HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-26 Planning Special Mtg MIN
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
April 26, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Pam Marsh called the special meeting to order at 8:45 p.m. in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 East Main
Street.
Commissioners Present: Staff Present:
Larry Blake Bill Molnar, Community Development Director
Micahel Dawkins Brandon Goldman, Senior Planner
Pam Marsh April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Melanie Mindlin
John Rinaldi, Jr.
Absent Members:
Debbie Miller
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Approval of Findings for PA-2011-00319, Oak Knoll Wall Variance.
Ex Parte Contact: Commissioner Marsh stated she made a brief house warming visit to one of the houses, but did not go in
the backyard or discuss this action. No ex parte contact was reported.
Community Development Director Bill Molnar noted the options outlined in the Staff Memo for an additional condition #6. He
clarified Option 1 requires one continuous wall with the same style along all 11 properties; while Option 2 sets a specific 8 ft.
wall design, but allows the properties owners to build it in sections and does not preclude an individual property owner from
building a 6.5 ft. fence as allowed by the ordinance.
Commissioner Marsh clarified the question before them is not what they believe is the best solution looking back in retrospect,
but rather what did they intend to approve when the motion was made. Rinaldi stated it was his understanding that they all
understood it was unlikely all 11 property owners would build the same kind of fence, and all of the homes might not utilize the
variance. He commented that the best solution would be a continuous wall, but stated this is not what was approved. Marsh
agreed with Rinaldi’s recollection. Suggestion was made to amend section 2.5 of the Findings to state “as a result, a condition
of approval is included requiring the wall to be constructed with colored and/or textured block. in order to ensure the wall is
one cohesive unit which is also aesthetically pleasing”.
Senior Planner Brandon Goldman clarified the first person who applies to build an 8 ft. concrete wall will establish the design
pattern that the rest of the owners will have to follow. Staff clarified the approval already requires the blocks be painted,
textured and earth-toned, so the design options are fairly limited. Mindlin requested staff make sure the property owners are
aware that the first wall section sets the precedent that the rest of the owners will have to follow if they want to go up to 8 ft.
Commissioners Rinaldi/Dawkins m/s to approve the Findings for PA-2011-00319 with the addition of Condition #6
option 2, and amending the sentence in section 2.5 as discussed. DISCUSSION: Mindlin questioned section 2.4 and a
friendly amendment was requested to change the sentence to read “… an 8 ft tall wall is merited because it is the minimum
necessary to abate the noise and will provide a non-combustible physical barrier to the freeway.” Rinaldi and Dawkins agreed
to this amendment. Voice Vote on motion as amended: All AYES. Motion passed 5-0.
Planning Commission Special Meeting
April 26, 2011
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ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
April Lucas, Administrative Supervisor
Planning Commission Special Meeting
April 26, 2011
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