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Record of Proceedings

Santa Rosa Planning Commission Meeting - June 24, 2021: Crown Castle Relocation and Spring Lake Village Draft EIR

Planning Commission — Thursday, June 24, 2021
BodySanta Rosa, California
SessionPlanning Commission
DateThursday, June 24, 2021
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:11

All right, commissioners, if you can start to turn on your cameras.

0:15

Chair Weeks' staff is ready when you are.

0:18

Thank you, Mike.

0:24

Okay, so it looks like we're all here.

0:26

So uh with that, I would like to call to order the June 24th, 2021 meeting of the Santa Rosa Planning Commission.

0:35

And before we start, I'd like to read the following statement.

0:39

Due to the provisions of the governor's executive orders, N 25-20 and N 29-20, which has been certain requirements of the Brown Act and the order of the health officer of the County of Sonoma to shelter in place to minimize the spread of COVID 19.

0:56

The planning commissioners will be conducting today's meeting in a virtual setting using Zoom webinar.

1:02

Commissioners and staff are participating from remote locations and are practicing appropriate social distancing.

1:09

Members of the public may view and listen to the meeting as noted on the city's website and as noted on the agenda.

1:16

Members of the public wishing to speak during item four public comment period or during our public hearings today will be able to do so by raising their hand and will be given the ability to address the commission.

1:30

So with that, uh Mr.

1:31

Maloney, would you like to call roll?

1:34

Yes, thank you, Chair.

1:35

We let the record reflect that all commissioners are present except Commissioner Krepke.

1:40

Thank you.

1:43

Item two is study session, which we have none.

1:46

Item three, approval of minutes, which we have none.

1:51

And now on to item four, public comments.

1:54

So with that, I will now open public comment for any item not included in this meeting's agenda.

2:01

If you wish to make a comment via Zoom, please select the raised hand button.

2:06

If you are dialing in via telephone, please dial star nine to raise your hand.

2:11

Each speaker has three minutes.

2:13

A countdown timer will appear for the convenience of the speaker and viewers.

2:18

And please make sure to unmute yourself when you're invited to do so.

2:21

And your microphone will be muted at the end of this countdown.

2:28

Mr.

2:28

Maloney, do we see any of the sure we are raising their hand at this time?

2:35

Okay.

2:36

So we'll wait just a couple of minutes or seconds actually.

2:41

Um see if we do see anybody.

2:45

Doesn't look like it.

2:46

So with that, I will go ahead and close the public comment uh portion of the meeting for items that are not on the agenda.

2:57

UK, so um I want we're going on now to item five, planning commissioner's report.

3:03

And I'd like to read the planning commission statement of purpose.

3:08

And that is as follows.

3:09

The planning commission is charged with carrying out the California planning and zoning laws in the city of Santa Rosa.

3:16

Duties include implementing of plans, ordinances, and policies relating to land use matters, assisting in writing and implementing the general plan and area plans, holding public hearings, and acting on proposed changes to the zoning code, zoning map, general plan, tentative subdivision maps, and undertaking special planning studies as needed.

3:38

And uh with this, I'd like to ask if there are any um uh committee reports from either subdivision or waterways.

3:50

Commissioner Carter.

3:53

Yes, this morning the uh waterways advisory committee met to consider uh design review application for uh 52 units of medium density housing uh known as Stony Point Flats at Stony Point Road and Roseland Creek.

4:10

Uh the committee asked for more complete landscape grading plans and hydrological information, as well as a completed initial study to understand the uh sequel analysis for the project and ask for it to return to the committee.

4:25

I don't believe it will come to the planning commission.

4:29

Thank you, Commissioner Carter.

4:31

Uh Commissioner Calia, did you have a subdivision committee meeting?

4:36

No, we have not had a subdivision committee as of yet.

4:39

Thank you.

4:42

Okay, so with that, uh department reports.

4:44

Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

4:46

I'm skipping.

4:47

Uh do any commissioners have any reports or comments that they would like to make at this time?

4:56

No.

4:56

Okay, believe it or not, I have nothing.

5:00

Um and with that, we'll go on to item six department reports.

5:09

Good afternoon, Chair Weeks and members of the Planning Commission.

5:13

Um, thank you for taking time today to uh to be here to to uh support the work of the city and the community.

5:20

Um Commissioner Carter, thank you especially for the for the time that you've put in today as uh serving uh on the WAC and that uh lengthy meeting that we had this morning, which was great.

5:31

It was it was very helpful.

5:33

Uh we appreciate that.

5:34

I think the um you know, probably the the topic on everyone's mind is um you know the in-person meetings and and what does that look like?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Environmental Protection███████████████████████████████████35%
Procedural███████████████████19%
Telecommunications Infrastructure████████████████16%
Public Engagement█████5%
Planning And Zoning█████5%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Traffic Safety███3%
Public Comment███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Santa Rosa Planning Commission Virtual Meeting - June 24, 2021

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met virtually on June 24, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 6:09 PM, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting included two public hearings: a conditional use permit for a new telecommunications tower and a hearing on the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a senior housing expansion. The commission also received committee reports and a department update. Chair Karen Weeks presided, with Commissioners Julian Peterson (Vice Chair), Charles Carter, Vicki Duggan, Jeffrey Holton, and Akash Kalia present. Commissioner Jeff Okrepkie was absent.

Consent Calendar

  • None.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On the Spring Lake Village Draft EIR (Item 9.2), three members of the public spoke:
    • Dr. Pedro Avila, a resident adjacent to the project site, expressed concern about the dangerous intersection of Highway 12 and Los Alamos Road, citing frequent collisions and high speeds. He urged the commission to request a collision report and noted that even 80 additional daily trips could worsen the risk.
    • Edward Sherman, a nearby resident, argued that the wildfire danger is understated because the site is surrounded by higher hazard zones, despite the map designation. He recounted three evacuations in five years and opposed increasing population density in a low-density area. He also noted that his wife was injured in a crash at the same intersection.
    • Mindy Penguell, a Melita Road resident, supported the wildfire concerns and added that the area lacks water for new housing. She emphasized that the project should not be considered in isolation from other nearby developments, such as the El Noca project, which could add hundreds of residents.

Discussion Items

9.1 Public Hearing: Crown Castle Relocation Project (CUP20-074)

  • Staff Presentation: Planner Adam Ross presented a proposal for a new 83-foot monopine telecommunications tower at 1236 Cleveland Avenue, replacing an existing facility at 1500 Armory Drive (corrected from 135 Ridgway Ave). The project includes a 24 ft x 37 ft (888 sq ft) fenced equipment area, a diesel generator, and is eligible for a CEQA Class 3 Categorical Exemption (Class 3 for small structures). The site is zoned General Commercial (CG) and is within the North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plan. The tower would improve AT&T and Verizon coverage and allow future co-location. The applicant, Crown Castle, presented briefly, emphasizing the need for reliable wireless service and the safety of the facility.
  • Commissioner Inquiries: Commissioners visited the site and had no ex parte disclosures. They asked about the distance to the nearest single-family homes (closest at 98 feet) and discussed long-term maintenance of the monopine (painting, structural integrity). The commission requested that the Design Review Board (scheduled for July 1, 2021) include a condition requiring a maintenance agreement.
  • Public Comments: None.
  • Vote: Motion to approve Resolution No. 12060 (Conditional Use Permit) carried 6-0 (Commissioner Okrepkie absent).

9.2 Public Hearing: Spring Lake Village East Grove Draft EIR (MJP14-012)

  • Staff and Consultant Presentation: Senior Planner Amy Nicholson and consultant Brian Baccarini (GHD) presented the Draft EIR for a 7.28-acre off-site expansion of Spring Lake Village, proposing 32 independent senior living units (64 residents) in a mix of duplex cottages and a two-story villa, plus a community building, parking, and off-site pedestrian/bicycle improvements. The project requires a rezone to Planned Development (PD 308), conditional use permit, hillside development permit, and design review. The Draft EIR identifies significant and unavoidable impacts on cultural and tribal cultural resources. The environmentally superior build alternative (Alternative 2) reduces the footprint by retaining two existing residences, using a three-story villa (18 units) and seven cottages (14 units), and reducing ground disturbance, thereby reducing cultural resource impacts to a less-than-significant level. The public review period runs through July 15, 2021, and approximately 20 written comments had been received to date.
  • Public Comments: Three speakers (detailed above) raised concerns about traffic safety, wildfire risk, evacuation, water supply, and cumulative impacts.
  • Commissioner Comments: The commission provided extensive feedback on the Draft EIR, including:
    • Wildfire: The EIR should include a dedicated wildfire section and use updated hazard maps (current maps from 2009 may be outdated). Evacuation planning for the project should be detailed, including coordination with the Spring Lake Village emergency plan and the Santa Rosa Fire Department.
    • Traffic: The traffic study uses collision data from 2011-2016, which may not reflect recent conditions. The intersection of Highway 12 and Los Alamos Road is a known safety concern. The commission requested updated data and analysis of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) rather than reliance on Level of Service (LOS).
    • Water: The water usage estimate of 288 gallons per day per household was questioned given the extreme drought. The backup generator’s fuel supply and runtime should be clarified.
    • Cultural Resources: The significant and unavoidable impact on cultural and tribal resources was a major concern. Commissioners asked for more specificity on mitigation measures (e.g., on-site archaeologist, construction monitoring, tribal consultation protocols) and who at the city would determine feasibility of avoidance.
    • Alternatives: Several commissioners expressed interest in Alternative 2 (environmentally superior), but some wanted to see a feasibility analysis before stating a preference. The assistant city attorney noted that the environmentally superior alternative does not automatically become the project; the city council could adopt a statement of overriding considerations.
    • Data Freshness: Commissioners noted that the EIR process began in 2017, but staff confirmed that technical studies were updated in 2020. However, some data (e.g., fire maps, collision data) should be refreshed.
  • No Vote: The hearing was solely to receive comments on the Draft EIR. Staff will prepare responses and bring a Final EIR to the commission at a future meeting for a recommendation to the city council.

Key Outcomes

  • Crown Castle Relocation Project: Approved unanimously (6-0). The commission directed staff to request that the Design Review Board add a condition requiring a maintenance agreement for the monopine structure.
  • Spring Lake Village East Grove Draft EIR: The public hearing was closed. The commission will submit written comments; staff and the EIR consultant will address all comments in the Final EIR. The commission will hold a future hearing on the Final EIR and project entitlements, at which time they may take action (e.g., recommend certification to the city council).

Meeting Transcript

All right, commissioners, if you can start to turn on your cameras. Chair Weeks' staff is ready when you are. Thank you, Mike. Okay, so it looks like we're all here. So uh with that, I would like to call to order the June 24th, 2021 meeting of the Santa Rosa Planning Commission. And before we start, I'd like to read the following statement. Due to the provisions of the governor's executive orders, N 25-20 and N 29-20, which has been certain requirements of the Brown Act and the order of the health officer of the County of Sonoma to shelter in place to minimize the spread of COVID 19. The planning commissioners will be conducting today's meeting in a virtual setting using Zoom webinar. Commissioners and staff are participating from remote locations and are practicing appropriate social distancing. Members of the public may view and listen to the meeting as noted on the city's website and as noted on the agenda. Members of the public wishing to speak during item four public comment period or during our public hearings today will be able to do so by raising their hand and will be given the ability to address the commission. So with that, uh Mr. Maloney, would you like to call roll? Yes, thank you, Chair. We let the record reflect that all commissioners are present except Commissioner Krepke. Thank you. Item two is study session, which we have none. Item three, approval of minutes, which we have none. And now on to item four, public comments. So with that, I will now open public comment for any item not included in this meeting's agenda. If you wish to make a comment via Zoom, please select the raised hand button. If you are dialing in via telephone, please dial star nine to raise your hand. Each speaker has three minutes. A countdown timer will appear for the convenience of the speaker and viewers. And please make sure to unmute yourself when you're invited to do so. And your microphone will be muted at the end of this countdown. Mr. Maloney, do we see any of the sure we are raising their hand at this time? Okay. So we'll wait just a couple of minutes or seconds actually. Um see if we do see anybody. Doesn't look like it. So with that, I will go ahead and close the public comment uh portion of the meeting for items that are not on the agenda. UK, so um I want we're going on now to item five, planning commissioner's report. And I'd like to read the planning commission statement of purpose. And that is as follows. The planning commission is charged with carrying out the California planning and zoning laws in the city of Santa Rosa. Duties include implementing of plans, ordinances, and policies relating to land use matters, assisting in writing and implementing the general plan and area plans, holding public hearings, and acting on proposed changes to the zoning code, zoning map, general plan, tentative subdivision maps, and undertaking special planning studies as needed. And uh with this, I'd like to ask if there are any um uh committee reports from either subdivision or waterways. Commissioner Carter. Yes, this morning the uh waterways advisory committee met to consider uh design review application for uh 52 units of medium density housing uh known as Stony Point Flats at Stony Point Road and Roseland Creek. Uh the committee asked for more complete landscape grading plans and hydrological information, as well as a completed initial study to understand the uh sequel analysis for the project and ask for it to return to the committee. I don't believe it will come to the planning commission. Thank you, Commissioner Carter. Uh Commissioner Calia, did you have a subdivision committee meeting? No, we have not had a subdivision committee as of yet. Thank you. Okay, so with that, uh department reports. Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm skipping.

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