Planning Commission Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · November 14, 2023
Minutes
DocuSign Envelope ID: 5BC8A63F-B197-4860-8FA6-C1FD78B4B101
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC STREET
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Commissioners Present: Dawson, Bluth, Brassfield, Fletcher, Latasa, Silva
Commissioners Absent: Freeman
Staff Members Present: Planning Manager Hill, Associate Planner Buggert, Recording
Secretary Cleary, Administrative Assistant Arganbright
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Dawson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Recording Secretary Cleary called the roll and Administrative Assistant Arganbright explained
to the public how to participate in the meeting remotely.
CONSENT ITEMS
No Public Comments were made regarding the Consent Agenda.
Approval of Minutes
2. October 24, 2023 (Not a project under CEQA per Article 20 Section 15378 and under
General Rule Article 5 Section 15061)
ACTION: Approved as amended.
Commissioner Latasa requested a correction that the second motion for item 3 on the minutes
read “On a motion by Commissioner Latasa, seconded by Commissioner Silva”.
Chair Dawson stated that the minutes format had changed and that full information was not
available in recent minutes.
Planning Manager Hill stated that staff moved to Action Minutes in accordance with the City
Council and City Clerk’s Office.
Recording Secretary Cleary explained Action Minutes protocols.
Commissioner Brassfield recalled that having specifics was pertinent in previous litigation and
asked how long recordings of the meetings are kept.
Recording Secretary Cleary stated the recordings are kept on record permanently.
Commissioners discussed the desire to stay consistent with City Council but were looking to
reaffirm this was the direction City Council had taken.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 5BC8A63F-B197-4860-8FA6-C1FD78B4B101
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday November 14, 2023
On a motion by Vice Chair Bluth, seconded by Commissioner Brassfield, and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved the October 24, 2023 Minutes as amended:
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson, Bluth, Brassfield, Fletcher, Latasa, Silva
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS (MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA)
No Public Comments on non-agenda related matters were received.
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Consider 95 Prescott Avenue; Application AP-23-0199 Appealing Architectural Review
Committee Resolution A23-031 Approving Sign Permit SI-23-0173 for Two Wall Signs,
One Projecting Sign, and One Hanging Sign; Appellant Marco Ospina; Property Owner
The Cannery Row Company, L.P.; C-2 Zoning District (Community Commercial District);
Commercial General Plan Designation; Exempt from CEQA Requirements per Article 19,
Section 15311, Class 11
ACTION: Approved Application AP-23-0199 Granting an Appeal of Architectural Review
Committee Resolution A23-031 Approving Sign Permit SI-23-0173 for Three
Wall Signs and One Projecting Sign at 95 Prescott Avenue
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Associate Planner Buggert presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioner
questions regarding clarity on a presented slide and the aesthetic of the lettering.
Applicant
Appellant Marco Ospina was present to answer questions.
Commissioners asked the applicant how the sign was to be applied and how it would be styled
Public Comments
None.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners commented that the applicant had attended the previous meeting and had
done everything requested by the Commission.
On a motion by Commissioner Brassfield, seconded by Vice Chair Bluth and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved Application AP-23-0199 granting the
appeal of Architectural Review Committee Resolution A23-031 approving Sign Permit SI-23-
0173 for three wall signs and one projecting sign at 95 Prescott Avenue:
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday November 14, 2023
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5BC8A63F-B197-4860-8FA6-C1FD78B4B101
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday November 14, 2023
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson, Bluth, Brassfield, Fletcher, Latasa, Silva
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
4. Consider 350 Calle Principal; Use Permit Amendment PA-23-0221 to Amend Conditions
of Approval to the previously approved Use Permit (UP-23-0180) Allowing Modifications
to an Existing GTE Mobilnet California Limited Partnership dba Verizon Wireless
Communications Facility Section 6409(a) Eligible Facilities Request on an Existing Hotel
Building; Applicant Eric Lentz on Behalf of Verizon; Owner: San Carlos Associates LLC;
VAF Zoning District; Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt from
CEQA per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3
ACTION: Approved Use Permit Amendment PA-23-0221 to Amend Conditions of
Approval to the previously approved Use Permit (UP-23-0180) Allowing
Modifications to an Existing GTE Mobilnet California Limited Partnership dba
Verizon Wireless Communications Facility Section 6409(a) Eligible Facilities
Request on an Existing Hotel Building at 350 Calle Principal
Staff Presentation/Commissioner Questions
Planning Manager Hill presented the Agenda Report and answered Commissioner questions.
Topics of interest included the placement of conduit and clarity on the amended condition.
Applicant
Applicant Greg Brown on behalf of Verizon Wireless was present to answer questions.
Chair Dawson asked why the FAA related requirements were originally required.
Planning Manager Hill explained they are submittal requirements for all wireless facilities but
they are not applicable to all 6409 eligible facilities requests.
Public Comments
None.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioners discussed the Ordinance requiring Planning Commission scrutiny on wireless
applications with topics including the history of the Ordinance and citizen concern as well as
how the Ordinance does not distinguish between “de minimis” and major applications.
On a motion by Commissioner Latasa, seconded by Commissioner Silva and carried by the
following vote, the Planning Commission approved Use Permit Amendment PA-23-0221 to
amend Conditions of Approval to the previously approved Use Permit (UP-23-0180) allowing
modifications to an existing GTE Mobilnet California Limited Partnership dba Verizon Wireless
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday November 14, 2023
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5BC8A63F-B197-4860-8FA6-C1FD78B4B101
Planning Commission Minutes Tuesday November 14, 2023
Communications Facility Section 6409(a) Eligible Facilities Request on an existing hotel building
at 350 Calle Principal:
AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Dawson, Bluth, Brassfield, Fletcher, Latasa, Silva
NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Freeman
ABSTAIN: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Fletcher asked staff about the policy change to request commenters to state their
name “if they’re comfortable to”.
Recording Secretary Cleary responded that commenters are not required to announce their
names per Brown Act.
Commissioner Latasa let the Commission and staff know he will be unable to attend the Dec. 12
Commission meeting and Commissioners discussed potential quorum issues and attendance
protocols.
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Update received.
A future training (Planning Commission Academy through the League of California Cities) was
suggested and Commissioner Brassfield discussed previous experience attending the training.
Commissioner Silva requested an update on the Housing Element Update to which Planning
Manager Hill explained the projected timeline.
Vice Chair Bluth inquired about the suspension on Mills Act contracts.
Planning Manager Hill let the Commission know the City is hoping to have a more technical,
robust analysis into fiscal impacts to determine future actions. A final decision was not yet made
and a better investigation is necessary to understand the program’s functionality in regards to
it’s intended purpose.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Levi Hill Chair
Planning Manager Planning Commission
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tuesday November 14, 2023
4
Agenda
Planning Commission
Meeting Agenda Commissioners
Mike Dawson, Chair
Planning Commission Meeting Robert Bluth, Vice Chair
Mike Brassfield
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Daniel Fletcher
Sandra Freeman
4:00 PM Terry Latasa
Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St. 7:00 PM Peter Silva
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). Note: Access to
streaming through Comcast Channel 25 may not be available due to ongoing technical
difficulties. If unable to view, please utilize the Youtube link above for streaming.
PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES AND TIME LIMITS:
The total amount of time allocated for public comment on a particular issue and for each
individual speaker is generally as follows:
1. Up to three minutes per speaker.
2. For regular Planning Commission meetings, there are two 15-minute public comment
periods, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Speakers may only comment during
one session.
3. The total time allocated for public comment:
a. Items pulled from the consent agenda – 15 minutes each item
b. Public Appearance items – 30 minutes each item
c. Public Hearing items – 30 minutes each item
At the time an item is considered, the Chair will ask those attending the meeting in person to
line up at the podium or raise their hands, and for remote participants to use *9 on the telephone
or the “raise hand” function in Zoom, if they wish to address the Planning Commission. The
maximum amount of time for each person to speak and the total amount of time allotted for
each item will be determined based on the number of people indicating an interest in speaking
and the amount of business to be conducted on the agenda. In exceptional circumstances and
when necessary to ensure a full opportunity for public input, the Chair may, with the Planning
Commission’s consent, adjust the amount of time allowed for public input and/or the time
allotted for each speaker.
FIELD TRIP
The Planning Commission will not conduct a field trip to review the November 14, 2023 PC
meeting agenda. For more information, call (831) 646-3885. Date Posted: November 10,
2023
***Afternoon Session Agenda Only***
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
1. Meeting Procedures
CONSENT ITEMS
All matters listed under Consent Agenda are routine and will be adopted by one motion
unless a member of the Planning Commission or the public requests discussion or a separate
vote.
Approval of Minutes
2. October 24, 2023 (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and
Under General Rule Article 19, Section 15061)
***End of Consent Agenda***
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public may speak to any item that is not on the agenda and that is in the City of
Monterey’s subject matter jurisdiction.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearings are held to receive a staff presentation and public comment on certain items
prior to Planning Commission action. NOTICE CONCERNING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS: If you
challenge the Planning Commission’s zoning, planning, or land use decision in court, you may
be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing on the
matter, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at the time of or prior to the public
hearing. (Government Code section 65009.)
3. Consider 95 Prescott Avenue; Application AP-23-0199 Appealing
Architectural Review Committee Resolution A23-031 Approving Sign Permit
SI-23-0173 for Two Wall Signs, One Projecting Sign, and One Hanging Sign;
Appellant Marco Ospina; Property Owner The Cannery Row Company, L.P.;
C-2 Zoning District (Community Commercial District); Commercial General
Plan Designation; Exempt from CEQA Requirements per Article 19, Section
15311, Class 11
4. Consider 350 Calle Principal; Use Permit Amendment PA-23-0221 to Amend
Conditions of Approval to the previously approved Use Permit (UP-23-0180)
Allowing Modifications to an Existing GTE Mobilnet California Limited
Partnership dba Verizon Wireless Communications Facility Section 6409(a)
Eligible Facilities Request on an Existing Hotel Building; Applicant Eric Lentz
on Behalf of Verizon; Owner: San Carlos Associates LLC; VAF Zoning
District; Commercial General Plan Land Use Designation; Exempt from CEQA
Planning Commission
11/14/2023 4:00:00 PM
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per Article 19, Section 15303, Class 3
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Commissioners may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, or make a
brief report on their activities. In addition, a Commissioner or the Planning Commission may
provide a referral to staff or other resources for factual information. (Government Code
section 54954.2(a)(3).)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Staff may make announcements and may request clarification or direction regarding the
scheduling of meetings and study sessions.
5. Planning Office Update
ADJOURNMENT
Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on these matters within 72 hours prior to the
meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, are available at: monterey.org/submitted-comments
and in the Planning Office at 570 Pacific St., Monterey, CA 93940 during regular business hours.
Information distributed to the Planning Commission at the Planning Commission meeting becomes part
of the public record.
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.
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
INTERPRETATION: The Planning Commission invites and encourages public participation at its
meetings. Requests for language interpretation may be made by contacting the City Clerk at
cityclerk@monterey.org or 831-646-3935. The City Clerk will make every effort to accommodate
requests for interpreter assistance. Requests should be made as soon as possible in advance of any
meeting of the Planning Commission. The City is committed to addressing language interpretation
requests swiftly in order to maximize public participation.
ACCESSIBILITY: 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 cityclerk@monterey.org or (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.
Upcoming city meetings are listed at http://isearchmonterey.org
More information is available by calling (831) 646-3885
Planning Commission
11/14/2023 4:00:00 PM
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