HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 10, 1998
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MINUTES
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Arcadia Cit)' Planning Commission
Tucsda)', February 10, 1998
7:15p.m. in the Council Chambers
Planning Commission proceedings are tape-recorded and on file in the office of the Community
Development Division.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The.Planning.Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, February 10, 1998
at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with Chainnan
John Murphy presiding.
ROLL CALL:
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PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bell, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Sleeter, Murphy
Commissioner Bruckner
Motion
It was moved by Commissioner Sleeter, seconded by Commissioner Bell to excuse
Commissioner Bruckner from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none
dissenting.
OTHERS ATIENDING:
Mayor Robert Ha:rbicht
City Attorney Michael Miller
Community Development Administrator Donna Butler
ASsociate Planner James Kasama
ASsistant Planner John Halminski
ASsistant Planner William Stokes
Secretary Silva Vergel
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA. ITEMS
Ms, Butler said that a binder was distributed by Los Angeles Too Club with regard to their item on
tonight's agenda. The yehicle code was also distributed for the same item.
TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE
PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATIERS (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER
PERSON)
None
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1. MINUTES of 1127198
Since there was no quorum to vote on this item, consideration of the Minutes was continued to the
February 24th meeting. .
2. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 98-004
215 Alice
Yu-Hsin Kuo Chen
Consideration of a tentative parcel map fora 2-unit condominium project
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Engles Shen; 600 VV. Main, Alhambra, the engineer of the project was present. He stated they are in
agreement With all of the conditions in the staff. report. . .
No one el~e spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
. MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Sleeter, seconded by Commissioner Bell to close the public
hearing. The vote passed by. voice vote with none dissenting.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, seconded by Commissioner Sleeter to approve
TPM.98-004 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bell, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Sleeter, Murphy
None
Commissioner Bruckner
Chairman Murphy noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by Friday,
February 20th.
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3. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 98-005
154-158 Alice St.
Tritech Assoc.
Consideration of a tentative parcel map for a 4-unit condominium project.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
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.Tom Cao, Tritech Assoc., 735 W. Emerson, Monterey Park, said they are in agreement with all of the
conditions in the staff. report.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Sleeter to close the public
heating. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Sleeter, seconded by Commissioner Kalemkiarian to approve
- TPM 98-005 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Coinmissioners BeIl, Huang, KaIemkiarian, Sleeter, Murphy
None
Commissioner Bruckner
Chairman Murphy noted that there is a ten-dayappeaI period. Appeals are to bdiled by Friday, February
20th.
4. PUBLIC BEARING TM 52472.
333 EI Dorado
Tritech Assoc.
Consideration of a tentative map for as-unit Condominium project.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Tom Cao, Tritech Assoc., 735 W. Emerson, Monterey.Park, said they are in agreement with all of the
conditions in'the staff report.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item;
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Sleeter to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
MOTION
It. was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, seconded by Commissioner Sleeter to approve
TM 52472 subject to the conditions in the staff report..
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ROLL CALL:
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bell, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Sleeter, Murphy
None
Commissioner.Bruckner
Chainnan Murphy noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by Friday, February
20th, .
5. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 98-002
641 W. Duarte Rd.
Lai Zhou & Fan Kong
Consideration of a conditional use permit for the operation of a 2,5,00 sq. ft. tutorial center in an
existing shopping center.
The staff report was presented.
Staff stated that a portion of this space was previously occupied by Cablevision. He did' not think there
was a bicycle rack available but one could be installed. Condition 2d would result in a loss of a parking
space,
The public hearing was opened.
Patsy Ma, 650 W. Duarte Rd., #1088, said that she is the leasing agent. She introduced Ms. Fai Kong
who is the applicant. She stated thata section of the property to the north of the building was. previously
being used as equipment storage by Cablevision but they have converted that area into parking spaces
and have created 32 spaces.
In response to questions from Ms. Ma, regarding Fire Dept. conditions, staff replied that the applicant
can contact the Fire Dept. and other possible alternatives could be considered. He indicated that a
disabled parking space should be placed as close as. possible to the subject use.
Ms. Ma went on to say that their hours would not interfere. with the classes held at Gymboree because
Gymboree~s classes are in the morning and their evening classes begin at 5:30p.m.
Ms. Butler remarked that the purpose for the condition regarding the parking of the cars is so that
parents do not block the driveway when dropping off the children - that they park their car and
physically walk them into the building.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Sleeter, seconded by Commissioner Bell to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting,
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Commissioner Kalemkiarian remarked that this area of the center is highly used but he thought that due
to the different hours of operation for the subject use and Gymboree that there would not be a conflict.
He felt the parents should be encouraged to utilize the northeast parking spaces.
Ms. Butler indicated that even though the applicant can ask that parents utilize .the northeast parking
spaces, that condition would be very difficult to enforce.
There was discussion that condition 4 should be amended and "encouraged" should be used in place of
"directed".
Chairman Murphy expressed his concerns over the parking deficiency based upon Code. He felt there is
something severely wrOng with the parking code. There are already three CUPs for this center and
putting another one with a parking deficiency is a bad idea. He was not opposed to the use but thought
that itshould be at another site. He could possibly be in favor of it if it was in a different area on the site
where.there is less congestion. He was concerned with children being dropped off in the middle of the
parking lot and expected to walk to their classes.
Commissioner Bell did not have any objections to this use and said most parents would walk their
children in to the school.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Sleeter, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve CUP 98-
002 subject to the cOnditions in the staff report with the amendments that they comply with.the
Fire Departments requirements and that condition 4 be revised to read "...will encourage the
dovers...".
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bell, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Sleeter
Commissioner Murphy
Commissioner Bruckner
Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution.
The resolution wiU be adopted on February 24th. Appeals are to.befiled by Wednesday, March 4th.
6. PUBLIC HEARING Me 98-007
285 W. HuntingtonDr.
Los Angeles Turf Club
Consideration of a modification from the City's sign regulations to provide animation the
electronic sign boards which were recently installed at Gate #8 on Baldwin Ave. and in the
landscaped area at the intersection of Huntington Dr. and Colorado PI.
The staff report was presented.
In response to a question by Commissioner Sleeter, staff replied that the subject signs are not as bright
as ones that are on the freeway.
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Ms. Butler. stated that at the City's request, Santa Anita reduced the brightness. The Chief of Police and
the Traffic:Engineer did not see any reason to measure the intensity of the lights and felt that the existing
messages as they appear are acceptable. She concurred with the Police Chief's remark in his memo that
states the animation is more distracting than just scrolling of messages for drivers.
The public hearing was opened.
Tom Austin, Los Angeles Turf Club, 285 W. Huntington Dr., discussed each.ofthe photos in the 'binders
that were distributed to the Planning Commission. The photos illustrate the new signs, their locations
and appearance and the old signs. The new sign at the corner of Huntington and Colorado PI. does not
interfere.or block the view of the traffic light. In designing these signs, they took.into conSideration the
subject traffic light and tried to avoid having any confusion with the signal. It is difficult to confuse the
two and he noted that these signs do not block the traffic signal or any directional signs.
He said the sign at the comer of Huntillgton Dr. and Colorado PI. is placed on an Sol zoned property.
There are no.sign regulations in the AMC for this zone. Santa Anita Race Track is a unique commercial
use on a very large pieceofland. There is DC) other use like Santa Anita in the City. They conducted a
study to see how to attract more visitors and at the same time get their messages across, They found that
ti1ese signs would get the.attention that they desire. The old signs were inflexible, difficult and time
consuming to update the messages, consequently the messages.were not changed often. With the new
sign, they.can control the animation, the brightneSs, intensity of lights and message content several times
a day. These signs can be used on race days to direct traffic and to post carry overs and inforni their
visitors of important datesand.upcoming events.
He explained that the signs would be used even after the race season is over. For example, the signs
could be utilized when they have the Jrish and Greek Festivals. He could not see why there was a
problem with the animation and noted that these signs are'not visible. from residential properties. Other
animation could be used, such as a leprechaundurfug the Irish Festival or a horse carrying a banner.
Messages could change constantly. They would be willing to compromise on the color of lights,
graphics and speeds. They do not want to do something that would create a traffic problem.
Commissioner Sleeter asked why the photos did not show the signs from the traffic signal angle which
would truly be representative of what a driver sees? He has had four near accidents due to the signs
because they distract drivers. Although he IS in favor of these types of signs, he thought the signs are
very distracting, especially when the traffic signal is right in the middle of the sign and cited the photo
which shows that angle. He felt there is some interference that would be exacerllated by motion.
Mr. Austin explained that the only way they could show that angle would be to stand in the middle of
the street and they chose not to do that due to the danger involved. In answer to ComlI!issioner Sleeter's
comments regarding the traffic signal,. he stated that prior to getting to that last signal there is another
one that a driver would approach.
He stated that the product they offer is unique and the intent is to draw attention. He reiterated that there
is no other similar commercial use in the City. The messages on the signs are guided by what is taking
place at the track and this allows them to change instantaneously.
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In response to Chairman Murpts question, Mr. Austin said !hat they lerstood !hat !he Modification
.Committee's approval did not permit animation and !hey were only testing !he sign and turned the
animation off once they were through with testing and at !he City.' s request. Subsequent to !he photos
that were taken they did take steps to try to have !he sign blend in better with the landscaping.
Judy Morse, Exec. Dir. of Calif. Arboretum, concurred that.!he new signs were a positive change. The
animation will help deliver the message. She did not !hink that the new sign on Baldwin was a hazard
and remarked that people talking on their cell phones while driving are more of a hazard. The new signs
will help bring visitors into the City and that is very important to the arboretum. They welcome the
additional people !hat this might bring into the community as well as the new sign.
No one else spoke.in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by.Commissioi!er Huang, seconded by Commissioner Sleeter to close the public
hearing. The motion paSsed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Commissioner Kalemkiarian said he was !he chairperson at the Modification Committee meeting and he
welcomed the new sign, The old signs were outdated. He felt that watching animation is a more passive
activity and.lessdistracting than watching words go by. He did not see the difference between moving
words or horses. If the Planning Commission had a problem with animation, maybe they need to restrict
the times that animation can take place and possibly reduce the brightness by 10%.
Commissioner Huang thought that animation is an affective way of getting messages across. This.is a
positive move and it will be beneficial for both Santa Anita and.the City. Arcadia is unique in that there
are no other cities in the area that have a use like Santa Anita and the City needs to take advantage of
that issue.
Commissioner Sleeter was not against these types of signs and did not have any problems with the one
on Baldwin Ave. However, his own experience with the sign at the comet of Huntington Dr. and
Colorado PI. concemed'him. This sign'iscYery bright and blinding and does get cOnfused with the traffic
signal. This sign is similar to ones by the freeway ii! the City of Duarte which are so bright that !hey are
visible from miles away. He thought this sign should be toned down because it is a potential risk. He
described an incident with a driver who almost hit him who was distracted by-the sign and was exiting
from the motel. He thought the intensity of the lights should be'reduced by at least 10% and the speed
of animation must also be slowed down.
Commissioner Bell remarked that there are dangerous and sloppy drivers allover and she did not think
that the sign is that intrusive. She would be in favor of the sign, if they reduced the intensity of the light
and limited the hours of animation. She remarked that her children thought the signs were wonderful.
These signs are a method of communication and will bring attention to the race track. She noted thatshe
never paid any attention to the older signs. She wished that the sign at Gate 8 would be lowered so the
grand stands would be more visible.
Chairman Murphy thought the sign will bring Santa Anita into the 21" century. Santa Anita is an
important asset to the City and anything that the City can do to help them to promote business should be
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done. . The sign is in good taste. He asked staff to explain and clarify the difference between flashing
and blinking lights. He also thought that the brightness should not be any more than thepresenl.
Mr. Miller remarked that if the Planning Commission decides to approve this request, a resolution
should be adopted detailing the conditions of approval and also indicating that this is a unique piece of
'land and explaining why the request is approved so that a precedent is not set He recognized that both
the Traffic Engineer and the Police Chief did not have any objections to the request but the Planning
Commission should reserve the right to revoke the approval ifproblems occur.
Ms. Butler said that if the Planning Commission decides to approve the request, a resolution would be
brought back at their February 24lh meeting and they would not be able to have animation after the
resolution has been adopied. They should find that this request is being approved because:
I. This is a distinctive piece of property within the City and justifying the approval so that a precedent
is not set. The Planning Commission should stress in their approval that this a unique venue.
2. Limit the light intensity so that it does. not exceed the current brightness.
3. Flashing/blinking messages and animations such as exploding fire crackers are to be prohibited
4. Animation would be permitted to move across and up and down the screen
5. The Planning Commission should reserve jurisdiction and review this in 3-months to see if problems
have risen as a result of the sign.
Commissioner Huang felt that this is a trend and he did not think that it would set a precedent in the
City. The sign is a vehicle to attract attention.
MonON
It was moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Kalemkiarian to re-open
the public hearing.
Mr. Austin waS in agreement with all of the conditions thai were discussed.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Sleeter, seconded by Commissioner Kalemkiarian to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
MonON
It was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, seconded by Commissioner Bell to approve MC
98-007 subject to the conditions in the staffreport with the additional conditions set forth above.
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ROLLCALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bell, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Sleeter,Murphy
None
Commissioner Bruckner
Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution.
The resolution will be adopted on February 24lb. Appeals are to be filed by Wednesday, March 4lb.
NON~UBUCHEAmNGITEMS
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Harbicht thanked the Planning Commission and their spouses who attended the "State of . the City
Address". He indicated that Santa Anita is expected to fiJe,a formal application'which, if approved, will
improve the City's fiscal situation. He remarked that this new proposal is expected to be significantly
smaller in size and square footage -and thought there would not be.the same amount of opposition.
He explained that when a Planning Commission decision is appealed to the City Council, the Planning
Commission should not view the City Council's action as an affirmation of their action if they uphold
the Planning Commission's action and on the other hand if they overrule the Planning Commission's
decision they should not irlterpret that as their opposition the Planning Commission. It is their
responsibility to review each project without any prejudice and based on its own merits. When a project
is appealed it should come to the City Council with a clean slate. He strongly felt that the denial of the
lot split on Orange Grove was, in his opinion, "government at its worst" because they took property
rights of one owner and treated that property different as all other similar zoned property.
He went on to say that the Code is explicit in its sign regulations and that no animation, moving or
flashing signs are permitted because it is deemed that it is a traffic hazard. In the past these types of
signs were prohibited so a precedent would not be. set. He wondered if the code should be maintained or
amended?
Ms. Butler remarked that the applicant on the tentative parcel may request that the City Council delay
their decision on the adoption of the .resolution because they may approach the City with an alternative
design.
MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSON
Chairman Murphy voiced his concern again with regard to the parking code.
MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Chairman Murphy recapped the actions taken by the Modification Committee.
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"MAnERS FROM STAFF
1. CITY COUNCil- ACTONS
2. UPCOMTNG AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Butler said that the City is.in the process of gathering parking requirements from other cities.
She indicated Mr. Penman, the new Deputy City Manager, Dev. Servo DiL, was sorry he was unable to
attend tonight's meeting.
SheTemarkedthat the new CBD and sign regulations wiJI be coming before.the Planning Commission at
their next meeting. She also recapped the upcoming items before the Planning Commission.
With regard to the Santa Anita project, she indicated that an EIR would be done on the project. A
scoping meeting wi\I be held and testimony wi\I be taken. from the public with regard to types of issues
the EIR should address. In response to a question, she indicated that the City does not have a certified
EIR from. the previous project and any significant change would trigger a new EIR.
She commented that the Office of Planning Research certified the City's Housing Element.
ADJOURNMENT
9:10p.m.
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Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission
An:iidia City Planning Commission
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