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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.19.99 Minutes CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING 33 ARROYO DRIVE August 19, 1999 TAPE 1 CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL / CHAIR COMMENTS MEMBERS PRESENT: . Commissioner Baldocchi, Commissioner D'Angelo, Commissioner Meloni, Commissioner Romero, Vice Chairperson Sim and Chairperson Honan MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Teglia STAFF PRESENT: Planning Division: Thomas C. Spar"ks, Chief Planner Susy Kalkin Mike Lappen Adam Lindgren Cyrus Kianpour Richard Harmon Sgt. Mike Massoni Rocque Yballa City Attorney: Engineering: Police Dept.: Fire PreventionIBldg.: AGENDA REVIEW Chairperson Honan apologized for the air conditioning being off due to renovations in the Municipal Services Building. Chief Planner Sparks suggested that the Subcommittee by-laws report be continued to the next meeting when all the Commissioners are present. He asked them to acknowledge that the rep011 was back within the time frame set by the Commission. He also asked the Commission to hear the Costco project before the General Plan because the public was present for Costco. The Commission agreed to do so. Commissioner Teglia arrived at 7:40 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Costco owner/applicant 1556 EI Camino Real UP-98-084 and EIR 98-084 EIR, Use Permit, and Type C Sign Permit for 147,000.::!: square feet retail warehouse store and gas station facility. (Moved before General Plan Update under Agenda Review) Senior Planner Kalkin presented the staff report and introduced Jeny Haag, The City's environmental consultant for the project. Jerry Haag stated that a Draft Environmental Impact Rep011 was prepared which addressed the potential impacts of the project such as geotechnical, air quality, etc. He noted that the DEIR identified several potential impacts which could all be reduced to a less than significant level, except for regional air quality impacts, which remain significant. Senior Planner Kalkin concluded the staff repOli. Jack Frank, Costco Director of Development, introduced his team: David Franklin, Counsel; Bruce Creager, Gas Station Design Consultant; Peter Clement, project Ar.chitect; and Steve Reynolds, project Civil Engineer. He thanked staff for the courtesy and professionalism they showed them. He explained Costco' s desire to relocate its smaller San Bruno store & replace it with a larger store nearby. He noted that Costco promotes from within, has a high pay rate and is involved in many community programs. Public Hearing opened. Stanley Scovill, 838 Newman Drive, spoke in favor of the Costco project. Jo-Ann D'Angelo, 60 Calvert Avenue, spoke against the project. She feels there is too much traffic now, and added that she is not against Costco, only this location. She feels that the Airport Boulevard Costco should be expanded rather than opening a new one. She was concelned that the City has not considered the residents, and asked the Commission to reconsider this project. Irene Delaporte, 2553 Adams Ct., also spoke against Costco, noting her agreement with Jo-Ann D' Angelo. Robert Henn, attorney filling in for Fred Etzel and representing the Simas family, spoke in opposition of Costco project, noting four points: · South San Francisco should take full advantage of the opportunity to develop the site as a Transit Village. · The Planning Commission should not act on the project before the General Plan land use issue is determined. · The enormous volume of traffic has been seriously underestimated. · The Final Environmental Impact Report does not meet the adequacy of Environmental Quality Act; It should be revised and recirculated. He recommended including a Transit Village proposal as an alteInative. Ted Simas, owner of Shell Gas Station corner of Hickey Boulevard and EI Calnino Real, spoke in opposition to the Costco project. He read a report about proposed legislation regarding sales tax distribution. Carol Simas, owner of Shell Gas Station corner of Hickey Boulevard and EI Camino Real, stated that Costco would put other merchants out of business. She noted the traffic report states that Costco will generate 11,000 cars per day. She added that the site should be devoted to residential or hotel uses. Donald E. Mason, 10 Arlington Drive, was opposed to Costco and stated that since the Casino in Colma was opened there have been traffic problems. He was also concerned with potential run off from the gasoline station flowing to the Bay. Dennis DeCota, 1202 Grant A venue, Novato, Executive Director of California Service Station and Automotive Repair Association (CSSARA) was opposed to gasoline sales at Costco since it will adversely affect his members due to Costco's huge pump capacity. He requested the Commission consider limiting pump capacity and requiring restrooms. Fred Bertetta, with Olympian Oil, 260 Michelle Ct., was concerned that Costco will be given a liquor license. He feels gas stations which have been denied a liquor license should be reconsidered. Mary Lou Froese, 119 Duval Drive, was concelned about the traffic impact on her neighborhood, noting that she has been hit getting out onto Hickey Boulevard and has come close many other times. She was concerned with noise pollution and additional traffic lights. She shops at Costco, but does not want it in her backyard. Richard Korte, 755 Camaritas A venue, was concelned about roadway impacts and failing intersections. Laura Bermudez, opposed Costco. Hilda Barradas, 770 Camaritas A venue, noted concern due to three schools in the area. The traffic impact will be too much with Costco and BART. She was concerned for the safety of children, and parking at Kaiser with Costco going in. She feels there is ah"eady a shortage of parking at Kaiser. She also supports local business in Winston Manor and doesn't want them displaced by Costco. Tim Schulz, 781 Alta Loma Drive, added that the proposed Costco is not consistent with BART and mass transit; no one will ride BART to Costco. Howard Bresler, 290 Westview Drive, suggested that Costco has a good site on So. Airport Boulevard. Auto Parts Club is going out of business and that site should be considered as an alteITIative for a fueling facility due to its easy access. He feels that alternative land uses, should be considered, for example: · an improved drinking water plant. · ambulance emergency service dispatch center. · Airborne helicopter medi vac facility. · ROP training center. Public Hearing closed. Recess called at 8:45 p.m. Recalled to order at 8:55 p.m. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren responded to Mr. Henn's comments regarding adoption of General Plan noting there ar"e no missing elements in the General Plan. He further restated that the proposed project is consistent with the existing and proposed General Plan. (Guaranteed funding commitment has been changing from year to year.) Commissioner Teglia stated that he had many issues to continue. He understood that the Commission has COnCeITIS because they are in the middle of the General Plan. He asked if there are problems with the last General Plan being based on the conditions in the area, for example McLellans' Acres of Orchids was there, BART was not there, and the residential developments were not there. He added that these should be taken into consideration. He asked if Section "B", which would be activated when BART is completed, is a major stumbling block. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren stated that the Section "B" provision of the General Plan was very carefully drafted in regards to funding. He added that the changes in the federal appropriations make us confident that the project will proceed and the funding COnCeITIS have not been entirely addressed. Commissioner Teglia asked Mr. Henn to give an opposing opinion from his position. Mr. Henn stated that Section "B" has two portions of its requirements: 1) Having an agreement between South San Francisco and BART calling for underground development. He noted that requirement A has been satisfied. 2) Staff has stated that a guaranteed funding commitment be the second requirement for the residential transit supporting uses. The State in-evocable funding that is required is a casual note on the map in the General Plan. The actual requirement says that the sponsors of the BART line extension have all the funding commitments and approvals necessary to build the line through South San Francisco. He added that the only evidence staff has not offered is that BART does not have a funding commitment and there has been two requests for appropriation by BART to Congress. Funding has come from other sources. He stated that they do not want build transit oriented developments unless they know transit is going to be there and that is what Section "B" is saying. TAPE 2 Assistant Attorney Adam Lindgren stated that BART does not have final commitments for the construction of the station. Chairperson Honan asked why Costco needed a gas station and why such a big gas station. Mr. Frank added that the gas station concept is a few years old, and Costco is retrofitting existing sites with gas stations where ever possible. They have a 16 bay station in order to spread out the volume of people an-iving reduce given lengths. The proposed gas station is members only and is not open to public. It is a cashless transaction facility with your Costco membership credit card or through a Visa car"d. Costco is constantly looking at a myriad of new products and services to add its facilities. Chairperson Honan asked if the Costco at South Airport Boulevard could have a gas station. Mr. Frank stated that they are reviewing that Costco as well as many others. Chairperson Honan asked how many cities have more than one Costco and how many have gas stations. Bruce Creager stated that other cities in CalifOlnia that have gasoline stations with 4 bays and 16 fueling positions are Santa Rosa, San Diego, and Chula Vista. The City of San Diego has two Costco warehouses with gasoline. Sacramento has two Costco' s with gas stations and a third site is being contemplated. Chairperson Honan noted that these are all big cities and that South San Francisco is smaller than all those listed. She also asked if there will be signs showing the gas prices. Mr. Frank stated that the prices will be posted at the pumps, and there will be signs as you enter into the war-ehouse. He added that there will be not signs on public rights-of-way. Commissioner Romero asked about the residual site and if it will be sold. Mr. Frank stated that They are looking to market the residual. Commissioner Romero asked if this would be similar to the San Leandro site which has an independent operator, a Burger King, a convenience store, and a drive through car wash. He asked why the project has been submitted in this format if it is supposed to be similar to the San Leandro site as noted by the applicant in the presentation. Mr. Frank stated that the Redevelopment Agency of San Leandro acquired the land through condemnation and sold it to Costco in order to allow Costco to stay in the City. That par-eel had residual property, which was either sold or leased to that independent operator. Commissioner Romero was concerned with having the service station becoming an independent operator then it would not be different than any other station in the City. Mr. Frank stipulated that this would not happen. Commissioner Romero asked why it is necessary to have a service station when there are too many already in the ar"ea. Mr. Frank pointed out that it is not a service station but a gas bar, offering fuel only; they do not offer any maintenance, oil changes, air and water. They have done a lot of pricing comparisons in the market, but nothing is sold below cost. "Costco's mission is highest quality product with the lowest possible price." He added that Costco' s primary customers ar"e small businesses who buy for resale. Commissioner D'Angelo asked staff where the volumes of comment letters were obtained. Senior Planner Kalkin stated that they were delivered in bundles of 2-300 at a time. Commissioner D'Angelo asked if staff took an inventory of the comments in these letters. Senior Planner Kalkin stated that they were all focused on traffic and air pollution concern. Commissioner D'Angelo asked if there will be traffic lights between Kaiser and Hickey Boulevard on EI Camino Real. Senior Planner Kalkin stated that there would be two new traffic signals going in between Kaiser & Hickey because of the Promenade & BART station developments, and one is proposed at the entrance to the Costco site. Commissioner Meloni asked the traffic consultant for a clarification on the EIR, which stated that Costco would generate 2,025 additional trips per day. Keith Meyer, traffic consultant with Rajappan & Meyer stated that the project will generate 904 trips during the p.m. peak period, and the daily trip generation is 8,995. The CUlTent traffic on EI Camino Real is about 30,000 cars a day. Mr. Meyer, noted that the capacity of EI Camino Real is 60,000 cars per day and it is running at half that amount. He added that it was a level of service B. He also added that there are a number of intersections that were identified as problematic in the study which include; EI Camino Real at Westborough, EI Camino Real at Mission, EI Camino Real at Arlington, Camaritas at Hickey, Hilton & Hickey, and Grand A venue at Chestnut. He added that mitigation measures are proposed for these intersections. Commissioner Meloni asked what the timeline was for the upgrading of these signals. Cyrus Kianpour, City Engineer gave an update on the projects identified: a consultant has been hired, a preliminary design has been drafted and they have completed a noise analysis for Hilton at Hickey; Arlington at EI Camino Real is under jurisdiction of Caltrans, and the intersection of Camaritas at Hickey will be analyzed when the signal at Hickey and Hilton is finalized. He has contacted PG&E about the status on Chestnut at Grand and that intersection design is 90% complete. Commissioner Meloni asked what was going on with the Arlington intersection because it is the most impacted intersection. Cyrus Kianpour stated that Arlington is under Caltrans jurisdiction and they have to study the findings. The project will pay fair share and the funds will be available for CalTrans to utilize. Commissioner Meloni questioned air quality in the surrounding areas. Mr. Haag stated that they had a qualified ceItified meteorologist perform the air quality analysis for the EIR. He gave a brief description of the type of equipment used to perform the analysis. Commissioner Meloni was concelned with Costco being built and not having other projects considered because of the impact it would put on them. Mr. Haag stated that they are looked at on a cumulative basis. Commissioner Teglia asked if the traffic analysis included the BART projections. Mr. Meyer responded that the traffic analysis has two scenarios: 1) existing traffic plus approved projects; 2) approved projects, future growth of traffic, the BART extension and Costco. Commissioner Teglia stated that he sees traffic jams on EI Camino during the evening commute. He asked if the consultant's numbers were based on BART's projections. Mr. Meyer stated that they are required to utilize BART's projections because the MTC (Metropolitan Transportation Commission) approved them. Commissioner Teglia stated that in South San Francisco the residents don't expect much traffic. Vice Chairman Sim asked what LOS D classification is for the traffic signals. Mr. Meyer stated that LOS is expressed in terms of delay time: F- 60 seconds +; E-45 seconds +:D-30 seconds +: B-20-24 seconds: and C is 25-30 seconds, and is calculated based on free flow condition. Vice Chairman Sim asked for a clarification on alcoholic beverages being sold at a gas station. Sergeant Massoni stated that the Police Department opposes any alcohol sales in gas stations. He added that this does not address the issue of having a store across the street where someone can buy alcoholic beverages. The Police Department opposes the sale of alcoholic beverages on the gas station premises. Mr. DeCota stated that all service stations have been required to provide restroom facilities open to the public. AB 531 further requires that the bathrooms be kept clean, air and water be made available to all consumers. Commissioner D' Angelo asked if Mr. DeCota recognized the gas station and gas bar as being different. Mr. DeCota stated that Costco is qualifies as a private club and not a private entity. Vice Chairperson Sim wanted this project to have a bigger picture on how it would blend in with BART, Kaiser and other projects. Commissioner Teglia asked if the applicant has looked into expanding the So. Airport Boulevard facility and adding the gas station there. Mr. Frank stated that they thought they can better serve their clients with a larger physical plan and better access. He stated that San Bruno does not meet that criteria. He added that the So. Airport Boulevard location would have to double in size and Costco is not familiar in operating a building of that size. Chairperson Honan would prefer to have the applicant look at Costco without a gas station. Mr. Frank stated the gas station is part of the proposal and added that the air quality impacts would not be mitigated without the gas station. Chairperson Honan asked J eITY Haag if this was studied in the EIR. Mr. Haag stated that there were some alternatives studied and they could not find any impacts that could be isolated to the gas. Commissioner Baldocchi asked if the pedestrian walkway would be linked to BART. Senior Planner Kalkill stated that there is a pedestrian bike path as part of the BART project and that the path located on the project site has existed for many years. Commissioner Baldocchi asked for a clarification on signage. Senior Planner Kalkin stated that the signs are fairly modest in terms of the building size and most are not illuminated. Mr. Meyer stated that the existing San Bruno Costco is closing, and some of these shoppers would travel to South San Francisco. The worst traffic analysis includes a worst case analysis by assuming that this will be all new people. Commissioner Romero asked why Hickey and Longford was not included in the study, noting that this area will be impacted. He added that the Commission is trying to cover a lot in the meeting and they would normally have a study session as an introduction to the project. He added that they have not touched on the landscaping and does not feel comfortable with making a decision at the meeting. Commissioner Meloni agreed with Commissioner Romero and is concerned with the placement of the structure, and the design. He suggested that the item be continued until the Commission's concerns are addressed. Commissioner Teglia also agreed and stated that the issues are the landscaping, air quality, impacts, and if Longford is going to be studied. He suggested that this matter be continued to allow the applicant and staff to analyze those items and return to the Commission. Chairperson Honan disagreed because a continuation would not resolve the air quality and traffic problems. Commissioner Teglia stated that this will most likely be appealed and Council should have better designs to review. Commissioner Baldocchi would like to see the project continued and to have the design, traffic and air quality issues clarified. Vice Chairperson Sim concurred with a continuation. TAPE 3 Mr. Frank stated that what was before the Commission was 1) Certifying the EIR; 2) Adopting the Statement of Overriding Considerations; and 3) Approval of use permit. He asked the Commission to take action on the item. Commissioner Romero stated that the project has been before the Design Review Board twice and this was the first time the Commission had looked at it. The Commission needs to make some comments. Mr. Frank stated that he was hopeful that the Commission would focus on certifying the EIR. Motion Te2lia/Second D' An2elo to find the EIR inadequate due to the lack of the study of the Longford and other intersections. Approved by unanimous voice vote. Motion Teglia to continue Use permit and sign permit to a date designated by staff, and to have staff address the General PlanlBART issue, design, upgraded landscaping, reorientation of the building, air quality and how it relates to future projects. For lack of a second, the motion died. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren ask for clarification on the previous motion to find the EIR inadequate. He questioned whether this had been a preliminary determination to get additional information, or was this a final action by the Commission. He added that if this was the Commission's final determination they are limiting their ability to continue. Recess called at 10: 30 Recalled to order at 10:45 Assistant City Attorney Lindgren stated that he wanted to clarify whether the motion was that the EIR was inadequate and therefore denied. That was a final action. Chairperson Honan stated there were reasons that the EIR was found inadequate and questioned if they could place the reasons in the motion. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren stated that staff has asked for clarifications of the motion before the Commission took action. Staff needs to know if the commission has found the EIR inadequate and to understand if the Commission is taking a final action on the EIR. Commissioner Teglia asked what the ramifications were for such an action. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren explained that if the Commission found the EIR inadequate, that would be a final action and the applicant can appeal the Commission's decision. Commissioner Teglia asked if they would find it cUlTently inadequate and were to continue to the time that the inadequacies could be addressed, would that reflect what the Commission wanted to do. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren stated that they had already voted on the motion, so that the Commissioners needed to rescind the previous action. Motion Teglia / Second Baldocchi to rescind the previous motion. Approved by unanimous voice vote. Motion Teglia / Second Meloni to continue certification of the EIR to a meeting designated by staff and address the deficiencies stated: am traffic, intersection at Longford & Hickey, and air quality. Approved by unanimous voice vote. Motion Te2lia / Second D' An2elo to continue use permit approval to a date designated by staff. Approved by unanimous voice vote. Commissioner Meloni, and Commissioner Teglia stated they would not be attending the September 2, 1999. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren stated that under staff's consideration of CEQA issues, they would be looking at circulation issues in regards to Longford and Hickey; they would not be looking at modification of the project to omit the gas station, and they would not be looking at landscaping issues. Commissioner Romero asked if the Commission could get information on the reduction in impacts if the station was omitted. Assistant City Attorney Lindgren stated that the document and the alternatives within the CEQA document don't have an alternative without the gas station. Such an alteInative is not required by CEQA and would not be consistent with the project as proposed by the applicant. Mr. Hess added that it may not be required by CEQA, but it is permitted to analyze an alteInative of not having a gas station. City Engineer Kianpour stated that the Final EIR has information regarding the traffic generation with the gas station as part of the project, which are the a.m. peak projections. That information is in the response to comments. 1. General Plan Update City of South San Francisco Citywide GP-99-061 and EIR-99-061 Certification of Draft EIR, Review of the General Plan documents, and Planning Commission Recommendations to City Council. (Moved after Costco under Agenda Review). Chairperson Honan suggested that the General Plan be continued to the next meeting due to the lateness of the meeting and the policy of the Commission not to hear any items after 11 :00 p.m. After some discussion, the Commission decided to continue the General Plan Update to the next regular meeting on September 2, 1999. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 3. Items from Commission a. Subcommittee Report Discussion of Planning Commission Bylaws, Rules & Procedures. Chairperson Honan asked the Commission when would be a good date for continuation of the Subcommittee bylaws report. Commissioner Teglia left the meeting at 11:20 P.M. The Commission decided to continue the report to regular meeting of October 21, 1999. Commissioner Meloni noted that he would not be present at the October 7, 1999 meeting. 4. Items from the Public - None 5. Adjourn Motion Romero / Second Meloni to adjoUln the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 p.m. ~~{~, Secretary to the Planning Commission City of South San Francisco y/,'<':/udith Honan, Chairperson r.:'.-,,.,,,r Planning Commission City of South San Francisco NEXT MEETING: Regular Meeting September 2, 1999, Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, CA. TCS/bh ~.\ D:l~ ~_I_:..~..\ 1\1-1 D~\mM.l.:___\~:__..,.__\ 1 00(\\001 000 ;J __