Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · June 13, 2023
Minutes
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF MONTEREY
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST.,
AND ZOOMGOV TELECONFERENCE
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Bluth, Brassfield, Freeman, Latasa, Silva
Present:
Absent: Dawson, Fletcher
City Staff Community Development Director, Principal Planner, Associate Planner,
Present: Associate Planner, Administrative Assistant (Planning)
FIELD TRIP
The Planning Commission did not conduct a field trip to review the June 13, 2023, PC meeting
agenda.
***Afternoon Session Agenda***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Bluth called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and Recording Secretary Cleary
explained to the public how to participate in the meeting virtually.
1. Meeting Procedures
PRESENTATIONS
2. Receive Presentation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Planning Students on their
Downtown Monterey Plan
ACTION: Received presentation
The Commission commended the student report and briefly discussed the provided suggestions.
Public Comment was received from: Lorna Moffat, who shared concerns of tree removal and
suggested closing Alvarado Street to cars; Brian Rosen, who advocated for keeping the Transit
Station in place and advised against tree removal; and Ash Shoukry, who suggested the students
start with transit and inquired about the Lighthouse Avenue area.
Community Development Director Cole explained that the presentation was not a City project but
rather a learning opportunity for the Planning students at California Polytechnic State University.
CONSENT ITEMS
Other Consent Items
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Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday June 13, 2023
3. Recommend to the City Council that the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project List
for the 2023/24 Fiscal Year Is Consistent with the City’s General Plan, Area Plans, Master
Plans, Specific Plans, Coastal Plans, Traffic Calming Plans, and Move Monterey
Multimodal Plan Including the Local Road Safety Plan and Supersedes Planning
Commission Resolution 23-015 (Exempt from CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, 15302,
15306, Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article
5, Section 15061 or Initial Study Mitigated Negative Previously Prepared and Certified)
ACTION: Recommended to the City Council that the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Project List for the 2023/24 Fiscal Year is consistent with the City’s General Plan,
Area Plans, Master Plans, Specific Plans, Coastal Plans, Traffic Calming Plans,
and Move Monterey Multimodal Plan including the Local Road Safety Plan and
supersedes Planning Commission Resolution 23-015
Public Comment was received from Lorna Moffat, who inquired about sediment removal and
shared concerns regarding herbicide and tree removal.
The Commission pointed out two typos in the Resolution. Ms. Cole said they would be corrected.
On a motion by Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner Brassfield, and carried by
the following vote, the Planning Commission recommended to the City Council that the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) Project List for the 2023/24 Fiscal Year is consistent with the City’s
General Plan, Area Plans, Master Plans, Specific Plans, Coastal Plans, Traffic Calming Plans,
and Move Monterey Multimodal Plan including the Local Road Safety Plan and supersedes
Planning Commission Resolution 23-015:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Brassfield, Freeman, Latasa, Silva
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: (None)
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson, Fletcher
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: (None)
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS (MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA)
Public Comment was received from Lorna Moffat and Brian Rosen.
PUBLIC HEARING
4. Consider Appeal of 611 Lighthouse Avenue; AP-23-0110 Appealing the Architectural
Review Committee Approval (Resolution A23-016) of SI-23-0051 to Approve Two Rotating
Projecting Signs (Flags) and Two Wall Signs; Appellant Christine Kerr; Property Owner
Anna C Vermi Tr.; PC-LH Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Designation; Exempt
from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 and Section 15331, Class
31
ACTION: Approved appeal AP-23-0110 appealing the Architectural Review Committee
approval (Resolution A23-016) of SI-23-0051 to approve four wall signs as
submitted in the original application and two rotating projecting signs (flags)
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
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Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday June 13, 2023
with a minimum of eight-foot walking clearance under each flag at 611
Lighthouse Avenue
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Associate Planner Buggert presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioner questions
regarding the signs, flags, and Appeal process.
Applicant
Applicant Ash Shoukry added further details regarding the flags and their placement.
Public Comments
Bob Falis spoke in favor of approval and provided several reasons for this suggestion.
Commissioner Comments
The Commission commented on the amount, size, and height of flags, sharing concerns of clutter
and safety around the flags and general satisfaction with the amount and placement of signs.
Vice Chair Bluth reopened Applicant Comments. Mr. Shoukry advocated for lowering the
maximum height from eight feet for staff safety upon daily installation and removal.
Vice Chair Bluth reopened Public Comments and none were presented.
Commissioner Comments
The Commission discussed concerns regarding aesthetic clutter, theft, and pedestrian clearance
of the flags, and collectively decided the signs were acceptable as presented.
Commissioner Silva moved to modify the Resolution approving the Appeal with new Conditions
of Approval, and Commissioner Freeman seconded the motion.
On a motion by Commissioner Silva, seconded by Commissioner Freeman, and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved Appeal AP-23-0110 appealing the
Architectural Review Committee approval (Resolution A23-016) of SI-23-0051 to approve four
wall signs as submitted in the original application and two rotating projecting signs (flags) with a
minimum of eight-foot walking clearance under each flag at 611 Lighthouse Avenue:
AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Bluth, Brassfield, Freeman, Latasa, Silva
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: (None)
ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson, Fletcher
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: (None)
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: (None)
***End of Afternoon Session Agenda***
RECESS 5:30 p.m.
The Commission recessed at 5:37 p.m.
RECONVENE
The Commission reconvened at 7:00 p.m. with all Commissioners present except for Chair
Fletcher and Commissioner Dawson, who were absent during the afternoon session as well.
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Tuesday, June 13, 2023
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 965C8A87-B09D-4C8D-9B6A-541B8CD8F681
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday June 13, 2023
***Evening Session Agenda***
7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS (MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA)
PUBLIC APPEARANCE (EVE)
5. Receive the Community Survey Report Results and the Preliminary Sites Housing
Inventory and Key Strategies for the Monterey 2031 General Plan Update – (Not a Project
Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
ACTION: Received presentation; discussed options and challenges
Staff Presentation
Consultant Andrew Hill presented the Agenda Report. Mr. Hill and Community Development
Director Cole answered Commissioner questions concerning the public outreach survey, the
density cap overlay, school sites, Coastal Zone areas, historic properties, the Environmental
Impact Report, transit, and lack of water.
Public Comments
Public comment was received from: Tom Reeves, who expressed concerns regarding Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs); Luis Rosorio, who suggested
the City modernize housing policies; Brendan Connolly, who advocated for increased density and
up-zoning; and Kathryn Avila, who suggested ministerial permitting for housing projects,
increasing density, and minimizing inclusionary housing requirements.
Commissioner Comments
The Commission discussed the opportunity sites in further detail, asking questions and making
suggestions that focused on Mesa and Department of Defense (DOD) housing, Garden Road,
density bonuses, school sites, rezoning the Del Monte Shopping Center, incentivizing ADUs and
JADUs, funding, mixed-use spaces, parking, tree replacement, upzoning, lack of water, non-profit
government housing for City staff, first responders, or teachers, and eminent sea level rise.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Commissioner Brassfield commended the Cal Poly group and Andrew Hill, saying the students
were very knowledgeable and their presentations were comprehensive and comprehensible.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
6. Planning Office Update
Update received.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 965C8A87-B09D-4C8D-9B6A-541B8CD8F681
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday June 13, 2023
Kimberly Cole Chair
Community Development Director Planning Commission
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
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Agenda
Planning Commission
Commissioners
Amended Agenda Daniel Fletcher, Chair
Robert Bluth
Planning Commission Meeting Mike Brassfield
Mike Dawson
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 Sandra Freeman
Terry Latasa
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Peter Silva
ZoomGov Teleconference and 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St.,
Monterey, California
How to participate in this meeting:
Written comment: Members of the public may submit comment(s) to
planning@monterey.org until ½ hour before the start of the meeting. These messages
are not read aloud during the meeting but are made available to the meeting body and
public at https://monterey.org/submitted-comments. All comments received become part
of the record.
In-Person: Please see the meeting location listed above. Wearing a mask is
recommended and encouraged.
Remote via ZoomGov Webinar:
o Join on a computer or smartphone:
https://monterey-org.zoomgov.com/j/1619908039 An up-to-date version
of the Zoom software must be used.
o Or join by telephone: Dial 833-568-8864 (Toll Free), 669-254-5252 (Campbell,
CA) or 646-828-7666 (NY). If one number doesn’t work, please try another.
Enter Webinar ID: 161 990 8039 #
If prompted to enter a participant ID, press #
To “raise your hand,” dial *9. Once called upon, dial *6 to unmute
o Need help using or updating Zoom? Read our Zoom Meeting Instructions (PDF)
This meeting will also stream live for viewing only on youtube.com/cityofmonterey (10
second delay) and on Comcast Channel 25 (up to 90-second delay).
FIELD TRIP
The Planning Commission will not conduct a field trip to review the June 13, 2023 PC
meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: June 09, 2023
***Afternoon Session Agenda***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
1. Meeting Procedures
PRESENTATIONS
2. Receive Presentation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Planning Students on
their Downtown Monterey Plan
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.
Other Consent Items
3. Recommend to the City Council that the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Project List for the 2023/24 Fiscal Year Is Consistent with the City’s General
Plan, Area Plans, Master Plans, Specific Plans, Coastal Plans, Traffic Calming
Plans, and Move Monterey Multimodal Plan Including the Local Road Safety
Plan and Supersedes Planning Commission Resolution 23-015 (Exempt from
CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301, 15302, 15306, Not a Project under CEQA
Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061 or
Initial Study Mitigated Negative Previously Prepared and Certified)
***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.
4. Consider Appeal of 611 Lighthouse Avenue; AP-23-0110 Appealing the
Architectural Review Committee Approval (Resolution A23-016) of SI-23-0051
to Approve Two Rotating Projecting Signs (Flags) and Two Wall Signs;
Appellant Christine Kerr; Property Owner Anna C Vermi Tr.; PC-LH Zoning
District; Commercial General Plan Designation; Exempt from CEQA
Requirements per Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 and Section 15331, Class
31
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 APPEARANCE
PUBLIC APPEARANCE items are reports on action or informational issues that might
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6/13/2023 4:00:00 PM
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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 the Community Survey Report Results and the Preliminary Sites
Housing Inventory and Key Strategies for the Monterey 2031 General Plan
Update – (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
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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6/13/2023 4:00:00 PM
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The City of Monterey is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs
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
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.
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 646-3885
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6/13/2023 4:00:00 PM
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