Michael D. Arnoldus

The meeting convened for the June 7th session. Key discussions included public comment solicitation, where written correspondence was noted. The board proceeded to approve the minutes for the May 24th, 2021 meeting, which covered agenda items 1025 East Guterres Road and 691 North Hope Avenue. The consent calendar for June 1st was approved, encompassing final approvals for 329 West Valerio Street and 2219 Anacapa Street, and the postponement of 1211 Del Mar Avenue. The subsequent consent agenda for June 7th involved project design approvals with comments for 734 C Ranch Drive and 1724 San Andreas Street, alongside final approvals for 473 Scenic Drive and 574 Ricardo Avenue. A significant announcement was made regarding the resignation of Vice Chair Sweeney, effective June 1st, 2021, with an election for a new vice chair scheduled for the next full board meeting. Furthermore, the Chair provided detailed commentary reiterating the board's Code of Conduct, emphasizing professional, courteous, and guideline-focused review criteria, particularly concerning size, bulk, scale, and neighborhood compatibility, following an unfortunate incident at the previous meeting. The board then moved to agenda items, beginning concept review for the proposal at 118 Rometta Road, which involves constructing a new single-family residence and detached garage requiring a minor zoning exception for a trash enclosure located in the front yard. The applicant presented the project details, including site layout, materials (platinum natural stone), and design elements that step down the sloping lot.

The Staff Hearing Officer convened the meeting to address four items, including three time extensions on the consent calendar and one project requiring a continuance until April 21st. The primary discussion centered on item 3a concerning the property at 32 Rosemary Lane. The proposed project involves demolishing an illegal patio cover and replacing it with an architecturally appropriate structure to connect the main residence/garage to a detached accessory structure, providing a covered entry. Staff recommended approval despite the proposed structure extending slightly into the setback, citing minimal impact and appropriate improvement. The applicant confirmed agreement with staff findings but requested clarification on the overhang design and fence removal. The hearing officer approved the project subject to conditions, specifically requiring the removal of a temporary playhouse and two temporary storage structures containing Japanese tatami mats from the required setbacks. The approval is appealable within 10 calendar days.

The committee discussed options for a capital project, contrasting a budget version at $3.5 million, a value-engineered project at $5.7 million, and a comprehensive project at $6.7 million, recommending the latter despite a $3.2 million unfunded gap. Key discussion points included the necessity of structural seismic upgrades, ADA compliance requirements (elevator and lifts), and achieving Silver LEED remodel status, which is only possible with the comprehensive scope. Concerns were raised regarding deferred maintenance being more costly later and the ability of new HVAC and window installations to provide better ventilation and energy efficiency compared to existing systems. Funding sources, including bond fund interest and RDA capital project contingency funds, were reviewed. The committee also discussed the fire station project needing an additional $1.1 million.

Key discussions focused on committee reports, where updates were provided on the Park Foundation solicitation letter, a public workshop for the Front Country Trails task force addressing user conflicts (bikes, pedestrians, horses), and a well-attended training seminar for property owners and tree professionals regarding city tree ordinances. The Golf Advisory Committee reported struggling revenues due to competition, ongoing marketing efforts, and a positive response to a newsletter survey. The Street Tree Advisory Committee item concerned a request for tree removal at 535 East Montecito Street for a low-income housing project. The Commission postponed a final decision on tree removal/replacement to allow the Street Tree Advisory Committee to review and recommend a new street tree designation suitable for the widened parkway, though the removal of six existing trees was ultimately moved forward with referral back to the advisory committee for the designation process. Information from Council actions included the purchase of property for a creek restoration project and the recruitment for Neighborhood Advisory Council positions.

The Staff Hearing Officer meeting addressed five agenda items, including two on the consent calendar concerning time extensions for tentative maps approved in 2007 and 2010 for projects at 817 North Memphis Street and 803 North Memphis Street, respectively. Staff recommended a one-year extension for both due to potential future changes in the zoning ordinance. A representative for the owners argued for a two-year extension, noting the projects are consistent with, or at lower densities than, the new zoning ordinance. The hearing officer approved a one-year extension for both tentative maps, setting new expiration dates in March 2017. A subsequent item involved a request for modification of parking requirements and allowance of parking in the front setback for a mixed-use development at 711 North Milpas Street. The request involved reducing commercial parking based on a study showing lower demand than code required, while residential parking met unit density incentive program requirements. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions regarding after-hours commercial parking availability and future consultation on intensive uses. Further discussion covered proposed site improvements to Ortega Street, including widening the drive aisle and increasing commercial parking capacity from an estimated 8-12 spaces to 24 spaces to better serve adjacent businesses, and ensuring truck turning templates accommodate large service vehicles by adjusting parking islands and stall widths.