HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Planning Commission - Meeting Date: 12/7/2017 (3) 0
WORKSHOP MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
GLENDALE CITY HALL
CONFERENCE ROOM 2-A
5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7,2017
4:45PM
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at approximately 4:51pm.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Harper, Lenox, Gallegos, Moreno, Vice Chair Hirsch
and Chairperson Dobbelaere were present.
Commissioner Absent: Commissioner Crow was absent and excused.
City Staff Present: Tabitha Perry, Assistant Planning Director, Jim Cronk, Interim Planning
Director, James Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, and Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary.
WORKSHOP ITEMS:
1. Glendale Boards and Commissions Video
Staff presented a video to the Planning Commission on the different Glendale Boards and
Commissions available and how people can and are serving their community. The video also
encouraged citizens to get involved in shaping their community and join to serve on a Board or
Commission.
2. Staff Update
Tabitha Perry,Assistant Planning Director,provided the update. She stated that City Council was
changing their start time of the workshops and public hearings. Since the Commissions tries to
mimic the Council, she would like them to consider starting the Planning Commission meetings
at 5:00 p.m. She added that if a workshop is needed, it could be held on the third Thursday of the
month and leave the public hearing for the first Thursday.
Vice Chair Hirsch wondered as to the change. Ms. Perry was not sure. She noted that the Planning
Commission does not necessarily have to change since there are pros and cons, however, they
would like to stay similar to what the Council is doing. She asked them to consider this change.
3. Planning Applications
Tabitha Perry, Assistant Planning Director, stated this was a follow-up to a previous conversation
regarding Commissioners' concerns. She would like to open the forum for them to express some
of the concerns or comments the Commissioners may have regarding the process or applications
set forth by the city. She asked for their suggestions so staff can look into it, research it, and
possibly make adjustment to the process. However, if it is something that they are not pleased
about, staff will be able to share those comments up the chain of command where appropriate.
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Vice Chair Hirsch stated that specific to a conversation had at that meeting, they focused on the
ability of a single Council member being able to appeal and stop a project. The Commissioners
were not able to understand the fairness of that since they had all followed the process and had
taken time and energy to follow the correct process. Commissioner Harper agreed. Vice Chair
Hirsch hopes the Council reconsider the appeal method. He believes there was too much power
for one person. They should let the applicant see it through without halting the process.
Commissioner Harper said he would like it to be heard before the entire Council and let the seven
members decide. He added that regarding that last case in question, he believes the applicant did
not get a fair break because of a Council member being opposed to that project.
Jim Gruber, Chief,Deputy City Attorney, said the suggestions from the Commission are to
reevaluate whether it was fair for only one Council member appeal and to possibly modernize
some of the definitions for planning and zoning ordinance.
Commissioner Gallegos stated he agreed with most of the comments, but cautions changing the
wording in the ordinance. He stated they should first bring these issues up to City Council and
have them evaluate their concerns of having one Council member deciding to appeal. The Council
can have a workshop on the subject. However, they are the Council and they can vote as they
choose.
Ms. Perry noted that the zoning ordinance might need a second look with all the current changes
and is in need of an overhaul. She suggested they can have a workshop to review some material
and eventually go before the Council for a recommendation and possibly meet in the middle with
an agreement.
Ms. Perry stated there were two ways to add this subject on the Council's agenda. She said one
was Council items of special interest or if the Planning Commission leads the charge while
bringing in the overhaul recommendations while discussing the Council's appeal process.
The consensus from the Commission was for the Planning Commission to make recommendations
to City Council while conducting the zoning ordinance overhaul.
Ms. Perry asked if the Commissioners would like to see anything done differently for the Planning
Commission.
Commissioner Moreno expressed his appreciation to Ms. Perry and planning staff. He stated they
did a tremendous job and it is good to know they are always a phone call away when
Commissioners need assistance. Everyone agreed.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Chairperson Dobbelaere called for Reports and Comments. There were none.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
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