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PC Minutes-2004-01-1332400PASEOADELANTO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. CA 92675 (949) 493-1 171 (949) 493 1053 FAX \I It 11 \~ltl/ll~lll~ ~lpl~tt~1l10 ory 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. - 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 Ism L