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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-2008 Planning Commission Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting Chair Cappello called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Cappello, Hlava, Kumar, Kundtz, Nagpal, Rodgers and Zhao Absent: None Staff: Director John Livingstone, Assistant Planner Cynthia McCormick and Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Wittwer PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of August 27, 2008. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Hlava, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, the Planning Commission minutes of the regular meeting of August 27, 2008, were adopted. (5-0-0-2; Commissioners Kumar and Kundtz abstained) ORAL COMMUNICATION There were no Oral Communications. REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Director John Livingstone announced that, pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on September 4, 2008. REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS Chair Cappello 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). Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 10, 2008 Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR Capital Improvement Program/Finding of General Plan Consistency (John Cherbone) Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Hlava, seconded by Commissioner Kundtz, the Planning Commission found the Capital Improvement Program to be consistent with the City of Saratoga General Plan. (7-0) *** PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 1 Chair Cappello advised that as he is a member of Saratoga Country Club he would recuse himself from participation on Item No. 1. He turned the meeting over to Vice Chair Zhao and left the dais and chambers for this item. APPLICATION #ASP08-0002 (366-29-007 & 366-29-009) 21990 Prospect Road: The applicant requests approval to construct and display a freestanding sign near the entrance to the Saratoga Country Club. The sign is approximately 23 square feet in area and will be externally illuminated via three ground-mounted low-voltage lights. The sign materials include stucco surface with rock veneer. The letters are bronze and include the text “Saratoga Country Club, 21990, Private – Members Only.” (Cynthia McCormick) Ms. Cynthia McCormick, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report as follows: • Reported that the applicant is seeking approval to construct a freestanding sign to be located near the entrance of the Saratoga Country Club. • Said that this sign would be located 12 to 15 feet behind the existing sign that will be removed as part of this application. • Described the sign as consisting of approximately 23 square feet in area. It will be externally illuminated via three ground-mounted low-voltage lights. • Advised that building materials include stucco surface with rock veneer. The letters will be bronze and include the text “Saratoga Country Club, 21990, Private – Members Only.” • Stated that staff is recommending that the Commission find this application to be exempt from CEQA and that a resolution be adopted approving this sign application. • Said that staff and the applicant are available for questions. Acting Chair Zhao opened the public hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Mr. Joe Cowen, General Manager, Saratoga Country Club: • Said that they were satisfied with the staff report. • Stated that he has nothing to add. Acting Chair Zhao closed the public hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Nagpal, seconded by Commissioner Hlava, the Planning Commission approved a 23 square foot freestanding sign for Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 10, 2008 Page 3 the Saratoga Country Club on property located at 21990 Prospect Road, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hlava, Kumar, Kundtz, Nagpal, Rodgers and Zhao NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Cappello Commissioner Hlava said that the applicants have done a beautiful job on the entrance to the Country Club. This sign will be a big addition and make it easier for people to find it. She said that she is thrilled to approve it. Chair Cappello returned to the chambers and dais and assumed the leadership of the meeting from Vice Chair Zhao. *** DIRECTOR’S ITEMS Director John Livingstone: • Reminded the Commission that the Saint Michael’s project would be coming to Council on September 17th. • Advised that typically a member of the Planning Commission attends Council meetings when larger projects are considered in case there are questions. • Reported that the Village Economic Development meeting would occur on September 16, 2008, at 6 p.m. in the Arts & Crafts Room. • Asked the Commissioners to look at their calendars for Tuesday, October 21, 2008, to see if they can book a study session on a proposed new two-story home. Most Commissioners indicated that this date would work for a study session. COMMISSION ITEMS Commissioner Hlava: • Advised that she and Kathleen King held a CH-2 District Special Committee meeting at which mostly property owners came. • Stated that problems were identified. • Said that Director John Livingstone would be formatting a report for the Planning Commission and Council. • Reported that the requirement for 50 percent retail is a hardship in the area that is predominately residential. • Pointed out that under the current overlay situation, residents would be unable to rebuild their residential units in the event that they were destroyed by fire. • Stated that this is an interesting process and changes will impact other elements, including the Housing Element. COMMUNICATIONS There were no Communications Items. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 10, 2008 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING Upon motion of Commissioner Rodgers, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, Chair Cappello adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:11 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY: Corinne A. Shinn, Minutes Clerk