2009/03/26 Planning Commission MinutesMINUTES
THURSDAY,Marchb 2009
The Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in a regular session commencing at 7:00
p.m. in the City Council Conference Room, 130 Avram Avenue., with Chairperson Borba presiding.
Call To Order
Chairperson Borba called the meeting of the regular session to order at
approximately 7:00 p.m. with Chairperson Borba leading the pledge.
Roll Call
Present (5) Commissioners: Chairperson Borba, Vice Chairperson Nordin,
Commissioner Armstrong, Commissioner Ahanotu and Commissioner Nilson
were present.
Community Development Director Ron Bendorff, Senior Planner, Maureen Rich
and Recording Clerk, Suzie Azevedo were present.
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.
Unscheduled
None.
Public Appearances
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion by Commissioner Armstrong, seconded by Commissioner Nordin,
the minutes of March 12, 2009 were approved as presented by a 4-0 vote.
Commissioner Ahanotu abstained.
Corridor Concept Plans
Community Development Director, Ron Bendorff, presented the staff report. He
and Implementation
stated that the Planning Commission reviewed this item at the February 12, 2009
Strategy
meeting and voted 3-2 to deny the project. As directed, staff has prepared the
resolution of denial for the Commission's consideration. Mr. Bendorff noted that
File No. PL2006-042
the denial was not indicated to be "without prejudice," and as such the project
may not be reconsidered in its present form for at least one (1) year.
City of Rohnert Park
A motion was made by Commissioner Nordin, seconded by Commissioner Nilson
to adopt Resolution No. 2009-7, denying File No. PL2006-042. The following
discussion was held:
Commissioner Armstrong asked if certain elements, i.e. signage, could be
addressed separately. Mr. Bendorff responded in the affirmative if so directed.
Commissioner Ahanotu asked for clarification on the basis for the study being
denied. Mr. Bendorff stated that his perception of the Commission's denial
included financing, dollar impact to businesses, and too large of scale at this time.
Commissioner Ahanotu asked several additional questions which included:
• Whose responsibility to make those decisions as noted above. Mr.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 26. 2009
Bendorff responded that this is not a mandate; therefore not a
discretionary approval;
• Brief background of project history. Mr. Bendorff reported that the study
was initiated by the prior council to upgrade those corridors as proposed;
• Is the project complete and how much was spent? Contract for study and
implementation $100,000+1
• Funding mechanism for project if passed? Various grants; study just an
advisory document; council can direct portions to be implemented at any
time.
Commissioner Borba commented that the basis for his vote and that of majority
was that it was too large of project to implement now; Yardbirds not included and
several components not desireable.
The motion was passed with a 3-2 vote. (AYES: Borba, Nilson, Nordin; NOES:
Armstrong, Ahanotu).
Presentation on
Senior Planner, Maureen Rich, gave a brief summary of the project and
Sonoma Mountain
introduced the proponents, Codding Enterprises. Richard Pope, gave a power
Village
presentation and responded to questions from the Commission. Geoff Syphers
and Kirstie Moore were also recognized and responded to questions. Topics of
Fife No. PL2006-053
discussion included:
Codding Enterprises
* Current and potential leases;
• Projected status of project given current economic situation;
• Infrastructure (water, sewer)
• Transportation
• Neighborhood Concerns
• EIR — Applicant vs. City
Chairperson Borba thanked representatives of Codding Enterprises for the very
informative presentation.
Matters from
None.
Commissioners
Matters from Planning
Mr. Bendorff reported on the following items:
staff
• Outcome of GP Update Committee meeting;
• Next meeting: Wilfred Dowdell Update; Northeast Specific Plan Update;
Driven Raceway Use Permit.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Chairperson Barba adjourned the meeting at
8:23 pm until Thursday, April 9, 2009.
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