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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7. PC Draft Minutes - 04-20-16 DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Vice Chairman Rodriguez called the April 20, 2016, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:32 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 Hector Lujan, District 1 Louis Morales, District 3 Jim Rodríguez, District 5, Vice Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Matias Flores, District 4, Chairman OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney William E. Davis, City Planner David Blumenthal, Principal Planner Monica Esparza, Associate Planner Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: None. PRESENTATIONS: None. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-16-00007 (Site Plan Review and Modification to a Conditional Use Permit): Vice- Chairman Rodriguez opened the public hearing for PLN-16-00007, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to expand their existing day care facility by constructing a 4,752 sq. ft. modular classroom structure, increasing the number of children from 60 to 124, and adding a 6,550 sq. ft. outdoor play area. The facility is located at 12830 Columbia Way and zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Mr. Nguyen reviewed the subject site and the daycare facility as it currently exists, and discussed the previous approvals for daycare and outdoor play area. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 2016 - 2 - The proposal includes classrooms for children ranging in ages from infant to toddler, and an outdoor pay area that will be secured by a 4 ½ foot high fence around the perimeter, and a drop off area for parent access. Mr. Nguyen reviewed the exterior improvements, which included colored canopies in the play area and drought tolerant landscaping throughout the site, and outdoor lighting. The request was presented to the Development Review Committee (DRC) at which time each department provided their standard conditions of approval, but did not express any concerns regarding the proposed project. Mr. Nguyen concluded his report by stating that staff is able to make the findings to support the request and recommends approval, subject to conditions of approval. Vice Chairman Rodriguez asked for clarification of the height of the fence surrounding the outdoor play area, to which staff and the applicant explained that the height of the fence is four (4) feet on the rendering, however, it looks higher. Vice Chairman Rodriguez replied that the Commissioners will have the Applicant clarify the actual height of the fence. Vice Chairman Rodriguez reviewed the drop off area and asked which age groups will this area be used for and. Assistant Planner Nguyen replied that the ages are from infant to five (5) years old. Vice Chairman Rodriguez clarified that the drop off area is an actual parking lot for parents to exit their cars to drop off their kids, to which Assistant Planner Nguyen confirmed by saying, yes. There being no further questions, Vice Chairman Rodriguez called for disclosures; there being none, he called the Applicant forward to give testimony. Applicant, Edgar Paz, Principal Architect, McDonald, Souter and Paz, Inc., stated that Facilities and Construction Director for the LACOE is present with him in case there are any questions. Vice Chairman Rodriguez asked for clarification of the height of the fence surrounding the outdoor facility/play area, to which Principal Planner David Blumenthal replied that the plans call for a five (5) foot fence, and Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler, stated that there are several heights shown and asked the Applicant to clarify. Mr. Paz explained that the existing height of the fence is eight (8) feet for the child care center and the plan is to match that height. In addition, there is also a 4 to 5 foot interior fence to divide the infants and the toddlers. Vice Chairman Rodriguez called for correspondence; there being none, he invited members of the audience to speak in favor or against the application. Speaking in favor: Jema Estrella, Director of Facilities and Construction for LACOE. Ms. Estrella stated that the LACOE is the largest employer within the City of Downey and this particular center would be serving the community for the delegate agency by the name of Plaza de la Raza, and they are in support of this request. With no further comments offered, Vice Chairman Rodriguez called for staff’s recommendation, to which Assistant Planner Nguyen gave staff’s recommendation to adopt a resolution to approve the project, subject to conditions of approval. Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 2016 - 3 - Vice Chairman Rodriguez closed the public hearing. The Commissioners voiced their support of the project and commented on it being a great addition to double in size in capacity for the children and it is a good clean project. They said the project had great plans, location, renderings, design, was well done, excellent work and they are highly in support It was moved by Commissioner Lujan, seconded by Commissioner Owens, and passed by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioner Morales and Chairman Flores absent, to adopt Resolution 16-2977, thereby approving the request for a Site Plan Review and Modification to a Conditional Use Permit (PLN-16-00007). Community Development Director Schindler introduced and welcomed Associate Planner Monica Esparza, who came from the City of Sierra Madre to join our team. 2. PLN-15-000236 (Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit): Vice Chairman Rodriguez opened the public hearing for PLN-15-00236, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Associate Planner Monica Esparza gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request to approve a conditional use permit to allow the construction of a new Valvoline Instant Oil Change, automobile repair business, and approval of the site plan review for the development on property located at 7737 Firestone Blvd., zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Ms. Esparza reviewed the surroundings of the subject site, which included residential uses to the north and commercial uses along Firestone Blvd. She stated that the previous use for this site was a Just Tires store, which also performed automobile repairs. The Just Tires store was demolished in February 2015 and the site has remained vacant since that time. The Applicant proposes to construct a new building containing four (4) service bay stations, a waiting room, an office on the main floor and a tank room, locker area, and changing room for the employees in the basement. The building has the appearance of a one-story building with a basement below. Valvoline Instant Oil Change conducts oil changes in approximately 15 minutes, and although they provide a waiting room their patrons, customers are encouraged to remain in their vehicles during the service. Ms. Esparza reviewed the parking, location of the trash enclosure and setbacks. The proposed hours of operations are 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week. She reviewed the elevation, the design and materials, which included a stucco finish, Coronado Stone, and Boral Villa roof tiles. The project was reviewed by the Development Review Committee (DRC), at which time the Building & Safety, and Police Departments expressed no concerns; however the Fire Department expressed concerns regarding hazardous materials storage and disposal. Therefore, conditions of approval have been added to address these concerns. A discussion occurred with the Public Works Department regarding the moving of the driveways, which they deemed was not possible due to the existing utilities running underground along Rives Ave. and Firestone Blvd. There is also a moratorium to cut into the new pavement on Firestone Blvd. Vice Chairman Rodriguez asked Associate Planner Esparza to explain her reasons for wanting to change the driveways as mentioned in the staff report. Ms. Esparza explained that Public Works wanted to move the driveway of its close proximity to the intersection. However, they were unable to relocate it due to the drainage sewer near the driveway and a light pole. Also, there is also the moratorium since Firestone Blvd. was recently paved, as well as the underground utilities running along Firestone Blvd. Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 2016 - 4 - Vice Chairman Rodriguez called for disclosures. There being none, he called the Applicant forward to give testimony. Applicant, Don Smith, CEO, Henley Enterprises, Franchisee for Valvoline Instant Oil Change spoke in favor of the project. Mr. Smith, stated that he has been in business since 1989 and was Valvoline’s first franchisee in the country, in Massachusetts, Valvoline currently has 217 stores. Vice Chairman Rodriguez asked Mr. Smith to explain the philosophy of Valvoline Instant Oil Change in comparison to that of Jiffy Lube; specifically the point of having customers remain in the car while the work is being done. Mr. Smith explained that 50 percent of their customers are women and they don’t want to have to get the kids out of the car. It is a convenience to stay in the vehicle and be more comfortable, and it allows Valvoline customers visibility to see the work they are doing, and it also keeps the bay area cleaner. He explained the difference in services between Valvoline and Jiffy Lube is that Valvoline is limited to service maintenance, whereas Jiffy Lube offers more services. Vice Chairman Rodriguez asked if patrons are able to exit the vehicle after the work has begun to use restroom. Mr. Smith explained that the patrons are allowed exit the vehicle; however, it is a requirement that someone escorts them through the bay area. Vice Chairman Rodriguez asked if any correspondence had been received, to which Associate Planner Esparza replied she did not; afterward, he invited members of the audience to speak in favor or against the application. There being none, he called for staff’s recommendation. Associate Planner Esparza gave staff’s recommendation to adopt a resolution to approve the request for a site plan review and conditional use permit, subject to the conditions of approval. The Commissioners called the project stylish and said it will enhance the corridor; the design was great, and everything was well done. It was moved by Commissioner Lujan, seconded by Commissioner Owens, and passed by a 3-2 vote, with Chairman Flores and Commissioner Morales absent, to adopt Resolution 16-2978, thereby approving the request for a Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit (PLN-15- 00236). NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 3. Minutes from November 18, 2015 It was moved by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, and passed by a 3-2 vote, with Chairman Flores and Commissioner Morales absent, to approve the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler stated that as one of the Mayor’s initiatives, the Community Development Department has distributed a Request For Proposals (RFP) to look at facilitating the growth medical industry within our Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 2016 - 5 - community, which provides an abundance of jobs and high paying jobs. We are fortunate to have three large medical facilities with Kaiser, PIH, and Rancho Los Amigos. Staff worked to develop the RFP to see how we can facilitate the development of a zoning overlay of zone for medical uses to see where in the City we can facilitate the growth of medical facilities and how we can help that by rezoning and/or doing a Specific Plan, or overlay of a zone to help that out. Director Schindler added that the RFP was distributed today and we have 30 days to see what kind of responses we receive. He assumes that the various Planning firms out there will respond and provide a study. After selecting a firm, staff will obtain a contract with the City Council and come back to the Planning Commission with a presentation on their findings. Ultimately, the City Council will work with the Planning Commission to see what those next steps are. Director Schindler announced that the new Starbucks on Imperial Hwy. should have their soft opening this weekend followed by a grand opening in the near future. Commissioner Lujan commented on the opening of the California Fish Grill and Panera in the new Promenade Shopping Center. He said that he works in another City and people from other cities are commenting from on the improvements being made to Downey. He complimented staff for their efforts. Vice Chairman Rodriguez acknowledged Commissioner Morales entered the chambers at 7:06 p.m. Commissioner Morales apologized for being late. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, Vice Chairman Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m., to Wednesday, May 4th, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of May, 2016. Jim Rodriguez, Vice 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 4th day of May, 2016, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission