HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 05/07/14 o v MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
3 DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
Chairman Kiefer called a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission to order on May 7, 2014, at 6:38
pm, at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Flag Salute, roll was called.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Louis Morales, District 3
Matias Flores, District 4
Jim Rodriguez, District 5
Hector Lujan, District 1, Vice Chairman
Robert Kiefer, District 2, Chairman
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development
Yvette Abich-Garcia, City Attorney
William Davis, City Planner
Leslie Murray, Lieutenant, Downey Police Department
Jessica Flores, Associate Planner
Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner
Darlene Escobedo, Planning Intern
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Chairman Kiefer introduced our new Community Development
Director Aldo E. Schindler, and together with his fellow Commissioners, welcomed him to Downey.
PRESENTATIONS: None
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo E. Schindler reported
that at the April 22, 2014 meeting, the City Council was presented with an item on the approval of an
ordinance by the Public Works Department in partnership with the Community Development Department
that would implement low-impact storm water management processes for smaller developments in our city.
This is a response to a county wide initiative that's occurring to better manage storm water run-off and
urban water run-off on developments of all sizes; the goal being to retain storm water pollutants on site
through various low cost methods and staff will be working with applicants when they present projects, to
see how best to do that.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PLN-14-00020: (SIGN): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-14-00020, and Ms.
Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Director Schindler advised the Commissioners that the request for a Planned Sign Program needs to be
continued to the May 21, 2014 meeting, to allow staff more time to work with the applicant to obtain the
information required to submit the request. Associate Planner Jessica Flores apologized to Mr. Schindler
and the Commissioners, advising them that the applicant had emailed her earlier in the week to request a
continuance for their application to the June 4, 2014 meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes May 7, 2014
Commissioner Morales asked if staff was alright with the June 4th date, to which Ms. Flores confirmed that
she was fine with the date requested.
It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, and passed by a 5-0
vote, to continue the public hearing for Planned Sign Program (PLN-14-00020) to the June 4, 2014
meeting.
2. PLN-14-00064: (Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-14-
00064, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Commissioner Flores abstaining recused himself from this item and exited the council chambers, due to his
residence being within' a 500 ft. radius of the subject site.
Associate Planner Jessica Flores gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request for a conditional use
permit to operate a personal training gymnasium (commercial recreation), on property located at 10242
Lakewood Blvd, and zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Ms. Flores stated that the applicant occupies the
801 square foot tenant space that includes an open workout area and one bathroom. The applicant will
offer personal training sessions Monday through Friday 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 6:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with two trainers, each of them training the clients individually; therefore, the applicant
is estimating a minimum of two customers and a maximum of eight customers that will be served hourly
throughout the course of the day. The personalized instruction at each session includes low impact
functional training, with some amplified sound as part of the personal training sessions. The applicant
tested noise levels immediately outside and next door to his tenant space. He found the music did not
penetrate adjacent walls and was seemingly unnoticeable outside his tenant space; however, although
staff does not foresee the volume levels to be a burden to neighboring uses, Ms. Flores has included a
condition of approval to address noise, should volume levels become a nuisance. Ms. Flores then
reviewed the parking standards and stated that the intended use meets the parking requirements.
Commissioner Morales asked Ms. Flores if the hours of operation were conditioned, to which she
responded that staff does not condition the hours.
Commissioner Rodriguez reviewed the location of the gym with staff and confirmed that the space does not
back into residential neighbors
Applicant David Fimbres, 10242 Lakewood Boulevard, stated that he will have two trainers working from
5:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Chairman Kiefer asked Mr. Fimbres if he has operated a similar gym anywhere else, to which Mr. Fimbres
responded by saying that he has offered personal training at Bally's and in local parks; this will be his first
gym.
Chairman Kiefer asked Mr. Fimbres if the music was just background music, to which Mr. Fimbres
confirmed that the music is only for background as the trainers' voices would be the motivation. They will
be using a small wireless speaker and the doors will be closed at all times.
Vice Chairman Lujan asked Mr. Fimbres if they close at midnight on Saturdays, to which Mr. Fimbres
stated that they close at 12 noon.
Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Morales stated that he went by the subject site by coincidence to visit another business and
noticed that the gym was open; however, everything seemed to be in order and conditions are in place to
address any concerns that they may have.
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Planning Commission Minutes l May 7, 2014
Commissioner Rodriguez stated that he approves of the application since it does not back up to any
residential neighbors.
Vice Chairman Lujan stated he is in favor of the request since the applicant is able to meet the parking
standards for this location.
Chairman Kiefer stated that with the conditions of approval in place, and being that the request meets the
land use for that site he is in favor of the request.
It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Vice Chairman Lujan, and passed by a 4-0-1
vote, with Commissioner Flores abstaining, to adopt Resolution No. 14-2873, to approve the request for a
Conditional Use Permit (PLN-14-00064).
3. PLN-14-00071: (Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-14-
00071, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request for Revision "B" to
Conditional Use Permit No. PLN-12-00215, to allow an existing bar (The Wet Bar) located at 8832 Imperial
Highway (3100 square foot space), which is currently operating with a Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control (ABC) Type 48 (On-Sale General, Public Premises) license, to include live entertainment (disc
jockeys, live bands/mariachi, dancing and karaoke), on property zoned C-2 (General Commercial), abutting
residential zone. Mr. Nguyen continued by saying that the Planning Commission approved the conditional
use permit (PLN-12-00215) for a casual bar, and in April 2013 the approved the Wet Bar's expansion into
the adjacent tenant space. The applicant is now requesting live entertainment, seven (7) days a week,
until 2:00 am. Mr. Nguyen stated that staff has received complaints from neighbors and the Downey Police
Department, that the applicant has been operating the bar with live entertainment, and without a conditional
use permit. Mr. Nguyen distributed a copy of a memo from the Downey Police Department of the 21 calls
to the subject site and complaints from the neighbors. Mr. Nguyen continued by saying that the reports
show the number one concern to be noise on-site with vehicles idling and leaving at 2:00 am causing
excessive noise issues with the residential neighbors. As such, staff has addressed this issue in the
conditions of approval; however, it is up to the Planning Commission to approve or deny the request. Mr.
Nguyen added that the applicant also proposes to deliver food to his customers at the Wet Bar, from his
restaurant located on the same property. As such, staff is concluding that allowing live entertainment at
the subject site can provide a benefit to those who live and work in the area, without creating significant
adverse impacts to the area, provided that all conditions of approval are adhered to, and based on the
findings in the staff report, staff is recommending approval of the application.
Commissioner Morales asked Mr. Nguyen, of the 34 conditions proposed, how many of them are new
compared to the previous approval, to which Mr. Nguyen stated that the did not have that information at
this time.
The Commissioners reviewed that application with staff and discussed the following:
1) The applicant received a warning from the Downey Police Department on 03/14/14 and was issued a
misdemeanor violation on 04/20/14.
2) The applicant has been operating without a conditional use permit for Valet Parking.
3) The jurisdiction of the City in allowing the applicant to have food delivered to his customers at the bar.
4) The applicants' intent to charge a fee (cover charge) for special events.
5) The increase in the number of security guards for the subject site.
Applicants Luis Gomez, 9516 Lubec St, Downey, and Osvaldo Flores 2547 E. Vista Canyon Road, Orange,
appeared together to address the concerns and questions of the commissioners. Mr. Gomez began by
saying that they were under the impression that they had received approval with their previous request to
operate with live entertainment, and explained the process of sales and deliveries for food service from his
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nearby Seafood restaurant. Mr. Gomez added that the intent of the cover fee is to cover the expenses as
far as special events (live jazz bands, disc jockeys, etc.), and informed the commissioners that they ceased
all operations for the valet service and has been in compliance with PD and Planning. He did not request a
permit for the valet parking at this time, and they are hoping to get approval for the live entertainment.
Chairman Kiefer asked Mr. Gomez if he has already notified the Health Department in regards to the
delivery of food, to which Mr. Gomez stated that he has done so and is in compliance with their regulations.
Chairman Kiefer asked Mr. Gomez to address the police reports, to which Mr. Gomez stated that he has
hired a new security company who is present to explain the new security plan in place to address the
issues expressed by the police department.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked Mr. Gomez when would he have the new company take over, to which he
responded they started approximately one week earlier.
Chairman Kiefer asked the applicants what hours they plan to operate with live entertainment, to which Mr.
Gomez stated that he is seeking approval for Fridays and Saturdays at this time.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked the applicants to clarify their reasons for operating with live entertainment
after receiving the first warning from the Police Department, to which Mr. Gomez stated that the violation
was due to customers standing up and dancing in lieu of management asking them not to, and resulted in
the bar being cited with a violation.
Commissioner Rodriguez requested clarification regarding the request for dancing; is the request asking to
allow dancers (performing) versus customers dancing on a dance floor, noting that they applicant is
proposing a stage area for live entertainment and noting that the request is stating that dancing in the live
entertainment request.
Mr. Gomez clarified that there are two separate requests; first is that they will not have hired dancers, but
only allow customers to dance in the designated areas, and the other area would be for live entertainment
such as bands and disc jockeys.
Vice Chairman Lujan asked if the security would also be patrolling inside the bar to ensure that the patrons
are not using narcotics, to which Mr. Gomez confirmed that security would be inside as well.
Commissioner Flores asked what the differences would be in comparing the new to security plan to the
previous security plan. Mr. Gomez responded by saying that the new plan will employ several law
enforcement agents who are more qualified.
Commissioner Rodriguez read one of the conditions of approval clearly stating that the owner/applicant
and licensee shall immediately report to the Police Department if any patron appears to be involved in
illegal activity inside the subject bar or outside on the parking lot (i.e. smoking marijuana, using illegal
substance or intoxicated patrons), yet an intoxicatedl5 year-old was recently arrested his parking lot.
Mr. Gomez explained that identification is checked at the front door, and bar staff is also supposed to
check for proper identification. In this instance, the minor was already intoxicated and was not allowed to
enter the bar, and the friends called the Police Department and the blame went to the Wet Bar.
Commissioner Morales directed the attention to Condition 19 requiring that a security plan shall be
submitted to the Downey Police Department for review and approval; then asked if the security plan been
submitted to the Police Department?
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Planning Commission Minutes 1 May 7, 2014
Mr. Gomez confirmed that his security company met with Sergeant Samano of the Downey Police
Department and submitted the security plan to him. He believes that Sgt. Samano was satisfied with what
was provided to them.
Commissioner Morales then asked if the applicant will be maintaining the Alcoholic Beverage Control
(ABC) Type 48 license (On-Sale General, Public Premises), to which Mr. Gomez confirmed that he will
maintain the Type 48 license.
Commissioner Rodriguez read the officers note on the 4/20/14 inspection and pointed out that the officer
made a comment that he heard loud music coming from the parking lot; Condition 9 states that they are not
to exceed 65 decibels and believes that this will be a challenge for bar.
Mr. Gomez advised the commissioners that he will have sound meters at the front and to the rear, and
installed soundproofing.
Commissioner Rodriguez reviewed the process of recording the sound with meters and videos, to which
Mr. Gomez clarified that a live camera would be recording the meter at all times; therefore, allowing the
police department to view meter readings at any time.
Commissioner Morales discussed the applicants' intentions regarding a cover charge and if he intends to
have pay per view events, to which Mr. Gomez stated that the cover charge would be limited to live
entertainment on a case by case basis, and he would have pay per view later down the line.
Commissioner Morales stated that the applicant had already been approved for DJs during the original
conditional use permit request, to which Mr. Nguyen clarified that the permit was not approved for DJs, it
was approved only as a casual bar, no live entertainment.
Downey Police Department Lieutenant Leslie Murray appeared to address the questions of the
Commissioners.
Chairman Kiefer asked Lt. Murray if the number of calls to the subject site is in line or excessive for this
type of business, to which she responded by saying that the number of calls has drawn the attention of the
Police Department; the calls received were regarding narcotics, noise and fights.
Commissioner Morales asked Lt. Murray if the calls came from the residents, to which she responded that
it is difficult to know who is making the call.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked what time frame the calls are coming in, and did the applicant submit the
security plan to Sgt. Samano? Lt. Murray stated that the calls were from late evening to early morning
hours and that Sgt. Samano met with the new security and discussed the plan; however, no written or
approved plan has been submitted.
Chairman Kiefer asked for more information about the minor who was served alcohol; to which Lt. Murray
stated that the call came in from the older sister of the 15 year-old who believed her sister had been served
alcohol at the bar. Lt. Murray stated that they cannot confirm nor deny if the bar was responsible for
serving her.
Commissioner Morales asked Lt. Murray, in looking at the conditions that are established by the Police
Department, does the Police Department feel confident that the conditions would adequately address
historically what has been taking place there? Lt. Murray responded by saying that as long as there is
compliance with the conditions in place, she believes it would be manageable.
Steve O'Neal 3655 Torrance Blvd, 3rd floor, Torrance, CA together with Scott Hughes 644 Dornie St,
Glendora, CA provide the security for the Wet Bar. Mr. O'Neal advised the Commissioners that they
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established their security company in 2009, and are here to work with the Downey Police Department to
bring the Wet Bar into compliance. Mr. O'Neal stated that he gave a copy of the security plan to Sgt.
Samano along with their employee handbook, and was informed by Sgt. Samano that the final approval
would be at the hearing by the Commission. Mr. O'Neal distributed copies of the plan to the
Commissioners, staff and Lt. Murray. Mr. O'Neal and his partner, who is currently a vice officer in the Los
Angeles Police Department, have worked with the City of Covina and City of Montebello to clean up some
of their troubled establishments. Scott Hughes is his partner and will be on site training their security
officers and is also the tactics supervisor. They will be partnering with the Downey Police Department in
making this establishment safe for the community.
Mr. Hughes stated that he primarily in entitlements and land use with business; for the past 15 years he
has been an expert in nightclubs and security issues throughout Southern California in working with bar
staff, the City and Police Departments so all are on the same page. He is an expert in noise studies and
traffic studies and will train the security guard in IDs, intoxication prevention, and other problems. They
work hard and have successfully reduced the number of calls and complaints in every operation he has
been involved in.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked how they would handle incidents where narcotics are involved and if they
are armed guards, to which Mr. O'Neal stated that they are not armed guards; weapons lead to more
trouble, and in the case of narcotics, they would cease the narcotics and contact the Police Department.
Commissioner Flores inquired as to the hours of operation, and asked for clarification as to his perception
of what a bar/lounge means in the industry, to which Mr. O'Neal stated that they are on duty seven days a
week, and currently closed on Monday and Tuesday. He defined a bar/lounge as smaller, has tight
quarters, with only one to two bars, and 200 patrons or less.
Carlos Cruz, 4850 Tobias Avenue, Pico Rivera, Executive Director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Cruz stated that he supports the request for live entertainment, and advised Mr. Gomez to take the
necessary steps in addressing all of their issues; Mr. Cruz stated that that the applicant is also working on
a new marketing plan.
David Gonsalves, owner and property manager, 8818 Imperial Highway, gave his support of the application
and reiterated the applicants' misunderstanding of the (2) two previous requests for conditional use
permits and believed to have permission for live entertainment. Mr. Gonsalves continued by saying that
the applicants have made tenant improvements to the subject site in order to address the issues regarding
noise and security.
The Commissioners reviewed the dancing portion of the request and reiterated that the live entertainment
request to allowing dancing must be clear to show that it is to allow the customers to dance and not to have
hired dancers (performers) for live entertainment.
Listed below are the residential neighbors abutting the property as well as those who reside in the vicinity
of the subject site, appearing in opposition of the request for live entertainment. The primary complaints
were due to noise caused by the bar playing loud music and their patrons exiting the bar, shouting, fighting
and cars screeching in the parking lot, with people talking very loudly near the abutting residential
properties, and ultimately making it very difficult for their families to sleep and causing a hardship and
lowering their quality of life in their homes. Some stated that they are not able to sleep in their bedrooms
as they are on the second story facing the bar and have no sound barriers. The neighbors across Imperial
Highway to the north of the subject site are also affected, stating that crime has increased since the bar
has been operating with live entertainment, and they once again have people gathering in the parking lot
that abuts their residential properties causing noise disturbances, and leaving trash. Some of the residents ._.
on Meadow stated that they can hear the music from their property as well. Neighbors also complained of
parking spilling over into the residential behind the bar, which is a private driveway, not a public street, and
also spilling over to nearby commercial properties also leaving beer bottles and trash behind.
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Planning Commission Minutes May 7, 2014
Deborah and Theodore Childress, 8702 Meadow Road.
Martin and Maria Felix, 8706 Meadow Road.
Barbara Quesada, 8712 Meadow Road.
Karla Duarte 12641 1/2 Lakewood Boulevard
Jose and Giannina Duarte 12645 Lakewood Boulevard
Michael Simpson 8728 Meadow Road
Jeannine Tu and Bing Bong Wang [sic] 12641 Lakewood Boulevard
Irene and Shaidel Cantoran 12622 Ibbetson
Jose and Assenet Valdez 12647 1/2 Lakewood Boulevard
Chairman Kiefer adjourned the meeting for a brief recess at 8:38 pm.
Chairman Kiefer called the meeting to order at 8:47 pm, and called the applicant forward for rebuttal.
Luis Gomez stated that he is addressing the noise complaints with a sound meter that will be videotaped
and available for the Police Department to view at any time, which would also allow them to go back to a
specific hour to check the noise level should they receive complaints. His new security plan will increase
the number of security guards and will have them tow cars that are parked on the neighbors' private
parking areas. He continued by saying that the valet parking will be free of charge and security are
instructed to take keys of intoxicated patrons and call a cab.
Osvaldo Flores commented that one possible reason for people parking on streets is due to a neighboring
commercial business charging people to park in their lot, claiming that they charge less than the Wet Bar;
patrons misunderstand; the applicants also intend address the issue by putting up a sign for free valet
service.
Mr. Gomez that he dropped off his card to residential and commercial neighbors to call him if there is
trouble, and added that noise could also be coming from another bar a few doors to the west of the Wet
Bar that abut some of the residents who are behind both of the bars. He has also changed the doors to
security soundproof doors to address the noise issues. Mr. Gomez continued by saying that they will
alleviate some of the parking issues by closing their restaurant which shares the same parking lot closed at
10 pm and will leave the kitchen open for Wet Bar delivery orders only. Mr. Gomez stated that he has a
contract with the car wash across the street for parking as well. He continued by saying that they are also
working with the owner to give the entire shopping center a "facelift" and gave the Commissioners a
sample design board for them to review, and asked the Commissioners for a chance to prove themselves
to be compliant with the conditions.
David Gonsalves stated that the applicant has taken measures to address noise issues and put a lot of
work into soundproofing by injecting foam into walls; he has informed the neighbors that if there is a
problem with his tenant he will resolve the issues himself.
The Commissioners asked if the applicant pulled permits for soundproofing; to which Mr. Gomez stated
that he thought he had.
City Planner William Davis stated that the applicant did not bring sound proofing plans to the Planning
Department.
Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing
The Commissioners discussed the issues and complaints of the neighbors, and commented that the police
reports have proven that the applicant is not complying with the conditions of approval and is claiming
ignorance. In addition, measures that have been taken for soundproofing have been done without the
proper permits. They stated that they want the business to succeed and understand the difficulty in filling
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Planning Commission Minutes ';, May 7, 2014
the vacancies at this location; however, they do not want to cause further problems for the neighbors. The
original request for was an upscale bar/lounge that would have music only; as such, there was still a
concern with the possibility of noise disturbing the neighbors. Several of the Commissioners were in favor
of having the applicant address the issues to show that they will comply, and bring the request back after a
period of one year.
City Attorney Yvette Abich-Garcia advised the Commissioners of their options to modify the conditions of
approval, deny the application, or if they need more information in order to make a decision, they can bring
the applicants back in time to meet the Permit Streamline Act deadline.
Mr. Schindler requested a break in order to speak to the applicant and for staff to discuss options to
continue the meeting.
Chairman Kiefer adjourned the meeting for a short break at 9:58 and called the meeting to order at 10:11
pm.
Mr. Schindler advised the Commissioners that the applicant agreed to continue the request to the May 21,
2014 meeting, to allow the applicant time to do some community outreach to the neighbors. He believes
the applicant was ambitious in his addressing the soundproofing and will talk to building officials and review
for building approvals.
Chairman Kiefer advised the members of the audience who may wish to attend to be present for this
request, that there will be no public notice as the meeting has been continued to May 21, 2014.
4. PLN-14-00077: (Special Event Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-14-
00077, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Planning Intern, Darlene Escobedo gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request for a special event
permit by the Downey High School Band Boosters, to conduct a (4) four day carnival on May 23-26, 2014,
which includes carnival rides, music, game booths and food sales. The hours of operation are as follows:
• Friday, May 23, 2014: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 24, 2014: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 25, 2014: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 26, 2014: 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ms. Escobedo stated that the high school is in the midst of a construction project at the westerly side of the
school; however, the carnival will be conducted at the south parking lot of Downey High School located at
11040 Brookshire Ave. The school will provide ample parking with over 500 spaces within the northerly
and easterly parking lots of the school. A condition has been added to ensure that the carnival will
maintain a minimum of (3) three security guards as required by the Downey Police department, and
employing the same private security firm as last year. The application did not include a request for live
music, the only music will be those used on the carnival rides. Set up for the carnival will begin
Wednesday, May 21, 2014, after school lets out. The applicant proposes to locate a generator in the
southwest area of the southerly parking lot, adjacent to the area designated for large rides. The applicant
is required to use a street sweeper to clean the school parking lots on Monday night. Visitors might be
inclined to use the City's parking lots across the street since they are in close proximity to Downey High
School; therefore, the sweepers will clean those lots as well. The Applicant is also required to pick up trash
during the carnival and in the immediate vicinity of the school. The carnival operator also has a clean-up
crew; they are to clean the school's parking lot every night before leaving.
Ms. Escobedo made two corrections to the Resolution to reflect the changes listed below to pages one and
three as follows:
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Planning Commission Minutes , May 7, 2014
Page one, 1St paragraph should read:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
PLN-14-00077 (SPECIAL EVENT) - A REQUEST BY DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL BAND
BOOSTERS TO CONDUCT A FOUR-DAY CARNIVAL ON MAY 23-26, 2014 WHICH INCLUDES
Page three, lines 7 through 9 should read:
7. All outdoor activities shall cease by 10:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 204--3 2014.
8. Set-up may begin no sooner than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 204-3 2014.
9. Clean-up activities, which include the removal of all tables and chairs, booths, trash receptacles,
port-a-potties, the generator, electrical equipment, mechanical rides, and garbage shall be
completed no later than 12:00 a.m. on Monday May 26, 2-043 2014.
Based on the analysis contained within the staff report, staff is recommending approval of the application,
subject to conditions of approval.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked Ms. Escobedo if the applicant is using the same security as last year, and
if the hours of operation are different this year as compared to last year. Ms. Escobedo clarified that yes, it
is the same security firm; however, the applicant proposed using fewer guards than the Police Department
required, therefore it was conditioned to require the minimum of three security guards. The hours of
operation are the same with the exception of one additional day (Monday).
Chairman Kiefer asked if there were problems with parking last year, to which Ms. Escobedo stated that
there were no complaints with trash, parking or cleanliness, and added that this year, because set up will
begin on a school day, the faculty will be parking in a different location.
Debra New, 13656 Bixler Ave, appeared on behalf of applicant Priscilla Melendez-Braymiller. Ms. New
stated that the only change is that they will have one armed guard to escort the representative who collect
the cash at the front of the school and escort them to the back of the school.
Rick Rodriguez, RMI Security stated that he handled the security last year, and this year is a cookie cutter
version of last year.
Chairman Kiefer asked who would be cleaning up the trash, to which Ms. New stated that the school
janitors would be cleaning up, along with 150 volunteers who will be policing the parking lots and picking up
trash.
Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing.
The Commissioners were all in agreement that everything was in order, and had no concerns with the
request.
It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Lujan, and passed by a 5-0 vote, to
adopt Resolution No. 14-2874, to approve the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN-14-00077).
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
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Planning Commission Minutes May 7, 2014
3. Approval of the Minutes from April 16, 2014
Commissioner Rodriguez pulled the Minutes from the Consent Calendar to make the following correction
on Page one of the Minutes of the April 16, 2014, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission as follows:
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA
ITEMS;AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Commissioner Rodriguez made a request
for a future agenda item for staff to create a report of potential impacts of
townhouse/condominium complexes that have 15 or more units, with closed garages on
surrounding areas.
Chairman Kiefer also made a correction to Commissioners titles on page one as follows:
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Hector Lujan, District 1, Vice Chairman
Matias Flores, District 4
Jim Rodriguez, District 5
Robert Kiefer, District 2, Vice Chairman
Louis Morales, District 3, Chairman
It was moved by Commissioner Flores, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, and passed by a 5-0 vote,
to approve the Minutes of the April16, 2014 meeting of the Planning Commission, with noted changes.
OTHER BUSINESS: None
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler announced a few
updates as to what's happening in Downey, beginning with the construction of two new businesses, Chick-
fil-A and six months later as per and agreement between the two restaurant, The Habit Burger Grill will
begin their construction. Approximately eight weeks later, Dunkin Donuts will be replacing Arbys on
Firestone Blvd; Downey is competing with four surrounding cities to be the first location to open in Southern
California. The Promenade's grading and construction is set to begin this summer, approximately July or
August.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Kiefer adjourned the meeting at
10:36 pm, to Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 6:30 pm at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of May, 2014.
Wri"tkr-:--;/"),
Robert Kiefer, Chairman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning
Commission held on the 21st day of May, 2014, by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kiefer, Lujan, Morales, Flores and Rodriguez
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None /
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
/ ; —
Mary avanagh, Secr-'ry
City Planning Commission
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