City of San Juan Bautista
April 4, 2006
Members Present: Rick Edge; Erika Spencer; and Michael Ostrowski.
Members Absent: Reuben Garza (excused), and Javier Mendez.
Staff Present: Jan McClintock, City Manager; Matthew Sundt, City Planner; Trish Paetz, Deputy City Clerk.
No public comment received.
C. Approval of Minutes of March 7, 2006
A motion was made by Commissioner Ostrowski and seconded by Commissioner Spencer to approve the Affidavit of Posting of the Public Hearing Notice and the Affidavit of Posting for the March 7, 2006 Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed 3-0-0-2.
Chairman Edge pointed out that since only two of the commissioners present tonight were also present at the March 7, 2006 meeting, it would be best to continue approval of minutes to next month.
A motion was made by Chairman Edge and seconded by Commissioner Ostrowski to continue the minutes of the March 7, 2006 meeting to the next meeting. The motion passed 3-0-0-2.
City Planner Sundt presented a staff report stating that the draft zoning ordinance provided to the commission provides a comprehensive update of the current Title 11. The update provides new formatting, organization and content that is both reader and user friendly. Ultimately, Title 11 will be transferred to the City’s website and will be widely available and will save City staff considerable time by limiting copying and explanations.
Sundt then introduced Elizabeth Caraker. Caraker commented that this is the first reading of the second half of the draft Zoning Code and deals with zoning districts, signage and the Historic Resources Preservation ordinance. The update included changes to the Historic Resources Preservation ordinance that removed some of the HRB’s powers, specifically, relating to demolitions.
There was general discussion among staff and the commission.
City Manager McClintock stated that, in light of budget constraints, the City Council had instructed her to reduce the amount of staff assistance given to the HRB.
During public comment HRB board member Ted Thoeny stated the HRB has spent hundreds of hours assisting in the historic survey.
HRB board member Becky McGovern reminded Commissioners that the City’s revenues come from tourism; and stated the HRB is the most important part of City government.
HRB board member Susan Brady stated she was concerned with destroying history for a current-day budget issue.
Georgeanne Gularte stated she did not understand why the City Council did not voice their concerns with the HRB before, and asked if the progress the HRB had made in the past eight years was for nothing.
Former planning commissioner Tony Boch apologized for the comments made during public comment and stated that the Planning Commission is important, and staff needs to be concerned with the budget.
Chairman Edge asked for an explanation of the relationship between the City budget and changes to the demolition section of the HRB ordinance. City Planner Sundt explained the amount of his staff time spent to move a demolition through the city process.
Chairman Edge suggested that more information could be posted on the website to assist individuals in getting accurate information and forms. City Manager McClintock agreed that a flow chart and guidelines could be posted.
Cara Vonk suggested that the HRB’s informal review process be put on the website.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ostrowski and seconded by Chairman Edge to continue this item for discussion next month. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Ostrowski voiced his appreciation to Elizabeth Caraker and Chairman Edge for the amount of time they have spent over the past years supporting the City and community.
5.
Comments
No comments were made.
City Manager McClintock announced that there is a vacancy on the HRB.
No comments were received from City Planner Sundt.
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. passed unanimously.