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2017/05/11 Planning Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 11, 2017 The Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in a regular session commencing at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 130 Avram Avenue, with Chairperson Haydon presiding. Call To Order Chairperson Haydon called the meeting of the regular session to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. with Chairperson Haydon leading the pledge. Roll Call Present: (4) Commissioners: Commissioner Blanquie, Commissioner Borba, Commissioner Giudice, Commissioner Haydon were present. Commissioner Adams was excused. Development Services Director, Mary Grace Pawson, Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod and Recording Secretary, Suzie Azevedo were present. Declaration of Commissioner Borba stated that he would abstaining from Item 8.2. Abstention Acknowledgement of Chairperson Haydon acknowledged the posting of the Agenda of this meeting in Public Noticing three (3) public places, per the requirements of the Brown Act. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Borba, seconded by Commissioner Giudice to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2017 regular Planning Commission meeting as presented. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote. (AYES: Blanquie, Borba, Giudice, Haydon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Adams) Unscheduled Public None. Appearances Site Plan and Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod, presented the staff report. Mr. Weisbrod Architectural Review presented the staff report. On October 22, 2015, Raley's Market received Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) approval by the Planning Commission for File No. PLSU17-0001 modifications to the exterior of the building facing State Farm Drive. That approval expired on October 22, 2016 since no building permit was filed. They have now Mark Marvelli/SKW filed a new SPAR application for the remodel. Mr. Weisbrod noted that the design Architects is essentially the same as the October 22, 2015 SPAR approval with one notable change; a pedestrian path has been added to provide a pedestrian connection between Raley's and State Farm Drive. The connection is identified in the City approved Priority Development Area Plan. Mr. Weisbrod gave an overview of the project design and site specifics and recommended that the Commission adopt Resolution No. 2017-17, approving Site Plan and architectural Review for the remodel of Raley's Market at 100 Raley's Towne Center. Comments and questions of staff included the following: Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2017 • Commissioner Giudice — Was curious about the trees, Chinese pistacious. Believes this is the same tree that has been pulled out on Golf Course Drive due to saturation of water. Commissioner Giudice asked if there was a formal landscape plan called out for in the Priority Development Area PDA or is it on a property by property basis. Mr. Weisbrod indicated that there is no landscape plan/list of trees identified in the PDA. The City will work with individual developers on a landscape plan when projects are submitted. Mr. Beiswenger noted that the city is considering a form based code for the downtown area and landscaping would be addressed as part of the design of that code. • Commissioner Blanquie — Pedestrian path is a nice feature; will there be recycled water in the pathway/downtown area? Development Services Director, Mary Grace Pawson remarked that the recycled water main is in Copeland Creek. Undertaking expansion of this for a fagade improvement project would not be appropriate as it would be a significant capital improvement project that could be part of a larger project such as the State Farm property. • Commissioner Borba did not have any questions, but commented that the first rendition of the Site Plan and Arch Review for this project would be his preference. Would like to see more native trees installed indigenous to the area. • Susan Haydon — Are the trees in containers? Mr. Weisbrod responded that they will be in the ground and irrigated. Shares the same comments looking at landscaping/trees; would prefer species indigenous to the area. The architect, Mark Marvelli was recognized and responded briefly to Commission questions. A motion was made by Commissioner Borba, seconded by Commissioner Blanquie to adopt Resolution No. 2017-17, approving Site Plan and Architectural Review for the exterior remodel of Raley's Market at 100 Raley's Towne Center subject to conditions of approval. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote. (AYES: Blanquie, Borba, Giudice, Haydon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Adams) Site Plan and Commissioner Borba recused himself from the dais. Architectural Review Mr. Weisbrod presented the staff report. The 0.73 acre property located at 435 File No. PLSR16-0004 Southwest Boulevard was formerly a Public Safety fire station. The fire station was demolished and in June of 2016, the property was rezoned from P-1 Public Anthony Franceschini Institutional to R -H Residential High Density and sold to a private individual. The proposal consists of two (2) three (3) story buildings to house 15 units. Mr. Weisbrod provided project details in the following areas: ■ Site Plan • Floor Plan • Open space • Building elevations • Parking • Landscaping • Fencing ■ Fire Access ■ Pedestrian Trail 2 Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2017 Mr. Weisbrod noted that In the southeast corner of the site a short pedestrian path is currently in place that connects the public sidewalk along Southwest Boulevard to the sidewalk system on the neighboring school district property. This connection should remain or be moved. A condition of approval has been included to provide both of these options: 1. Recording an easement on the applicant's property over the existing sidewalk; or 2. Working with the school district to construct a new sidewalk connection through a corner of the school districts property. Lastly, Mr. Weisbrod remarked that installing a plaque would/could be made a condition of approval identifying the site as the first fire station in Rohnert Park. The Commission could add that as part of the motion. Mr. Weisbrod recommended that the Planning adopt Resolution No. 2017-01 approving Site Plan and Architectural Review to allow a 15 unit apartment development at 435 Southwest Boulevard, subject to the findings and conditions of approval. Discussion was held between staff and the Commission: Commissioner Giudice — Highly recommends a plaque, visible from the sidewalk, be required that honored 435 Southwest property as the first fire station in Rohnert Park. Commissioner Giudice also commented that he loved the mix of units (especially the 3 bedroom); was not thrilled about the wooden wall would love to see a masonry wall; Southwest Blvd. is in desperate need of a "dressing up" and sees this project as a start to that. Commissioner Blanquie — Commented "tremendous project"; loves the design — would love to see a solar component as mentioned by Commissioner Giudice; concerned about affordability. Commissioner Haydon — Echoed concerns regarding the lack of a solar feature; asked if the small windows on the fronts were openable? Commissioner Haydon recommended rock or stone treatments on the ground floor to add dimension and variation/separation. Commissioner Haydon added that she felt this was an "attractive project, a benefit to the neighborhood and recommended taking a deep look at the plan/tree pallet to consider oak, olive, maple trees. Randy Figuerido, architect, was recognized and spoke to the Commission. The lower windows are operable, the upper windows are just for light. Mr. Figuerido talked about the positioning of the buildings in relation to the school next door and the hardscape/courtyard areas. Discussion was held with staff and the architect regarding the fencing, fencing materials (stone versus wood or tubular steel fencing). A motion was made by Commissioner Blanquie, seconded by Commissioner Giudice to adopt Resolution No. 2017-01 approving Site Plan and Architectural Review to allow a 15 unit apartment development at 435 Southwest Boulevard, subject to the findings and conditions of approval and adding Condition 18 to read: A commemorative sign or plaque shall be installed in a prominent location to identify this location as the first City of Rohnert Park fire station. The design and placement shall be approved by the Development Services Director prior to the issuance of the first building permit and the sign and/or plaque shall be installed Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2017 Site Plan and Architectural Review File No. PLSR17-0003 David S. Wood/Pacific Hospitality Sonoma, LLC prior to first occupancy. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Blanquie, Giudice, Haydon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Adams; ABSTAIN: Borba) Commissioner Borba returned to the dais. Mr. Weisbrod presented the staff report. The proposed hotel project is part of the Residence at Five Creek project located on a 15.29 acre site within the 32.8 acre Stadium Area Master Plan (SAMP). In January of 2017, the City Council approved the Five Creek project with the following uses on the 12.32 acre site: • Retail/Service Commercial, 3.30 Acres • Multi -family Residential, 6.09 Acres • Hotel, 2.28 Acres • Park, 0.65 Acres Each phase within the SAMP requires a Site Plan and Architectural review. Mr. Weisbrod touched on project specifics in the following areas: • Site Plan • Parking and Access • Floor Plan • Building Elevations • Signage • Landscaping • Lighting • Fencing Based on the analysis of his report and the proposed resolution, Mr. Weisbrod recommended that the Planning Commission, by motion, adopt Resolution No. 2017-12 approving Site Plan and Architectural Review for the Cambria Hotel as part of the Five Creek project, subject to the findings and conditions of approval A lengthy discussion was held regarding the pedestrian pathway and the fence/barrier between the hotel and residences. The owner, Andrew Wood, was recognized and spoke to the Commission. A personal business goal has always been to create an environment above and beyond people's expectations at a price that makes people feel good enough to come back. Mr. Wood commented that a great deal of thought has been put in to the Rohnert Park location and he truly believes this hotel development will bring that guest experience. Questions and comments of the Commission included: Commissioner Giudice — Commented that as Mr. Wood keenly assessed in decision making process, Rohnert Park is going through a renaissance and this is a big part of it - the city appreciates the commitment and investment in the community. Commissioner Giudice asked about timeline in terms of when the hotel will be operational. Mr. Wood responded full building submittals have been made; would like to be fully weatherized coming into October; expect to be open 15 months from grading. 4 Planning Commission Minutes May 11, 2017 • Commissioner Blanquie — Commented he loves the project and interested and appreciates the business model that was previously described. In general, there are 97 conditions, are there any specific concerns that jumps out of you? Mr. Wood responded they have reviewed the conditions and there is nothing at this point they see as a concern. Commissioner Borba — Wonderful project; design and color rendering look welcoming, clean and professional. Many events held in this region, looking forward to Rohnert Park as destination for lodging. • Commissioner Haydon — Appreciates the project; the signage rendering with the white lettering on stone is very attractive, classy and beautiful; recommended maples, olives or other native trees to fit Sonoma County; okay with palm trees in interior, pool area. A motion was made by Commissioner Blanquie, seconded by Commissioner Borba to adopt Resolution No. 2017-12 approving Site Plan and Architectural Review for the Cambria Hotel as part of the Five Creek project, subject to the findings and conditions of approval. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote. (AYES: Blanquie, Borba, Giudice, Haydon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Adams) Parking Challenges Planning Manager, Jeff Beiswenger, gave presentation on Creating Interesting, Urban Environments; Parking Strategies. Discussion points included: • Reforming parking policies to support smart growth • Parking Solutions: 1) Reduce parking Oversupply - right -size the parking ratios; shared parking, 2) Context specific standards — transit overlays/development standards; special downtown parking provisions; reduction for certain special uses (senior); 3) Decoupling of parking and use • Parking lot design • Enhancing the pedestrian experience Matters from Planning None. Commissioners Matters from Planning None. Staff Adjournment There being no further business, Chairperson Haydon adjourned the meeting at 8:10 pm. Chairperson