2007/10/11 Planning Commission Minutesi�
ROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
THURSDAY, October 11, 2007
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 Chairperson Adams presiding.
Call To Order
Chairperson Adams called the meeting of the regular session to order at
approximately 7:00 p.m. with staff leading the pledge of allegiance.
Roll Call
Present (5) Commissioners: Commissioner Armstrong, Commissioner Ahanotu,
Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Kilat and Commissioner Callinan were
present.
Community Development Director, Ron Bendorff and Senior Planner, Maureen
Rich were present.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Kilat, seconded by Commissioner
Armstrong to approve the minutes of the September 13, 2007 meeting. The
motion passed with a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Callinan abstained.
Acknowledgement of
Chairperson Adams 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
General Plan Conformity
Community Development Director, Ron Bendorff gave the staff report. He stated
that the two subject properties total approximately 1.46 acres and are developed
File No. PL 2007-32SR
with one multi -tenant office building on each site. The Land Use Diagram of the
2000 General Plan shows both of the sites as appropriate for "High Density
City of Rohnert Park
Residential' development and the Zoning Map similarly shows the sites as
designated "High Density Residential (R -H)." As the Commission is aware, an
existing office building at 130 Avram Avenue is being retrofitted to accommodate
the City offices, which will allow the current City Hall site at 6750 Commerce
Boulevard to be redeveloped with an alternate use. The two subject sites are for
sale and the City intends to purchase them and consolidate them with the present
City Hall property to create a larger affordable housing site. Mr. Bendorff noted
that a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was sent out earlier this year to
developers interested in constructing an affordable housing project on the sites
and, based on the qualifications submitted, the City has narrowed the list of
potential developers down to three.
Mr. Bendorff further reported that Government Code Section 65402(a) states that
"[i]f a general plan or part thereof ... has been adopted, no real property shall be
acquired by dedication or otherwise... until the location, purpose, and extent of
such acquisition... have been submitted to and reported upon by the planning
agency as to conformity with said adopted general plan or part thereof." At this
time Planning Commission is being asked to make the conformity finding so as to
Planning Commission Minutes
October 11, 2007
Site Plan and
Architectural Review
File no. PL2007-32SR
City of Rohnert
Park/Fire Station No. 2
allow the future purchase of these properties Mr. Bendorff stated that no
inconsistencies between the proposed purchase and the General Plan document
have been found, therefore, the required finding of conformity with the General
Plan may be made. As such, staff is recommending that the Planning
Commission by motion adopt Resolution No. 2007-25, making a finding of
General Plan Conformity for the purchase of properties located at 100 and 120
Avram Avenue.
Commissioner Callinan questioned the size of the future housing project. Mr.
Bendorff explained that originally only the current city hall site was being
considered for the affordable housing project. Requests for Qualifications were
solicited based on that concept, however, it was left open that perhaps the project
could be expanded in the future should the additional properties become
available. The city is now in negotiations to purchase the two additional sites.
Commissioner Kilat questioned the revenue source for the project. Mr. Bendorff
responded that much will come from the Redevelopment Agency and is included
in the 5 year plan and the city will be applying for some CDBG monies as well.
Commissioner Adams asked if 130 Avram is suitable enough for city hall. Mr.
Bendorff said that there is some discussion of including office space in the design
of the redevelopment project to house additional/overflow staff, if that becomes
necessary.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ahanotu, seconded by Commissioner
Armstrong to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2007-25 making a
Finding of General Plan Conformity for the purchase of properties located at 100
and 120 Avram Avenue. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote.
Senior Planner, Maureen Rich, gave the staff report. She stated that the Public
Safety Department is in the process of upgrading Fire Station No. 2 located at
5200 Country Club Drive. Upgrades are being made in an effort to gain public
awareness and build more community presence as well as resolve some
maintenance issues that exist. The request is for Site Plan and Architectural
review to include the removal of trees that have been uplifting pavement, and the
installation of new drought -tolerant landscaping. Ms. Rich briefly outlined the
proposed improvements and reviewed the sections of the Zoning Code that apply
to the project. She noted that the proposed landscape plans are consistent with
City Design Guidelines and that staff has no issue with the design that has been
proposed. Additionally, staff has approved the monument sign as proposed by
Public Safety and a copy of the graph which illustrates the signage was included
for the Commissions review. Ms. Rich recommended that the Planning
Commission adopt Resolution No. 2007-26 approving Site Plan and Architectural
Review for front yard landscape rehabilitation for Rohnert Park Fire Station No. 2.
Fire Inspector/Public Safety Officer Dan Adams was recognized. He briefly
described the proposal and stated that Public Safety has worked closely with staff
to implement the proposed changes and work within the guidelines of the city. An
RFP was solicited and received for a design that has met the needs of the
department especially with regard to issues concerning water and overall
maintenance.
Commissioner Adams asked if a new patio was installed. Dan Adams res
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 11, 2007
Matters From
Commissioners
Matters from Planning
Staff
that the area between the shopping center and the fire station was graded and
new patio installed and enclosed with redwood fencing to match existing area
fencing and to give additional privacy to the station living quarters.
Commissioner Ahanotu commented that he liked the look of the old trees so is
anxious to see new look. Mr. Adams responded that the old trees were
particularly high maintenance and problems existing with dropping leaves,
drainage and uneven pavements. New trees will require low maintenance and be
more drought tolerant.
Commissioner Callinan asked if permits were required to remove the trees. Ms.
Rich stated that the public safety department consulted with the city's arborist
prior to adoption of the tree ordinance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kilat, seconded by Commissioner Callinan
to adopt Resolution No. 2007-26 approving front yard landscape rehabilitation for
Rohnert Park Fire Station Two located at 5200 Country Club Drive. The motion
passed with a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Armstrong updated the Commission on the Creeks Master Plan
Subcommittee. The Southern Laguna Watershed Overview Document is due to
be published in November. The document is being reviewed by the
subcommittee and once finished will be provided for public review. The RTCA
(Rivers Trail Conservation Assistance) has accepted and will be working with
community outreach to inform the public about local creeks and watersheds. Mr.
Armstrong also reported that the Sonoma County Water Agency has opened up
several service roads and has installed bollards for public access to creeks in the
area.
Commissioner Adams reported that the Parks Master Plan committee report is
due in November.
Commissioner Callinan asked about the status of his request for information
regarding possible muni -code violations (weeds in the planter areas of the city
library parking lot and stockpiled dirt in the RP Golf Course parking lot). Ms. Rich
responded that a memo was presented at the September 13th meeting
responding to the request. An additional copy will be forwarded.
Mr. Bendorff reported on the following:
• Next meeting: General Plan Steering Committee; Chili's Exterior Remodel
Ms. Rich noted that she will be bringing an update to the Southeast Plan on
November 8th
Adjournment There being no further business, Chairperson Adams adjourned the meeting at
7:28 PM until Thursday, October 25, 2007
ChaiWerson
3
Recording Clerk