PC Minutes-2004-01-1332400PASEOADELANTO
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. CA 92675
(949) 493-1 171
(949) 493 1053 FAX
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13,2004
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DIANE L BATHGATE
JOHN S GELFF
WYAll HART
JOE SOT0
DAVID M SWERDLIN
CITY MANAGER
DAVE ADAMS
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Vice Chairman Cardoza
at 7:lO p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Present: Tim Neely, Chairman
Sam Allevato
Robert Cardoza
Sheldon Cohen
Gene Ratcliffe
Commissioners Absent: none
Staff Present: William Ramsey, Principal Planner; Omar Sandoval, Deputy City Attorney;
Ziad Mazboudi, Senior Civil Engineer; Sue McCullough, Recording Secretary.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes of November 13. 2003: Commissioner Cohen moved approval, seconded by
Commissioner Ratcliffe, of the Minutes of November 13, 2003 and the motion passed by
a vote of 4-0. (Chairman Neely arrived after vote was taken.)
PC Meeting 2 January 13,2004
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
1. STORMWATER QUALITY - NPDES WORKSHOP
Written Communications
Staff report dated January 13,2004.
Staff mesentation & recommendation
Mr. Mazboudi provided the Planning Commission with an overview of the City’s adopted
water quality regulations, including the New DevelopmentEignificant redevelopment
section of the Local Implementation Plan and the Water Quality Management Plan. This
was presented for information and receive and file only.
A video was shown, which described the concept of “Start At The Source” and provided
an overview of the approach developed in the Bay Area to protect the San Francisco Bay
from urban runoff and storm water pollution. The City of San Juan Capistrano is taking a
similar approach as that taken to protect the San Francisco Bay. The Drainage Area
Management Plan developed by Orange County, the cities within Orange County, and
Orange County Flood Control was revised in July 2003.
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Staff recommended that the Planning Commission receive and file the Local
Implementation Plan New DevelopmentlRedevelopment Component of the Water Quality
Management Plan.
The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board determined that the entire City of
San Juan Capistrano is a tributary to San Juan Creek, which is impaired for bacteria.
Commission Comments/Questions
Chairman Neely asked if a large part of bacteria comes from commercial stables near San
Juan Creek. Mr. Mazboudi said that all stables are required to have a manure management
program and that Mr. Mazboudi chairs the Equestrian Water Quality Task Force to develop
best management practices for the equestrian community and stables.
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked about water-permeable pavements that don’t work on
expansive soil such as that in San Juan. Mr. Mazboudi said that a developer is
recommending porous concrete, which is accepted as a treatment control best
management practice.
PC Meetinq 3 January 13,2004
Commissioner Cardoza asked about the expansive soil closing after a rain of several
inches. Mr. Mazboudi responded that in a storm event the first flush has picked up the oils
and pollution. Included in the agenda packet are design criteria the City is asking
developers to provide.
Commissioner Allevato asked if it is possible or practical to clear out the vegetation to help
filter the water going into the ground. Mr. Mazboudi said Fish and Game and the Regional
Board has not allowed the City or County to clear vegetation, due to extreme
environmental activists.
Chairman Neely attested to the above comments by Mr. Mazboudi and said that permits
are almost impossible to get for San Diego Creek flood control maintenance.
Mr. Sandoval said that the City Council is in favor of, and the General Plan provides for
keeping the creeks natural with no concrete.
Mr. Mazboudi presented slides of the best available technology the City can implement to
protect MS-4, the storm drain system. The City reviewed the General Plan and an
amendment was adopted in July 2003, which modified and expanded Section 7 of the local
implementation plan for new development and significant redevelopment. All new
developments have potential water quality impacts, but if properly planned, those impacts
can be minimized. Some projects considered to be priority projects are required to include
treatment control best management practices in the design. A copy of the water quality
management plan guidelines was provided in the agenda packet.
Commissioner Cohen asked if the same standards are adhered to by the various Regional
Boards. Mr. Mazboudi responded that every Regional Board is independent and the
requirements aren’t as bad as they seem. Education of staff and residents is important so
that everyone works together to protect our water from pollution. Mr. Sandoval said that the
Court found that the Los Angeles Regional Board overstepped its boundaries in trying to
stop the City of Los Angeles from cleaning storm drains.
Chairman Neely acknowledged Mr. Mazboudi for his expertise.
Mr. Ramsey said stables are incorporating best management practices (BMP’s) and
directing wash racks into the sanitary sewer system. Mr. Mazboudi is trying to find
economical ways for the stables to recycle all their manure. Mr. Ramsey said the Freddie
Love lease and similar land use agreements would be handled properly in the future. Mr.
Mazboudi said controls are now in place and that City Council is supportive of actions to
protect the environment.
Commissioner Cohen thanked Mr. Mazboudi for educating staff, businesses and children,
and asked how actively involved he is with projects. Mr. Mazboudi said he is involved in
every project. Chairman Neely said the Design Review Committee would like to get more
PC Meeting 4 January 13,2004
involved in the WQMP and asked if the process could be amended. Mr. Mazboudi
responded that he had requested the Honeyman Ranch water quality management plan.
Commissioner Cardoza thanked Mr. Mazboudi and asked about runoff from hard surfaces
onto greenbelts, mosquito abatement, the possibility of a barren gateway to the city, and
that the DRC suggested natural turf rather than artificial turf. Mr. Mazboudi responded that
the City complies with Orange County Vector Control regulations that water has to go
within 72 hours so that mosquitos don’t breed, that native plants can be pretty, we are
working with Caltrans, and that artificial turf is a treatment control that doesn’t require
water, pesticides or fertilizer.
Commissioner Neely said there is a balance to be maintained between Vector Control and
flood contol projects on a larger scale.
COMMlSSlONlSTAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Ramsey discussed the items to be considered at the January 27, 2004 meeting.
Commissioner Cohen asked when the Commission would receive the Environmental
Impact Report for J. Serra. Mr. Ramsey responded that it would be in approximately one
month. Commissioner Cohen said there is an abundance of signage at the Rancho Ortega
Center and a dental office banner sign. Mr. Ramsey said that he will discuss this with staff.
v Commissioner Ratcliffe asked about the status of Stonybrook off Via Escolade. Mr.
Ramsey responded that he will ask Mr. Greenbauer for the status.
Commissioner Allevato asked Mr. Ramsey to thank staff for responding to his request to
remove vegetation that was blocking the view for motorists.
Mr. Ramsey suggested that Commissioners drive by the Cliff Blank residence.
Commissioners Ratcliffe and Cardoza reported that the City Council decided not to do
anything right away about the parking lot in Los Rios and that staff was given additional
time to look at alternate RV storage areas.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at
9:15 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at 7:OO p.m. in
the Council Chambers.
Approved :
William Ramsey, AICP,
Secretary
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