MINUTES
Planning Commission Meeting
Council Chambers, 380 Civic Drive, Galt, California
GALT Thursday, April 10, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Chair Denier called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Commissioners present were Denier, Jones, Gerling, Johnson, and Jackson
Staff members present: Interim City Manager Chris Erias, Interim Community Development Director Amie Mendes, Attorney Olivia Clark, Senior Planner Kristyn Bitz, and Associate Planner Stacy Schafer.
Public Comment from Ruben Galvan speaking to the Commission about the local Carpenters Union.
INFORMATION/CONSENT CALENDAR
A. SUBJECT: Minutes of the March 13, 2025 Regular Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission approve the minutes of the March 13, 2025, Regular Meeting.
ACTION: Vice-Chair Jones motioned to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2025 Regular Meeting. Commissioner Gerling seconded the motion. The motion was passed by Chair Denier, Vice-Chair Jones, Commissioner Gerling, Commissioner Johnson, and Commissioner Jackson.
Chair Denier motioned to switch the order of the items of the public meeting to start with the Continuation of the Summerfield at Twin Cities Design Review.
PUBLIC MEETING:
A. SUBJECT: Continuation of Summerfield Design Review Public Workshop RECOMMENDATION: Receive presentation
ACTION: Staff Bitz presented
Staff Bitz introduced Rachel Corona, the Project Manager for Lennar Homes, Pierre Martinez, the Senior Project Manager for Lennar Homes, and Gilbert Vasquez of Kevin L. Crook Architect, Inc. who attended via phone call.
The Commissioners expressed disapproval with Lennar's second attempt at the proposed architecture. Lennar Homes was told the proposed designs were not in line with what had been promised to the City of Galt as part of the original Summerfield project approval (executive-style housing), and to work with staff to create designs like those in other states Lennar Homes builds in such as Florida and Tennessee.
Chair Denier opened the floor to receive public comment.
Ronald Loutzenhiser stated he was in favor of the Commissioner's stance. He agreed that these City of Galt Planning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting of April 10, 2025 Page 2 of 3
homes are not what the City was promised and there are no unique aspects to these designs.
Amy Verrett agreed that the designs are seen in every development in the City currently and that they should not be approved as they are. She provided some ideas for enhancement.
Shawn Farmer expressed concern that the proposed architecture still does not fit the 'executive- style homes' condition of approval. He proposed Lennar Homes may need to return to a different meeting with a completely new design review.
Becky Roenspie provided context on what her clients view as 'executive-style home' and the ability of the proposed design review to be favorable with her Galt clientele.
The Commissioners advised Lennar Homes to revisit the proposed designs and work collaboratively with staff to develop revised plans that better align with the original Summerfield Item was closed.
B. SUBJECT: Planning Commission Training - General Plan RECOMMENDATION: Receive presentation
ACTION: Staff Erias presented
Commissioners asked questions and provided comment.
The item was closed.
PUBLIC HEARING:
None
REGULAR CALENDAR:
None.
COMMENTS BY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None
COMMENTS BY STAFF/DIRECTORS REPORT:
Staff Mendes advised the Commission that the Building Division has issued 107 residential house permits. She also provided an update on the status of each development throughout the city.
Staff Mendes gave an update on attending the International Council of Shopping Centers 2025 to see ance up the natus of a commisin projicts, as well as what Commissioners can expect City of Galt Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3
Regular Meeting of April 10, 2025
ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Stacy Schafer, Associate Planner Haunthou
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tacy Schafer, Associate Planne