PC Minutes-2007-07-10
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman
Cardoza at 7:07 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Robert Cardoza, Chairman
Sheldon Cohen, Vice Chairman
Ginny Kerr
Tim Neely
Gene Ratcliffe
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff members in attendance: Steven Apple, Planning Director; Jason Retterer,
Deputy City Attorney; Grant Taylor, Assistant Planning Director; David Contreras,
Associate Planner; Brian Perry, Senior Civil Engineer; Sue McCullough,
Recording Secretary.
Chairman Cardoza welcomed Grant Taylor, Assistant Planning Director, and
Virginia Kerr, Planning Commissioner.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted
by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these
items. If discussion is desired, that item may be removed from the Consent
Calendar and will be considered separately.
PC Meeting Minutes 2 July 10, 2007
1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF JUNE 12, 2007
Minutes of June 12, 2007: Vice Chairman Cohen moved approval, seconded by
Commissioner Ratcliffe. The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with
Commissioner Kerr abstaining due to her absence at the June 12, 2007 meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 05-04, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
(CUP) 05-09; THE CHURCH IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO REQUESTS
APPROVAL OF A FREESTANDING, 10,463 SQUARE FOOT ONE STORY
CHURCH BUILDING WITH 1,519 SF OF MEZZANINE AREA FOR STORAGE
AND OFFICE PURPOSES, AND 2620 SF OF SANCTUARY ON A 27,443
SQUARE FOOT PARCEL LOCATED AT 31731 SAN JUAN CREEK RD.
(APPLICANT: GARY MARTIN)
Mr. Apple said that on July 10, 2007 it was brought to staff’s attention that there
may be a third user of the proposed shared parking lot. Staff is recommending a
continuance to a time certain for at least one month and is asking the applicant to
provide information as to how this parking arrangement would work with other
people already using the proposed parking lot.
Vice Chairman Cohen asked the intended use and hours of use for the proposed
classrooms and basketball court. Mr. Apple said that staff will be sure those
issues are addressed.
Motion
Vice Chairman Cohen moved, seconded by Commissioner Ratcliffe to continue
the item to the August 14, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. The motion
passed by a vote of 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. WORK SESSION; BUS BENCH SHELTERS (CIP 409), A REQUEST
FOR INPUT ON DESIGN FOR 5 PROPOSED LOCATIONS ALONG CAMINO
CAPISTRANO THAT HAVE BEEN DETERMINED TO HAVE THE HIGHEST
RIDER SHIP. (APPLICANT: CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO)
Written Communications
July 10, 2007
Project Manager
PC Meeting Minutes 3 July 10, 2007
Brian Perry, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer, City of San Juan Capistrano
Architect
Roy Nunn, Nunn Architecture
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Perry presented the staff report and said that Roy Nunn, project architect, is
available to respond to architectural questions.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Vice Chairman Cohen asked if there is any possible funding from OCTA or any
other outside source. Mr. Perry said OCTA is doing some ADA work at bus stops
and curb returns and there is a possibility of some outside funding. Vice
Chairman Cohen said in San Diego there are wooden arm rests along the
benches. Mr. Perry said bus stop benches provided by Public Works typically
have cast iron ends and may have a center section to prevent people from
sleeping on the benches.
Chairman Cardoza asked what design criteria was presented to the consultant
such as size, set back requirements of benching and any street furniture, lighting,
and color according to DRC review of City Council objectives. Mr. Perry said that
City Council input would be requested prior to considering costly
recommendations such as individual trash container designs and landscaping.
Commissioner Kerr asked about the cost savings of having one design to identify
the bus stop. Roy Nunn, Nunn Architecture, said using one style is possible, but
individuality is desirable in rustic historic areas.
Commissioner Ratcliffe voiced concern that the single slanted roof in location #1
may not provide sun protection. Mr. Nunn said the roof can be tilted for maximum
coverage.
Commissioner Kerr voiced concern regarding lack of space at location #4 near
the tennis courts.
Chairman Cardoza asked for clarification regarding the procedure. Mr. Perry said
Planning Commission recommendations would be taken to City Council.
Chairman Cardoza said the DRC is concerned about how the various locations
are to be treated, and stated that a detailed description of the various designs
would benefit the City Council or any review body. Mr. Perry said that details
aren’t necessary until City Council approval is granted. Chairman Cardoza said
that more refinement needs to take place prior to forwarding to City Council.
Commissioner Ratcliffe said she endorses the two northernmost locations and
the southern location in front of the Ross Center.
PC Meeting Minutes 4 July 10, 2007
Vice Chairman Cohen said that prior to recommendations to City Council, there
is a need for a cost analysis of individual custom shelters versus one standard
design, including if they meet ADA requirements and are within budget. Mr. Nunn
said there are ways of keeping costs down.
Commissioner Neely said he agrees with Chairman Cardoza’s comments
regarding design issues and the need for City Council direction before returning
the item to the DRC.
Commissioner Kerr voiced concern regarding the massing, and said that she
would like to see smaller bases and design consistency. She asked the number
of people to be accommodated in a shelter. Mr. Perry said that other than the
Stone Field location with 40-50 students, most of the locations don’t have many
riders.
Chairman Cardoza suggested focusing on two or three locations.
Vice Chairman Cohen asked if CUSD had been approached. Mr. Perry said
CUSD could be approached.
Commissioner Ratcliffe suggested prioritizing the need for each shelter in terms
of other sheltered areas in the vicinity.
Chairman Cardoza asked that tonight’s comments be reflected in a
memorandum to City Council at the time the bus shelter concept is presented.
Motion
Vice Chairman Cohen moved, seconded by Chairman Cardoza, to present the
July 10, 2007 Planning Commission comments regarding the bus shelter
concepts in a memorandum to City Council with direction that the matter come
back to the DRC for further review and analysis at such time as Council makes a
determination as to locations and budget for this project. The DRC can then
make recommendations and present findings to the Planning Commission. The
motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
2. CONSIDERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 05-09 LOS
RIOS PARK & PARKING LOT (CIP 465); A REQUEST FOR INPUT ON
ARCHITECTURE PLANS FOR THE LOS RIOS PARK PROJECT. THE
PROJECT IS LOCATED AT 31790 PASEO ADELANTO, GENERALLY
LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 1,000 FEET NORTH OF DEL OBISPO, 400 FEET
SOUTH OF MISSION STREET, 20 FEET WEST OF LOS RIOS STREET, AND
EAST OF PASEO ADELANTO (APPLICANT: CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO)
Written Communications
PC Meeting Minutes 5 July 10, 2007
July 10, 2007
Applicant/ Property Owner
City of San Juan Capistrano, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA
92675
Landscape Architect
David Volz Design, 17050 Bushard Street, Suite 300, Fountain Valley, CA 92706
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Apple said that staff has checked with various Commissions and Committees
regarding this item.
Mr. Contreras said that the intent this evening is to take Commission input and
public comments, and move the item on to the City Council.
Gary Vasquez, David Volz Design, showed the design features of Los Rios Park
improvements, such as drought-tolerant native plant material, unfinished-looking
edges, benches, cobblestone picnic tables, a restroom structure, pedestrian and
equestrian trails, three play areas with two towers and a clatter bridge, three bays
of swing sets, climbing boulders, a sand area, a water pump, saddle riders,
seating areas, an arbor structure, and a decorative varying height wall enclosing
the plaza and depicting prominent Los Rios Street and buildings and San Juan
figures.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Vice Chairman Cohen asked where the playground concept originated. Mr.
Vasquez said it came from the Park, Recreation, and Equestrian Commission.
Vice Chairman Cohen thought the park was supposed to be passive.
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked for clarification of the climbing boulders. Mr.
Vasquez said the manufactured boulders will be 4 feet high. Commissioner
Ratcliffe is concerned that it is inconsistent and Disney-like. Doesn’t fit in
aesthetically.
Chairman Cardoza asked where this item goes next. Mr. Contreras said staff
envisions the item and various committee and commission comments going to
City Council in August. Chairman Cardoza asked if the item is within budget. Mr.
Contreras said the proposal is within budget; the parking lot is decomposed
granite rather than asphalt, and the resulting savings have been redistributed to
the other areas in the park.
Commissioner Ratcliffe said simplifying Los Rios Park to a semi-rural
environment was not based on saving money.
PC Meeting Minutes 6 July 10, 2007
Vice Chairman Cohen asked if staff or Park and Recreation did an inventory of
play equipment in nearby parks. Mr. Contreras said that the early concepts took
into consideration the elements in other parks, the needs assessment was not
wrapped in the Los Rios Park project, and that Ms. Crocker could be asked to
provide a summary of the play equipment at other parks.
Vice Chairman Cohen mentioned potential liability risks of children climbing on
rocks.
Chairman Cardoza would like to see the project proceed and constructed in the
near future.
Vice Chairman Cohen, Chairman Cardoza, and Commissioner Ratcliffe said the
original idea was for a passive park.
Public Comments
Willis Hardy said that he has been involved in this project for 30 years, and spoke
in favor of using epay wood.
Marianne Davidson, 26621 Ramos Street, said the Los Rios residents group is in
favor of a passive park with a rural feeling and limited play equipment.
Kelly Blank, 31661 Lobo Street, spoke in favor of a passive park and said there
are many other parks with playgrounds for children.
Dusty Otero, resident, spoke in favor of a passive park.
Carolyn Gonzales, Zoomar’s Petting Zoo, 31791 Los Rios, spoke in favor of a
passive park.
Yvonne Tchaikovsky, 27367 Paseo Placentia, asked the depth of the horse
trough, which could be a danger to children.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Neely thanked and complimented Mr. Vasquez for his hard work
and efforts to accommodate input from the various committees and perspectives,
and for his minutes of the DRC meeting. Commissioner Neely asked that the
design include the following:
1) Make the south side wall used for historic depiction more rustic and has
concerns at creating a no man’s land behind the wall, next to the property line.
2) Tone down park lighting and keep security lighting by using bollards in the
connecting walkways.
3) A passive park as an extension of the rural ambiance of the Los Rios district
without play equipment or picnic areas.
4) Public arboretum was supposed to be included in the design.
PC Meeting Minutes 7 July 10, 2007
Commissioners Ratcliffe and Kerr and Vice Chairman Cohen endorsed
Commissioner Neely’s comments regarding a passive park with rustic, natural
elements.
Vice Chairman Cohen recommends no recreation at all, keep less recreation and
remove large picnic areas and keep passive.
Chairman Cardoza said that a passive environment attracts the swallows and
other natural wildlife.
Commissioner Kerr said she appreciated the care of the details and appreciated
the equestrian element included. She also supported the passive park concept.
Motion
Commissioner Neely moved, seconded by Commissioner Ratcliffe, to transmit
this item to City Council with recommendation for approval in concept with DRC
comments included as being endorsed by the Planning Commission and that as
a matter of policy recommend all recreational elements other than the
amphitheater at the Montanez adobe to be removed and replaced with
appropriate passive components and the removal of picnic areas. The motion
passed by a vote of 5-0.
COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Apple said that Caltrans announced the release of the Ortega Highway
widening environmental impact document, which is available as a link on the City
website directly to the Caltrans website. There will be a Caltrans meeting at 6
p.m. July 24, 2007.
Vice Chairman Cohen said he would not be present at the July 24 Planning
Commission meeting and asked if Mr. Friess had been contacted. Mr. Apple said
the applicant will attempt to provide the data a week in advance of the July 24,
2007 meeting.
Chairman Cardoza said that he recently attended the City Manager’s meeting to
review the City’s direction regarding open space, traffic, and sign issues.
Chairman Cardoza said he looks forward to the special continued Planning
Commission meeting on Monday, July 16, 2007 in the City Manager’s
Conference Room to discuss the Land Use Code Amendments.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. to a special continued Planning
Commission meeting on Monday, July 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City
Manager’s Conference Room.
PC Meeting Minutes 8 July 10, 2007
Approved:
____________________________________
Steven A. Apple, AICP
Planning Director