Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/1990APPROVED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 FREMONT ROAD LOS ALTOS HILLS, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 1990 cc: Reel #3-90 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Comiso, Carico, Jones, Pahl, Stutz. Absent: Commissioner Noel. Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works and Ann Jamison, Planning Director. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR 2.1 Approval of the minutes of January 10th and 24th, 1990. January 10th: Commissioner Comiso removed the minutes of January 10th, 1990. She wished to clarify Item 6.1 LANDS OF PAULNOCK under Planning Commission Disclosures that the last line is Commissioner Comiso's disclosure, not Commissioner Carico's. Commissioner Carico was absent from the January 10th meeting. Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Road, Chairman of the Pathways Committee wished to clarify her statement on Item 6.1, LANDS OF PAULNOCK, Page 3. She wished to say that as one example, Oleanders should not be planted as Oleanders would be too obstructive. January 24th: Commissioner Stutz removed the minutes of January 24th, 1990 to clarify the Report From the Site Development Committee Meeting of January 16th, 1990. The Ashman's application was for an addition, remodel, and swimming pool, not landscaping, and Commissioner Stutz noted the Ashman's are not to the stage of development where a landscape plan is apposite. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Approved February 14th, 1990 Page 2 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Comiso, and passed to approve the minutes of January 10th, 1990. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Comiso, Jones, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Noel ABSTAIN: Commissioner Carico MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Comiso, and passed to approve the minutes of January 24th, 1990. AYES: Commissioners Comiso, Jones, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Noel ABSTAIN: Chairman Emling, Commissioner Carico 3. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7TH, 1990 Commissioner Comiso noted that the City Council had presented a proclamation designating the week of February 5th as 'Scouting Recognition Week'. She reported that the Public Hearing for LANDS OF RAMAN a City Council appeal of a Planning Commission action had been denied and the City Council upheld the Planning Commission approval by a 3-1 vote. She also reported on the Public Hearing for LANDS OF NG, a City Council appeal of a Planning Commission action. At Commissioner Comiso's request, Ann Jamison explained that the motion to uphold the Planning Commission action had failed, and the City Council could bring the item up at the next City Council Meeting. However, the two Councilmembers who had voted against the motion had indicated they did not expect to bring this issue up again. Commissioner Comiso further reported on LANDS OF CLAUSEN access and intersection design. The City Council voted that St. Nicholas school does not have to change the driveway, and that Town Hall Staff work with the appropriate organizations to address safety concerns related to the area's design. Commissioner Comiso reported that LANDS OF FINN annexation proposal had been approved. She also noted that rescheduling of the Joint City Council - Planning Commission meeting has been continued to the next full City Council meeting so all councilmembers could participate in the decision making. She further noted that City Manager Tom Frutchey has presented information on the Town recycling program scheduled to commence in July, 1990. Chairman Emling noted that the LANDS OF BELLUCCI Final Map had also been \r reviewed. Commissioner Comiso reported that the Final Subdivision Map had been approved. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 14th, 1990 Page 3 Approved 4. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF JANUARY 30TH AND FEBRUARY 6TH January 30th: Ann Jamison reported that three applications were reviewed and approved. Steinmetz - Pool and Pool house, Pacific West Investments - Landscape Plantings, Borrall - Minor Remodel. And the Subdivision Committee reviewed two subdivision applications. Nelson - two lots: Conditional acceptance of driveway encroachment, curvilinear nature of the driveway was found to be beneficial and conditions for approval were established. Fowler - two lots: Staff outlined concerns with the 27% average slope of one proposed lot and its lack off viability as a building site. Realignment of the lot line was recommended. The Town Geologist had noted concerns with the property, that a 60 foot wide public right-of-way was not possible; a conditional exception would be required to decrease the public right-of-way down to 40 feet. February 6th: Ann Jamison reported that Marcin - Landscape Plantings, Pool, and Pool House Remodel was approved. Commissioner Comiso questioned Staff on the status of the Henning's chimney, which is too tall. Ann Jamison reported that the Building Official had notified the owners that the chimneys must be brought into compliance before a certificate of occupancy will be issued. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Emling and passed to agendize as an urgency item under 7.1 a discussion of the Staff Report to the City Council regarding the Burger variance, and to move the existing item 7.1 to 7.2. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Comiso, Jones, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Noel 5. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 LANDS OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS, Purissima Road at Viscaino Road, A request by Sun Country Cable for a Conditional Use L Permit to allow a cable television head -end site. �r Ann Jamison introduced this item, outlining the proposal and noting that Staff has reviewed several other sites, that this site can best accomodate this use, and this usage PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Approved February 14th, 1990 Page 4 will blend well with the existing conditions of the site. She also outlined the minimum conditions recommended by Staff. The commissioners discussed the application relative to having only the one site agendized for consideration. Commissioner Emling noted that a proposal for the one site was the applicant's decision. Commissioner Carico suggested that it was not up to the Planning Commission to choose which sites the applicant should request consideration of. Commissioner Comiso expressed concerns that the Commission was only reviewing one site when there were apparently three viable sites deserving their consideration. Planning Commission Disclosures Commissioner Carico had not spoken to anyone regarding the site and had been on the Site Development Committee when the Page Mill Road site was considered. Commissioner Comiso noted she has been attending activities at the Little League field over the last seven years. She noted she had spoken with Staff at length and had requested a chart of all sites considered. Commissioner Jones had met with a representative of Sun Country Cable during the election campaign but hadn't discussed the sites. He noted that some properties neighboring the proposed site received notification of the Public Hearing. And also noted he had visited the site that afternoon. Commission Pahl had been to the site and that he was not aware of any other sites being considered. Commissioner Stutz noted she is familiar with the site, that she had not spoken with Sun Country Cable and has only received general correspondence from the company. Commissioner Emling had been in touch with Sun Country Cable, was on the Water District Committee that reviewed the Water District site and noted his attendance at Water District meetings. He further noted he had spoken with Lynn Simpson in November and had gone to seven different sites to look at other alternatives. The Public Hearing was opened. Lynn Simpson, Sun Country Cable, introduced herself and explained Sun Country Cable's criterion for choosing a site including cable television signal reception, service access, minimum visual impact and appropriate land use, and noted Sun Country Cable's sensitivity to neighbors' concerns. She also reviewed the problems and concerns with other proposed sites; these sites included the maintenance yard, Bullis School, the Bertram' and Gaither's properties, Foothill Junior College. Her conclusion was the proposed site met all their criterion, including considerations for timely installation, and she noted Sun Country's willingness to take into account safety, liability, and any other conditions relative to siting the cable equipment. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 14th, 1990 Page 5 Approved Commissioner Carico noted they had been looking for a site for 2-1/2 years and questioned whether the equipment would cause interference with any other types of reception. Ms. Simpson responded that it would not. Commissioner Comiso questioned whether Westwind Barn had been given consideration as a possible site. Ms. Simpson responded that a major problem with the site was compatibility of use as it is an open space preserve and there was concern that allowing this use would set a precedent for other requests for usage of this area. Commissioner Comiso also questioned whether Little League had been contacted regarding the proposal, and she expressed concern for the safety of the children when they were at the field as it would interrupt a path heavily used by the children during Little League activities. Ms. Simpson responded that no one from Little League had been contacted. She noted that every conceivable safety measure had been built into the proposal and parking accomodations and a walkway were included in the design. Fred Pilster, 12002 Old Snakey, President of the Los Altos Hills Little League and representing the families involved with Little League, announced and invited attendance at the Little League season's Opening Day and parade scheduled for March 31st, 1990. Mr. Pilster noted that the Little League organization had not been consulted and had only heard about the proposal the preceeding night. He requested that the Planning Commission reject the proposal in order for Little League to have their concerns addressed by Sun Country Cable. Claire Lewis, 12723 Canario Way, noted she has been a Town resident for 32 years and that she lives within the 300 foot circle of the proposed site but has no objections to this use of the site. Mary Compton, 27855 Via Ventana, Member - Environmental Design Committee, voiced concerns with issues of safety and mitigation. She suggests the Commissioners not rush into a decision, but look at all the options for siting the cable equipment. Bob Stutz, 25310 Elena, Vice -Chairman - Pathways, President - Horseman's Association, suggested alternative sitings of the equipment on the proposed Purissima Road at Viscaino site. John Dolan, Sun Country Cable, responded with some of the problems and possibilites for siting the equipment. Commissioner Pahl questioned Sun Country Cable relative to moving the equipment once it was built. Mr. Dolan responded that the building could be moved, however the cable system could require readjustment and this could be a significant expense. Commissioner Jones questioned possibilites for moving the satellite dish back and resultingly closer to the ground relative to siting the equipment most effectively. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 14th, 1990 Page 6 Approved Marie George, 12881 Viscaino, expressed concern for neighbors uphill who were appalled to have to look down on the antennae. She suggested restrictions on height and felt there are already enough existing eyesores. Vic Hesterman, 12715 Canario Way, noted he owns the site across from the maintenance yard, and expressed concerns regarding the increase in traffic at the site, noting the increase in traffic, equipment, materials associated with maintenance yard usage. Bill Nielsen, 12168 La Cresta Court, spoke in favor of the proposal. He suggested there will never be a site that no one objects to and that the vast majority of the people in Los Altos Hills are in favor of this site. Nancy Cuparis, Westwind Barn, noted that the problems with Westwind Barn as a potential site include the fierce wind and inaccessibility during rains. She stated there are inherent problems with the Barn site, and the problem was not that Westwind Barn opposed consideration as a site. Commissioner Comiso questioned the possibilities for putting in a paved road. Bob Stutz responded that it is possible, but perhaps not desirable as it is a mud bog. Bob Holms, Architect for the project, addressed concerns regarding the site and noted that relative to childrens' interest in the equipment, while it is not possible to stop children from climbing the eight foot walls surrounding the equipment, there is better protection when it is in site than when it is in a hidden location. Commissioner Comiso further outlined her concerns relative to the childrens' getting to and from each field and to the snack bar without creating a safety hazard in the adjacent area of the park's entry way The commissioners questioned Mr Holm relative to siting the equipment. Elizabeth Piers, 13721 Robleda, expressed concern for the safety of children using the fields. She noted her support for the Westwind Barn site, fearing the site proposed will become crowded and ugly. The Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Pahl questioned Staff regarding possibilites for siting the equipment near the corporation yard barn. Bill Ekern responded that space is at a minimum on one side of the barn, with barely enough room for maintenance equipment. The side of the barn facing the Little League fields holds the fuel tanks. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES tar February 14th, 1990 Page 7 Approved Commissioner Carico noted that while there are concerns with this site, the alternative sites aren't suitable. She noted the proposed site is accessible and with conditions should be recommended to the City Council. Commissioner Pahl expressed concerns with siting a permanent structure in the middle of the site and the future of the property, that flexibility will be taken away from the Town. Commissioner Comiso noted her concern with safety and suggests that the CUP not be granted until it is ascertained that mitigation can be accomplished satisfactorily. She also noted her dissatisfaction with not being afforded the opportunity to review the Westwind Barn site. Commissioner Comiso questioned Staff regarding guarantees that safety concerns be addressed. Ms. Jamison responded that the Town will initiate a lease agreement with Sun Country Cable for the site and also that the Site Development Committee will review these issues if so conditioned by the CUP. Lar MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Stutz to recommend the site based on Staff findings 1, 2 and 3, but that the actual siting of the structure shall be referred to either a Site Development Committee or a subcommittee of the Planning Commission for concerns regarding visual and physical mitigation, siting, safety, and the needs of Sun Country Cable; and with the following conditions: 1. The material used to construct the wall surrounding the facilities shall match the materials of the adjacent structures and facilities. The backs and structural supports of the dishes shall be painted to blend with the buildings and surrounding vegetation. The "bowls" of the dishes shall be painted a light, yet non -reflective, color. The fencing enclosing the antenna tower shall be black vinyl chain-link without batts. 2. A landscape plan shall be submitted with the Site Development application for approval by the Site Development Committee. This plan shall include tree and shrub landscaping adequate to mitigate the views of the walls and dishes from Purissima Road. 3. The exterior materials of the equipment building within the enclosure shall be compatible with the wall and other building materials. 4 4. An arborist, approved by the Town, shall prepare a report outlining �r recommendations for addressing any potential impacts on trees on the site. Specifically, the tree cluster surrounding the tower antenna site and the tree immediately south of and adjacent to the "snack bar' building. Should the arborist PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Approved ` February 14th, 1990 Page 8 note significant concerns with the placement of the tower within the tree cluster on the knoll then alternative sites for the tower antenna shall be pursued. 5. The specific siting and structure design shall be approved by the Site Development Committee. This review should consider a full range of issues related to safety, compatibility with existing and future uses of the site, appropriate mitigation of the facilities from surrounding areas and quality of signal to the cablevision facilities. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Comiso, Jones, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Noel 6.2 LANDS OF QUARRY HILLS, Stonebrook Drive, continuation of a Public Hearing for consideration of a General Plan Amendment, Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Annexation, Pre -zoning, and Tentative Map for a 21 lot subdivision on a 358 acre site. Bill Ekern introduced this item, noting Staff's willingness to answer any questions, and suggesting the issues be addressed in the order they are listed in the Staff Report as this will result in an orderly build-up of facts on which to base well-defined recommendations. Commissioner Carico questioned the time -frame for reviewing the project. Mr. Ekern responded that the City Council will be taking action on March 7th, 1990. Planning Commission Disclosures Commissioner Pahl has visited the site, spoken with John Vidovich, and walked the site with the commissioners at a publicly noticed meeting. He has met Mr. Vidovich several times socially and had no further contact with the applicant or any of his agents. Commissioner Stutz has had no contact or conversation with John Vidovich and has not visited the site this year, but went several times last year. Commissioner Emling had not visited the site since last year. Commissioner Jones visited the site previous to the last public hearing, and has seen John Vidovich socially on one or two occassions. Commissioner Comiso noted she had been to the site three or four times: twice on her own and once at a publicly noticed meeting. Commissioner Carico has had no contact with John Vidovich socially, and has been to the site three times but not since last year. Chairman Emling expressed interest in referring to the political sphere to ask a question kW of Commissioner Comiso. Commissioner Pahl responded that there are no provisions in the Rules of Disclosure for allowing questioning of the commissioners and noted his objections to Chairman Emling's actions. The Public Hearing was opened. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6 February 14th, 1990 Page 9 Approved John Vidovich, DeAnza Properties, outlined the history of the project. He noted that relative to the outcome of Measure B, he is not interested in annexing the property above the Measure B line at this time. He explained that Staff Conditions to allow 300 square acres of Open Space are unreasonable in light of what is required of others developing in the Town, and development of 13 lots is not economically feasible. Mr. Vidovich noted his sorrow for controversy generated with the proposal to develop the top of the ridge. Mr. Vidovich outlined the current proposal for consideration, noting lower volume of water, more road, the addition of two lots, common tennis court. Mr. Vidovich questioned the legality of annexing a portion of a lot. Bill Ekern responded that this is being looked into by the City Attorney. In response to commissioners question, Mr. Vidovich explained his considerations relative to the configuration of the creek parallel to the pond. Mrs. Stutz questioned Mr. Vidovich relative to filling the lake with water and outflow from the lake. Mr. Vidovich noted he wants to do what is environmentally correct and E explained the conceivable time frame for establishing the lake and outflow in light of �r the present drought. Commissioner Stutz further questioned the applicant regarding animals' use of the creek and possibilities for problems should the creek be underground. Mr. Vidovich responded that improvements proposed for the lake result in a more gradual grade down to the lake which would be beneficial to the animals. Libby Lucas, representing the League of Women Voters, questioned dropping the lake down to 700 acre feet. Mr. Vidovich responded that with this proposal for an enclosed pipeline, he could commit to not digging the lake as deep, and the surface area would remain the same. Chairman Emling questioned Mr. Vidovich as to whether he is a known contributor to Measure C. Mr. Vidovich replied that he was. Charles Locatti, 10933 Northcrest Lane, questioned that there is one more Planning Commission Public Hearing and then to the City Council on March 7th, 1990 and noted this seemed a short amount of time. Ed Emling, 11853 Murietta stepped down to speak as a citizen. Mr. Emling questioned Commissioner Comiso as to whether she was a campaign manager for Measure C. Commissioner Comiso responded she was not a campaign manager for Measure C or Measure B and had no conflict of interest relative to this request. Vice Chairman Jones noted the Planning Commission had not adopted Rules of Order and without the City Attorney's advice questioned the competence of the Planning PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6r February 14th, 1990 Page 10 Approved Commission to respond to questions of a political nature. He noted that Mr. Emling could ask his questions and if any commissioners wish to respond, they may do so. Mr. Emling noted he was not asking how the Commissioner voted, but is asking Commissioner Comiso to make a decision on conflict of interest and the appearance of conflict of interest. The Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner Carico reassured Mr. Vidovich that he was not being punished for proceeding with the project in the way he chose relative to the outcome of Measure B. She questioned Mr. Vidovich, in reference to his estimation that it would take a year to annex, regarding additional time for the Planning Commission. Mr. Vidovich requested waiting until the end of the next Planning Commission meeting to see how productive the meetings are. Commissioner Pahl questioned Mr. Vidovich relative to his intent should the upper ridgeline be designated open space. Mr. Vidovich responded that if the land is zoned as jW open space, the Park system does not compensate him; if the land is zoned something else, the Parks have funds to buy it from him. However, he has no specific intention. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Carico, seconded by Stutz to recommend to the City Council annexation of all 360 acres of the Lands of Quarry Hills Subdivision as proposed by Staff. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Comiso, Jones, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Noel Mr. Vidovich noted his objection to this recommendation. Regarding Issue 2, Mr. Vidovich felt the Staff recommendation to change zoning went against the intent of Measure B. He felt it unreasonable to decrease the number of lots from four to one, and noted he could stay with the County, with the existing lots. Bill Ekern clarified that geotechnical reasons limit the development of individual lots regardless of the zoning. He noted the Commission can leave the General Plan as it exists but believes, as outlined in the Staff Report, that the broad implications of modification of the General Plan would be advantageous. Commissioner Comiso noted she sees little advantage in changing the General Plan. LAv MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Comiso to recommend to the City Council that there be no modification of the General Plan as it relates to the Lands of Quarry Hills Subdivision. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Approved 041W February 14th, 1990 Page 11 AYES: Commissioners Comiso, Jones, Pahl NOES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Stutz ABSENT: Commissioner Noel MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Carico, seconded by Stutz to recommend to the City Council for amendment of the Land Use and Circulation Elements of the General Plan of the Town of Los Altos Hills to accomodate the proposed development of the Lands of Quarry Hills; and the formal submittal to the City Council those specific recommendations for the General Plan designations as made by the Planning Commission as outlined in Staff recommended steps 1 and 3. AYES: Commissioners Carico, Stutz NOES: Chairman Emling and Commissioner Comiso, Jones, Pahl ABSENT: Commissioner Noel MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Jones, seconded by Carico to continue Lands of Quarry Hills to the Planning Commission meeting of February 28th, 1990. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Comiso, Jones, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Noel NEW BUSINESS 7.1 Discussion of Staff Report to the City Council regarding Planning Commission consideration of the LANDS OF BURGER variance request. Commissioner Pahl clarified his concern that the Staff Report to the City Council did not accurately reflect the findings made by the Planning Commission regarding the LANDS OF BURGER variance request but only presented the Staff recommended findings for the variance. Ann Jamison responded that she had in no way intended to imply any Staff modification of the Planning Commission's recommendations for approval of this variance. Her intention was to supply the City Council with a brief summary of the Planning Commission action and that a copy of the Staff Report was attached for distribution to the City Council along with a copy of the findings made by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Pahl questioned whether the Planning Commission findings had been included in the City Council's packets, and suggested that if Staff viewed the Planning ,60 Commission's findings as immaterial, then the commissioners wouldn't struggle to make the findings. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Approved 4r February 14th, 1990 Page 12 Commissioner Stutz noted that Staff reports to Council were too brief, and unless individuals attended both meetings, they couldn't be certain what was said. She also referred to Ms. Jamison's report on the Site Development meeting of January 24th, 1990 on the LANDS OF ASHMAN, which were corrected in the minutes of that meeting under item 2.1. Ms. Jamison apologized, noting that in the future she would be certain to bring the agendas for the Site Development meetings. Commissioner Jones requested that versions of documents, specifically minutes, be demarcated as draft or approved. Commissioner Emling commented on Ms. Jamison's thoroughness and helpfulness. Bill Ekern noted that the Staff Summary was a staff initiated document. He further noted that a Planning Commission representative makes a presentation at each City Council meeting of the issues that have been raised at each Planning Commission meeting and the Planning Commissioner can expand upon the Staff summary at their discretion. Commissioner Jones noted it was almost unnecessary to have a Planning Commission representative at each meeting, and referred specifically to the excellence of her report to the City Council at the meeting just after the earthquake. Commissioner Carico expressed her thanks to Ms. Jamison. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Stutz, second by Emling and passed by consensus to refer items 7.2 and 8.1 to the next Planning Commission meeting. Chairman Emling requested that effective utilization of Staff time and how to be effective as Commissioners working with Staff be agendized for the next Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Carico requested that consideration of taping Planning Commission Site Development Committee meetings be agendized for the next Planning Commission meeting. 9. ADIOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laura Johnson Planning Secretary