2017/09/14 Planning Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 14, 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 Borba, Commissioner Blanquie,
Commissioner Giudice and Commissioner Haydon were present. Commissioner
Adams was excused.
Planning Manager, Jeff Beiswenger, Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod and
Recording Secretary, Suzie Azevedo were present.
Declaration of
None.
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 July 13, 2017 regular Planning Commission meeting
as presented. The motion passed with a 4-0-1 vote. (AYES: Borba, Blanquie,
Giudice, Haydon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Adams.
Unscheduled Public
None.
Appearances
STUDY SESSION
Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod, presented the staff report. He stated that staff
wishes to conduct a study session to provide the Commission with an overview of
File No. PLSU97-0009
the project and to discuss any potential issues related to the project's Conditional
Use Permit and Site Plan and Architecture. The applicant, Tunnel Vision, is
Edwin Blair Tunnel
proposing to develop a 40,946 square foot parcel with an automated express car
Vision
wash consisting of a single building and a row of vacuum stations. Mr. Weisbrod
provided an overview of the proposed project in the following areas:
• Surrounding land uses
• Location and access
• Site plan/floor plan
• Building elevations
• Landscaping
• Parking
• Signage
• Lighting
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2017
STUDY SESSION
File No. PLSR17-0002
Joe Colonna/Park Ridge
Apartments
Mr. Weisbrod noted that staff has worked with the applicant to come up with an
attractive design for the carwash building. The proposed structure with a
combination of stucco and decorative stone is compatible architecturally with the
adjacent America's Tire. The Commission is encouraged to provide comments on
the site plan, architectural elements and landscaping and request changes that
would improve the design and operation of the facility if so inclined.
Commissioner comments included:
• Commissioner Giudice — stated "great project". Questioned the need for a
study session?
• Dan Blanquie — Noted on its face, the project seems suitable for the
location. Questioned water recycling capabilities and energy use. Stated
that a study session on all projects is probably not necessary, perhaps
should be conducted on the larger more complex projects.
• John Borba — Asked if environmental studies are on their way. Planning
Manager Jeff Beiswenger indicated that yes and Initial Study is in the
process of being prepared. Wants to see language regarding water usage
and recycling.
• Susan Haydon — Provided comments with regard to water uses and trash
receptacles.
The applicant, Edwin Blair was recognized and spoke briefly to the Commission.
Further discussion was held between staff and the Commission and the applicant.
Discussion centered on vehicle circulation and the potential for vehicles to enter
the carwash going in the wrong direction when leaving the standard parking
spaces which are located in the car wash exit driveway for the project. As part of
the proposal the Applicant indicated that directional signage will be installed to
assist vehicles on circulation of the car wash.
Staff will also agendize discussion on the criteria for a study session on the
October 12, 2017 agenda.
Technical Advisor Norm Weisbrod, presented the staff report. He stated that
staff wishes to conduct a study session to provide the Commission with an
overview of the project and to discuss any potential issues related to the project's
Site Plan and Architectural Review. Park Ridge Apartments is a 348 unit
apartment complex located on a 15.83 site at 4949 Snyder Lane. The proposed
project consists of constructing 16 townhouse style units in two buildings on two
unused tennis courts, adjacent to the pool and clubhouse in the existing 348 -unit
apartment complex. Mr. Weisbrod provided an overview of the proposed project
in the following areas:
• Surrounding land uses
• Location and access
• Site Plan/floor plan
• Building Elevations
• Landscaping
• Parking
2
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2017
MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION/SITE
PLAN AND
ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW
File No. PLS16-0002
Tejal Patel, Rohnert Park
Lodging, LLC
Discussion was held between staff and the Commission. Key discussion points
focused on the removal of active recreational space (tennis courts) and building
orientation in relation to existing buildings within the complex. Overall, the
Commission was supportive of the project, particularly the addition of additional
family housing in the community including a three (3) bedroom concept which is
highly desireable and needed.
The Planning Commission also had concerns regarding access to the neighboring
city park. It was noted that access is already provided through the back of the
property to the adjacent open space trail system. Also a bridge is available which
provides direct access to the park.
Planner II, Zachary Tusinger, presented the staff report. Mr. Tusinger stated that
the applicant, Tejal Patel, has proposed a modern style 100 -room, five story
Fairfield Inn and Suites, with 105 on-site parking spaces on the west side of the
city. Fairfield Inn and Suite is a Marriott branded hotel, catering primarily to tourists
and business travelers. Mr. Tusinger noted that this project would be developed
on a vacant 1.83 acre parcel west of Highway 101 at the southwest corner of
Dowdell Avenue and Martin Avenue, just north of Hinebaugh Creek. Mr. Tusinger
provided a more detailed overview of the project in the following areas:
• Site Plan/Area Context Map
• Building Elevations
• Floor Plan/Lobby and Breakfast Bar features
• Monument Signage
• Green Features
• Mitigated Negative Declaration
• Landscaping
• Parking
Mr. Tusinger noted that at the July 27, 2017 Planning Commission a study session
was conducted in which both staff and the applicant presented plans for this
project. Emphasis was placed on how this project relates to other ongoing and
pending projects in the immediate vicinity. Applicant agreed to explore adding
additional landscaping planters around the entrance of the hotel. Applicant also
indicated that the hotel will incorporate solar panels on the rooftop.
Further discussion was held.
A motion was made by Commissioner Giudice, seconded by Commissioner Borba
to adopt Resolution 2017-23 approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration as
amended with updated mitigation measures. The motion passed with a 4-0-1
vote. (AYES: Borba, Blanquie, Giudice, Haydon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Adams.
A motion was made by Commissioner Giudice, seconded by Commissioner
Blanquie to adopt Resolution 2017-24, approving Site Plan and Architectural for e
Fairfield Inn and Suites. The motion passed with a 4-0-1 vote. (AYES: Borba,
Blanquie, Giudice, Haydon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Adams.
Commissioner Haydon called for a five minute recess at 8:00.
The Planning Commission meeting reconvened at 8:05.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14. 2017
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General Plan Update
Planning Manager, Jeff Beiswenger, gave a brief presentation on the upcoming
General Plan Update. Mr. Beiswenger provided specific details on the following
topics:
• Proposed Timeline
• Components of a General Plan
• City's current General Plan
• Rohnert Park growth pattern
• Buildout: prediction versus reality
• General Plan 2000 — what's missing
• General Plan Maintenance fund
• General Plan Priorities
Discussion and recommendations included: inclusion of an Economic
Development Element; formation of an advisory body; work sessions/joint work
sessions; focus on specific part of the community {west of 101, community
services/parks/schools etc. and individual neighborhoods/sections.
Matters from Planning
Commissioner Giudice spoke to a drop box or clothing located on Camino Colegio
Commissioners
that appears to be placed illegally.
Commissioner Haydon spoke to an event in which Terri Shore of the Greenbuilt
Alliance was a guest speaker,
Matters from Planning
Staff
Adjournment
There being no further business, Chairperson Haydon adjourned the meeting at
9:00 pm.
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