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2007-01-25 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA January 25, 2007 Chairman Kretzmer called the meeting of the El Segundo Planning Commission CALL TO ORDER to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City of El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main Street, El Segundo, California. Chairman Kretzmer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PLEDGE TO FLAG PRESENT: KRETZMER, FRICK, ROTOLO, WAGNER, FELLHAUER ROLL CALL Chairman Kretzmer opened Public Communications limiting the speakers to three PUBLIC minutes COMMUNICATIONS Brian Crowley. 501 California Street He explained he was here to discuss Item 4 of the Agenda, Environmental Assessment No. 737, Corporate Campus Specific Plan, noting that it limited office uses to a maximum of 80% of the total square footage and that other uses were to be a minimum of 20%. Also, that this project only had 9.9% non -office; therefore, is not in compliance with the Specific Plan, and thought that the hearing should be continued to a later hearing date. Liz Garnholz. 442 Whiting Street She stated that it was an inequality to limit the public's comments on the Corporate Campus Specific Plan to three minutes. Peggy Terrell El Segundo resident She explained verbatim the Thomas Properties advertisement on the web which stated how they envisioned a unique prestigious master plan for Corporate Campus adding that El Segundo would be getting 15 tilt -up buildings belonging in an industrial area and there were no signs of waterfalls nor lavish pedestrian paths. Gifford Rodean, 922 Loma Vista Street He stated he shared some of the same concerns Mr. Crowley stated, but would certainly like to see a fire marshal sign -off so the emergency vehicles have access. Chairman Kretzmer closes Public Communications Chairman Kretzmer presented the Consent Calendar. CONSENT ITEMS Commissioner Rotolo pulled Agenda Item No. E-2 from the Consent Calendar, CALL ITEMS FROM EA 729 and AUP 06-07. CONSENT Commissioner Frick moved, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, to approve the MOTION January 11, 2007, Minutes as submitted. Motion passed 5-0. Chairman Kretzmer presented Agenda Item E-4, Environmental Assessment No. CONSENT CALENDAR 729 and Administrative Use Permit No. 06-07. Applicant: Marmalade Inc. EA-729 and AUP 06-07 Property Owner: Rosecrans Partners 3, LLC. Address: 2008-2014 Park Place. A request to modify and Administrative El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 1 Use Permit for two Commissioner Rotolo stated that the Commission received a letter from Mr. Larry Alcohol Licenses for Cooley, requested a moment to review it, and inquired with staff to confirm the a new restaurant parking requirements for the additional space and seating being added by the currently under restaurant. construction. Assistant Planner Schopp stated that in the Downtown Specific Plan, unlike other areas of the City, new business are not required to provide additional parking for a change for use; therefore, changing the use of the adjacent commercial space to restaurant would not require additional parking. Commissioner Rotolo inquired as whether that would be applicable up to the stated square footage of the seating area that is proposed? Assistant Planner Schopp explained that in the downtown, any existing building which converts from one use to another may do so without the requirements of providing additional parking as long as there is no expansion of floor area and in Mr. Krieger's case, the only expansion was of the outdoor dining area as it's still within the maximum allowed 200 square foot without the necessity of additional parking. Commissioner Fellhauer inquired of staff as to how many radio calls, typically and on average, go to the different bars around that part of town; she stated it was her experience that when a bar was expanded, the existing problems also get bigger. Assistant Planner Schopp stated she did not have those figures nor requirements. Planning and Building Safety Interim Director Chicots stated that an interoffice memo from the Police Department located in the Staff Report found on page 22, indicated 15 calls to the property in three years and there was an incident in August, 2006, with regards to sales to an underage minor. Commissioner Fellhauer stated that her biggest concern was that on several occasions the responding officers determined that an excessive amount of alcohol had been consumed by the people involved in the call for services. In addition, several of the assault cases could be attributed to the involved parties being intoxicated. She stated that there are bars that do not have that problem. Applicant Mr. Kristian Krieger, 121-123 Main Street He stated his primary goal was to have the ability to have some storage space; in the front area, for those special occasion requests and for office space. He explained that there were occasions where they needed the help of the police for those people who become confrontational adding that most of their clientele were El Segundo residents. Commissioner Fellhauer inquired of Mr. Kreiger as to whether he intended to include his employees in the lead training he received from the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control. She also inquired on what he had done since the last assault on August 18, 2006, to mitigate the problem. Mr. Krieger explained that he has all his employees tentatively enrolled in the same Alcohol and Beverage Control class, in addition to others, and has hired two managers, stating that most of the employees are in their 30's and have been working for him for quite some time. In regards to the assault issue, he stated that El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 2 he trains his employees that there is zero tolerance for those particular people who cannot behave themselves. As soon as there's a situation, they are instructed to call for help to get the problem resolved. Commissioner Fellhauer inquired as to whether he had his contact telephone number located on the outside of the business for businesses and neighbors. Mr. Kreiger stated that, presently, he did not have it posted, had just received the new recommendations, had no problem doing so. He added that his immediate neighbors and staff had his contact number. Mr. Kreiger explained that due to the tenant that might be scheduled to leave, he does not have the lease; he was here tonight to see how things go with his request, but would like to know if things do not go the way he planned with the business expansion, he did have an issue with changing his hours because he did have a steady, late -night work -shift, clientele, and that would be quite a financial hit for him. The advantage that he would get from expanding would be financially negated by having his hours altered. Chairman Kretzmer clarified of Mr. Kreiger as to whether he was asking to expand for the two hours on Saturday and Sunday, but not have any cut in his hours. Mr. Kreiger replied that was correct. Commissioner Frick wondered what were the hours of other taverns in the vicinity. Assistant Planner Schopp explained that on pages 14 and 15 of the Planning Commission packet there was a summary of the Downtown Specific Plan area hours; specifically on page 15 there were two restaurants with a Type 47 License which were Tavern on Main, existing hours Sunday — Thursday, 10:00 — 2:00 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. — 2:00 a.m., and Su Casa, Sunday — Thursday, 7: 00 a.m. — 12:00 a.m., and Friday — Saturday 7:00 a.m. — 1:00 a.m. Chairman Kretzmer inquired of staff as to what the potential impacts of doing the late evening hours of operation. Assistant Planner Schopp explained that staff's intent on bringing the hours back a little bit was to try to reduce any incidents requiring calls for police service as shown by Police Department memorandum. In addition, the reduction in hours was intended to keep in consistency with what they have been approving. The other idea was to bring it back in six months pending compliance with the conditions that the commission could consider expanding them again. Chairman Kretzmer stated that currently they are able to stay open until 2:00 a.m. and asking to increase in hours on Saturdays and Sundays. He explained that Mr. Kreiger has done a good job representing to us on how he has dealt with a variety of issues, and cutting back on his hours would not be a good idea; however, he would be more inclined to watch Mr. Kreiger for the next six months on how good he actually does in complying with what he has represented to us in an effort to cut down on these kinds of calls because 15 calls a year is a lot. Mrs Elsie Cripe - 117 Main Street She stated that she owns a building located two stores from the Tavern which El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 3 was a take-out place. She questioned the hours if he expands and would like the hours to be cut back. She agreed to the recommendations including the change of the hours of operation and that someone could be reached at all times to take care of problems. Chairman Kretzmer inquired as to whether Mr. Kreiger was willing, at closing time each night, to have his employees patrol the perimeter to investigate any left cigarette butts, or any other personal items in nature that requires cleaning. Mr. Kreiger explained there was already a system in place where his employees patrol and clean up, but it could certainly be stepped -up. Commissioner Rotolo inquired of Mr. Kreiger if his desire was to maintain his current closing hours and have the additional space; and, as a compromise, if he would be willing to limit the hours for the second room until midnight. Mr. Kreiger stated he would not prefer this but in the future, there might be a situation where they would want it; if, however, that would be a compromise, than it would certainly be preferential, to an overall reduction of hours, because he envisioned the additional area would be more minimally used. Commissioner Wagner inquired of Mr. Kreiger as to when the last call for closing. Mr. Kreiger responded by stating, currently on Friday and Saturday it is 1:00 a.m. -1:15 a.m. and during the week until 1:30 a.m. Doors close by 2:00 a.m. Chairman Kretzmer closed public communications. Commissioner Frick stated she would like to see Mr. Kreiger keep his regular hours particularly since he hired a new manager to patrol the place which would eliminate those type of things and would get a better handle on those who have had too much to drink. The Planning Commissioners stated they all concurred with Commissioner Frick and would like Mr. Krieger to keep his hours and have the case come back in six months from the opening start date. Commission Rotolo motioned to approve Environmental Assessment No. 729 and MOTION Administrative Use Permit No. 06-07 with amended conditions that the hours to be modified remain the same as the current operating hours except to allow the additional morning hours opening at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and that the matter be brought back in six months from the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Commissioner Frick seconded. Motion carried (5-0). Chairman Kretzmer stated there were three items that have been put on the dais WRITTEN for review which were as follows: A list submitted by the applicant, Kristian COMMUNICATIONS Krieger. on EA-729, Tavern on Main, which stated the employees who have completed the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control training program; an El Segundo resident, Larry Cooley, expressing his support with no objections on the Tavern on Main project; a letter from applicant, Srour and Associates, of EA-684, a new four -unit condominium requesting a continuance of the hearing date to Planning Commission meeting scheduled on February 22, 2007. Chairman Kretzmer presented Agenda Item H-3, Environmental Assessment No. PUBLIC HEARINGS, 696, Subdivision No. 06-01, and Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 61486. NEW BUSINESS EA NO. and El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 4 Applicant: Elizabeth Srour; Property Owner: Charles E. Dodd; Address: 347 Concord Street. Planning and Building Safety Interim Director Chicots stated that Planning Assistant Maria Baldenegro presented the staff report. Planning Assistant Maria Baldenegro, presented the staff report (of record). Chairman Kretzmer opened public communications. Gerald Compton -Architect He stated they were very happy with the project, thought it would be a quality project, and was here to answer any questions anyone had. Regarding the one neighbor whom lived behind the complex with privacy issues, they will be happy to talk with the neighbor so there are not any issues. He has spoken to the property owner and had agreed to apply a special architectural glass at the rear to protect the privacy of the neighbor. Chairman Kretzmer closed public hearing. Commissioner Fellhauer moved, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, recommending the approval of Resolution No. 2618, approving Environmental Assessment No. 696, Subdivision No. 06-01, and Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 61486, regarding the proposed project to subdivide a parcel for the purpose of constructing a new three -unit condominium on a parcel located at 347 Concord Street. Motion carried (5-0). Chairman Kretzmer presented Agenda Item H-4, Environmental Assessment No. 737, Subdivision No. 06-10, and Vesting Tentative Map No. 68231, and Variance No. 06-09. Applicant: Mar Ventures, Inc; Property Owners: Headlands Realty Corporation; Address: 850 Nash Street. Commissioner Rotolo excused himself from participating on this item for potential conflict of interest purposes and left the Council Chambers. Chairman Kretzmer stated that the Planning Commissioners did not receive the packet until late Monday evening, and personally had not had the opportunity to go through the packet with the thoroughness the project required and was concerned that any comments he would be asked to give tonight would be at a level less that he would be satisfied. He would proceed with public comment and the applicant would present his presentation. Following the public commentary, the matter would be rescheduled for a future Planning Commission meeting or a special Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commissioners all concurred with Chairman Kretzmer. Planning and Building Safety Interim Director Chicots, stated that Senior Planner, William Woolard, would be presenting the staff report. Senior Planner William Woolard, presented staff report (of record). Mr. Allan MacKenzie - 2050 W. 1901h Street Applicant Representative He presented a powerpoint presentation entitled, The Edge at Campus El Segundo. The partners and Owner of this project are AMB Property Corporation, SUBDIVISION NO. 06- 01, AND VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 61486, a request to subdivide a parcel to construct a new three -unit residential condominium. MOTION PUBLIC HEARINGS, NEW BUSINESS EA NO. 737, and SUB. NO. 06-10, AND VTPM NO. 68231, and VAR 06-09 a request to readjust the lot lines of the eight existing parcels for an 84-unit commercial condominium development to subdivide a parcel to construct a new three -unit residential. El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 5 which are located in a San Francisco based real-estate investment trust, are worldwide, have 6.8 million dollars in assets, and are being represented by Mark McGuirre. Campus El Segundo encompasses 46 acres and was entitled for 2.1 million square feet of office/R&D, and retail space; five acres sold to the City for soccer fields, and one acre dedicated for a fire station. The Edge at Campus El Segundo comprises the northerly 14 acres. The proposed is a low -density business park with surface parking, and is office and R&D space. They clearly understand the point raised by Mr. Crowley that more than 20% of this project has to be used for something other than general office. The buildings can accommodate office uses, R&D, media, and bio-tech companies; most office buildings are usable and will be used by uses other than general office. He continued explaining each of the twenty-two slides in his presentation. Brian Crowley 501 California Street The variance runs with the land. If you grant this variance, nobody in the future, no matter what goes in that site will ever have to provide more than two loading spaces on this property if the variance is granted. There are four requirements dictated by the State that have to be met for the Commission to grant a variance. Mr. Crowley noted that there was nothing extraordinary about the property nor intended use that one could say makes this property different from any other. It fails to meet the four variance criteria. He stated he was glad that the Planning Commission was putting off the hearing for another date. The variance is not there and we're not getting a hotel and when you look at the financial impact the overall project wasn't going to make any money if we didn't have a hotel some place, but as it looks like now TPG is talking about a hotel on their portion, Overall, this does not look too bad of a project; he was concerned not only the lane on Atwood Way, and if we just leave room for it, at least, even it we don't take it right away, that the Parkview North is going to be too narrow and if you put buildings on either side of it, you cannot widen it. Now is the time to ask, to find out whether there is a possibility to make some extra room for more lanes. Gifford Rodine — 922 Loma Vista I share the same concerns that Mr. Crowley does. Safety and parking aspects is my concern. Peggy Tierell — El Segundo resident The soil needs to be tested. Liz Garnholtz — 442 Whitina Street She stated she recalled what TPG said when they first came here and seeing what was presently there, she simply did not trust them. She thought it was interesting how they called it Parkview North and bet TPG would make another change calling it Parkview South that will extend down to Mariposa that way we will have two line of site roads to go down, Mariposa or Maple, and go straight down to the 105 Freeway. With regards to the, "transfer FARS Plaza El Segundo are not using" that meant they have what the developer says is a high quality, low -density area because it would make it more dense and she does not agree. What irritated her about the transferring of unused FAR was that the equation always balances well El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 6 on paper but not in real life; She stated she has never heard of the "FAR" business, asked if it was an El Segundo building practice, and would like an answer. Chairman Kretzmer moved to continue the public hearing and public testimony to MOTION the Planning Commission meeting on February 8, 2007. Commission Frick made the motion, Commissioner Fellhauer seconded. Motion carried (5-0). Commissioner Rotolo returned to the dais in the Council Chambers for the remainder of the meeting. Chairman Kretzmer presented Environmental Assessment No. 684 and PUBLIC HEARING, Subdivision No. 05-09 (Vesting Tentative Map No. 62919). Applicant: Srour and NEW BUSINESS EA Associates; Property Owners: 412 Richmond, LLC. NO.684, and SUB 05-09, and VTPM NO. 62919, a request to subdivide a parcel for Chairman Kretzmer opened the public hearin the purpose of constructing p p 9� anew four -unit condominium Chairman Kretzmer moved to continue Public Hearing and public testimony to the MOTION Planning Commission meeting on February 22, 2007. Commission Frick motioned, Commissioner Fellhauer seconded. Motion carried (5-0). Chairman Kretzmer stated due to a prior commitment, he would not be in attendance at the February 22, 2007, meeting. None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS None. REPORT FROM DIRECTOR Commission Rotolo reminded everyone to save the date of March 10th and PLANNING encouraged everyone to attend the Tree Musketeers event, "Trees to the Sea COMMISSIONERS 2007", which plants trees all along Imperial Highway. COMMENTS Chairman Kretzmer stated he did have a chance to talk to El Segundo's City Manager, Jeff Stewart, telling him how hard the Planning Commissioners work. He stated he would like to have a semi-annual meeting with the City Council to keep the Council apprised with what the Commissioner is doing in the Planning Commission meetings. He invited further comment from each the Planning Commissioners. None. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Frick motioned to adjourn, Commissioner Fellhauer seconded. El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 7 The meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m. ADJOURNMENT PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 8T" DAY OF FEBRUARY.200 . i" Gary Chicots, Secrets of the Planning Commission And Interim Director of Planning and Building Safety Department Michael Kretzmer, C�iairman Planning Commission City of El Segundo, California P:\PBS\PLAN-COM\PLAN-COM\MINUTES\2007\2007 1-25 Minutes.doc El Segundo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Page 8