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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 io�MAW�r- Chairperson 0 1 ak,-" ecretary 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. io�MAW�r- Chairperson 0 1 ak,-" ecretary