MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF WEST COVINA
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF WEST COVINA
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
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 Planning Commission observed a moment of silent prayer and meditation.
The Planning Commission observed a moment of silent prayer and meditation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Lewis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Lewis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Heng, Becerra, Castellanos, Lewis
- Staff Present:
- Koo, Burns, Machado, Ramirez
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None
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.
JD commented on the Brown Act.
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.
JD commented on the Brown Act.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and can be acted on by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Planning Commission request specific items to be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion or action.
None
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and can be acted on by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Planning Commission request specific items to be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion or action.
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT NO. 24-44
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: Wine Selections
LOCATION: 4141 S Nogales Street Unit #C103
REQUEST: The applicant is requesting an Administrative Permit (AP) to allow the sale of wine for off-site consumption within an existing 1,031 square foot tenant space, located in the "Service Commercial Mixed-Used" (SMU) Zone.
Planning Intern Melina Ramirez presented the staff report. During the presentation Ms. Ramirez said that after notification of the proposed use, staff received a request for a public hearing. She then explained how the sales of wine will be monitored. Staff recommended approval.
Chair Heng opened the public hearing.
PROPONENTS:
A representative from Wine Selections said she was present.
OPPONENTS:
No one spoke in opposition to the projecct.
Chair Heng closed the public hearing.
Motion by Lewis, seconded by Castellanos, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 25-6166, approving Administrative Permit No. 24-44. Motion carried 4-0. Chair Heng stated that this decision is final unless appealed in writing to the City Council within ten days.
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: Wine Selections
LOCATION: 4141 S Nogales Street Unit #C103
REQUEST: The applicant is requesting an Administrative Permit (AP) to allow the sale of wine for off-site consumption within an existing 1,031 square foot tenant space, located in the "Service Commercial Mixed-Used" (SMU) Zone.
Planning Intern Melina Ramirez presented the staff report. During the presentation Ms. Ramirez said that after notification of the proposed use, staff received a request for a public hearing. She then explained how the sales of wine will be monitored. Staff recommended approval.
Chair Heng opened the public hearing.
PROPONENTS:
A representative from Wine Selections said she was present.
OPPONENTS:
No one spoke in opposition to the projecct.
Chair Heng closed the public hearing.
Motion by Lewis, seconded by Castellanos, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 25-6166, approving Administrative Permit No. 24-44. Motion carried 4-0. Chair Heng stated that this decision is final unless appealed in writing to the City Council within ten days.
NON-HEARING ITEMS
2.
BROWN ACT STUDY SESSION
Deputy City Attorney Rosemary Koo presented the staff report. During her presentation she explained who is subject to the Brown Act, what constitutes a "meeting", what a quorum is, what could be considered a meeting, communications that could be considered a "serial meeting" and advised how to avoid "serial meetings". In addition she spoke about public notification requirements for "meetings", the public's right to attend and participate in public meetings without requiring them to provide identification. She added that if a speaker requests information or further notification, staff may request their contact information. Further she spoke about timed public comment and the public's right to comment on matters on the agenda. Ms. Koo also commented on telephone comments, accommodations for handicapped participants, and accessibility, timed public comments for translation. In addition, Ms Koo told the Commission that they should use official City emails, city-owned devices, if provided, and that they are required to turn over any document on personal accounts/devices when requested. She also advised the commissioners to disclose conflicts of interest immediately and prior to a public discussion. Further, she explained the difference between "official" accounts and "private" accounts and that use of emojis, responding to another official's comments or sharing other official's emails could constitute a violation of the Brown Act. She recommended referring members of the public to the official city website if they have questions about a post on social media. She also told the Commission about the posting of meetings, public hearings and providing enough information regarding matters to be discussed. The Commission was also told about emergency meetings, closed sessions with specific notification requirements. She also said there are specific rules for attendance at a meeting from a remote location,in an emergency, or with "just cause." She also discussed specific rules for remote meetings and participation in remote meetings. The public must be allowed to participate in "real time". Also, agenda posting and notification must be done in sufficient time for the meeting. Disruptions are specifically defined in the Brown Act, as is how to remove a person from the meeting. Consequences of Brown Act violations could include criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, nullification of the action taken, and intensive negative media attention.
Ms. Koo also invited any of the Commissioners to contact them if they need advice or have questions regarding the Brown Act. There was a discussion by the Commission regarding what could constitute a Brown Act violation, dealing with profanity, what constitutes physical threats, and timing for cutting off or limiting public comment. There was also a discussion regarding members of a legislative body being at a social function together. Deputy City Attorney Koo cautioned them they to be sure they do not discuss any city business.
Deputy City Attorney Rosemary Koo presented the staff report. During her presentation she explained who is subject to the Brown Act, what constitutes a "meeting", what a quorum is, what could be considered a meeting, communications that could be considered a "serial meeting" and advised how to avoid "serial meetings". In addition she spoke about public notification requirements for "meetings", the public's right to attend and participate in public meetings without requiring them to provide identification. She added that if a speaker requests information or further notification, staff may request their contact information. Further she spoke about timed public comment and the public's right to comment on matters on the agenda. Ms. Koo also commented on telephone comments, accommodations for handicapped participants, and accessibility, timed public comments for translation. In addition, Ms Koo told the Commission that they should use official City emails, city-owned devices, if provided, and that they are required to turn over any document on personal accounts/devices when requested. She also advised the commissioners to disclose conflicts of interest immediately and prior to a public discussion. Further, she explained the difference between "official" accounts and "private" accounts and that use of emojis, responding to another official's comments or sharing other official's emails could constitute a violation of the Brown Act. She recommended referring members of the public to the official city website if they have questions about a post on social media. She also told the Commission about the posting of meetings, public hearings and providing enough information regarding matters to be discussed. The Commission was also told about emergency meetings, closed sessions with specific notification requirements. She also said there are specific rules for attendance at a meeting from a remote location,in an emergency, or with "just cause." She also discussed specific rules for remote meetings and participation in remote meetings. The public must be allowed to participate in "real time". Also, agenda posting and notification must be done in sufficient time for the meeting. Disruptions are specifically defined in the Brown Act, as is how to remove a person from the meeting. Consequences of Brown Act violations could include criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, nullification of the action taken, and intensive negative media attention.
Ms. Koo also invited any of the Commissioners to contact them if they need advice or have questions regarding the Brown Act. There was a discussion by the Commission regarding what could constitute a Brown Act violation, dealing with profanity, what constitutes physical threats, and timing for cutting off or limiting public comment. There was also a discussion regarding members of a legislative body being at a social function together. Deputy City Attorney Koo cautioned them they to be sure they do not discuss any city business.
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.
Chair Heng spoke about attendance at the Planning Commissioner's Academy, March 5 through March 7, 2025 and discussed some items that she learned about.
Commissioner Lewis spoke about the need for a public hearing for an Administrative Permit, which should have been granted over the counter. There was a short discussion by the Commission regarding this matter.
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.
Chair Heng spoke about attendance at the Planning Commissioner's Academy, March 5 through March 7, 2025 and discussed some items that she learned about.
Commissioner Lewis spoke about the need for a public hearing for an Administrative Permit, which should have been granted over the counter. There was a short discussion by the Commission regarding this matter.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Spring Festival on Glendora Avenue, Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Planning Commission meeting, March 25, 2025 will be canceled.
Spring Festival on Glendora Avenue, Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Planning Commission meeting, March 25, 2025 will be canceled.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions, which are in the Commission’s area of interest.
March 4, 2025 the City Council introduced the Development Code Update Ordinance. It is scheduled for second reading on March 18, 2025 at the regular City Council meeting.
March 4, 2025 the City Council introduced the ordinance for Zone Change No.
Public Hearing before the City Council for behavioral hospital will be considered on April 15, 2025.
This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions, which are in the Commission’s area of interest.
March 4, 2025 the City Council introduced the Development Code Update Ordinance. It is scheduled for second reading on March 18, 2025 at the regular City Council meeting.
March 4, 2025 the City Council introduced the ordinance for Zone Change No.
Public Hearing before the City Council for behavioral hospital will be considered on April 15, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Heng adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Lydia de Zara
Senior Administrative Assistant
Respectfully submitted:
Lydia de Zara
Senior Administrative Assistant