MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF WEST COVINA
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF WEST COVINA
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the West Covina City Council Chambers, 1444 West Garvey Avenue, West Covina, California.
MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER/MEDITATION
The Commission observed a moment of silent prayer and meditation.
The Commission observed a moment of silent prayer and meditation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Attorney Baron Bettanhausen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Assistant City Attorney Baron Bettanhausen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Heng, Becerra, Gutierrez, Williams, Lewis
- Staff Present:
- Bettanhausen, Burns, Rivera
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.
Regular meeting, October 24, 2023
Special meeting, November 1, 2023
Special meeting, November 1, 2023
Chairman Gutierrez requested that the minutes be amended to reflect that Ms. Morales' title is Acting City Manager instead of Assistant City Manager.
The minutes were adopted as amended.
The minutes were adopted as amended.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This is the time when any member of the public may speak to the Commission on any matter within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission relating to non-agendized or consent calendar items. Other matters included on this agenda may be addressed when that item is under consideration. For all oral communications, the chairperson may impose reasonable limitations on public comments to assure an orderly and timely meeting. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to public comments at this meeting. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.
By policy of the Commission, Oral Communications at this time on the agenda is limited to a total of 15 minutes.
Rogelio Esquer spoke regarding traffic-calming measures near Amar Road and Westport, upgrading and adding bus shelters in that area. Commissioner Lewis commented on the request and said he would mention the suggestion to the Council member who appointed him to the Planning Commission..
This is the time when any member of the public may speak to the Commission on any matter within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission relating to non-agendized or consent calendar items. Other matters included on this agenda may be addressed when that item is under consideration. For all oral communications, the chairperson may impose reasonable limitations on public comments to assure an orderly and timely meeting. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to public comments at this meeting. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.
By policy of the Commission, Oral Communications at this time on the agenda is limited to a total of 15 minutes.
Rogelio Esquer spoke regarding traffic-calming measures near Amar Road and Westport, upgrading and adding bus shelters in that area. Commissioner Lewis commented on the request and said he would mention the suggestion to the Council member who appointed him to the Planning Commission..
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 23-08
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: Angelberto Medina Jr.
LOCATION: 331 N Azusa Avenue
REQUEST: The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to allow the use of a game arcade, Jumpers Jungle, to be in a "Service Commercial" (S-C) zone.
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: Angelberto Medina Jr.
LOCATION: 331 N Azusa Avenue
REQUEST: The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to allow the use of a game arcade, Jumpers Jungle, to be in a "Service Commercial" (S-C) zone.
Assistant Planner Jerry Rivera presented the staff report and recommended approval of the application.
PROPONENTS:
Alejandra Vargas, and applicant Angelberto Medina spoke in favor of the request and answered questions from the Commission.
OPPONENTS:
There was no testimony in opposition.
Chairman Gutierrez closed the public hearing and opened Commission discussion.
Motion by Lewis, seconded by Becerra, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 23-6139, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 23-08, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 23-08. Motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Gutierrez thanked the applicants and said this action will become final after ten days if not appealed to the City Council.
PROPONENTS:
Alejandra Vargas, and applicant Angelberto Medina spoke in favor of the request and answered questions from the Commission.
OPPONENTS:
There was no testimony in opposition.
Chairman Gutierrez closed the public hearing and opened Commission discussion.
Motion by Lewis, seconded by Becerra, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 23-6139, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 23-08, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 23-08. Motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Gutierrez thanked the applicants and said this action will become final after ten days if not appealed to the City Council.
3.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 23-07
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: Louis Velasquez
LOCATION: 410 N. Azusa Avenue
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: Louis Velasquez
LOCATION: 410 N. Azusa Avenue
REQUEST: The applicant is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Baseball and Softball performance training facility to be in a "Neighborhood Commercial" (N-C) zone.
Assistant Planner Jerry Rivera presented the staff report.
Chairman Gutierrez opened the public hearing.
PROPONENT:
Louis Velasquez spoke in favor of the application and answered questions from the Commission.
Kim Sutliff was not opposed to the use but expressed her concern about possible noise generated by the use and noise generated by contractors making modifications to the building.
OPPONENT:
No one spoke in opposition to this project.
Chairman Gutierrez closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Lewis requested that the applicant address Ms. Sutliff's concerns.
Chairman Gutierrez reopened the public hearing and asked Mr. Velasquez to address Ms. Sutliff's concerns. There was a discussion by the Commission. The applicant stated he would not use the alley and added that there would be no construction noise since he would not be making any modifications to the building.
There was a discussion by the Commission regarding ways to minimize the noise concerns mentioned by Ms. Sutliff. The applicant agreed to minimize noise from his facility and be considerate of the neighbors.
Chairman Gutierrez closed the public hearing.
Motion by Gutierrez, second by Becerra, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 23-6140, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 23-07. Motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Gutierrez stated this approval is final unless appealed to the West Covina City Council within ten days.
Assistant Planner Jerry Rivera presented the staff report.
Chairman Gutierrez opened the public hearing.
PROPONENT:
Louis Velasquez spoke in favor of the application and answered questions from the Commission.
Kim Sutliff was not opposed to the use but expressed her concern about possible noise generated by the use and noise generated by contractors making modifications to the building.
OPPONENT:
No one spoke in opposition to this project.
Chairman Gutierrez closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Lewis requested that the applicant address Ms. Sutliff's concerns.
Chairman Gutierrez reopened the public hearing and asked Mr. Velasquez to address Ms. Sutliff's concerns. There was a discussion by the Commission. The applicant stated he would not use the alley and added that there would be no construction noise since he would not be making any modifications to the building.
There was a discussion by the Commission regarding ways to minimize the noise concerns mentioned by Ms. Sutliff. The applicant agreed to minimize noise from his facility and be considerate of the neighbors.
Chairman Gutierrez closed the public hearing.
Motion by Gutierrez, second by Becerra, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 23-6140, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 23-07. Motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Gutierrez stated this approval is final unless appealed to the West Covina City Council within ten days.
NON-HEARING ITEMS - None
TEN-DAY APPEAL PERIOD: Actions taken by the Planning Commission that are not recommendations to the City Council will become final after ten (10) calendar days unless a written appeal with the appropriate fee is lodged with the City Clerk's Office before close of business on the tenth day.
COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
This is the time when any member of the Commission may bring a matter to the attention of the full Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. Any item that was considered during the Agenda is not appropriate for discussion in this section of the agenda. NO COMMISSION DISCUSSION OR ACTION CAN BE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME. If the Commission desires to discuss an issue raised by a speaker or take an action, the Commission may vote to agendize the matter for a future meeting.
Chairman Gutierrez spoke regarding the City of West Covina Toy Give Away, assisted by West Covina Police Department and West Covina Fire Department and presented a plaque from the Governor's office commending the City's efforts to the City of West Covina.
This is the time when any member of the Commission may bring a matter to the attention of the full Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. Any item that was considered during the Agenda is not appropriate for discussion in this section of the agenda. NO COMMISSION DISCUSSION OR ACTION CAN BE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME. If the Commission desires to discuss an issue raised by a speaker or take an action, the Commission may vote to agendize the matter for a future meeting.
Chairman Gutierrez spoke regarding the City of West Covina Toy Give Away, assisted by West Covina Police Department and West Covina Fire Department and presented a plaque from the Governor's office commending the City's efforts to the City of West Covina.
4.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Planning Manager Jo-Anne Burns - Christmas Parade and Christmas event.
The League of California Cities Planning Commissioner's Academy will be held March 6 - 8, 2024 in Long Beach.
Planning Manager Jo-Anne Burns - Christmas Parade and Christmas event.
The League of California Cities Planning Commissioner's Academy will be held March 6 - 8, 2024 in Long Beach.
5.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions, which are in the Commission’s area of interest
There were no City Council actions reported.
This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions, which are in the Commission’s area of interest
There were no City Council actions reported.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Gutierrez adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. in memory of the victims of a car accident, Malerie Santos and Adrian Fuentes on Amar Road that took place two weeks ago.
Respectfully submitted:
Lydia de Zara
Senior Administrative Assistant
Respectfully submitted:
Lydia de Zara
Senior Administrative Assistant