PC 02/24/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

staffreport, staff has received an additional communication from Mr. John Carmen who is in favor of the proposed modifications. In conclusion, Mr. Iserson stated that staffs recommendation is to adopt a resolution denying the applicants' request to eliminate the trellis from the patio areas; deny the applicants' request to modify window treatments; and, approve the applicants' request to modify the location of the lower patio fence subject to the conditions listed in Exhibit "B". Discussion ensued relating to the trim used on window frames and whether the Commission can examine other issues relating to the application other than the requested modifications. Commissioner Cooper disclosed he met with the applicant and viewed the site. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Ed Churka, 507 St. John Street, the applicant, provided a handout for the Commissioner's review. He provided background information relating to the project and the previous approval of the project by the City Council. He noted that he would like to modify the brick planter due to his opinion that it will be used for debris and skateboarding and requested that the fence be moved to the sidewalk; that the trellis be eliminated; and, incorporation of a large oak tree to provide customers with shade and to reduce noise. Diane Churka, 507 St. John Street, the applicant, noted that the City Council only addressed issues relating to parking; therefore, the applicant assumed the design package without the trellis was approved. She commented on the specialness of the downtown area and the history of the area. She expressed concern with the City's guidelines affecting the individuality of buildings. She stated she is an animal lover and that the oak tree would provide a food source to animals. She expressed concern with the brick edging becoming broken through the years due to use of sidewalk and requested that it be kept level with the sidewalk. She would agree to put brick on the opposite side of the planter. She noted that the dirt level of planter could be lowered to prevent dirt from being strewn on sidewalk. She noted that none of the applicants' requests are prohibited in the Downtown Specific Plan guidelines, and she requested that the Commission consider approval of the application. Discussion ensued between the Commissioners and applicants relating to the roses to be planted around the fence, relocating the fence to the sidewalk, the fence prohibiting dog entry into landscaping, the third story of the building being limited to storage, the visual impacts that the oak tree will provide, the visual impacts of the parking lot and the ice shed being mitigated, and no gate being desired from the property to Main Street due to safety concerns relating to children exiting the gate. Jackie Barnett, 4510 Entrada Court, commented on the visual effects of not having a trellis and stated that the applicant planned on utilizing colorful umbrellas. Further, she expressed concern with safety issues for children in the business due to installation of the gate. Linda Adams, 159 Ray Street, expressed opposition to a gate being installed at the business due to the safety issues related to children wandering out the gate. Further, she stated that a gate would be a liability for the business. She commented on the attractiveness of the windows that the applicant is proposing and noted that wooden frames need to be painted every year due to effects of weather. She PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 February 24, 1999