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PC MINS 19970527CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 27, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Approved 6/24/97 Q) The meeting was called to order at 7;00 P.M. by Chairman Vannorsdall at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard FLAG SALUTE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Recording Secretary Atuatasr ROLL CALL Present Commissioners Albeno, Cartwright, Ng, Vice Chairman Whiteneck and Chairman Vannorsdall Absent Commissioners Clark and Slayden (both excused). Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Assistant Planners Fox and Ward, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Albeno moved to approve the agenda, as presented. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed, (5-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Director/Secretary Petru distributed 1) the revised draft of the Planning Commissioners Background Information, 2) inserts for the new Development Code, 3) copies of an ordinance from the City of EI Segundo regarding wireless communications; and, 4) hand- outs regarding the Ralph M Brown Act and Proposition No 208 from the City Attorneys Office Commission None CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of April 22, 1997 Commissioner Ng requested that an insertion be made on page 3 after paragraph 8 indicating the reason for her voting against the item. Commissioner Ng requested that her comment read as, "Commissioner Ng did not favor the vacation since she felt that the easement should be vacated as a whole, rather than in a piecemeal fashion " Commissioner Alberio moved to approve the Minutes of April 22, 1997, as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng and passed, (4-0-1), with Commissioner Cartwright abstaining as he was not present at the April 22, 1997 meeting. 2 Minutes of April 29, 1997 Commissioner Ng requested that the word, "could" be inserted on line 3 between the words, "applicant and explore" on page 8, paragraph 6 Chairman Vannorsdall requested that an additional comment be included on page 3, paragraph 8 to read as, "Mr Albeno was designated as the Chairman of the ad hoc committee " Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to approve the Minutes of April 29, 1997, as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and passed, (5-0). CONTINUED BUSINESS 3 Conditional Use Permit No 197; L A Cellular, 28401 Hawthorne Boulevard (7/11 Convenience Market Building). Chairman Vannorsdall asked why Staff was recommending that this item be continued. Director/Secretary Petru replied that the applicant requested additional time to explore an alternative design for the proposed antennae In her last conversation with the applicant, the applicant indicated that they were considering splitting the antennas into two separate components, instead of mounted them back-to-back, as previously proposed. In the new design, one portion would be mounted on a post on the roof facing Hawthorne Boulevard and the other would be mounted on the building facade facing Grandvia Altamira PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1987 Page 2 Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to accept Staffs recommendation to continue the Public Hearing for this project to June 24, 1997. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio, and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). 4. Wireless Communications Antenna Development Guidelines. Chairman Vannorsdall read aloud the requested action and recommendation for this item. Commissioner Alberio moved to waive the reading of the Staff Report. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and with no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). Director/Secretary informed Chairman Vannorsdall that there was a speaker for this item. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, thanked Staff for sending her a copy of the Staff Report, however, she disagreed with some of the information included in the Staff Report She stated that 1) Guideline No. 7 in the Revised Draft was not clear, 2)Guideline No 8 should indicate a period of 2 years; 3) line 2 of page 2 should be corrected to read as, it an ordinance " and not "and ordinance"; and, 4) that the information in Conclusion section of the Staff Report was not fully correct Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item. Commission Ng stated that the Planning Commission's proposed guidelines were not as restrictive as those found in other cities She felt that the draft Wireless Communication Guidelines served as a good starting in dealing with the concerns regarding the current requests for wireless communications system, and perhaps adding on to the guidelines in the future. Commissioner Ng suggested that the guidelines be forwarded to the City Attorney to check for legal issues Commissioner Cartwright commended Chairman Vannorsdall for suggesting the guidelines in the first place and Staff for doing a good job in preparing them Mr. Cartwright suggested that the Commission should be concerned about providing adequate communication facilities within the City, while balancing that need with the concerns of the public He felt that the locations of future projects were important in order to minimize visual and/or aesthetic impacts He suggested that the guidelines should include language requiring facilities installed on commercial buildings to be integrated with the structure and that these facilities should be discouraged on single family dwellings. Mr Cartwright also requested that the guidelines also include encouraging the provider to make certain that the accessory support equipment is either placed inside the building or be designed in such a manner to be compatible with the building. Mr. Cartwright then stated that the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1997 Page 3 years or as determined to be necessary by the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. Vice Chairman Whiteneck concurred with Commissioner Cartwright's comments and suggested that the guidelines require that a master plan be submitted with each new application. This may negate the need in some cases for staff to require periodic updates Commissioner Alberio stated his preference for allowing these facilities to only be placed on commercial or institutional buildings Mr Alberio felt that the Commission should require each applicant to provide the City with a `Hold Harmless" agreement and that it should be included in the draft guidelines as well Chairman Vannorsdall suggested that Staff prepare a check list to help them analyze each application The check list could include such items as whether shielding of equipment mounted on a roof top is provided and not allowing chain link fences to screen support equipment. He felt that this tool would be helpful to Staff Commissioner Alberio moved to continue this item at the meeting of June 24, 1997, as requested by the applicant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng, and there being no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS 5 Conditional Use Permit No. 8 - Revision `B' and Environmental Assessment No. 695; Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 5975 Armaga Spring Road. Chairman Vannorsdall read aloud the applicant's request for the project and Staffs recommendation Commissioner Alberio moved to waive the reading of the Staff Report, seconded by Commissioner Cartwright. With no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to open the Public Hearing Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to open the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Cartwright. There being no objection it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1997 Page 4 Daniel Young,, (project architect), 118 S Catalina, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277, agreed with all the conditions included in the Staff Report and stated that he was present to answer questions regarding the proposed project. Reverend J. Poerschke. (applicant), 4653 Rockbluff Drive, thanked two members of the Commission for making an on-site visit of the property while he was there. He stated that the request was submitted solely to provide better child care service to the Community. Reverend Poerschke stated that although some of the homeowners in Armaga Springs opposed the proposed project, he wanted to make known that in the past, the homeowners had utilized their facilities to conduct their quarterly association meetings. Reverend Poerschke explained that the increase of student enrollment (45 to 75) for the pre-school was an important part of their congregation He also noted that their current enrollment was 62 students Mary Jane Schoenheider, 28715 Crestridge Road, stated that she was a member of the Mount Olive Church. She was very pleased with how the school was operated and observed that the classrooms were not overcrowded She was present to support the proposed project. Bonnie Mersing. (Pre-school Staff) 5540 Seaside Heights Drive, stated that she was very excited about the expansion of the student enrollment for the pre-school and would be happy to answer questions that the Commission had about how the school operated Mitra Mamaghani. 5917 #1 Armaga Spring Road, stated that her daughter presently attended the pre-school and was also pleased with the school's operation She stated that those opposing the project and had circulated a petition door-to-door in the neighborhood were providing false information about the proposed project. Ms Mamaghani requested that the Commission grant approval for the project Ron Shuey, 5917 #A Armaga Spring Road, stated that he was the one of the neighbors who had circulated the petition and believed that he was not furnishing erroneous information to the residents. He felt that the students attending the pre-school now presented a noise problem and that by increasing the student enrollment there would be even more of a noise impact Mr. Shuey opposed the project for that reason Helen Menkel. 5947 #H Armaga Spring Road, thanked Reverend Poerschke for letting the homeowners association utilize their church facilities for its quarterly meetings However, Ms. Menkel was concerned about the noise coming from the school grounds She opposed the proposed project and stated that if the enrollment of students increased, the noise would be louder as well. Ms. Menkel also stated that this would affect the value of her property if she should put her home up for sale. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1997 Page 5 Victor Leigh. 5917 #D Armaga Spring Road, favored the proposed project He stated that he had resided in his complex for a period of ten years. Mr Leigh indicated that his dwelling was not as close to the pre-school as some of the other residents. He stated that although the population of children have increased inside his complex, the noise level coming from the pre-school seemed to be the same as is had for many years. Therefore, he did not oppose the proposed project. Dee Dee Witherspoon, (Pre-school Director), 5975 Armaga Spring Road, stated that the pre-school provided service to the community by meeting needs of the full-time or part-time working parent(s), but most important of all, it provided an excellent educational program for the children. Ms Witherspoon stated that during her six year tenure at the pre-school, she had never been approached by, or received any formal complaints, from a concerned individual regarding the noise level coming from the pre-school Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Commissioner Cartwright moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng, and with no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item. Commissioner Ng stated that since the student enrollment would increase by 13 students which was an increase from the current 62 to the proposed 75, and given that each classroom consists of 15 students each, she believed that a maximum of 30 children on the playing grounds during recess periods was reasonable and would not generate adverse noise levels Commissioner Ng, therefore, supported Staffs recommendation Commissioner Cartwright concurred with Commissioner Ng's comments and noted in the Staff Report that a maximum of two classes, consisting of a maximum of 15 students each, were allowed on the playing ground at any given time Mr. Cartwright suggested that this limit be specifically conditioned in the conditions of approval for the project He also encouraged the homeowners association to have more dialogue with the school administration, in case future problems occur Mr. Cartwright supported Staff's recommendation. Commissioner Alberio felt that the Public Hearing should be opened for rebuttal from the applicant Commissioner Alberio moved to re -open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng and passed by a roll call vote, (5-0). PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1997 Page 6 Ms. Mersing (Pre-school Staff) recommended that the pre-school should be obligated in the future to notify the surrounding residents of any future plans She mentioned that the church would like to keep a neighborly relationship with the surrounding homeowners Commissioner Alberio moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed, (5-0). Commissioner Alberio stated that he was not ready to vote on the project that evening, due to the fact that he felt there was not sufficient information in order to make a decision. He believed that there would be continuous noise throughout the day if the student enrollment was increased Mr. Alberio stated that he would like to see a comparison of other schools in the City and how they operated. Vice Chairman Whiteneck disagreed with Commissioner Albeno's comments He felt that each site was unique and a comparison study would not provide the Commission with any useful information Therefore, he supported Staffs recommendation. Chairman Vannorsdall supported Staffs recommendation and stated that the increase of students was so slight, he believed that the noise level on the playground would not be significantly altered. Director/Secretary Petru requested clarification of Condition No 1 and read aloud the following proposed amendment- 'The maximum number of students on the playground during any given recess period shall not exceed 30 children.'. Ms. Petru suggested that the hours of operation in Condition No 2 be amended as well to limit the recess period from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p m Commissioner Ng moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-28; thereby approving the Negative Declaration for the project; and, adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-29; thereby approving the Conditional Use Permit No.8 - Revision 'B', with amended conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and passed by a roll -call vote, (4-1) with Commissioner Alberio dissenting. Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period. RECESS AND RECONVENE At 9.00 P M there was a brief recess until 9 10 P.M. when the meeting was reconvened. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1997 Page 7 NEW BUSINESS 6 Noise Measurement. Noise Propagation and Noise Abatement. Chairman Vannorsdall read aloud the recommendation of this item and stated that he would appreciate any comments or suggestions from the Commission Director/Secretary Petru stated that the preparation of a noise ordinance has been on the Department's list of long range goals for a number of years She stated that Staff had requested the City Attorney to prepare a draft noise ordinance Ms Petru indicated that research was presently being conducted by the City Attorney and that Staff should be receiving the draft ordinance shortly If so directed by the City Council, the draft ordinance may be presented to the Planning Commission for its review and comment. Commissioner Cartwright commended Chairman Vannorsdall for the information he provided and suggested that the information being researched by the City Attorney should first be reviewed by the Commission before any further action is taken on this matter Vice Chairman Whiteneck agreed with Commissioner Cartwright and then requested that Staff obtain a copy of the State Regulation regarding noise levels for the Commission's review Commissioner Ng agreed with her fellow Commissioners Commissioner Alberio moved to table this item until additional information is received from the City Attorney and directed Staff to provide the Commission with this information at a later date. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and with no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS 7 Pre -Agenda for the Planning Commission Meeting of June 10, 1997. Staff Director/Secretary Petru noted that there would only be two sets of Minutes currently scheduled for the June 10, 1997 meeting Therefore, she suggested that the Commission may wish to cancel this meeting Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to cancel the Meeting of June 10, 1997 due to a lack of discussion items, seconded by Commissioner Cartwright. There being no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1997 Page 8 Commission Commissioner Ng requested that copies of newspaper articles be enlarged when included with the Staff Report. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Los Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, indicated that she was not pleased with the Commission's decision regarding the wireless communication facility as St Paul's Church. She also indicated that her son (who is a geologist) objected to building in the ancient landslide area and then commented on various projects located in the City's coastal area. At 9:35 P.M. Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright. There being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (5-0). N-\GROUP\PLANN1NG\PCM1N\M1N05 27 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 27, 1897 Page 8