact that the City, nor
the applicant of this project, owns or controls the property in question; and that it is not
designated on the Circulation Element to have a roadway in that vicinity.
Senior Planner Papp offered the following additional information:
. That medical office NO.2 will be a four-story,building
. That the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) identified the Corona property as an
alternative site for the proposed hospital.
For the Commission, Director of Public Hughes noted that the road portion south of DePortola
Road would be identified as an offer of dedication, but has not been accepted by the City for
use; and that it would not be considered a private street, (but a paper offering to be a public
street) should the City elect to accept the offer of dedication.
Referencing potential leaking underground storage tanks, Senior Planner Papp stated that a
consultant will be addressing the issue and that no plume was found on the proposed site.
Per PowerPoint Presentation, representing P & D consultant, Ms. Laura Stetson, highlighted
responses to comments as well as comments that were received after the 30-day public review
period of October 28, 2005 (of written material in staffs report), noting the following:
. Noise of sirens
. Hazardous waste operations from the hospital;
. Groundwater issues
Mr. Dan Johnson, representing Environmental Business Solutions, offered the following
information with regard to groundwater issues raised by the public, per a PowerPoint
Presentation:
. That after carefully reviewing available information regarding potential leaking
underground storage tanks, it was determined that there would be slight groundwater
contamination on the project site
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. That potential impacts would be limited to groundwater, but that there is no direct data
that would indicate that there would be, at this time, impacts in the groundwater at the
site in question
. That low concentrations of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive, was
detected
. That groundwater would not be used as a drinking water source for the proposed
hospital
. That potential issues would be vapors rising off the impacted groundwater, up through
the soil, and possibly up to the ground surface and into the building
. That vapors could possibly rise up through the soil column, off the impacted groundwater
which in turn could affect a potential receptor
. That after measuring MTBE concentrations and gasoline additives, it was determined
that no MTBE and no gasoline constituents were detected
. That in conclusion, there would be no health risk associated with the release of soil
vapors.
In response to Chairman Mathewson's question, Mr. Johnson reiterated that there would be no
definitive data that would indicate whether or not there would be any MTBE in the groundwater;
that oil companies have a responsibility and obligation to the Water Quality Control Board to
investigate the full extent of MTBE in groundwater; and that whether there is MTBE in the
groundwater or not, there would be no potential risk or threat, advising that there would be no
complete exposure pathway but for the soil vapors.
. That in conclusion a soil vapor survey was conducted; that the location of the soil vapor
samples were located to assess the potential for migration and intrusion into the site
from the MTBE plumes into the proposed site buildings; that no MTBE or gasoline
constituents were detected; that, therefore, it would be unlikely that there would be any
health risk associated with the release; and that if there were any impacts to the
groundwater, it would be very slight.
Mr. Tom Wright, licensed professional geologist, offered the following comments:
. That oil companies have put in recovery wells that would be located east to the subject
site; that recovery wells would not be placed on the proposed site; that the wells would
treat any contamination that could be in the groundwater; that all the concentrations at
the proposed site have been declining over the last several years; and that remediation
systems have been implemented, which will further decrease the levels.
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At this time, Ms. Stetson P & D consultant, continued with the responses to comments,
highlighting the following:
. Traffic
. Cumulative traffic impacts
. Change in neighborhood character.
In closing, Senior Planner Papp informed the Planning Commission that staff received
two additional e-mails and one letter, expressing opposition to the proposed project (at this time,
Mr. Papp distributed the letters received by staff). Mr. Papp recommended that the Planning
Commission accept the responses to the comment letters and recommended removal of the
Condition of Approval related to Dartolo Road access; and recommended that the City Council
approve the Planning Application for the proposed project; that if the Planning Commission were
to concur with staff recommendation, staff would reverse the resolution and Condition of
Approval regarding Dartolo Road access, prior to the City Council hearing of January 24, 2006.
Per PowerPoint Presentation, Ms. Linda Bradley CEO and Managing Director of
Southwest Heath Care System Services, provided responses to the issues related to the design
of the facility raised at the hearing of November 16, 2005, as well as other questions. At this
time, Ms. Bradley highlighted on the following:
. Design decisions
. Hospital health care today
. Best practice design
. Best demonstrated practice
. Regulatory compliance
. Patient care
. Patient safety
. Employee safety
. Facility security
. Customer considerations
. Community satisfaction
. Aesthetics considerations.
Addressing comments made by the Planning Commission, Ms. Bradley noted the following:
. That the hospital will be part of Phase I, but that Phase 1 will be split into 1a and 1b; that
in order for the proposed hospital to be built, it would need an approval from the State
which could take between 12 and 24 months; and that a medical office building may be
built without State approval
. That a hospital does not generate ambulance runs; that ambulance runs are generated
by the need of the community; that if the proposed hospital were approved, it would
reduce the length of siren noises because ambulances would have a shorter distance to
drive
. That the hospital will hold regular disaster drills and will be working closely with
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies and Fire and Police Departments; that
disaster drills will be held at regular required intervals; and that the drills will go through
actual disaster scenarios and mock victims
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. That the administration of the proposed hospital has never intended to make the
proposed hospital a trauma center .
. That the hospital, as designed, would deliver the largest number of beds, built in the
most affective design in the shortest time possible
. That the cost of redesign would not be a primary concern for the applicant; that the
primary concern for the applicant would be that the hospital/healthcare needs be
delivered to the community in the least amount of time
. That any delays for the proposed project would be time and money.
At this time, the Planning Commission took a six-minute recess.
Clarifying for the Planning Commission, Ms. Stetson stated that there would be an average of
two siren ambulance runs per day; that there would be an average of five to seven ambulance
runs a week; and that the balance of those siren runs would not be using its sirens.
At this time, the public hearing was opened.
The following individuals spoke in succort of the proposed project:
. Ms. Atalanta Olito, Murrieta
. Ms. Michelle Arrellano, Temecula
. Mr. Bruce Barton, Riverside
. Mr. David Cruz, Alta Loma
. Ms. Ramona Delaney, Wildomar
. Ms. Pam Diran
. Mr. Dennis Frank, Temecula
. Mr. Roger Ziemer, Temecula
. Ms. Jan Bates, Fallbrook
. Mr. Brent Jacobsen, Temecula
The above-mentioned individuals spoke in succort of the proposed project for the following
reasons:
. That the community of Temecula is in great need for a hospital
. That currently every patient that is transported by the 911 system would be transported
out of the City of Temecula, resulting in Emergency Medical Service resources leaving
the City
. That horses that live in the adjacent community to the proposed project could be trained
to become accommodating of noises such as helicopters and sirens
. That the function and form of a hospital would be critical
. That the hospital was designed for the community it serves
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. That the City of Temecula has always addressed projects with a vision towards the
future needs of the community, while balancing community impacts and the need for
community services projecting 20 to 30 years out; and that the proposed project would
be one of those projects that would need to be projected 30 to 40 years out
. That there would be a specific community need for the project hospital to serve the
entire region especially, the Redhawk and Vail Ranch community.
. That the proposed site has been planned for commercial/professional/industrial
development for many years, it would not be considered rural
. That the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) strongly supports the proposed
project as presented for its specific needs and the services in the City of Temecula
. That Emergency Medical Services will work with the hospital in lending assistance on
how Code 3 responses could be used as an ambulance would approach the hospital.
The following individuals spoke in ODDosition of the proposed project:
. Ms. Gloria Smith
. Ms. Nicole Stormon, Temecula
. Mr. Brad Stermon, Temecula
. Mr. Neal Zift, Temecula
. Mr. Tom Hannum, Temecula
. Mr. A. Evan Harbottle, Temecula
. Mr. Paul Gupta, Temecula
. Mr. Kenneth Ray, Temecula .
. Mr. Ricardo Echeverria, Temecula
. Mr. Don Brown, Temecula
The above-mentioned individuals spoke in opposition of the proposed project for the following
reasons:
. That the City errors in placing the burden of a health risk on the California Nurses
Association (CNA)
. That the City has failed to provide the public with information in the Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) with regard to potential leaking underground storage tanks
. That the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) would require more than the
reviewing of files or vapor studies
· That as a matter of law, the City's statement of overriding consideration violates CEQA
· That the handling of the proposed project has been irresponsible and showed signs of
improprieties
· That the manner in which the proposed project has been pushed through the system
showed that the City is hiding issues that citizens have the right to know
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. That if the City Council were truly looking out for the citizens of the City, it would have
asked the administration of the hospital to look for property for a longer period of time
. That to destroy a 40-year old neighborhood and way of life, to endanger families and
animals, and to utilize staff with bad attitudes would show the bullying methods of the
City
. That the residents in the adjacent community were of the understanding that the
bearming and landscaping separating the hospital project from DePortola Road and the
association of residential neighborhoods, would be installed as part of Phase 1
. That the proposed hospital should be redesigned to a smaller configuration
. That the hospital, as proposed, will generate immense negative impacts upon the
neighborhoods of southern Temecula.
Chairman Mathewson thanked the audience for their observance of the rules and regulations of
the pubic hearing.
In response to a comment made regarding City Council and staff, Chairman Mathewson stated
that the City's planning staff has always demonstrated a high level of professionalism and has
done an outstanding job addressing all issues that have been raised by the public by providing
information in the timeliest manner; and that the City Council has consistently demonstrated its
commitment to the community.
At this time, the Planning Commission took a five-minute recess.
Ms. Bradley, representing Southwest Healthcare System, responded to two issues that were
raised by speakers, noting the following:
. That heavy landscaping will be installed around the perimeter of the site as part of
Phase 1
. That the intent for Inland Valley Regional Medical Center and Rancho Springs Medical
Center would be to expand, not close.
Director of Public Works Hughes offered the following comments:
. That Pio Pico Road was analyzed during the Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
process
. That the EIR analyzed the Dartolo Road access and found that the connection would
actually create significant traffic impacts
. That every impact reflected in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was either
resolved, or will be resolved by the proposed project, and/or will be resolved by actively
funded projects that the City will be undergoing
· That it would be important to understand that the current zoning for the property site
could have generated two to three times as many trips per day with another project.
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At this time, the public hearing was closed.
Commission Discussion
Commissioner Guerriero stated that although he would be in favor of the proposed project, he
would ask that the applicant consider reducing the height of the towers by redesigning the
proposed hospital.
Understanding the concerns of the opposing residents, Commissioner Telesio relayed his full
support of the proposed project as presented.
Echoing Commissioner Telesio's comment, Commissioner Harter stated that he, also, would be
in full support of the proposed project as presented.
Relaying his disappointment that the applicant did not take more time to address the concerns
of adjacent residents with regard to height, Commissioner Chiniaeff noted the following:
. That his concern would be that there would be no guarantee that the proposed hospital
would be built
. That he would suggest postponing the second reading until the proposed project has
been approved by the State.
In response to Commissioner Chiniaeffs suggestion, City Attorney Thorson stated that
postponing the second reading would result in the denial of building the medical office building
until the second reading has been read.
Commissioner Chiniaeff noted that he would be in favor of the proposed project, but would
request that the landscaping around the perimeter be installed as soon as possible to allow time
for trees to grow.
Relaying his support of the hospital project, Chairman Mathewson requested that the applicant
explore the possibility of redesigning the hospital project with regard to the height of the
proposed hospital, and that the applicant address this request with the City Council.
MOTION: Commissioner Guerriero moved to approve staff recommendation which would
include the recommendation to delete Dartolo Road access connection from the proposed
project. Commissioner Telesio seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous
aDDroval.
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,
PC RESOLUTION NO. 06-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA ADOPT A
RESOLUTION ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA CERTIFYING THE
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PREPARED FOR
THE TEMECULA REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND RELATED
ACTIONS, AND ADOPTING THE FINDINGS PURSUANT TO
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, A
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND A
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM IN
CONNECTION THEREWITH FOR THE TEMECULA REGIONAL
HOSPITAL PROJECT, LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET
WEST OF MARGARITA ROAD," AND KNOWN AS
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NOS. 959-080-001 THROUGH 959-080-
004 AND 959-080-007 THROUGH 959-080-010 (PA04-0462,
PA05-0302, PA04-0463, PA04-0571
PC RESOLUTION NO. 06-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF TEMECULA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVE A RESOLUTION ENTITLED "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE
ELEMENT TO REMOVE EIGHT (8) SUBJECT PARCELS FROM
THE Z "FUTURE SPECIFIC PLAN" OVERLAY DESIGNATION
AND CORRESPONDING TWO-STORY HEIGHT RESTRICTION
FOR A SITE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 79 SOUTH,
APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET WEST OF MARGARITA ROAD,"
AND KNOWN AS ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NOS. 959-080-001
THROUGH 959-080-004 AND959-080-007.THROUGH 959-080-
010 (PA04-0462)
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PC RESOLUTION NO. 06-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF TEMECULA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVE AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA FROM PROFESSIONAL OFFICE (PO) AND
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY (PDO-8) TO PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY-9 (PDO-9) AND ADOPT SECTIONS
17.22.200 THROUGH 17.22.206 INCLUDING THE PDO TEXT
AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SITE GENERALLY
LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 79 SOUTH,
APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET WEST OF MARGARITA ROAD"
AND KNOWN AS ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NOS. 959-080-001
THROUGH 959-080-004 AND 959-08-007 THROUGH 959-080-
010 (PA04-0462)
PC RESOLUTION NO. 06-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF TEMECULA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION ENTITLED "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA APPROVING PLANNING APPLICATION NO.
PA04-0463, A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH A
320-BED HOSPITAL FACILITY AND HELIPAD; AND A
DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO CONSTRUCT A 408,160 SQUARE
FOOT HOSPITAL, A HELIPAD, TWO MEDICAL OFFICE
BUILDINGS TOTALING 140,000 SQUARE FEET, A 10,000
SQUARE FOOT CANCER CENTER, AND AN 8,000 SQUARE
FOOT FITNESS REHABILITATION CENTER ALL TOTALING
566,160 SQUARE FEET ON 35.31 ACRES," LOCATED ON THE
NORTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 79 SOUTH, APPROXIMATELY 700
FEET WEST OF MARGARITA ROAD, KNOWN AS APN: 959-
080-001 THROUGH 959-080-004 AND 959-080-007 THROUGH
959-080-010
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PC RESOLUTION NO. 06-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF TEMECULA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPT A RESOLUTION ENTITLED "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TEMECULA APPROVING - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO.
32468, TO CONSOLIDATE EIGHT LOTS TOTALING 35.31
ACRES INTO 1 PARCEL, LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF
HIGHWAY 79 SOUTH, APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET WEST OF
MARGARITA ROAD AND KNOWN AS ASSESSOR'S PARCEL
NOS. 959-080-001 THROUGH 959-080-004 AND 959-080-007
THROUGH 959-080-010 (PA04-0571)
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
In response to Commissioner Telesio's concem regarding Apis Road, Deputy City Manager
Thornhill advised that he will have Code Enforcement address the situation.
For Commissioner Guerriero, Director of Public Works Hughes noted that he will have a Public
Works Technician check the timing of the signalization at Rancho California Road and Margarita
Road.
Chairman Mathewson advised the Commission that he has submitted a letter of resignation,
effective February 3, 2006.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
No report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:15 p.m., Chairman Mathewson formally adjourned to Wednesdav. Januarv 18. at 6:30
p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula.
ulln-<' ~y0
Debbie Ubnoske
Director of Planning
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