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PC MINS 19970325Approved 4/22/97 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MARCH 25, 1997 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7.07 P M by Chairman Vannorsdall at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard. FLAG SALUTE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Alberio. ROLL CALL Present Commissioners Alberio, Cartwright, Ng, Slayden, Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and Chairman Vannorsdall Absent. Commissioner Clark (excused) Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Associate Planner Pfost, Assistant Planner Fox, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Vannorsdall suggested that the order of the agenda be changed so that all of the antennae items would be grouped together, so that the agenda order would be: Item Nos. 1, 2, 4, 7, 3, 5, 6, and 8. The Commission had no objections, and it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Director/Secretary Petru distributed. 1) Planning and Code Enforcement Division Staff resumes; 2) League of California Cities information regarding wireless communications; 3) League of California Cities Planning and Community Development Newsletter, 4) a letter from concerned Bendigo residents; and, 5) a color photograph regarding Agenda Item No 6 (Conditional Use Permit No. 197). Commission Commissioner Ng suggested that the Commission provide Staff with their resumes to assist in the preparation of the Commissioner's background Information. Vice Chairman Whiteneck suggested that the Commissioner's applications on file in the City Clerk's office could also be used to supplement the background information CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of January 28, 1997 Chairman Vannorsdall requested that page 7, paragraph 7, line 1 be modified to read as, "Vice Chairman Vannorsdall requested that whether " 2. Minutes of February 25, 1997 Commissioner Ng requested that page 2, paragraph 6, line 7 be modified to read as, "...the applicant's main concern was...", page 6, paragraph 6, line 2 be modified to read as, ..."since her reading of the resolution.. ", page 8, paragraph 5, line 2 be modified to read as, "...that Commissioner Ng referred to '; and, lastly page 9, paragraphs 4 and 5, line 1 that the apostrophes in the word "Commissioners" be removed Commissioner Cartwright moved to approve the Minutes of January 28 and February 25, 1997, as amended. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed, (6-0). CONTINUED BUSINESS At this time, Agenda Item No. 4 was considered 4. Conditional Use Permit No. 182 - 6 Month Review; William Myers, 28103 Hawthorne Boulevard (Bill's Mobil). Assistant Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that at the meeting of February 11, 1997 the Commission directed Staff to modify various conditions of approval and requested to continue the discussion of the noise impacts from the mechanical equipment at the Mobil station to this evening's meeting Mr Fox stated that the adjacent neighbors (the Glantzes) and the applicant (Mr Myers) have agreed to split the cost of the additional sound -attenuation measures He also stated that the Glantzes' noise consultant would prepare plans and specifications for these measures so that both parties could obtain construction bids Assistant Planner Fox stated that a PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25,1897 Page 2 formal agreement had not been made yet, pending the review of the construction bids He concluded his presentation by stating that Staff recommended continuance of this item for another month in order to allow the Glantzes and Mr. Myers with adequate time to proceed with their negotiations. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if there was a desired to discuss this item. The Commissioners indicated that they had no further comments Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to accept Staffs Recommendation to continue the 6 Month Review of Conditional Use Permit No. 182 to the meeting of April 22, 1997. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden, and there being no objection it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). NEW BUSINESS At this time, Agenda Item No. 7 was considered 7 Summary of Historic Designation and Preservation Tools and Options. Assistant Planner Fox gave a brief presentation regarding a summary of historical sites within the City and some of the options which the Commission may possibly consider in listing and preserving designated sites Commissioner Alberio commended Assistant Planner Fox for a an excellent, comprehensive report. Mr Alberio had not realized that there were several historical sites in the City and suggested that the Commission direct Staff to proceed further with investigating the historic resources in the City. Chairman Vannorsdall asked if the Commission required permission from the Council to proceed with Commissioner Alberio's suggestion. Director/Secretary Petru stated that the next step depended on what the Commission desired She indicated that some limited investigations could be conducted by Staff if so directed by the Commission. However, if the desired action required a significant amount of Staff time or affected the Department's budget, then a recommendation would need to be to the Council for its concurrence and/or authorization to expend the necessary funds. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25, 1997 Page 3 Commissioner Alberio suggested that a committee be formed to explore the possibilities. Chairman Vannorsdall suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed Instead Commissioner Alberio stated that an ad hoc committee would be subject to the "Brown Act" and that the committee meeting should include the public in order to receive input regarding the various historical sites within the City Director/Secretary Petru stated that, if an ad hoc committee consisted of less than four members of the Commission and the committee was formed for a short-term project, then it would not be subjected to the "Brown Act". However, if the public was invited to the meetings, then it became a public hearing and would require preparation of agendas, noticing and minutes Chairman Vannorsdall believed that the length of time for discussion of these sites would take no longer than three meetings He suggested that a policy representing the Commission's approach towards this ad hoc committee be presented to the Council for concurrence. Chairman Vannorsdall asked Commissioner Alberio if this was what he had in mind Commissioner Alberio replied that Chairman Vannorsdall was correct and that he would like to see an ad hoc committee formed with the public included so that they would become aware of the historical sites in the City. Director/Secretary Petru stated that if the Commission desired to include the public at the meeting, it could not be considered an ad hoc committee, but as a sub -committee She stated that a sub -committee would be subject to the requirements of the "Brown Act'. As part of his remarks on the subject, Commissioner Cartwright also commended Assistant Planner Fox for the comprehensive Staff Report In regards to an ad hoc committee, Mr Cartwright felt that it depended on what the Commission wanted this committee to accomplish He stated that if the Commission decided to adopt more explicit and extensive General Plan goals and policies for historic preservations, then an ad hoc committee would be appropriate But, if on the other hand, the goal was to conduct a formal survey of historic resources in the City, than a sub -committee would be beneficial since it could include the public's participation Commissioner Ng wondered if the State had special forms for conducting a historical survey and asked what would be involved in pursuing this option She felt that if a survey were conducted, the community should be informed of the process PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 26, 1997 Page 4 Assistant Planner Fox replied that the State had standardized forms for meeting their requirements for listing of a State register of historic sites The name of the form was called "DPR-523" . Commissioner Alberio moved that a recommendation be forwarded to Council to allow the formation of a committee which would consist of members of the Commission, public, staff, and/or those interested in volunteering to investigate the issue of preservation of historical sites in the City Commissioner Ng asked if there was any funding available to conduct such surveys. Director/Secretary Petru replied that the Department did not have the resources in- house to conduct a historical resources survey and that expert input from an outside sources would be necessary. Ms. Petru stated that there were no funds allocated at this time and suggested that the Commission may wish to forward a recommendation to the City Council to discuss this issue as part of the upcoming budget process Commissioner Ng suggested that a recommendation be forwarded to Council indicating the Commissions request to conduct such surveys. Commissioner Alberio decided to withdraw his motion and suggested that the Public Hearing on this item be continued for further consideration Commissioner Ng stated while at the "Planners Institute" she obtained a booklet regarding the historic preservation guidelines from the City of San Francisco. She stated that this information was provided to Staff for duplication and was to be distributed to the Commission for its review and information. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion regarding this item. Commissioner Alberio moved to continue the Public Hearing to the meeting April 22, 1997 for further review and discussion. The motion was seconded by Chairman Vannorsdall and, there being no objection it was so ordered it was so ordered by the Chair,(6-0). CONTINUED BUSINESS At this time, the following items regarding proposed PCS antenna facilities were considered, as determined earlier in the meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25, 1997 Page 5 • • 3. Conditional Use Permit No. 194, and Coastal Permit No. 138; Pacific Bell Mobile Services, 6412 Palos Verdes Drive South (St. Peter's by the Sea Church). At this time Vice Chairman Whiteneck recused himself from this Item since he lived within close proximity of the proposed protect. Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested an unmanned personal communications (PCS) facility at the site which involved a 50 foot tall monopole antenna combined with a new light standard at the northwest corner of the existing parking lot Mr Pfost stated that two equipment cabinets were proposed to be located at grade level within a landscaped area adjacent to the monopole He then concluded his presentation by stating that Staff felt that the antenna would result in negative aesthetic impacts and significant view impairment, and therefore recommended denial of the project Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr. Jerome Buckmelter (applicant), 23534 Aetna Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, presented a display of the peninsula and pointed out the various approved and proposed PCS facilities that would provide service to the community He stated that Pacific Bell was planning to install six sites in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and then pointed -out the subject site and its signal pattern. Mr. Buckmelter stated that this particular site would cover most of the south slope of the peninsula. He also stated that they had other cellular sites outside of the area such as the City of Torrance and the City of Los Angeles which provided coverage on the peninsula He mentioned that, in order to provide proper coverage, PCS sites should not be too far apart, to close, or overlap and interfere with other cellular sites utilizing the same frequency. Lastly, he stated that the controlling factors for selecting particular sites were geographic location, major transportation corridors, and aesthetic and view concerns He noted that all of these constraints were taken into consideration in locating these facilities. Mr. Henry Tuttle (representing the Bay Club), 32614 Coastsite Drive, stated that he discussed the proposed project with several residents in the Bay Club who lived nearest to the proposed antenna location and indicated that they had no objections to the proposed project and all felt that this was a new technology that should be embraced by the City. Mr Tuttle stated that the longer the proposed project is postponed, increased difficulties would arise with the citizens being able to receive reliable portable telephone service on the peninsula PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25, 1997 Page 6 W.D. Woodruff (representing Saint Peter's by the Sea Church), 29208 Flrthndge Road, stated that the church would profit from the proposed project However, in order to address the concerns about aesthetics and view, he suggested that the location of the monopole could be moved towards the other end, closer to the existing power poles on the east side of the property Mr. Woodruff stated that the church would be willing to work with the parties involved Mr. Paul Christensen (president of the Abalone Cove Homeowners Association), 6317 Taragon Road, stated that a few years ago the HOA had spent thousands of dollars to have their utilities placed underground in order to eliminate the visual blight caused by the utility poles and light standards which obstructed their view The one possible acceptable solution which would have minimal impact would be to place the proposed antenna on the church steeple Ms. Sharon Cowley, 6331 Tarragon Road, concurred with Mr Christensen comments and reiterated the fact that she was opposed to the proposed project She stated that if the City approving one antenna, it could lead to others being approved, whether they were for commercial or personal uses. Ms. Cowley was concerned about this type of proliferation and the impact it would have on the aesthetics of the community Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentme Road, stated that Mr. Christensen does not speak for her especially if the Abalone Cove Homeowners Association was in favor of placing the antenna on the church steeple. She indicated that she was morally opposed to placing a commercial antenna on a place of worship RECESS AND RECONVENE At 9:10 P.M. there was a brief recess until 9 20 P.M. when the meeting reconvened. Mr. Craig Trull 6341 Tarragon Road, stated that he and his spouse purchased their home last year and that the beautiful ocean view was what attracted them to the area He stated that if the antenna was approved it would create a view obstruction for them Ms. Jean Nerko. 6 Packet Road, stated that she was very much in favor of improved communication services within the City. She mentioned that she was employed at San Pedro/Peninsula Hospital and stated that her hours of work were from 1.00 A M to 5.00 A M When driving home during these hours, on several occasions her cellular phone was not in service and she felt very uneasy since the area where she lives is so isolated Ms Nerko stated that this communication system would provide greater security for the community PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25, 1887 Page 7 Mr. William Polaff* 6347 Tarragon Road, stated that he was opposed to the project due to the fact that it created a significant view Impact in the surrounding neighborhood Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Slayden indicated that he had no comments on the item Commissioner Ng was concerned about the location of the monopole and stated that if the project were to be approved, it should be acceptable to all of the parties involved She felt that the current proposal was an improvement from the last one presented to the Commission and believed that wireless communication played an important role as far as personal security was concerned Commissioner Ng was concerned with the proposed lighting and felt that it should shine downward and not outward towards the surrounding residences. She suggested that perhaps, instead of installing the proposed monopole at the entrance of the driveway, the existing light pole located at the end of the driveway could be used to support the antenna. Commission Ng also suggested that the applicant consider the other existing light standards in the area as alternative locations for the proposed antenna, rather than introduce a new element into the view. Commissioner Cartwright felt that the objections of the residents that would be directly affected by the antenna were extremely Important He hoped that the introduction of this new wireless communications technology (PCS) would be accepted by the community He believed that the current proposal was an improvement from the previous one and stated that there would be some benefit if a mock-up were available so that the community and the Commission could get an idea of what the monopole would look like. Mr. Cartwright stated that in the future, the Commission maybe faced with multiple companies wishing to install similar facilities in the same area to service the southern side of the City. He was also concerned about the pole location and suggested that maybe the applicant may wish to re -consider placing this antenna at City Hall, as Air Touch Cellular had done in the past. Commission Alberio suggested that the applicant explore other potential site locations such as, the Nike site at San Pedro Hill, which he felt was an ideal location for this type of facility He stated that he would like to see some balance in the proposed project and that It be acceptable to all of the parties involved Commissioner Alberio strongly suggested that the monopole be located at City Hall, since there was an existing communications tower in that location and co -location on that site would minimize impacts to the community PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25,1997 Page 8 Chairman Vannorsdall noted that PCS facilities were the next generation of cellular technology and that it was here to stay He felt that the main issue was to find an over- all plan that would suit all parties Commissioner Alberio moved to continue the Public Hearing to the meeting of April 22, 1997, direct Staff to work with the applicant in exploring alternate locations for these facilities and require the applicants erect a mock-up of the monopole for the Commission and the public to look at. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright, and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall (5-0-1), with Vice Chairman Whiteneck abstaining. PUBLIC HEARINGS At this time Vice Chairman Whiteneck returned to the dais Commissioner Slayden asked if Agenda Item No's 5 and 6 could be consolidated, since the recommendations for both projects were identical Since there was no objection, Director/Secretary Petru stated that Staff would combine the two items 5 Conditional Use Permit No. 196; Pacific Bell Services, 28401 Hawthorne Boulevard (7/11 Convenience Market Building). 6 Conditional Use Permit No. 197• L.A. Cellular, 28041 Hawthorne Boulevard (7/11 Convenience Market Building). Associate Planner Pfost presented both Staff Reports for Agenda Item Nos 5 and 6 Beginning with Agenda Item No 5, Mr Pfost stated that the Pacific Bell requested an unmanned personal communications (PCS) facility at the 7/11 Convenience Market Building The project involved one 65" antenna mounted atop a 24" high post which was mounted atop the existing roof parapet. Mr Pfost stated that the project included equipment cabinets located on the ground, underneath the existing stairway to the second floor of the building He then concluded this first presentation by stating that since the proposed antenna was completely unscreened, Staff felt that it would create a negative aesthetic impacts Therefore, Staff recommended denial of Conditional Use Permit No 196 Associate Planner Pfost then presented the Staff Report for Agenda No 6 and stated that the L.A. Cellular was also requesting an unmanned personal communications facility at the 7/11 Convenience Market Building The project involved two antennas PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25, 1997 Page 9 (24" high by 12" wide) mounted back-to-back atop an 8" high post which was mounted atop the end of the existing roof ridge. Mr. Pfost stated that the proposed also included an equipment cabinet located in the existing storage room beneath the existing stairway to the second floor of the building He then concluded this first presentation by stating that since the proposed antenna was completely unscreened, Staff felt that it would create a negative aesthetic impacts. Therefore, Staff recommended denial of Conditional Use Permit No 197 Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to open the Public Commissioner Ng moved to open the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Slayden. There being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). Director/Secretary Petru informed the Commission that one of the members of public had requested that the Commission continue the Public Hearing on these items Chairman Vannorsdall asked that individual to approach the podium Ms, Nancy Moore requested that the Public Hearings for both items be continued due to the fact that it was getting late and that her young son who was with her that evening needed to retire for the night Chairman Vannorsdall stated that this would not be possible since there were other members of the public who were present that evening and would like to speak on this item Chairman Vannorsdall then called for the speakers on these items Mr Jerome Buckmelter (representing Pacific Bell), 23534 Aetna Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, stated that they were going with the simplest solution at this particular site in order to minimize impacts to the surrounding neighborhood The proposal consisted of one antennae that it would be setback substantially from the front of the building. He stated that antennas were becoming more acceptable features on buildings and were starting to become a common part of the urban landscape. Mr. Buckmelter asked that the Commission approve Pacific Bell's request Mr. Bob Carachaf (no address given, but also represented Pacific Bell Mobil Services), in response to a question from Commissioner Ng, stated that since the antenna must transmit in all directions, it could not be placed on the building facade unless there were two antennas He also indicated that two panel antennae mounted on the building facade may not provide adequate signal coverage PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25,1597 Page 10 Mr. Paul Novak (representing L.A. Cellular), 108 N Brand Boulevard, Suite #201, stated that the objective of the proposed facility was to cover both directions along Hawthorne Boulevard. Mr. Novak stated that these facilities worked on a line -of -sight basis and that it was necessary for the antennae to be mounted on an 8" high post in order to "see" the cellular users in that area J. H. Seymour (also representing L A Cellular), 233 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite No 280, Santa Monica, CA 94236, stated that he was available to answer any questions that the Commission may have and provided the Commission with photographic simulations of antennas that L.A Cellular would be proposing to install on light poles within the City's right-of-way through a separate request to the City Council Ms Nancy Moore, 6344 Villa Rosa Drive, stated her opposition to both Agenda Item Nos. 5 and 6 due to the fact that the proposed projects would cause view impacts from her property. Ms. Moore was also concerned about the noise that might be generated by the mechanical equipment associated with the facilities as well as potential health hazards caused by the antenna emissions C J Ruona, 6327 Ridgepath Court, stated that he was glad the antenna was only 65 inches tall, instead of 65 feet tall, as he originally thought However, he felt that if the proposed antenna even at five and a half feet above the roof parapet would create a view impact from his property. Mr. William Tolliffe 6347 Tarragon Road, stated that if the proposed project was granted, Staff should make sure that cables connecting the antenna to the mechanical equipment would not run along side of the building. He stated that mock-ups of the proposed antennae should be erected for the public to view and that the final project should not be approved unless it was acceptable to all of the parties involved. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to close the public hearing Commissioner Alberio stated that he would like to see mock-ups for the proposed projects and receive feedback from the neighbors before closing the public hearing Commissioner Cartwright felt that the mock-ups were not necessary, since there were photographs and plans provided However, he stated that if the Commission felt that it was important to see the mock-ups, he had no objection Commissioner Ng believed that mock-ups would help the both the Commission and public to assess the actual impacts of the proposed projects She felt that it was important to receive feedback from the neighbors. Commissioner Ng suggested that Pacific Bell's antenna could be on the facade of the building As for the L.A. Cellular's PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25,1997 Page 11 proposal, instead of mounting the antennae at the end of the roof ridge, it may be possible to mount it on top of an existing traffic light pole at the Intersection. Vice Chairman Whiteneck felt that the mock-up was not necessary for the proposed projects since photographs provided to the Commission detailed the site location However, he strongly suggested that the Commission forward a recommendation to Council requesting that a consultant be hired to conduct investigations for future cases such as this. Mr. Whiteneck was concerned that the Commission may some day soon be faced with multiple requests and that postponing them would only cause further delays He felt that an independent professional consultant would be able to provide accurate information to the Commission. The Commission would then be able to apply the information provided by the consultant in its decision making process on these types of projects. Commissioner Alberio stated that the issue of hiring a consultant was not at issue that evening, but whether or not to approve the proposed projects before the Commission. Commissioner Slayden felt that there was sufficient information provided to the Commission regarding the proposed projects and suggested that the Commission approve Staffs recommendations. Commissioner Cartwright felt that there may be merit in the concept of requesting that the Council authorize hiring a consultant to assist the City on these types of applications. But, in the meantime, he too felt that sufficient material had been provided to the Commission to make a decision on the two requests before it that evening Commissioner Albeno moved to continue the public hearings for both Agenda Item Nos. 5 and 6 to an adjourned meeting on April 29, 1997 and directed the applicants to erect mock-ups of the proposed antennas for public's viewing. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and was passed by a unanimous roll -call vote, (6-0). NEW BUSINESS 8 Lona Point Update: York Long Point Associates, 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South (Old Marineland Site) and neighboring properties to be determined at a late date. Director/Secretary Petru presented a brief update on the status of the project She stated that the City had hired a consultant to analyze the proposed public golf course project and noted that the proposed master plan for the Point Vicente area was a very PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25, 1997 Page 12 complex. Ms Petru informed the Commission that no development applications had been to date Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they had any comments regarding this item The Commission stated that they had no further comments Director/Secretary Petru informed Chairman Vannorsdall that there was one speaker for this item Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, stated that she was totally opposed to the City giving the City Hall property to Jim York in order to construct a golf course She stated that the community at large was opposed as well ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staff 9 Pre -agenda for the regular Planning Commission Meeting of April 8. 1997. Commission None COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, stated that the Staff Report prepared for St. Peter's by the Sea project was incorrect that the project was not appealable to the Coastal Commission She stated her opinion that the project was in an appealable area of the coastal zone, since everything between Palos Verdes Drive and the sea is appealable to the Coastal Commission. Lois also discussed her opposition to Jim York's Point View Project and stated that the residents in the area were putting together a petition to urge the Council not to lift the landslide moratorium ADJOURNMENT At 11:33 P.M. Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and was passed unanimously, (6-0). N:\GROUP\PLANNINGIPCMINWIIN03.25 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 25, 1997 Page 13