MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTH GATE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016

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1 ITEM No. 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTH GATE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 INTRODUCTORY PROCEDURES Chairperson Sylvia Masushige called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Velasquez. ROLL CALL : By Norma Cardenas, Recording Secretary Present: Chairperson Sylvia Masushige, Commissioner Angel Colon, Commissioner Jenny Perez, and Commissioner Velasquez. Absent/Excused: Vice-chairperson Francisco Gomez Staff: Community Development Director Joe Perez, Senior Planner Alvaro Betancourt, Assistant Planner Jessica Jimenez, City Attorney Raul Salinas, and Recording Secretary Norma Cardenas. REPORT ON POSTING: By Norma Cardenas, Recording Secretary 1. MINUTES The Planning Commission considered approving the minutes for the regular Planning Commission meeting of October 4, Commissioner Colon suggested the Planning Commission continue the minutes to include a section of the recorded minutes where Sr. Planner Betancourt clarified that there are two distinct issues, one having to do with the Starbucks drive-through and the second with the existing traffic in the area. Mr. Betancourt added that the Public Works Director regardless of the outcome of the item will reach out to the public to discuss the traffic issues on Hildreth Avenue. Commissioner Colon moved and Commissioner Perez seconded the motion to continue the Planning Commission minutes of October 4, 2016 to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion carried (4-0) with Vice-chairperson Francisco Gomez absent. 2. MINUTES The Planning Commission considered approving the minutes for the regular Planning Commission meeting of November 1, Page 1

2 Commissioner Perez moved and Commissioner Velasquez seconded the motion to approve the Planning Commission minutes of November 1, The motion carried (4-0) with Vicechairperson Francisco Gomez absent. At this time the Planning Commission considered to open the Audience Comments for anyone who would like to speak on any item other than what it is on the Agenda. Chairperson Sylvia Masushige opened the Audience Comments Younuen Santos 8949 Hildreth Avenue, South Gate - said the traffic is bad; mirrors get broken and the alley is used as a drive thru. She added that her son s car has been hit on several occasions. She thanked Public Works staff and Police Department for closing Hildreth Avenue on the night after Thanksgiving night but she said one day is not enough. Cristina Hernandez 9815 Virginia Avenue, South Gate - stated that she would like for the City to do a traffic study during the holyday season. Lillian Linares 8955 Hildreth Avenue, South Gate - thanked the City for closing Hildreth Avenue on Black Friday. She would like to know what else the City is going to do to solve the traffic problem. She suggested a 24 hour traffic study during the weekend. Virginia Johnson McKinley Avenue, South Gate - she stated that Hollydale is adding more murals to the neighborhood and she feels it looks cartoonish. She would like the Commission to consider some measures to stop business from adding bright colors and murals. She added that Hollydale is having a transient problem and no longer feels safe around the neighborhood. Chairperson Masushige closed the Audience Comments. 3. PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMMENDMENT NO. 825 TO ALLOW A DRIVE-THROUGH AND WALK-UP WINDOW FOR A STARBUCKS COFFEE SHOP LOCATED AT 4700 AND 4704 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD Community Development Director Perez introduced this item and welcomed the audience to the Planning commission meeting. CUP No. 825 was approved by the Planning Commission on October 4, 2016 wherein the public hearing was opened, public testimony taken and the item approved with conditions of approval. Subsequent to the Planning Commission approval, the project applicant requested a modification to a condition of approval regarding a traffic study. Currently, the condition of approval relating to vehicular circulation and the required traffic study reads as follows: Currently, the condition of approval relating to vehicular circulation and the required traffic study reads as follows: Page 2

3 A. Applicant shall prepare a follow-up traffic study, if deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works and shall cooperate with the City to address possible traffic issues that might arise after the coffee house becomes operational. The applicant requests that this condition be modified to read as follows: B. "Within the first six (6) months of the coffee house becoming operational, Applicant shall prepare a follow-up traffic study if deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works and shall cooperate with the City to address possible traffic issues." Director Perez stated that he proposed modification includes a specific timeline for the proposed traffic study while allowing the City flexibility in enacting changes that may improve on and off site circulation by way of said traffic study. Director Perez also mentioned that during the last Public Hearing, traffic concerns were raised by residents who reside within walking distance of the proposed coffee shop on Hildreth Avenue. The Planning Commission directed staff to meet with the residents who aired their concerns about vehicular movement, excessive speeds, and overall traffic safety issues. Public Works, Planning and the Police Department met with residents on November 17, 2016 to discuss their concerns and share findings from an independent traffic study focused on vehicular traffic on Hildreth Avenue. Residents also attended the November 22, 2016 City Council meeting and expressed their concerns regarding traffic on Hildreth Avenue. Residents who participated in the outreach meeting and City Council meeting are abreast of this meeting. Staff was directed to come back to Council with possible solutions to the existing traffic congestion on Hildreth Avenue. The street was closed on Thanksgiving for Black Friday and received positive comments from the residents. On December 13, 2016 City Council meeting and Staff will bring up to date on what we learned with a comprehensive study, recommendations, and permanent solutions that will not impact other neighborhoods around. Director Perez thanked the community for coming to the meeting especially during the holydays. Chairperson Masushige opened the Public Hearing. Younuen Santos 8949 Hildreth Avenue, South Gate - said the traffic is bad. She added that her son s car has been crashed three times. She would like to know what the City is going to do to solve the problem. Public Works Director Art Cervantes informed the Commission a second traffic study will be scheduled to address the existing traffic congestion and will analyzed several possible solutions. Commissioner Perez asked about a timeline and expenses for the next traffic study and approximate time to address the traffic issues. She understands that staff needs to develop solutions and asked Director Cervantes to educate the public and the Commission since all of that takes time. In response to Commissioner Perez questions, Public Works Director explained that depending Page 3

4 on which solutions is implemented, it may take a year to a year and a half. Unfortunately, this will not get resolved overnight and does not want to cause additional traffic to adjoining streets. In the mean time, the new traffic study will be done within the next two months and temporary solutions will be implemented to alleviate traffic. Chairperson Masushige closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Colon said he was happy to hear that the traffic study will be conducted during the holydays and would like to know if the traffic study will include evening hours to show real traffic. Director Cervantes stated that Public Works will analyze peak hours in a comprehensive study. Commissioner Colon added for clarification that the Commission has already approved the Conditional Use Permit for Starbucks and tonight they will be approving the amendment to a condition of approval. Director Perez read the following revised condition and invited the applicant to come forward and concurs with the verbiage: "Within the first six (6) months of the coffee house becoming operational, Applicant shall prepare a follow-up traffic study if deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works and shall cooperate with the City to address possible traffic issues." Chris Huddleston, developer, 252 South Beverly Drive, Beverly 90212, said the language is correct and thanked the Commission for approving the project. Chairperson Masushige moved and Commissioner Perez seconded the motion to approve amendment for Conditional Use Permit No. 825 stating that within the first six (6) months of the coffee house becoming operational, Applicant shall prepare a follow-up traffic study if deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works and shall cooperate with the City to address possible traffic. The motion carried (4-0) with all Commissioners in favor and Vice-Chairperson Gomez absent. 4. PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 826 FOR THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ON-SITE CONSUMPTION FOR A PIZZA STUDIO RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 5840 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD. Community Development Director Perez introduced this item and welcomed Assistant Planner Jessica Jimenez to the Planning commission meeting. Page 4

5 Sr. Planner Betancourt made a brief introduction about Jessica's background and mentioned she was a Planning Intern with the City of South Gate for about one year and she graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Urban Planning and she interned at two other cities. Assistant Planner Jimenez presented Conditional Use Permit No. 826 a request by Mark Bastorous, on behalf of Pizza Studio South Gate LLC, to allow the operation of a Pizza Studio restaurant with a Type-41 (On-Sale Beer and Wine) alcohol license located at 5840 Firestone Boulevard. Chairperson Masushige opened the Public Hearing. Mark Bastorous, owner of Pizza Studio Green River Road #103 Corona, California He thanked the Commission for considering the project and said he is eager to open by the end of January Commissioner Perez commented that all new businesses should be kept clean and orderly. Chairperson Masushige welcomed the new business to the City of South Gate. Andrew Gonzalez, resident Bowman Avenue, South Gate - he would like to know if Pizza Studio would be interested in hosting a small business expo for the youth in the community. Mr. Bastorous responded that Pizza Studio always tries to give back to the community as an example the franchise supports Los Angeles Children Hospital. Mr. Bastorous explained that he is hiring South Gate residents that qualify for employment with Pizza Studio. Chairperson Masushige closed the Public Hearing. With no further questions, Commissioner Velazquez moved and Commissioner Perez seconded to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 826, subject to the recommended conditions of approval, as contained in Resolution No , and any other limitations and/or conditions the Planning Commission may wish to impose. The motion carried (4-0) with all Commissioners in favor and Vice-Chairperson Gomez absent. 5. PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 827 FOR THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE FOR ON-SITE CONSUMPTION FOR EDWARDS SOUTH GATE STADIUM 20 & IMAX LOCATED AT 8630 GARFIELD AVENUE Community Development Director Perez introduced this item. Assistant Planner Jimenez presented Conditional Use Permit No. 827 a request by Steve Rawlings, on behalf of Regal Entertainment Group for the benefit Edwards South Gate Stadium 20 & IMAX, to allow the sale Page 5

6 of alcohol with a Type-41 (On-Sale Beer and Wine) alcohol license at an existing multiplex cinema located at 8630 Garfield Avenue. Commissioner Perez made a comment on cleanliness, she had been to Edwards in South Gate and the managers are not paying attention of cleanliness of the theater. Chairperson Masushige added that she goes in the morning and the place is clean and has seen personnel clean the theater in between movies. Commissioner Colon said he also has concerns about keeping the theater clean. He asked if a representative from Edwards was present. Commissioner Colon used Disneyland as an example adding that Disneyland is always spotless. He said the City should not lower the standards no matter what. Chairperson Masushige opened the Public Hearing. Steve Rawlings, Alcoholic Beverage Consultant and representative of Regal Entertainment MacArthur Blvd, Suite 250 Irvine, CA addressed the comments from the Commission. He will relay the message to Edwards s management. He added that the District manager, Shawn Molak, is out of the country this evening. He manages this location among others in Los Angeles and Orange County. If we need to add more personnel in between shows to clean, Edwards will comply. Mr. Rawlings commented that most of the industry is asking to sell beer and wine throughout the county. They are adding internal controls that require wrist bands, ID checks, and training. In Regal, they have a policy if you come up and ask for an alcoholic beverage, you are the only one that is going to get one. He said only 12 once beer in a clear plastic cup will be served and the numbers of adults that purchase ten percent of customers purchase alcohol and out of that 10 percent, only ten percent buy a second drink in our experience. Commissioner Perez asked if there are any theaters that are restricting sale of alcohol during kids movies. Mr. Rawlings stated that not at this moment and that it is very difficult to differentiate alcohol sales during kid s movies. Commissioner Colon compared Cinemark where they have a large concession stand and asked how alcohol at Regal theater will be incorporated at this location. Mr. Rawlings responded that the theater will have a designated place at the concession area for alcohol sales. Commissioner Colon expressed his concerns about the representative from Regal not being present. He feels that this is a very import issue for the community. Page 6

7 Mr. Rawlings added that he works closely with this location and understands the training program and that employees attend the same seminars as employees that work a as restaurants that serve alcohol. Seminars cover proper identification check and the concept of over serving. He noted that by law one is individually responsible as a bar tender if you are over serving a person that is clearly intoxicated. We train our employees and limit up to 3 beverages per person. We also work with other communities that limit servings to two beverages maximum. They will add additional food to our menu like most restaurants to get a type 41 beer and wine license by definition it is a public eating environment. We have a pizza parlor type of food and additional menu items to meet ABC standards to qualify for Type 41 license. Chairperson Masushige closed the Public Hearing. Virginia Johnson, resident 5751 McKinley Avenue, South Gate stated her concerns about a 21 year old bringing a glass of wine inside a dark theater and giving it to a minor; inside the movie there is no one to control who is drinking it. Andrew Gonzalez, resident Bowman Avenue South Gate - also expressed concern about minors drinking with the theater and asked if there is a consideration to add more security to the theater. Mr. Rawlins addressed the audience s concerns. He said one of the mandates impose by ABC is that Edwards has to have employees monitoring the theater every 20 minutes. Employees walk the rows and check that the patrons have a florescent wrist band. The monitors observe who has an alcoholic beverage in a clear plastic container. Younuen Santos Hildreth Avenue, South Gate She said is concerned that Edwards Theaters are the only place of entertainment in South Gate that do not sell alcohol. This is a family establishment with kids and grandchildren to enjoy without alcohol. She does not feel that alcohol should be served at a movie theater. Chairperson Masushige closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Colon added that he is disappointed that Regal Theater representative is not present and that this is a very import issue for the community. He felt that the applicant did not give a proper presentation of this item. Commissioner Colon shared his concern of regular personnel serving alcohol. He also expressed his concern about cleanliness of the theater. Commissioner Colon also mentioned that he was a Commissioner when Edwards Theater received a 5 million dollar redevelopment fund from the City. He expects the best because the City gave the theater the best. Commissioner Colon does not agree with this item. Commissioner Velazquez agreed that the fact that Edwards representative was and their absence shows complete disregard to the community. Page 7

8 Commissioner Perez also agreed that an Edwards s representative should have been present. She also said offering alcohol is only adding revenue to the theater but this should not be done at the expense of our community members. Chairperson Masushige said she felt that adults should not be limited from buying a drink at the theater. She added that South Gate needs a change and people should be given a chance to try something new in their business. Commissioner Velazquez added that the Edwards representative needs to show respect to the community. Commissioner Velasquez would like to table this item if possible to give the representative a chance to attend the next Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Rawlings requested the Commission continue the item to allow his team to return and provide a better presentation. He said the district manager of Edwards will be present at the next meeting. Director Perez recommended reopening the Public Hearing and continuing the Public Hearing to the next Planning Commission meeting of December 20, Chairperson Masushige reopened the Public Hearing. Chairperson Masushige moved and Commissioner Velasquez seconded to continue the Public Hearing to the next Planning commission meeting on December 20, The motion carried (4-0) with all Commissioners in favor and Vice-Chairperson Gomez absent. Planning Commission took a five minute break at this time 6. PUBLIC MEETING RECEIVED AND FILE HOLLYDALE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN STUDY SESSION Sr. Planner Betancourt presented this item. This is a discussion and review of the Public Review Draft of the Hollydale Village Specific Plan. He said we are looking forward to hear input from the Planning Commission and public on the Draft Plan. A this time Sr. Planner introduced Ms. Simrah Malhotra, Arroyo Group representative to give a slide show presentation of the Draft Specific Plan. Commissioner Velazquez voiced concerns about affordable housing within the specific plan. Staff from Arroyo group mentioned that the City permits affordable housing in the City and it is incorporated into the Zoning Plan. The Specific plan goes more into detail to revitalize Hollydale area. Commissioner Velazquez noticed that the sidewalks are about 10 to 12 ft and would like to know if there was any discussion on making the sidewalk wider. Arroyo group mentioned that the sidewalk accommodates all the uses that we are proposed for the area. Mr. Velazquez also Page 8

9 mentioned a concern regarding parking that was not addressed on this presentation. Currently Arroyo group and the City recommend adopting the same parking standards within the existing Zoning ordinance. Commissioner Velasquez suggested more linkages to the transit station and residential neighborhoods, more recommended transit, pedestrian facilities and easier access with business. The bike path would be a great opportunity to have it at the eco rapid transit station instead of Garfield and Main. The Arroyo Group made a note of the recommendation. Commissioner Velasquez said he would also like to see improvements to the bus stops to increase shelter, lighting and accessibility to the station. Commissioner Velasquez also asked about the reasoning behind the signal on McKinley; Arroyo Group said since it is in the middle of a very long section without any cross walks it is a central location on that long span and provides a connection from east and west linkage to the park and the river. The City staff would look very closely to the location of any signal. The Arroyo Group invited the audience to the Public Workshop on December 7, 2016 in Hollydale. Chairperson Masushige invited the audience to speak about this item. Virginia Johnson, resident 5751 McKinley Avenue, South Gate - expressed her concerns about the traffic light on McKinley Avenue. She knows a person that lives on the corner and expressed their concerns. She added that a traffic study was already done by the previous Public Works Director and said that was not feasible. Ms. Johnson also mentioned that on the corner of Garfield and Imperial there is going to be a permanent homeless housing development with 60 units. She expressed concerns regarding the danger to people walking on Imperial Highway. She does not agree with the eco rapid adding a new bike lane will take away one lane that to drive. Stephanie Rivera resident Pennsylvania Avenue, South Gate she said she is excited about the bicycle lane and more pedestrian sidewalk. Mrs. Gonzalez resident Garfield Avenue, South Gate - she said is concerned about the traffic light on the corner parking has being an issue in her community. She said the transients are a problem in Hollydale and a transient knocked on her door and she had to call the police. She likes all of the plans but she is concerned for the future of Hollydale. Commissioner Colon said he would like parking to be addressed. He added that the homeless problem is a national problem and unfortunately is not easy to address. After no further comments from the Commission, Commissioner Colon moved and Commissioner Perez seconded and the motion carried (4-0) to receive and file the presentation of the Draft Hollydale Village Specific Plan. Page 9

10 General Business Director Perez informed the Commission that there will be two opportunities for public review of the Tweedy Mile Specific Plan. A community workshop is scheduled for December 14, 2016 at the Weaver Library and the Planning Commission will review the Draft Specific Plan on December 20, Audience Comments NONE City Staff Comments NONE Planning Commission Comments NONE 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Commissioner Velasquez moved and Chairperson Masushige seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried (4-0) to adjourn the meeting to December 20, 2016 with Vice-chairperson Gomez absent. The meeting was adjourned at 10:55p.m Respectfully, Joe Perez, Secretary APPROVED: Sylvia Masushige, Chairperson Page 10