HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 12/04/13 oY DOW. REVISED MINUTES
Cr '''' REGULAR MEETING
c DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
c WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013
} e' CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
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DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
eaLaakso 6:30 P.M.
Chairman Morales called a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission to order on December 4, 2013,
at 6:39 pm, at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Flag Salute, roll was
called.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Hector Lujan, District 1
Matias Flores, District 4
Jim Rodriguez, District 5
Robert Kiefer, District 2, Vice Chairman
Louis Morales, District 3, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Saeki, Director of Community Development
Yvette Abich-Garcia, City Attorney
William Davis, City Planner
David Blumenthal, Senior Planner
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: None
PRESENTATIONS: None
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PLN-13-00179: (Miscellaneous Action): Chairman Morales opened the public hearing for PLN-13-
00179, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Senior Planner David Blumenthal gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request by Verizon Wireless
to amend the conditions of approval implemented in July 2008, which prohibit the use of an emergency
generator in conjunction with the wireless communication antenna at 8050 Florence Ave. Verizon's
request to install an emergency generator will allow them to provide cellular service in the event of a power
outage or emergency. Verizon proposes to enclose the generator with an eight-foot block enclosure, which
will screen the generator, and minimize any noise that may be emitted. The generator will only be used
during power outages and once a week for a maximum of 15 minutes for testing, to ensure that the
generator is operational in the event of an emergency. Mr. Blumenthal explained that staff was concerned
with the noise that the generator would emit; therefore, a noise study was conducted to ensure that the
amount of noise will not impact the adjoining residences at the property line. As a result of the noise study
and the analysis within the staff report, staff is recommending approval of the request.
The Commissioners reviewed the 2008 Conditional Use Permit and the noise study with staff.
Al Gamboa, Milestone Wireless, representing Verizon Wireless stated that the generator is a standby
generator in case of emergency, in order to allow Verizon Wireless, to continue operating. The noise
Planning Commission Minutes *4046
December 4, 2013
study established that any noise emitted would be below the maximum threshold allowed by the Downey
City Code and the generator is enclosed in an integrated acoustic housing and block wall enclosure.
Vice Chairman Kiefer asked if there would be someone onsite to do the testing, to which Mr. Gamboa
responded by saying that the testing would be done remotely.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked what type of fuel was used for the generator, to which Mr. Gamboa
responded by saying the generator operates on diesel fuel and the tank has capacity for three days.
Chairman Morales closed the public hearing.
The Commissioners stated that the potential noise impact was addressed and commended staff on a
report well done.
It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez and seconded by Commissioner Lujan, and passed by a 5-0
to adopt Resolution No. 13-2862, to approve the request for a Miscellaneous Action (PLN-13-00179).
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: Emery Sipos 12832 Smallwood Ave, Downey, expressed his
thanks to Chairman Morales, Commissioner Flores, and Director of Community Development Brian
Saeki, for paying him a visit to address his concerns with the View project and how it has impacted his
business.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
4. Approval of the Minutes from November 20, 2013
Commissioner Rodriguez requested modifications of the Minutes from the November 20th Regular
Meeting of the Planning Commission as follows:
PLN-13-00174 (Conditional Use Permit) Modifications to page 4 paragraph 4:
Commissioner Rodriguez disclosed that he visited the site approximately three times since the
last hearing. He reviewed how the restaurant has evolved from its original zoning intent to
operate as a restaurant and never intended to be a night club. He stated that the conditions are
critical to ensure the peace and quiet for the residential neighbors. He wants more lighting in
the back of the building, and a simple barricade at the driveway entrance/exit starting from
Florence Western Ave. He is happy that the application will be reviewed by the Commission
again in six months.
Commissioner Rodriguez made a request that a copy of the Police Security Plan be
distributed to the Planning Commission.
It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez and seconded by Commissioner Flores, and passed by a 5-0
vote, to approve the Consent Calendar with modifications as stated.
OTHER BUSINESS: None
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director of Community Development Brian Saeki invited everyone to the
upcoming tree lighting and Mayoral transition ceremonies, and gave updates on current and future
projects.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Morales adjourned the
meeting at 7:02 pm, to Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at 6:30 pm at Downey City Hall, 11111
Brookshire Ave.
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Planning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of January, 2014.
j/
L Moral-', C'airma
' Planning C%mmission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning
Commission held on the 15th day of January, 2014, by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Morales, Kiefer, Lujan, Flores and Rodriguez
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
4stv c
Mary Cavnagh, Secretary ,
City Planning Commission
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