PC MINS 20040413CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 13, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
Approved
May 11 2004
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mueller at 7 05 p m at the Fred Hesse
Community Room, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.
FLAG SALUTE
Vice Chairman Cote led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Gerstner, Karp, Knight, Tetreault, Van Wagner, Vice
Chairman Cote, and Chairman Mueller
Absent: None
Also present were Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Rojas, Project
Coordinator Alvarez, Associate Planner Schonborn, and Assistant Planner Luckert
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was unanimously approved as presented
COMMUNICATIONS
Director/Secretary Rojas distributed a letter related to Agenda Item No 5, copies of 2 e-
mails received at pcc rpv com, a booklet of Parliamentary Procedures and a copy of
Rosenburg's Rules of Procedure at the request of Commissioner Karp.
Director/Secretary Rojas reported that at the last City Council meeting the City Council
opted to have a joint meeting with the Open Space Park and Recreation Committee on
the fifth Tuesday in June instead of a possible joint meeting with the Planning
Commission.
Chairman Mueller thanked the City for the opportunity to allow the Planning
Commission to attend the Planners Institute in Monterrey He also discussed the
importance of the Planning Commissioners speaking on topics as individual citizens
rather than as Planning Commissioners.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING NON -AGENDA ITEMS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. View Restoration Permit No. 165: 5403, 5411, and 5417 Littlebow Road
Director/Secretary Rojas polled the Planning Commission as to who had visited the
site All Planning Commissioners had visited the site.
Project Coordinator Alvarez presented the staff report giving a brief history of the
project, noting that staff identified 7 trees on the Aberle property that significantly impair
the view from the Spolher and Fukunaga properties He also noted that staff does not
believe the subject trees significantly impair the view from the Lee property, as the
foliage is to the extreme left of the view In order to restore the view from the Spolher
and Fukunaga properties staff recommends the subject trees be trimmed to the red line
show in Exhibit C in the staff report and the trees be trimmed in the cooler months. He
concluded by stating that staff recommends the Planning Commission approve the View
Restoration Permit and adopt the draft Resolution
Commissioner Knight asked if the Lees would have to come before the Planning
Commission with a new application if they felt they had view impairment from their
property, as their property was not addressed in the Resolution
Project Coordinator Alvarez answered that staff wrote the Resolution to state the
significant view impairment was from the Fukunaga and Spolher properties only.
Commissioner Knight asked what staff considered to be the cooler months.
Project Coordinator Alvarez answered that staff considers the cooler months between
October and March.
Commissioner Knight asked if the bonded tree trimmers are required to name Mrs.
Aberle as an additional insured when they go on her property
Project Coordinator Alvarez explained that the standard liability coverage covers
property damage but does not assume responsibility for any personal damage
Commissioner Karp stated that it has been his practice to have tree trimming
companies name him as additional insured on their liability and workers compensation
policy, as it costs the company nothing extra and gives the homeowner a degree of
protection, and felt that any company that will not do that should not be used.
Commissioner Karp asked staff if they considered the severe fire hazard and danger the
trees present to the community.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 2
Director/Secretary Rojas answered that staff was not aware of any evidence that the
trees constitute a fire hazard.
Commissioner Karp stated that the trees in question present a fire hazard to the
community.
Vice Chairman Cote referred to the letter from Mrs. Aberle, noting she was requesting
the applicants pay for the future maintenance of the trees, possibly based on an
agreement she may or may not have with one of the applicants She asked if this was
something that could be included in the conditions of approval.
Project Coordinator Alvarez explained that there was some type of private agreement
between the Lees and Mrs Aberle regarding the maintenance of the trees, however the
City would not be able to incorporate the condition of approval that will require the
applicants to maintain the trees after the trimming, as that could only be done through a
private agreement between the parties.
Chairman Mueller opened the public hearing.
John Lee 5403 Littlebow Road stated that he was speaking on behalf of the three
applicants He explained that his offer to maintain Mrs. Aberle's trees was made during
the mediation process, and when the offers made during the mediation process were
rejected this offer was removed. He also stated that Mrs. Aberle was requesting the
debris from the tree trimming be removed through the applicants' properties, however
he did not feel that was necessary as the applicants' properties were all uphill from Mrs.
Aberle and there was ample access to remove the debris from her property. He also
did not feel it was the applicants' responsibility to have the debris removed through their
properties.
Commissioner Knight asked Mr. Lee if he understood that his property was not part of
the Resolution and that he would have to file a separate application if he felt there was
view impairment from his property
Mr. Lee understood, noting that he did not disagree with the finding and that he was
speaking in support of his neighbors.
Chairman Mueller asked Mr. Lee if the agreement he made with Mrs Aberle was still, in
his opinion, a valid agreement.
Mr Lee explained that the offer was made during the mediation process and at that time
he did not realize the number of trees that are actually on Mrs. Aberle's property. He
stated that he is very concerned that there are a number of trees on Mrs. Aberle's
property that do not currently impact the view from the Fukunaga's property but once
they grow they will be directly impacting their view. He stated that Mrs. Aberle did not
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 3
accept the offer to maintain the trees at the time it was made and at this time he was not
willing to extend the offer.
Chairman Mueller asked Mr Lee if he agreed with the staff recommendations in the
Resolution
Mr. Lee answered that he agreed with the staff recommendations.
Chairman Mueller asked Mr Lee if he agreed with Mrs Aberle's suggestion that the
Eucalyptus Trees be trimmed to a level and maintained.
Mr. Lee agreed with the suggestion.
Blanca Fukunaga 5411 Littlebow Road stated that Mr Lee represented her and her
opinions regarding the issues
Mrs Aberle 5434 Manitowac Drive (foliage owner) stated that there has been no
communications with the applicants after the initial communication and therefore did not
understand why Mr. Lee felt that no agreement could be reached between the parties.
She agreed to have the pine trees cut to the line represented in the staff report, but no
lower, as she felt that would damage or kill the trees. Regarding the Eucalyptus trees,
she stated that they could be topped but Eucalyptus trees grow very fast and suggested
the Eucalyptus trees be cut down approximately two to three feet below the line in the
staff report She felt that it was very dangerous to bring the tree trimmings downhill
through her property nd would be much better to bring the trimmings up to Littlebow
Road.
I
Vice Chairman Cote referred to Mrs. Aberle's letter and asked her if she still agreed with
what she had written regarding trimming the trees.
Mrs. Aberle read the first paragraph of the letter and stated that she has changed her
mind and that trimming the trees to a level three feet below the red line is much too low
and will stun the trees
Vice Chairman Cote asked Mrs Aberle about the offer made by Mr. Lee to pay for the
maintenance of the trees
Mrs. Aberle stated that she cannot afford to keep the trees trimmed to the level
suggested.
Commissioner Gerstner asked Mrs Aberle if she has had an opportunity to trim the
trees in the last 15 years
Mrs Aberle answered that she has not
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 4
Mr Lee (in rebuttal) emphasized that the offer to maintain the trees was made at the
mediation stage and was refused by Mrs Aberle at that time. At this time the applicants
agree with the staff suggestions and are not willing to pay for the maintenance of the
trees on Mrs. Aberle's property
Chairman Mueller asked Mr. Lee if he saw any problem with allowing the tree trimmer to
remove the foliage upslope rather than down slope.
Mr. Lee answered that Mrs. Spolher has indicated that she would not like the tree
trimmings to go through her property and to use his property or Mrs. Fukunaga's
property the tree trimmers would have to first cross another neighbor's property who
has indicated that she does not want that to happen.
Commissioner Tetreault asked Mr Lee why the offer to maintain the trees has been
taken off the table
Mr Lee answered that Mrs. Aberle has a responsibility to maintain her own trees and
after touring her property he realized that there are many more trees than he initially
realized would have to be maintained
Vice Chairman Cote asked Mrs. Aberle, given the financial burden of having to maintain
the trees on her property, if she had considered the option of removal of the trees
versus having the continued responsibility of having to maintain the trimming of the
trees
Mrs. Aberle answered that she would not consider having the trees removed.
Chairman Mueller stressed to Mrs Aberle that maintaining the trees is her responsibility
unless a private agreement is made between her and her neighbors and the Planning
Commission cannot require her neighbors to pay for maintaining her trees
Chairman Mueller closed the public hearing.
Vice Chairman Cote asked staff to recap the steps involved in the mediation process, as
she felt it was important for the foliage owner to understand that offers that may have
been made during that process are not binding and cannot be enforced by the Planning
Commission. She further questioned why the mediation process in this case consisted
of only one mediation session and why it then took so long to come before the Planning
Commission
Director/Secretary Rojas explained that the process only includes one mediation
session with the City mediator and explained how the process then proceeds to private
discussions between the applicant and foliage owner and that process can, at times,
take quite awhile. He explained that if discussions do not work the case will then go
before the Planning Commission.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 5
Vice Chairman Cote asked staff, when there are circumstances when there is a concern
regarding future maintenance of the foliage because of limited financial means of the
foliage owner, what the role of the City would be in this type of situation.
Director/Secretary Rojas explained that if the follow-up tnmming does not occur the City
sends a notice to the applicant reminding them to do the trimming He noted that the
City Council has directed staff to be more punitive when foliage owners do not do the
required maintenance trimming noting that when trimming does not occur the cases are
sent to the City Attorney's office where a warrant is obtained to do the work and a lien
may be placed on the property.
Commissioner Knight stated that there are seven trees identified by staff that are
currently blocking the applicants' view, noting that there are several other trees on the
property, and asked what happens when the smaller trees not currently identified by
staff grow into the viewing area and begin to block the applicants' view.
Project Coordinator Alvarez noted that Condition No. 8 of the Conditions of Approval
states that if any additional trees present a view obstruction, the City will order the
trimming of those trees.
Commissioner Tetreault asked, as a possible alternative to ruling on the application at
this meeting, if the Planning Commission could order the parties into another session of
mediation and continue the item to a date certain.
Director/Secretary Rojas answered that there is nothing in the Guidelines that
addresses that, however there is a formal request from the applicant to take action on
this item at this meeting.
Chairman Mueller asked staff if it has been a past practice to order the foliage be
removed from the foliage owners property using a neighboring property, and is this
something that staff feels is a feasible solution.
Project Coordinator Alvarez stated that there is nothing in the Ordinance stating the
applicants are required to remove the trimmings through their property and the foliage
owner is the one who schedules the tree trimmers, who are only allowed on the property
by consent of the property owner.
Commissioner Tetreault felt it was very clear in this situation what the Planning
Commission is charged to do, as there is view impairment and the applicants are
entitled to have their views restored He felt that the difficulty becomes one of
accomplishing this in a way that will be agreeable to all concerned, as the foliage owner
is unable or unwilling to promise any future maintenance of the trees after they are
initially trimmed. He commended the applicants in their initial offer to the foliage owner
to help with the cost of the maintenance of the trees and realized that the Planning
Commission cannot enforce this agreement However, he felt it was in everyone's best
interest for the applicants and foliage owner to take another look at some type of
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 6
maintenance agreement and encouraged the parties involved to try to come to some
sort of private agreement, as in the long run it would benefit everyone concerned.
Commissioner Van Wagner agreed with Commissioner Tetreault's comments adding
that he was disappointed the mediation process did not produce an agreement and the
Planning Commission must now make a decision. He felt that all of the findings could
be made and agreed with the recommendations of the staff report.
Commissioner Karp stated that there are dead trees and dead pine needles throughout
this property, creating a serious fire hazard to the City. He felt that the trees should be
cut down entirely and replaced with lower growing foliage that is more suitable for the
slope He asked if it was necessary to wait to do the trimming in the cooler months
starting in October which would mean that the fire danger would exist throughout the
hotter summer months
Vice Chairman Cote felt that there is a significant impairment of the view from the
applicants' property. She was having difficulty with finding that the applicant had
complied with the early neighborhood consultation process and shown cooperation on
his/her part to resolve conflicts. She discussed the process and felt it was a shame that
the parties did not realize it was to both of their benefits to come to an agreement earlier
rather than bring this application to the Planning Commission. She did not think the
foliage owner understood that the initial offer made by the applicants to help with the
maintenance of the trees was no longer valid. She stated that she agreed with the staff
recommendations presented in the staff report even though she understood the difficulty
the foliage owner will have maintaining these trees in the future.
Commissioner Knight stated that he could make the necessary findings adding that he
would like to specify the dates for trimming in Condition No 16 and asked staff if they
could find out if the tree trimmers could name the foliage owner as an additional insured
on their insurance policy Finally, he wondered if it would be worthwhile for the City
Council to look into possible financial aid for people who are in a situation where they
are required to maintain the foliage but may not be able to do so financially.
Commissioner Gerstner agreed that the findings can be made and agreed with the
recommendations in the staff report. He felt that trimming the Eucalyptus tree in excess
of what staff was recommending would help reduce the maintenance of the tree in the
future
Chairman Mueller did not think the foliage owner was arguing with the tnmming and at
the same time the rights of the view owners must be considered. He did not think the
foliage created a fire issue and it was not in the purview of the Planning Commission to
make opinions on whether or not there was a fire issue He did not think the Planning
Commission had the authority to send the application back to the mediation process as
the Ordinance and Guidelines specify it is the Planning Commission's job to make a
decision as to whether there is significant view impairment and act accordingly He
suggested that the Planning Commission adopt the option in the staff report to trim the
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 7
Eucalyptus tree down three feet rather than down to the red line indicated in the staff
report (option 2).
Commissioner Knight asked if the options in the staff report were options available to
the foliage owner or if the Planning Commission must choose one of the options.
Project Coordinator Alvarez answered that the options were available for the foliage
owner to choose, noting that at a minimum staff recommends option 1 and only with the
consent of Mrs. Aberle can any other option be selected He stated that Mrs Aberle
has consented to option 2 in her letter sent to the Planning Commission
Chairman Mueller re -opened the public hearing.
Chairman Mueller asked Mr. Lee if he understood the three options for the Eucalyptus
tree presented in the staff report, particularly option 2.
Mr. Lee stated that the applicants were agreeable to option 2 regarding the Eucalyptus
tree.
Chairman Mueller closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Karp moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 2004-15 thereby
approving the View Restoration Permit as amended, seconded by Commissioner
Gerstner. Approved, (7-0).
RECESS AND RECONVENE
1
At 8:40 p.m. the Planning Commission took a short recess until 8.50 p.m. at which time
they reconvened.
CONTINUED BUSINES (CONT)
2. Code Amendment regarding 16' building height (ZON2003-00417)
Director/Secretary Rojas presented a brief staff report, noting that the City Council
opted to deal with this issue and gave staff specific direction on what amendments to
make, and the City Attorney is currently working on the language for the amendments
which will be presented at the next City Council meeting Therefore, staff was
recommending that the Planning Commission receive and file the report and take no
further action on the item, given the City Council direction on the item.
Vice Chairman Cote stated that she was not able to attend the April 6 City Council
meeting but has read the staff report and viewed the tape of the meeting. She was very
pleased with the clarifications made which allows the Planning Commission much
clearer guidance on how to deal with the issues and thanked the City Council for taking
the action they did.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 8
Commissioner Gerstner stated that he too was pleased the City Council addressed the
issue and thanked the many previous Planning Commissioners who spoke to the City
Council.
Commissioner Tetreault was also pleased with the results of the City Council
deliberations on this issue as he felt the clarifications are much more workable and
practical and will allow the Planning Commission to do their job much more effectively
Commissioner Knight stated that he was not able to attend the City Council meeting and
he had some issues he wanted to bring forth to them, which he will give to staff to
present to the City Council.
Chairman Mueller was also pleased with the City Council and felt that the language was
much more workable and understandable
Chairman Mueller moved to accept the staff recommendation and take no further
action on the item, seconded by Commissioner Tetreault. Approved, (7-0).
3. View Restoration Permit No. 161: 7256 and 7264 Berry Hill Drive
Director/Secretary Rojas reported that staff was recommending the item be continued to
the April 27, 2004 Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Knight moved to continue the item to the April 27, 2004 Planning
Commission meeting, seconded by Vice Chairman Cote. (7-0).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. Height Variation Permit/Grading PermitNariance (Case No. ZON2003-
00562): 7455 Via Lorado (Lot #2)
Assistant Planner Lucked reported that the applicant has recently withdrawn the
application before the Planning Commission and a new design has been submitted. He
noted that after an initial review of the new submittal, staff determined that the new
design does not require Planning Commission review. Therefore, staff was
recommending the Planning Commission accept the withdrawal of the application.
Vice Chairman Cote moved to accept the withdrawal of the application as
recommended by staff, seconded by Commissioner Gerstner. (7-0).
5. Height Variation Permit/Grading PermitNariance/Site Plan Review (Case
No. ZON2003-00563): 7455 Via Lorado (Lot #1)
Vice Chairman Cote moved to accept the withdrawal of the application as
recommended by staff, seconded by Commissioner Gerstner. (7-0)
Planning Commission Minutes
Apnl 13, 2004
Page 9
6. Conditional Use Permit (Case ZON2004-00003): 3960 Crest Road
Associate Planner Schonborn presented the staff report, explaining the scope of the
project and that staff was able to make all of the necessary findings for the Conditional
Use Permit and was recommending the Planning Commission approve the application
subject to the conditions in Exhibit A.
Commissioner Knight asked staff what other facilities this site serves.
Associate Planner Schonborn stated that California Water utilizes the site exclusively
Commissioner Knight asked if there were other wireless communication companies
located at the site
Associate Planner Schonborn answered that Sprint is the first wireless company at this
site
Vice Chairman Cote asked staff if Sprint has provided a master plan for the community
which includes the before and after coverage that will be provided and what additional
benefit to the community this antenna will provide
Associate Planner Schonborn answered that this was a question better answered by the
applicant.
Chairman Mueller opened the public hearing.
Courtney Schmidt (representing Sprint PCS) explained that the frequency of visits to the
site is once a month or Tess, as the site is monitored off-site. She noted that the
antennas that are existing on the utility pole are small whip antennas used by California
Water, however they are no longer in use and Sprint will be removing them from the
utility pole, as well as the cross arms that the whip antennas are attached to. She
stated that Sprint has provided to the City a copy of their most recent master plan for
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the Peninsula She explained that antennas at
this site will provide coverage to customers south of the site along Ganado Drive and
that this antenna will replace many of the outdated antennas along Ganado Drive. She
also noted that the new antennas will provide service to the golf course area at Ocean
Trails.
Commissioner Knight asked if the outdated antennas along Ganado Dnve will be
removed.
Ms Schmidt answered that the antennas along Ganado Drive will eventually be
removed, however they are connected to other facilities and cannot be completely
removed until the upgrade is complete in the City
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 10
Chairman Mueller noted that the plan indicates the pole at a height of 50 feet and
wondered if there was some reason the pole was not shortened in height to support the
proposed antenna. He asked if there was a plan for carriers other than Sprint to utilize
the pole.
Ms. Schmidt answered that any use of the pole above Sprint's propose cross arm is not
currently being used, however there is always the possibility for any other carrier to
place a cross arm above Sprints
Chairman Mueller asked Ms. Schmidt if, in the site coverage analysis, was Sprint
convinced that the correct height was chosen for the cross bars to ensure proper
coverage.
Ms. Schmidt explained that the height of the cross arm proposed is what the radio
frequency engineers preferred when reviewing their need for coverage in the area.
Chairman Mueller felt that, unless the additional height on the pole is needed, it was just
excess area not serving any purpose.
Ms. Schmidt answered that the upper portion is not currently being used.
Vice Chairman Cote noted that the Wireless Communication Antennas Development
Guidelines encourages co -location of various commercial antennas uses on existing
utility poles, and in the case of the excess height on this pole if it would be feasible to
have another carrier use another part of this pole in the future
Ms. Schmidt explained that there are separation requirements between particular
antennas for different carriers, however because Sprint is placing their cross arm at 26
feet and there is approximately another 20 feet at the top of the pole, she felt that there
sufficient room for another carrier to place additional antennas at the top of the pole
Chairman Mueller closed the public hearing.
Chairman Mueller asked staff if the Planning Commission has the latitude to condition
the approval to require the pole be shortened to satisfy their current requirement and in
time if additional carriers request use of the pole, the pole can then be modified and
reconfigured at that time
Director/Secretary Rojas answered that the Planning Commission can require the pole
be shortened if the pole is creating an impact, however staff is not aware of any impact
the height of the pole is creating.
Commissioner Karp stated that he visited the site and felt that this is an ideal location
for this type of antenna use, as it has no impact on any of the surrounding
neighborhoods.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 11
Commissioner Tetreault agreed with Commissioner Karp, adding that the antenna is an
existing structure, and felt there was no impact on any of the neighbors in the area.
Commissioner Van Wagner agreed with the comments of Commissioners Karp and
Tetreault
Commissioner Gerstner moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 2004-16 as
recommended, thereby approving Conditional Use Permit (Case ZON2004-00003),
seconded by Vice Chairman Cote.
Commissioner Knight moved to amend the motion to add a condition that, where
feasible, Sprint phase out and remove any facilities that are not being used
because of this new facility, seconded by Chairman Mueller.
Vice Chairman Cote asked staff if there was a better way in which the Planning
Commission could address the issue of proper phase in and phase out plans in the
requirement for the submittal for the network master plan, rather than having it as a
specific condition of approval on each case before the Planning Commission
Director/Secretary Rojas explained that the Guidelines require the submittal of a master
plan, however to address the specific concerns of Commissioner Knight he felt that a
condition would have to be added to the approval of each individual application.
Vice Chairman Cote wondered if the Planning Commission should even get involved
with the phase in and phase out of outdated equipment
Director/Secretary Rojas explained that, in the past, staff has let the carriers do their
plans based on technology and their needs and staff reacts to the plans to make sure
they do not impact the residents
Vice Chairman Cote was concerned that the Planning Commission was identifying a
policy or a long-term issue and was focusing on Sprint PCS in this specific application
She would prefer to see the Planning Commission take the action to figure out the
longer-term approach through a possible change or revision to the Wireless
Communication Antenna Development Guidelines.
Director/Secretary Rojas agreed that the Planning Commission may want to ask the
Guidelines be brought to the Planning Commission as an agenda item to review them to
see if there are any changes that may want to be made.
Commissioner Tetreault felt that input should be received from the wireless company as
well.
Commissioner Knight agreed with the Vice Chairman's comments and withdrew
his amendment to the motion.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 12
The motion to approve the application was approved, (7-0).
7. Revision to Conditional Use Permit No. 191: 6507 Ocean Crest
Associate Planner Blumenthal presented the staff report, giving a brief history of the
project and showing a picture of the equipment cabinets He stated that staff has
reviewed the required findings and felt all of the findings could be adopted In addition,
staff is of the opinion that the equipment cabinet is consistent with the intent and
purpose of the City's Commercial Antenna Ordinance and the proposal does comply
with Wireless Communication Antenna Development Guidelines. Therefore, staff was
recommending approval of the project subject to the conditions of approval.
Commissioner Van Wagner asked why Cingular Wireless built the cabinet without the
required City permits.
Associate Planner Blumenthal explained that the previous consultant that Cingular had
hired informed Cingular that there was a permit for the installation.
Commissioner Van Wagner asked if there were consequences from the City for doing
the work without permits
Associate Planner Blumenthal answered that all Planning and Building and Safety fees
are doubled
Chairman Mueller opened the public hearing.
Dean Brown 1111 Town and Country Road, Orange (representing Lingular Wireless)
stated that both cabinets should have been installed when the project was originally
done, however there was a miscommunication and at a later date the second cabinet
was installed, not realizing that the permit had already expired He apologized for the
misunderstanding and was before the Planning Commission to rectify the problem. He
stated that he as reviewed all of the Conditions of Approval and agrees to all of them.
Commissioner Van Wagner asked if there were any alternatives to having a wall screen
the cabinets that would not create any interference with the equipment.
Mr. Brown explained that they had looked at building a screening wall, however the wall
would interfere with existing antennas, which belong to another carrier. He stated that a
wall would also create somewhat of a hazardous situation as a wall would have to be
built in a location that would make it very difficult to get around and it was very close to
the edge of the five -story apartment building.
Chairman Mueller closed the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 13, 2004
Page 13
Commissioner Tetreault moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 2004-17 as
recommended, thereby approving a revision to Conditional Use Permit No. 191,
seconded by Commissioner Karp. Approved, (7-0).
8. View Restoration Permit No. 123: 28541 Palos Verdes Drive East
Director/Secretary Rojas stated that staff was recommending the public hearing be
continued to the meeting of May 11, 2004 and all parties are in agreement to the
continuance request
Commissioner Knight moved to continue the public hearing to May 11, 2004,
seconded by Commissioner Gerstner. Approved, (7-0).
9. Review of the City Tree Review Permit Process
Commissioner Knight moved to continue the public hearing to the April 27, 2004
Planning Commission meeting as recommended, seconded by Commissioner
Tetreault. Approved, (7-0).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
10. Minutes of March 9, 2004
Commissioner Knight noted a typo on page 1 of the minutes.
Vice Chairman Cote not ted a typo on page 5 of the minutes.
Commissioner Knight toted on page 19 that the minutes should reflect that he was
requesting that the rodf pitch be lowered from 4:12 to 3:12.
Vice Chairman Cote moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by
Commissioner Tetreault. Approved, (7-0).
11. Minutes of March 23, 2004
Commissioner Tetreault moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded
by Commissioner Karp. Approved, (5-0-2) with Commissioner Gerstner
abstaining since the minutes include an item that he abstained from and Vice
Chairman Cote abstaining since she was absent from that meeting.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS
Commissioner Karp noted that he will be absent from the April 27 and May 11 meetings.
Vice Chairman Cote moved to add a review and discussion of the Antenna
Guidelines at a future meeting, to look specifically at the Master Plan and the
Planning Commission Minutes
Apnl 13, 2004
Page 14
possible review in the Master Plan of what sites and antennas could be deleted as
new antennas and sites are added, seconded by Commissioner Gerstner.
Chairman Mueller stated that he would tend to not support the idea, as he did not feel
the community was built out as far as antenna sites are concerned and he did not think
there would be much discussion on what antennas could be eliminated. He felt the
priority on the Wireless Guidelines was very low in priority on items that should come
before the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Tetreault felt that if such an item were to be discussed, it would be
helpful to get input from representatives from the wireless carriers, as he did not
understand the technology involved.
Chairman Mueller asked staff if they felt the wireless carriers would speak before the
Planning Commission about their individual plans for the area
Director/Secretary Rojas felt that if staff asked the carriers to educate the Planning
Commission on how adding and removing antennas works, that they might be willing to
attend
Director/Secretary Rojas noted that there are two types of antennas in the City: those
on private property that must be approved by the Planning Commission through the
Conditional Use Permit process and those in the public right-of-way that are attached to
utility poles and light standards. He noted that the Planning Commission does not deal
with the antennas in the public right-of-way, as the Department of Public Works reviews
those applications.
The motion to add the discussion item of the Antenna Guidelines passed (6-1)
with Chairman Mueller dissenting.
Chairman Mueller noted that the review of the View Restoration Guidelines and a
definition of a hedge would be placed on an agenda in the near future.
Director/Secretary Rojas stated that he would review the future agendas to find a
meeting where he can place these items.
12. Pre -agenda for the meeting of April 27, 2004
Regarding Agenda Item No.1 and the issue of the easements, Commissioner Tetreault
asked staff if it would be helpful for the City Attorney to be present at the meeting or to
review the issue and present some sort of opinion to be given with the staff report to
guide the Planning Commission on the issue.
Director/Secretary Rojas explained that staff has been consulting with the City Attorney
regarding this issue and there would be a discussion of this in the staff report. He
explained that for the City Attorney to attend the meeting or create a memo for the
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April 13, 2004
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Planning Commission, he would have to consult with the City Manager, as the City does
not budget for the City Attorney to attend Planning Commission meetings.
Vice Chairman Cote noted that she will not be attending the April 27 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
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April 13, 2004
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