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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/05/97Council Chamber, City Hall AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD Thursday June 5, 1997 5:30 p.m. MATHEW BRADY, Chairperson JEFFREY TKAC, Vice-Chairperson STEPHEN BOYLE MICHAEL DHANENS MARTI KEMPER ROBERT ORTIZ WADE TAVORN ALTERNATE: BETSY TEETER NOTE: Agendas may be amended up to 72 hours prior to the Planning Commission meeting. final agenda may be obtained from the Planning Department 72 hours prior to the meeting. A ANY PERSON WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THE AGENDA OR WISHES TO SPEAK REGARDING A PUBLIC HEARING NEED NOT FILL OUT A SPEAKER'S CARD. ALL OTHERS WISHING TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COMMISSION MAY FILL OUT A SPEAKER'S CARD AND PRESENT IT TO THE SECRETARY PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEETING. N O TIC_F_~)~dGI::~:)~ p~_EA L Planning Commission decisions on Zone Changes, Parcel Maps and Tentative Subdivision maps are subject to appeal by any person aggrieved. No permit shall be issued for any use involved in an application until after the final acceptance date of appeal. Such appeal must be filed in writing within 10 days from date of hearing, addressed to the City Council, cio Office of the City Clerk, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. A $330 non-refundable filing fee must be included with filing of the initial appeal for those appeals filed by the applicant or any person outside the notice area. All appeals filed on land divisions will require a $330 non-refundable filing fee. If all appeals are withdrawn prior to the City Council hearing, it will not be conducted and the decision of the Planning Commission will stand. Agenda, PC, 6/5/97 Page 2 If no appeal is received within the specified time period or if all appeals filed are withdrawn, the action of the Planning Commission shall become final. 3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS - (marked by asterisk (*) These items will be acted on as a group without individual staff presentations if no member of the Planning Commission or audience wishes to comment or ask questions on a case. The items are recommended for approval by staff. The applicant has been informed of any special conditions and has signed an agreement to conditions of approval and requested to be placed on the consent agenda. If anyone wishes to discuss or testify on any of the consent items the item(s) will be taken off consent and will be considered in the order on the agenda. If not, the public hearing will be opened and the items acted on as a group. 4. APPROVA~ Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held May 1, and May 12, 1997. 5. puBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 1) VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 10426 (Martin-Mclntosh) Located on the east side of Gosford Road between McNair Lane and District Boulevard. Consisting of four parcels for manufacturing purposes on property zoned M-2-D (General Manufacturing) and a waiver of mineral rights owners' signature in accordance with Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 16.20.060 B.1. (Negative Declaration on file) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with conditions. Group vote 2) VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 10404 (Castle & Cooke, Calif. Inc.) Located south of Brimhall Road to the Kern River Freeway Specific Plan Line, west of the southerly extension of Jewetta Avenue to Allen Road. Consisting of four lots on 247 acres zoned A-20A (Agriculture-20 acre minimum). (Negative Declaration on file) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with conditions. Group vote Agenda, PC, 6/5/97 Page 3 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - TFN_T~d~ 1) TENTATIVE TRACT 5515 (Optional Design) (Porter-Robertson) Located in the Rio Bravo golf course, south of Highway 178, east of Miramonte Drive. Consisting of 57 residential lots on property zoned R-1 (One Family Dwelling) and a waiver of mineral rights owners' signature in accordance with Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 16.20.060 B.3. (Negative Declaration on file) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Applicant has requested continuance. Continue to Planning Commission meetings of July 14th and July 17th. Group vote 2) TENTATIVE TRACT 5869 (Sequoia Engineering) Located on the southeast corner of Brimhall Road and Verdugo Lane. Consisting of 250 lots including 1 sump lot and 1 school lot on property zoned R- S (Residential Suburban) and R-1 (One Family Dwelling) for single family residential purposes and a request to allow block length of more than 1,000 square feet and waiver of mineral right signatures in accordance with BMC Section 16.20.060 B.1. (Negative Declaration on file) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with conditions. Group vote 3) TENTATIVE TRACT 5872 (Porter-Robertson) Located on the south side of White Lane, between Saddle Drive and Mountain Vista Drive. Consisting of 55 lots on property zoned R-l, a request to allow a block length of more than 1,000 feet and a waiver of mineral rights owners' signature in accordance with Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 16.20.060 B.1. (Negative Declaration on file) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with conditions. Group vote Agenda, PC, 6~5~97 4) TENTATIVE TRACT 5873 (Porter-Robertson) Page 4 Located on the south side of Panama Lane on both sides of Monitor Street. Consisting of 112 lots on property zoned R-1 (One Family Dwelling) and a waiver of mineral rights owners' signature in accordance with Bakersfield 'Municipal Code Section 16.20.060 B.3. (Negative declaration on file) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with conditions. Group vote P~JBLIC_HEARING ON THE DRAFT ENVJ~,OJ~L~:~AL_IMP~C~T_EEEORT FOB GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONEJ3J:IAbLGE~[HE~:)J~LHQSP~ SJL~. (No action) 8. ~EALPLAN CONSISTENC~'~-~II~IDJJ~IGS (Government Code Section 65402) 1) General plan consistency finding for vacation of 33 foot wide alley in City Block 247 between "K" and "L" Streets, 18th and 19th Streets. (Categorically exempt) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with conditions. Group vote 2) General plan consistency finding for Kern County Board of Education acquisition of property for school site located between 20th and 21st Streets, east of "K" Street to "L" Street. (Categorically exempt) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve with conditions. Group vote 3) General plan consistency finding for acquisition and disposition of fire station sites located south of Stockdale Highway, east of Buena Vista Road, north of White Lane, west of Buena Vista, and north of White Lane, east of Allen Road. (Categorically exempt) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve. G rou p vote ~NLCATIONS A) Written B) ~erb_al Agenda, PC, 6/5/97 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS 11. Page.5 A. _Committees DISCUSSLON AND ACTION REGARD~LG~IB_~I~~ -PJ~,E~/IEETI N G. 12. ADJO_UP, NMEN~ MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD Held Thursday, June 5, 1997, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chamber, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, Califomia. 1. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: present: Absent: MATHEW BRADY, Chairperson JEFFREY TKAC, Vice-Chairperson MICHAEL DHANENS MARTI KEMPER ROBERT ORTIZ WADE TAVORN BETSY TEETER STEPHEN BOYLE ADVISORY MEMBERS: Present: STAFF: Present: JUDY SKOUSEN, City Attorney JACK LaROCHELLE, Engineer IV JACK LEONARD, Assistant Building Director MARC GAUTHIER, Principal Planner JIM MOVIUS, Principal Planner LAURIE DAVIS, Recording Secretary Chairman read the notice of right to appeal as set forth on the agenda. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Ortiz, seconded by Commissioner Tkac to approve minutes of the regular meetings held May 1, and May 12, 1997. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING - VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 10426 Commissioner Teeter abstained due to a conflict of interest. Staff report recommending approval was given. Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in favor or opposition. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 2 Roger McIntosh represented the property owner. approval. . He stated agreement with conditions of Public portion of the hearing was closed. Motion was made by Commissioner Dhanens, seconded by Commissioner Ortiz to approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, to make all findings set forth in the resolution, and to approve Proposed Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 10426 subject to the conditions outlined in the resolution attached (Exhibit E). Motion carried. Commissioner Teeter was absent. 5.2 PUBLIC HEARING - VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 10404 Staff report recommending approval was given. Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in favor or opposition. Roger Mclntosh represented the..property owner. Regarding. condition # 1.f. of the June 3, 1997 memo he said the reason for the requested change is so that time of payment of fees would be specified to be at time of building permit. Regarding Condition #2 their proposed deletion is because the revised freeway alignment has not yet been adopted. He also stated their disagreement with the last sentence which indicates a notice shall be placed on the map concerning plan line revision and possible requirement of additional right-of-way at time of further subdivision, requesting this not be placed in the condition. He stated if the State or City changes their specific plan alignment or adopts a new alignment it would be complied with at time of further subdivision. He stated agreement with deletion of Condition #7.a. Concerning condition # 1 .b.ii. concerning requirement of an east/west collector between Jewetta and Allen be deferred until further subdivision because the location of the collector is not known at this time making dedication difficult. He stated concurrence with the remaining conditions of approval. Mr. LaRochelle stated agreement with proposed changes by the applicant. Regarding Condition #2 he said the State is currently looking into revising the specific plan line. The city is simply asking that development be done properly and without some sort of note letting a potential buyer know what is happening the public is given a disservice. Ms. Skousen said this is simply a note of helpful information and is not a requirement. Mr. Mclntosh stated this being the case he · ' would not have a problem with it. He requested that a reservation be shown rather than a dedication. Mr. LaRochelle stated disagreement with this because with a reservation the city would be required to purchase the land, however with dedication it would not have to be purchased. Mr. Mclntosh suggested a master circulation plan to be kept on file which states that upon further subdivision it would have to be changed or it would have to be complied with. Mr. LaRochelle stated he would be in agreement so long as all property owners are in concurrence with the revision. Mr. Mclntosh was in agreement with this. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 3 Mr. LaRochelle submitted the following language on the change to Condition #1 .b.ii.: "A master circulation plan for the east/west collector paralleling the Kern River Freeway and mid-way between the freeway and Brimhall Road between Old Farm Road and Allen Road shall be approved by the City Engineer. In addition all affected property owners will be in concurrence with any deviation from the master circulation plan with approval by the City Engineer" Mr. Mclntosh was amenable to this proposed language. · Motion was made by Commissioner Kemper, seconded by Commissioner Dhanens to adopt resolution, approving and adopting the Negative Declaration, and to approve Proposed Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 10404 with findings and conditions as presented in said resolution (see attached Exhibit "D"), with conditions as amended in the memo dated June 3, 1997, including amendment to Condition #1 .b.2. to read as follows: A master circulation plan for the east/west collector paralleling the Kern River Freeway and midway between the freeway and Brimhall Road, between Old Farm Road and Allen Road shall be approved by the city engineer. In addition all affected property owners -:will be in concurrence with any deviation from the master circulation plan with approval by the city engineer. Motion carriedl 6.1 PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE TRACT 5515 OPTIONAL DESIGN Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition or in favor. Request for continuance was received on this item. Mr. Movius explained outstanding issues and upcoming scheduled hearing items. He suggested it be continued to the July 14, and July 17, 1997 meetings. Harold Robertson represented the property owner. In response to a question by Chairman Brady he stated his agreement with Mr. Movius' synopsis of the situation and agreement with continuance until July 14, and July 17, 1997. Motion was made by Commissioner Dhanens, seconded by Commissioner'Ortiz to continue this item to the regular meetings of July 14, and July 17, 1997. Motion carried.' 6.2 PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE TRACT 5869 Staff report recommending approval was given. Mr. Movius stated a memorandum was also submitted regarding school fees and a revised motion. Public portion of the hearing was opened. Roger Mclntosh submitted.written information to the Commission which offered proposed changes to this proposed tract. He gave background information regarding the east/west collector stating it was decided by the commission and council that the collector would be installed and remain a collector, however it could be modified or designated as a local collector. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 4 He stated he understood the request for the cul-de-sac, however stated it creates a difficult situation in that the area south of Tract 5544 is being boxed in and is creating a longer traveling distance for those living in the area. He submitted a possible location of lots which would offset the collector from the west to Verdugo but still allow the local street to come through to Verdugo. Chairman Brady asked what the length of Bay Colony would be if this proposal were adopted. Mr. McIntosh said if his proposal were adopted the length would be an additional 50 feet. Tac Fuji stated his support for Mr. Mclntosh's position. He said Castle and Cooke owns the property due west of this site and he feels the proposed change would allow better circulation for residents and would allow them a greater ability to sell to future home buyers. Robert Embercelli stated he was representing his neighborhood stating their opposition to the lot sizes and the fact that their lot sizes range from the high 9,000 to 12,000-13,000. They felt the · - - size of lots would depreciate the value of their homes. He requested that the~lot sizes be comparable to those in their subdivision ...... Duane Stan stated he lives in the same subdivision as the previous speaker and reiterated and concurred with the same reasons for opposition. Bob Smith, Sequoia Engineering represented the property owner. Regarding the requirement of a 6-foot high masonry wall separating residential lots from Calloway he said they submitted a plan which was acceptable that allowed them to be 3 feet above the grade. Mr. Movius explained the plan which was submitted, stating it was acceptable. Mr. Smith stated their agreement with Bay Colony Drive continuing through to Verdugo if this is what the commission would like. Commissioner Dhanens asked Mr. Smith to review the schematic drawing submitted by Mr. Mclntosh. Mr. Smith was amenable to it. Mr. LaRochelle gave history of this map and the collector. He said the end of the collector is with this map and there will be a lot of traffic entering Calloway Drive. He explained the reason for requesting dedication and master plan for the east/west collector. Staff had requested that the applicant look into providing a collector type street all the way to Calloway Drive. Responding to a question by Chairman Brady, Mr. Smith stated he did not want a collector on this property. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Commissioner Dhanens asked if the school site would have direct access to Verdugo or if would be entirely internalized into this subdivision or if there were anything that would prohibit the school from having direct access to Verdugo. Mr. LaRochelle said the school is totally controlled by the State. Discussion continued regarding through traffic on Calloway. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 5 Chairman Brady said he has a concern regarding very long residential streets because of the necessity for future barriers and speed bumps because of the problems they cause. This access would create a very long street allowing for speeding through the neighborhood. He stated his agreement with staff's position of placing a cul-de-sac at one end of the street. Commissioner Teeter asked if the high school traffic would flow north on Jewetta to Brimhall. Mr. LaRochelle said the easiest route would be to Brimhall. She stated she had concerns regarding traffic issues especially coming west from the high school and felt the length of street is problematic. Concerning the comment about decrease of property values she felt that Verdugo creates somewhat of a buffer and felt more concerned about the property to the west than she was of the property to the east. Commissioner Kemper felt Bay Colony could become a traffic problem. She asked if it would be possible if Bay Colony remains a cul-de-sac if Verdugo could be opened so that residents to the east of the school site could access the school. Mr. LaRochelle felt the school would be positioning their major access onto Verdugo. Bob Smith stated the school indicated they would _use_the.access from Verdugo and_that accessto the east side of.the school would be strictly for the neighborhood. Commissioner Tavorn agreed that a cul-de-sac would slow traffic. Commissioner Dhanens felt with the intent of the school district providing access from Verdugo it seemed as if the traffic situation on Bay Colony would be alleviated if a cul-de-sac were installed. Motion was made by Commissioner Dhanens, seconded by Commissioner Ortiz to adopt resolution approving and adopting the Negative Declaration, and to approve Proposed Tentative Tract 5869 with findings and conditions as presented in said resolution and including the revisions shown in the Planning Director's memo dated June 3, 1997. (See attached Exhibit "E"). Motion carried. 6.3 PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE TRACT 5872 Staff report recommending approval was given. Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition or in favor. Mike Soper represented the application. He stated agreement with staff's recommendations. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 6 Regarding maintenance of landscaping along Saddle Drive, Commissioner Dhanens asked if this -cost were to be borne only by the residents in Tract 5872. Rob Cramer, City Parks Department, stated it was his understanding that the landscaping costs along Saddle Drive would be borne by the residents through maintenance district zone of benefit. The additional landscape setback along White Lane at the intersection of St. Anne's would be in the consolidated district. Discussion continued regarding the consolidated maintenance district. Mr. LaRochelle explained the added condition concerning this stating it was an unusual situation. Commissioner Dhanens asked if any thought had been given to deleting the wall altogether and just having the landscaping strip separating the properties. Mr. Movius stated the wall is not required it is a request by the applicant to provide more of a distinction for their subdivision. Commissioner Dhanens agreed that the additional 2 feet would be worthwhile from the standpoint of saving the existing trees on Saddle Drive. Motion was made by Commissioner Kemper, seconded by Commissioner Tkac to make all findings set forth in the resolution, and to approve Proposed Vesting Tentative Tract 5872 subject to the conditions outlined in the resolution (Exhibit "E"), with conditions as amended in the memos from_the Planning Department dated June 5, 199-7, .with the amendment to Condition 12 of Exhibit "C," first sentence to reference 4 feet instead of 2 feet and memo from Public Works dated June 2, 1997. Motion carried. 6.4 PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE TRACT 5873 Staff report recommending approval was given. Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition or in favor. Harold Robertson represented the applicant. He stated their agreement with the conditions and recommendations in the staff report. Paul Andre represented a portion of mineral interest of the property. Regarding a recordation of a drilling island he asked if it would be recorded in such a fashion that it could not be relocated or encroached upon without further notification to affected parties. Ms. Skousen said it would not be possible to move the drill island location without notification. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Commissioner Dhanens asked regarding the construction of a six-foot masonry wall on those lots having side yards adjacent to Monitor Street, if this is a typical condition in this type of situation in which side yards abut collector streets. Mr. Movius said this condition is regularly used to maintain continuity along streets. Commissioner Dhanens disagreed that allowing a block wall introduced in three short segments broken by a street would not maintain continuity and stated he agreed with deletion of this requirement because of the existing development on Monitor Street and the way in which the subdivision is designed with a good portion of lots fronting Monitor. Mr. LaRochelle stated if the commission feels this condition is not appropriate he would be agreeable to its deletion. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 7 Motion was made by Commissioner Dhanens, seconded by Commissioner Ortiz to approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, to make all findings set forth in the resolution, and to approve Proposed Tentative Tract 5873 subject to the conditions outlined in the resolution (Exhibit E), with the deletion of Condition #4 and to approve a modification to allow the reduction of the lot depth on Lots 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Phase Two per letter dated May 30, 1997 from Porter- Robertson Engineering. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONE CHANGE "THE CARDIAC HOSPITAL" ON ' SILLECT AVENUE Chairman Brady stated he had a conflict on this item because he represents clients who may have a conflict, therefore he turned the meeting over to Vice Chairman Tkac. Mr. Gauthier stated the purpose of this meeting was to request comments on the adequacy of the cardiac hospital's draft environmental impact report from both the general public and Commission. He explained that the CEQA local implementation procedures must occur in the second half of the 45-day review period of the Draft EIR. Comments will be accepted in writing through June 20th. All comments at this hearing will be detailed with speaker's identified and a response will be prepared by the City's environmental consultant. He further explained at the hearing of June 19th staff would have a presentation on the project with the environmental consultant discussing the EIR process, how it is scoped, draft mitigation and staff's status on the EIR as of that night with the typical comments taken and consideration by the Commission. Public portion of the hearing was opened. Marci Cunningham represented the Kern Equestrians for the Preservation of Trails group expressing their concern. She stated they had previously written expressing opposition to the proposed realignment of Oak Street as they feel it would negatively impact the Kern River Parkway, its's existing riparian habitat, and the existing equestrian trail. She said it was their understanding this had been withdrawn and stated their gratitude. She stated however they continue to have grave concerns regarding the proposed flight path of the emergency helicopter traffic since approaches and departures are planned to be oriented solely from and toward the alignment of the Kern River which they felt would create a significant adverse impact with respect to riparian habitat and perhaps cause horses to become startled. She stated this use is inconsistent with land use goals, results in a conflict with the adopted environmental plans and goals of the community and negatively impacts the noise environment. She felt the impacts on the riparian habitat and the recreational uses of the river have not been addressed in the DEIR. The city's noise level performance standard is a daytime maximum of 75 decibels, however the DEIR states the noise level would be 96 decibels at 100 feet away and 83.5 decibels at 500 feet away. According to the report if a noise increases 10 decibels, its apparent loudness will double, this being the case the city's maximum noise level performance standard will be doubled at 500 feet away and tripled at 100 feet away. She felt the DEIR did not take into account 1) the Kern River Plan Element of the Kern River Parkway Plan; 2) sensitive riparian habitat; 3) the equestrian trail on the north side of the river and the hazards that can be caused by the sound of an approaching helicopter; 4) the increase in particulate matter due to the tremendous down draft from the rotors of the helicopter. She stated the study found that the environmental effects of the Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 8 project would cause substantial adverse effects on human beings which could be potentially significant unless mitigated, and that it may significantly impact air quality and noise environments, however it is not reflected in the synopsis report. Because of the makeup of the area to the north it would seem more reasonable to direct the flight pattern from the north. Mike Callagy, Cornerstone Engineering, stated he is representing the Bakersfield Heart Hospital. He explained that under the current zoning designations this proposed use was allowed simply by going through the site plan review process and obtaining building permits. However when the proponents of the project sought their advice they advised that because of the current atmosphere in this community of which citizens are asking to have more public input into large projects of this type it was suggested that they do not follow the normal procedure and that they undertake the EIR process and obtain all the public input possible. The general plan amendment and zone change are a clean up of a split zoning, split general plan designation situation. The PCD zone gives the city a better handle on how the site is developed. He explained the process they have undertaken to complete the process. Bill Moore, representing Bakersfield Heart Hospital explained their intent and the effect of the changes healthcare is undergoing and the effect it has on individual care. The Bakersfield Heart Hospital offers an alternative and represents a new trend in health care which is that of specialty facilities which have been shown to reduce the cost and improve quality of health care. Frank Goodwin stated he and his wife have benefitted from the services provided by local doctors and hospitals. He stated his concerns about financial problems plaguing existing hospitals and felt adding another hospital would make the problem worse. He was concerned that they will only be providing the kind of care for which they will make a profit, thereby shirking their responsibility to the community. He was concerned that every citizen would suffer if this hospital were allowed to take money away from the existing full-service hospitals. He also stated his concerns about this item being heard on June 19th and the public comment date extending until June 20th. Dr. William Nitray stated he is one of the investors in the proposed hospital. He stated his feeling that competition is good in the sense that it brings out the best of an industry. Regarding indigent care he stated the cost of this care will be less at this facility than at the current hospitals.' This is designed to be a full service facility, however specializes in cardiac care., Dr. Mehta stated he is one of the investors and said regarding the point that the facility would take income away from existing facilities that at this time a significant number of residents go to out of town facilities. This proposed hospital would keep those patients and money in Bakersfield. Regarding staffing of this facility he stated he hoped this facility would be staffed by local nurses and technical support. Dr. Marvin Derrick stated the physicians involved are being given a tremendous amount of leeway in the design of this facility and felt because of this input patients would receive adequate care. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 9 Rich O'Neil spoke on behalf of the Kern River Parkway Committee and Kern River Bike Path -Committee.- He stated their opposition to the proposed general plan amendment and zone change. He stated their feeling that this draft EIR does not adequately address nor identify the negative impacts this project will have on the Kern River Parkway and those that use it for recreation due to the issue of its high visibility and helicopter flight approaches using the river · alignment. Additionally, he stated the EIR does not address the impact upon the view sheds and riparian habitat to, from and along the river in this area of the parkway and the proposed heart hospital. He requested the planting of trees and shrubs for the creation of a buffer. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Commissioner Dhanens stated concerning air quality and emissions that the impact the proposed GET bus stop on Sillect Avenue would have needed to be further addressed. He also felt the current location of the bus stop and its effect on pedestrian circulation within the project needed to be addressed more in depth. He also felt that it would be important for the consultant to evaluate the project on the analysis of and physical changes, if any, that might be caused as a result of-the economic effect of the project. .- Commissioner Tav0rn felt the consultant may want to analyze the helicopter flight path. He also felt the consultant should give details and numbers with respect to significant impacts. Commissioner Dhanens cited a directory of U.S. hospitals with respect to in-hospital occupancy rates stating that Bakersfield is a little lower than other California cities and asked for clarification as to where Bakersfield falls within that directory. Commissioner Teeter stated she is in favor of competition, however is very concerned about the potential impact created by economic issues and how it would impact blight, tax base etc. She was also concerned there was no information which tells how Bakersfield compares with other cities throughout the United States with comparable situations, population, demographics, economy. She also stated her concern regarding the helicopter flight path and wanted to see an alternative that would mitigate this with respect to the Kern River Parkway. Mr. Gauthier indicated for the Commission that they would be hearing this item two more times. Action would not be taken on June 19th. The consultant and staff will still-be in'the process of finishing the EIR. He explained it would be discussed on the 19% however action would be taken on July 17t~. He requested that the Commission visit the site before the hearing. Commissioner Brady was seated to chair the balance of the hearing. *5-minute recess was taken at this time. *Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 10 8.1 GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY F1NDING - VACATION OF 33 FOOT WIDE ALLEY IN 8.2 8.3 CITY BLOCK 247 BETWEEN "K" AND "L" STREETS, 18TM AND 19TM STREETS Staff presentation was given. David Milazzo stated even though the alley will be closed and the property converted to private property. The alley will continue to be a driveable environment with public utility easements. He stated he had submitted a draft copy of easement for these utilities. Motion was made by Commissioner Dhanens, ~'seconded by Commissioner Tkac pursuant to Government Code Section 65402 to find the vacation of a portion of the 20-foot wide alley along the north line of Lot 10 of Tract 4136 consistent with the Metropolitan Bakersfield 2010 General Plan, subject to the conditions outlined in the staff report. Motion carried. GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY FINDING FOR KERN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR SCHOOL SITE LOCATED BETWEEN 20TM AND 21 ST STREETS, EAST OF "K" STREET TO "L" STREET. Staff presentation was given. Motion was made by Commissioner Kemper, seconded by Commissioner Tkac to make a finding pursuant to Government Code Section 65402 that the proposed abandonment of the alley and use of the parcel for educational purposes is consistent with the Metropolitan Bakersfield 2010 General Plan. Motion carried. GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY FINDING FOR ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF FIRE STATION SITES LOCATED SOUTH OF STOCKDALE HIGHWAY, EAST OF BUENA VISTA ROAD, NORTH OF WHITE LANE, WEST OF BUENA VISTA, AND NORTH OF WHITE LANE, EAST OF ALLEN ROAD Staff presentation was given. Commissioner Dhanens asked if the improvement of the temporary site will happen before December when urbanization takes place. Mr. Gauthier stated it would not. Motion was made by Commissioner Tkac, seconded by Commissioner Ortiz to adopt resolution making findings pursuant to Government Code Section 65402 that the proposed acquisition and/or disposition of three sites for a city fire station is consistent with the Metropolitan Bakersfield 2010 General Plan. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Gauthier cited communications submitted to the Commission regarding the road closure on McCleary Street. Commissioner Dhanens asked if these communications would require any action on the part of the committee. Mr. Gauthier said staff was not aware of any future action on this issue. Minutes, PC, 6/5/97 Page 11 10. COMMISSION COMMENTS A. Committees Commissioner Tkac gave a committee report on the Public Facilities and Easements Committee citing the following findings: 1) upcoming development projects should incorporate tower line easements into their design 2) greater coordination with the utility companies is necessary when planning new areas so that utility corridors may serve as functional land use linkages 3) dwelling setbacks similar to those required for homes should be used adjacent to freeways and railroads. He stated the committee would recommend increased park credit for park-like improvements within tower lines easements as well as exception from habitat conservation fees for improvements within easement areas. The committee's proposal will include the possible addition of general plan policies and perhaps implementation of ordinances. Commissioner Tavorn gave an example on Elm Street in which powerline easements ...have been used.for landscape purposes. Commissioner-Tkac stated this is one of the areas which were used as an example in their discussion as well as an area on 34~h Street near Memorial Hospital. 11. DISCUSSION AND ACTION REGARDING POSSIBLE CANCELLATION OF THE NEXT 12. PRE-MEETING Chairman Brady stated since the next meeting is a general plan cycle there would be a pre- meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Laurie Davis Recording Secretary F lan n ing 13 ire ctc r '