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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 1aMINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2009 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Flores called the meeting to order at 6:01 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE F ;€ mss' Commissioner Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegianc ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN FLORES %jam VICE - CHAIRMAN GON Zy COMMISSIONER MENDC' COMMISSIONER O'NEAC COMMISSIONER ZANELLI ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT Also pry fit w r ting y "mmunity Development Director Weiner, Deputy City Attorney Winterswy`\ ublicfk Director /City Engineer Seumalo, Planning �� Consult*,Coury, Planmr"g Consult t Donahoe, and Office Specialist Harrington. TOM- 1. Minutes for the following Planning Commission Meeting(s) a. July 21, 2009 b. August 4, 2009 (meeting was cancelled) Recommendation: approval Agenda Item 10. Page 1 of 9 A motion was made by Commissioner Zanelli and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to approve the Consent Calendar. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE - CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE PUBLIC HEARING(S) 2. Conditional Use Permit No. 2009 -06 and a Minor Design Review — "Royal Street Communications" Wireless Cellular Tower Facility located at 17701 Sunnyslope Avenue. Recommendations: a. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2009 -06, and b. Adopt a resolution approving a Minor Design Review for a Cellular Tower Facility. Chairman Flores opened the Public Hearing at 6:03 p.m. Acting Community Development Director Weiner provided a brief overview of the project to the Planning Commission. He introduced Planning Consultant Coury to the Planning Commission and indicated he would provide more details of the project. Planning Consultant Coury indicated the applicant submitted an application for a Minor Design Review and a Conditional Use Permit in order to enable to locate six (6) new telecommunication panels at an existing water tank facility that is owned by Elsinore Water District. He noted the facility would be visible from Lakeshore Drive as well as the surrounding properties adjacent to the structure. He stated staff recommends approval of the project and the applicant is available to answer any questions the Commission may have. Chairman Flores requested the applicant approach the dais. Monica Moretta, representing Royal Street Communications, Inc. stated that the applicant agrees to the Conditions of Approval. She stated she would be available to answer any questions the Commission may have. Agenda Item I 0. Page 2 of 9 Chairman Flores requested any public speakers to speak either for or against the project. There being no public speakers, Chairman Flores closed the Public Hearing at 6:05 p.m. and brought the discussion back to the dais for Commissioner comments. Commissioner O'Neal indicated he would not be able to vote for the project unless there would be some type of screening. He indicated he has been in communication with many residents near the area of the project and they would like to have it screened. He asked Planning Consultant Coury if there had been any discussion regarding the projects design. Planning Consultant Coury replied by saying he briefly discussed stealthing the project with the applicant. He stated in order for the area to appear natural and since there is no irrigation, staff felt that as an alternative the column would be painted to match the water tank. Vice -Chair Gonzales asked the applicant how many more cell towers she anticipates would be brought to the City. Monica Moretta responded by saying whenever there is a need for coverage capacity, it is necessary for the carrier to comply with FCC requirements in order to provide service to their customers. Chairman Flores asked the applicant if she knew when the tank was built Monica Moretta responded by saying she does not have the specific date that the water tank was constructed. She stated the applicant had looked into possibly piggybacking on the tank; however the facility is only fifty (50) feet in height and there must be a separation between carriers of ten (10) feet. Chairman Flores asked what color the cell tower would be painted. Monica Moretta responded by saying the material around the antennas would be hidden. She stated they would be painted and designed to match the water tank which is light beige. Chairman Flores asked if staff have requested a different design before it was presented to the Planning Commission. Acting Community Development Director Weiner responded by saying it could have been designed differently. He stated there wasn't much that could have been done for that area. Commissioner Mendoza pointed out the increase of cell towers brought before the Planning Commission. He stated sooner or later the housing market is going to increase and now the Commission needs to be careful on future towers. Agenda Item I 0. Page 3 of 9 Acting Community Development Director Weiner replied by saying staff is currently working on the telecommunications ordinance and staff would address all of the Commissions concerns. Commissioner Mendoza stated that he would like to see the telecommunications ordinance established or the cell tower projects slow down in order for the Commission has guidelines. There being no further comments, Chairman Flores requested the reading of the Resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Zanelli, seconded by Vice -Chair Gonzales to adopt Resolution No. 2009 -42 approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2009 -06 located at 17701 Sunnyslope Avenue. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE - CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: COMMISSIONER O'NEAL ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE A motion was made by Commissioner Zanelli and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to adopt Resolution No. 2009 -43, approving a Minor Design Review for the Design and Construction of a Wireless Antenna Tower Facility located at 17701 Sunnyslope Avenue. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE - CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: COMMISSIONER O'NEAL ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Agenda Item 1 0.. Page 4 of 9 3. Conditional Use Permit No. 2009 -05 and a Minor Design Review for a Telecommunication Facility at the Outhuiise RV Park Recommendations: c. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2009 -05, and d. Adopt a resolution approving a Minor Design Review for a telecommunications facility at the Outhuijse RV Park. Chairman Flores opened the Public Hearing at 6:22 p.m. Acting Community Development Director Weiner provided a brief overview of the project and introduced Planning Consultant Donahoe who would provide the reading of the staff report to the Commission. Planning Consultant Donahoe indicated the project site is at the Outhuijse RV Park and campground located on the south side of Riverside Drive between Eisenhower and Lake Crest Drive. She stated the applicant proposes to construct a 55 foot tall monopine with a 400 square foot unmanned telecommunications equipment storage facility at the campground consuming approximately two RV spaces 85 feet from the centerline of Riverside Drive. She noted that staff has conditioned the project to have landscaping and irrigation on all four sides of the storage facility which would soften the impact of the masonry wall enclosure. She stated it is also conditioned to improve the existing landscaping at the site by clearing weeds and debris, trimming and pruning the palms, removing the overgrown fronds, and replanting dead or missing plants, shrubs and groundcover. She indicated she received a request by the applicant to revise Conditions of Approval No. 13D, and 14 thru 16. She stated 13D discusses the limits of the landscaping maintenance and Condition No. 14 speaks of the existing trash enclosure on the property. Condition No. 15 speaks of the signage necessary and lastly she stated Condition No. 16 is being request to be deleted. She stated staff supports the project and recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving the Minor Design Review and CUP along with the amended Conditions of Approval. She stated the applicant would be available to answer any questions the Commission may have. Chairman Flores requested the applicant approach the podium. Monica Moretta, representing Royal Street Communications clarified the reasons why it was necessary to change the location of this proposal facility from the Seers Plaza to the Outhuijse facility. She stated there have been leasing issues with the Seers property. In addition, the original proposed project was getting to close to the residential development and it was not the purpose of Royal Street Communications to propose a facility that is going to be controversial. Royal Street Communications has been working with the property owner to modify the Conditions in order to comply with current City Standards and City Codes. She stated Royal Street Communications will accept the Conditions of Approval as modified. Chairman Flores requested any public speakers to come forward. Agenda Item I Page 5 of 9 There being no public speakers, Chairman Flores closed the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. and brought the discussion back to the dais for Commissioner comments. Vice -Chair Gonzales asked the applicant to clarify why the applicant chose not to have the cell tower constructed near the Seers Plaza. Monica Moretta, replied by saying the original location of the cell tower was to be the parking lot at the Seers Plaza. She stated it would have taken up several parking spaces. She also indicated that the location would not have been appropriate as there were not enough tall trees in the area to screen the view from Riverside Drive. Commissioner Mendoza thanked the applicant and staff for fixing the foreseeable problem. He stressed to staff the importance of having a cell tower ordinance in order for the future cell towers to be consistent. Commissioner O'Neal asked for clarification on why Condition No. 16 is being requested to be deleted. Commissioner Zanelli responded by saying the applicant does not feel it is their obligation to pave the driveway from Riverside Drive to the lake, which is well beyond the base of the facility. Commissioner O'Neal concurred with Commissioner Mendoza on the necessity of having an ordinance to regulate cell towers. Commissioner Zanelli indicated he prefers the current location rather than the Seers Plaza site as it blends in better. Chairman Flores asked if any of the existing Palm trees would be trimmed and would the applicant provide any new pavement or be moving any existing unit from the area. Monica Moretta replied by saying the applicant increased the height of the tower to 55 feet in order for it look more natural. Therefore they are not going to trim any existing trees on the property. She stated they would not be doing any paving and the maintenance of the facility would be conducted once a month. Melissa Robillard, property owner representative clarified that the two trailers would be re- located. Commissioner Mendoza pointed out to the applicant to be aware of the working hours. A motion was made by Commissioner Mendoza and seconded by Commissioner Zanelli to adopt Resolution No. 2009 -44 approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2009- 05 including the changes to the Conditions of Approval. The following vote resulted: Agenda Item Page 6 of 9 AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE - CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE A motion was made by Commissioner O'Neal and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to adopt Resolution No. 2009 -45 approving a Minor Design Review for the Royal Street Communications Telecommunications facility at the Outhuijse RV Park. The following vote resulted: AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE - CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE BUSINESS ITEM None STAFF COMMENTS Public Works Director /City Engineer Seumalo commented on the following: He spoke of the 1 -15 Freeway /74 Interchange project. He stated it would be necessary to have work completed during the night in order to work on the signal loops and stripping. He spoke of two additional CIP projects going before the City Council. One is phase four (4) of the gravel road paving and the other is the infill curb, gutter and sidewalk which is an annual program. He provided an update regarding the Diamond Drive paving from 1 -15 to Lakeshore. He stated the project is in design which is about 85% complete. He stated the project at Lakeshore Drive and Illinois is also about 85% complete. Agenda Item Page 7 of 9 Acting Community Development Director Weiner commented on the following: • He spoke of the Mayor's State of the City Address to be held on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at the Diamond Club. • He advised the Commission that Laing Homes is now in foreclosure including the golf course, however he noted the golf course would continue operating. PLANNING COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Chairman Flores commented on the following: • He asked the Public Works Director /City Engineer Seumalo about the sidewalks along Dexter and Central and why there is handicap only on one side of the walkway. Public Works Director /City Engineer Seumalo stated he would research the area and get back with him. Vice - Chairman Gonzales commented on the following: • He asked staff if the City would be trimming any City owned street Palm trees as they have done in the past. Acting Community Development Director Weiner advised the Commission that he would get back with them on that issue. • He suggested to Public Works Director /City Engineer Seumalo on having the driveway in front of Home Depot painted with an arrow to help with the congestion. Public Works Director /City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying he would look into it. Commissioner Mendoza commented on the following: • He asked for clarification regarding the turn signal at Dexter & Central Avenue. Public Works Director /City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying the turn pocket could interfere with the southerly driveway of the Arco Gas Station. • He spoke of Laing Homes and how sorry he was to hear the news of the foreclosure. • He spoke of how the stadium is organizing concerts which he stated is great to see as it would be revenue to the City. Commissioner O'Neal commented on the following: • He asked staff if there would be a Planning Commission meeting on the 1 St of September. Acting Community Development Director Weiner responded by saying "Yes there would be a meeting." Commissioner Zanelli commented on the following: • He asked Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk if there are any updates regarding the Lake Street Market Place. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk replied by saying there are no current updates. Agenda Item Page 8 of 9 He spoke of the recent concert held at the Diamond Stadium which he indicated was sold out. He pointed out the lack of advertising for the concerts and requested information on how he could be informed of any upcoming events. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk advised Commissioner Zanelli that some of the events are advertised on the radio. Acting Community Development Director Weiner indicated that the events would also be posted on the Diamonds future freeway sign. He spoke of the Rite -Aid center at Machado and Lakeshore. He asked if the building could be occupied without the sprinkler system being installed. Public Works Director /City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying it is a Fire Department requirement. He indicated there could be a hold up on the occupancy of the building because there are still some street improvements that are necessary. ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to the September 1, 2009, Regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. located at 183 N. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA. 92530. Chairman Flores adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. JIMMY FLORES, CHAIRMAN PLANNING COMMISSION Respectfully Submitted, DANA PORCHE OFFICE SPECIALIST III ATTEST: TOM WEINER ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Agenda Item Page 9 of 9