PC - Minutes 05-03-82CITY OF ROSEMEAD
8838 VALLEY BOULEVARD
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 3, 1982
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER - The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of
Rosemead was called to order by Chairman Ritchie in the Council Chambers of
Rosemead City Hall, 8838 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Lowrey.
The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Schymos.
2. ROLL CALL - Present: De Cocker, Schymos, Ritchie, Lowrey, Mattern
Absent: None
Ex Officio: Kress, Dickey, Carmona, de Zara
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Study Session, March 31, 1982
Regular Meeting, April 5, 1982
Regular Meeting, April 19, 1982
It was moved by Commissioner Mattern, seconded by Commissioner Schymos, to
approve the Minutes of March 31, 1982 as printed.
ROLL CALL VOTE - Ayes: De Cocker, Schymos, Ritchie, Mattern
Noes: None
! Abstain: Lowrey
Commissioner Lowrey requested that the record show that he abstained from voting
because he was not present at the study session.
Commissioner De Cocker then requested a clarification on Page 5 of the Minutes
for the April 5, 1982 meeting. He requested that Page 5 be amended to reflect
that the applicant for Conditional Use Permit 82-243 had verbally agreed to
move the site of the classroom structure ten feet (10') to the west and five feet
(5') to the south. There being no objections by the Commission, the amendment
requested by Commissioner De Cocker was so ordered.
It was moved by Commissioner De Cocker, seconded by Commissioner Lowrey, to
approve the Minutes of April 5, 1982, as amended by Commissioner De Cocker.
ROLL CALL VOTE - Ayes: De Cocker, Ritchie, Lowrey, Mattern
Noes: None
Abstain: Schymos
Commissioner Schymos requested that the record show that he abstained from voting
because he was not present at the meeting of April 5, 1982.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE - On items not on the Agenda
Loren Wrightmeier
8724 Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, California
Mr. Wrightmeier addressed the Commission with regard to his objection to the
posting of notices on private property. There was a discussion by the Commission
regarding this practice. Mr. Carmona stated that this was a posting requirement
set forth in the Zoning Ordinance. It was the consensus of the Commission to
direct staff to contact the resident/owner of the property to be posted and ob-
tain their permission prior to the posting of a notice on private property.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Ritchie requested that anyone wishing to address the Commission with
regard to any of the matters to be considered, rise and be administered the oath.
The witnesses were administered the oath by the secretary.
Planning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting - May.3, 1982
Page Two
5.. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 82-4: Rehearing of the request by Saint Joseph
Salesian Youth Center for the addition of a religious community building
(rectory/residence) to be used in conjunction with an existing youth center
on property located at 8301 Arroyo Drive.
The memorandum dated April 27, 1982 was presented by Mr. Carmona. During his
presentation, Mr. Carmona addressed the Commission with regard to the problems
encountered by Saint Joseph Salesian Center in securing a parking agreement
with Don Bosco Technical Institute, and the alternate parking plans offered by
the applicants.
Chairman.Ritchie opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
PROPONENT:
Father Paul Capporalli
Saint Joseph Salesian Youth Center
8301 Arroyo Drive
Rosemead, California
Father Capporalli stated that he was on the Board of Directors for Don Bosco
Technical Institute and that one of the reasons for the Board's refusal to
enter into the covenant was that the covenant would remain in force even if the
property is sold. However, Father Capporalli stated that it was still the in-
tention of Don Bosco Institute to honor the unwritten parking agreement, which
has been in existance for approximately 27 years.
There was then a discussion by the Commission regarding the possibility of
drafting an agreement that would not be recorded with the property. Mr. Kress
stated that this would be a possibility; however; he could not suggest any type
of language for such an agreement without a thorough review of the matter.
The Commission then gave lengthy consideration to the alternate parking plans,
and the drafting of an agreement that would be acceptable to Don Bosco's Board
of Directors. During this discussion, the Commission considered accepting
an agreement from Saint Joseph Salesian Center stating that, in the event the
parking is no longer available from Don Bosco, Saint Joseph Salesian Center will
provide the required 38 parking spaces, and pave the grassy area. Also con-
sidered during this discussion was the ingress and egress to the property, and
whether or not this is formalized by a written agreement. Father Capporalli
stated that ingress and egress is secured by verbal agreement only.
Mr. Kress then proposed the addition of the following condition:
"The applicant has represented to the Planning Commission that it has the per-
mission of Don Bosco Technical Institute to use parking spaces on the Don Bosco
property. Any change in the current arrangement between Don Bosco Technical
Institute and the Salesian Center shall be reported by the applicant, the
Salesian Center, to the Planning Department within ten (10) days of the effective
date of said change. Upon receiving such notification, the Planning Department
shall schedule a hearing to require full parking to be provided according to
Code standards."
The Commission then considered requiring a letter from Don Bosco Technical Insti-
tute acknowledging, and agreeing to, this condition. It was the consensus of the
Commission that written acknowledgement of the condition would be acceptable in
lieu of a written parking agreement.
Mr. Kress then advised the Commission to direct the Director of Planning to
forward a letter to Don Bosco's Board of Directors notifying them of the action
by the Commission, and expressing the City's desire to be informed of any changes
in the parking arrangement. He stated that this would be more appropriate, since
they could object to the condition if they did not agree, and the Commission would
not be imposing a condition on a third party not involved in the requested project.
The Commission then stated their agreement with Mr. Kress' suggestion. There was
then a discussion regarding the letter dated March 26, 1982 from the applicants,
informing the City of their inability to secure a parking agreement. Chairman
Ritchie requested that this.correspondence be made a part of the record for this
evening's proceedings.
Planning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting - May 3, 1982
Page Three
The Commission also considered adding a condition for the parking of any future
construction. However, Mr. Kress stated that, due to the P-D zoning, any future
construction would be subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission,
and parking for any future construction could be considered at that time.
It was moved by Commissioner Mattern, seconded by Commissioner Lowrey, to approve
Planned Development Review 82-4, subject to the conditions contained in the
Staff Report labled, "Revised - March 15, 1982", with the replacement of Condition
No. 1, as read by the City Attorney, and Condition 2 and 3 as stated in the
Staff Report.
ROLL CALL VOTE - Ayes: De Cocker, Schymos, Ritchie, Lowrey, Mattern
Noes: None
There was then a discussion regarding approval of the Negative Declaration for
this project. Mr. Kress stated that the Negative Declaration considered at the
time of the original approval was still applicable, and therefore, it was not
necessary to reapprove a Negative Declaration.
6. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 82-244: Request by Alhambra Psychiatric Hospital for the
establishment of a psychiatric hospital on property located at 4705 Rosemead
Boulevard, to be used in conjunction with an existing psychiatric hospital located
at 4619 Rosemead Boulevard.
The Staff Report dated April 27, 1982 was presented by Mr. Carmona, and the
recommendation for conditional approval was made. During his presentation, Mr.
Carmona stated that there was also a zone change request for the same site,
scheduled for May 17, 1982.
Chairman Ritchie opened the public hearing at 8:45 p.m. Seeing no one wishing to
address the Commission with regard to this matter, the public hearing was closed
accordingly.
Commissioner De Cocker requested this matter be continued because his review of
the subject property revealed many inconsistencies on the. plot plan, such as the
number of parking spaces, sizes of parking spaces, insufficient widths for
ingress and egress, location of the stand-by generator, gas meter, water system
connection, and insufficient parking for the square footage of the proposed
addition. For these reasons, Commissioner De Cocker requested that the applicants
be directed to redraft the plot plan using a standard architectural scale, and
resubmit the plans to the Commission. In addition, he requested a more detailed
analysis of the number of required parking spaces from staff.
Chairman Ritchie stated that his review and survey of the subject property con-
curred with Commissioner De Cocker's findings. He further cited some examples
supporting Commissioner De Cocker's comments, and stated his agreement with con-
tinuing this public hearing to a later date.
Mr. Carmona then stated that he would request that the applicants have the
new.plan drafted by a professional architect or engineer, based on a survey of
the property.
It was the consensus of the Commission to continue this matter, and request a
new plan, drafted by a professional architect/engineer. Commissioner Mattern
also requested more detailed dimensions be included on the new plan.
Chairman Ritchie reopened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m. and stated that this
matter would be continued to the regular meeting, June 21, 1982.
There was then a discussion regarding the scheduling of the zone change hearing.
It was the consensus of the Commission that the zone change hearing be conducted
as scheduled, at the May 17, 1982 meeting.
7. PARCEL MAP 41807: Request by Edmond Cheng, Cheng & Associates, for the subdivision
of an existing lot into three (3) separate parcels for property located at 8714
Valley Boulevard and 8719 Steele Street.
The Staff Report dated April 26, 1982 was presented by Mr. Carmona and the
recommendation for conditional approval was made. During his presentation, Mr.
Carmona explained the background of this project, and stated that a general
Planning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting - May 17, 1982
Page Four
plan amendment in the subject area made this parcel map request in conformance
with the General Plan.
Chairman Ritchie opened the public hearing at 8:58 p.m.
PROPONENTS:
Mae Canastro
200 West Mission Drive
San Gabriel, California
Mr. Loren Wrightmeier
8724 Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, California
Mrs. Canastro addressed the Commission with regard to her request. Also, she
expressed her agreement with the conditions, with the exception of the required
sidewalk and fire hydrant installations. Accordingly, she requested a waiver
of sidewalk installation and fire hydrant installation. Further, she requested
clarification of Condition No. 5, addressing itself to compliance with the
current building code for the structure at 8719 Steele Street.
Mr. Carmona stated that this requirement is necessary to insure that the existing
dwelling complies with minimum Building Code requirements, and will require the
inspection by the city building inspector.
There was also a discussion by the Commission regarding the sidewalk waiver
request.
Mrs. Canastro also inquired regarding the demolition of three existing structures
prior to recordation of the final map. Mr. Carmona stated that the demolition
of the structures would have to be completed prior to the final recordation, and
in preparation for the construction of the commercial structure.
Mr. Wrightmeier addressed the Commission with regard to the installation of the
fire hydrant. He stated that there had been a fire hydrant in the vicinity of
the subject parcel,. but it had been relocated.
Chairman Ritchie closed the public hearing at 9:15 p.m.
Commissioner De Cocker requested that the portion of Condition No. 3 stating,
. The wooden fence shall be a similar, or of the same, material as the rest
of the neighborhood and shall have steel supports set in concrete. . be
deleted. There being no objections by the Commission, Condition No. 3 was
amended to read as follows:
"The perimeter property lines of the newly created lots will be provided with
a six-foot block wall, as required between commercial and residential zones,
prior to the recordation of the parcel map."
The Commission then considered the installation of the fire hydrant. Among the
matters considered was the approximate cost of it's installation, which was
estimated to be approximately $1,000, the location ofthe proposed fire hydrant,
the ultimate benefits to the property and surrounding neighborhood, fire flow
requirements and Fire Department recommendations, and the absence of a fire
hydrant on Steele Street.
The cost of the installation of the sidewalks was.also considered, as well as the
possibility of an assessment district for installation of the sidewalks in the
near future. Mr. Dickey stated that there were no plans for street improvements
to this area in the forseeable future.
It was the consensus of the Commission to waive the sidewalk requirement, and
require the installation of the fire hydrant, due to the fire flow requirements,
and the lack of a fire hydrant on Steele Street.
Mrs. Canastro stated that he objected to the installation of the fire hydrant
because it would place an undue financial burden on her.
The Commission added Condition No. 8, waiving the sidewalk requirement, which
reads as follows:
Planning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting - May 3, 1982
Page Five
"8. Waive sidewalk requirement in City Engineer's recommendation, Engineering-
Road, Paragraph A."
The Commission also expressed concern with the proposed drainage, and drainage
plan. Accordingly, Condition No. 4 was deleted and replaced with the following:
"Drainage easements are tentatively required. Provide a drainage plan showing
how the drainage from Lot 1 will be conducted through Lots 2 and 3."
The Commission also requested clarification of Condition No. 6, requiring the
saving of a tree on Lot 3. It was brought to the attention of the Commission
that there is no tree existing on Lot 3. Mr. Carmona stated that this would be
clarified.
It was moved by Commissioner De Cocker, seconded by Commissioner Schymos, to
approve the filing of a Negative Declaration for Parcel Map 14807, with the
findings that: (A) the Negative Declaration was prepared in accordance with
state and local guidelines for the preparation of environmental documents;
(B) the project could not have a significant adverse effect on the environment.
ROLL CALL VOTE - Ayes: De Cocker, Schymos, Ritchie, Lowrey, Mattern
Noes: None
It was moved by Commissioner Lowrey, seconded by Commissioner Mattern, to approve
Parcel Map 14807, subject to Conditions 1 through 8, as amended.
ROLL CALL VOTE - Ayes: De Cocker, Schymos, Ritchie, Lowrey, Mattern
Noes: None
Chairman Ritchie called a recess at 9:50 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:00 p.m.
8. ZONE AMENDMENT TO ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE - SECTION 9181: Review of Ordinance
No. 542 which requires a conditional use permit for the installation/operation
of cogeneration equipment.
The memorandum dated April 27, 1982 was presented by Mr. Kress, and the
recommendation for approval was made.
Chairman Ritchie opened the public hearing at 10:05 p.m.
OPPONENT:
Juan Nunez
2702 Del Mar Avenue
Rosemead, California
Mr. Nunez stated that he was opposed to the adoption of this ordinance because
of his concern that this would encourage the establishment and operation of
cogeneration facilities in and around residential areas. He further requested
a distance limitation for the establishment of cogeneration facilities in close
proximity to residential zones.
Chairman Ritchie closed the public hearing at 10:15 p.m.
Mr. Kress then addressed Mr. Nunez's concern by stating that the adoption of
this ordinance would insure that each proposed cogeneration facility, regardless
of it's size, would be subject to a public hearing and review and approval by
the Planning Commission. Mr. Kress further stated that he would recommend that
each proposal be reviewed on it's own merits, rather than placing blanket
restrictions, such as distance limitations, on all such projects.
Commissioner Schymos expressed his support of the Ordinance; however, he stated
that the language contained within the Ordinance appeared to exclude residential
cogeneration facilities.
There was then a discussion by the Commission regarding possible deletions or
additions of language to make it clear that residential projects are not ex-
cluded from the provisions of this Ordinance. Mr. Kress.then requested that
this matter be continued to May 17, 1982, in order to give him an opportunity to