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HomeMy Public PortalAbout03/05/96 PC MinutesDRAFT. Preliminary Copy Only. These Minutes must Be Approved by the Appropriate Governing Body Prior to Use Agenda Item No. MINUTES OF BEAUMONT PLANNING COMMISSION FOR MARCH 5, 1996 The meeting was called to Order at 6:07 p.m. Those present were: Chairman DePalatis, Commissioners DeForge, Frisch, Moreno and Salinas. Affidavit of Posting was read and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was observed. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION: On motion by Commissioner Moreno, seconded by Commissioner Frisch, to appoint Commissioner DePalatis as Chairman of the Planning Commission. All in favor, motion carried. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 6, 1996. On motion by Commissioner DeForge, seconded by Chairman DePalatis , to approve the Minutes for February 6, 1996. All in favor, motion carried with the following roll call vote: AYES: Chairman DePalatis, Commissioners DeForge, Frisch, Moreno and Salinas. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 2. ORAL COMMUNICATION: None. 3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT. Economic Development Director David Dillon informed the Commission that the City is closing escrow on the Sports Park and the Beaumont Industrial Park properties. The Redevelopment Agency is exchanging approximately 37 acres on 4th Street to an industrial developer for approximately 23 acres up on the southeast corner of Beaumont Avenue and Brookside. The purpose of the exchange is to facilitate development of the industrial property, to get it entitled and to get some Agenda Item No. DRAFT. Preliminary Copy Only. These Minutes must Be Approved by the Appropriate Governing Body Prior to Use land uses in place. Mr. Dillon noted that negotiations with Beaumont Juice are in process for major expansion for their property. Also, the City is making progress on the EDA Grant proposal in Seattle and it is expected this Grant will be forwarded to Washington D.C. causing it to be another 30 days before we hear anything back. This Grant is for the development of a Railspur Project to assist the expansion of Dura Plastic Products and other manufactures in the Industrial zone as well as to construct a new sewer line. Finally, the Redevelopment Bond is also moving forward; however, clearance is needed from the County Auditor Controller's Office to adjust the base year calculations. There were some tax appeals that lowered the assessed value in the project area, and we need the Auditor Controller to adjust our base year to reflect those tax appeals. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 4 Considered at this time was Plot Plan No. 96 -PP -2 and Negative Declaration No. 95- ND-2, consideration of a request to develop a 3,500 square foot Burger King restaurant franchise at the southwest corner of Sixth Street and Highland Springs Avenue. Applicant, Vince Eupierre. Economic Development Director Dillon presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning Department. Stephen Jayme. Box 1014, Lake Arrowhead, representing Vince Eupierre, addressed the Commission, noting that the traffic study had not been done yet. He then showed photos to the Commission of a building they had completed in Thousand Palms. Economic Development Director Dillon noted that if the Commission wanted to see the elevations they could be brought back with the sign, with Chairman DePalatis acknowledging he would like to see the elevations. On motion by Commissioner Salinas, seconded by Commissioner DeForge, to approve Plot Plan 96 -PP -2 and Negative Declaration 95 -ND -2, and direction to staff to bring the proposed building elevations back to the Planning Commission for review and comment. Motion carried with the following roll call vote: AYES: Chairman DePalatis, Commissioners DeForge, Frisch, Moreno and Salinas. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. 5. Considered at this time was Plot Plan 96 -PP -1 and Negative Declaration No. 96 -ND -2, of a request to expand an existing window shutter manufacturing operation by constructing a new industrial building at 550 East Third Street in Beaumont. DRAFT. Preliminary Copy Only These Minutes must Be Approved by the Appropriate Governing Body Prior to Use Applicant, Wholesale Shutter. Economic Development Director Dillon presented the staff report, a copy of which is on rile in the City Clerk's Office, and he also recommended a three minute limit on testimony be evoked by the Chairman who agreed to impose the limit due to the number of parties wishing to testify. Randy Bonj4an. 35683 Shelton Street. Yucaipa addressed the Commission, stating he was the owner and operator of Wholesale Shutter Company. He then outlined his intentions and concerns of his business. Pat Manifesta. 60 S. Michigan. Beaumont, addressed the Commission noting that while walking in the vicinity of this Wholesale Shutter Company business, he and his wife noticed that it was hard to breathe and stated they feel it is the Commission's responsibility to protect the community. Kathy Havert. 113 Maple Avenue. Beaumont, addressed the Commission stating she lived approximately one block away from the Wholesale Shutter Company. She also walks every night and smells the obnoxious fumes coming from the building. She questioned as to whether or not the doors to the building should be closed and requested that the Commission not allow him to enlarge his business. Further, she stated they have a swamp cooler and during the summer they smell fumes coming through the cooler. A. W. Maddox.. 1153 Edgar Avenue, Beaumont. addressed the Commission stating he has been going to the Abbey Veterinary Hospital for about 16 years. He noticed recently a foul obnoxious odor surrounding the facility making it unpleasant to use the facilities of the hospital. He would like to continue using the hospital without having to worry about contaminated air. Dr. Randhawa, 754 E. 3rd Street /764 E. 3rd Street. Beaumont. addressed the Commission noting that the reason he settled here 18 years ago was to raise his family in a clean open beautiful area. He then requested and was granted a waiver of the 3 minute time limit on testimony. Dr. Randhawa then passed out material he had just received from the Toxicology California State Department, showing the human health problem of paint used at the Wholesale Shutter facility. He also passed out a petition with 126 signatures opposing this expansion. He went on noting that the area around the proposed expansion used to be residential, it was then converted to Light Manufacturing and according to the City Code this business should not even be considered for approval. He then read an excerpt from the Code section relating to obnoxious uses being prohibited. He further commented that paints used by Wholesale Shutter Company are carcinogenic, can cause liver problems, lung problems, and breathing problems for which the City could be liable. Also, an EIR should be done instead of a Negative Declaration. He asked that the Commissioners visit Abbey Animal Hospital when Wholesale Shutter Company is working and see for themselves, DRAFT. Preliminary Copy Only These Minutes must Be Approved by the Appropriate Governing Body Prior to Use and if they can breathe the air for 30 minutes, he will leave this town. Esther Barak, 903 E. 14th Street. Beaumont. addressed the Commission who read a letter from her friend Alma Visal, who wanted to go on record in opposition to the project . The methyl ethyl ketone that is the main ingredient to the white laquer undercoat, 121892 is known to aggravate existing medical conditions as well as it is known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm. Ms. Barak also wanted to go on record that she was also opposed to the proposed expansion stating, that "no one owns the air we breathe and no one has the right to pollute it." Jon Varela. 35508 Penrose Lane. Yucaipa, addressed the Commission noting that Mr. Bonjean's business should be given a chance and that the plastic company right across the street also smells. Traci Castaneda.11212 Sunnylope Avenue. Cherry Valley, addressed the Commission stating she works for Wholesale Shutter Company and never sees anyone walking, also feels the problem with the smell will be eliminated when the expansion is completed. Jennifer Irwin. 885 N. 4th Street. Banning, addressed the Commission stating she works for Wholesale Shutter Company and does not see a problem. She commented that if paint goes through a filter there is nothing to settle. She has a problem with breathing which is not because of the paint, that she has had for a long time, but it hasn't worsen, it has actually gotten better. Irish Mitchell, addressed the Commission stating if the fumes are a physical hazard he is against it; however, the question is what can be done to stop the fumes from coming out of the new building, or is the new building in a location where it would be objectionable in the years to come. He noted there is property available by the Wastewater Treatment Plant on west Fourth Street that would be a good location for this project. Further, Mr. Mitchell feels the owner and the Planning Department should negotiate and work out a trade of land. Manuel Padilla. 1250 S. Cawston. Hemet. addressed the Commission ,stating he has worked for Wholesale Shutter Company for 3 years and has had no problems. Andy Altichow, 1117 Anthony's. Redlands, addressed the Commission, and spoke in favor of this project. Carole Thurman. 88975 Oak Creek Rd.. Cherry Valley, addressed the Commission, stating she likes Mr. Mitchell's suggestion about re- locating the business. Tim Marich, 40109 Dutton. Cherry Valley, addressed the Commission, stating he DRAFT. • Preliminary Copy Only. These Minutes must Be Approved by the Appropriate Governing Body Prior to Use. works for Wholesale Shutter Company and wants to continue to do so. Dr. Randhawa, requested the Chairman to grant him the opportunity to provide additional testimony in opposition to the proposed project. The Chairman granted the request and Dr. Randhawa stated that the Commission should consider the low level of knowledge of those who testified in favor of the proposed project and to make their own decision and not listen to hearsay. Dr. Randhawa also stated that City staff was ignorant and that Public Works Director Moorjani had indicated that the City had made a mistake in issuing a permit for the existing Wholesale Shutter Company facility on 530 and 540 E. 3rd Street. Further, Dr. Randawa commented that the existing zoning of the subject site permitted residential and commercial uses. Randy Bonjean, spoke again and wanted the record to show that he is a graduate of Vineland High School. He explained, that on the plans you can see the section of the building that will be the spray department which will not be opened to the rest of the factory. He would not like to find other property and feels this proposed location has some advantages in terms of rail access and adjacent uses. He noted that the smell could not be eliminated totally. Commissioner DeForge commented that he personally would like to tour the existing Wholesale Shutter Company facility before he makes a decision on it. He felt it would be hard to make a decision if all areas have not been explored. Economic Development Director Dillon commented that the existing Wholesale Shutter Company use was in conformance with all the rules and regulations of the County, and South Coast Air Quality Management District and that the existing zoning of the subject site did not permit residential land uses. Chairman DePalatis noted that he was closing the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. After lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Moreno, seconded by Commissioner Salinas, to adopt Negative Declaration 96 -ND -2 and Plot Plan 96 -PP -1, subject to the conditions of approval. Motion carried with the following roll call vote: AYES: Chairman DePalatis, Commissioners DeForge, Frisch, Moreno and Salinas NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None. Chairman DePalatis noted there was an appeal right on this project with the time being 10 days from date of hearing. DRAFT. • Preliminary Copy Only These Minutes must Be Approved by the Appropriate Governing Body Prior to Use SCHEDULED MATTER: 6. Considered at this time was Sign Permit No. 96- SNP -1, of a request to place a 50 square foot freestanding sign along Beaumont Avenue at First Assembly of God Church. Economic Development Director Dillon presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning Department. Keith Short. Pastor, at the Assembly of God's Church, 1166 Beaumont Avenue. addressed the Commission asking for some flexibility of the size of the sign and then selected number 4 under staffs recommendation. Rev. Brewer, addressed the Commission stating they were willing to comply and it is their hope that the City would allow them to leave the 3 metal crosses. On motion by Chairman Depalatis, seconded by Commissioner DeForge, to approve the sign permit in the location as shown, with the reduced size, and that the other sign be retained with the wording simplified so it has a monumental look with the pedestal as depicted in the diagram. Motion carried with the following roll call vote: AYES: Chairman DePalatis, Commissioners DeForge, Frisch, Moreno and Salinas. NOES: None. ABSTAIN; None. ABSENT: None. There being no further items before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cherry Taylor, City Clerk