Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 1 of 8
Joint Town Council and Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 16, 2022, 5:00 PM
Town Hall – Administrative Center | 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA
1. Call to Order – Mayor Henderson called the meeting to order at 5:06 PM
2. Roll Call: Council Members Zabriskie, Polivy, Mayor Henderson, Planning Commissioners Fraiman, Vice Chair Tarnay, and Chair Gove.
Absent: Council Member Klovstad, Riley and Vice Mayor Romack.
Council Member Klovstad arrived at 5:08PM
Commissioner Riley arrived at 5:09PM
Staff Present: Town Manager, Jen Callaway; Assistant to the Town Manager, Hilary Hobbs; Town Attorney, Andy Morris; Communications Director Town Clerk, Judy Price; Acting Chief of Police, Danny Renfrow; Town Engineer, Dan Wilkins; Community Development Director, Denyelle Nishimori; Planning Manager, Jenna Gatto; Senior Planner, Yumie Dahn; Associate Planner, Laura Dabe; Assistant Planner, Lucas Kannall; and Administrative Technician, Kayley Metroka.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Public Comment: This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Commission and Council on items which are not on this agenda. Please state your name for the record.
Comments are limited to three minutes. Under state law, the Commission and Council cannot take action on an item not on the agenda. The Commission and Council may choose to acknowledge the comment or, where appropriate, briefly answer a question, refer the matter to staff, or set the item for discussion at a future meeting.
Verbal Public Comment was given by:
Alexis Ollar, Mountain Area Preservation (MAP).
JD Hoss.
Mayor Henderson closed Public Comment at 5:17 PM.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 July 19, 2022, Joint Planning Commission and Council Minutes Chair Gove made a motion to approve the July 19, 2022, Draft Planning Commission and Council Minutes and was seconded by Council Member Polivy.
The motion passed unanimously, 8-0.
Vice Chair Romack noted as absent.
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Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 2 of 8
6. Staff Reports
6.1 Joint Council/Planning Commission Study Session – Review of June 2022 Draft 2040 General Plan Community Character, Economic Development, and Conservation and Open Space Elements.
Recommended Action: That the Council and Planning Commission review the draft 2040 General Plan Community Character, Economic Development, and Conservation and Open Spaces Elements and provide feedback to staff.
Denyelle Nishimori, Community Development Director, presented from the staff report (on file with the Town Clerk).
Vice Chair Romack arrived at 5:31 PM
Community Character
Clarifying Council/Commission Questions:
None.
Mayor Henderson opened the item for public comment at 5:43 PM Verbal public comment was given by:
JD Hoss
Alexis Ollar, Mountain Area Preservation (MAP).
Sophia Heidrich
Burt [last name unknown]
Mayor Henderson closed public comment at 5:54 PM.
Discussion:
Question 1
Can there be changes made to the “preferred land use alternatives”. o Yes.
Expressed concern for the development of Donner Lake. Feels like we can work with developers and the town to get the products we want to see to meet the housing needs for our locals.
Regarding locals housing: it is hard to discriminate and only offering housing to locals. Are we driving a distinction between workforce and local for housing? o We cannot do a zoning overlay for locals only.
The priority should be in the plan developments that has the zoning. Thinks the zoning is too high.
What is the height limit on the north side of the Gateway area? o 50 feet or 3.5 stories.
Describes the community of Truckee as hardy, caring, welcoming, a great love of nature.
Feels the community used to be more authentic than it is now. Feels concern with providing workforce housing but thinks we can have both; the workforce housing while preserving the views.
Doesn’t think higher density as creating more traffic, rather, creating more public transportation.
Does workforce housing always require financial assistance from the town or other entities to allow higher density?
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Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 3 of 8 o I don’t think it’s feasible to do a tax credit project without local funding from the local jurisdiction. Which is why we talked about the overlaying incentive. That then would allow more interface and control with what that project looks like. Believes the greatest resources of town are downtown and Donner Lake and would like to prioritize CC-1.10.
Agree this does not need to be an either / or.
Does not support seeing buildings of 4+ stories high on Donner Pass Road. Suggests using trigger zoning to incentivize more workforce housing. Suggests the town does the study to “up” the workforce housing.
Question 2
Feels like the goal is to find incentives and funding mechanisms that are not dependent on the property owner at the time to make a change.
Feels it would be beneficial for the town to start putting budget money in a bucket to partner with the developers or assist in funding in another way. Do we want to force someone to rebuild something historic that was there before, or do we want someone to “mimic” something that has a better function? Believes we should be consistent and compatible with downtown. Doesn’t see these as mutually exclusive. Believes there is an opportunity to accomplish both riverfront revitalization and historic protection. Are there legal hoops we would need to jump through if we have buildings already designated within that historic district?
o We have two things- the National Register of Historic Places, which is essentially commercial row, and our own adopted historic preservation program which is more of the entire downtown area. So it would depend on what we are talking about in that context of which buildings. We could change or modify our program if we want, but we would have to look at the CEQA implications of that. Doesn’t believe the economic model works to make people renovate and protect the historic character of old inhabitable homes.
Thinks there is a lot of push and pull with the current historic preservation plan and believes the process can be simplified and streamlined. Thinks all these developments need to be on a case-by-case basis.
Mayor Henderson called for 10-minute recess at 7:01 PM and to reconvene at 7:11 PM.
Question 3
Compares this idea to the new sign in Tahoe City and thinks signage in this location would be a good idea.
Believes in a priority standpoint, this topic is very low compared to housing. Maintain and install into the Truckee signs – check verbiage… Answer: They are different, one is volunteer, one is a town project. Can we see what rotary has planned before the town takes this fsd o Nothing has been approved by rotary for signage.
Dan Wilkins describes all locations the signs are proposed. 89 South in front of the old CHP location.
Combination of masonry and wood signing, about 10 feet wide, 7 or 8 feet wide.
They make an initial inquiry to the town. They are hoping for a final decision from council. Believes if the town has a volunteer to take over the project in putting in the sign and it si tasteful and approved by the town, suggests the town should take this out of the plan and focus on prioritizing more important issues.
All agree this item is not a priority.
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Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 4 of 8 Question 4
Feels the street tree streetscape plan is extremely important and should be prioritized. Where does the space for the bike lanes come from?
o It depends on the road and there is a wide range of options without having to widen the road. Generally, a protected bike lane there is a physical barrier and would create a separate set of issues especially with snow plowing. Buffer bike lanes for example is striping the road with paint.
o If we chose to add protected bike lanes, we would have to widen the roads. Would it make sense to just reference the trails and bikeway master plan so we don’t duplicate efforts.
o Answer?
Thinks it’s worth having the conversation but we should look at protected bike lanes vs buffered bike lanes.
Regarding the street tree streetscape plan, believes there should be a committee to address this plan.
All agree to having a bigger conversation on the street tree streetscape plan.
Question 5
Doesn’t feel like this is a high priority item.
Feel this item should be removed, it is too low of a priority. What are we outlining for future development and developers? Believes it is an important resource.
Would suggest to not focus on the small number of parcels… relisten 7:59PM Feels buffering and screening makes things worst.
Economic Development
Clarifying Questions:
The whole premise of this chapter feels off and there needs to be more specificity, for example, what is a low-wage job? What is the goal of our economic development chapter? o Staff will take the time and go back to answer this question correctly. What is destination retail?
o It is a new trend where you can shop and have a glass of wine, or food, or another component.
What is sustainable tourism?
o “Mountain Ideal Standards” which is a framework… it is “why people come to Truckee”.
Public Comment
Mayor Henderson opened the item for public comment at 8:20 PM.
Verbal public comment was given by:
Alexis Ollar, Mountain Area Preservation (MAP).
Sophia Heidrich
JD Hoss
Rolf Godon
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Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 5 of 8 Mayor Henderson closed public comment at 8:33 PM.
Discussion:
Question 1
All agree this item needs more “specificity”.
Disagree with some of the base assertions.
Suggests this item is either pulled or reduce these things and outline these items with more specificity. Feels more research is needed, suggests hiring an economic development manager.
Felt the element was over-broad but was saved by 1-B. sees a recognition to try and diversify our economy.
Do we want to be known as a resort community? Suggesting an alternative and protection. Where does the caring capacity wind up?
Feels the element is important and needed, but agrees it needs to be condensed. Doesn’t see this element as driving expansion of the economy, rather driving extension of our land.
Clarifies that no final decision has been made on these elements.
Conservation and Open Space
Public Comment
Mayor Henderson opened the item for public comment at 9:04 PM Verbal public comment was given by:
Sophia Heidrich
Richard Anderson
Alexis Ollar, Mountain Area Preservation (MAP)
Mayor Henderson closed public comment at 9:14 PM
Conservation and Open Space Clarifying Questions and Discussion will be continued to the next joint Town Council/Planning Commission meeting on August 23, 2022.
7. Approval of Minutes
7.1 March 15, 2022 Draft Planning Commission Minutes
Commissioner Fraiman made a motion and was seconded by Riley to adopt the March 15, 2022, minutes. Chair Gove and Vice Chair Tarnay were absent.
Ayes: Commissioner Riley, Commissioner Fraiman
Noes: 0
Abstain: Chair Gove and Vice Chair Tarnay
The motion passed 2-0.
7.2 April 19, 2022 Draft PC Minutes
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Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 6 of 8 Commissioner Fraiman made a motion and was seconded by Vice Chair Tarnay to adopt the April 19, 2022 minutes. Chair Gove and Commissioner Riley were absent.
Ayes: Vice Chair Tarnay, Commissioner Fraiman
Noes: 0
Abstain: Chair Gove, Commissioner Riley
The motion passed 2-0.
7.3 May 17, 2022 Draft PC Minutes
Chair Gove made a motion and was seconded by Vice Chair Tarnay to approve the May 17, 2022 minutes. Commissioner Fraiman was absent.
Ayes: Chair Gove, Vice Chair Tarnay
Noes: Commissioner Riley
Abstain: Commissioner Fraiman
The motion was approved and noted Commissioner Riley would like to change deliberation verbiage: “would increase the negative impacts.”
7.4 June 21, 2022 Draft PC Minutes
Chair Gove made a motion and was seconded by Vice Chair Tarnay to approve the June 21, 2022 minutes. Commissioner Fraiman and Commissioner Riley were absent.
Ayes: Chair Gove, Vice Chair Tarnay
Noes: 0
Abstain: Commissioner Fraiman, Commissioner Riley
The motion passed 2-0.
8. Public Hearings (Minor Review)
8.1 Application 2022-00000064/TM-EXT (Donner Lake 6 Time Extension); Owner/Applicant: Sasha’s Arizona, LLC; 10199 Donner Lake Road (APN 017-170-032-000)
Recommended Action: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution 2022-13, approving a 2-year Time Extension for the prior Zoning Clearance, Use Permit and Planned Development and determining the Time Extension to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), based on the recommended findings and subject to the recommended conditions of approval.
Commissioner Recusals & Disclosures:
Commissioner Riley stated she was on the Martis Fund and supported the funding request for the funding for this project. Was also on the Planning Commission when this project was reviewed and approved.
Applicant Presentation by Sache Cantu: Expressed enthusiasm and support for project.
Clarifying Questions for staff:
None.
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Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 7 of 8
Clarifying Questions for applicant:
Is this project currently for sale?
o Yes.
Is this project currently for sale?
o Recognizing there were some setbacks that were pandemic related. These challenges are not unique to this project itself. The main challenge is the increasing costs for the development overall.
Is the property owners’ goal to liquidate?
o No.
Chair Gove opened Public Comment.
Seeing none, Chair Gove closed Public Comment.
Commissioner Fraiman made a motion and was seconded by Commissioner Riley to adopt Resolution 2022-13, approving a 2-year Time Extension with the revised conditions of approval and determine the project categorically exempt from CEQA.
Ayes: Chair Gove, Vice Chair Tarnay, Commissioner Riley, Commissioner Fraiman Noes: 0
Abstain:
The motion passed 4-0.
Ayes: Chair Gove, Vice Chair Tarnay, Commissioner Riley, Commissioner Fraiman Noes: 0
Abstain:
The motion passed 4-0.
9. Public Hearings (Major Review)
9.1 Request to Continue Application #2021-00000097/DP-PD AMD-UP-ZC (Soaring Ranch Phase 3; 10701 Soaring Way (APN 019-620-067-000); Applicant: J-MAR 2, LLC; Owner: JMAR-3, LLC; Agent: Rob Wood, Millennium Planning and Engineering Recommended Action: That the Planning Commission continue this agenda item to a date and time certain at the Planning Commission hearing on September 20, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. This item is being continued at the request of the applicant.
As a reminder, the Planning Commission should open the public hearing and continue it to a date and time certain.
Vice Chair Tarnay made a motion and was seconded by Commissioner Fraiman to continue agenda item 9.1 Request to Continue Application #2021-00000097/DP-PD AMD-UP-ZC (Soaring Ranch Phase 3; 10701 Soaring Way) to September 20, 2022, at 5:00 PM.
Ayes: Chair Gove, Vice Chair Tarnay, Commissioner Riley, Commissioner Fraiman Noes: 0
Abstain:
The motion passed 4-0.
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Joint Town Council and Planning Commission MeetingAugust 16, 2022 Page 8 of 8
Chair Gove opened Public Comment.
Seeing none, Chair Gove closed Public Comment.
10. Commission Member Reports
Chair Gove: None.
Vice Chair Tarnay:
CHP test to be a fully licensed school bus driver
Commissioner Riley: None.
Commissioner Fraiman: None.
11. Adjournment at 9:39 PM To the next meeting of the Joint Council and Planning Commission meeting August 23, 2022, 5:00 p.m. at 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161.
Respectfully submitted by: Approved:
Judy Price, MMC, Town Clerk Courtney Henderson, Mayor
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