2023/10/12 Planning Commission Minutes ,off..”PA4x
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Minutes of the Joint Special Meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee and Planning Commission and Planning Commission Regular
Meeting
Thursday, October 12,2023
6:00 P.M.
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Austin-Dillion called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chairperson Austin-Dillion.
3. READING OF THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The City of Rohnert Park acknowledges Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards
of the land. Let it be acknowledged that the City of Rohnert Park is located within the
traditional homeland of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, comprised of Coast
Miwok and Southern Porno peoples.
4. ROLL CALL FOR
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Present: Gary Gutierrez, Board Member
Tim Hensel, Board Member
Shirley Johnson, Board Member
Steve Keith Board Member
Absent: Jan Ogren, Board Member
Planning Commission
Present: Tramaine Austin-Dillion, Chairperson
Matt Epstein, Vice Chairperson
Fanny Lam - Commissioner
Marc Orloff, Commissioner
Charles Striplen, Commissioner
Absent: None
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5. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
6. AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Update of Countywide Active Transportation Plan and Rohnert Park Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
Associate Planner, Elliott Pickett, introduced Taylor McAdam who gave an
informational presentation on the Sonoma Countywide Active Transportation
Plan (ATP) Update, addressing the following topics:
• The role of an Active Transportation Plan in planning for active transportation
infrastructure
• Industry best practices for active transportation infrastructure
• Amenities to Improve User experience
• Scope of work for Sonoma County and local ATPs
The Commission and Committee participated in a discussion, which included the
following comments:
• Shirley Johnson of the BPAC asked if the increase in mobile scooter use was
being considered. -,
• Gary Gutierrez of BPAC asked if more local data could be used, and
Commissioner Striplen echoed this request
• Commissioner Orloff suggested that the Country Club corridor be reviewed
for bicycle safety
• Commissioner Epstein asked if SCATP would address bicycle transportation
in the plans for Downtown.
• Tim Hensel stated that RP bike and pedestrian paths are mainly used for
recreation and that signage and safety were important.
• Commissioner Lam inquired about the distribution of funding between
jurisdictions
Associate Planner Elliott Pickett referenced the efforts Public Works has put into
active transportation planning, and Senior Public Works Analyst Eydie Tacata
discussed the relationship between plans, funding, and infrastructure projects,
providing an update on several projects as examples.
Speaker Card: Emily Sharton, Sonoma County Advocacy coordinator for the
Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition spoke about safety, bicycle network,
destinations, i.e. schools, shopping, and county-wide connectivity.
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7. ADJOURNMENT OF JOINT SPECIAL MEETING WITH THE BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
8. CONSENT CALENDAR- ADOPTION OF MINUTES
8.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of August
24, 2023.
ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Orloff/Striplen)to adopt the Minutes of the
Planning Commission Meeting of August 24, 2023.
Motion carried by the following(4-1-0) roll call vote: AYES: Austin-Dillion,
Orloff, Striplen, Lam and; ABSTAIN: Epstein; ABSENT: None,
9. AGENDA ITEMS
9.1 PUBLIC HEARING—AMENDMENT OF RECORDED MAP- File No.
PLSD23-0003 —Jorden Tappin, DR Horton Bay Area Division - Consideration of
Resolution 2023-20 approving a Certificate of Correction amending an approved
and recorded Final Map for University District Vast Oak Phase 3B, changing the
street name "Owen Place" To "Owens Place" (APN 159-550-029)
Associate Planner Elliott Pickett provided a PowerPoint and described the project
history and proposed changes. The Commissioners inquired about the history of
the street name. Mr. Pickett responded that he was not aware of any connection
between the street name and any individual. The applicant, Jordan Tappin, D.R.
Horton, thanked the City and explained his request for a street name change.
ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Orloff/Striplen)to approve Resolution 2023-20 a
Certificate of Correction amending an approved and recorded Final Map for
University District Vast Oak Phase 3B, changing the street name "Owen Place"
To "Owens Place" (APN 159-550-029)
Motion carried by the following (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES: Austin-Dillion,
Orloff, Epstein, Striplen, Lam and; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None,
9.2 PUBLIC HEARING— MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS—File Nos.
PLMC23-0001, PLSP23-0002, PLSP23-0003 —City of Rohnert Park—
Consideration of Resolution 2023-18, recommending to the City Council approval
of an Ordinance terminating the City's moratorium on new or expanded
automobile service station uses, amending the Rohnert Park Municipal Code
Chapter 15.34 "Electric Vehicle Charging Station Review Process", Section 17.04
(Definitions), Section 17.070.20.0 (Automotive Service Stations), Section
17.06.060 (Permitted Uses), Section 17.06.100 (Permitted Uses), Section
17.06.640 (Permitted Uses), Section 17.06.840 (Permitted Land Uses), the
Northwest Specific Plan, and the Wilfred Dowdell Specific Plan,to permit .�
hydrogen fueling stations pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.7
Associate Planner Elliott Pickett provided a PowerPoint and presented the
proposed Municipal Code and Specific Plan amendments to permit hydrogen
fueling and process applications for electric vehicle charging stations, pursuant to
State law. He stated that this action was brought back at the direction of the
Planning Commission with more information on safety impacts.
Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson gave an overview of hydrogen-related emergency
response, training,the permitting process, and the existing hydrogen fuel facility
in the City. DC Johnson expressed that his department would consult widely with
Commissioners who expressed heightened concern for safety in and around the
community. Commissioner Epstein expressed his concern about the possibility of
a collision incident with a hydrogen fuel vehicle and the emergency response, and
the need to set the Public Safety department up for success. Commissioner
Striplen expressed his support for anticipatory action by the city to prepare first
responders for hydrogen issues, and for the Council to consider all funding
options for preparation. Commissioner Austin-Dillion asked if a specialized
hydrogen committee would be valuable, and Commissioner Epstein shared that, in
his experience, the best way to support the department would be financial support.
DC Johnson expressed appreciation for the feedback.
ACTION: Moved/Seconded(Striplen/Austin-Dillion)to approve Resolution
2023-18, recommending to the City Council approval of an Ordinance
terminating the City's moratorium on new or expanded automobile service station
uses, amending the Rohnert Park Municipal Code Chapter 15.34 "Electric Vehicle
Charging Station Review Process", Section 17.04 (Definitions), Section
17.070.20.0 (Automotive Service Stations), Section 17.06.060 (Permitted Uses),
Section 17.06.100 (Permitted Uses), Section 17.06.640 (Permitted Uses), Section
17.06.840 (Permitted Land Uses), the Northwest Specific Plan, and the Wilfred
Dowdell Specific Plan, to permit hydrogen fueling stations pursuant to
Government Code Section 65850.7
Motion carried by the following (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES: Austin-Dillion,
Orloff, Epstein, Striplen, Lam and; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None,
After the motion, Commissioner Lam requested that the discussion related to
funding support be included in the minutes.
10. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner Striplen stated that he would be out of town November 9—20, 2023, and
not available for a Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Orloff inquired on the status of several development projects. Elliott
Pickett provided updates.
11. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
Elliott Pickett shared that a budget amendment was approved for the General Plan, and
mentioned the incorporation of City land into the Tribal Trust in relation to the Northwest
Specific Plan and Wilfred-Dowdell Specific Plan. He mentioned that the City planned on
preparing a figure showing the boundary changes to distribute Council and Commission
members. He also mentioned that the Pape Machinery project and a Development
Project Update would likely be presented in December.
Planning Commission Meetings have been canceled for the Month of November.
12. ADJOURNMENT
C irpers Au in Ilion adjourned the regular meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Austin-Dillion, Chairperson Clotile Blanks, Recording Secretary