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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1982-02-03 . MINUTES OF THE SEAL BEACH PLAN~ING COMMISSION OF FEBRUARY 3, 1982 THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF SEAL BEACH MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1982, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN COVINGTON AT 7:35 P.M. AND THE PLEDGE TO THE FLAG WAS LED BY COMMISSIONER GILKERSON PRESENT: Commissioners Jessner, Gilkerson, Leibert, Goldenberg and Chairman Covington STAFF: Director Danielson, Associate Planner Antos . The minutes of the January 20, 1982 meeting were unanimously approved. Chairman Covington stated that the minutes of the past few meetings had been very complete and had improved. 1. Public Hearings A. CP-7-81 (Walt's Wharf) - General Liquor License) Discussion item (a) was in regard to a general liquor license for Walt's Wharf (co~ditiona1 use permit 7-81) which would permit that restaurant to change from on-sale beer and wine to a general liquor license. Staff report was given by Mr. Antos, who indicated to Commission to note objection registered in writing by Ross and Pryde Mcquire of 134 A Main Street. He also indicated that in the City Manager's response to comments on the subject, the councilman from district #1 did object to the conditional use permit granting due to the lack of, parking for Walt's Wharf. In reply to Chairman Covington's question in regard to parking, Mr. Antos indicated that 60 spaces were required for the 6,000 sq. ft. restaurant; i.e., 1 parking space per every 100 sq. ft. of restaurant space was required by code. He also indicated that 5 parking spaces could be provided on-site, which would leave a shortfall of 55 spaces. Chairman Covington asked how the parking spaces compares with other restaurants with similar liquor licenses. Staff indicated that while not knowing the actual count of spaces, it would appear that the Rum- Runner's Restaurant & G1ide'er Ennapproach the appropriate number. Commissioner Jessner asked if there was any problem with the Alcohol Beverage Control due to the Grace Brethern Church being within a 300 foot perimeter of the restaurant. Staff indicated that unless there was a formal protest to the Alcohol Beverage Control and if City approves the CUP, the Alcohol Beverage Control would also most likely grant the license. . Commissioner ,Leibert indicated this is a good time to consider in-lieu parking fees or possible renting parking spaces from the City with monies going toward providing a public garage in Old Town. . Planning Commission Minutes 2/3/82 Page 2 Commissioner Jessner asked if Walt's Wharf should have been operating with 60 parking spaces presently, according to code. Staff indicated that the restaurant has been operating with limited parking for at least 15 years, but whenever any change or modification comes before the Planning Commission, code should be enforced. Public Hearing Opened. Philip J. La Casto, Rossmoor, owner of Walt's Wharf, spoke on behalf of obtaining a liquor license. He indicated that the restaurant has been operating with the existing parking spaces since 1975. The restaurant is not in any way changing the premises inside or outside, it is only applying for a conditional use permit for the serving of liquor. He stated that although parking has always been a problem, the serving of liquor is not anticipated to be of any more of a problem than it has in the past. In the past two 'to three years, 20-25% of Walt's Wharf's clientele has diminished due to economic conditions and because of a major influx of new restaurants in the outlying areas. It is hoped, with the addition of serving of liquor, to regain the loss of clientele for the restaurant. . Mr. La Casto indicated that he could provide a total of 11 to 12 parking spaces off-street due to the leasing of an office space adjacent to the restaurant which would have parking both on~street and in the alley. He has obtained verbal permission from the manager of the Bank of American for the use of his parking lot for overflow from the restaurant. Chairman Covington questioned whether there would be any change in operating hours. Mr. La Casto indicated the hours would essentially be the same, and that he would not object to a condition being placed on the CUP stating approximate hours of operation. He ,also stated that he had reviewed the conditions on the CUP and was in full agreement with them. Victor Grgas, 216 15th Street, spoke in support of granting the CUP for Walt's Wharf. It is his opinion that the City needs to accrue revenues whenever possible if it is to remain solvent in the long run. He felt Walt's Wharf has done a lot to put Seal Beach on the map and will continue to do so and strongly supports the granting of the CUP. Ken Croft, 1005 Crestview, spoke about the failing businesses in Old Town. He felt the City should support Walt's Wharf'in seeking permission to serve liquor as it would pull more people into the Old Town business area and would not be detrimental to the area. . Opponents were then asked to speak. Mitch Grayson, 140 Coastline Drive, felt that while it is necessary to revitalize Old Town area, the serving of liquor at Walt's Wharf would not generally improve that area as those other businesses would be closed during the restaurant's operating hours. He indicated that the type of clientele drawn by liquor would not be beneficial to the City, stating that half of the fatalities on the highway were due to drunk driving. He mentioned that the Seafood Broiler opted not to serve hard liquor and their business is doing fine. He also mentioned the shortfall of parking spaces. . Planning Commission Minutes 2/3/82 Page 3 Paul Chafe, 1700 Coral Place, spoke as a representative of Grace Brethern Church. He stated that the church is not anti-business, but o~ general principles, the church was opposed to serving of liquor. He also felt that because of expanded waiting periods to allow for cocktails, there would be more crowds outside the restaurant. The majority of summer youth programs which happen during the summer, take place outside on the church grounds. The church felt that the church is in too close proximity to the customers of Walt's Wharf; they will be waiting around the church area, crossing the grassy areas if they use the City parking lot, and the church is more concerned about the problems these people will cause. He stated that the church did not contest the 1975 expansion, but that if Walt's Wharf were asking for the same type of expansion today, they would probably contest it. He had been in contact with the Alcohol Beverage Control and registered a formal protest, after the deadline for filing had passed. The church felt that a precedent would be started by allowing the serving of liquor in Walt's Wharf, that other eating establishments in close proximity to the church and to residents, would feel the need to acquire the same type of permit. Chairman Covington asked if Mr. Chafe were speaking as a member of the church or as'a representative. Mr. Chafe stated that he was speaking as an official representative of the church. . Another objection was raised by Mr. Chafe to the serving of wine and beer to customers waiting outside the restaurant. Commissioner Goldenberg stated that should other liquor licenses in Old Town come up before the Planning Commission for renewal, the church might like to comment before the Planning Commission regarding those permits. Chairman Covington allowed Mr. La Casto rebuttal time. Mr. La Casto stated that Walt's Wharf catered to a family-type crowd, did not have entertainment, and would not keep late hours, and would not serve beer and wine to those customers waiting in front of the restaurant. He also said that since business had dropped off during the past two years, the main purpose was to try and retrieve some of that business and he did not anticipate large crows waiting outside the restaurant. He certainly did not want to jeopardize his license by serving to waiting customers outside the restaurant. Public Hearing C1psed. . Commissioner Jessner asked if it would be possible to add a condition with regard to not allowing any drinking outside with the stipulation that should it happen, the CUP may be revoked. Chairman Covington stated that if the Commission decided to approve the CUP, ,this certainly should be included. He asked if there was any report from the Police Department regarding th)s application. Staff indicated that the Police Department had no comments on this request. Chairman Covington asked that comments or no comments be received in writing from those departments of the City which have some bearing on the applications coming before the Planning Commission. . Planning Commission Minutes 2/3/82 Page 4 Staff replied to questions by Chairman Covington, that the Planning Commission can call a public hearing within 10 days notice and bring any matter back to them to determine whether to revoke a CUP or not if any condition_is not being adhered to. Commissioner Go1de~berg questioned whether the wording in Exhibit A, item #5, should read "to provide additional parking to the satisfaction of the staff" because the applicant could not meet code. Staff replied that it is necessary for the applicant to meet the code regarding parking spaces. Commissioners held a discussion as to the'prob1ems of parking availability throughout the City, and the fact that the applicant has received only a verbal agreement from the manager of the Bank of America to allow for use of their parking lot. Chairman Covington's recommendation was to hold off making a decision on the application due to the unresolved parking situation and that the app1 icant work with staff & City Administration to come up with a parking plan before coming back to Commission on February 17, 1982. . Commissioner Gilkerson moved to continue 'the hearing until February 17 to allow the applicant to work with staff and City Administration regarding a parking plan. Commissioner Leibert seconded motion and motion passed unanimously. ' B. Tentative Parcel Map #82-1001 (Ponderosa Homes)-He11man Specific Plan area Staff report given by Mr. Antos. Chairman Covington asked that the map regarding subject be shown to audience. He read a portion of the letter from Orange County Sanitation Districts regarding need to annex a portion of the area to the Sanitation District in order to receive sewer service. Staff explained the particular areas in question on the map regarding easements. Public Hearing Opened. Duck Munsell, Ponderosa Homes, 2082 Business Center Drive, Irvine, spoke regarding the parcel map. He indicated that Ponderosa has reviewed the conditions and were in concurrence with those conditions. Commissioner Goldenberg asked about building requirements on earthquake faults. Mr. Munsell stated that soil treatment would be applied to those areas of the fault zones where required, but that no particular building construction requirements would be made other than treatment of pads on those particular areas. . Commissioner Jessner stated that the purpose of the map is to define the two proposed park areas and the street area for dedication to the City. Mr. Munsell stated that was correct. This map allows them to separate the park space from their development and allows them to separate the land from that which they will not be purchasing. Commissioner Jessner then stated that this is just another step in the requirement of tract maps. .. Planning Commission Minutes 2/3/82 Page 5 Ken Croft, 1005 Crestview, asked whether Gum Grove park has been signi- ficantly enlarged or lessened. Staff replied that perimeters of Gum Grove Park were essentially the same, approximately 11 acres. Mr. Croft asked if the City would be responsible for the erosion problems which had occurr~d'tnthe past in the Gum Grove Park area. Staff indicated that once Gum Grove Park is dedicated, it is the City's responsibility to maintain. Chairman Covington asked Mr. Munsell regarding the status of the project. Mr. Munsell stated that ground breaking should begin in 1983. Public Hearing Closed. Commissioner Gilkerson moved to approve Resolution No. 1251 and Commissioner Jessner seconded. Motion unanimously approved. C. ZTA-1-82 - Zoning Text Amendment regarding vacant land parcels. Staff report given by Mr. Antos. Public Hearing Opened. No one spoke in favor, nor against the item. . Public Hearing Closed. Commissioner Gilkerson moved to adopt Resolution No. 1252, Commissioner Liebert seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. . 2. Report from Secretary Director Danielson spoke of coming budget deficiencies and enclosed a memo from the City Manager regarding need for creative thinking in cutting down costs. Chairman Covington stated that one possibility in cutting costs was cutting the $10 per member per meeting fee for the Commissioners. He suggested that since the fee was established, costs had escalated and that possibly the fee could be raised to $50 per member per meeting and that the Commissioners could then donate that fee back to the City. The City would save that expense and the members of the Commission would be allowed a tax deduction. All members concurred with th~ idea as presented. The Director indicated that a handbook for the commissioners was included in their folders. The handbook was from the League of California Cites and would give handy hints on conduct of commission hearings to them. The Director stated that staff was in the process of ~omp1eting a Planning Commission handbook for the City's Commissions,. Comme-rits'from other departments on its content were being solicited and it should be ready for them by the next Planning Commission meeting. Report on City Council action included the City Council approval of the BCL contract for revising the City's Housing Element, and that the $10,000 fee would be reimbursed by the State. . Planning Commission Minutes 2/3/82 Page 6 The new lessee of the Sunflower Restaurant would be leasing 30 parking spaces from the Main Street lot at $25/space per year. Chairman Covington asked that the fee for leasing parking spaces be studied, as costs ,might have risen since original fee was imposed. Staff replied to comment by Commissioner Jessner that a study may be made by Ca1 State Long ,Beach regarding parking situation in Seal Beach at no cost to the City. Comments were made by the commissioners regarding parking districts within the City. CommissionerLeibettsuggested in-lieu fees for parking if no spaces could be found. Meeting adjourned at 10:15. p.m., :\'-> /t:.".' Recording . -.