Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · September 24, 2013
Minutes
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
580 PACIFIC STREET
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Garden, Davis, Stocker, Osorio, Widmar, Reed
Commissioners Absent: McCrone
Staff Members Present: Principal Planner Kimberly Cole, Recording Secretary
Halabi
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Osorio called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm.
CONSENT ITEMS
On a motion by Commissioner Stocker, seconded by Commissioner Widmar, and carried
by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved the CONSENT ITEMS:
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Garden, Davis, Osorio Stocker, Reed, Widmar
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: McCrone
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
Approval of Minutes
1. September 10, 2013
ACTION: Approved as submitted.
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
2. Recommendation to approve the FY 2012-2013 Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Housing and Community Development
Programs and Authorize Submission To The U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban
Development (HUD) (Not a Project-CEQA)
Planning Commission Draft Minutes Tuesday, September 24, 2013
ACTION: Adopted a Resolution authorizing submission of the Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD).
Staff Presentation/Commission Questions
Rick Marvin presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’ questions.
Public Comments
None.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Stocker made a motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing submission
of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Commissioner Widmar seconded the motion.
On a motion by Commissioner Stocker, seconded by Commissioner Widmar, and
carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission adopted a Resolution
authorizing submission of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation
Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Garden, Stocker, Widmar, Reed, Davis, Osorio
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: McCrone
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
3. Consider 234 Ramona Avenue (Robert's Auto Repair); Appeal 13-369 of Sign
Permit 12-307 for a New Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Sign; Applicant Robert
Wesenberg; Owner McFadden Family Partnership; C-3-D2 Zoning District; Exempt
from CEQA Requirements
ACTION: Approved Appeal 13-369 and approved Sign Permit 12-307 with
added Conditions of Approval.
Staff Presentation/Commission Questions
Christine Hopper presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’
questions.
Applicant
Robert Wesenberg said the heavy commercial use and limited visibility on Ramona
Street warrant approval of a nonconforming sign.
In response to Commissioner Reed’s question, Mr. Wesenberg said the sign has
been at its current location for approximately three years.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
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Planning Commission Draft Minutes Tuesday, September 24, 2013
In response to Commissioner Osorio’s question, Mr. Wesenberg said the
Architectural Review Committee did not analyze the merits of the project and the
unique signing difficulties, and instead focused on the related code enforcement
issues.
Public Comment
Robert Cramer, client of Robert’s Auto Repair, said the sign is necessary to attract
insurance companies’ attention and business.
Tom Carr, local business man, said no neighboring properties have objections to the
proposed sign and there is limited visibility of the sign from the Highway.
Jim Miller, owner of Millers Self Storage, said there are significant signage
difficulties on Ramona Street. Mr. Miller said a higher sign at the property line is
necessary for identification.
Paul Petro, neighboring property owner, said he is in support of the Robert’s Auto
Repair sign.
Rick Seelic, business owner on Ramona, said the sign provides added value to the
entire street and he is in support of the appeal.
Commissioner Comments
In response to Commissioner Garden question, Ms. Hopper said Ramona Street is
zoned C-3 D-2 and the only parking restrictions for the area require vehicles be
moved every 72 hours.
Commissioner Reed said the ARC erred in their determination that no unique
circumstances exist on the site.
Commissioner Davis concurred with Commissioner Reed’s comments and said the
unique design is an extension of the buildings architecture.
Commissioner Widmar said the code enforcement element is not a consideration of
the Planning Commission and that the unique site, use and zoning warrant approval
of the appeal. He also said he agrees with staff recommendation to remove the
lower portion of the sign and suggested the lights facing Highway One be removed.
Commissioner Widmar made a motion to approve Appeal 13-369 and approve Sign
Permit 12-307 with added Conditions of Approval as follows:
Conditions of Approval
Special:
5. That, prior to the issuance of Building Permits, the plans shall be revised as follows
and submitted to the Planning office for review and approval:
a. Remove the 9 small offsite signs from the proposal;
b. Replace the metallic lettering and border with a non-reflective paint or
material;
c. The sign face and light fixtures on the Highway 1 side shall be eliminated.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
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Planning Commission Draft Minutes Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Commissioner Reed seconded the motion.
Commissioner Stocker said the ARC did not err in their decision and said this is a
precedent setting sign. Commissioner Osorio concurred.
In response to Commissioner Stocker’s comments, Commissioner Garden said this
is a uniquely zoned site providing the ARC flexibility to approve signage outside City
standards.
Commissioner Osorio said the site does not present significant signing difficulties
due to the short street length and limited number of businesses.
On a motion by Commissioner Widmar, seconded by Commissioner Reed, and
carried by the following vote, the Planning Commission approved Appeal 13-369
and approved Sign Permit 12-307 with added Conditions of Approval.
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Garden, , Widmar, Reed, Davis
NOES: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Osorio, Stocker
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: McCrone
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
None.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
4. Planning Office Update
Received update
Ms. Cole said the next Economic and Environmental Sustainability Water
Proposal Review will be on Friday October 4, 2013 in the City Council Chambers
from 10:30 am-11:30 am.
ADJOURNMENT
The afternoon session adjourned at 5:45 pm.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Kimberly Cole, AICP Chair
Principal Planner Planning Commission
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Agenda
Planning Commission
Agenda Commissioners
Willard McCrone, Chair
Regular Meeting Luis Osorio, Vice Chair
Paul W. Davis
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 Leon Garden
Hansen Reed
Few Memorial Hall of Records David Stocker
Council Chambers 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Ralph Widmar
580 Pacific Street 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Monterey, California
FIELD TRIP
Planning Commission will conduct a field trip on Monday, September 23, 2013 to review the
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 Planning Commission Agenda. For information call (831) 646-
3886. Date Posted: September 20, 2013.
***Afternoon Session Agenda***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
CONSENT ITEMS
CONSENT ITEMS allow for a review of those items recommended for approval on consent or
recommended to be continued, tabled or withdrawn, etc. Consent items consist of those items
which are routine and for which a staff recommendation has been prepared. A member of the
public or a Commissioner may request that an item recommended for approval on consent be
heard on the regular agenda for further discussion.
Approval of Minutes
1. September 10, 2013
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS. At this time, the public may speak for a maximum of three minutes on any
subject which is within the jurisdiction of the Monterey Planning Commission and which is not on
the agenda. Any person or group desiring to bring an item to the attention of the Commission may
do so during Public Comments or by addressing a letter of explanation to the Commission, City
Hall, Monterey, CA 93940. Public Comments are taken during the afternoon session and
continued at the evening session. Individuals may choose to speak once for up to three minutes at
either session, but not both.
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC HEARINGS are required by law for certain actions. You are welcome to offer your
comments after being recognized by the Chair. The Chair may limit the time allocated to each
speaker. Project representation is encouraged.
2. Recommendation to approve the FY 2012-2013 Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Housing and Community
Development Programs and Authorize Submission To The U.S. Department Of
Housing And Urban Development (HUD) (Not a Project-CEQA)
3. Consider 234 Ramona Avenue (Robert's Auto Repair); Appeal 13-369 of Sign Permit
12-307 for a New Vehicle-Oriented Freestanding Sign; Applicant Robert
Wesenberg; Owner McFadden Family Partnership; C-3-D2 Zoning District; Exempt
from CEQA Requirements
RECESS 5:30 p.m.
RECONVENE
***Evening Session Agenda***
7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS. At this time, the public may speak for a maximum of three
minutes on any subject which is within the jurisdiction of the Monterey Planning Commission and
which is not on the agenda. Any person or group desiring to bring an item to the attention of the
Commission may do so during Public Comments or by addressing a letter of explanation to the
Commission, City Hall, Monterey, CA 93940. Public Comments are taken during the afternoon
session and continued at the evening session. Individuals may choose to speak once for up to
three minutes at either session, but not both.
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC HEARINGS are required by law for certain actions. You are welcome to offer your
comments after being recognized by the Chair. The Chair may limit the time allocated to each
speaker. Project representation is encouraged.
4. Consider 1001 Hellam Street; Appeals 13-354 and 13-355 of AR Application 12-290
for a Remodel and Addition to an Existing Single Family Dwelling; Appellants Sam
and Angeli Mecurio and Elizabeth LaBonte; Applicant/Owner Elizabeth La Bonte; R-
1-6 Zoning District; Exempt from CEQA Requirements
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
COMMISSIONERS may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or make a
brief report on his or her activities. In addition, a Commissioner may provide a referral to staff or
other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a subsequent
meeting concerning any City matter, or direct staff to place a request to agendize a matter of
business on a future agenda. (G.C. 54954.2)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS supply information on activities or
announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the scheduling of meetings
and study sessions.
5. Planning Office Update
ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURNMENT — The general policy of the Planning Commission is that the Afternoon Session will
end no later than 5:30 p.m. and the Evening Session will end no later than 11:00 p.m. Any public
agenda items that have not been completed within the designated adjournment time may be formally
extended by the Commission, or continued to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission
Meeting, or continued to a Special Meeting.
Agenda packets may be reviewed by the public in the Monterey Public Library, in the Planning Office,
or on the web at http://www.monterey.org beginning late Friday afternoon prior to the date of the
meeting.
Planning Commission
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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Members of the public have the right to address the Commission on any Agenda items. The Chair will
formally open the floor for public comment. However, if you wish to speak to items during "Consent
Agenda" or "Staff Informational Report," please advise the staff or the Chair prior to the action on that
item and you will be recognized. Notification as much in advance as possible is appreciated.
Information distributed to the Commission at the meeting becomes part of the public record. A copy of
written material, pictures, etc. should be provided to the Secretary for this purpose.
Planning Commission decisions may be appealed within ten (10) days from the date of the decision on
forms available in the Planning Division during business hours. When the tenth day falls on a weekend
or a holiday, the appeal deadline date is the next working day following the holiday or weekend. An
appeal fee will apply. For more agenda information, call the Planning Office at 831/646-3885.
Planning Commission Meetings are cable cast live and videotaped for replay on Monterey's
Government Access Channel 25 by Access Monterey Peninsula (AMP).
CITY OF MONTEREY'S 24-HOUR SUGGESTION HOTLINES:
Voicemail: 646-3799
FAX: 646-3793
Email: suggest@ci.monterey.ca.us
WebPage: http://www.monterey.org
The City of Monterey is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and
activities. For disabled access to the City, dial 711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS)
to speak to City offices. CRS offers free text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish-
language services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you require a hearing amplification
device to attend a meeting, dial 711 to use CRS to talk to the City Clerk's Office at (831) 646-
3935 to coordinate use of a device or for information on an agenda.
UPCOMING MEETINGS AT CITY HALL
Sep 25 Council Study Session, Council Chamber - 4:00 PM
Sep 25 Library Board Meeting, Library Community Room - 5:00 PM
Sep 25 Oversight Board Meeting, Council Chamber - 7:00 PM
Sep 26 Zoning Administrator Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 pm
Sep 26 MP Regional Water Authority Meeting, Council Chamber - 7:00 PM
Sep 26 MP Regional Water Authority Meeting Cancellation, Council Chamber - 7:00 PM
Oct 1 Council Regular Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 PM
Oct 2 Architectural Review Committee Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 pm
Oct 7 MP Regional Water Authority TAC Meeting, Council Chamber - 10:00 AM
Oct 8 Planning Commission Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 pm
Oct 10 Zoning Administrator Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 pm
Oct 10 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 pm
Oct 10 MP Regional Water Authority Meeting, Council Chamber - 7:00 PM
Oct 15 Council Regular Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 PM
Planning Commission
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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Oct 16 Architectural Review Committee Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 pm
Oct 17 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Council Chamber - 7:00 PM
Oct 17 Council Special Meeting, Council Chamber - 7:00 PM
Oct 21 MP Regional Water Authority TAC Meeting, Council Chamber - 10:00 AM
Oct 22 Planning Commission Meeting, Council Chamber - 4:00 pm
Oct 23 Council Study Session, Council Chamber - 4:00 PM
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 646-3885
Planning Commission
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
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