02-0613_CC_Minutes_Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES
June13, 2002
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Bathgate called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
San Juan Capistrano, California, to order at 6:07 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Collene Campbell, David Swerdlin, and Mayor
Bathgate
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Wyatt Hart and Mayor pro tem Gelff
STAFF PRESENT: George Scarborough, City Manager; Meg Monahan, City Clerk;
Thomas Tomlinson, Planning Director; William Huber, Engineering and Building Director
WORK SESSION
WORK SESSION REVIEW OF CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE
MEADOWS AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO EQUESTRIAN FACILITY, GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 01-05
Project Description: On November 20, 2001, the City Council initiated a General Plan
amendment study to determine whether the current land use designations, "residential"
and "open space," should be modified to an "open space recreation" use. The
modification would permit a large commercial equestrian center on the 148 -acre parcel.
A concept plan for this proposed land use has been prepared to introduce the project
and elicit comments from the City Council and community prior to making a formal
application.
Written Communications: Report dated June 13, 2002, prepared by Thomas
Tomlinson, Planning Director. Correspondence was received regarding the proposal
between May 24 and June 13, 2002 from the following individuals: Phyllis Duran Hall,
Ronald E. Malanosky (2 letters), Bill and Marsha Perry, Linda L. Allen, Leon W. Jensen
and Noel F. Jensen, John Allen, President, and the Board of Directors of San Juan Hills
East Homeowners' Association, Block VI, Mr. and Mrs. C. Best, R. C. Turner, Louise E.
and Paul Sifferman, Fredric and Dagmar Apt, Leslie Bonkowski, Lois and Richard
Brown, Mrs. Clarence H. Paulin, Daniel J. Smith, Jr., Faith Hope Bigler, President, and
the Board of Directors of San Juan Hills East Homeowners' Association, Block II, Penny
Fleck, Anna E. Kirby, John and Ellen Wikle.
Presentations: Thomas Tomlinson, Planning Director, provided an introduction to the
project and project applicants.
Ray Polter, Advance Real Estate Services, representing the applicant, reviewed the
history of the site entitlement process. Entitlements exist for development of 275 single -
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family residences and 165 senior apartments. The applicant proposes to replace the
existing entitlements for residential units with a use to support a commercial equestrian
facility. He felt that an equestrian facility would have less impact on the community and
provide greater benefits than the residential units, including reduced traffic impacts, no
increase to community school populations, preservation of open space and prestige.
Ray Schooley, equine consultant, representing the applicant, presented the proposed
site development plan. He stated that access to the site was proposed from two
locations along La Novia. He presented proposed mitigation measures related to
removal of manure, repelling flies, site circulation; and proposed structures. The facility
would accommodate 1,972 equines with 800 parking spaces distributed among various
site facilities. Equine exercise areas were proposed over the former landfill, with
structures located outside the primary landfill area.
Rick Julian, Advanced Real Estate Services, stated that the proposed facility would
include an event center accommodating 300 to 400 attendees. The site development
would improve storm drainage and generate tax and tourist revenues for the City.
Public Comment:
Don Landis was opposed to the equine facility, expressing concerns with odor, housing
for ranch hands, large vehicles on La Novia, traffic, and potential storage of large
vehicles.
Ira Rosenbaum was concerned that the proposal would negatively affect property
values. He questioned the fly removal technology and project feasibility.
Randy Bauden was opposed to the project due to concerns with large vehicles on La
Novia, polluted runoff, and potential odor from the facility.
Ron Malanosky was opposed to the scale of the project and stated that he is allergic to
horses.
Paul Gavin was concerned with traffic and conflicts between large vehicles and
pedestrian uses.
Mike Eggers felt that more information was needed and suggested that a definitive
Environmental Impact Report be prepared prior to making amendments to the General
Plan.
Richard Hill Adams had concerns with potential traffic and site access issues.
John Berney supported the proposal citing successful urban equestrian facilities.
Doug Christie felt the project would be a benefit to the community and youth. He
believed that the facility would raise property values.
Kathy Hobstetter spoke in favor of the equestrian facility. She favored the agrarian use
and said that new technologies are effective in eliminating odor and flies.
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Mark Nielsen was concerned that existing local stables could not compete. He
— " suggested that the proposal should be considered a commercial use, not open space,
and he anticipated heavy traffic.
Lee Goode supported the use and felt that traffic and other issues could be mitigated.
Colleen Buckley Brombach felt the proposal was a beneficial use, it would generate less
traffic than housing and increase property values.
Cheryl Schow said the project would increase property values.
Charlene Thomas was concerned that the development would negatively impact the
environment and suggested a smaller facility.
Council Comment:
Council Member Swerdlin was opposed to the project because it would more than
double the number of horses in the City. He felt that the event center was a beneficial
use to the City, but the proposed location would have too many impacts. He was also
concerned that the development would eventually cause existing stable facilities to
close and be developed into more intense uses.
Council Member Campbell felt the proposal was far too intense and associated negative
impacts, such as traffic and odor, would adversely affect surrounding residential uses.
Mayor Bathgate felt the proposal was far beyond the scale of the community. She could
not support the proposal as presented.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Bathgate adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. to
Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Respectfully
I:AAA
July 2, 2002
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