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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06/12/2001L U City of Petaluma, California City Council Chambers ,Q City Hall, 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 Telephone 707/778 -4301 / Fax 707/778 -4498 Z 8 5 $ E -Mail planningnci.yetaluma.ca.us Web Page http: / /www.ci.petaluma.ca.us Planning Commission Minutes June 12, 2001 - 7:00 P Commissioners: Present: Barrett, Broad *, Glass, Monteschio, O'Brien, Vieler, Vouri * Chair Staff: Mike Moore, Community Development Director George White, Planning Manager Phil Boyle, Assistant Planner Jan Tolbert, Administrative Secretary ROLL CALL: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of April 24, May 8 and May 22 were approved with corrections. PUBLIC COMMENT: Arthur Atherton - owns property across street from Redwood Oil (June 26 Planning Commission Meeting) — requested a continuance because he will be out of Country. George White - Described continuance process. George Clayton - Requested a continuance of Redwood Oil item. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: None. COMMISSIONER'S REPORT: Commissioner Vouri - Would like to request Sprint Antenna Notice (G &G Market) be extended to 1,000'feet. Supports Redwood Oil continuance into July (received several e- mails, phone calls, etc.). Sonoma County recently received permission to mine in the Russian River (concerns with drinking water contamination). Commissioner Vieler - Regarding Redwood Oil project - will we be able continue this item without hearing the project on June 26? (Answer from George White - prerogative of Commission.) Commissioner Glass - Discussed article in Wall Street Journal (Fort Collins, Colorado) regarding quality of life because of impact fees to development community. Commissioner O'Brien - Can we cut meetings in July and August to one per month? Regarding mining project - there is a buffer zone — mining not in the river, will not harm wildlife. No need for Commissioner Vouri to contact people to set up a committee to redo the Zoning Ordinance - Council has determined that this will be done through the General Plan Update. CORRESPONDENCE: None APPEAL STATEMENT: Was read. LEGAL RECOURSE STATEMENT: Was noted on the agenda. NEW BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING: I. REDWOOD EMPIRE SPORTSPLEX, 2530 East Washington Street. Applicant is proposing a sports complex consisting of six lighted softball fields, batting cages, volleyball courts, and concession stands. The complex will include a two -story clubhouse with a restaurant, sports bar, video game room, and second level deck. APN: 136- 070 -031; File CUP98035 Project Planner: Phil Boyle Phil Boyle, Assistant Planner presented the staff report. Chair Broad - Regarding hours of operation - if the hours of operation change - will the hours be able to be changed by the Parks Director and the applicant (clarification from staff - this is not intended to expand hours of operation, but if operation hours need to be less, than it could be decided by Parks Director and applicant). Jim Carr — Parks and Recreation Director - 10 years ago Airport Commission agreed that this layout would be the best; described project (history); nearing build -out in community, slow- down of development fees; Girls softball and soccer would be able to use this facility; Parks Commission heavily endorse this facility. Marty Ilronec - Applicant - resident of community, retired fire fighter, has coached several sports for years; travels country playing softball - this complex would be private, but in cooperation with City; fees will not be raised; wants to bring back fast - pitch; has spoken with two neighbors - wants to be a good neighbor - agreed to six -foot fence for security, additional trees will be planted to mitigate light and noise; proposed lights (TLC) greatly reduce levels of light (glare) - will do a light scan ASAP; will be a family complex (tot lot, video games, pro shop), social gathering for whole family. Commissioner Glass - Soccer field should be shielded by more trees. Marty Hronec - Our intent is to shield with trees, has talked to Rooster Run operations manager. Commissioner Barrett - Regarding alcohol policy - can you define "spectator area "? Marty Ilronec - Would like to keep alcohol on balconies, none in dugout; company picnic area would be an exception - there would be security - paper or plastic cups only. Commissioner Vieler - Will there be semi - professional teams? Marty Ilronec Sanctioned tournaments (amateur) teams could be hosted. Commissioner Vieler - Explain pages 7 and 8 (comments from Bicycle Committee) - Is the City responsible for bike path maintenance on the property? George White- If requested path is public, City would be responsible for maintenance; private path would be fine. 2 Jim Carr - Fields are not open to general public - this would require a perimeter fence and additional fence to protect bicycle riders; City does not have money to maintain public paths at this time. Commissioner Vieler - Many of Bicycle requests were "denied" - why? Jim Carr - Rooster Run does not want liability with public access. Commissioner Vieler - Are you saying it will be a safe situation for kids and adults to ride? Jim Carr - I am not saying this would be safe for kids, something off E. Washington might work. Commissioner Barrett - Who would get precedence - adult or children sports? Marty Hronec - I don't think there will be a conflict; will work around schedules - very easy with six fields; youth tournaments are prescheduled (usually a year before) would not schedule any adult tournaments during this time; tournaments go from April to October; no conflicts with soccer - !schedule is also known in advance. When this location was changed (several years ago), Airport Commission said this project was feasible - liked new site plan; new site plan did make a better golf course; City Attorney has accepted Resolution interpretation. Commissioner Monteschio - Will fields be full all of the time? Marty Uronec - No, they won't be full all of the time; pick -up games will be scheduled. Commissioner Monteschio - Will all three soccer field be lit? Marty Hronec - Only two, looking at feasibility of lighting the third field. Commissioner Monteschio - Would you see a reason for people to walk from Prince Park to your facility? Marty Hronec - Maybe, there could be two different age groups at each location. Commissioner Glass - What kind of backstops? Marty Hronec - Not that many foul balls in slow pitch; fast pitch areas will have signage; has discussed a canopy with fence company - not sure how effective; home plates will be located a minimum of 30 feet from backstops; cannot put in permanent bleachers. Commissioner Glass - Most concerned with foul balls from one field hitting spectators in another field. Commissioner Barrett - What will alcohol policy be during kids games? Marty Hronec - No alcohol allowed outside during kids games - on -site security will be actively walking around, checking for alcohol use; no alcohol will be allowed to be brought in from outside, no drinking allowed in parking lot. Commissioner Barrett - What will herbicide and pesticide use policy be? Marty Hronec - Would be used sparingly during winter months for repair - required to come up with a plan. Commissioner Glass - How far from home plate to E. Washington? Marty Hronec - 340 feet (against the wind). Commissioner Glass - Would like some kind of protection to E. Washington until trees grow; lesser ability players should be scheduled for these fields. Commissioner Vieler - Why would you not put in turf for two soccer fields? Marty Hronec - Matter of economics, is discussing with other operators now. Tom McGraw - Petaluma Airport Commission - Great potential project for City; presented . letter from FAA (1999) - letter indicated concerns with glare; presented chart showing Ultralight Flight pattern is much closer to project; letter from Barry Lawrence (Chairman, Petaluma Airport Commission); letter from Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association indicating concerns; when this project was proposed to current Airport Commission - significant safety concerns with this 3 proposal; pilots look at situations "what if'; if this development goes in, another emergency landing option is taken away; question regarding number of people per acre on this site; ALUC concerns are not reflected in Resolution - there was a clerical error, non of that discussion were reflected in Resolution. Commissioner Vieler - Why didn't you try to contact some of the previous Airport Commission Members to see what their positions were? How often do unsafe incidents occur? Mike Glose - Airport Manager - Described accidents that have occurred (time of day, weather conditions); potential for noise complaints from spectators of project. Commissioner Vieler - Estimate of unsafe occurrences? Mike Glose - much less than once per year, approximately one every three years, infrequent occurrence. Commissioner Vouri - How many planes take off and land per year? Mike Glose - about 55,000 operations per year (take -offs and landings). Commissioner Vouri - Does the airport serve any emergency services designations now? Mike Glose - Emergency relief for Santa Rosa Airport. Commissioner Barrett - Hours of operation of airport? Mike Glose - 365 days per year, 24 hours /day. Chair Broad - Is it possible for you to look at proposal and assess whether there may be some alternative site plan? Mike Glose - Difficult, more development is a "what if' problem; any project around airport is going to be an issue. Donald Smith - 44 Raymond Heights - Do you have a copy of a letter from Robert Gaiser, Planner II, S.C.A.L.U.0 dated 6/6/01 and letter to Richard Rudnansky (June 2000); Resolution indicates limitation of 50 persons per any one acre - this was recorded incorrectly; bleachers are structures; would like this project to be restricted to no more than 50 persons per any one acre. Commissioner Barrett - Do you remember discussions regarding Prince Park development? Donald Smith - Yes, sometimes soccer is played in areas where it was agreed that should not be used for soccer. Chair Broad - Regarding Resolution - was that for this specific project? Donald Smith - Met old policy plan, but felt it should be restricted to maximum of 50 persons per any one acre. Commissioner Vouri - Are you currently on Sonoma County Land Use Commission? Donald Smith - Yes. Commissioner Vouri - Bleachers, clubhouse considered structures, correct? Donald Smith - Old policy plan did not limit persons in structures. Myra Banberger - 2446 E. Washington - Raises livestock, concerns with fencing around project - four foot fence inadequate; concerns with security, hours of operation; where did address come from (out of sequence) 6 foot solid fence would be adequate. Tom McGraw - Not the same project as proposed in 1996; main issue - a park like this could be a wonderful project; could this project be done in any other way /design? The only way this project is feasible is because of two -story structure, incompatible with use of Petaluma Airport and safety. Chair Broad - Is this the same project as proposed originally? Jim Carr - Same project (except small soccer fields) - building area is same footprint as original proposal. 4 Juan Colorado - neighbor and City of Petaluma Firefighter - water issues (on well now), flooding concerns; security is an issue (has been discussing with Mr. Hronec); lighting concerns; biggest issue is traffic - 300 cars 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM - already a problem; noise issues (cheering, etc,) might need a solid fence. Commissioner Barrett - How long does water stand in winter? Juan Colorado - Does not know where water will go - has standing water now (adobe soil). Commissioner Barrett - Any recommended hours of operation? Juan Colorado - Maybe 10 PM would be more reasonable; maybe keep some fields open, close others after dark; just found out about this three weeks ago; would like to sit down and talk more with applicant /staff. Tom Burne - Teacher (Casa Grande) - Supports Mr. Hronec; Petaluma needs this type of project; this project needs to get moving; not very many.places for kids to go - gives females more sports choices; rewards outweigh some possible risks. Kevin McDonald - Petaluma Youth Soccer - Complete support; City is critically in need of this type of project; fields will be kept in top condition; alcohol and tobacco prohibited in area where youth are playing; we need to make this work. Herbert Johnson - 521 Adrian Drive - Disagrees with this project because of encroachment of airport; two light poles really close to approach zone at Airport; more light poles would be near approved flight path of ultralights; just west of Prince Park, there is a proposal for more houses; here to fight further encroachment of airport; traffic concerns; 28 acre site will be a big light footprint (glare); whole area will be impacted for night landing; golf course is already on airport property; FAA - grant fees to insure airport will be kept open for a certain number of years; what was original number of acres proposed? If it was less than 28 acres, this is not the same proposal. Jeanie Mann - local resident; lives near this area; attorney, also a pilot; concerns with traffic, lights and glare; the placement of this project could put many people in jeopardy; airport probably generates more income than you realize; makes no sense to further encroach upon airport, even though this is a very good and worthwhile project; all aspects needs to be looked at including the alcohol issue; this is not the right place. John Mills - 1415 D Street - past Parks Commission member - Coach/umpire of youth softball; City and Parks Commission Mr. Hronec to move to this new location; Airport Commission indicated that this new location was a good one, they had favorable comments; public /private partnership - very good project for City - cooperating with requests of City; other soccer fields will be freed up because all adult soccer will be played at this complex; regarding alcohol issue - this will no longer be a problem because there will be security; during original project proposal - this was only location large enough to handle this complex; lighting is not an issue (shines directly downward) there have not been any complaints regarding lighting at Prince Park; more facilities for bicycles at this project than private parks; regarding foul balls - this is a,safer design than other parks. Commissioner Vieler - What other locations were looked at? John Mills - There was no City owned property suitable for this project, I don't believe there are any now. Jim Carr - Looked at all property that is City owned, this was the only site available. John Mills - Regarding safety issues - would not be afraid to play on this proposed field. Commissioner Barrett - Could this be split up into several locations? John Mills - Economically this would not be possible if there were several locations. Marty Hronec - May 6, 1996 Minutes of Airport Commission - There were no motions made during this meeting, it was just discussed (favorably); presented list of facilities like this near other airports; only 15 to 18 ultralights at Petaluma Airport (do not fly at night); new hangers are being proposed at airport more planes crash at airport than anywhere else; probable occupancy of people on site way lower than that allowed; lights will be turned out on fields when not in use; indicated some economic figures from other tournaments in other surrounding areas. Commissioner Vieler - Questions regarding occupancy of people - feels figures quoted by applicant are very low. Commissioner Vouri - How did you come up with 11PM closing time? Marty Hronec - Looked at ending time (around 10- 10:30). Commissioner Vouri - Could lights be turned off earlier than 11PM? Marty Hronec - Would like to have a buffer in case games go overtime, etc. Commissioner Vouri - Discuss security staff. Marty Hronec - Average of three security staff members, more during special events; I will be there as well as an assistant. Commissioner Vouri - Alcohol is a sensitive issue - would you be open to modifying the proposed alcohol policy? Marty Hronec - There is no way of controlling alcohol in parks now; doesn't see this as a problem. Commissioner Vieler - Could you sustain this operation with a l OPM closing time? Marty Hronec - I don't think so, won't be as big an impact as people might think? John Mills - Games start around 6PM or 6:15, you can't start any earlier; games are generally no longer than 1 hr. and 10 minutes; maybe there could be a light shut off time of 10:30. Commissioner Glass - Other airports have encroachment problems; to stop this process now would be punitive to applicant at this point; overriding benefits to this project; the airport does have economic benefits to City; E. Washington has potential to be a problem (balls going over fence); canopy would provide shade and safety from foul balls; hours of operation - maybe lights could go off at 10:45, closing at 11:00; concerns with different answers from different/previous committees /commissions; not willing to deny this project. Chair Broad - Nothing proposed tonight close to receiving support from me; applicant should have discussed issues with neighbors before this meeting; City should have brought neighbors into process far sooner than this; Initial Study not adequate on this project - no discussion regarding land use issues - under CEQA, these issues have not be adequately addressed; regarding lighting impacts, not adequately addressed; noise issues not addressed; project a great concept, land is zoned agricultural /urban separator - pushing definition of urban separator with this type of project. Commissioner Barrett - Wrong project for wrong place; think this is a sports bar with amenities; irresponsible to propose this large of a project because of traffic; believes in "what if' - not willing to take chance that a plane wouldn't come down on this project. Commissioner Vouri - Agrees with need to provide playing fields in this City; would prefer to see this project proposed in a floodway, this is the only parcel owned by the City; appreciates Airport Commissioners taking their job seriously, would like applicant to be able to work with Airport Commission - however, Airport Commission does not think this project should be here; agrees with Broad's analysis of Initial Study - woefully inadequate; would like to add to list of concerns - water issues - this well would draw water from same aquifer as Prince Park - expand analysis of water use projections - what would the mitigations consist of? Concerned with issue of Urban Separator - supports the project (only place this can go) - this leads to sprawl; would like applicant to restrict alcohol use to balconies and buildings - is it necessary to have hard alcohol? Open to continuing this project due to need for more comprehensive Initial Study or EIR; supports this project at this site. Commissioner Monteschio - Agrees that we need this project - unfortunate that City cannot afford this type of project; pedestrian crossing across E. Washington; concerns with lighting, soundwall; should continue. Commissioner O'Brien - Supports project; FAA supports project; Airport Commission does a wonderful job of taking care of airport - should have contacted previous members to discuss; need to send consistent message to applicant; taller fence to protect adjoining livestock good idea; there will not be any alcohol in dugout and playing fields; wants to see project move forward. A motion was made by Commissioner O'Brien to approve this proposal with the condition that environmental concerns discussed at this meeting be addressed before granting of a conditional use permit. Commissioner Vieler — Clarify — are we discussing an EIR or just an inadequate Initial Study? Items need to be specific. Commissioner Vouri - Would like to continue this project for more work on Initial Study — could we split the motion? Commissioner Glass — Uncomfortable with motion because of environmental issues — bring back with more complete information. George White — Staff will address environmental concerns and bring revised document back. A revised motion was made by Commissioner O'Brien and seconded by Commissioner Glass to continue this item to the Planning Commission meeting of July 10, 2001 to allow staff time to more fully address environmental concerns and other issues discussed at this meeting. Commissioner Barrett: No Commissioner Glass: Yes Commissioner Monteschio: Yes - Commissioner O'Brien: Yes Commissioner Vieler: Abstained Commissioner Vouri: Yes Chair Broad: No This item was continued to the Planning Commission meeting of July 10, 2001. COMMISSION BUSINESS II. Discussion and possible recommendation on the Draft Scope of Work the Completion of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan. (Continued from April 24, 2001.) This item was continued to the next meeting. 7 III. Discussion and possible action regarding future agenda items. (Continued from May 15, 2001.) This item was continued to the next meeting. IV. Discussion and possible action relating to potential revisions and /or modifications to the Zoning Ordinance and the General Plan. (Continued from April 24, 2001.) This item was continued to the next meeting. V. ONGOING COMMISSION /STAFF DISCUSSION. This item was continued to the next meeting. VI. LIAISON REPORTS: • 'City Council • SPARC • Petaluma Bicycle Advisory Committee • Tree Advisory Committee This item was continued to the next meeting. VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. This item was continued to the next meeting. Adjournment: 11:25 PM 8