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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 22, 2008 . .~ I . . I) .MINUTES ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Arcadia City Council Chambers The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive, with Chairman Beranekpresiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, Panille and Beranek ABSENT: None OTHERS AlTENDING City Councilman Gary Kovacic City Attorney Steve Deitsch Assistant City ManagerlPublic Works Services Director Pat Malloy Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg Deputy Development Services Director/City Engineer Phil Wray Public Works Services General Services Superintendent DaveMcVey Community Development Administrator Jim Kasama AssoCiate Civil Engineer Ken Herman Associate Planner Tom Li Senior Administrative Assistant Billie Tone MOTION: It was. moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian,to read the Resolutions by title only and waive reading the full text of the Resolutions. The motion passed by voice vote withnoile dissenting. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Kasama directed the Commissioner's attention to a letter submitted in opposition toltem 1 of this agenda and the annotated Modification Committee agenda from the meeting held this morning. TIME RESERVED FOR mOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBllC HEARING MAnERS -Five-minute time limit per person None . . . , PUBLIC HEARING 1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 08-06 & ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW NO. ADR 08-10 670 West Orange Grove Avenue (Orange Grove Park) Omnipoint Communications, Inc. - A Subsidiary oft-Mobile USA, Inc. The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit and Architectural Design Review for a wireless telecommunication facility comprised ofa65-foot tall monopole antenna support camouflaged as a pine tree with one platform array of six (6) panel antennas, one (1) two-foot (2'-0") diameter parabolic dish antenna, and six (6)ground"mounted equipment cabinets in a seven-foot (7'-0") tall, 312 square-foot concrete block enclosure. RESOLUTION NO. 1773 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, to affirm the decision of the Planning Commission. Associate PlamlerTom Li presented the staff report. Mr. Joe Speiler represented T -Mobile. He reviewed the history of the proposed project and a<;knowledgedthe confusion surrounding it. Mr. Speilerstated that T~Mobile needs this facility in order to avoid a coverage gap and provide enhanced features. He reviewed the plans and explained that.no tree trimming was involved, there would be a substantial separation from any residential areas and rent revenues would benefit the city. He asked the Commissioners to approve the project. Commissioner Baderian asked Mr. Speiler if T -Mobile was willing to comply with the conditions of approval listed in the staff report and if they had held any meetings with the neighbors. Mr. Speiler said thafT -Mobile was prepared to comply with all conditions and that they had not met with.the neighbors. Commissioner Baerg said that his concern with the project, when it was originally presented by another carrier, was that the facility would consume the. green space in the park and would require the removal of trees. Mr. Speiler reviewed the site plan and explained that the proposed location of the equipment would be located offtbe grass.area and that no trees would be removed. Commissioner Baderian asked if the height of the pole could be reduced. Mr. Speiler said that he would haye to check withT-Mobileengineers, but that the proposed height.allows for colocation of another carrier's equipment. He further noted that there are very tall trees in the immediate area so the camouflaged pole would not appear to be out of place. PC MIN1.mls 7-22~8 Page 2 t . . Mr. Deitsch explained that if the pole is not of sufficient height to provide for colocation, there could be a future application to locate another pole in the park or in the right-of-way nearby. The following spoke in opposition. Mr. Ray Riordan said he is not opposed to good cell coverage, but that the installation should be compatible with the neighborhood. He asked that T -Mobile explore alternatives, for example.installation of antennas on existing utility poles, and suggested an independenunalysis of the project. Ms. Susan Andrews read a prepared statement in opposition to the project. A copy of her statement is included in the project file. Mr. Vmce Vargas pointed out that this project is unchanged from the one that the Commission denied last October.. He said that the applicant subsequently applied for a permit to encroach on private property, but homeowners objected and the City Council supported them. The Council was given Municipal Codes of other cities showing how they protect the homeowners with control of the placement and general appearance of cell towers. Staff was directed to review Arcadia's Municipal Code for updates regarding cell tower placement and appearance throughout the city. Mr. Vargas said that in light of present cirClimstances, the past action of the City Council, and continuing opposition of homeowners, he suggests deferring a decision until the requested information is provided to the Council. ML Kevin Kownatch noted that nothing has changed since the previous application was denied. He said there ate three reasons for opposition to this project: (I) Orange Grove Park is a public park and should remain so; (2) although the park is not strictly considered residential property, it is completely surrounded by residential property; and (3) the proposed tower will be unsightly and will negatively effect property values. Mr. Kownatch asked that the Commissioners seek the advice of an outside consultant as there is not enough information to determine if enhanced coverage is necessary. Mr. Vasilis Tsinosou, owns the property next to the project site and agr~s with the opposition that the proposed facility will negatively effect property values and aesthetics. He asked if the proposed installation is within the parameters established by the original grant deed. The applicant spoke in rebuttal. Mr. Speiler explained that the proposed height of the pole in the park is 65 feet because of the nearby taU trees while a pole placed in the public right-of-way would only need to be 50 feet high since there would be no tall trees close by. He further assured the Commissioners that there is no problem with the title and that all information provided by the applicant is accurate Commissioner Baderian asked if T-Mobile has other cell tower installations in Arcadia and what is the coverage area. Mr. Speller said that they have a tower at the corner ofEI PC MINUfES 7.22.08 Pag.3 . . . " MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Patrille, to approve Conditional UsePermitNo. 08-06 and ArchitectUral Design Review No. 08-10 subject to the conditions in the staff report and adopt Resolution No. 1773. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: CQmmissi()ners Baderian, Baerg, Panille andBeranek None Commissioner Hsu There in five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. DISCUSSION ITEM 2, SINGL~FAMlLY RESIDENTIAL PARKING REQUlREMENTS A discussion about revising the parking requirements for the single-family zones. Mr. Kssama presented the staffreport. Commissioner Ba.derianasked if there was information available on parking requirements from other cities so the Commissioners could make a comparison. Mr. Kasama reviewed the parking requirements in San Marino. Commissioner Baderian asked for more information especially relating to condos and modifications on single-family homes. Mr. Kasamasuggested that staff prepare proposed regulations for review by the Commissioners. CONSENT ITEMS 3. RESOLUTION NO. 1774 AResolution ot:tbe Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, disapproving. a request for a determination of allowed use for office space in the M-l zone at i26East,Santa Clara Street. Resolution No. 1774 shall be referred to the City Council for their review and consideration. There .is afive working day appeal period qfter the adoption of the Resolution. PC MINUfES 7.22-08 P"lleS > ; . . Monte and Palm and another one near the 210 Freeway and Baldwin Avenue. He said that he is not sure of the coverage area but believes it to be a half mile. For a more definitive answer, Mr. Speiler said he would have to consuh With T-Mobile engineers. Commissioner Baerg pointed .out a picture of an installation in San Marino where there is no equipment cabinet and asked why there was no cabinet. Mr. Speiler said that the equipment at that installation is in an underground vault MOTION: It was mo~ed by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed. Commissioner ParriUe asked if the project is denied and the applicant is forced to use the public right-of-way, what control would the city. retain over the project. Mr. Deitsch explained that the city is able to exert greater regulation over the projecUf the facility is placed in the city park than ifit is on the public right-of-way. Commissioner Baderian asked if it is the intent of the applicant to eliminate gray areas on the maps to reduce dropped calls in a particular service area. Mr. Deitsch explained that if there is any gap in service, no matter how small, a local agency has very limited discretion to deny a permit Chairman Beranek asked if the testimony provided by T -Mobile representatives should be verified by the city. Mr. Deitsch explained that the burden is on the city to demonstrate a basis for denial and that the Commissioners must find evidence in. the record as presented rather than speculating on.what might have been shown. Commissioner Baderian noted that the outcome of this hearing could set thegroundyvork for future applications. He also asked if the current codes have height limitations and whether this project violates those limits. Mr. Kasama confirmed that the proposed height is 6S feet and that the applicantrequested a modification, He also stated that modifications have been granted in the past on these types of projects. Mr. Deitsch noted that the original deed was amended in 1960 to allow other uses including a second reservoir and use of the property as a public park. He pointed out that the grant deed does not prohibit the proposed facility and that with the equipment located off the park area, it is not inconsistent with use as a park. Mr. Deitsch explained that the Planning Commission is asked to make a land use decision, i.e., to consider the Findiilgsin the staffreport and the design of the facility, and based on the information presented, to decide whether to approve or deny the proposed project. The City Council, on the other hand, will make a business decision regarding the.lease. PC MiNurEs 7-22-{18 "'4 . . . , 4, MINUTES OF JULY 8, 200S MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to adopt Resolution No. 1774 and to approve the minutes of July S, 200S as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, Panille and Beranek None Chairman Beranek (Resolution only) Note: Chairman Beranek voted to approve the minutes as submitted but abstained from voting on Resolution No. 1774be9-use, due to a conflict, he abstained from the discussion of that item at the July S, 200Smeeting. MA1TERS FROM CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION Councilman Kovacic reported that the summer concerts at City Hall are being held on Thursday evenings through August 21; a new requirement for trash receptacle removal by 5 :00 a.m., on the day after pick up, has been adopted; the design package for the new City Hall has belen approved;.a fillse security alarm program has been approved which includes a'$40 yearly fee and a fine after the third false alarm. He also said that a study session on the street lighting assessment district is scheduled prior to the next City Council meeting, Code Services is recruiting for a volunteer position; and the joint meeting With the Planning Commission will be.scheduled soon with a focus on a question and answer format. Councilman Kovacic nQted that the joint meeting is particularly timely in light of the ongoing.General Plan Update. In addition, Councilman Kovacic reported that there are three bidders .on the lease for the pAR 3 Golf Course and KARE Youth League is stilI interested in purchasing a portion of the golf course land. However, the general consensus istJlat it should remain an IS-hole course. MODIFICATION COMMITIEEMEETlNG ACI'IONS Commissioner Parrillereported that there were seven items on the agenda this morning and he briefly reviewed the decisions of the Committee. Commissioner ParrilleWillnot.be available to attend the August 12 Modification Committee meeting and that Chairman Beranek agreed to serve in his place. FURTHER MATIERS FROM STAFF Mr..Kasama reviewed upcoming agenda items. ADJOURNED TO AUGUST 12, 200S S:50 p.rn. /s/JimKasama Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission pC MINUTES 7-22-08 Page 6 . . SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT IS VOLillolARY - YOUR ATTENDANCE & PARTiCIPATiON DOES NOT REQUIRE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT. PRlNTlNG YOUR NAME,. 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