HomeMy WebLinkAbout071900 PC MinutesR:PlanComm/m[nutes/O71900
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY '19, 2000
The City of Temecula Planning Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:01 P.M.,
on Wednesday July 19, 2000, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall,
43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.
ALLEGIANCE
The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Webster.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Also Present:
Commissioners Chiniaeff, Mathewson, Telesio, Webster,
and Chairman Guerriero.
None.
Director of Planning Ubnoske,
Deputy Director of Public Works Parks,
Attorney Curley,
Senior Planner Rockholt,
Senior Management Analyst Brown, and
Minute Clerk Hansen
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments.
It was noted that the Consent Calendar Items were considered separately.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1 Agenda
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1 Approve the Agenda of July 19, 2000.
MOTION: Commissioner Chiniaeff moved to approve the agenda. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Mathewson and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
2 Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:
2.1 Approve the minutes of June 7, 2000.
With respect to page 2, under Item No. 3, Commissioner Webster relayed that the
request for a continuance should reflect that it was due to the need for additional time to
prepare comments regarding the Negative Declaration; and noted that on page 13, the
word Quick should be replaced with the word Quit.
With respect to page 9, in the second paragraph, Commissioner Chiniaeff relayed that
the phrase Forest Hills should be corrected to reflect Forest City.
Commissioner Telesio noted that on page 8, under his concluding remarks, the minutes
should reflect that he applauded the diversity of design in the context of the mall.
MOTION: Commissioner Mathewson moved to approve the minutes, as revised. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Webster and voice vote reflected approval with
the exception of Commissioner Chiniaeff who abstained.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
3 General Plan Annual (Implementation) Report - Senior Planner Dave Hoqan
Senior Management AnaLyst Brown provided an overview of the staff report (of record),
noting that the General Plan (Implementation) Report was a requirement of State
Planning Law.
Referencing the Land Use Element portion of the report, specifically Item No. 8
(regarding provision of park and recreation facilities), Commissioner Mathewson queried
the denotation of No Action regarding the progress of the implementation action. In
response, Senior Management Analyst Brown relayed that due to a shortage of staff
personnel the implementation action had not been implemented; and confirmed, for
Commissioner Chiniaeff, that the issue had been addressed on a project-by-project
basis.
Referencing the Open Space/Conservation element portion of the report, specifically
Item No. 5 (regarding adoption of a hillside-grading ordinance), Commissioner
Mathewson queried the timeframe of the development of the ordinance. In response,
Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that in approximately 60 days the
ordinance would be presented to the Planning Commission, clarifying that the ordinance
would be a general grading ordinance, inclusive of hillside grading. Director of Planning
Ubnoske relayed that staff would take note of any comments from the Commission -
regarding hillside grading in the interim period in order to incorporate the remarks into
the ordinance.
In response to Commissioner Mathewson's queries, with respect to the Open
Space/Conservation Element portion of the report, specifically Item No. 11 (regarding
the Village Center concept), Senior Management Analyst Brown noted that the
implementation measure would most likely be revised or deleted; and confirmed that it
could be reported that it was no longer applicable.
Referencing the Public Safety Element portion of the report, specifically Item No. 4
(regarding adoption of a hillside development ordinance), Commissioner Mathewson
queried whether this ordinance would be developed in conjunction with the hillside-
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grading ordinance. Senior Management Analyst Brown confirmed that this was
referencing the same ordinance.
For Chairman Guerriero, Director of Planning Ubnoske provided information regarding
the focus of discussions for the upcoming Joint City Council/Planning Commission
Workshop.
Commissioner Chiniaeff commended staff for their efforts with respect to the overall
report; recommended presentation to the State, in a positive manner, of what the City
has accomplished, specifically recommending that with respect to the Public Safety
Element portion of the report, Item No. 8 (regarding routes for conveyance of hazardous
materials) that the report indicate that this issue was addressed on a case-by-case
basis, recommending that alternate portions of the report reflect progress as on a case-
by-case basis when applicable (i.e., Growth Management/Public Facilities Element, Item
Nos. 1, and 8).
For Commissioner Chiniaeff, with respect to the Air Quality Element portion, Item No. 4,
Senior Management Analyst Brown provided additional information regarding efforts
associated with energy conservation standards.
Commissioner Webster noted that since he would be unable to attend the Joint
Workshop that he would provide his comments at this time to be forwarded to the City
Council, as follows: with respect to the Land Use Element, Item No. 8 (regarding
incorporating incentives within the Development Code for park and recreation facilities)
recommended that this issue be given a higher priority level; with respect to the Housing
Element, recommended that there be consideration to incorporate additional
implementation actions per the General Plan; with respect to the Open
Space/Conservation Element, Item Nos. 3, and 4 (regarding recreation trails and a
Citywide bicycle system) recommended that these items be prioritized at a higher level
in order to not further restrict the availability of trails as development progresses; with
respect to Item No. 9 (regarding energy conservation guidelines), recommended that
staff investigate adding additional specificity to the Development Code or at the Specific
Plan level in order to provide stricter regulations; with respect to Item No. 11 (regarding
Agricultural Areas), recommended that this issue be addressed in the Roripaugh Ranch
and Wolf Creek areas; with respect to the Growth Management]Public Facilities
Element, Item No. 5 (regarding the comments associated with installation of park
reclaimed water systems) queried the use of the word encourage with respect to the
implementation action, noting that the City could be making greater strides with respect
to this issue; with respect to Item No. 14 (regarding the Growth Management Program)
noted that the action plan was not in conformance with actions items that the Growth
Management Program was intended to accomplish, noting that numerous specific goals
and policies within the General Plan were in direct conflict with the action plan, querying
the term completed regarding the progress of the Growth Management Program,
advising that the process was not complete due to the inconsistencies.
With respect to the Public Safety Element, Item No. 8 (regarding transportation routes
for conveyance of hazardous materials) Chairman Guerriero recommended that the City
investigate establishment of a singular route (from the freeway) northbound and
southbound that would enter the west side area, noting that a hazardous material
incident could be better confined on the west side of the freeway.
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With respect to the Open Space/Conservation Element, Item No. 11 (regarding the
Village Center concept), Commissioner Mathewson noted that he had interpreted the
language differently than Commissioner Webster. Senior Management Analyst Brown
relayed that this issue could be better addressed at the Joint Workshop.
Since this Agenda Item required no formal action, the Commission moved forward with
Agenda Item No. 4.
4
ERACIT (Enforce Responsible Alcohol Consumption in Temecula) Program
Presentation - Police Officer Robed Alexander
Officer Alexander provided an overview of the ERACIT program, noting that the program
was implemented approximately four years ago; provided additional information
regarding the rove patrols, the DUI checkpoints, and the liquor store sting operations;
invited the Commissioners to attend a DUI checkpoint, noting that the dates were
published in the newspaper, relaying that the Commissioners could also contact him to
obtain the dates for the scheduled DUI checkpoints; for Chairman Guerriero, provided
additional information regarding the history of the ERACIT program; relayed that during
the sting operations that if a business was cited three times the data would be turned
over to the ABC, advising that the use could have its license suspended; noted that the
majority of arrests at the checkpoints were adults; for Commissioner Webster, relayed
that alternate cities had similar programs, noting that the arrests in the City of Temecula
for driving under the influence of alcohol were about average with alternate cities;
advised that there was a requirement to publish the DUI checkpoint dates in the
newspaper; noted that since the Shakespeare's nightclub had closed, there was not a
specific area with a concentrated proliferation of drivers driving under the influence; for
Commissioner Mathewson, relayed that there had been checkpoints set up proximate to
the wineries; for Commissioner Telesio, advised that at the checkpoints the Officers
were also investigating for drivers driving under the influence of drugs; and for Deputy
Director of Public Works Parks, advised that it appeared to him that the drivers driving
under the influence of alcohol in the City of Temecula had decreased since the onset of
the program.
Since this Agenda Item required no formal action, the Commission moved forward with
Agenda Item No. 5.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
5
Planninq Application No. 99-0371 - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
5.1 Adopt a resolution entitled:
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PC RESOLUTION NO. 2000-028
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF TEMECULA RECOMMENDING THAT THE
CITY COUNCIL REMOVE THE WESTERN PORTION OF
VIA RIO TEMECULA FROM THE GENERAL PLAN
CIRCULATION MAP (PLANNING APPLICATION 99-
0371)
Chairman Guerriero advised that he would be abstaining from this issue, and therefore
left the dais, Vice Chairman Mathewson presiding.
Senior Planner Rockholt presented the staff report (via agenda material), noting that
the request for the General Plan Amendment had been made by Old Vail Partners and
Land Grant Development to remove a portion of roadway denoted on the General Plan
(a segment of Via Rio Temecula); provided additional information regarding the
purpose of originally placing the roadway segment on the General Plan; provided
additional information regarding the analysis of intersection delays at build-out,
indicating that there would not be a significant negative impact if this segment of Via
Rio Temecula was removed.
For Commissioner Chiniaeff, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed additional
information regarding accidents proximate to this area; and provided the rationale for
staff's recommendation to remove this segment of roadway from the General Plan.
Commissioner Telesio recalled that this issue had been discussed when the project
was presented; and queried whether there was a signal proposed for the center
entrance into the project.
In response to Commissioner Webster's queries regarding the previous plan for
Assessment District No. 159 to construct Temecula Creek Improvements further to the
west, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that at this point in time the land
was being utilized for wetland mitigation, noting that it was controlled by the Resource
Agencies, advising that staff did not anticipate any additional improvements in this
area to Temecula Creek with the exception of a bridge crossing proximate to this area;
and confirmed that there was an open space conservation easement in this area.
Commissioner Webster relayed that due to the above-mentioned data this was an
additional reason to remove this element from the Circulation Plan.
Mr. Chris Smith, representing Land Grant Development, for Commission Telesio,
relayed that there was a proposed signal at the entry to the Village area, noting that
the determination would ultimately be determined by Caltrans; noted that to the best of
his recollection, there were proposed traffic signals at Jedediah Smith Road, and
Avenida De Missions for a future date when the traffic warranted the installations; with
respect to traffic generation, relayed that this particular project would generate less
traffic than the Office Professional which was what the area was originally approved
for; for Commissioner Chiniaeff, noted that the applicant was proposing an access
easement point from Avenida De Missions; relayed that the access points onto
Highway 79 would be restricted to right-ins, and right-outs only, with the exception of
the center access point which would potentially be signalized.
Mr. Larry Markham, representing Mr. Ray Schooley (owner of the property east of this
project), for Commissioner Webster, provided additional information regarding access
issues to Avenida De Missions; and provided additional information regarding the area
proximate to the proposed segment of roadway to be removed from the General Plan.
For Vice Chairman Mathewson, Mr. Smith relayed that the traffic counts for this project
reduced the vehicular trips by ten percent (10%) due to the opportunities to live and
work at the site.
The Commission relayed the followinq closing comments:
Commissioner Chiniaeff noted his concern which had been raised by Mr. Markham
that if this segment of roadway was removed from the General Plan it could
additionally remove a condition attached to the map associated with access to Avenida
De Missions, advising that his concern was based on ensuring that the residents from
Multi-Family Area B could access Avenida De Missions. In response, Deputy Director
of Public Works Parks relayed that the City had conditioned Mr. Schooley's map to
provide the right-of-way for that access due to the fact that the property of discussion
had been zoned as Office Professional which would be an attractor of traffic; advised
that since the this current proposal had been presented with residential units which
would not attract traffic, it reduced the need for a circulation element road as a major
thoroughfare, requiring only a minor driveway access.
Commissioner Chiniaeff clarified that his concern was based on removing the
segment of roadway from the General Plan since there would be no obligation for the
adjacent property owner to provide access over to Avenida De Missions; queried
whether the approval of this project had been inclusive of a requirement to provide
access to Avenida De Missions via a signalized intersection for exiting the project. In
response, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that the Schooley map had
been conditioned to provide the right-of-way, noting that this map had been
conditioned to provide an exit point at that location per a Public Works requirement,
and a Fire and Safety requirement.
Commissioner Chiniaeff noted his concern if the property owners could not come to
an agreement, and the subsequent inadequate access to the property. In response,
Deputy Director of Public Works Parks relayed that prior to development on the
Schooley map there would need to be development approval, noting that the City
would still have the ability to condition the development with respect to the right-of-way
area.
Commissioner Webster concurred with Commission Chiniaeff's comments regarding
ensuring adequate access to the property, recommending that staff address the
access issue with future development proposals; and noted that the proposed
residential area did have provision of two access points.
Commissioner Telesio relayed that he could support the General Plan Amendment.
Vice Chairman Mathewson relayed that his concern had been based on access to
the project from the east, noting that he could support moving forward with the General
Plan Amendment.
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MOTION: Commissioner Webster moved to close the public hearing; and to adopt the
proposed resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Telesio and voice
vote reflected approval with the exception of Commissioner Chiniaeff who voted n_~o and
Chairman Guerriero who abstained.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS
With respect to the memorandum regarding the status report on the Promenade
Mall/Power Center, Commissioner Webster relayed that compared to the
approved landscape plan for the parking area, the site did not have the correct
number of trees planted, advising that there was a fifty percent (50%) shade
coverage required per the Specific Plan, noting that even at full growth it did not
appear that the landscaping would meet this requirement, specifically, proximate
to the theater and the ring roads since there were no field trees in this area of the
parking lot.
For Commissioner Webster, Attorney Curley provided additional information
regarding the Park N Ride facility within the mall area; relayed that after
additional investigation it did not appear that there was a clearly stated Park N
Ride requirement, advising that there was an inconsistency of language utilized
from document to document; noted that to enforce a Mitigation Measure there
needed to be evidence that the obligation existed and that there was a clear
definition of what the obligation was; advised that the City was going to
communicate with the mall developers to relay that while exact certainty needed
to be clarified that this issue would be addressed under the original approvals or
in the context of future approvals due to the Park N Ride facility being part of the
expectations of the approvals; and clarified staff's intent to move the issue
forward with the developer.
Commissioner Telesio queried whether staff was in the process of developing
policy standards for Commission ex-parte communications.
Attorney Curley relayed that staff was in the process of preparing the legal
contours of the standards, and investigating other policies in alternate
jurisdictions; and noted that staff would bring options to the Commission at a
future date.
Director of Planning Ubnoske relayed that based on discussions with Deputy City
Manager Thornhill that in past years there had been a Joint City Council/Planning
Commission Workshop at which time the Council had provided clear direction of
support for the ex-parte communications to the Planning Commission; and noted
that of there was consideration for modifying the policy, this issue would need to
be presented to the Council, as well.
Chairman Guerriero recommended that if the ex-parte communications were to
continue that the Commissioners disclose the meetings and the topics of
discussion verbally or in written form.
For Commissioner Mathewson, DirectOr of Planning Ubnoske relayed that since
there was a full agenda for the August 1, 2000 Joint City Council/Planning
Commission Workshop the issue of ex-parte communications could be
addressed with the Council at a future date.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director of Planning Ubnoske provided an overview of the upcoming workshop
topics (i.e., "The Role of the Commission"), inviting the Commission to provide
comments for additional topics for discussion; and relayed that the workshop
would be held in approximately 60 days.
Chairman Guerriero requested that the Commission be provided copies of the
segments of the Municipal Code that pertained to the Commission's
responsibilities.
For Commissioner Chiniaeff, Director of Planning Ubnoske clarified that the "Role
of the Commission," was an important workshop topic of discussion due to
various issues that had been addressed during the Commissioner's Report
portion of the meeting, advising that further direction needed to be provided
regarding discussion of non-agendized items; and relayed that during the
workshop the Commission could provide additional input to staff (i.e., comments
regarding the length of staff presentations, staff reports, analysis reports).
Commissioner Telesio commented on the process of the Commission's approval
procedure for projects.
Attorney Curley relayed that any questions the Commissioners had could be
relayed to him via a written memorandum, advising that he would address their
concerns; and provided clarification regarding the Findings associated with a
project's approval.
Relaying that Mr. Timothy Miller had recently passed away, Chairman Guerriero
expressed heartfelt sorrow to the family; noted his previous role on the Planning
Commission and in the community; and relayed that Mr. Miller would be greatly
missed.
Director of Planning Ubnoske provided additional information regarding the
August 1st Joint City Council/Planning Commission Workshop.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:39 P.M. Chairman Guerriero formally adjourned this meeting to Joint City
Council/Planning Commission Workshop to be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2000 at 6:00
P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula.
Ro~ Guerrie o~o,/ - -
Chairman
Director of Planning