Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · May 12, 2020
Minutes
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
4:00 PM
AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY
TELECONFERENCE
580 PACIFIC STREET, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Brassfield, Freeman, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa, Millich, Reed
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Community Development Director Cole, Principal Planner
Flower, Senior Associate Planner Schmidt, Associate Planner
Sabdo, Recording Secretary Cleary
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Brassfield called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Recording Secretary Cleary and
Community Development Director Cole provided information to the public about how to
participate by calling in to give public comment on the live web meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS
Approval of Minutes
2. April 28, 2020
ACTION: Approved as submitted.
On a motion by Commissioner Reed, seconded by Vice Chair Freeman, and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved the minutes as submitted:
AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Freeman, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa,
Millich, Reed
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Consider 787 Munras Avenue; Approval of Use Permit UP-20-0084 to allow a Dormitory
(Group Residential) Use; Applicant Michael Thomas, Middlebury Institute of International
Studies; Rik Sagin Trust and Hawley Family Trust; Community Commercial Emergency
Shelter District (C-2-ES); Commercial Land Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA per
Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1
ACTION: Approved as submitted per staff report findings and conditions.
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
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Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Senior Associate Planner Schmidt presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’
questions.
Commissioner Latasa asked if dormitory rooms are classified as housing. Ms. Cole explained
they do not count towards Monterey’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), but they will
provide housing for students.
Chair Brassfield expressed concern for there being too much waste, especially at the start and
end of semesters when waste levels rise, stating the proposed dumpster space is too small. The
Commissioner also asked if there is a plan for electronic waste.
Chair Brassfield asked what Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) plans to do if
every student living at the dormitory (89 beds total) has a car (64 total spaces). Mr. Thomas
described main-campus parking and a permitting system already in use and explained that
typically only 50-60% of MIIS students have cars.
Chair Brassfield mentioned the proposed dumpster areas may be too small for the volume of
waste that number of tenants could produce. Vice President John Hettinger of Kirchoff
Companies, the firm developing and managing MIIS’s dormitory, affirmed the team will work with
Staff to find a solution to the waste area. Ms. Cole noted that the facility has been examined by
Sustainability Coordinator Ted Terrasas, who supplied recommendations included in the
conditions of approval. Mr. Terrasas will enforce more frequent pick-ups if waste needs are not
met.
Chair Brassfield asked whether there will be charging ports for electrical bicycles or if students
would have to charge e-bikes in their rooms. Mr. Hettinger stated MIIS may investigate this if
students exhibit a need for it.
Chair Brassfield reiterated the concern for e-waste and asked if MIIS has a plan for it. Mr.
Thomas supplied a solution based on the institution’s Vermont campus and its existing waste
program.
Applicant
Mike Thomas, Vice President for Finance at MIIS, provided background on the school,
presented the project, and addressed Commissioners’ questions.
Jeff Dayton-Johnson, head of MIIS Monterey, spoke of the institution’s accomplishments aligned
with Monterey’s goals and values. The institution fears lack of affordable housing will hinder
registration rates as housing is so difficult to find. Further, Mr. Dayton-Johnson identified a
potential new program allowing undergraduates from the Vermont campus to “study away” in
Monterey.
Mr. Thomas reiterated the need for housing and parking close to campus and included the
possibility of increased visitors to Monterey when faculty comes for seminars and conferences
or when parents visit their MIIS students.
Public Comments
None.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2020
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DocuSign Envelope ID: C779A338-3A0D-45DB-96D2-96C5A91D0E26
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners Fletcher, Reed, and Millich and Chair Brassfield spoke in support of this project
based on student need for housing, MIIS long term goals, and revitalization of the subject area.
Vice Chair Freeman and Commissioner Dawson agreed, highlighting benefits of student
cohabitation and school-provided housing. Commissioner Latasa complimented the project’s
architecture while addressing student need for housing.
On a motion by Commissioner Latasa, seconded by Commissioner Fletcher, and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved Use Permit UP-20-0084 to allow a dormitory
(Group Residential) use, per submitted staff report findings and conditions.
AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Freeman, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa,
Millich, Reed
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
4. Consider 603-605 Hoffman Avenue; Application TM 19-0208 for H-2 Historic Zoning;
Applicant Susana DeFatima Silva; Owner Test of Tyme LLC; R-3-5 Zoning District;
Medium Density Residential General Plan Designation; Exempt from CEQA per Article 19,
Section 15305, Class 5
ACTION: Approved with added conditions.
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Associate Planner Sabdo presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioners’
questions.
Applicant
Historian Kent Seavey entered the teleconference to answer Commissioners’ questions.
Commissioner Latasa inquired about the 45-degree angled garage and asked if the dwelling
had been moved. Mr. Seavey answered it had been moved sometime around 1926.
Public Comments
None.
Commissioner Comments
Vice Chair Freeman suggested three conditions of approval:
1. Replace the aluminum siding with redwood / remove aluminum siding to expose redwood
2. Replace aluminum-framed windows with wood framed windows
3. Replace front and possibly back doors
Commissioner Dawson asked for a guarantee this building will remain historic upon finish,
despite potential unforeseen issues. Ms. Cole explained the applicant is applying for a Mills Act
contract and the Historic Preservation Commission reviews alterations to historic buildings. The
City can cancel the contract if the site no longer holds historic value after renovation.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2020
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Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Chair Brassfield inquired about the proposed construction schedule and possible duration of
renovation. Mr. Seavey deferred to the provided schedule and estimated it would take between
6 months and a year to complete the exterior wall siding, depending on municipal process. The
contract allows for 10 years.
Commissioner Latasa spoke of the importance of removing the aluminum siding despite
potential dry rot or other possible problems in the redwood underneath.
On a motion by Commissioner Latasa, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved TM-19-0208 for H-2 Historic Zoning, with the
following conditions:
1. Aluminum siding must be removed
2. Aluminum windows must be replaced with wood sash windows
3. Exterior doors must be replaced with appropriate wooden doors
AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Brassfield, Freeman, Dawson, Fletcher, Latasa,
Millich, Reed
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
Chair Brassfield inquired about previous challenges with Mills Act contracts and the City’s role in
them. Ms. Cole explained staffing issues exist and a new process must be established.
5. Receive Presentation on General Plan Annual Report (Not a Project Under CEQA per
Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
ACTION: Received update.
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Community Development Director Cole presented the Agenda Report and answered
Commissioners’ questions.
Commissioner Latasa asked about the RHNA timeframe. Ms. Cole stated a new RHNA is
designated every eight years, requiring the housing element of the General Plan to be updated
much more frequently than the rest of the plan.
Chair Brassfield asked if the State could address the lack of water. Ms. Cole emphasized if this
issue is not solved by 2023 it will continue to be a major issue in Monterey meeting housing
objectives.
Applicant
None.
Public Comments
None.
Commissioner Comments
None.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: C779A338-3A0D-45DB-96D2-96C5A91D0E26
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday, May 12, 2020
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Commissioner Latasa endorsed the temporary closure of Alvarado Street to accommodate a
pedestrian mall with open-air dining to provide social distance for restaurants. Commissioner
Millich showed support and suggested consulting the City Attorney for approval. Commissioner
Latasa also suggested finding other streets suitable for this model.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Update received.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Kimberly Cole Chair
Community Development Director Planning Commission
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Agenda
Planning Commission Commissioners
Agenda Mike Brassfield, Chair
Sandra Freeman, Vice Chair
AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY Mike Dawson
Daniel Fletcher
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 Terry Latasa
Stephen Millich
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Hansen Reed
Teleconference
Monterey, California
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders N-29-20 and N-33-20, and to do all we can
to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus):
Meetings of the Monterey City Council and its Boards and Commissions will be
conducted with virtual (electronic) participation only. Members of the public may watch
the live stream of the City Council and Boards and Commission meetings at
https://www.youtube.com/cityofmonterey (up to 10 second delay) or on television on
Channel 25 (up to 90 second delay). The YouTube live stream has the shortest delay
and is recommended for anyone wishing to provide public comment (see details below).
BEFORE EACH MEETING, members of the public may participate by submitting
comment(s) to planning@monterey.org from an email account or a cell phone’s texting
app until ½ hour before the start of the meeting. These emails and text messages will be
shared with the Planning Commission prior to the start of the meeting, but will not be
read aloud during the meeting. All comments received will become part of the record.
DURING EACH MEETING, members of the public may participate by calling and
speaking live during the designated time(s), subject to time limits that may be imposed
pursuant to the Brown Act. To provide public comment:
o Please follow along with the meeting on the YouTube live stream, as it has the
shortest delay, and only call when the public comment period is announced.
o When the public comment period is announced, call the telephone number that
will be provided on-screen and announced at the meeting. Enter the conference
room number, then #.
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o Between comment periods, please hang up the phone. If you wish to comment
on another item, please call back when the public comment period is announced.
FIELD TRIP
The Planning Commission will not conduct a field trip to review the May 12, 2020 PC
meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: May 8, 2020
***Afternoon Session Agenda***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
1. Meeting Procedures
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
2. April 28, 2020
***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.
3. Consider 787 Munras Avenue; Approval of Use Permit UP-20-0084 to allow
a Dormitory (Group Residential) Use; Applicant Michael Thomas,
Middlebury Institute of International Studies; Rik Sagin Trust and Hawley
Family Trust; Community Commercial Emergency Shelter District (C-2-ES);
Commercial Land Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA per Article 19,
Section 15301, Class 1
4. Consider 603-605 Hoffman Avenue; Application TM 19-0208 for H-2 Historic
Zoning; Applicant Susana DeFatima Silva; Owner Test of Tyme LLC; R-3-5
Zoning District; Medium Density Residential General Plan Designation;
Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15305, Class 5
PUBLIC APPEARANCE
PUBLIC APPEARANCE items are reports on action or informational issues that might
stimulate public discussion, but that do not require formal noticing as public hearings.
You are welcome to offer your comments after being recognized by the Chair. The Chair
may limit the time allocated to each speaker.
5. Receive Presentation on General Plan Annual Report (Not a Project Under
CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section
15061)
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
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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.
6. 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.
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: (831) 646-3799
FAX: (831) 646-3793
Email: suggest@monterey.org
WebPage: http://www.monterey.org
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and activities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special
assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (831) 646-
3935. Notification 30 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title
II]. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent feasible. For communication-related
assistance, dial 711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS) to speak to City offices. CRS
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MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 646-3885
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5/12/2020 4:00:00 PM
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