HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/12/12 Planning Commission MinutesMinutes of the Planning Commission Meeting
of the City of Rohnert Park
Thursday, December 12, 2024
6:00 P.M.
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chairperson Epstein called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Matthew Epstein, Chairperson
Marc Orloff, Commissioner
Tramaine Austin -Dillon, Commissioner
Absent: Fanny Lam, Commissioner (arrived 6:30 p.m.)
2. READING OF THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Read by Chairperson Epstein.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chairperson Epstein
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR — ADOPTION OF MINUTES
5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Joint Special Meeting of the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Planning Commission and Planning
Commission Regular Meeting of November 14, 2024
ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Dillon/Orloff) to approve the Minutes of the Joint
Special Meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and
Planning Commission and Planning Commission Regular Meeting of
November 14, 2024
Motion carried by the following 3-0-1 roll call vote: AYES: Epstein,
Orloff, and Austin -Dillon; NOES: None; ABSENT: Lam
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
6.1 PRESENTATION — Received an informational report on the Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan Update (This is not a project under the California Quality Act (CEQA)
BACKGROUND: A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a strategic plan that
identifies natural hazards and vulnerabilities and identifies mitigation actions that will
reduce risk across the city. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
requires an LHMP to be updated and approved every five years to be eligible to apply
for and/or receive many forms of funding for disaster mitigation and recovery.
7. DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY UPDATE
Update on projects throughout the City of Rohnert Park that have received Planning approval
and are currently under construction, as well as anticipated future applications to be submitted
to the Planning Commission. Additionally, summarized the Planning Division accomplishments
achieved in 2024.
8. YEAR'S HIGHLIGHT VIDEO SLIDE SHOW
Chairperson Epstein presented the City of Rohnert Park 2024 Year in Rohnert Park video slide
show to the Planning Commissioners and Staff.
9. ITEMS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner Orloff emphasized the need for upgrades in the Southwest corridor, highlighting
his ongoing concerns about its current condition. He recommended that stakeholders improve
transparency regarding the processes for any proposed enhancements. Additionally, he
suggested organizing a meeting with both large and small shopping center owners to
collaboratively develop a plan that could include loan options to support property upkeep.
Chairperson Epstein extended his appreciation to the Commissioners and the Planning Division
Staff for their ongoing support and for keeping the commission informed about all planning
matters throughout 2024. He also announced his anticipation of handing over the chairmanship
to Commissioner Marc Orloff for the year 2025.
10. ITEM FROM DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
Director Ali Giudice provided an update on the Planning Commissioner Academy, which is
scheduled to take place from March 5th to 7th, 2025, in Santa Rosa. She informed the
Commission that the registration process has commenced to ensure all Commissioners are
enrolled. She will also be attending the event and is eager to engage with the Commissioners at
the event.
In January 2025, the City Council will discuss, review, and approve appointments for the
Planning Commissioner vacancy. Additionally, the transition of the Chair and Vice Chair
positions will also occur at that time.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Epstein aj
Matthew Epstein, Clia ir
the l'�gmission Meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Recording Secretary, Clotile Blanks