Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-22MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2003 HUNTINGTON BEACH CIVIC CENTER 2000 MAIN STREET, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92648 6:15 P.M. - ROOM B-8 CALL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO ORDER P P P P P P P ROLL CALL Davis, Bohr, Stanton, Kokal, Shomaker, Dingwall, Ray A MOTION WAS MADE BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY DINGWALL, TO MOVE PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Davis, Bohr, Stanton, Kokal, Shomaker, Dingwall, Ray NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED A MOTION WAS MADE BY DAVIS, SECOND BY RAY, TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO SPEAK DURING AGENDIZED ITEMS, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Davis, Bohr, Stanton, Kokal, Shomaker, Dingwall, Ray NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED PUBLIC COMMENTS Julie Bixby, Hillgate Lane, Huntington Beach, informed the Commission that the April 22, 2003 Agenda was not posted on the City's website. Larry Barnard, Smokey Circle, Huntington Beach, spoke in opposition to the Poseidon Desalination Plant (Item A-3), voicing concerns about noise and how the plants operations will affect the beach. He also urged the City to concentrate on improving the physical conditions of southern Huntington Beach, including streets, sidewalks, etc. (03p=0422) PC Minutes April 22, 2003 Page 2 Richard Loy, Kahului, Huntington Beach, spoke in opposition to the Poseidon Desalination Plant (Item A-3), stating that southeast Huntington Beach doesn't need another industrial use. He reminded the Commission of an existing earthquake fault line that exists in that area, and asked why the proposed project will pump water to Saddleback Valley. He suggested the City consider another tourist development at the proposed project location. Joey Racano, 5t' Street, Huntington Beach, spoke in opposition to the Poseidon Desalination Plant (Item A-3), calling the plant environmentally destructive because of its infrastructure ties to the AES power generating plant. He also stated that the applicant will contract someone else to construct the facility, and that the proposed location exists along an earthquake fault. He also discussed the affects of brine being discharged into the ocean. A. STUDY SESSION ITEMS 1. PLANNING DEPARTMENT WORK PROGRAM — Howard Zelefsky Howard Zelefsky provided a summary of the Planning Department Work Program and discussed how actual staff hours are dedicated and prioritized by division and project - related activity. He informed the Commission that the annual number of staff hours dedicated to the Planning Commission is approximately 200. The Commission voiced concerns about the number of hours Code Enforcement spends on complaints, and asked why rubbish accumulation falls within their jurisdiction. They also inquired about universal dollar amounts associated with actual staff hours and requested a financial breakdown that includes the estimated revenue generated by issuing citations. Mr. Zelefsky informed the Commission that the City Council provides final approval to the prioritization of major projects, and that City Council approval is required on requests for staff assistance that exceed four (4) hours of staff time. Mr. Zelefsky informed the Commission that application fees are collected by the City to pay for staffs time associated with project preparation and presentation and are not to be considered a fee for profit. Mr. Zelefsky informed the Commission that the City was currently conducting a study to update/establish fully burdened rates for all City staff. The Commission inquired about the status of past recommendations for Code Amendments with a priority "C". Staff replied that with limited staff resources, the request is not a priority. Mr. Zelefsky explained the timeline process for entitlements, including State law pertaining to permit streamlining requirements. He also made a comparison of the number of planners in the Planning Department with other cities that are similar in size and have comparable development activity (i.e., Anaheim, Irvine). He stated that Huntington Beach's staff size per capita is one of the lowest in the County of Orange. (03AG0422) PC Minutes April 22, 2003 Page 3 2. LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT NO. 01-01 / ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.01-05 / ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO.01-06 (BAY CLUB SPECIFIC PLAN) — Ricky Ramos Ricky Ramos, Associate Planner, made a presentation to the Commission. The Commission inquired as to why a mitigated negative declaration is necessary instead of an environmental impact report? Staff explained that the environmental assessment identified two (2) impacts which can mitigated: 1) geologic (fault line) studies need to be updated; and 2) circulation problems experienced by area residents on Warner Avenue. For all other issue areas impacts are either less than significant or nonexistent. The Commission asked if the Bay Club boat slips were exclusively available to the public, and who is responsible for renting them out and collecting fees. Staff answered that a large number of slips are rented out to the public, and that the property owner is responsible for slip rental activity. The Commission asked about the California Coastal Commission's involvement in establishing the area as public, rather than private property. Discussion ensued regarding Area "A" (residential), and "B° (parking, etc.) as depicted on the project renderings presented by staff. The Commission asked about the Warner Pond. Staff replied that the Pond was not analyzed in the environmental assessment. The Commission asked why the applicant was filing for a zoning text amendment. Staff explained that the applicant was interested in obtaining approval for a land use amendment prior to investing a significant amount of money on a development plan that may not be considered by the City and California Coastal Commission. The Commission asked staff to explain how much money the applicant is saving by presenting the current request. The Commission asked about a public waterway's association with a private marina and discussion ensued regarding an easement agreement held by the property to keep a marina on a public waterway. Discussion ensued regarding residential density. Staff informed the Commission that the property is proposing up to 11 residential units on 1.6 acres, equating to approximately 7 units/acre. The Commission voiced concerns about the applicant presenting a zoning text amendment request that was incomplete due to the fact that no development project is being proposed, and that decisions on entitlements should only be made if development plans are presented in their entirety. Staff explained that the applicant's request for a zoning text amendment within a specific plan area is considered a review for land use purposes only, and cited examples of several similar requests. The Commission asked if any legal issues lie behind action on such a request. Legal Counsel confirmed staffs statement, but also advised the Commission not to offer opinions on the applicant's project concept outside of a public hearing. (03AG0422) PC Minutes April 22, 2003 Page 4 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.02-04 / COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO.02-05 (POSEIDON DESALINATION PLANT) — Ricky Ramos Commissioner Bohr excused himself from the item because of a possible conflict of interest. Ricky Ramos, Associate Planner, made a presentation to the Commission. The Commission asked what the proposed landscape height was along the perimeter of the project. Staff estimated 30 feet, referencing landscaping depicted on the project plans. The Commission asked if the tanks that currently exist on the subject property would be removed. Staff replied that there is no requirement for tank removal outside of this entitlement request. The Commission asked what the distance was from the property line to Pacific Coast Highway. Staff replied approximately 800 feet. Discussion ensued regarding the timetable for processing the applicant's request. The Commission asked the applicant to address concerns voiced by those who spoke during Public Comments. Billy Owens, Poseidon Resources Corp., started off by explaining why water removed from Huntington Beach is routed through various water agencies to a regional distribution station in Irvine. He discussed the project's benefits, including neighborhood enhancement in a redevelopment area, generation of tax revenue, and cleansed ocean water. He also informed the Commission that all water treatment is contained, causing no outside odors. He stated that residents might come in contact with particulate matter during construction, but that combustion engines that produce by- products in an open-air environment will not be used or experienced during long-term operations. The Commission inquired about symbiosis with the AES Power Plant. Mr. Owens explained that the desalination plant could operate independently (water intake and discharge), without assistance from the AES Power Plant. Mr. Owens confirmed that an easement agreement is in place on the subject property, and described the project as an industrial use that is self contained and quiet, largely with indoor activity, and that will produce only three (3) vehicles trips per day. The Commission asked if all requirements were met with regard to noise. Mr. Owens explained the testing measures done along the perimeter of the property. Staff informed the Commission that the Orange County Regional Water Quality Control Board and the California Coastal Commission have jurisdiction on regional water quality and discharge respectively. (03AG0422) PC Minutes April 22, 2003 Page 5 Commissioner Dingwall informed the Commission and public that EIR No. 00-02 (Poseidon Seawater Desalination Plant) was available on CD, and online at bixby.org and contact-pro(cmindspring.com. Mark Bixby, Huntington Beach resident, informed the Commission that tonight's agenda was not posted on the City of Huntington Beach website, and spoke in favor of the Commission allowing a two -week public review on major project staff report material. A MOTION WAS MADE BY DINGWALL, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO ALLOW A MINIMUM OF TWO (2) WEEKS FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE PUBLIC TIME TO REVIEW STAFF REPORT INFORMATION ON ALL LARGE PROJECTS REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Davis, Stanton, Kokal, Dingwall, Ray NOES: None ABSENT: Bohr, Shomaker ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED 4. PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION PRIORITY LIST — Randy Kokal A MOTION WAS MADE BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY DINGWALL, TO ACCEPT THE PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION PRIORITY LIST AS PRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Davis, Stanton, Kokal, Dingwall NOES: None ABSENT: Bohr, Shomaker, Ray (Ray out of room) ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED B. CONSENT ITEMS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED MARCH 25, 2003 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to: "Approve the March 25, 2003 Planning Commission Minutes as submitted." A MOTION WAS MADE BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY STANTON, TO APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED MARCH 25, 2003, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Davis, Stanton, Kokal, Dingwall NOES: None ABSENT: Bohr, Shomaker, Ray (Ray out of room) ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED (03AG0422) PC Minutes April 22, 2003 Page 6 C. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS 1. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioner Davis complimented the Design Review Board process. Commissioner Ray announced the Earth Day Expo on Saturday, April 26, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Pier. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Kokal inquired about bids from consultants preparing environmental documents requiring an electronic version (CD Rom) of the document. Staff confirmed that consultants are now required to include a CD Rom as part of their deliverables with environmental bid packages, and that the change took place in October 2002. Commissioner Kokal asked the City Attorney if an opinion was formed regarding Chairman selection seniority. The City Attorney replied no. 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS PUBLIC COMMENT: Ronald Satterfield, Huntington Street, Huntington Beach, spoke in support of the City providing the public more time to review staff report information on large projects with detailed analysis. a. 180-day review of Old World Conditional Use Permit requirements — Bob Dingwall Commissioner Dingwall suggested that the 180-day review of Old World Conditional Use Permit requirements be held in a public hearing forum. The Commission decided to wait for the CUP compliance memo in 180 days. b. Changing the Planning Commission agenda delivery process so that packets are delivered to the Commission on Wednesdays prior to the regularly scheduled meetings held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (similar to the City Council agenda packet delivery process) — Bob Dingwall After brief discussion, it was agreed that since the City Council and Planning Commission timelines are similar, no change is necessary at this time. (03AG0422) PC Minutes April 22, 2003 Page 7 AT 8:00 P.M., A MOTION WAS MADE BY DAVIS, SECONDED BY RAY, TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ITEM NO.3.C., BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Davis, Stanton, Kokal, Dingwall, Ray NOES: None ABSENT: Bohr, Shomaker ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED c. Modified Public Hearing Process (mechanics thereof) — Bob Dingwall A MOTION WAS MADE BY KOKAL, SECONDED BY DAVIS, TO DISCUSS ITEM NO.3.C. AT A FUTURE STUDY SESSION, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Davis, Kokal, Dingwall, Ray NOES: Stanton ABSENT: Bohr, Shomaker ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED 7:00 P.M. — COUNCIL CHAMBERS: THE PLANNING COMMISSION WILL NOT CONVENE IN THE CHAMBERS. NO PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 8:15 P.M. — ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of May 13, 2003 at 5:15 p.m. in Room B-8, Lower Level, City Hall. HZ:HF:rl AP P VED BY: ward Zelefsky, Secretary (03AG0422)