PC - 02-19-08CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
February 19, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the City of Rosemead Planning Commission
was called to order by Chairman Lopez at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the
Rosemead City Hall at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Lopez delivered the invocation.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Commissioner Bevington, Cam, Vice - Chairman
Kunioka, and Chairman Lopez
ABSENT: Commissioner Vuu
EX OFFICIO: Agaba, Everling, Gonzalez and Yin
EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS:
City Attorney Yin explained the public hearing process and the right to appeal
Planning Commission decisions to the City Council.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chairman Lopez asked if anyone would like to speak on any items not on the
agenda, to step forward.
Mr. Jim Flournoy, residing at 8655 Landis View, a resident, stated he wanted to
put a word in about the Governor's Earthquake Preparedness Exercise this
November called the Golden Guardian, which is a simulation of the earthquake at
the 710 /San Andreas Fault. He then explained how the simulation would play
out from Salton Sea to Banning Pass and the Cajon Pass, breaking all the lifeline
to the Cajon Pass. He stated there would be a landslide on Highway 5 in this
exercise and they would like Rosemead to participate because they have SCE
here, and many major buildings could be affected by the ground motion if this
type of earthquake hit. He stated Edison has already committed to doing this.
He said an interesting thing is that they have down- motion of about three meters
per second and the worst spot is located at the Whittier Narrows Golf Course.
He said in the Building Code, they usually figure about thirty percent going
sideways, but here it's close to sixty percent sideways. He said there's a vertical
component that is about twice of what one would normally expect. He stated this
would be interesting to Edison, Panda, Country Wide, everyone down at Rice
School, and the Senior Center because they are right next to the hotspot. Going
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east, he stated, it runs up Flair park, Kaiser, and Queen of the Valley Hospital
which is in the red zone. He's talking to Don Anderson about this in order to get
on board he said.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR — These items are considered to be routine actions that
may be considered in one motion by the Planning Commission. Any interested
party may request an item from the consent calendar to be discussed separately.
A. A pproval of Minutes — February 4, 2008
Vice - Chairman asked for a motion for approval of the other items on the Consent
Calendar.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BEVINGTON, SECONDED BY VICE -
CHAIRMAN KUNIOKA, TO WAIVE FURTHER READING AND ADOPT
CONSENT CALENDAR.
Vote results:
YES: BEVINGTON, CAM, KUNIOKA, AND LOPEZ
NO: NONE
ABSENT: VUU
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chairman Lopez declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Conditional Use Permit 07 -1111 — 7839 Emerson Place
Presentation: City Planner Everling
Staff Recommendation: To continue item to the March 3, 2008 Planning
Commission Meeting
MOTION BY VICE - CHAIRMAN KUNIOKA , SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
CAM TO CONTINUE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07 -1111.
Vote results:
YES: CAM, BEVINGTON, KUNIOKA AND LOPEZ
NO: NONE
ABSENT: VUU
ABSTAIN: NONE
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Chairman Lopez declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
B. Conditional Use Permit 02- 882(MOD) — 1717 & 1803 Walnut Grove Avenue
Presentation: Senior Planner Agaba
Staff Recommendation: Receive and file the Addendum and APPROVE
Resolution No. 08 -04 which will allow the modification
to CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 02 -882 (MOD),
subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit "A"
attached hereto.
Senior Planner George Agaba made his presentation and then stated the
applicant was present and asked the Commissioners if they had any questions.
Commissioner Bevington questioned if there were two separate owners for both
properties.
Senior Planner Agaba stated that Panda owns both parcels, but has a long time
lease with Wells Fargo Bank.
Thien Ho, residing at 1683 Walnut Grove Avenue, stated she represents Panda
Restaurant along with her colleagues who were present. She stated the project
was a long time coming and they are proud to be a part of the community. She
said they consider this project a flagship. They put lot of thought into this project
because founders look across at their project everyday, they value the
community, she said, and they hope the Planning Commission approves it.
Chairman Lopez opened the public hearing to those IN FAVOR of this
application:
Mr. Jim Flournoy residing at 8655 Landis View, a resident, stated he would like to
welcome Panda into the neighborhood. He said he didn't have time to
completely read through the Addendum, but he turned in comments to staff this
morning which he's sure they'll go through before taking a vote. He stated they
have a big noise issue in the area and he thinks it would be in the City's best
interest to contract a Noise Consultant. He stated they have a problem with
noise bouncing off Panda to Wal -Mart affecting those who live on Delta Avenue.
He stated it's a problem that needs to get sorted out and it's worse than they
thought it would be. He said his second issue is light and glare. He stated there
was one issue in which they thought they had a Condition of Approval to have
down shaded lights, but the condition has not been satisfied yet. He continued
stating the lights shine down straight into your eyes when your driving through
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the parking lot or on Walnut Grove Avenue and Rush Street because they're not
shaded enough to put the light down like they're supposed to. He stated they
would like that to get straightened out because things are much worse than they
thought it would be. The issue they never thought of, which might require a
subsequent EIR, is the skylights. Wal -Mart put skylights in, which is something
no one anticipated at the time the EIR was done. He stated it's new information
and that's why they'll require a subsequent EIR instead of a supplemental EIR.
He stated Wal -Mart doesn't have a sign like Longo Toyota, but he wants to make
sure they don't have that type of lighting and wants to see it's a Condition of
Approval. He stated, as far as the line of sight analysis goes, there's a zero
tolerance policy so we do not want to see roof bound equipment on this project or
Wal -Mart from Earle Avenue or Drayer Lane. Regarding traffic, he stated there
are things that are worse now than what was expected and one of which is the
intersection at San Gabriel Boulevard and Walnut Grove Avenue. The traffic
jams up at this intersection and it gets worse before traffic clears up. He stated
this issued could be due to the fact that they never studied the onramps to the
freeway in the EIR. He continued by saying they studied the intersection, then
jumped over the onramp and looked at the mainline freeway. He stated he
turned in his comments and we need to look at why we have this problem.
Paul Kilsmar representing Wells Fargo Bank, residing at 4141 Inland Empire
Boulevard, Ontario, CA 91764, stated they have been working long and hard with
Panda looking forward to a very successful project. He stated they have worked
through staff to provide the building that would most fit in the area along with the
Wal -Mart. He stated he is here with his colleagues, the architect and his
consultant too, if anyone has questions.
Brian Lewin residing at 9501 Ralph Street, a resident, stated like Mr. Flournoy,
he is in favor of having Panda and Wells Fargo Bank there. He questioned about
the traffic issues and studies. He stated that as a Traffic Commissioner, he is
curious to see the study they used to assess the impact of this and actually
requests that the Planning Commission consider referring the traffic element of
this study to the Traffic Commission for further evaluation. He also questioned
the hours of operation for this project. He stated when Wal -Mart was originally
approved, 24 hour operation was not allowed and there were very strict limits; the
hours were from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with an extension till midnight during
the Christmas season. He stated any hours that would be applied to this project
should match Wal- Mart's hours of operation; they should face the same
restrictions. He continued stating if they allow this operation to open 24 hours, it
will raise questions about the original project and if you want to consider this part
of the original project, then that would be a significant change which would
require a subsequent EIR as Wal -Mart stated in it's own 24 hour operation
request. He continued stating that 24 hour operation at that site would
necessitate a new EIR with a 24 hour impact report. He stated power of
limitations would definitely be in order regardless. He stated if you consider it an
extension of the original project, then there are numerous Conditions of approval
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that have not been dealt with that should be dealt with prior to starting a new
project on the site. If you wish to consider it a separate project because Panda
owns the property, he said, then your basically doubling the usage on one parcel
including a significant expansion in restaurant usage and therefore a new EIR
would be in order on that. He stated he is not necessarily opposed to the project
his self, but with the changes they are making to the project, going from 2,248
square feet to 7,122 square feet on one of the buildings is a significant change.
He stated it is a significant change is square footage and a significant increase.in
usage. He stated he thinks with all the factors, some additional study would be in
order. Once again, he said, he request that Planning Commission refer the traffic
element to the Traffic Commission for further consideration.
Chairman Lopez opened the public hearing to those who wished to OPPOSE the
application:
Ms. Marlene Shinen of 8447 Drayer Lane in South San Gabriel, stated she
resides off of Delta Avenue. She said this is the only exit they have from Rush
Street to South San Gabriel Boulevard since they can't travel through Walnut
Grove Avenue. She said she does oppose this project because of the significant
increase in square footage. Phase one of Wal -Mart has not been completed and
also, there are things that have not been addressed, she said. She stated she
agrees with Brian Lewin, that this should go to Traffic Commission. She stated
there is increased traffic and danger. She continued stating that the crossing
guard comes out with his own cones because people drive 45 mph and cars are
supposed to stop but do not. When children are present going to school or the
crosswalk, cars do not stop and there have been many traffic accidents so far.
She stated there is danger out there and because there will be an increase in
traffic, they should wait on this. As far as trash goes, there's Wal -Mart and Mc
Donalds' trash all over the street, in the storm drain and around the building and
surrounding areas. She stated she opposes. The traffic coming from Walnut
Grove Avenue onto Delta Avenue which is completely residential, she said. At
the corner of Walnut Grove Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard, there is
complete blockage and traffic that has not been addressed. She stated she
would like the request to be deniedp; it is just going to increase the traffic and
asked that the Planning Commission consider what Mr. Lewin and Mr. Flournoy
said.
Peggy Baumann residing at 8305 Scenic Drive, stated she does not oppose
Panda or Wells Fargo Bank. She questioned if Panda actually owned the
property and whether they purchased it through Wal -Mart or SCE.
Senior Planner Agaba stated CFT owns the property and purchased it from Wal-
Mart.
Ms. Baumann continued to state that she doesn't oppose Panda or Wells Fargo
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Bank, but does oppose the increase is size development. She stated they have
enough traffic and it was in the EIR that there was an issue with noxious gases.
She said she wants more lighting especially with the increase. She also
questioned what kind of ventilation they'll use at Panda and if it will be contained.
She finished by stating that she likes Panda, their food and the smell, but would
it be in their neighborhood all the time.
Chairman Lopez asked if anyone else would like to speak?
None.
Chairman Lopez then asked if the applicant or representatives would like to
answer any of the questions.
Derek Knight residing at 325 N. Chapel, Alhambra, CA 91801 stated he is the
property manager of Panda Express and will be overseeing some of the
construction. He said just to answer a few questions, CFT LLC is the official
property owner of the property and they did buy it from Wells Fargo Bank. He
said as far as the smell goes, all restaurants are required to have an appropriate
exhaust system to catch grease and things like that as they're expelled into the
kitchen.
Chairman Lopez stated he'd like to make one correction; the property was
bought from Wal -Mart and not Wells Fargo Bank.
Senior Planner Agaba forgot to mention the City Consultan, Lisa Kranitz, was in
the audience and available to answer questions on environmental concerns.
Lisa Kranitz, residing at 2800 28th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 stated she
was the attorney who started on this project with Wal -Mart. She said when the
Wal -Mart project was originally submitted as the Rosemead Commercial Retail
Center, it was proposed to have 6 pads on it, which included Wal -Mart, about
20,000 square feet of out uses and an eight (8) pump gas station. She stated
this was the project that was analyzed in the original Environmental Impact
Report. She said when it went to City Council in September of 2004, the City
Council approved a project design alternative, which was a less intense use by
about seven (7) percent. It knocked out the gas station and reduced the retail
area by approximately 5,548 square feet, she said. She stated the applicant
provided for a mini -mall on one of the two parcels on the outline. She stated that
Panda was the going to be the mini -mall. The reason this is before the Planning
Commission tonight is because it requires a Conditional Use Permit she said. All
they want to do is switch the parcels and the increase on that, she said, is
approximately 4,700 square feet which is approximately two (2) percent of the
overall project. If a Conditional Use Permit wasn't required, there would no
discretion area approvals that would have brought this back for the Planning
Commission. We are not re- looking at the Wal -Mart project, she stated which is
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 19'2008
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completely separate. She stated she hears about all the concerns regarding
Wal -Mart, but that is a separate issue and that does have to do with Wal -Mart's
conditions. The conditions that went on the Wal -Mart project were not conditions
that were placed on the other parcels as a whole. She said we are here tonight
to determine whether the location will be allowed to change from Parcel 2 to
Parcel 3 and whether the additional square footage should be approved as part
of that. She stated from the original environmental studies that were done, there
was a traffic and air analysis that were redone for this they took the way that the
original study was done because there was never studies done for design
alternatives because it was an alternative. She stated they didn't think it was
proper to look at this project against the original project EIR because that is not
what the City Council approved. They wanted to make sure there were actual
numbers on base line, she said, so they extrapolated the numbers and calculated
the increases
Ms. Shinen questioned if this would be a 24 hour store because they do not need
a 24 hour restaurant there.
Senior Planner Agaba stated it's going to be limited to the same hours as Wal-
Mart hours.
Mr. Flournoy questioned if there was a disclosure report from Wal -Mart about the
project. He stated this particular site has not been investigated for defaulting as
the other side has and it needs to be; they also have a seismic hazard map and a
liquefaction map that won't hold up in the end if it hasn't been done and that's
required before the lead agency approves the project. He stated these two acts
be satisfied through the replacement EIR before it leaves the Planning
Commission.
City Planner Everling replied to Mr. Flournoy's comments by stating regarding
site visibility of roof mounted equipment, on page 13, Condition of Approval 30, it
states that a line of sight analysis must be done to ensure zero visibility of roof
top equipment. He continued stating Condition of Approval 32 talks of th e
lighting having to match the Wal -Mart project which must be down - faced,
shielded fixtures to eliminate glare under evasive properties. He finished by
stating on page 14, Condition of Approval 34, incorporates the geotechnical
report requirements which will need a certified EIR for this project.
Chairman Lopez closed the public hearing to the public and opened the public
hearing to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Bevington stated in the Conditions of approval, Condition 19, one
word should be changed on the fourth line down; the word side should be
changed to aside He said in Condition 30, he thinks it should be defined where
this line of sight should be taken. He stated looking at this, Walnut Grove
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Avenue is up above these buildings and if you take the line from the buildings
down here, then Walnut Grove Avenue is getting above it, you're going to have a
tough line of sight to meet this condition. He stated it should be taken up to
ground level and from the building and something else which he's not ready to
specify. He stated he thinks the line of sight is a serious problem and the Wal-
Mart project line of sight is the sidewalk on Delta Avenue. He then said the line
of sight should be the line of sound and it should be in front of the condominiums
on Delta Avenue because that's what the real problem is. He stated that by
looking at the building you won't see anything, but living up here, the sound from
the ventilation equipment comes pouring over the house. He stated that the line
of sight should include the sidewalk on Delta. He stated that the line of sight
should be in line with the line of sound and should be determined from the
condominiums on Delta because that is what seems to be a problem. By
looking at the building here, you don't see any thing and from the condominiums
having the sound coming through the ventilation to your house, I think condition
30 should be re- clarified as to sight where it will be taken to line of sound, he
stated. He said for Condition 30, they could find as to line of sight something
more efficient along the line of sound. He said they've had a lot of meetings over
Mr. Flournoy's discussions of geotechnical reports, and he thinks Condition 34
should read geotech reports meeting the checklist of reports and responsible
parties. We clarified it and we're not going to do that, but someone else needs to
do it, he said, and it will make someone responsible at the end of the line. He
continued stating that there should be a condition for the hours of operation. He
said it should be a condition specific to this development which therefore reflects
over to the Wal -Mart project.
Chairman Lopez stated Wal -Mart is open till Midnight during the Christmas
season and we want to ensure that Panda does not follow those hours of
operation.
Commissioner Bevington stated that should be a Wal -Mart condition because it's
a busy time for them.
Chairman Lopez questioned if Panda should have that option or if they need set
hours of operation.
Mr. Knight stated typical Panda Restaurants open between 10:00 a.m. - 10:30
a.m. and close by 10:00 p.m. sometimes as late as 11:00 p.m. He stated they'd
be more than happy to meet the requirements similar to that reaching a 10:30
p.m. closing time and he's sure the bank will not be open later than that. As far
the CFT portion of the building, 10:30 p.m. is fine.
Commissioner Bevington stated Wal -Mart runs 14 hour days from 8:00 a.m. to
10:00 P.M.
Senior Planner Agaba questioned condition 54 in the original Resolution 04 -23.
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 192008
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Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated it's an obsolete section and that part is no longer
valid. He said the second part states Wal -Mart can stay open twenty -four (24)
hours if they open a grocery store and they can't.
Senior Planner Agaba questioned if the Planning Commission is okay with that
Vice - Chairman Kunioka said he thought the hours of operation were mentioned
twice somewhere in the Conditions of approval, but he couldn't find it at the
moment.
Ms. Lisa Kranitz stated when this case went forward, there was a decision made
that Wal -Mart would not be a 24 hour store. She stated the final condition was
from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and during the Christmas season till 12:00 a.m. and
they are not conditioned for any other development.
Chairman Lopez questioned the hours of operation.
Commissioner Bevington stated Wal -Mart should have never come up in this
discussion and questioned what the necessary hours a family restaurant should
operate from.
Chairman Lopez stated they indicated 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and they're
taking that.
Mr. Knight stated they'd like to leave the possiblity open if one of the tenants in
the building in the future, incase it's a coffee shop; opening at 8:00 a.m. sounds a
little late. He stated if the hours of operations would be allowed between 6:00
a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Chairman Lopez reopened public hearing
Mr. Flournoy stated the traffic study only covered fourteen (14) hour days. He
said he doesn't want to get tied on a half hour here and there, but they should go
back and look to make sure they don't open a can of worms for the new project
Ross Geller with Applied Planning, residing at 5817 Pine Avenue, Suite A, Chino
Hills, stated he's been involved with this project since day one and wants to
clarify about the 14 hour days. He said that's not how traffic studies are
prepared. He said traffic studies are conducted by looking at the peak hours
which are the morning peak hour and afternoon peak hour because that is the
highest traffic periods on the streets. They are based on mitigating peak hours,
he said, and later in the day traffic goes down. For the record he thinks Lisa
Kranitz did a good job explaining how the traffic study was done and prepared.
He stated there was a traffic study specifically prepared for this site with the
Panda with the increase of traffic and square footage as being considered tonight
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 19 2008
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as part of the Conditional Use Permit which is a matter of public record.
Chairman Lopez closed the public hearing to the public and opened the public
hearing to the Commissioners.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned the lighting. He stated he's concerned
although the Wal -Mart lights are already there; they are not cut off and have a lot
of reflection. He will not make them redo the lights that are already up but wants
to make sure lights are cut off and directed down and onto the pavement from
now on.
City Planner Everling stated Condition 32 specifies cut sheets along with a
photometric survey be required that specify the angle for cut off fixtures to be
submitted.
Mr. Ross Gellar stated a lot of issues raised tonight are seriously enforcement
issues. He stated there were requirements and conditions and if the city is not
satisfied, they need to deal with them although that is not what we're here for
tonight.
City Planner Everling stated Commissioner Bevington raised an issue about
Condition 30 regarding roof - mounted equipment. He said if you would like to add
to the second sentence where it says, "the line of sight analysis to ensure zero
visibility," to read "a line of sight analysis from Walnut Grove Avenue to ensure
zero visibility."
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated from residential locations he thinks it's a concern.
Chairman Lopez questioned if it was on Rush Street.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated on a previous issue, he does not think the
condensers are 100 yards from windows on Delta Avenue. He also stated he
doesn't think there needs to be zero visibility up the hill.
City Planner Everling stated he thinks what Commissioner Bevington was talking
about is zero visibility from Walnut Grove Avenue because of the difference in
height elevation from the street.
Commissioner Bevington stated he thinks it is a different condition than around
Delta Avenue because these two -story complexes line up themselves. He said
he just wants to be sure we clarify what you can't see.
Chairman Lopez questioned if Walnut Grove Avenue would be the ideal to place
the line of sight.
Commissioner Bevington stated correct. He said he doesn't know the level off
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Walnut Grove Avenue which is dropping off the hill, but if you still have Walnut
Grove Avenue fairly high, and the middle is down in the lower level, you can see
right into them no matter what you do.
Senior Planner Agaba stated to Chairman Lopez if he looks at the site plan which
was provided to him, it shows Sectional View B one point where the architect
placed the line of sight is 5 feet 6 inches, and the distance taken from Walnut
Grove Avenue sidewalk projecting out is about 6 feet. The AC and mechanical
equipment are below the property wall, so if you are 5'6" you won't be able to see
those units, he said.
Chairman Lopez stated what Commissioner Bevington is talking about is
specifically from where you're taking the line of sight from. He questioned if it
was from the corner of Walnut Grove Avenue and Rush Street or close to San
Gabriel Boulevard where it starts coming from the down area. He stated they
need to figure out where the best line of sight for this building is. We want to
know if it's in front of the hill or at the corner, the exact angles, although the street
runs up and down, he said. He stated they want to get the best angles to make
sure the line of sight is at a good spot. He then questioned which reference they
were taking that from.
Senior Planner Agaba stated according to the sight analysis provided, Section A
is along the western sidewalk which looks west is Point A. If you are standing
looking towards Wal -Mart, he said, that is Point B.
The Commissioners reviewed the site plans.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned landscaping for Wells Fargo Bank.
Senior Planner Agaba answered landscaping is included. He stated there is one
condition that limits the building of the entire parking lot and landscaping to be
done at one time so it's not like they'll do Panda and leave the other parcel. He
said it will be implemented as part of the first building, so the landscaping is
incorporated.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned the sound possibly bouncing off of the new
buildings. He stated while thinking in terms of landscaping around these
buildings, the trees should be larger to absorb some of the noise. He questioned
if trees should be a little larger because palm trees would not do it. He said he
wondered if there was a plan that elaborates landscaping on the west side of the
building.
Senior Planner Agaba stated staff added a condition and on the landscape plan it
shows.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated if it's a big palm tree, it won't do sound diffusing
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He stated that palm trees use a lot of water, and he wants to know how
committed they are to palm trees on this project.
City Planner Everling stated in Condition 28 on page 13, we can specify that
there be evergreen trees.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated on the property, the developers are aiming for a
tropical theme.
Senior Planner Agaba said according to the conceptual land plan, there's a
mixture of trees, and if the Commission desires, we can eliminate palm trees for
the final landscaping plan.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated his concern is he wants something to absorb the
noise.
Mr. Paul Kilsmar stated they were asked to design to the Wal -Mart. He said you
can specify whatever tree and we will install it. We agree with the condition he
said, and along the building they are going to landscape all the different pockets.
Chairman Lopez stated do we need to add it to the condition.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated as long as it's understood that they want trees to
actually absorb the sound, it is fine.
Chairman Lopez stated that palm trees can be part of the deal.
City Planner Everling added as long as they are supplemental.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned the traffic study. He understands there are
one hundred thirty -nine trips with seventy cars a day, and was wondering if this
was a reasonable amount with the additional 3,000 square foot restaurant. He
questioned if this was an accurate assessment of the traffic study.
Mr. Ross Geller stated based on the ITE, trip generation rates, the delta between
the approved project and what's being proposed today is an accurate delta of the
trip theory. He stated it seems pretty low, but then again you need to remember
when this site was analyzed, it was analyzed as one trip and there is a reduction
built in there of twenty -five (25) percent of pass through and the internal capture.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated they're assuming these people are already
passing by because they are in the parking lot for one reason or another. He
stated he was just curious because it seemed like not a lot of people are
spending money. He questioned the high - quality foam and if it is repairable.
City Planner Everling stated Condition 19 would be to change the word side to
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 19 2008
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aside, Condition 20 would be to add more high - quality foam behind the word
material
Senior Planner Agaba stated on Condition 12, the word high - quality foam will be
added after the phrase "shall be ", Condition 38 shall be changed from 4 feet in
height to 6 feet in height.
City Planner Everling stated they would like to add Condition 40, which will be the
hours of operation from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if this would include the drive - through.
City Planner Everling stated correct and that will be for all tenants.
City Attorney Yin questioned Condition 34 regarding the line of sight.
Commissioner Bevington stated they have enough discussion about geotechnical
reports.
Chairman Lopez stated that is something we are doing.
City Planner Everling stated it is built into the conditions.
Commissioner Bevington stated someone can't say they didn't do this study
because it should have been done by others to work it out in such a way that
says someone is responsible.
Chairman Lopez stated this checklist is incorporated already.
Commissioner Bevington stated it the wording should state "in accordance with ".
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if Commissioner Bevington was satisfied with
the line of sight issue.
Commissioner Bevington stated if the line of sight they submitted is accurate,
and he assumes it is, then it satisfied his concerns.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated he wants to be sure regarding the condition for
lighting that they are in fact fully cut off.
Senior Planner Agaba questioned if they would modify the condition to include
non -palm trees on the west side of the site.
Chairman Lopez stated they agree they do not mind palm trees as long as they
have other trees to help with the reduction of noise.
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 19 2008
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Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if there was a condition for picking up trash
which is standard.
City Planner Everling answer Condition 17 is a standard condition so each site
shall be maintained in a clean, weed, litter free state in accordance with the
Rosemead Municipal Code.
Senior Planner Agaba stated it's a Municipal Code but also a requirement to
maintain their property.
MOTION BY VICE - CHAIRMAN KUNIOKA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
CAM TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 02- 882(MOD),
Vote results:
YES: BEVINGTON, CAM, KUNIOKA, AND LOPEZ
NO: NONE
ABSENT: VUU
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chairman Lopez declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
5. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIRMAN & COMMISSIONERS
Chairman Lopez stated there is no response to Ramona Avenue
Vice - Chairman Kunioka read Condition 18 and questioned if something like this
condition applied to Wal -Mart.
City Planner Everling stated this condition was a request by our City Attorney and
from his understanding this was not a part of the original Wal -Mart approval.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if it wasn't stated in the conditions, is it
understood that it can be modified.
City Planner Everling stated this is just a condition to help that Planning
Commission go through a revocation procedure in case a project is not in
compliance with their conditions. He continued saying that it does state in our
zoning ordinance under the Conditional Use Permit that one of findings for
revocation procedures is in the Municipal Code as well.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated he guesses there's something in between
revocation and because they don't want to shut people down for everything and it
would be nice if there were some sort of enforcement for that.
City Planner Everling stated it would be Code Enforcement.
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 19 2008
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Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned what happens if he has issues with the
lighting since it's already there.
Chairman Lopez stated it would be good for Code Enforcement to go check them
just to ensure that they not in violation. He continued stating otherwise, the City
Attorney would have to get involved and write a letter letting them know they are
in violation of their conditions.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka stated there are things that they have been dealing with
for several months now and nothing has happened.
City Attorney Yin stated they can send a letter of warning, issue citations and
complaints, or step it up if that doesn't work.
6. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR AND STAFF
City Planner Everling updated the Planning Commissioners on General Plan
Update status for the last three community meetings which were very well
attended. He stated there were several issues that came up with concerned
residence and is in the process of writing his Staff Report to the City Council and
apprising them of the concerns by the citizens. He stated they are looking to have
a study session meeting with the City Council a week from today, Tuesday,
February 26, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. He said the purpose of that study session is for
the staff to get in front of the City Council to address them, let them know of the
resident's concerns about the direct General Plan and ask for direction as to what
types of changes they would like to see on the document. He then said after that,
he has an appointment with the City's Consultant to go over all the direction from
the City Council and have the document revised as well as the Draft Environmental
Impact Report. The Draft EIR will then be redistributed for public review, he said
and after that time the document will move forward to Public Hearings. We are still
hopefully on track for June, but maybe July for the final adoption. In other matters,
he stated that he'd like to confirm the Planning Commissioner's attendance for the
Planner's Institute Mini -Expo in Sacramento. He was also interested to know if all
the Commissioners received a copy of the City's Reimbursement Policy in
response to the request at the previous meeting.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if they make the arrangements themselves.
City Planner Everling and the Planning Commissioner's discussed their questions
and concerns on the City's Reimbursement policy.
City Attorney Yin stated he believes the financial disclosure points are due in
March. He stated to fill out your form and if you have any questions let him know.
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 19 2008
Page 15 of 17
City Planner Everling stated he wanted to let the Commission know about the
American Planning Association's 100 Annual National Conference in Las Vegas
which is coming up at the end of April. He questioned whether the Commissioners
would be more interested in attending the Las Vegas Conference prior to setting
up the Sacramento trip.
The Commissioner's expressed their interest in the conferences.
City Planner Everling stated though it is not on the agenda, he would like to let the
Commissioners as well as the public know the City is working with the consultant
on the Valley Vision Plan. He stated hopefully it will be a four month process. He
said the first community meeting on will be held at Rosemead Community
Recreation Center on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The
second meeting which, he stated, will be joint study session with the City Council,
will be held on Monday, March 17, 2008 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. prior to our
actual Planning Commission Meeting. He explained the reason why they are
looking at the Community Center is because the city is revamping the Council
Chambers and this will be the last Planning Commission Meeting for the next three
to four months.
Chairman Lopez re- opened to the public hearing to the public.
Mr. Brian Lewin questioned when the last meeting in the Council Chambers will be
held. He stated he hopes the agenda and website are updated according with
correct information.
Mr. Jim Flournoy stated in December they asked Willdan to come up with
geotechnical reports and he understands they found one a couple of weeks ago
and he still hasn't received a copy. He stated that the Fire Department requested
a copy as well and they haven't received it either. The Union Attorney wrote the
City a few weeks ago and asked for compliance within ten days, but that's going to
run out quick. He said they should get them to Tania and have her look at them.
She wrote comments back, but we can't tell they've been responded to by Willdan.
He stated he does not know how they are going to follow up on them, but times
wasting and our building department is trying to figure a way out of this. We
approved this project here which has geotechnical reports from the 2002 EIR. He
said he would think to get the EIR to Tania as soon as possible; then maybe she
could have a report back by the next City Council meeting. They already have
their building plans into plan check, so if they are going through plans and they
don't have zero step up for near fault, it's not going to fly. He stated it would be
nice if they got the guys the answers before they spend a lot of money on
engineering.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Lopez adjourned the Planning Commission Meeting at 8:59 p.m.
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 19 2008
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MOTION BY VICE - CHAIRMAN KUNIOKA, SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER BEVINGTON TO ADJOURN UNTIL THE NEXT
REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
ME /AG
Rosemead Planning Commission: February 14 2008
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