1.

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Duggan called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.

2.

ROLL CALL

Commissioners present:  Commissioners Bañuelos, Byrd, Cisco, Faber, Poulsen, and Chair Duggan.

Commissioners absent:  Commissioner Carlstrom

3.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of October 14, 2010 were approved with revisions.

4.

PUBLIC APPEARANCES

There were no speakers

5.

DEPARTMENT REPORT

None

6.

PLANNING COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

Chair Duggan reported that the City Council voted in favor of the Density Bonus plan last night. She also stated that the ARTS in Public Places Committee are in the process of developing a mural policy for all the undercrossing of Highway 101.

7.

STATEMENTS OF ABSTENTION BY COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Faber will be abstaining from Item 12

Commissioner Poulsen will be abstaining from Item 10 and 12 as he owns property within downtown/Station Area Plan.

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

None

9.

REPORT ITEM – RESOLUTION TO RECOMMEND THAT THE COUNCIL NOT CERTIFY THE ELNOKA VILLAGE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT – 251 Elnoka Lane – File Number MJP08-013

Ex-Parte Disclosures:

There were no new disclosures

Planner Erin Morris gave the staff report.

Public Hearing:

• Bill Mabry, 220 Concourse Blvd – stated that rather than take the Final EIR to City Council, he said the consultant wished to come back to the planning commission instead with responses and corrections that were expressed at the last meeting.

Commissioners discussion ensued:

All commissioners supported the applicants request for a continuation to a future date.

Commissioner Cisco made a motion and Commissioner Byrd seconded to continue to a date uncertain as was requested by the applicant.

The motion carried with the following vote:

AYES:

(6)

(Bañuelos, Byrd, Cisco, Duggan, Faber, Poulsen)

NOES:

(0)

ABSTENTIONS

(0)

ABSENT:

(1)

(Carlstrom)

10.

PUBLIC HEARING – Street Furnishings Palette Plan and associated Zoning Code Amendment to the outdoor dining section of the Code for the Courthouse Square and Railroad Square sub-areas of the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan – File Number SRC-X-20

Program Specialist for Economic Development and Housing, Raissa de la Rosa gave the staff report.

Marx, Quadriga Landscape Architecture – gave a presentation.

There was some discussion about comments from the CHB and DRB. Commissioner Faber asked about utility risers with Raissa de la Rosa responding that utility risers were being considered through a different program. Chair Duggan asked about considerations for newsstands with staff’s response that this was being worked on through Public Works.

City Planner, Jessica Jones made a brief staff presentation regarding the zoning code changes.

Public Hearing:

No speakers

Commissioners discussion ensued:

All Commissioners expressed their support for the project.

Commissioner Cisco made a motion and Commissioner Bañuelos seconded to approve Resolution 11556: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA RECOMMENDING TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE STREET FURNISHINGS PALETTE PROJECT FOR THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE AND RAILROAD SQUARE SUB-AREAS OF THE DOWNTOWN STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN – FILE NUMBER SRC-X-20

The motion carried with the following vote:

AYES:

(5)

(Bañuelos, Byrd, Cisco, Duggan, Faber)

NOES:

(0)

ABSTENTIONS

(1)

(Poulsen)

ABSENT:

(1)

(Carlstrom)

Commissioner Cisco made a motion and Commissioner Bañuelos seconded to approve Resolution 11557: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA RECOMMENDING TO CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 20-42.160, SIDEWALK CAFES – FILE NUMBER SRC-X-20

The motion carried with the following vote:

AYES:

(5)

(Bañuelos, Byrd, Cisco, Duggan, Faber)

NOES:

(0)

ABSTENTIONS

(1)

(Poulsen)

ABSENT:

(1)

(Carlstrom)

Commissioner Cisco made a motion and Commissioner Bañuelos seconded to approve Resolution 11558: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISISON OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE STREET FURNISHINGS PALETTE PLAN FOR THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE AND RAILROAD SQUARE SUB-AREAS OF THE DOWNTOWN STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN – FIELE NUMBER SRC-X-20

The motion carried with the following vote:

AYES:

(5)

(Bañuelos, Byrd, Cisco, Duggan, Faber)

NOES:

(0)

ABSTENTIONS

(1)

(Poulsen)

ABSENT:

(1)

(Carlstrom)

Break

11.

PUBLIC HEARING – DRAFT SANTA ROSA AVENUE CORRIDOR PLAN AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION – Streetscape plan and design guidelines for Santa Rosa Avenue from Sonoma Avenue to Highway 12. The proposed concept would change the configuration of Santa Rosa Avenue from a four lane arterial street to a three lane arterial street with pedestrian, bicycle, and streetscape enhancements – File Number ST10-008 

City Planner Lisa Kranz gave the staff report.

Public Hearing:

• Anne Seeley, 4370 Raymonde Way – Concerned Citizens for Santa Rosa – doesn’t think the plan is mature, feels it is adjacent to downtown and has the potential to give a boost to the downtown area; also stated the traffic and queuing stats are based on past drivers behavior; wonders if this should be a major route to downtown.
• Jennifer Collins, 467 Sonoma Avenue – lives in Julliard park neighborhood and doesn’t like the presented plan; wants to adopt the preferred plan A.
• Mary Jo Murphy, 722 Charles Street, Burbank Gardens neighborhood – spoke about community vision was for more development and less traffic and feels it would be harder for developers to make changes after this was completed; also spoke about traffic issues and alternative traffic measures such as cars being rerouted via Hwy 101; she also suggested buses could be rerouted to south A street; and fire should look to the future when a new station would be built.
• Judy Kennedy, 620 Oak Street – spoke about neighbors and businesses that voted for the preferred plan; feels it will help make Santa Rosa a destination and would foster a vibrant downtown with one of the goals of offering other modes of transportation, increasing neighborhood cohesions and safety.
• Laura Fennell 633 Oak Street, Burbank Neighborhood Association – stated that they were excited that their input was considered in the initial meetings but are now that their ideas were dismissed in the later meetings.
• Karen Macken, 514 Sebastopol Avenue, Chair for Juilliard Park Neighborhood Association. – also spoke about the excitement in the early meetings but was disappointed in about the 3^rd meeting to hear of all the changes; feels that Alternative A is the best alternative.
• Denise Hill, 317 10^th Street, Neighborhood Alliance – stated that the preferred plan meets council goals; it would make downtown a destination, it would promote leadership in GHG emissions, alternative transportation, promote physical activity – all of these are in preferred plan.
• Jean Von Trende, 304/306 Santa Rosa Avenue – feels the cart was put before the horse stating the plan was brought to the community before public works could get a good look at it and feels that the presented plan is the best.
• Lori Fisher, 618 4^th Street – encouraged the commission to listen to the neighbors; supports the first preferred alternative. 

Commissioners discussion ensued:

Commissioner Faber – stated this is very exciting to be looking at something like this as there is a lot of housing in this area and commended the neighbors for having a vision for this area; however, he feels that Santa Rosa is sending a mixed signal by not know if we want to be a downtown or a little suburb near downtown; he further stated that if we want to be a downtown then we need parking in front of businesses; doesn’t support the plan when we’re trying to get a downtown but proposing a suburban solutions. 

Commissioner Bañuelos – has problems with the process with regards to neighborhood input and feels it is unfair to the community; would like an opportunity to look at the neighborhood preferred alternative in its full entirety; does not support as is presented; would like the opportunity to look at both plans or perhaps they can go back to the drawing board as she feels there is still some room for compromise from both sides.

Commissioner Byrd – agreed with a comment made about the plan not being mature yet; there is more potential, potential economically and potential for the community to participate; stated that to move away from a traffic oriented plan there needs to be more pedestrian investment, more public transportation investment and the existing housing that is available that can participate into downtown; it’s a gateway opportunity; feels that the they should be looking at the two options and not just one plan. With regard to fire and bus transportation he stated we needed to think out of the box that we need to think about how it will work in the future and not just the present. Doesn’t support as is and would like to see another alternative.

Commissioner Cisco – does not support the plan; concurred with Commissioner Faber’s comments; appreciates the neighbor’s opinions to make more village-like; feels more work needs to be don and that there is time and more can be done to alleviate concerns and still meet the neighborhoods goals and needs.

Commissioner Poulsen – also concurred with Commissioner Faber about not wanting to wipe out parking and the ability to make turns; he would like to work out another plan to meet everyone’s goals.

Chair Duggan – also does not favor as is; feels it is unfair to the future potential property owners on the west side to give up their frontage on-street parking especially when on-street parking is provided on the east side; also would like fire and police to make one lane work for both directions. 

Commissioner Poulsen also stated that wide sidewalks only on one side seemed unfair.

Commissioner Faber also stated that it would be a benefit to consolidate the design guidelines and the standards that they looked at earlier into one document. 

Lisa Kranz stated that a resolution for denial would be brought back at the next meeting to be passed along to the Council.

Break

12.

PUBLIC HEARING – MINOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – GOODWILL INDUSTRIES THRIFT STORE – 1300 Fourth Street – Application for a Minor Conditional use Permit to allow a second hand store with incidental donations within an existing 5,370 square foot retail building – File Number CUP10-056

Ex-Parte Disclosures:

Commissioner Bañuelos – met with the applicant, visited the site and visited the store on Sebastopol Road and the Salvation Army store.

Commissioner Cisco – met with the applicant, visited the site, and visited the three other Goodwill sites.

Commissioner Byrd – spoke with the applicant and visited the site.

Chair Duggan – met with the applicant, visited the site and exchanged emails with some of the neighbors.

City Planner Erin Morris gave the staff report

Commissioner Byrd asked about other locations and their hours of operation.

Jean Kapolchok, applicant representative gave a presentation.

Public Hearing:

• Mike Runyon, 310 Equine Place – has a high end business that has a donation drop-off space and has no problems with Goodwill.
• Ozro Childs, 717 Spring Street – neighbor stated that parking was an issue; spoke against the goodwill mission and if they want to appeal to people in need they should put it in a location where people are in need. Opposes.
• Teresa Alexander, 108 Stanford Street – opposed due to parking issues and the possibility of donations being dropped off.
• Steve Jameson, 1600 Brush Creek Road, Board of Director of Goodwill – summarized the goodwill mission and the purpose of the stores.
• Patrice Giansante, 123 Stanford Street – opposed due to high hours and impacts.
• Thomas Giansante, 123 Stanford Street – opposed stating it is not compatible with a residential neighborhood.
• Steve Aja, 106 Leland Street – opposed stating it was denied in the past when applied for on College Ave.
• Fred Howe, 1310 Fair Oaks Avenue – opposed due to traffic issues.
• Wally Wallace, 705 McDonald Avenue – Santa Rosa opposed due to traffic issues.
• Patrick Murray, 4216 Wallace Road – as a property owner stated community concerns are important – opposed.
• Pamela Jasper, 1013 Spring Street – concerns of safety, parking, and does not agree that it’s typical of retail stores with regard to hours and delivery times as well as the necessity for security.
• Robin Abramson, 2503 Incline Drive – supports the application stating that Goodwill follows through to do what they say they will do and they are very responsible. She also stated that there are, and will always be, traffic issues. Goodwill provides jobs and subsidizes other businesses to employ people.
• Mark Ihde, President and CEO of Goodwill – clarified that they do not want to be separated from donations as donations are what drives their revenues which allows them to provide job training and job placement for people with disabilities or other barriers, but they also have paid employees that are being paid wages and paying taxes and shopping within the City of Santa Rosa; they themselves suggested and worked with the City to mitigate every concern that was expressed; they will not design the interior to accept donations as it is a new model and they will provide lists of all alternate donation sites available in the store. He also stated that they do not do home pickups, they encourage people to take large items to the Yolanda warehouse.
• Lauren West, 122 Sanford Street – opposed due to the uniqueness of her neighborhood.
• Kathleen Hilliard, 117 Stanford Street – opposed due to traffic issues.
• Donna Howe, 1310 Fair Oaks Avenue – opposed due to safety issues.
• Mike Martini, 1827Austin Way – supports the application stating that it is a retail use in a retail site and it is zoned at the highest level of retail here in the city; he also stated that you can’t dictate to who or what retailers are selling and what kind of business they are; he further stated that Goodwill is an organization that helps people that are hit the hardest in these economic times.
• Kris Sunderlage, 533 Talbot Avenue – opposed due to possible dumping issues that may take place such as the one at the Salvation Army.
• Larry Wasem, 414 Aviation Blvd – supports stating it is a worthy community project; commended the staff for the detailed analysis in the face of such opposition.
• Richard Radovich, 1242 Wikiup Drive – opposed due to traffic issues and asked about photos in presentation and how the public is going to know it’s not a donation site.
• Eric Koenigshofer, Occidental – spoke on behalf of Doug Bosco who had to leave earlier in the evening and who lives on McDonald Avenue, asked him to convey his support of application; he also stated that the store on Sebastopol share parking with other businesses stating that whoever did the counting on that location was incorrect. He also stated that the issue for a requirement for a Conditional Use Permit for second hand sales is essentially the points of distinction between second hand and new retail is what the use permit focuses on and the application the elimination of active outdoor donations eliminates any distinction between regular retail and second hand sales.

Applicant responded to the public hearing – reiterating that they were going to abide by the conditions set forth; College Ave application was for a donation center; she also offered another condition to gate the parking lot if needed.

Commissioners discussion ensued:

Commissioner Cisco – summarized the Sebastopol Road store and her protest at that time and how they worked with Goodwill to resolve issues and come up with conditions specific to their concerns; she also stated that salvation army is not open 7 days a week and it’s the off hours that they see problems of dumping are; she also stated that security patrol in the neighborhood will only benefit that neighborhood; supports the application.

Commissioner Byrd – stated that all neighborhoods have troubling issues that come up and that there are parking and traffic issues all over the city; he also stated that Goodwill will do what they say they will do and will be diligent to put up the gates, that they have the security, and that they clean up any potential dumping and if they don’t they will be back before the Planning Commission; he supports the application

Commissioner Bañuelos – supports the application stating; feels the added security cameras and patrolling security will be an enhancement to the neighborhood; stated that traffic concerns are legitimate but feels that Goodwill has tried to meet all of the neighbors’ concerns; she also commented that she visited the Sebastopol store and only found three cars there and the store employees were very friendly, it was well kept and neat, that Goodwill is a good organization and they will do everything that is needed to be good neighbors; she encouraged the neighbors to keep the communication  open to the store and if anything comes up to talk to them and let them have an opportunity to address it.  

Chair Duggan – also supports the application; stated it is not in Goodwill’s best interest to not be a good neighbor; any other business going in could by right have the same kind of problems; she also stated she wants to add the other conditions of security gates and exterior signage to direct people to other donation centers

Commissioner Cisco made a motion and Commissioner Byrd seconded to approve (with added conditions as discussed) Resolution 11559: RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA MAKING FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS AND APPROVING A MINOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR GOODWILL SECOND-HAND RETAIL STORE AT 1300 FOURTH STREET, SANTA ROSA, APN:  009-113-025; FILE NUMBER CUP 10-056

The motion carried with the following vote:

AYES:

(4)

(Banuelos, Byrd, Cisco, Duggan)

NOES:

(0)

ABSTENTIONS

(2)

(Faber, Poulsen)

ABSENT

(1)

(Carlstrom)

13.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Duggan adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m. to the regular Planning Commission Meeting to be held at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at Santa Rosa City Hall on Thursday, December 9, 2010.

PREPARED BY:

Anette Niewald, Recording Secretary

ATTEST:

APPROVED:

Chuck Regalia, Executive Secretary

Vicki Duggan, Chair