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2005-12-08 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA DECEMBER 8, 2005 Vice -Chairman Kretzmer called the meeting of the El Segundo Planning CALL TO ORDER Commission to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City of El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main Street, El Segundo, California. Vice -Chairman Kretzmer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag PRESENT: FELLHAUER, FRICK, KRETZMER, WAGNER ABSENT: FUNK (resigned) None. Vice -Chairman Kretzmer presented the Consent Calendar. None. PLEDGE TO FLAG ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT CALENDAR CALL ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Wagner moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, to MOTION approve the November 10, 2005, Planning Commission Minutes as presented. Motion passed 4-0. None. Vice -Chairman Kretzmer presented Agenda Item No. H-2, Administrative Determination No. 05-2, parking requirement for a Mattel Corporate Events Center. Applicant and Property Owner: Mattel, Inc. Address: 1955 East Grand Avenue. Planning Manager Christensen presented staff report (of record). Vice -Chairman Kretzmer opened the public hearing. Corinne Murat, Mattel Senior Manager, Government Affairs Ms. Murat advised that Mattel converted this office space in 2003 to meeting space, allowing Mattel to accommodate a private toy fair that is WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC HEARINGS, NEW BUSINESS, ADMINISTRATIVE DETERMINATION NO. 05-2 Parking Requirement For A Mattel Corporate Events Center. 1 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, December 8, 2005 put on approximately two to three times a year; explained that these toy fairs are a private viewing of Mattel's new toy line — noting that each year, approximately 80 percent of Mattel's toy line is new; stated that these toy fairs are very important to Mattel's business; advised that these toy fairs are private and highly confidential; and noted that the attendees are buyers that come into town and stay for a few days during the event. She explained that the building is converted into a series of galleries and that the entire building is never used at one time; and stated that there is ample parking for the attendees and employees. She mentioned that these events were typically hosted at other venues outside El Segundo and that Mattel is pleased to now be the host of these affairs in this City. She added that this past fair, Mattel booked 4,336 hotel room nights in El Segundo for those attendees, total bookings having exceeded one-half million dollars; advised that the guests are encouraged to dine in El Segundo; and she urged the Commission to support this Administrative Determination. Commissioner Wagner expressed his appreciation of being invited to tour the facility during the toy fair; and stated it is his understanding this event is a private affair. Ms. Murat reiterated that this is a private affair for buyers to see Mattel's product lines ahead of the toy season; and stated that the company occasionally hosts Mattel employees from around the world who come to the corporate headquarters for training and other purposes. There being no further input, Vice -Chairman Kretzmer closed the public hearing. Commissioner Frick stated that this is a unique situation wherein a good plan has been executed. Vice -Chairman Kretzmer pointed out that Mattel has about twice as much parking as it needs for the facility; and he noted his appreciation of Mattel's promotion of El Segundo. In response to Commissioner Wagner's inquiry regarding the possibility of public use, Assistant City Attorney Berger explained that because this is a special use, the Mattel Corporate Events Center/Toy Fair is not listed in the Municipal Code and, therefore, a special provision for parking requirements is necessary; and noted that should Mattel one day decide to open these fairs to the public, they would have to comply with the parking requirements in the Municipal Code. Commissioner Wagner moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, to MOTION approve Administrative Determination No. 05-2, parking requirements 2 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, December 8, 2005 for the Mattel Corporate Events Center. Motion passed 4-0. None. PUBLIC HEARINGS, CONTINUED BUSINESS Planning Manager Christensen advised that because there are no items REPORT FROM for the second meeting in December, the next regularly scheduled DIRECTOR meeting for the Planning Commission will be January 12, 2006; and stated that a schedule of Planning Commission meetings for 2006 will be provided in the Commission's next meeting packet. She noted that Robin Funk has officially submitted her resignation from the Commission; and that the next agenda will include an item for selection of a new Chairperson. None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Wagner wished everyone a happy holiday season. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' Vice -Chairman Kretzmer wished everyone a happy holiday season; and COMMENTS expressed his appreciation of Robin Funk's contributions to this City as a Planning Commissioner. He expressed his belief the joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission on R-1 zoning issues was a success, hoping that more meetings will be conducted and that more public input will be provided. None. OTHER BUSINESS The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. ADJOURNMENT PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 9th DAY/OF F. Seimone Jur'i ecr, of the Planning Commission and Director of Planning, Building Safety Mike' Kretzmer, the Planning Co 2 City of El Segund e-Chairman of ission California El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, December 8, 2005