HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/2008MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
September 8, 2008
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:37 P.M.
CITY HALL ROSS ANNEX
FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM 1600
20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Eric Alderete, Vice Chair
Victoria Betancourt
James Gartner
Christopher Leo, Chairman
Sean H. Mill
Patrick Yrarrazaval
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Harvey De La Torre
STAFF PRESENT:
Karen Haluza, Planning Manager
Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar
MOTION: Mill SECOND: Alderete
VOTE: AYES: Alderete, Betancourt, Gartner, Leo, Mill, Yrarrazaval (6)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: De La Torre (1)
A. MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 25, 2008.
B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT
Pursuant to the Brown Act, the August 25, 2008 Agenda for the Regular Meeting
was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center
Plaza on August 21, 2008 at 4:11 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION:
Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes.
C. MINOR EXCEPTION NO. 2008-02
Filed by Kelly Mullarney, to allow construction of second dwelling attached to free
standing garage at 2412 North Valencia located in the Single Family Residence
(R1) zoning district.
Planning Commission Minutes 1 September 8, 2008
RECOMMENDATION:
Confirm the Zoning Administrator's action approving Minor Exception No. 2008-
02.
* * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * *
BUSINESS CALENDAR
D. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED
PROJECTS)
No disclosures were made.
E. ELECTION OF OFFICER FOR COMMISSION
(Continued by the Planning Commission: July 14, 2008 to July 28, 2008; July 28, 2008 to August 11, 2008;
August 11, 2008 to August 25, 2008, August 25, 2008 to September 8, 2008)
Appoint a Planning Commission Representative to the Historic Resources
Commission for 2008 - 2009.
MOTION: Continue to October 13, 2008.
MOTION: Alderete SECOND: Gartner
VOTE: AYES: Alderete, Betancourt, Gartner, Leo, Mill, Yrarrazaval (6)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: De La Torre (1)
WORK STUDY SESSION
F. PRESENTATION ON ARTIFICIAL TURF
Landscape Development Associate Marvin Ellenbecker introduced Julie
Foerester, a representative with "Your Turf", who gave a presentation regarding
artificial turf products for residential installation. Her presentation included
information regarding the change in product types over the years, the installation
process, cost range, site preparation, longevity, warranty information, product
permeability and drainage. She also provided the Commission with samples of
artificial field turf and residential turf.
The Commission expressed a range of opinions about artificial turf as an
alternative to sod in residential applications as the Commissioners discussed
balancing aesthetics and the benefits of preserving as much natural plant material
as possible with the need to provide alternatives to water-thirsty landscaping and
options for homes where heavy foot traffic makes natural plant materials
infeasible. The Commission directed staff to continue researching the direction
that other cities are taking in regards to artificial turf requirements, guidelines or
standards for residential installation and to return to the Commission with
recommendations.
G. Principal Planner Fregoso confirmed no public attendance at the Council
Chambers. The Planning Commission remained in Conference Room 1600
for the duration of the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes 2 September 8, 2008
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG LED BY CHAIRMAN LEO
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 2005-02 AND
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-10
(Continued by Planning Commission: August 25, 2008 to September 8, 2008)
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Filed by Nexus Companies to amend the terms of an existing development
agreement and conditional use permit to allow the rental of some or all
condominium units for the Skyline at 9 and 15 MacArthur Place.
PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: August 15, 2008
PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 15, 2008
RECOMMENDATION:
Applicant withdrew request.
2. VARIANCE NO. 2008-15
Filed by Jim Bostic, on behalf of Latino Health Access, to reduce on-site parking
and allow a private recreation facility at 602 East Fourth Street in the General
Commercial (C2) zoning district.
PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: August 29, 2008
PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 29, 2008
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RECOMMENDATION:
Continue to October 13, 2008 at the request of applicant.
MOTION: Continue to October 13, 2008.
MOTION: Alderete SECOND: Betancourt
VOTE: AYES: Alderete, Betancourt, Gartner, Leo, Mill, Yrarrazaval (6)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: De La Torre (1)
3. Public Comments (for items not on the agenda)
No public members spoke.
STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS
4. Staff Comments
No comments were made.
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5. Planning Commission Comments
Commissioner Gartner thanked staff for the presentation on artificial turf and
announced he would be absent for the September 22 meeting.
Commissioner Mill announced he would be absent for the September 22
meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes
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September 8, 2008
Commissioner Yrarrazaval commented that he had seen an increase in student
enrollment at his and other schools in the Santa Ana Unified School District that
they attribute to high foreclosures in the Inland Empire region leading to families
moving back to Santa Ana to live with extended family members.
Chair Leo informed the Commission that the YMCA building remains vacant.
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6. Excuse of Absences
Commissioner Yrarrazaval made the motion to excuse the absence of
Commissioner De La Torre; Commissioner Mill seconded the motion and the
Commission voted unanimously to approve.
7. Adjournment 6:31 pm
Martha Ramirez
Recording Secretary
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Planning Commission Minutes
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September 8, 2008