HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 09/17/14MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
Chairman Kiefer called the September 17, 2014, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:34pm,
at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Flag Salute, the Secretary
Cavanagh called roll.
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
Michelle Molko, Acting City Attorney
William E. Davis, City Planner
Mark Sellheim, Principal Planner
Jessica Flores, Associate Planner
Darlene Escobedo, Planning Intern
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS: Commissioner Morales requested that staff look into the bottlenecking of
traffic on Florence and Paramount Blvd. Vice Chairman Lujan gave a brief overview of his recent attendance of
the American Planning Association (APA) conference, and Chairman Kiefer invited everyone to Downey's
International Food Festival (IFF) on Saturday, September 20, 2014.
PRESENTATIONS: None
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo E. Schindler reported that the
City Council renewed the YMCA lease at 9066 Firestone Blvd for the annual Christmas tree lot. He also gave
updates on CDBG Actions, with the announcement that the five -year action plan will begin soon for the CDBG
funding.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PLN -14- 00020: (Sign) Continued from September 3, 2014: Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for
PLN -14- 00020, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Commissioner Morales stated that he was present for the first hearing on this item, and missed the second
hearing; however, he did watch the video of the September 3rd meeting and read the minutes, in order to
participate in the hearing of this item.
Commissioner Flores stated that although he missed the first hearing on June 18th, he did watch the video of that
hearing and was present for the September 3rd hearing for this item; therefore, he will also participate in the public
hearing for this item.
Associate Planner Jessica Flores explained the Planning Commission's reasons for the continuance of the
request for a Planned Sign Program for an existing multi- tenant commercial building located at 11400 -11438 Old
Planning Commission Minutes
September 17, 2014
Commissioner Morales advised the Commission that he is the President of the Boosters Club for Warren High
School and therefore recused himself from this item and left the chambers.
Planning Intern Darlene Escobedo gave a PowerPoint presentation of the request by Warren High school
to conduct a three -day carnival on September 26, 27, and 28, 2014 on the parking lot of Warren High
School, located at 8141 De Palma St, on property zoned R -1 5,000 (Single - Family Residential). Ms.
Escobedo reviewed the site plan, rides, games, fun house, stage location and security plan for the event,
noting that this is the 4th annual carnival which has operated with no complaints from Police or Fire.
The hours of operation will be as follows:
• Friday, September 26, 2014, between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 27, 2014, between 1:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 28, 2014, between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The Commissioners reviewed the security plan and the increase in security with Ms. Escobedo.
Ms. Escobedo stated that the stage will be used for student performances, and the speakers are to be
directed away from the residential neighbors. The conditions also include cleaning during and after the
event, with street sweeping on the last night. As such, Ms. Escobedo recommended approval of the
request for a Special Event Permit, subject to the conditions of approval.
Applicant Russ Heicke, 5615 Pageantry, Long Beach, stated that he is the Warren High School Athletic
Director. Mr. Heicke confirmed that he reviewed the changes in the security plan, explaining that in the
last three (3) years, they hired four (4) security guards. This year, they will have three (3) hired security
guards and one member of the school security to assist them in identifying the students.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked if there would be a charge for parking, to which Mr. Heicke stated that
they will request a $2 donation. Handicap parking is free of charge. Commissioner Rodriguez expressed
his concerns and asked Mr. Heicke to have clear signs to show that the parking charge is a "Donation ".
Mr. Heicke stated that he read and agreed to the conditions of approval.
Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing.
The Commissioners commented that there have been no problems in the past with this annual event and
conditions are in place to address any that may occur. They appreciated the proactive approach in
making the revisions to the security plan and wished them good luck.
It was moved by Vice Chairman Lujan and seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez and passed by a 4 -0 -1
vote, with Commissioner Morales abstaining, to adopt Resolution 14 -2894, thereby approving the request
for a Special Event Permit (PLN -14- 00178) subject to conditions of approval.
Commissioner Morales returned to the Council Chambers.
NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
3. Approval of the Minutes from September 3, 2014
4. PLN -14- 00169: (VACATION): Summary Vacation abandoning the alley easement overlaying the property at
10909 Lakewood Blvd.
Commissioner Rodriguez requested that Item 4. of the Consent Calendar be pulled for discussion.
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