This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

This is the time for the public to comment on any item on the Consent Calendar. As Consent Calendar items are considered routine in nature, they are normally enacted in one motion. The Chairperson may remove a questioned Consent Calendar item for separate action.

You are encouraged by this Commission to express your views on any matter set for public hearing. It is our procedure to first receive the report of the Planning staff, then to ask for public testimony; first from those in favor of the matter, followed by testimony from those in opposition to it, and, if there be opposition, to allow those in favor, rebuttal testimony only as to the points brought up in opposition. To testify on a matter, you need to simply come forward to the lectern at the appropriate time, give your name and address and make your statement. In addition, please sign in on the sheet provided at the podium so it will facilitate preparation of our minutes. Do not be concerned with your possible lack of experience in public hearings. We are interested in what you say, not your level of expertise as a public speaker. After a hearing has been closed, you may not further speak on the matter unless requested to do so by a member of the Commission.

PLANNING COMMISSION AUTHORIZED PLANNING DIRECTOR’S MODIFICATION NO. 07-36

Senior Planner Fabiola Wong presented the staff report. During her presentation, Ms. Wong explained that the request was for a variance on the number of parking spaces to accommodate the expansion of an existing pizza restaurant. She also informed the Commission that the applicant would be required to restripe the parking lot and bring the entire property into compliance with the Municipal Code. She also spoke regarding a parking survey that staff conducted on the property, which revealed that during peak hours the parking lot was approximately 40 percent filled.

Ms. Wong also informed the Commission that she had received one call from a citizen who had expressed concern over whether the handicapped parking met code requirements.

Chairman Sotelo opened the public hearing.

David Mesri, applicant, Joanne Wilner, Lloyd Johnson and Birdie Azpetia spoke in favor of the project.

David Mesri, applicant, spoke to the Commission regarding his project. He informed the Commission that he was attempting to improve the maintenance and condition of the retail center. Mr. Mesri also agreed to the conditions of approval recommended by staff.

Mrs. Wilner, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Azpetia stated their support of the request. Mrs. Wilner expressed her support of the variance and suggested that the painted window signage be removed to improve the appearance of the center.

Mr. Johnson agreed with Mrs. Wilner with regard to the removal of the signs. In addition, he stated his opinion that the existing parking lot would provide sufficient parking for the current uses and suggested that the trash bins be placed inside the trash enclosures.

Ms. Azpetia stated her belief that overnight parking in the applicant’s parking lot was due to the apartment building nearby not having a sufficient number of parking spaces. Also, she stated that the residents of the new housing development were responsible for discarding their trash in the applicant’s trash bins. Ms. Azpetia also expressed her support of the project and requested that the signs painted in the windows be removed.

OPPONENTS:

No one spoke in opposition to the project.

Chairman Sotelo closed the public hearing.

There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the expansion of the restaurant, the adequacy of the parking and the condition of the property.

Commissioner Rozatti suggested that the improvement of the center include landscaping as well as repaving and restriping of the parking lot.

Commissioner Stewart also suggested that the trash enclosures be repaired and used to secure the trash bins to help prevent illegal dumping of trash.

Commissioner Redholtz expressed his concern with the painted signs in the windows of the businesses in the center. In addition, he asked the applicant about the vehicles parked in the rear of the restaurant in the fire lane. Staff informed the Commission that there were provisions in the Municipal Code to address the signs in the windows. In addition to removal of the signs, the applicant would also be required to remove the graffiti and repair the trash enclosure.

It was the consensus of the Commission that the expansion of the restaurant, as well as the improvement of the center in conjunction with the expansion, would be beneficial to the community.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to adopt findings as recommended by staff. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 08-5260, approving Variance No. 07-11. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to approve Planning Director’s Modification No. 07-36. Motion carried 5-0.

Chairman Sotelo stated that these actions are final unless appealed to the City Council within ten days.

(1)

STUDY SESSION

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES ANNUAL PLAN

The review of an annual plan for City-initiated artwork. The review includes estimated budget and suggested artwork or programs.

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission provide comment and direction as appropriate.

Planning Director Doug McIsaac presented the staff report. He informed the Commission that staff had summarized suggestions by the Commission in their recommendation. In addition, Mr. McIsaac told the Commission that staff’s recommendation included the creation of a pre-qualified artist list, a temporary art program within a business area in the City and a permanent art project to be located at City Hall or another City facility. Mr. McIsaac also discussed the formation of a new art commission, which had recently been approved by the City Council.

Joanne Wilner commented that she was not supportive of the formation of a new commission. In addition, she expressed her support of a temporary banner program at the Lakes and her opposition to placing an art project at City Hall. She also suggested the Heritage House as an alternative to City Hall.

The Commission gave consideration to the establishment of a pre-qualified artists list. Commissioner Rozatti asked about the cost associated with the establishment of the list. Ms. Elwood, the City’s public art consultant, explained the process for screening the various artists and the costs that would be incurred.

The Commission also discussed the implementation of the temporary banner program, the possibility of placing a public art project at City Hall and how the adoption of the pre-qualified artists list would be beneficial to future projects. Further, the Commission considered the potential projects that could possibly require artwork or incur an in-lieu fee in the coming year.

It was the consensus of the Commission to adopt the annual plan, as recommended by staff.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to approve the 2008 Art In Public Places Annual Plan. Motion carried 4-1 (Fisher opposed).

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND CLEANUP OF NONRESIDENTIAL ZONES

A study session to review the issues the Community Enhancement Division encounters regarding repair and upkeep in commercial centers, and discuss methods to allow for a more effective means to obtain compliance from centers that are in need of rehabilitation through the initiation of a code amendment.

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission initiate a code amendment regarding commercial maintenance standards and cleanup of nonresidential zones.

Principal Planner Jeff Anderson presented the staff report. During his presentation, Mr. Anderson explained to the Commission that this code amendment was intended to provide maintenance guidelines for the repair and upkeep in commercial centers. In addition, staff was proposing the clarification or removal of certain language and sections of the Zoning Code that were no longer used or were not clearly stated in the Code.

Joanne Wilner expressed her support of the code amendment and suggested that there are other sections of the Municipal Code that could be clarified.

The Commission gave consideration to the various sections that would be amended and discussed how the new maintenance requirements could be beneficial in the enforcement of existing City codes. In addition, the Commission considered how the code amendment would affect current property owners who are encountering difficulty with illegal dumping on their commercial properties.

It was the consensus of the Commission that the proposed code amendment would be beneficial in the enforcement of West Covina codes that require proper maintenance of commercial properties.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Fisher, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 08-5281, initiating a code amendment regarding commercial maintenance standards and cleanup of nonresidential zones. Motion carried 5-0.

This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

This is the time when any member of the Commission may bring a matter to the attention of the full Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. Any item that was considered during the public hearing portion is not appropriate for discussion in this section of the agenda. NO COMMISSION ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME. If the Commission desires to discuss an issue raised by a resident or take an action, the Commission may vote to agendize the matter for the next meeting. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions of the listed meeting which are in the Commission’s area of interest.

-Initiate a code amendment to allow the off-site sale of alcoholic beverages at service stations.

Regular Meeting, February 19, 2008

-Consideration of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Fisher, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.