Planning Commission Meeting

MINUTES REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBER, 380 CIVIC DRIVE, GALT 95632 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019 6:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Jones. Commissioners present: Crews, Jones, McFadden, Papineau, and Pratton. Staff members present: Community Development Director Chris Erias, Development Engineer Bill Forrest, Assistant Planner Kristyn Bitz and Assistant Planner Stacy Schafer. 3. PRESENTATION: A. SUBJECT: Annual City Council Recognition of Planning Commission ACTION: Mayor Lampson, Paul Sandhu and Rich Lozano presented thank you gifts to the Planning Commission for their efforts in 2019. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None 5. INFORMATION/CONSENT CALENDAR: A. SUBJECT: Minutes of the October 10, 2019 Regular Meeting. ACTION: Commissioner McFaddin motioned to approve the minutes. Vice Chair Crews second the motion. Motion passed by Chair Jones, Vice Chair Crews, Commissioner McFadden, Commissioner Papineau, and Commissioner Pratton. 6. PUBLIC HEARING: A. SUBJECT: 952 Simmerhorn Road Gas Station, Restaurant, and Coffee Shop with Drive-thru RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution recommending Planning Commission approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a 3,201 square foot convenience store (open 24 hours), 1,145 square foot drive thru coffee house, and 100 foot freestanding sign. ACTION: Staff Erias gave presentation including project description. Project applicant Dr. Dalla gave a brief history on motivation for the project, and how he acquired the land. He addressed his desire to be a part of Galt and bring a fresh food option to the area. Architect Nick Sahota advised the Planning Commissioner that they had been working with the City and Caltrans since the initial project application submittal to best improve the site, including the possibility of planning for the future roundabout. Staff Erias explained the reason behind a roundabout, and advised that this project would not require construction. Larger future development would most likely be required to construct the roundabout. CITY OF GALT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 14, 2019 Chair Jones opened the public hearing. Gene Davenport attempted to speak to the Planning Commission about the rezone of the property on Carillion and Walnut. Staff Erias and Chair Jones advised Mr. Davenport that the public hearing for the current subject matter (952 Simmerhorn Rd.) was not the appropriate time to discuss his concerns and to please hold comments until later in the meeting. Pardip Singh shared concern that the project will increase traffic and that current road conditions should be improved prior to approving the project. Amrik Singh, owner of the Chevron gas station located at 301 Pine Street, believes Galt does not need additional gas stations. Mr. Singh feels Galt is not growing enough for this project and urged the Planning Commission and City staff to consider the needs of existing businesses. Ryan Ranchhod, owner of the Chevron gas station located at 955 Simmerhorn Rd., expressed concern over traffic and the ability of the site to feasibly manage a gas station. Mr. Ranchhod asked the Planning Commission to, if approved, hold the project applicant to the proposed elevation. Jane Taunton stated her favor of the project and listed other intersections where there are more than one gas station. Sierra Garcia also expressed appreciation for the proposed project and stated she was looking forward to healthy food alternatives it would offer. Chair Jones closed the public hearing. Staff Erias asked if any of Commissioners had additional questions. Commissioner Papineau asked what future project would trigger a roundabout. Staff Erias explained that a large development, such as the 120 acre Elliott Homes development, would possibly bring on the roundabout. Vice Chair Crews stated he would like the project to be conditioned to build an eight-foot concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall at the north and west ends of the property for safety purposes. Staff Erias and the applicant both agreed to provide some sort of security fence in this location. The applicant had concerns about height and the possible loss of a visual appearance from the freeway. Chair Jones asked for a motion to approve the resolution approval with the added condition of an eight-foot CMU wall or other security type fencing to the west facing the freeway. Commissioner Pratton motioned to approve. Commissioner McFadden second the motion. Motion passed by Chair Jones, Vice Chair Crews, Commissioner McFadden, Commissioner Papineau, and Commissioner Pratton. 6. SCHEDULED MATTERS: None CITY OF GALT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 14, 2019 7. COMMENTS BY STAFF/DIRECTOR’S REPORT: A. SUBJECT: Commercial and Residential Development Project List Update ACTION: Staff Erias presented an update on the City’s commercial and residential development project list and requested the Commissioners interact and ask questions at any time. Staff Erias detailed housing production, commercial production and long range plans in his presentation. Gene Davenport expressed concern over the gas station that was approved earlier as well the lot located Carillion and Walnut (Veranda at River Oaks). He is concerned that the City is receiving and approving too many home developments and not enough commercial developments. Staff Erias advised that there has been difficulty filling the commercial lot on Walnut Ave. He agreed that the Carillion/Walnut intersection would be a good location for commercial projects and that there will be a site that does remain commercial. Commissioner McFadden asked specifically what commercial projects are having trouble with at that location. Staff Erias advised that it is mainly due to the property owners and the perceived value and pricing of the land. 8. COMMENTS BY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None 9. ADJOURN Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Stacy Schafer, Assistant Planner _____________________________________ Stacy Schafer, Assistant Planner