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2016/10/13 Planning Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 13, 2016 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 Commissioner Borba presiding. Call To Order Chairperson Borba called the meeting of the regular session to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. with Chairperson Borba leading the pledge. Roll Call Present: (3) Commissioners: Commissioner Borba, Commissioner Blanquie, Commissioner Giudice. Commissioner Adams and Commission Haydon were excused. Planning Manager, Jeffrey Beiswenger, Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod and Recording Secretary, Suzie Azevedo were present. Declaration of None. Abstention Acknowledgement of Chairperson Borba 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 Giudice, seconded by Commissioner Blanquie to approve the minutes of the special meeting of September 29, 2016 as presented. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Borba, Giudice, Blanquie; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Adams, Haydon) Unscheduled Public None. Appearances Site Plan and Technical Advisor Norm Weisbrod presented the staff report. He stated that the Architectural project site originally served as parking for the adjacent Cal Skate. Cal Skate Review/Conditional Use recently developed parking behind their building and subdivided the property into Permit two parcels. The applicant, The Learning Experience (TLE) is in contract to purchase the original parking lot property to construct a new daycare facility. File No. PLSU2016-0001 Mr. Weisbrod reported on the project providing details in the following areas: John Diemer/6100 Commerce LLC . Details on day care operation; • Site plan; • Architectural details; • Play area; • Parking; • Landscaping and Fencing; • Signage; • Traffic Analysis; 0 Environmental impacts. Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 2016 Mr. Weisbrod recommended that based on the analysis and findings of his report and the resolutions presented, staff recommends that the Planning Commission, by motion, adopt Resolution No. 2016-24 certifying the Mitigated Negative Declaration adopting Resolution No. 2016-25 approving the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan and Architectural Review to allow a Day Care Facility at 6150 Commerce Boulevard, subject to the findings and conditions of approval. Questions of staff included: Commissioner Giudice questioned if the fencing was adequate enough to contain the kids from the creek. He noted that there have been some issues with the homeless. Mr. Weisbrod reviewed the proposed vinyl and wrought iron fencing and felt it was sufficient for the project and location. Commissioner Giudice asked if the day care use was consistent with zoning as adopted recently in the Priority Development Area Plan. Planning Manager, Jeff Beiswenger noted that it was anticipated that this area have service uses like this to support the business park. This would be considered incidental to the business park and it is supported. Commissioner Blanquie asked about bicycle parking and how many spaces there would be. Mr. Weisbrod addressed the bicycle parking proposed. Commissioner Borba questioned if the entrance from the street would be redone as part of the project noting that this site is in an area where the driveway approaches are at a steeper angle. Mr. Weisbrod responded that the applicant will have to rebuild the driveway to achieve ADA compliance. Also, they will have to create an ADA path of travel to the building. Mr. Borba stated that one of his main concerns was security. Has public safety and the Fire Marshall looked at the project? Mr. Weisbrod responded in the affirmative. Given close proximity to the creek and the presence of homeless and individuals using drugs he is concerned. Mr. Weisbrod reviewed the fencing proposed. Mr. Borba asked if there would be video surveillance? Mr. Weisbrod responded that would be a question for the applicant, there was nothing in the applicant's package that mentioned that in detail. The City could condition that they be provided if the Commission so desired. Lastly, Commissioner Borba spoke to the design of the building questioning if it fits in with the surrounding area? Mr. Weisbrod indicated that the design of the building is done in a manner to mimic a residence so that it is inviting and comforting for the children when they arrive as opposed to a big box type feel building. Further discussion was held surrounding the security issue. Mr. Weisbrod noted that at the Commission's direction a change in the height of fencing from 6' to 8' could be conditioned. Chairperson Borba opened the public hearing. John Diemer and Hector Vienes representing the development team for The Learning Experience (TLE) were recognized. Addressing the security issue, Mr. Vienes indicated that there is a video system placed both inside and out of the facility. To enter the facility parents are required to enter a security code and once inside there is another check in point at the front counter. 2 Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 2016 Further discussion between staff and the applicant raised the following issues, concerns and comments: Programs offered at the facility? The applicant's representative indicated that they were mostly involved with the construction end of the project and could not fully speak to the operational characteristics of the program. It was noted by staff that this information was contained in the material submitted in the applicant's application package. Security — Concerns were raised by all Commissioners regarding security both inside and outside the facility. The applicant's representative indicated that TLE does in fact provide security both inside and out. Parents electronically enter the building and another check in is taken at the front counter. Fencing in and around the outdoor play area along the creek. The Commission was heavily concerned regarding the height of the fences in this area along the creek. Discussion included possibly changing the height of the fence from 6' to 8'. The applicant's representative indicated that this would not be a problem if the Commission were to condition. The Commission also wanted the weigh in of the Public Safety Department in this regard. Design — Questions were raised whether the proposed architecture of the building conforms to the design standards in the Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan and whether the proposed design fits in with surrounding area. Staff ensured the Commission that the proposed design complies with the design guidelines of the PDA's "triangle business area" and is consistent with the City's adopted guidelines. Kirsten Emeric, Santa Rosa was recognized and spoke to after school child care — Is this a component of the program? Are there busses that drop off children after school? The applicant's representative indicated he thought there was not a program; however it was noted that the project material submitted indicated there might be. The Commission felt that given the absence of a representative who could address/answer some of their concerns/questions raised, that the item be continued to the next meeting, requesting that someone familiar with the operation be in attendance. A motion was made by Commissioner Giudice, seconded by Commissioner Blanquie to continue the Site Plan and Architectural/Conditional Use Permit public hearing to the October 27, 2016 meeting. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Borba, Giudice, Blanquie; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Adams, Haydon) Sign Program Mr. Weisbrod presented the staff report. The Wilfred Dowdell Specific Plan requires a Sign Program for all signs related to development in Village North and File No. PLSI16-0014 Village South of the Specific Plan. Oxford Suites has submitted a Sign program for the hotel. Mr. Weisbrod noted that this does not include signs for the building Robin Esquivel, Vicking that will be developed on the Redwood Drive frontage of the property. The Sign Sign Installatioins Program will need to be amended to allow for signs related to that building. 3 Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 2016 Mr. Weisbrod reviewed the design package that was submitted that included 2 walls signs and a monument sign that will be located at the main driveway entrance to the hotel on Golf Course Drive West. Mr. Weisbrod stated that the proposed wall signs are modest compared to the size of the building and the property frontage along three surrounding streets. They are consistent with the wall signs on the building plans approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. The monument sign is an attractively designed structure that matches the stone and wood accents on the hotel building. Lighting of the sign faces and the sign structure will result in an attractive sign during the evening hours. Mr. Weisbrod Based stated that based on the analysis of his report and the attached resolution, Staff recommends that the Planning Commission, by motion, adopt Resolution No. 2016-29 approving a Sign Program for Oxford Suites at 67 Golf course Drive West, subject to the Conditions of Approval. After a very brief discussion, Commission consensus was that the program submitted is acceptable and the design of the monument sign especially was very nicely put together. A motion was made by Commissioner Blanquie, seconded by Commissioner Giudice to adopt Resolution No. 2016-29 approving a Sign Program for Oxford Suites at 67 Golf course Drive West, subject to the Conditions of Approval. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Borba, Giudice, Blanquie; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Adams, Haydon) Items from the Planning None. Commission Matters from Planning None. Staff Adjournment There being no further business, Chairperson Borba adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm.