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2005-05-12 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA MAY 12, 2005 Chairman Funk called the meeting of the El Segundo Planning CALL TO ORDER Commission to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City of El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main Street, El Segundo, California. Chairman Funk led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: CARLSON, FRICK, FUNK ABSENT: KRETZMER, WAGNER None. Chairman Funk presented the Consent Calendar. PLEDGE TO FLAG ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT CALENDAR Director Jurjis pulled Agenda Item No. E-2 off the Consent Calendar -- CALL ITEMS Environmental Assessment EA-658 and Administrative Use Permit No. FROM CONSENT 04-04. This item is to be brought back at a future Planning Commission CALENDAR meeting. Chairman Funk pulled Agenda Item No. E-1 from the Consent Calendar -- April 14, 2005, Minutes. With regard to the Minutes on the top of page 008, first paragraph, Chairman Funk asked that the words "each time the noise is excessive," be replaced with "when there is illegal activity." Vice -Chairman Carlson moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, to approve the April 14, 2005, Minutes as amended. Passed 3-0. Planning Manager Christensen advised that a letter relating to Item No. E-2 -- Environmental Assessment EA-658 and Administrative Use Permit No. 04-04 — had been received from Union Pacific Railroad; and noted that the letter will be presented to the Commission when that item is returned for consideration. She added that some additional photographs submitted by the applicant related to Item No. H-3, Chevron Products Company, have been distributed to the Commission this evening. MOTION April 14, 2005, Minutes WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, May 12, 2005 Assistant Planner Baldenegro stated that the Commission received a copy of the Statement of Overriding Considerations that had been adopted at the time the Final EIR was certified by the California Air Resources for Item Board H-3, Chevron Products Company. Chairman Funk presented Agenda Item H-3, Environmental Assessment No. 663 and Variance No. 05-1. Applicant: El Segundo Chevron Refinery, c/o David C. Gonzales. Property Owner: Chevron Products Company. Address: 324 West El Segundo Boulevard. Assistant Planner Baldenegro presented staff report (of record) Chairman Funk advised that she spoke to representatives of Chevron prior to this evening's meeting to discuss landscaping issues. Chairman Funk opened the public hearing. Rod Spackman, Manager of Policy. Government & Public Affairs for ChevronTexaco Mr. Spackman commended staff for their work on this project. He explained that the process which will be utilized within this tower is a complex blending scheme in the production of CARB Phase III gasoline, which is the standard they must meet for California production; and advised that this alkylate is a high valued/high octane blending component in gasoline that will be produced in this tower — pointing out that this operation is a critical element of Chevron's business. He explained that this blending component, the alkylate, is somewhat the gold standard in refining, that it allows for a great deal of flexibility and allows Chevron to produce much more efficiently than the previous defunct column that was in operation. He pointed out that changes in the standards to the configuration of gasoline in California are much more environmentally restrictive than other states; and noted that the alkylate is one of a series of blending components that go into the final gasoline that drivers will see at the gas pumps. He mentioned that in the mid-90's, Chevron made approximately $700 million in upgrades to this refinery to begin to meet California's more stringent standards. In response to Vice -Chairman Carlson's inquiry regarding the variance proposal, Mr. Spackman explained that the additional height is necessary to complete the chemical process to produce the alkylate, noting that the process will turn isobutene into alkylate. He added that the additional height is needed to separate out and extract various components. PUBLIC HEARINGS, NEW BUSINESS A variance request to exceed the maximum height limit in the Heavy Industrial (M-2) Zone. 2 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, May 12, 2005 Addressing Chairman Funk's inquiry with regard to improving air quality, Mr. Spackman explained that this particular processing unit is not an emissions producing unit; that it will have no significant effect on the environment in its operation; noted that it's not a system that has any noise or odor; and that it is not open to the atmosphere in any way. Chairman Funk noted her interest in seeing more landscaping placed in the approximate 2-block area between Penn and Eucalyptus to help block the view of the refinery and this new tower. Mr. Spackman stated that several trees have been lost over the last year as a result of disease; that they are seeking professional advice on the reason for the loss of these trees; and that he expects Chevron will replace those gaps with more landscaping once the problem has been solved. He noted that Chevron maintains as best it can a good exterior profile to the refinery; advised that Chevron is currently in the process of re -fencing a large portion of the refinery, starting down on the far end of El Segundo Boulevard by the laboratory; noted that Chevron has gone through a series of security upgrades at this refinery; and stated that he would like to complete the fencing project, remove some old pipes in that area, and solve the problem with the dying trees before any further landscaping is put in place in that area. Chairman Funk asked when the new column would be installed. Andy Zepeda, project manager Mr. Zepeda stated that he expects to erect the new vertical column in late June and remove the old column during the first half of 2006. Mr. Zepeda noted for Vice -Chairman Carlson that the applicant concurs with the conditions of approval. Margaret O'Brien resident living at the 700 block of 36t" Street Manhattan Beach Ms. O'Brien noted her continuing concerns with the excessive noise and odor coming from this refinery. She stated she has lived at her residence for the last 30 years, and noted her concern that these problems will never cease. Mr. Spackman advised that Chevron makes a strong, good -faith effort to try be a good neighbor; explained that Chevron has experienced some challenges from November 2004 through the first quarter of this year; and stated that Chevron undertook a major reconstruction project along the southern border of the refinery that involves the isomex complex and El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, May 12, 2005 the hydrogen plant, expressing his belief that this will ultimately improve the noise profile of the facility in the southern area. Mr. Spackman stated that they are conducting a major noise profile review of the southern border; mentioned that this particular column is isolated well inside the refinery; that it will be significantly buffered from the exterior and won't be a unique source of noise to the Manhattan Beach community; and advised that there are other tests Chevron is working on to help minimize noise sources. He advised that Chevron has met with some neighbors who live along the southern border that will assist in a community noise monitoring program in an attempt to try and segregate the noise sources. Chairman Funk closed the public hearing. Vice -Chairman Carlson noted that this proposed structure will be less visible than the existing structure that will soon be removed; and expressed his belief that the findings can be made to support a variance in this case. Chairman Funk reiterated her concern for additional landscaping to mitigate the refinery view between Penn and Eucalyptus, something that will help lessen the view to this proposed structure; and noted her interest in seeking assurance that landscaping in this area will be considered as part of this proposal. Assistant City Attorney Berger noted that the applicant would need to concur with an additional condition to address landscaping in this particular application; and suggested a clause to the effect that the applicant must submit a landscaping plan in a form and in a time schedule approved by the Planning and Building Safety Director. Commissioner Frick stated that because of all the unknowns ahead of this project, she would feel comfortable in leaving the issue of landscaping to be worked out between Planning staff and the applicant following completion of this project, that staff work with the applicant on its landscaping plan after the column is removed. Vice -Chairman Carlson asked the applicant what time schedule would be appropriate for submitting a landscaping plan. Chairman Funk re -opened the public hearing. Highlighting the area depicted in Picture 14, Mr. Spackman explained that that area is the marketing terminal; that there is not a large amount of flexibility to dramatically enhance the landscaping in this area; stated that he is not opposed to the idea of looking at the landscaping profile in 4 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, May 12, 2005 this particular section, but that he is not sure what can be done in this area. He stated that this marketing center is a busy area; that they move a lot of vehicles in/out of that location; and that it's not ever been significantly screened. He noted that there may be some things that they can do, but addressed his concern with not impacting the operational use of that area or impacting security considerations. He noted that due to security concerns these days, there is a whole new set of issues to consider. Lilly Craia. public affairs representative Ms. Craig commented on Chevron's efforts to create beautiful buffers and landscaping around the perimeter of the refinery; noted Chevron's efforts to maintain as green a perimeter as possible; and stated that it would be difficult tonight to agree to put in more landscaping in this area without studying the impact to Chevron's security and operations. She added that she would not like to see any landscaping plan condition tied to this variance proposal. Assistant City Attorney Berger suggested the following language to Condition No. 10: "The applicant must install landscaping consistent with a landscape plan, approved by the Planning and Building Safety Director. The landscape plan must contain a time schedule approved by the Planning and Building Safety Director for installing landscaping, and to the extent practicable, screen the column identified as C-4910." Mr. Spackman explained that Picture 11 depicts the parking lot and stated there would be no way they would screen or place additional landscaping in that area because of security concerns, leaving full view for the security cameras. He noted he is amenable to studying if there is any opportunity to place more landscaping in the areas between Penn and Eucalyptus. He reiterated that Chevron will ultimately be filling in the landscaping gaps where trees have died, noting there is some flexibility for more landscaping just to the east. Commissioner Frick pointed out that Chevron has always been a good neighbor; stated that she would trust Chevron to make landscaping improvements to those areas where there is less sensitivity to security; and stated she would be willing to leave the landscaping issue up to the discretion of Chevron. She added that Chevron has always maintained a beautiful perimeter and that she believes they will continue to do so. Chairman Funk stated she is looking at the opportunity for the City to gain a positive effect for the community; and noted her concurrence that Chevron is a good neighbor. 5 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, May 12, 2005 Commissioner Frick and Chairman Funk agreed that security is of utmost importance. Assistant City Attorney Berger explained that this would be a voluntary condition on behalf of the applicant; and noted that if the applicant does not want that condition imposed upon them pursuant to this application, the City does not have the ability to impose that condition at this particular point because there is no nexus between the variance application and the landscaping issue. Highlighting the Commission's comments with regard to additional landscaping, Mr. Spackman suggested that Chevron provide a voluntary letter of intent; asked that the landscaping issue be separate from the variance application; and noted that Chevron will submit a letter of intent to staff that will describe the landscaping expectations of both the City and Chevron in that regard. Director Jurjis stated that staff would be willing to accept that voluntary letter of intent; and noted that staff will work with Chevron to get the issue of further landscaping in this area resolved to the extent possible. Assistant City Attorney Berger suggested that the motions be separate. The public hearing closed. Vice -Chairman Carlson moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, to MOTION approve the applicant's request, thus adopting Resolution No. 2583. Passed 3-0. Chairman Funk moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, that Chevron MOTION submit to staff a letter of intent with regard to the landscaping that would be associated with this project. Passed 3-0. Chairman Funk commended Chevron for its valued partnership in this community and for its efforts to maintain the perimeter of the refinery. None. PUBLIC HEARINGS, CONTINUED BUSINESS Director Jurjis announced that on Monday, May 16, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. at REPORT FROM the George E. Gordon Clubhouse, City staff and the graduate students DIRECTOR from the University of Irvine (Planning School) will be hosting a public workshop to address the Smoky Hollow Specific Plan Update; and he invited all community members to attend. 6 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, May 12, 2005 Planning Manager Christensen noted that the workshop will be recorded by the cable television station and will be aired at various times following the workshop. She noted that this matter will be presented to the Planning Commission at its next meeting as an informational item; and that the students will provide a presentation to the Planning Commission on the work they have completed and an overview of their findings and recommendations. She noted that the same presentation will be given to City Council. Planning Manager Christensen added that the next agenda will also include an animal boarding facility matter; and that staff anticipates having cases for both June meeting dates. None. None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 ADJOURNMENT p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 26th DAY OF MAY, 2005. �Y Sermon riji, Secretary of Rollin unk, Chairman of the Planning tommission the Planning Commission and Director of Planning, City of El Segundo, California & Building Safety 7 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, May 12, 2005