CDC - Item 2B - Minutes 09-11-07Minutes of the Regular Meeting
ROSEMEAD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 11, 2007
Chairman Tran called the regular meeting of the Rosemead Community
Development Commission to order at 6:02 p.m. in the conference room of City
Hall, at 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. The pledge to the flag
was led by Commissioner Low and Commissioner Taylor led the invocation.
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
Present: Commissioners Clark, Low, Taylor,
Vice-Chairman Nunez, Chairman Tran
Absent: None
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Resolution No. 2007-18 Claims and Demands
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2007-18 for payment of
Commission expenditures in the amount of $45,694.87 demands
8178 through 8181 and 9305.
B. Minutes
August 28, 2007 - Regular Meeting
Commissioner Taylor made a motion with a second by Commissioner Low to
approve both Consent Calendar items listed above. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Low, Nunez, Taylor, Tran
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
3. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIRMAN & COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Taylor requested a progress update on the Glendon Way ENA
with Primestor.
Executive Director Chi responded that staff has met with Primestor officials and
is the process of drafting a specific timeline and milestones to fulfill City
expectations. Mr. Chi indicated the agreement will be brought back to the
Commission within the next two weeks.
Rosemead Community Development Commission
Meeting Minutes September 11, 2007
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4. MATTERS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & STAFF
A. Mixed-Use Design Guidelines Study.Session
Over the past several months, the Planning Division has been in
the process of creating design guidelines to address proposed
multi-story, mixed use developments. The City has received
numerous applications to develop this type of product. Due to the
lack of regulations and design guidelines, it has proved difficult in
processing and providing guidance to developers for such requests.
The City retained the services of Downtown Solutions, who is
recognized as one of the top leaders in the urban design field, to
assist in the preparation of mixed use development guidelines.
On August 20, 2007 the Planning Commission held a public
hearing and was unanimous in recommending approval of the draft
guidelines to the City Council. It is anticipated that a public hearing
will be scheduled before the City Council to consider the adoption
of these guidelines on September 25, 2007.
Recommendation: That the Community Development
Commission provide direction to the staff with regard to the
proposed mixed use development guidelines.
Executive Director Chi introduced Assistant City Manager Saeki to provide an
overview.
Mr. Saeki presented an historical account of how the mixed-used guidelines were
developed. He indicated policies from. neighboring cities were studied and the
best elements were incorporated into the City policy along with guidelines
specific to the City. Mr. Saeki elaborated they will provide the development
community with a tool that will yield better City projects and will help the Planning
staff more efficiently evaluate projects. In addition, he reported the guidelines
were drafted in a way that gives developers the most flexibility.
The guidelines address such issues such as site and building design, building
heights, lighting, open space, compatibility with adjacent buildings, parking and
access. Mr. Saeki commented that one issue of concern might involve density.
He introduced Marianne Marks of Downtown Solutions to present slides to show
the Commission what density looks like in neighboring communities. Mr. Saeki
reported the mixed-use design guidelines are scheduled to appear at a Public
Hearing before the City Council on September 25, 2007.
Executive Director Chi reported the guidelines will be shared with the Chamber of
Commerce.
Rosemead Community Development Commission
Meeting Minutes September 11, 2007
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Ms. Marks presented a brief overview of high density projects. She reported
mixed use projects have been around for a long time but have not been utilized
in more recent years due to zoning changes. She recommended small lot
development next to mixed use overlay zones.
Mr. Saeki reported a draft of the new general plan guidelines will be brought
before Council in the next several weeks.
Commissioner Clark expressed concern about privacy for single family homes.
Mr. Saeki replied a variable height setback will address privacy issues.
Vice-Chairman Nunez pointed out variances may be issued at the discretion of
the Commission and Council.
Commissioner Taylor discussed sidewalk requirements kept at 10 to 12 feet to
accommodate parkways and pedestrian safety. Mr. Taylor also cautioned against
giving up prime corners such as those at Rosemead and Valley for mixed density
purposes.
Brian Lewin, residing at 9501 E. Ralph Street, recommended trash enclosures
include an open air cover roof to mitigate storm water rainfall that would carry
waste into storm drains.
Commissioner Clark supported Mr. Lewin's idea.
Executive Director Chi invited comments prior to submission of the guidelines
before the City Council on September 25, 2007.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 pm. The next Community Development
Commission meeting will take place on September 25, 2007 at 6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted: APPROVED:
Nina Castruita
COMMISSION SECRETARY
John Tran
CHAIRMAN
Rosemead Community Development Commission
Meeting Minutes September 11, 2007
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