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PC - Minutes - 07-18-11Minutes of the PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING July 18, 2011 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Eng at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Herrera INVOCATION - Chair Eng ROLL CALL - Commissioners Herrera, Hunter, Saccaro, Vice -Chair Ruiz, and Chair Eng OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Attorney Byrne, Community Development Director Wong, Public Works Director Marcarello, Planning Technician Casillas, Commission Secretary Lockwood 1. EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS Joseph Byrne, City Attorney, presented the procedures and appeal rights of the meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE None 3. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes - June 20, 2011 Commissioner Hunter made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Herrera, to approve the Minutes of June 20, 2011 as presented. Vote resulted in: Yes: Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Saccaro, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 4. PRESENTATION A. Presentation of City Transportation Program Enhancements - The City of Rosemead offers residents a public transportation program that includes curb -to -curb and fixed route shuttle services. Over the past several months, the City's Transportation Working Group (comprised of a City Council representative, Planning Commissioner, Traffic Commissioner, and staff) developed recommendations to enhance the fixed route portion of the transportation system. The Working Group asked that the Traffic Commission and Planning Commission review and provide input on these recommendations prior to the City Council's consideration of this item next month. Staff Recommendation - Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review and provide comments on the proposed enhancements to the City Transportation Program. Public Works Director Marcarello and Transportation Consultant Roy Glanthier provided the Planning Commission a power point presentation that included City Transportation Program Enhancements. Chair Eng thanked staff for the presentation. She also thanked Vice -Chair Ruiz for representing the Planning Division and attending this workshop. She asked Public Works Director Maroarello if Rosemead Park and Garvey Park are currently on the Rosemead Explored regular scheduled route. Public Works Director Marcarello replied that the Rosemead Explorer currently stops at Rosemead High School and Rosemead Park. He also stated that the Explorer stops at Jackson Avenue which is about a quarter of a mile from Garvey Park. Chair Eng asked staff what would it cost to have a stop installed at Garvey Park and why does the Rosemead Explorer not stop at Garvey Park. Public Works Director Marcarello replied the Rosemead Explorer is designed to transport residents to popular commercial centers. He also stated staff can explore the options to having a stop installed at Garvey Park. Chair Eng stated that having a stop at Garvey Park would be helpful for residents wishing to participate in classes and programs there. She also asked staff if there was a stop at the Garvey Center. Public Works Director Marcarello replied yes, there is a stop at Garvey Center. He also stated if the Rosemead resident is a senior they may also apply for the Dial -A -Ride program for curb to curb service. Chair Eng asked staff if there have been any inquiries with the connection of working with the Metro - Station or Metrolink, or is this a void in service that the City can fulfill. Transportation Consultant Glanthier replied that it is a void in the service since the Rosemead Explorer does not start until 11:00 a.m. on weekdays and makes it unusable for people who want to commute in the early hours. He also stated the two operational recommendations of starting earlier and doing the commuter fit together for that purpose. Chair Eng asked staff if the informational holders at the shelters can be powered digitally to make updates more efficient and use less manpower. Public Works Director Marcarello replied that option has not been explored but staff will look into the cost effectiveness and, if it is not sustainably more, may be a good option to consider. Chair Eng stated that solar powered lights are being contemplated for the bus shelters, the option for powering the informational holders digitally will save on manpower. She also stated that she supports having trash cans by the bus shelters. She asked staff if the hours are extended will students using the service be charged the same fair of 50 cents. Public Works Director Marcarello replied yes, and explained that they are currently using the service. He stated that the purpose of starting is to allow better access for those going to school or work. Chair Eng asked staff if there will be a monthly pass for frequent users. Public Works Director Marcarello replied no, not at this time, and does not know how common this is used by other cities our size. Transportation Consultant Glanthier stated it is a common thing when you get into larger services and explained that this program has not gotten to the point of instituting a monthly pass for the Explorer. Commissioner Hunter stated the shelters shown in the Power Point Presentation did not look like they would provide enough shade or protection from the rain, Transportation Consultant Glanthier explained that the shelters do provide for much more shelter than what it looks like in the picture. He explained to the Planning Commission the options of both shelters and why one is recommended over the other. Vice -Chair Ruiz stated that one of the reasons shelters should not be covered too much is to deter graffiti. He also stated one of the costs that the City is occurring now is removing graffiti. He also stated the design of the shelters look very nice. Chair Eng asked staff if there was more ridership for the Dial -A -Ride program would it increase or decrease the fee. Public Works Director Marcarello explained the flexibility of the Dial -A -Ride program and the option of driving 5 miles out of the City's borders drives up the cost per trip. He also stated the number of vehicles that service this system are adequate in meeting the demands, Chair Eng asked if the vehicles used for this program are sedans. Transportation Consultant Glanthier replied no, they are small buses that hold eight (8) to ten (10) passengers. Chair Eng asked if normally there is one (1) to two (2) passengers. Transportation Consultant Glanthier replied yes, but there is a requirement that the vehicle be fully accessible so a passenger lift has to be built into them. Chair Eng commented that with more marketing the ridership may increase. Transportation Consultant Glanthier stated that unless the City is more efficient, as the ridership increases the cost will also increase. Chair Eng asked Transportation Consultant Glanthier in what ways would he recommend to be more efficient and cost effective. Transportation Consultant Glanthier replied one of the proposals is to restrict some of the trips being made outside of the City. He also stated right now it is five (5) miles anywhere for any purpose and restricting those trips for medical reasons only may help to lower cost. Chair Eng stated some medical facilities provide their own transportation service for their patients. She suggested that the City coordinate and locate the facilities that offer this service so we can offer transportation to other facilities that do not provide transportation to be cost effective. She also asked staff if the City offers a connection to the Metro and Metrolink Stations will we be duplicating the same service that the Montebello Line offers. Public Works Director Marcarello replied that he did not have information on what the Montebello Line offers, Vice -Chair Ruiz stated that the Montebello Line does not connect to the Metrolink and it stops at the Montebello Town Center. He also stated this will be implemented so the Rosemead Residents can take advantage of this link into the MTA. Chair Eng stated that she heard that the Montebello line went through Rosemead. Transportation Consultant Glanthier explained that there is one Montebello route that goes up San Gabriel Boulevard to Valley and then turns south and does not go to the Metrolink. Commissioner Herrera asked if the hours of operation of the Metrolink connection are only for the morning and evening hours. Transportation Consultant Glanthier stated that is correct. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 11 -05 - Pheing (Tracy) Yang has submitted a Conditional Use Permit application requesting to establish and operate a beauty school within three existing commercial units located at 8819 Garvey Avenue in Unit A -1 and 8823 Garvey Avenue units B and B112. The subject site is located in the M -1 (Light Manufacturing and Industrial) zone. PC RESOLUTION 11 -09 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 11 -05, FOR THE OPERATION OF A BEAUTY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 8819 GARVEY AVENUE, UNIT A112 AND 8823 GARVEY AVENUE, UNITS B AND B112, IN THE M -1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL) ZONE. Staff Recommendation - Staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Conditional Use Permit 11 -05 and ADOPT Resolution 11 -10 with findings, and subject to twenty -two (22) conditions. Planning Technician Casillas presented staff report. Chair Eng asked if there were any questions for staff. Chair Eng stated that the Planning Commission recently approved a Conditional Use Permit for a Garment Manufacturing and asked if the improvements will be made at the same time. Planning Technician Casillas replied that the Garment Manufacturing business did not require any improvements. She stated the Beauty School will be making improvements including installing walls, setting up stations, obtaining plumbing and electrical permits. Chair Eng asked staff when the applicant will start operating their business. Planning Technician Castles replied the applicant is available to answer that question. Chair Eng asked if there were any more comments or questions for staff. None Chair Eng opened the Public Hearing and asked if there were any questions for the applicant. Chair Eng asked the applicant when their business will open. Phieng (Tracy) Yang, applicant, replied the Beauty School will open for business as soon as all required permits are obtained and approved from the City and State, IN Chair Eng asked if there were any more comments or questions for staff or applicant. None Chair Eng asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak on this item. None Chair Eng closed the Public Hearing and asked for a motion. Vice -Chair Ruiz made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Saccaro, to APPROVE Conditional Use Permit 11 -05 and ADOPT Resolution 11 -10 with findings, and subject to twenty -two (22) conditions. Yes: Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Saccaro, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Community Development Director Wong stated the decision made tonight by the Planning Commission is final unless it is appealed within 10 days. B. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 71692 (Originally filed as TPM 70753) - Charles Tran & Duc Tran have submitted an application for a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide one (1) existing 19,920 square foot parcel into three (3) parcels. The existing house at the front of the lot would remain and the subdivision would allow for the construction of two (2) additional houses. The subject site is located at 8929 Emerson Place in the R -1 (Single Family Residential) zone. PC RESOLUTION 11 -11 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 71692 TO SUBDIVIDE ONE EXISTING PARCEL INTO THREE PARCELS. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT 8929 EMERSON PLACE IN THE R -1 (SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) ZONE. Staff Recommendation - Staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Tentative Parcel Map 71692 and ADOPT Resolution 11 -11 with findings, and subject to fifty -eight (58) conditions. Planning Technician Casillas presented staff report, Chair Eng asked if the Planning Commission had any questions for staff. Vice -Chair Ruiz asked staff to clarify what the set -back is on the modification that is being proposed, Planning Technician Casillas replied the set -back modification is for nine (9) inches. Chair Eng stated there were concerns with parking and the driveway approach and there was a recommendation from staff to move the driveway. She asked staff if this will address the set -back issue. Planning Technician Casillas replied no, this will not address the set -back issue. Commissioner Hunter asked staff the age of the front home. Planning Technician Casillas replied if was built in 1950's and does not have a specific date. Commissioner Hunter asked staff if the homes in the rear will be built to match the front home or will the front home be renovated. Planning Technician Casillas replied that staff has not seen plans for the proposed back units. However, they will be submitted to Planning staff for review once the applicant is ready to develop. She stated the applicant is not proposing any modifications to the front house other than creating a garage as exterior modifications and improving the landscaping. Community Development Director Wong stated because of the age of the front unit that it may be out of character with the two new future lots that will have new homes, therefore staff recommends a Condition of Approval be added that the existing house on the front lot be renovated and plans be submitted for design review and approval prior to the recordization of the Parcel Map. He also stated staff will then be reassured that the front house will be built in compliance with the character of the two new structures for curb appeal and also mitigate for landscaping. Chair Eng verified with Community Development Director Wong that staff is recommending that a Condition of Approval be added stating that a Design be submitted for improvements to the existing front home prior to the recording of the Parcel Map. Community Development Director Wong replied that is correct and added that landscaping shall also be submitted. She asked the Planning Commissioners if they were in agreement with the added Condition of Approval. Vice -Chair Ruiz stated he agrees with the recommendation, Chair Eng stated that one of the reasons this should be done when the lots are subdivided is to bring up the property value and character of the neighborhood. Planning Technician Casillas verified what the Added Condition of Approval shall state. Community Development Director Wong stated for Lot one, the existing home, shall submit landscape and irrigation plans and install prior to recordization of Parcel Map. He stated it will all be one Condition of Approval. The residence, landscaping, and irrigation shall be submitted and installed prior to recordization of Parcel Map. Chair Eng asked if there were any additional questions for staff. None Chair Eng opened the Public Hearing and asked if there was anyone wishing to speak on this item. Patrick Chiu from Patrick Chiu and Associates Architects office stated that he accepts all the Conditions of Approval and will follow the City's standards. He also stated the Fire Department is requiring a 20' x 30' turning radius for a fire truck on the street which will be an easement for the City. He stated the neighborhood will benefit and property value will go up with all these improvements. Vice -Chair Ruiz asked Patrick Chiu what type of roof material will be used on the new homes and if it will match the existing property. Patrick Chiu replied the design has not been made but he will work with staff and follow the City's standards if possible. Chair Eng asked Patrick Chiu if there will be a gate or fence in front of the property. Patrick Chiu replied no. Darrel Hausler, resident stated that he lives at the end of the cul -de -sac of this particular street and has some concerns with traffic, driveway's having a t -bone affect, losing parking, and parking congestion. He requested to know what solutions are being offered. He stated on trash days it is challenging for the trash vehicles to maneuver as it is now. He expressed concern that having three driveways t- boning together will create congestion. Community Development Director Wong confirmed with staff that the driveway is being moved eight feet away. Planning Technician Casillas replied that is correct and explained what is being proposed. Community Development Director Wong asked staff to show Darrel Hausler the plans and explain what is being proposed with the City Engineer's recommendation. Planning Technician Casillas showed Darrel Hausler the plans and explained what is being proposed. Chair Eng stated she had visited Mr. Hausler and appreciates his concerns regarding the driveway. She stated that the recommendations from the City Engineer should alleviate some of the circulation of the cul -de -sac. She recommends that Mr. Hausler keep in contact with staff. Darrel Hausler stated he has been a long time resident who is very familiar with the traffic and explained that the gaining of another parking space would relieve some pressure for a very small street. Vice -Chair Ruiz stated that Darrel Hausler's comments be in the records and given to the City's Engineer for reference while working on this item. He also stated that since Darrel Hausler has been a long time resident he appreciates his concerns and thanked him. Commissioner Hunter stated some of the properties have very long lots and asked Darrel Hausler if there is room for the cars to be parked in those driveways. Darrel Hausler replied there is room for some of the cars in the long driveways but they don't necessarily park there. He stated right now there are two alley ways on that particular street where they divided the property and joined two pieces of property giving them a long driveway. He stated citations are given for parking in an alley, so.that does not help on street sweeping or trash day. He also explained other parking situations that take place. Patrick Chiu explained that the driveway situation was a last minute issue and he is working with staff. Chair Eng clarified that with the two new developments there will be visitor's parking inside the lot, by the garage, for the future. Chair Eng asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak on this item. None Chair Eng closed the Public Hearing Chair Eng requested that the City Attorney state the language added to Condition of Approval number 41 before there is a motion. City Attorney Byrne stated prior to issuance of building permits and maps for recordization of new residences that there will be submitted plans for approval for renovation, landscaping, irrigation for the existing residence on the property prior to building permits and recording the Parcel Map. Commissioner Hunter asked staff if this would have to come before the Planning Commission again. Staff replied no this would be a Design Review. Vice -Chair Ruiz requested that the language for Condition of Approval number 41 be read again. Community Development Director Wong stated that, "the existing residence on Parcel One be renovated, landscape and irrigation plans be submitted to the Planning Division for review and approval prior to issuance of building permits and recordization of Parcel Map". Chair Eng asked for a motion. Vice -Chair Ruiz made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to APPROVE Tentative Parcel Map 71692 and ADOPT Resolution 11 -11 with findings, and subject to fifty -eight (58) conditions. Vote resulted in: Yes: Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Saccaro, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 6. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIR & COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Hunter stated that on 8946 Emerson there was a mattress, television, front yard unkempt, and trash in the front yard and asked why the City has not cited them for this. Commissioner Hunter stated that while she was exiting Ivar, off of Ivar and Garvey, the cars parked on the streets block visibility for outgoing and incoming traffic. Vice -Chair Ruiz suggested that this be referred to the Traffic Commission to determine if a red curb is needed. Commissioner Hunter stated the property on Rosemead Place and Garvey, behind the fence, has dried weeds and asked staff the status of this project. Planning Technician Casillas stated staff will look into this. Vice -Chair Ruiz stated that he would like to thank Planning Technician Casillas for her help with a concern on Valley Boulevard. Chair Eng would like to commend staff for the 4th of July Celebration and Splash Zone Grand Opening. She also stated that she noticed on Del Mar Avenue the median work is almost completed and looks very nice. 7. MATTERS FROM STAFF None 8. ADJOURNMENT The next regular Planning Commission meeting will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. ATT T: _ n Rachel Lockwood Commission Secretary Nancy Eng Chair