2015/05/14 Planning Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
May 14, 2015
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 Blanquie presiding.
Call To Order
Chairperson Blanquie called the meeting of the regular session to order at
approximately 6:00 p.m. with Chairperson Blanquie leading the pledge.
Roll Call
Present: (5) Commissioners: Commissioner Blanquie, Commissioner Haydon,
Commissioner Adams and Commissioner Borba were present. Commissioner
Giudice was excused.
Planner III, Jeff Beiswenger; Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod and Recording
Secretary, Suzie Azevedo were present.
Declaration of
Due to conflict of interest, Commissioner Haydon declared abstention from Item
Abstention
8.2.
Acknowledgement of
Chairperson Blanquie 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
None, deferred to next meeting.
Unscheduled Public
Appearances
Conditional Use
Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod, presented the staff report.
Permit/Site Plan &
Architectural Review
The Costco fueling operation was approved in 2001 (PL2001-35GP/RZ/SR/UP)
and has been in operation since approved and constructed. The only changes
File No. PLUP2015-0001
have been the recent installation of new gasoline fuel tanks to conform to current
standards. The applicant is proposing to relocate the fueling facility to the corner
Kim Katz/Costco
of Martin Avenue and Dowdell Avenue in an area now used for parking. The
existing site would then be converted to parking.
Mr. Weisbrod reviewed the proposal in further detail, providing an overview on the
following key items:
• Circulation and stacking
• Canopy and controller enclosure appearance
• Costco parking
• Landscaping
• Diesel and gasoline deliveries
• Operational functions
Planning Commission Minutes
May 14, 2015
General Plan
Consistency Finding
File No. PLC12015-0001
City of Rohnert Park
• Environmental Determination
Based on the analysis and findings of his report and the resolution attached, Mr.
Weisbrod recommended that the Planning Commission, by motion, adopt
Resolution No. 2015-08 approving the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan and
Architectural Review for the new Costco Fueling Facility and conversion of the
existing fueling facility to parking, subject to the findings and Exhibit A, Conditions
of Approval.
Discussion was held between staff and the Commission. Concerns arose
regarding the Ceqa (Environmental) determination that the project is
"categorically exempt" from the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) since the project is replacement of an existing fueling facility
with one that is similar to the existing facility. Commissioner Haydon was
particularly concerned with what safeguards or permit processing is available and
necessary to remove the tanks to assure no significant impact to the site (leaking,
soil disturbance, etc.) Consensus of the Commission was that some form of
environmental consideration/determination for mitigation and safeguarding the
site upon removal should be explored and in place.
Commissioner Blanquie opened the public hearing. Representatives from
Costco, Matt Cyr, Sonja Kittelson and David Rogers, were recognized and
responded to Commission questions. Mr. Cyr provided the Commission with
information on regional permitting that is required for removal of tanks. A lengthy
discussion was held by the Commission and staff regarding the potential
environmental impacts.
Commissioner Blanquie closed the public hearing.
Further discussion was held.
A motion was made by Commissioner Borba, seconded by Commissioner
Haydon to continue the public hearing to the May 28, 2015 Planning Commission
meeting, pending further review and clarification to determine whether or not the
Categorical Exemption for Replacement and Reconstruction (Section 15302) of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is applicable in this case or if a
more robust environmental analysis is necessary. The motion passed with a 4-0
vote. (AYES: Adams, Borba, Blanquie, Haydon; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Giudice).
Commissioner Haydon recused herself from dais.
Planner III, Jeff Beiswenger presented the staff report. The Planning Commission
is charged with the responsibility for ensuring that adopted plans/programs are
consistent with goals and policies of the adopted General Plan. The Planning
Commission is being requested to review the attached draft Five -Year Capital
Improvements Program FY 2015-16 through 2019-20 (CIP) to determine
consistency with the General Plan. Mr. Beiswenger briefly touched on the various
programs/projects proposed.
A brief discussion was held. Consensus of the Commission was the proposed
CIP budget is consistent with the policies and goals of the General Plan 2020.
Planning Commission Minutes
Mav 14. 2015
Chairperson, Ronne Park lanning Commission Secretary
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Borba
to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2015-10 reporting to the City
Council that the draft Five Year Capital Improvement Program Budget FY 2015-
16 through 2019-2020 is consistent with the Rohnert Park General Plan 2020.
The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Adams, Blanquie, Borba; NOES: 0;
ABSENT: Giudice; ABSTAIN/RECUSE: Haydon)
Items from the Planning
None.
Commission
Matters from Planning
None.
Staff
Adjournment
There being no further business, Chairperson Blanquie adjourned the meeting at
7:16 p.m.
Chairperson, Ronne Park lanning Commission Secretary