HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/92MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Held Thursday, November 19, 1992, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chamber, City Hall, 1501
Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California.
1. ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS:
Present:
DAVID COHN, Chairman Pro Tem
JEFF ANDREW
JIM MARINO
KATE ROSENLIEB
C. ROBERT FRAPWELL, Alternate
Absent:
DARREN POWERS
STEVE MESSNER
ADVISORY-MEMBERS: Present:
LAURA MARINO, Assistant City
Attorney
FRED KLOEPPER, Assistant Public
Works Director
DENNIS FIDLER, Assistant Building
Director
o
STAFF:
Present:
JACK HARDISTY, Planning Director
JIM MOVIUS, Principal Planner
MARC GAUTHIER, Principal Planner
MIKE LEE, Associate Planner
LAURIE DAVIS, Recording Secretary
Because Chairperson Powers and Vice-Chair Messner were both absent, motion
was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner Frapwell to
appoint Commissioner Corn as Chairperson pro-tem. Motion carried.
PUBLIC 'STATEMENTS
No one made any public statements at this time.
Chairman read the 'notice of right to appeal as set forth on the agenda.
Chairman Cohn introduced Mr. Hersh, the recent appointee to the planning
commission' and welcomed him.
Mr. Hardisty cited information given to the Commission regarding Mr. Hersh's
qualifications.
'Minutes, PC, .11/19/92
Page 2
3. WORKSHOP - INFORMATION REGARDING REVISED SCHEDULED
4.1
FOR PROCESSING
This workshop was given at the Planning Commission pre-meeting held November
16, 1992.
PUBLIC HEARING - EXTENSION OF TIME 'TENTATIVE TRACT 5105
4.2
Staff report was given.
Public.portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition. -
Randy Bergquist represented the applicant stating he was agreeable to conditions
of approval.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner
Anderson to approve the one-year extension of time to expire November 17,
1993, for Tentative Tract'5105, subject to the conditions outlined in the staff
report as Exhibit "A". Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING - EXTENSION OF TIME - TENTATIVE TRACT 5369
4.3
Mr. Lee, staff planner 'stated this item is to be readvertised as a Tentative Tract
and scheduled for the regular meeting of December 17, .1992.
PUBLIC HEARING - EXTENSION OF TIME - TENTATIVE TRACT 5462
Staff report was given.
Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition.
Jim Higday represented the applicant. He stated their agreement with conditions
as written. - ~
MotiOn was made by Commissioner Frapwell, seconded by Commissioner Marino
to approve a one-year extension of time for Tentative Tract 5462 with no changes
to the conditions of approval. Motion carried.
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92
5.1 PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 9884
page 3
Staff report was given.
Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in oppositionl
Chris Conway represented the applicant. He requested deferrals of Condition #'s
I regarding master drainage plan, #2 regarding municipal sewer service to each
parcel, because they propose no development at this time. Commissioner
Rosenlieb referred to a memo dated November 18, 1992 regarding revision of
item #'s 2 and 3. Mr. Conway was given a copy. He asked that Condition #'s
11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 be deferred until further development or further
subdivision.
Public portion of the hearing was closed.
Mr.-Kloepper responded to requests by Mr. Conway, saying he recommended this
matter be continued because of the complexity of responding to the requests.
Commissioner Rosenlieb concurred with Mr. Kloepper's recommendation,
suggesting the applicant ask for a continuance until the next regularly scheduled
meeting in order to give him the opportunity to meet with the Public Works
Department. Mr. Conway was agreeble to this.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner
Frapwell to continue this item to the next regularly scheduled meeting. MOtion
carried.
Commissioner Cohn relinquished the chair to Commissioner Powers who came in
at this time. :
5.2 PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 9900
Commissioner Powers abstained due to a conflict of interest in that a property
owner in the area has been a source of income to his firm within the last Year.
Commissioner Cohn chaired this hearing.
Staff report was given.
Public portion of the hearing
was opened; no one spoke in opposition.
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92
Page 4
Dan Murphy, Lantec Development Corporation stated they are currently in the
process of buying subject property. Responding to a question by Commissioner
Cohn, Mr. Murphy said he had read the memos from Public Works dated
November 17, 1992 and memo of November 19, 1992. Mr. Murphy cited the
proposed uses of the property. Regarding the previous sewer issue for this area,
he said they have been working on this issue. He stated their agreement with the
staff report, with the exception of Condition #5 of Planning Department
conditions pertaining to access to the river through this subdivision. He
requested that the Planning Commission modify condition #5 and stated that the
applicant is willing to provide an easement to be reflected on the final map for
access along the river. He asked that the issue be deferred until further planning
of this portion of the property so that public access can be analyzed within an
overall development plan. Regarding Condition #4 he asked that it be reworded
to the effect that the applicant shall submit an application for rezoning rather
than fully obtain the rezoning prior to final map. He stated their acceptance of
all other staff conditions.
Public portion of the heating was closed.
Responding to a question!by Commissioner Cohn, Mr. Hardisty recommended
the Commission adopt the conditions cited by Mr. Murphy as they are written in
the staff report. -
ResPonding to a question' by Commissioner Rosenlieb, Mr. Kloepper said by
deleting their Condition #3, the requirement for construction of sewer system to
service this parcel map is being dropped. The question of future sewering is not
being addressed. Discussion continued regarding Condition #2. Commissioner
Rosenlieb asked for the reason for deletion of Condition #8, Mr. Kloepper
responded saying the city does not have a basis for requiring the waiver of access
rights on 178 because it is a State highway.
Commissioner Rosenlieb stated she did not feel the city should be allowing
subdivisions to occur without municipal sewer service. She stated she would be
prepared to support subdivisions in the area when a trunkline is present.
Discussion continued regarding the requirement of municipal sewer services.
Commissioner Cohn said the commission needs to make it known to the
development community that the commission is going to enforce the policies of
the general plan with respect to sewer services.
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92
Page 5
Fred Porter, Porter-Robertson Engineering, stated their involvement in the sewer
study for the area. Regarding the community leach field system, he said it is
approved by Regional Water Quality Control and is viable. Secondly he stated
Rio Bravo has the powe~ to construct sewer facilities within their district. He felt
that the most cost-effective system they have come up with is to tie into the city's
sewer system.
Mr. Hardisty cited policies of the general plan regarding sewer systems.
Responding to questions~by Commissioner Marino, Mr. Porter said they agreed at
theii meeting with staff today to get the signatures on the petition of those who
will be part of the district for construction of a trunk sewer line from Brundage
Lane to 1/2 mile west of :Morning Drive to connect to the city sewer system.
Commissioner Marino asked about a condition being added that no occupancy
permits will be issued prior to the completion of the funding mechanism for the
trunkline. Discussion continued regarding this issue, Commissioner Marino
clarified his intention was not to force them to tie into the city system.
Commissioner Marino asked about the proposed change of condition of the
rez0ning. Mr. Hardisty said the 20 acre parcel satisfies the minimum A zone
parcel size.- He said some latitude could be granted in this area. Regarding
Condition #8, Commissioner Marino said he would be agreeable to removing this
condition. Mr. Hardisty stated in discussing this issue with CalTrans did not
appear to be an issue.with them, possibly because this development will be looked
at again in the future. ·
Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb to deny the parcel map with the
finding that it is inconsistent with the general plan due to a lack of a regional
centralized, municipal treated sewer system. Motion died for lack of a second.
6.1
Motion was made by Commissioner Marino, seconded by Commissioner Frapwell
to refer this item to the Subdivision Committee with the direction that they work
out the wording of a condition to address the sewer issue and continue this item
to the' next regularly scheduled meeting of December 3, 1992. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING-- TENTATIVE TRACT 5743
Commissioner powers abstained due to a conflict of interest in that a property
owner'in the area has been a source of income to his firm within the last year.
staff report was given.
Public Portion of the hearing was opened; no one spok~ in opposition.
Minutes,. PC, 11/19/92
page 6
Randy Bergquist represented the applicant. He asked for deferment of
improvement requirements on Lot 73 until further subdivision. He said they have
a will-serve letter for service of both water and sewer. Mr. Kloepper was
agreeable to these requests.
Commissioner Rosenlieb said the same problem exists on this development as on
the previous development regarding sewer.
Commissioner Marino felt there are no assurances in the conditions to try to
solve the sewer problem-on a regional basis.
Motion was made by 'Commissioner Marino to refer this item to the Subdivision
Committee. Motion died for lack of a second.
Commissioner Frapwell said he would like to be sure that the. development would
tie into the existing system and not a new system.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb to deny this tentative tract based
on the fact that it is not consistent with the general plan because it does not
provide for a regional, centralized, municipal, treated sewer service system.
Mr. Porter felt the propoSed sewer method would meet the requirements of the
Water Quality Control Boar& This system is the regional system for the Rio
Bravo area and has been~for the last 10 years. The ultimate plan is to connect to
the city system or construct a treatment plant for the area which are options they
are working on.
Commissioner Rosenlieb ,said the will-serve letter does not reqUire they must
hook to the system.
Mr. Porter said they would be agreeable to a condition that they connect to the
Olcese sewer line on an interim basis.
Commissioner Andrew felt possibly this item should be continued to the next
meeting sending it to a meeting of the Subdivision Committee to discuss the
issues raised. -
Chairman Cohn called for a second on the motion by Commissioner Rosenlieb to
deny this tentative-tract. Motion died for lack of second.
Motion was made by Commissioner Andrew, seconded by Commissioner Frapwell
to refer this item to the Subdivision Committee to be held concurrently with the
meeting on Parcel Map 4~9900 and continue this item to the next regularly
scheduled meeting of December 3, 1992. Motion carried. Commissioners Cohn
and Rosenlieb voted no.
Minutes,. PC, 11/19/92
Page 7
6.2 PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE TRACT 5535
Staff report was given.
Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition.
Maurice Etchechury represented the applicant. He responded to a question by
Chairman Powers sayinghe had read the memoranda dated November 17, and
November 19, 1992' and was in agreement with them. He cited a letter he had
sent to the Planning Department dated November 16, 1992. He clarified their
intent to phase this project and that they had submitted an acoustical study asking
if the condition from the. Building Department regarding this could indicate it is
acceptable. Mr. Fidler, Assistant Building Director, stated it is acceptable and the
condition could be removed. Mr. Etchechury asked for suggestions regarding
sound attenuation. ~
Public portion of the hearing.was closed.
Commissioner Rosenlieb asked a question regarding parks condition #1, Mr.
Cramer, Parks Department said the requirement should only pertain to Lot 214.
Regarding the request by the applicant pertaining to Conditions # 10 and #2, Mr.
Kloepper said they were-meant to cover all bases. The general plan amendment
referred to in Condition #2 will be heard on December 17, 1992. Regarding
Condition #7, Page 9 and Condition #21, Page 4, Mr. Kloepper said condition
#21 could be deleted. Mr. Fidler was agreeable to the request by the applicant
for deletion of Building Department, Condition #4. Regarding Condition #10,
Page 9; Mr. Hardisty said if the map shows it to be relocated there is no need for
the condition. Mr. Hardisty was agreeable to Commissioner Rosenlieb's
-suggestion that the following Wording be added to Condition #8: "Prior to final
map the subdivider shall show a buildout design and receive approval from the
Planning Director." Regarding the sound wall on the freeway, Mr. Hardisty said a
masonry block wall wOuld be erected based on the results of a sound study,
additionally a general provision exists in the zoning ordinance in which lots
adjacent to freeways are .required to have masonry walls.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner
Marino-to approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, to make all findings set
forth in the staff report, and to approve Proposed Tentative Tract 5535 subject to
the conditions outlined in the Exhibit "A", with the following additions, deletions
and changes: _
Conditions outlined in the memorandum from the Parks dated November
12, 1992, shall be added with the following change:
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92
Page 8
~Condition '#1 to be changed to read as follows:
Landscape between back of wall and face of wall will be required, adjacent
to Lot 214. '
Memo from Public'Works Department dated November 17, 1992 shall be
added to this approval
Memo from Planning Department dated November 19, 1992 shall be
added to this approval
Condition #21, Page 4 shall be deleted
Condition #8 of Planning Department conditions, new sentence to be
added to existing language to read as follows:
Prior to the final map the subdivider shall show a buildout design
rand receive approval for such buildout design from the Planning
-Director.
Building Department Condition #4, Page 7 shall be deleted
Motion c~rried.
Mr.' Hardisty cited the wall requirement from the zoning ordinance.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY FINDING - TO FIND A PROPOSED
HIGH SCHOOL SITE CONSISTENT WITH THE 2010 GENERAL PLAN
Staff report was given.
Mr. Hardisty reSpOnded to a question by Commissioner Marino saying public
facilities in Conjunction with development of a' community are exempt from fees
for transportation, etc. The schools try to be cooperative when they can. He did
not feel not paying a transportation fee is sufficient cause to find they are
inconsistent with the general plan. Commissioner Marino asked if the
commission can condition general plan consistency findings to be consistent with
policies or' conditions of environmental documents that have changed the general
plan. Mr. Hardisty did not feel they can be conditioned at all. 'A finding just has
to be made whether or not they are or are not consistent with the general plan.
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92
Page 9
Commissioner Rosenlieb :stated her concern about a consistency finding being
made next to a possible hazardous waste site. She stated she felt uncomfortable
making a consistency finding that would place children next to this site. Mr.
Hardisty said these same concerns have been raised by the school board, wh° are
conducting an environmental review and hazardous assessment of this site. Mr.
Hardisty suggested-that.this issue be deferred until the evidence of the
environmental review is present. Commissioner Powers was in agreement with
this suggestion. --
Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner Cohn
to defer action on this item until the commission receives information on the
results of the tests of the hazardous waste site. Motion carried.
8. REQUEST FROM RIVERLAKES RANCH TO FIND PROPOSED FENCING
PLAN SATISFIES CONDITION OF APPROVAL FOR TENTATIVE TRACT
5477 AND GPA 1-90, SEGMENT III REGARDING CANAL FENCING FOR
THE CALLOWAY CANAL AND FRIANT-KERN CANAL WEST OF
COFFEE ROAD, SOUTH OF OLIVE DRIVE AND EAST OF CALLOWAY
DRIVE
Commissioner Marino abstained due to a conflict of interest in that his employer
is providing services for the applicant.
-Commissioner Andrew abstained due to a conflict of interest in that he has
received income from a prbperty owner in close proximity to this project.
Staff repOrt was given.
No one spoke in opposition or in favor of this request. No one was present
representing the applicant.
Motion was made by Commissioner Cohn, seconded by Commissioner Frapwell to
find that'the proposed plan for canal fencing does not satisfy the canal fencing
condition of approval for Tentative Tract 5744 and GPA 1-90, Segment III.
Motion carried. Commissioner Powers voted no.
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92
9. RESOLUTION ADopTING WALL AND LANDSCAPE POLICIES
Page 10
10.
Staff report was given.
Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition or favor.
Responding to a question by Commissioner Rosenlieb, Mr. Movius said
landscaping for sumps was referred to the Public Works Department in order to
formulate a specific standard.. Responding to a question by Commissioner
Powers, Mr. Kloepper said staff would develop a proposal' to bring back before
the Commission regarding this issue.
Commissioner Rosenlieb felt these policies would benefit everyone concerned.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner
Andrew to adopt the resolution. Motion carried bythe following roll call vote:
AYES:
Commissioners Andrew, Cohn, Frapwell, Marino, Rosenlieb,
Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT:
Commissioner Messner
DISCUSSION OF TRAIL ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES .EAST OF
MANOR STREET
Marc'Gauthier stated he invited the Sierra Club and representatives of the
Parkway Committee in order to solicit comments. He pointed out the alternative
alignments on the map. .
Peter Smith, Kern COG, spoke saying they are the funding agency providing the
money for this-project. He outlined the possible alignments. He responded to a
question by Commissioner Powers saying the City of Bakersfield has until
September 18, 1993 to commence construction on this project in order to-receive
funding from Kern COG. Commissioner Powers felt the route which will take the
shortest amount of time needs to be taken in view of the'time constraint.
Mr. Smith responded to questions by Commissioner Marino, saying under the
bicycle design criteria, the trail would be 12 feet of pavement with a 4 foot
shoulder on each- side,_ totalling 20 feet. Regarding bike path striping of
Panorama he said they would in the future be able to fund this.
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92 . Page 11-
Commissioner Cohn asked if the Commission would make the ultimate decision
on the alignment asking What the procedure would be. Mr. Hardisty said an
environmental review would be conducted on each proposed alignment with a
public hearing being conducted for a specific plan line, at which time the
alignment Would be adopted and preserved for future funding as it becomes
available.
Arthur Unger, Sierra Club spoke saying their Concern is that they do not lose
riparian habitat surrounding the river, feeling this bike path is a threat to that.
He stated his preference for the bike path being located near the canal. He
asked that concrete be kept away from the river, along with weed-killing
chemicals.
Rich O'Neal spoke on behalf of the Kern River Bike Path Committee. He gave a
history on the bike path. Their goal is to maintain the bike path as a balanced
feature for the river and community. The canal route provides a possible walking
link to the park above the bluffs and will not disturb the equestrian use.
Dennis Fox said he Would.like to see the bike path extended to Fairfax. He
added concerns to the alignment being acceptability of the recommended route
regarding wildlife corridor. width and separation from human contact and the
possibility 0f human encampments. He asked that zoning restrictions be added
barring further commercial, strip commercial or liquor sales within one mile of
the river- or eXtend park ordinances to include the parkway area.
Bill Cooper, Kern River parkway Committee, spoke saying they would support
the southern route, feeling any problems associated with it can be overcome.
Responding to a question by Commissioner Andrew, Mr. Kloepper felt the canal
alignment, would probably be the cheapest to build. Commissioner Marino was in
agreement with the canal alignment.
Gene.Bogart, City Water Department,' stated the problem with the canal
alignment is there is very little width on the north bank of the canal for the first
1/2 mile. Unless retaining walls are built to gain the width through vertical slopes
he did not feel there would be enough width to share the bike path along with the
required maintenance path for the canal. Discussion continued regarding width
of the bike path. He responded to a question by Commissioner Marino, saying
the south side of the canal is against the bluff and during rainy seasons it is
difficult to get equipment into the area because of the runoff. The south bank is
not used very often.
Discussion continued regarding width of the canal bank. Commissioner Cohn
stated his opinion :that the trail should be along the river because of aesthetics.
Minutes, PC, 11/19/92
i1..
Page 12
ReSponding to a question by Commissioner Frapwell, Mr. Bogart said there is
sufficient right-of-Way. Responding to a question by Commissioner Rosenlieb,
Mr. B0gart said' the bike path could not be on the south side because of future
wet years.
COMMUNICATIONS
A). Written
None
B) Verbal
Mr. Hardisty relaYed decisions made by the City Council regarding multi-
use trailS saying it was concluded that there would be a compromise
reducing the length of the multi-use decomposed granite trail, with the rail
fence being left. The Coun6il also agreed that the trails should be along
the fronts-of commercial sites rather than backs. Discussion continued
regarding the location of trails.
12. COMMISSION COMMENTS
Responding to a question by COmmissioner Rosenlieb, Mr. Hardisty said the item
on the Council agenda regarding awarding a contract to a private company for
maintenance of an assessment district was denied. The idea of placing this on the
agenda was to try to come up with lower maintenance costs, for landscaping. The
facts showed that costs to tesidents would be higher by going through a private
contract°r, however the costs would be guaranteed for a three-year period. The
residents wanted to look into this approach as an alternative to city maintenance,
feeling it may be. less expensive to them.
Chairman Powers welcomed Mr. Hersh to the Commission. Mr. Hersh stated he
looked forward to serving on the Commission.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being-no further business to come before the Commission, meeting was
adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Laurie Davis
J~Ianning Dlr ec~0$~