Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/10/1990APPROVED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 FREMONT ROAD LOS ALTOS HILLS, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10TH, 1990 cc: Cassettes #17-900) 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Chairman Jones and Commissioners Carico, Ellinger, Noel, Pahl, Stutz Absent: Commissioner Comiso Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works; Ann Jamison, Planning Director; Laura Johnson, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 1. There were no presentations from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1 Discussion of information handouts to assist applicants. Ann Jamison referred to the 'Development Guide' handout noting Staff's concerns that the guide may not answer key questions. People tend to become confused recollecting explanations presented at Planning counter meetings with Staff. Staff can refer to the handout during a meeting to ensure information related is understood. The applicant can then refer to the handout at any time after the meeting to recall the information discussed. Ms. Jamison noted Staff had put together a rough draft of a document to address some of the key questions. A lot of the same graphics are used, but Staff has tried to relate them to definitions of terms. She emphasized the handouts should not be used in place of the Zoning Code or Site Development Ordinances. Ms. Jamison noted Staff is also working on a series of handouts that will address the application process for a new residence, for a minor addition, for a pool, etc., so specific concerns with specific types of �ho; applications can be addressed PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES ` October 10th, 1990 Page 2 Approved Commissioner Carico suggested inclusion of information of which Town commissioner, committee member, etc., will address projects and visit sites for review and a timetable for the processes. Commissioner Pahl noted the booklet format was less ominous and suggested merging the documents and including a disclaimer that it doesn't replace the Zoning Code and a separate outline for each process. He also suggested an explanation of pathways and dedication of property to the Town, as it is a question he is frequently asked by residents during site visits. Ann Jamison noted Staff's intention was to keep the handout focused, and not attempt to address every question, only those most frequently asked at the counter. Commissioner Ellinger noted the scope and content of the handout was on the right track and noted the process handouts should be put in equally straightforward terms. Commissioner Ellinger noted his interest in the handouts and volunteered his personal time to help with them. Commissioner Stutz referred to the 'General Information for Homeowners, k, Contractors and Architects' handout, the last paragraph, "in addition" be removed and emphasis be placed on "may be made more stringent" to make the language stronger. Commissioner Ellinger suggested an explanation of the intent of the ordinances, preservation of the rural nature, and contours of the land, stepping down, etc., to give people an understanding of the basis for reducing from the maximum limits. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Stutz and passed by consensus to recommend the City Council approve incorporation of the two drafts along with the comments provided by the Commission to Staff and provide the Commission with a draft for review and final comments so the Commission can start to look at editorial changes or additions/subtractions. 4.2 Discussion of issues identified by the Commission Chairman Jones wished to discuss decorum. He noted commissioners speaking to each other during Public Hearings and expressed concern the audience may think the Planning Commission is not paying attention to speakers and that the behavior detracts from the image of the Commission. He noted his intention to gavel any audience members speaking loudly, and referred to the last meeting when he asked kw the audience to refrain from applauding speakers. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10th, 1990 4 Page 3 Approved The Commission discussed the behavior of the Commission and that of other local boards and commissions. In response to a question from Chairman Jones, Ann Jamison noted that in her experience this was the only planning commission that debates with the public who come to offer input at Public Hearings. She noted it went beyond ascertaining facts, to debating the merits of an application with individuals. Commissioner Pahl noted if he was on the floor, he would rather have a dialogue as it would indicate he was being listened to. He noted recognition this was not a usual practice but felt it was a positive aspect of the Planning Commission. Commissioner Noel noted with the current commission, every commissioner contributes input and he would not like to see any changes. Commissioner Ellinger suggested some of the discussions that go back and forth would be better directed through the Chair, for example amending conditions of approval, but that some give and take has to exist to establish condition acceptable to the Town and the applicant. Chairman Jones noted, that although it was proper, discussion doesn't necessarily have to be through the Chair unless everyone is uncomfortable with it or it gets unruly. Commissioner Carico felt people who attack Staff were way out of order, and noted she wished the Chair would rule them as such. Commissioner Pahl referred to the First Amendment, noting he felt people had the right to say what they think about the Planning Commission, Staff, and the Town. The Planning Commission discussed freedom of speech and speaking out of order. Chairman Jones requested Staff's input. Ann Jamison felt there was a measure between an appropriate demonstration of anger at a situation, but the abuse Staff experiences goes well beyond that. Bill Ekern noted Staff refrains from engaging in negative dialogue with applicants. He noted Staff's concerns that the Planning Commission and City Council recognize applicants and agents may expand the truth when they approach the dais. He noted concern that applicants sense if they bully people long enough at the dais they will get their way, which encourages them to get to the Commission through Staff. Staff `, would like to be taken out of that loop and have applicants work directly with the Planning Commission and not have Staff act as intermediaries. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10th, 1990 Page 4 Approved Commissioner Ellinger noted a personal attack or badgering an individual should not be permitted. Commissioner Carico noted business is better conducted with dignity and honesty. She wouldn't think of insulting an applicant and felt the Commission and Staff shouldn't be insulted, either. Commissioner Noel noted if an application is approved, applicants never complain about their treatment. If an application is not approved, the slightest issue can provoke an applicant's anger. Chairman Jones requested any other discussion of Planning Commission issues. Commissioner Pahl suggested the Commission address the General Plan and Housing Element. At Commissioner Carico's request, Ann Jamison reported on the status of the Housing Element, noting the State's response to the most recent version was an approximately five page letter of issues deficit with it. It was to go back in July of this year, as were housing elements in all cities in the state, but did not. She noted only one city in the county, the City of Mountain View, has an approved housing plan and the majority of the cities in the state do not. Commissioner Noel felt the Housing Element should be the Commission's first priority, as eventually the State will address the issue and find Los Altos Hills' archaic. Commissioner Pahl noted the Town may be particularly susceptible to attention from the State, and the Town needs to show effort is being made to address deficiencies in the Housing Element. The Commission discussed the amount of time necessary to address the Housing Element. Commissioner Stutz noted preference for setting up a schedule for progression through the Housing Element. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Noel to request that the City Council permit the Planning Commission to work on as their first project the Housing Element of the General Plan and to ask Staff to prepare a proposed schedule and timeline for addressing the concerns of the Housing Element for Planning Commission approval and submission to the City Council. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10th, 1990 k, Page 5 Approved AYES: Chairman Jones and Commissioners Carico, Ellinger, Noel, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Comiso 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 26. 1990 Commissioner Pahl wished to wished to clarify the minutes regarding LANDS OF LANDS OF HAU, the last paragraph of the public hearing to state: "Commissioner Pahl noted it seemed people are asking the Commission to retroactively modify the ordinances for this particular applicant, who is in fact not asking for anything the ordinances do not permit. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Jones and passed by consensus, with Commissioner Carico abstaining, to approve the minutes of September 26th, 1990. 7. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 3RD, 1990 Commissioner Noel reported LANDS OF RAFFIN, 13468 Three Forks Lane: A request for a variance to the maximum floor area and maximum development area limitations and a site development permit for an addition to a residence, and LANDS OF HAU, 13901 West Edith Road: A request for a site development permit for a new primary dwelling and second unit, will be reviewed by the City Council at the meeting of October 17,1990. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 2ND, 1990 October 2nd, 1990: Ann Jamison reported one item was reviewed and approved: Varsanyi - Landscaping. Some additional landscaping was required, preservation of an Oak tree and Juniper hedge was required. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laura Johnson Planning Secretary