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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. PC Draft Minutes - 01-20-16 DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Lujan called the January 20, 2016, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:33 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Patrick Owens, District 2 Louis Morales, District 3 Matias Flores, District 4, Vice Chairman Jim Rodríguez, District 5 Hector Lujan, District 1, Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney William E. Davis, City Planner Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: The Commissioners commented on the soft opening of the Lazy Dog restaurant at their new location in the Promenade at Downey. They said it was very enjoyable with a great atmosphere, ambience, and it is a great addition to the new mall. PRESENTATIONS: None. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler reported that the City Council considered a few public hearing items that are cogent to the Community Development Department: 1) the Medical Marijuana Code Amendments recommended by the Planning Commission, which the City Council approved; 2) An appeal of Planning Commission’s denial of a variance to allow a secondary driveway to remain at 8622 Fontana St. The City Council debated this item for some time and voted with the Applicant to overturn the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the request for a variance. Staff will return to the next Council meeting with an updated resolution that reflects the City Council’s decision on this item. 3) Director Schindler also presented a public art piece to the City Council that is going to be placed in the middle as a shade piece of Downey Gateway as part of the Art in Public Places requirement of that development and the City Council approved that installation as well. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-15-00222 (Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Lujan opened the public hearing for PLN-15- 00222, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request to allow an existing restaurant to sell alcoholic beverages with a State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Type 41 license, (On-Sale, Beer & Wine – Public Eating Place). Mr. Nguyen stated that the property Planning Commission Minutes January 20, 2016 - 2 - is located at 11531 Bellflower Boulevard and zoned C-2 (General Commercial). The subject site is surrounded by an automotive repair shop, a liquor store and a church. Mr. Nguyen reviewed the ABC requirements and the hours of operation as follows: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday: 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Assistant Planner Nguyen explained that the Applicant is requesting the ABC license to increase sales. Staff reviewed the application and supports the request for the sale of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with the existing restaurant. However, to mitigate any potential impacts and avoid future problems, staff has recommended a condition of approval requiring that customers shall not gather in the restaurant’s parking lot area after closing time. In addition, during the meeting of the Development Review Committee, the Police Department did not express any concerns, and DRC applied standard conditions of approval. Chairman Lujan called for disclosures. Commissioner Rodriguez stated that he has dined at the restaurant with his family on several occasions. Applicant Halim Hong, 11531 Bellflower Blvd., Downey, appeared to answer questions for the Commissioners. Commissioner Morales asked Ms. Hong if she understood the conditions of approval, to which she replied by saying, yes. Commissioner Rodriguez asked Ms. Hong if they will include sake, to which she verbally confirmed by responding yes. Chairman Lujan called for correspondence, to which Assistant Planner Nguyen replied that there was none. Chairman Lujan then invited members of the audience to speak in favor or against the application. There being none, Chairman Lujan closed the public hearing and called for staff’s recommendation. Assistant Planner Nguyen gave staff’s recommendation, which is to adopt Resolution No. 16-2957, thereby approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN-15-00222), subject to the conditions of approval. Chairman Lujan closed the public hearing The Commissioners thanked staff for a report well done. They did not have any questions for the applicant. They agreed that all was in order and were unanimously in favor of the request. The Commissioners wished the Applicant success and said that they hoped that this will improve the sales for the business. It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Morales and passed by a 5-0 vote, to adopt Resolution 16-2957, thereby approving the request for Conditional Use Permit (PLN-15- 00222). Commissioner Morales recognized Mrs. Lujan and Mr. Brian Andrews in the audience, and Chairman Lujan acknowledged his brother Cesar Lujan in the audience. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 2. Approval of the Minutes from August 19, 2015 Planning Commission Minutes January 20, 2016 - 3 - 3. Approval of the Minutes from January 6, 2016 It was moved by Commissioner Morales seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, and passed by a 5-0 vote, to approve the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: Election of Officers: Chairman Lujan thanked his fellow Commissioners and staff for a great year, and the Commissioners in turn thanked Chairman Lujan for his leadership. City Attorney Yvette Abich Garcia called for nominations to elect a new Chairman. Commissioner Morales nominated Vice Chairman Flores as Chairman. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, and passed by a 5-0 vote, to elect Vice-Chairman Flores as Chairman. Chairman Flores called for nominations to elect a new Vice Chairman. It was moved by Commissioner Lujan, seconded by Commissioner Owens and passed by a 5-0 vote, to elect Commissioner Rodriguez as Vice Chairman. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler congratulated the new cycle of the Chair and Vice Chair. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, Chairman Flores adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m., to Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of February, 2016. Hector Lujan, 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 3rd day of February, 2016, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission