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PC - Item 3A - Munites 10-19-09Minutes of the PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING October 19, 2009 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Planning Commission was called to order by Chairwoman Herrera at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Eng INVOCATION - Vice-Chairman Alarcon ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS PRESENT: Commissioners Chairman Alarcon, Chairwoman Herrera OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Attorney Greg Murphy„ Assistant Planner Trinh, Secretary Lockwood, and;T 1. EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES,AND Greg Murphy, City Attorney, presented the meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM None 3. CONSENT 1 A. Approval Commissioner I been revised in Staff stated that the r corrected'minutes on Vice-Chair an Willi Ruiz, to APPROVE I Vote resulted in: - September 21, Ruiz, Vice- Itagaki and appeal rights of the f the-corrections she requested on pages 2 & 5 had ing Commission for May 18, 2009. revised and Chairwoman Herrera had the con made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Victor of September 21, 2009, as presented. Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Vanessa Delgado stated that staff has done a good job in addressing these concerns and referred to conditions of approval numbers 34 & 35 which address fighting. Commissioner Eng questioned the applicant on what type of weapons will be used in the mixed martial arts group training programs. Adam Sedlack stated that there should be no weapons and he thinks it's their hands. He also stated that there are no weapons inside the facility but there are flash cards which are large pads in your hands that help with coordination. Commissioner Ruiz questioned applicant about Closed C programs and asked what measures will be taken to en offered to law enforcement. He also expressed his c and state paroles in the nearby vicinity and he would liki not be able to enroll in the class if it was offered. He^also' was working with the Police Department. He also,statec martial art training. A/ c Adam Sedlack referred to conditions of approval,riu there will be no skin to skin contact. He also stated will be used. He stated that CQC training will only be c Police Chief. He said that the Concord'Police Chief He also stated that the course would only_be`offered would take place behind closed doorsNHe also state that people can get martial arts training\anywhere~ very closely with Police.Department and Police Chief. iartei,Combat (CQC) training ure.that the program is only ncern.that there are gangs to make sure that felons will questioned-the applicant if he that therewill,be full contact and 35 and stated that that there are punching bags that ffered if approval is granted by the allowed them to offer the course. to police officers and that training d that safety is their concern and i6-also stated that they will work Commissioner Eng stated that sh'e is concerned with safety and pleased with concept of the gym. She also referred to alshooting incident that happened last August at a L.A. Fitness in Pennsylvania and,quest of ned-applicant on what measures they have in place to orevent,such an incident from occurrinq-in'kosemead. Adam Sedlack stated that an incident like that can happen anywhere. He stated that their gym offers self defense classes He also stated they are doing the best they can with security cameras; guards, membership agreement codes of conduct, and membership check-in) process. He also stated that in the future they intend to implement a biometrics membership identification system, wich will use fingerprints. Commissioner Eng questioned the applicant if a metal detector was proposed. Adam Sedlack stated that he does not foresee using metal detectors. He stated that they will have parking lot security and that the facility will have fewer break-ins than Bally's. Commissioner Eng questioned the applicant if the parking lot will have other security measures, other than just lighting, to prevent car break-ins and robberies. Adam Sedlack stated they will have the same type of security that a mall would have, such as top of the line security cameras that can capture license plates. He also stated that branded security guards will be used after sundown. He also stated that they have membership information in their system with vital information if they need to be contacted. Commissioner Eng questioned the applicant if the proposal for security guards for just evenings is still the current proposal. Adam Sedlack confirmed that security guards will only be used during evening hours for now, but that they would work with the Police Department and add more if warranted in the future. Commissioner Eng questioned the applicant if memberships are exclusive to one gym or if the membership is universal for all UFC gyms. _1J Adam Sedlack stated that right now gym memberships are"just,for one Club, as there are not that many UFC gyms, but the ultimate member may eventually be able to use all clubs. Commissioner Eng questioned if star UFC athletes will have access to the gym for training. Adam Sedlack stated they would have to enroll into the would be for participation in fitness programs and not would probably use equipment like rope machines and TR Commissioner Eng stated that star athletes may attract sF situation would be handled. gym to use the facility and it 'ighting. He also stated they and asked how such Adam Sedlack stated that star athletes will\come to the gym to workout. He also stated that there is a fitness,code `of1conduct of,~not interrupting people when they have 11 headphones on while working out. He also stated that the gym is a fitness facility and not a fighting facility_ Commission En`g questioned the pplicant if the kid's gym will have actual human training or will there bb,Programs.like-the Wii Fit. Adam Sedlack stated that there will be two different programs, one will be the Wii Fit type and the other is an Itech Fitness program for movement coordination for kids under 5. He also statei\that the Progression Belt Series for older kids will incorporate values such as being a4ood/student, keeping your room clean, maintaining good grades, keeping fit. He also stated that this will be the first time Belt Program that kids can be proud of. Vice-Chairman Alarcon stated that he would hope the Planning Commission would hold the UFC gym to the standards that they would hold any other gym, and not be misled by the UFC initials. He also stated that if the gym is approved tonight, the gym could be brought back in 6 months to the Planning Commission if there are any issues. Adam Sedlack stated that he would like to see their gym as partner with the city. Chairwoman Herrera questioned the applicant about their private events. She asked when they will be held and what type of permission would be required. 4 Adam Sedlack stated that in Concord they did not need special permission and they would have them on Saturday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. He also stated they will close the gym and it will only be available for current ultimate members who would like to watch the events. Vanessa Delgado stated that staff has added a condition that requires the applicant to request approval prior to hosting these events. Chairwoman Herrera questioned the applicant how often these events are held. Adam Sedlack stated the UFC Events are held once a minutes to 2 hours. He also stated that if the Planning events are not a must for them. He also stated that and Spike television for free. He further added that thesi ultimate members who pay one hundred dollars a month ey are usually 90 has concerns, the h these events on d only be for the Chairwoman Herrera questioned applicant if thel every event. Vanessa Delgado stated that staff has written regards to this process. Commissioner Eng stated she had a fete `~tion City Attorney Murphy stated that the regu ar p/ubl before questions are addressed to staff. \~l have to get City or of approval number 34 in for should be completed first Chairwoman Herrera questioned if there was anyone in favor of the proposal. None was anyone against the proposal. N Vanessa Delgado questioned if now is the right time to go over conditions of approval with staff. City Attorney Murphy stated yes let's go over them now. Vanessa Delgado requested clarification on condition of approval number 5, regarding the 6 month approval period. Principal Planner Bermejo explained that the applicant has 6 months to commence the project or request an extension within 30-calendar day's prior to expiration. She also explained if there was a lapse in progress, the permit would become null and void. Vanessa Delgado stated that they would like clarification on Conditions 34 & 35, regarding the hosting of large events and prohibition of fighting. She also explained to the Planning Commission that there is no physical fighting involved, but there is 5 controlled physical contact during instruction. She also stated that the applicant had requested to revise the conditions and questioned staff if they had received them. City Attorney Murphy stated staff did receive it and staff has a revision that he would like to suggest. Vanessa Delgado stated that she would like to read the condition. Principal Planner Bermejo read proposed condition of approval number 35. Vanesssa Delgado stated that the revised condition sounded fine-and questioned staff if there was a revision to condition of approval number 34. Staff stated they had only received a request to revise condition of approval number 35. Adam Sedlack stated that the condition number 34 Adam Sedlack confirmed Condition Number Chairwoman Herrera closed the Public Hea questions for staff. Commissioner Eng questioned staff lot. Principal Planner Bermejo stated that property owner Ir , Commissioner Eng questioned , how is operational. J Principal for the of hold. uestioned if there are any A, and asked if it will remain a parking of the future plans of that will be maintained once the gym :he-property owner of Parcel B is not responsible A, and that Code Enforcement will get involved. the maximum number of people the gym could Principal Planner Bermejo'stated that the building official regulates the occupancy load buildings, and he'has estimated 730 occupants. She also stated that the fire department also gives a separate number occupancy load number. Commissioner Eng questioned staff if this included equipment and everything. Principal Planner Bermejo stated that occupancy load is calculated with a formula in the building code. She also stated that the formula is based on the square footage of the assembly area. Commissioner Eng asked staff where the emergency exits are located, and if an adequate number is provided. 6 Principal Planner Bermejo stated that all exits will be considered emergency exits and also stated that there are five. Commissioner Eng questioned staff on what the concerns were that were discussed with the Police Chief. Principal Planner Bermejo said it was important to have *a good security plan for a gym use. She stated that the Chief of Police requested that the security plan include a photo identification membership system, security cameras leading to locker rooms and parking lots, and security guards. She mentioned that car burglaries are common at gyms when locker room security is not sufficient. She also made reference~to condition number 37 which allows the city to increase the security measures, if warrante`d,by incident reports from the Public Services Division or Sheriff's Department. Commissioner Eng questioned staff if there was a on Glendon Way to have more visibility into the par street parking Principal Planner Bermejo stated that question should be directed, to, our Traffic Consultant Joanne Itagaki. ~ to. Traffic Consultant, Joanne Itagaki, stated that street parking is being utilized by residents of the multi-family dwellings across the street. She also stated that request would have to be reviwed at a Traffic Commissior Meeting, once neighbors have been notified. She further added that such request would also-be subject to the approval of the City Council. Commissioner Eng stated that it would give`rriore visibility.' Vice-Chairman Alarcon stated that it may put people on the lot that are not invested in the property. ) r Commissioner Eng questioned, staff if there,is a typo on condition of approval number 7. Principal'Planner Bermejo statedyes;,and indicated that it should read, "set aside" and staff will,correct it. 1 Commissio6er~Eng quesbo'ned staff if condition number 33 is standard hours of operation for mos;f gyms.~8Ae also questioned if it was Monday through Sunday. Principal Planner \Bermejo stated that staff did a comparison of other gyms and gave location and hours of operation and stated the hours are comparable to theirs. Commissioner Eng stated that on condition of approval number 34 she would like to add that the City Council reserves the right to approve events. City Attorney Murphy stated that he recommends that it should remain City so that staff can determine what level of review would be required under the code. Commissioner Eng stated that it would hold the applicant responsible for obtaining a live entertainment permit. 7 Vice-Chairman Alarcon stated that there is no alcohol involved and that is a big difference. Commissioner Ruiz stated that he would like to add a condition limiting or making sure that it is Police Officers taking the Police Officer training class. He also stated that he would like to see it in writing before approval and that he does not want this type of training to fall into the wrong hands. Adam Sedlack responded from the audience and stated that this will not be offered without prior approval of the Police Chief. Commissioner Ruiz stated that maybe we can add that this//will-take effect when our Police Chief approves it. / City Attorney Murphy stated that the condition be read any grouK enforcement personnel should be provided in conjunction with Police or Commander of the Law Enforcement group and the tra closed room. The training will only be available to indi Commander and a plan of the training willcbe\subm training taking place. He also stated that he would lil City of El Monte to the south could participate, not just Adam Sedlack stated that closed quart re 'combat train He also not on the schedule of classes offered yet H Police Department. e Commissioner Ruiz certified instructor. Adam Sedlack and he could n Commissioner Ruiz stated Certifie/Av the state when Principal the the city ing provided to law applicable Chief of will\take place in a tied by the Chief or prior to any such so th'at' maybe the rrect wording and it is be controlled with the instructor is a POST the/instructor is certified but not sure if he is Post Certified at is importt to make sure that the instructor is Post .v soeak:to the Police Chief. Ruiz what POST certified meant. Commissioner,Ruiz stated/that it is a police officer certification training that they go through in the Police'\AcacJemy. City Attorney Murphy~tated that the introductory phrase of condition of approval number 49 should reference "closed quarter combat training." Commissioner Eng stated that condition of approval number 40 should be broader and state, "until all applicable city permits are obtained". Principal Planner Bermejo stated that staff is agreeable will make the change. Commissioner Eng questioned the applicant when did they anticipate being operational in Rosemead. 8 Adam Sedlack stated as soon as we get clearance from the City of Rosemead, hopefully in the spring. Vice-Chairman William Alarcon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Victor Ruiz, to APPROVE Planned Development Review 09-01 for a period of six (6) months and adopt Resolution 09-20, subject to conditions outlined in Exhibit "B". Vote resulted in: Yes: No: Abstain: Absent: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Ruiz None Hunter None ~C & COMMISSIONERS atus off Valley~Gateway and Fresh & Easy. A ~ S. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIRWOMAN Commissioner Eng questioned staff on the Principal Planner Bermejo stated that staff has-been talking with Fresh & Easy, and they are working on their master sign program. She also/'stated the bank/is currently in building plan check and that staff just had a meeting with the property owner last week. Commissioner Eng would like to admeeting with memory of Vicky Chang, a young resident of Rosemead who recent lylpassed away, due,to an accident with a drunk driver, and her friend Elaine Lee who was,also.miured. ,2 6. MATTERS FROM-,THE PRINCIPAL PLANNER & STAFF None 7. ADJ regular meeting is;scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2009 at ATTEST: Diana Herrera Chairwoman Rachel Lockwood Commission Secretary