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PC MINS 19850326MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH fit, 1985 ,:Z(F The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Chairman McNulty at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Bouelvard. PRESENT: MCNULTY, ORTOLANO, BROWN, VON HAGEN, WIKE Also present were Associate Planners Steve Rubin and Alice Angus, Senior Planner Ann Negendank, Assistant Planner Greg Fuz and Secretary Ann Brenesell. COMMUNICATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR By Commission consensus, the minutes of February 12 and February 26, 1985 were approved. OLD BUSINESS VARIANCE #111/GRADING #759 A brief staff report was 30520 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST presented by Associate Planner KERWIN Steve Rubin. He reported that the City Attorney response had not been received yet. Therefore, he recommended continuing the public hearing to the April 9 meeting at which time action must be taken on both applications. Robert Kerwin, 30438 Palos Verdes Drive East, applicant, briefly advised that he and his representatives have been working with staff to resolve the issues and working towards closure. Without further discussion, Dr. Brown moved to continue the public hearing to April 9, 1985; seconded by Mr. Von Hagen and passed unanimously. C.U.P. #96/VARIANCE 5448 CREST ROAD ST. JOHN FISHER #116/EA #461 Associate Planner Steve Rubin presented the staff report which recommended approval of C.U.P. #96/ Variance #116/EA #461 subject to conditions of Exhibit 'A'. The (1) equestrian trail, (2) landscaping and (3) parking. staff's intent was to obtain the trail as an improve - implement the Trails Plan Network that had been adopted the City's authority to make such a request. issues reiterated were Mr. Rubin also stated meat in an attempt to and that it is within Regarding the bond, he stated it would cover the following proposed improve- ments along the east side of Crenshaw: to remove the chain link fence, pull out existing sidewalk, back fill with soil, and replace with wood chips for a trail surface. Along Crest Road, trail improvements would include construction of a concrete curb and gutter, removal of asphaltic concrete paving, back fill with soil and replace with wood chips. The bond would be posted after the plans have been examined and the amount would be determined at that time. If the improvements are not done within 5 years, the bond would be released to the church. Minuteszv March 1-2, 1985 Page 2 Regarding the parking area landscaping, Mr. Rubin stated this was no longer an issue and that the landscape plan satisfied City requirements. A brief discussion ensued relative to the request for reduction of 215 parking spaces. Staff questioned the practicality of a reciprocal parking agreement with another church facility on Crestridge road and supported the concept of tandem/attendant parking with a "professional valet company". Reference was made to a memorandum received from the Director of Public Works giving his recommendations. Commissioner Ortolano stated for the record that she is a member of the congregation of St. John Fisher. One of the Commissioners pointed out that replacing the sidewalk with a trail would eliminate a sidewalk for pedestrian use. Commission concerns related to responsibility of trail maintenance, procedure of noticing, future plans for a traffic signal at Crest and Crenshaw, terms and amount of the bond, whether a self -secured bond would satisfy City requirements and the bond amount Cayman Development provided. Commission consensus was for further clarification of Reservations of Power regarding institutional use. Staff was requested to follow up with the City Attorney and also to bring back dollar figures for street improvements. John Bartlett, architect, 37 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia represented the owner and stated the bond provision was acceptable to his client. Referring to the parking situation, he said the church and social hall would seldom be used simultaneously and that the owner is willing to sign an agreement stipulating that the overall use of both facilities would not exceed the parking requirements. It was also pointed out that the social hall was to accommodate activities already present at the facility. Regarding Commission's concern that the social hall would be used for Bingo, he deferred comment to the church representative. James MacKay, 15 Oceanaire, supported the preservation of the sidewalk for the safety of the children. Shirley Schwarz, 6 Cayuse Lane, member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemens Association supported the application and asked that the horse trail be made a condition of approval and supported the bond request. In reply to Commission questions relating to the elimination of the pedestrian walkway, Ms. Schwarz replied there was not a problem with horses and children on the same trail. Jo Bright, 15 Crestwood, aired concerns which related to the use of the social hall for Bingo and was concerned about overflow parking, specifically on Valley View. she said she did not receive notice of the meeting because she was outside the radius required for notification. Minutes 2y March 14, 1985 Page 3 JoAnna Strada, 37 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, represented the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles and stated that Bingo was a definite no; that there were no immediate plans for that kind of activity. She said the only revenue expected would be from a deposit/clean up fee for receptions. Her client did not object to the horse trail improvements; however, they did object to extending the storm drains, relocating the fire hydrant, retaining walls and power poles. They were concerned about regular maintenance of the horse trail. Ms. Strada, read a letter sent to the City requesting specific information, which was reviewed by the Commission at the meeting, and she stated they had not received a reply. Since the Public Works memorandum was presented to them only prior to the meeting, they requested a time extension for review and assessment of that memo. On the basis that the applicant requested an opportunity to assess the Public Works memorandum, Dr. Brown moved to continue the public hearing,; seconded by Mr. Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Staff was requested to find out the bond amount that Cayman Development provided. Staff was also requested to ask the Traffic Committee to post signs prohibiting parking of trailers on Crest Road and to enforce the ordinance already in existence. A brief recess was called at 9:50 p.m., and the meeting reconvened at 10:00 p.m. SIGN PERMIT #245 - APPEAL HEARING - TRACT 37060 AVENIDA CELESTIAL The staff report was presented by Assistant Planner Greg Fuz which recommended denial of Sign Permit #245. Commissioner Von Hagen stated for the record that he knew the applicant, John Evans, and that he was currently involved in other business dealings with VIP Properties. John Evans, 7115 Crest Road, applicant, stated the reason for the sign was for information purposes and that the request was for 4' additional height. Discussion ensued relative to other options available to the applicant and the Commission directed staff to work with the applicant to find an alternate location where the sign would be visible above the fence. Following this discussion, Chairman McNulty moved to approve Sign Permit Application #245 with a maximum height of 9'; seconded by Dr. Brown, and passed unanimously. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS Tina Greenberg, 29270 Palos Verdes Drive East, asked when the Crenshaw Barrier had been knocked down and whether it was possible to implement the Horsemens Association plan now. She also asked how long the Planning Commission minutes have been taped. Dr. Brown stated that the barricade had been knocked down by a four wheel drive vehicle but had already been repaired by the City. Mi nutes ,,p March i -T, 1985 Page 4 Chairman McNulty explained the meetings have been taped for several years, and Secretary Ann Brenesell stated that the tape was for transcription purposes only and that the tape is erased after the minutes have been approved. WORK SESSION Because of the time certain rule, it was the consensus of the Commission not to discuss all items presented in the staff report. Associate Planner Alice Angus asked the Commission to discuss options and to establish reasonable standards for the following items. Family Day Care: Discussion centered on a permit procedure and the protection, safety, and health of the children. Commission consensus was to require a non -discretionary permit with standards and for the applicant to provide proof of compliance with state regulations. No Stacked Units: Commission consensus concurred with staff's recommendation of no change. Eave Overhang: Commission consensus was to maintain existing code standards. Apartment ID Signs: Commission consensus was to allow up to 20 square foot signs, with a 6' maximum height. REPORTS COMMISSION Commissioner Von Hagen asked for clarification on the policy of Commission members addressing the City Council. Following brief discussion, Chairman McNulty reiterated the policy that when the Chairman is not present, the Vice Chairman can address the City Council and present an objective report. Other Commissioners may address the City Council but only as a concerned citizen and not as a representative of the Planning Commission. STAFF Associate Planner Steve Rubin asked CONSTRUCTION ON SLOPES the Commission to consider a moratorium on construction on slopes because staff is looking at a possible change. The Commission consensus was not to impose a moratorium but to continue reviewing applications as they have been. ADJOURNMENT At 11:20 p.m., it was moved, seconded, and passed to adjourn to 6:30 p.m. on April 9, 1985.