Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-2004 Planning Commission Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting Chair Hunter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Barry, Hunter, Garakani, Nagpal, Schallop, Uhl and Zutshi Absent: None Staff: Director Tom Sullivan and Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of January 28, 2004. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Nagpal, seconded by Commissioner Barry, the Planning Commission minutes of the regular meeting of January 28, 2004, were adopted as submitted with corrections to pages 3, 4 and 7. (4-0-0-3; Commissioners Garakani, Hunter and Uhl abstained) APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of February 25, 2004. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Nagpal, seconded by Commissioner Garakani, the Planning Commission minutes of the regular meeting of February 25, 2004, were adopted as submitted with corrections to pages 7. (5-0-0-2; Commissioners Barry and Uhl abstained) ORAL COMMUNICATION Mr. Norm Koepernik, Member, Heritage Preservation Commission: • Applauded the height limitations set by Ordinance under Section 15.45.030 but asked the Commission to consider exceptions to these limits when applied to historic structures. • Explained that historic structures often have great halls with open beam ceilings with trusses. This space is not utilized for living space. • Asked if there is a possibility to not double count that space for historic structures. Director Tom Sullivan replied that the Ordinance takes into consideration the waiver of this requirement if it is required to achieve architectural purity. Mr. Norm Koepernik asked that if this matter could be agendized and discussed further at a later date. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of March 10, 2004 Page 2 Director Tom Sullivan said with Commission and/or Council direction, this item could be added to a future agenda for discussion. Commissioner Barry asked if there could be a distinction made between historic structures and others. Director Tom Sullivan replied yes. Commissioner Nagpal supported the idea of having this subject as a discussion item at a future meeting. REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Director Tom Sullivan announced that, pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on March 4, 2004. REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS Chair Hunter announced that appeals are possible for any decision made on this Agenda by filing an Appeal Application with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the decision, pursuant to Municipal Code 15.90.050(b). AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES Chair Hunter advised that anyone requiring special assistance to participate in City meetings should contact the City Clerk 48 hours prior to a meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting per the Americans with Disabilities Act. *** CONSENT CALENDAR There were no Consent Calendar Items. *** PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 1 APPLICATION #03-278 (397-15-022, 397-13-030) Verizon Wireless, West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue: Request for use permit approval to remove 16 Meticom panel antennas and related equipment and to install 12 Verizon panel antennas, two GPS antennas and an equipment enclosure at the Theater building on the West Valley College Campus. The theater building is currently utilized by AT&T, Nextel and Cingular wireless facilities. (CHRISTY OOSTERHOUS) Commissioner Barry and Commissioner Zutshi both recused themselves from Item No. 1 as they reside within noticing distance of this project site. They left the dais to sit in the audience. Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous presented the staff report as follows: • Advised that the applicant is seeking approval to install 12 panel antennas and two GPS antennas on the roof of the West Valley College Theater building. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of March 10, 2004 Page 3 • Added that this equipment would be painted to match the building. • Explained that the applicant would be removing 16 existing Metricom antennas and supporting cabinet from this location. Even with the addition of this new Verizon equipment, this application will result in a decrease from what is currently on site. • Said that this installation would be visually unobtrusive and have a less than significant impact. The PEU (permissible exposure units) levels would be 3.3 percent. This installation meets FCC requirements. • Pointed out that there are currently four wireless facilities on site. • Recommended approval. Commissioner Nagpal asked if the PEL (Permissible Exposure Levels) levels quoted include this additional installation. Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous replied yes. Commissioner Nagpal asked what the levels are prior to this installation and what increase results. Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous deferred this question to the applicant. Chair Hunter opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Mr. Timothy Richardson, Applicant and Representative of Verizon Wireless: • Thanked staff for their assistance. • Stated he was available to answer any questions of the Commission. • Explained that this installation is intended to increase coverage. • Added that the college has the tallest building in the area and that there are other carriers there already. • Advised that the increase in PEL with this installation is 0.03 percent. Commissioner Garakani asked what other providers are at this location. Mr. Timothy Richardson replied AT&T, Sprint, Cingular and Nextel. Commissioner Nagpal asked if the college has limits on how many carriers can be accommodated on site. Mr. Timothy Richardson said that he was not sure but that this particular building is likely full now. Commissioner Schallop asked who bought AT&T. Mr. Timothy Richardson replied Cingular. Mr. Milton Brodernick, Representative for West Valley College: • Advised that the college is getting pretty close to saturated with these cellular installations. Commissioner Nagpal asked Mr. Brodernick how the college decides which carriers can locate on campus. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of March 10, 2004 Page 4 Mr. Milton Brodernick replied that the requests are considered on a first come, first served basis. Commissioner Nagpal asked if there are any concerns about access to these installations. Mr. Milton Brodernick: • Responded that there are no access concerns. • Advised that their primary concern is being an educational facility. • Added that the large fiberglass building owned by Nextel is currently painted bright white. The college is currently negotiating with Nextel to allow the college to paint this structure green to better blend into the landscaping. Chair Hunter asked about vehicle access. Mr. Milton Brodernick said that he does not believe there will be any problems accessing these facilities. He advised that installations such as this are reviewed by the college’s facilities committee prior to allowing the carrier to proceed and process a Use Permit with the City. Commissioner Nagpal asked if health and safety impacts are evaluated. Mr. Milton Brodernick said yes. He added that the providers must prove that their installations are within the limits set by the FCC. They are measured. Commissioner Nagpal asked if cumulative effect is considered. Mr. Milton Brodernick replied that there is no issue at all once outside of seven feet away from the equipment. Chair Hunter closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Commissioner Garakani said that this is a great place for this installation, on top of the building, and that this has no impacts. Commissioner Nagpal said that she appreciates the information on RF levels and expressed her support. Chair Hunter said that she likes the fact that unused equipment is being removed. Said that she is fine with this request. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Nagpal, seconded by Commissioner Garakani, the Planning Commission adopted a Resolution for Application #03-278 approving a Use Permit to allow the removal of 16 Metricom panel antennas and related equipment and the installation of 12 Verizon panel antennas, two GPS antennas and an equipment enclosure at the Theater building on the West Valley College Campus located at 14000 Fruitvale Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Schallop and Uhl NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Barry and Zutshi Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of March 10, 2004 Page 5 *** Commissioners Barry and Zutshi rejoined the meeting following the conclusion of Agenda Item No. 1. DIRECTOR’S ITEMS Director Tom Sullivan: • Reminded the Commissioners that the regular meeting of March 24, 2004, has been cancelled. • Announce that the joint meeting with Council will occur on March 17th, with dinner being provided. • Asked the Commission to identify items for the Planning Commission’s Work Program. Commissioner Garakani asked that a discussion be held on the issue of privacy impacts as a result of residential security cameras. Commissioner Nagpal asked for further guidance on the issue of General Plan and Zoning compliance. Commissioner Schallop asked for further input on issues raised by the Tree Ordinance. COMMISSION ITEMS Chair Hunter announced that this is Commissioner Barry’s final meeting on the Commission. Commissioner Barry extended her thanks to all, saying that it has been a real pleasure as well as rewarding to work with this Planning Commission. Thanked Director Tom Sullivan and his staff. Encouraged any Saratoga residents consider volunteering to serve on the Planning Commission in the future. Commissioner Nagpal said that the privilege has been for Commissioner Barry’s fellow members. Thanked Commissioner Barry for her mentoring of newer members to the Commission. Commissioner Uhl said that Commissioner Barry’s departure will leave a big hole to fill. Chair Hunter said that such experience is wonderful to have and that it has been great working with Commissioner Barry over the years. COMMUNICATIONS Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous announced that the City is currently advertising for volunteers for a Citizen Advisory Commission for a General Plan Update. This commitment will last one year. Asked anyone who might be interested to contact the City. ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING Upon motion of Commissioner Garakani, seconded by Commissioner Zutshi, Chair Hunter adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission meeting of April 14, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of March 10, 2004 Page 6 MINUTES PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY: Corinne A. Shinn, Minutes Clerk