2008/11/13 Planning Commission MinutesMINUTES
THURSDAY, November 13, 2008
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, 6750 Commerce Blvd., with Vice -Chairperson Armstrong presiding.
Call To Order
Vice -Chairperson Armstrong called the meeting of the regular session to order at
approximately 7:00 p.m. with Vice -Chairperson Armstrong leading the pledge.
Roll Call
Present (4) Commissioners: Vice Chairperson Armstrong, Commissioner
Adams, Commissioner Kilat and Commissioner Callinan were present.
Chairperson Ahanotu was excused
Community Development Director, Ron Bendorff, Senior Planner, Maureen Rich
and Recording Clerk, Sonia Espino were present.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Kilat, the
minutes of October 9, 2008 were approved as presented by a 4-0 vote.
Acknowledgement of
Vice -Chairperson Armstrong acknowledged the posting of the Agenda of this
Public Noticing
meeting in three (3) public places, per the requirements of the Brown Act.
Unscheduled
None.
Public Appearances
Use Permit
Due to a conflict of interest, Vice -Chairperson Armstrong abstained from
(Amendment)
discussing and voting on this item. Commissioner Callinan will chair the item on
his behalf.
File No. PL2007-037UP
Senior Planner, Maureen Rich, presented the staff report. She stated that the
Donna Waldman/Jewish
request is for a modification and expansion of the Conditional Use Permit hours
Community Free Clinic
of operation which would permit the approved medical clinic to operate
additionally between the hours of 5 pm to 9pm on Mondays. The original
Conditional Use Permit was approved for up to 20 hours of medical services on
weekdays on a drop-in basis. The Clinic has been successful in treating many
members of the community and is now requesting an expansion of their hours (4
additional hours). At this time, staff is proposing an even larger expansion in the
Clinic's hours of operation so that some flexibility toward their growth is
accounted for without them having to apply for a Conditional Use Permit every
time they wish to expand their hours. Staff's recommendation is to approve an
expansion of up to 32 hours per week between 9am and 9 pm, Monday thru
Friday. Ms. Rich noted that the proposed use was initially controversial; however,
to date, there have been no negative impacts relayed to staff associated with this
use or the proposal for extended hours of operation. Staff recommends approval
of the modification of up to 32 hours per week as conditioned in PC Resolution
Planning Commission Minutes
November 13, 2008
Design
File No. PL2008-025SR
Tom Pforsich/Freedom
Graphics
2007-34
Given the mixed use component of this site (ground floor commercial, top floor(s)
residential) Commissioner Adams had concerns/questions related to noise. Ms.
Rich responded that residents within 400 feet of the site were notified of the
proposed expansion and no comments/concerns or complaints have been
received.
Commissioner Callinan questioned whether or not the Conditional Use Permit
could be referred back to the Planning Commission should the expansion of
hours become a problem. Ms. Rich responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner Callinan opened the public hearing.
Deborah Roberts, Jewish Community Free Clinic was recognized. She
commented that in order to serve the needs of the community, the clinic saw a
need to increase the hours of operation. Most clients need evening appointments
because of work schedules. Ms. Roberts further commented that the clinic has
established a good relationship with the tenants above.
Commissioner Callinan closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kilat, seconded by Commissioner Adams,
to adopt PC Resolution 2007-34 (Modified) as conditioned. The motion passed
with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Adams, Kilat, Callinan; ABSTAIN: Armstrong)
Community Development Director, Ron Bendorff, gave the staff report. He stated
that project site is developed with three (3) light industrial buildings that contain a
total of 66,370 square feet of floor space and house a variety of light industrial
and service commercial tenants. The applicant, Tom Pforsich, Freedom
Graphics, has submitted an application requesting approval of a Sign Program to
outline sign criteria for all buildings and tenant spaces. Mr. Bendorff reviewed the
contents of the sign criteria submitted and stated that while it generally conforms
to the intent and purpose of the City's Sign Ordinance, additions and
modifications, as highlighted are recommended for the Commission's review and
approval. Mr. Bendorff noted that in the "Primary Tenant Sign — General" section
of the proposed sign program, staff is recommending that only ONE of the tenant
lettering types listed be approved. Should the Planning Commission agree that
only one of the two is preferable, a condition of approval stating this should be
added to the resolution of approval. Staff is recommending approval of the sign
program as modified and conditioned in attached Resolution No. 2008-36.
Commissioner Callinan asked for clarification of the two types of lettering. Mr.
Bendorff responded that option one is channel letters and option two is plastic
letter signage.
Commissioner Adams commented that keeping signage consistent would be
preferable.
The applicant, Tom Pforsich, was recognized. He stated that the rationale behind
the two types of lettering is to give tenants an option of something not as
exnensive as channel letters. He reauested if the Commission decides to ao with
Planning Commission Minutes
November 13. 2008
the channel letters to Omit the lighting SO that tenants Will see cost savings.
Commissioner Adams responded that the sign ordinance is designed for
consistency and treating all tenants the same regardless of financial
circumstances.
Mr. Pforsich added that the option of a least expensive sign will avoid the chance
of non compliant signage.
The commission asked for clarification on wording establishing preference for
only one lettering type (pan channel letters). Mr. Bendorff responded: Tenant
lettering shall consist of pan channel letters, either non -illuminated or internally
illuminated with LEDS. All lettering shall feature black returns & trim caps (face
color left to tenant's discretion).
A motion was made by Commissioner Kilat, seconded by Commissioner Adams
to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2008-36 with the following
amendment: Include the following under 5.(4.) Tenant lettering shall consist of
pan channel letters, either non illuminated or internally illuminated with LEDs. All
lettering shall feature black returns and trim caps (face color left to tenant's
discretion). The motion passed with a 4-0 vote.
Matters from Commissioner Callihan spoke of his enjoyment serving on the Planning
Commissioners Commission.
Matters from Planning
staff
Mr. Bendortt congratulated Commissioner Callinan on his election to the tarty
Council. Mr. Bendorff also report on the following items:
• November 27, 2008 meeting cancelled.
• Next meeting 12/11/08 — Live entertainment permit (Carrenos Restaurant)
• Annual Planning Commissioners Conference — December 6`h — Adams,
Ahanotu and Armstrong attending.
Adjournment There being no further business, Vice -Chairperson Armstrong adjourned the
meeting at 7:36 pm until Thursday, December 11, 2008.
Chairperson
Recording Clerk