 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs
(page optimized for Internet Explorer)
City
Government Contact Information
City Hall
232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
(626) 355-7135
City Manager - Elaine Aguilar, ext. 1
EAguilar@CityofSierraMadre.com
Director of Public Works - Bruce Inman, ext. 7
Development Services - Danny Castro, ext. 3
Community and Personnel Services
611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
(626) 355-5278
Director - Elisa Weaver, ext. 1
Hart House, Senior Services/Center (626) 355-7394
Elected Officials
Mayor Maryann MacGillivray
Mayor Pro Tem Don Watts
Council Member John Buchanan
Council Member Joe Mosca
Council Member Kurt Zimmerman
City Clerk Nancy Shollenberger
City Treasurer George Enyedi
City Council -
Four
year term of office, meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in
the City Hall Council Chambers
View live streaming internet of City Council meetings, meeting
replays, and replays of the Chamber Candidate Forum
(Council photos courtesy of Bill Coburn, except Maryann
MacGillivray, courtesy of Maryann MacGillivray)
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member The Chamber of
Commerce will host a candidate forum on March 8th, at City Hall Council
Chambers, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., moderated by the League of Women
Voters, Pasadena Area. Forum is from 6:30 - 8:30pm, and will be
broadcast live and replayed on SMTV 3 The Sierra
Madre Woman's Club will host a Chamber of Commerce Mixer featuring a meet
and greet with the candidates on March 11th, 5 to 7pm, 550 W. Sierra Madre
Blvd. Cost is $10/Chamber members, $15/Non-Chamber members. Sierra Madre
Kiwanis Club will host a candidate forum on March 16th. The City Council will be
considering Ordinance 1306 Requiring Vacant Commercial Property Maintenance
at its meeting on Tuesday, 2/23/10. The Chamber has prepared a survey
asking your opinion on this ordinance.
Take the survey here.
Planning Commission -
Four year term of office, meets the 1st & 3rd Thursday at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers
Chair
John A. Vandevelde
Vice-Chair
Thomas Pendlebury
Commissioner
Gina Frierman-Hunt
Commissioner
Kevin Paschall
Commissioner
William Pevsner
Commissioner
Russell Replogle
Commissioner
Bob Spears The City does not yet have e-mails set up for the Planning
Commissioners, however, if you send an
e-mail to Jen Peterson, with the Planning
Dept., and include a request to have your e-mail distributed
to the Planning Commission, it will be done. City
Council Meeting Agendas
City
Council Agenda for 2/23/10
Staff report re:
Consideration of Ord. 1306, Maintenance of Vacant
Commercial Property, 2/23/10
Staff report re:
Alverno TUP, 9/22/09 Planning
Commission Agendas
City Commissions and Committees -
Issued 10/26/09
The Sierra Madre
City Council and its appointed commissions and committees are hard
at work tackling numerous projects important to the residents of
Sierra Madre. The following is a brief list of many of the
commissions and committees, their current projects and meeting
information. The meetings are open to the public, and the public
is encouraged to attend. For more information on any of the
following, please visit the City’s website at
www.cityofsierramadre.com or call 626-355-7135.
The City Council
recently appointed three temporary Committees, the Utility Users
Tax (UUT) Oversight Committee, the Canyon Zone Committee and the
General Plan Update Committee.
UUT Oversight Committee
– Advisory to the City Council
The Committee
met on Oct 22 and reviewed the unaudited financial reports as they
relate to the Utility User Tax collection and the Public Safety
budget expenditures for FY 2008-09. At the meeting, the Committee
gave its concurrence regarding the proper use of the new UUT
revenues for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2009. This
means that the Committee has preliminarily determined that the
voter approved increase in the UUT was used in conformance with
the voter approved advisory measure that specified the voters’
preference that the increased UUT revenues be used for Public
Safety Services. The Committee deferred issuing its final report
until the City’s audit report is completed. The next meeting is
scheduled for January, the 28th at 6:30 pm. in the City
Hall Council Chambers.
Canyon Zone Committee
– Advisory to the Planning Commission and City Council
The Canyon Zone
Committee is developing new zoning standards that would pertain to
the Canyon area, thereby replacing the current R-1 zoning
standards that currently apply. A construction moratorium is
currently in place while the new zoning standards are being
developed, due to concerns that development in the Canyon might
not be complementary with the unique residential character and
rustic setting of the Canyon. Issues such as building massing,
lot coverage, building floor area, height, setbacks, and parking
are being addressed. The Canyon Zone Committee is currently
working on drafting the proposed new standards, and meets every 3rd
Tuesday of the month, at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council
Chambers. In addition, a Community Input meeting is planned for
January 2009.
General Plan Update Committee
– Advisory to the Planning Commission and City Council
This Committee’s role is to update the City’s 1996 General
Plan. The General Plan is a long-range planning document. It
provides the City with a framework for action and the direction in
which to focus that action. The General Plan is a
visionary document and a road map for the next 10 to 20 years; it
sets the policy agenda for land-use development, transportation,
energy conservation, parks, public services, and shapes future
budget decisions and allocation of City services. As possible tasks, the Committee will be asked to
develop an overall vision for the future of Sierra Madre,
priorities for development within the community, and other land
use goals, policies, and objectives. The first meeting
was
held on November 17, at 5:30 p.m. The regular meeting date will
be determined in the near future, but is anticipated to occur on
the first Tuesday of each month, at 6:30 pm in the City Hall
Council Chambers.
In addition to
the committees above, the City has a number of standing
Commissions that are also busy tackling important community
projects.
Planning Commission
– Advisory to the City Council
This Commission
is responsible for reviewing project applications regarding land
use and zoning matters, i.e., variances, development plans,
conditional use permits, historically significant homes and
landmarks, and associated environmental documents such as
environmental impact reports (EIRs), for their compliance with
local zoning code and the City’s General Plan. The Commission
recently revised and updated the commercial zone, identifying the
allowable uses and permit requirements for the downtown area.
The Commission is currently updating the R-1 (single-family
residential) zone, identifying current development standards that
have been proven to be problematic or unclear, and amending such
standards with the goals of improving the quality of life for
Sierra Madre residents. The Planning Commission regularly meets
every 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at
7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Senior Community Commission
– Advisory to the City Council
This Commission
assists in identifying the need for services and amenities that
will enrich the quality of life, provide information and
education, and support the emotional and physical needs of seniors
in Sierra Madre. The Commission has accomplished some of the
goals in the 2007 Senior Master Plan through new exercise
programs, organizing monthly excursions, hosting special luncheons
and collaborating with local organizations for their Lunch & Learn
series. The Senior Community Commission regularly meets on the
1st Thursday of every month at 3 pm in the City Hall Council
Chambers.
Tree Advisory Commission
– Advisory to the City Council
The Tree
Advisory Commission conducts a monthly review of the City of
Sierra Madre’s Urban Forest and construction projects that may
affect Sierra Madre’s protected tree species. The Commission has
also embarked on developing tree care educational materials for
distribution throughout the community, and identifying street tree
planting palettes for various Sierra Madre neighborhoods. A
Commission sub-committee will soon be formed to evaluate and
recommend amendments to the City’s Tree Ordinance. The Tree
Advisory Commission regularly meets the third Wednesday of the
month at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Community Arts Commission
– Advisory to the City Council
The
Commission is charged with approving any public art through the
Arts in Public Places Program. The Commission is currently focused
on forming a “Friend of the Arts” group. The Commission regularly
meets the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Art Review Board
– Advisory to the Community Arts Commission
The Art Review
Board is responsible for reviewing artwork and making
recommendations to the Community Arts Commission regarding the
artwork to be included in public art displays in City Hall. The next exhibit
will be selected for January 2010. The exhibit is accessible for
viewing during City Hall’s regular business hours.
Friends of
the Arts
The Friends of
the Arts group is being created to promote the community’s
interest in, awareness of, and appreciation for the arts; to
provide support and encouragement to artists living in the
community; and to increase the community’s participation in the
arts. The Friends of the Arts group will host events such as the
Open Studio Tour in June and the Jazz and Poetry appreciation
events in April. The Arts Commission will be meeting to develop
by-laws for this new group on November 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hart
Park House.
Community Services Commission
– Advisory to the City Council
The Community
Services Commission is responsible for overseeing the City’s
recreation and community services programs. The Commission
oversees the general use of park facilities and matters relating
to the community’s recreational and service needs. The Commission
recently re-established a transportation ad-hoc committee, is
working on water conservation awareness programs, approved a new
Middle School Co-ed Intramural Sports Program, and approved
concept plans for renovations of the Sierra Madre Room and Hart
Park House. The Commission regularly meets the third Monday of the
month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Transportation Ad-hoc Committee
– Advisory to the Community Services Commission
The
Transportation Ad-hoc Committee was recently reinstated by the
Community Services Commission through a request by the Senior
Community Commission. The Committee will review the City provided
transit services, with an emphasis on the senior community. At
its November 16, 2009 meeting, the Community Services Commission
defined the scope of this committee and approved the process
for appointment to the committee. The regular meeting date and
time have not yet been determined.
SMTV3 / Cable Programming Committee – Advisory to the Community Services Commission
This Committee
meets once a month to work with staff and the Community Media of
the Foothills to provide informational, educational and
enlightening programs to the City’s Community Television Station.
This year, the Committee was able to ramp up its efforts and was
able to present rebroadcasts of the City’s famed 4th of
July Parade, Little League Championship and Closing Day
Ceremonies, an overview of the City’s weekly Farmer’s Market, and
the Arts Commission’s Open Studio Tour. Plans are in the works to
cover some of this year’s holiday celebrations including an
expanded documentary-style presentation on Sierra Madre’s annual
self-built Rose Parade Float entry. Meetings are held on the
first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 am at the Community
Recreation Center.
Mount Wilson Trail Race Committee – Advisory to the Community Services Commission
This Committee
of close to 30 volunteers organizes one of the City’s most popular
annual events. Each year 325 runners race approximately 8.6 miles
to Orchard Camp and back to Kersting Court. Other related
race-day events include the Pasta Feed, Kids Race, Art Show, and
Beer Garden. This year’s race will take place on May 29, 2009.
The Committee began their monthly meetings on November 17 at
7:00 pm in the Hart Park House.
Library Board of Trustees
– Advisory to the City Council
The Library
Board of Trustees is responsible for adopting policies that guide
the delivery of quality public library services to the community.
The collection development (the selection and de-selection of
library materials) policy was recently approved by the Board of
Trustees on September 23, 2009. Trustees participate in planning
and implementing library programs and services on behalf of the
community by monitoring the Library Strategic Plan. Beginning in
January 2010, Trustees will work with library staff to develop new
goals and objectives related to the service responses adopted in
the Sierra Madre Public Library Strategic Plan. The Trustees
regularly meet the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room.
Friends of the Library
The Friends of
the Sierra Madre Library provides essential extra funding to
supplement any allocated tax support for the Sierra Madre Public
Library. The money raised by the Friends each year through
membership dues, Best Used Book Sales, Wine and Cuisine Tasting
and Art Fair is used for relevant resources, technologies and
programs. The garden in front of the Library is enjoyed by the
community today because of the Friends’ efforts and donations in
2007. Friends Partners, is a new fundraising effort
for donors who are willing to commit to an annual gift of $100 or
more. Friends Partners and the Mary Tumilty Endowment
Fund make special unfunded projects possible. The Friends of
the Library have an annual meeting June of each year.
There are plenty
of interesting opportunities to get involved. If any of the
Commission or Committee activities are of interest, please attend
a meeting, or call City Hall at 626-355-7135.
County Supervisor, 5th District
Supervisor Michael
Antonovich
Photo from
antonovich.com
LA Phone: (213) 974-5555
Pasadena Phone:
(626) 356-5407
LA Fax: (213) 974-1010
Pasadena Fax:
LA Office:
500 West Temple Street
215 N. Marengo Ave.
Web:
www.antonovich.com/
Facebook:
Michael Antonovich Facebook
Twitter:
Michael Antonovich Twitter
58th Assembly District
Assemblyman Anthony Adams
Photo courtesy of Bill Coburn
Sacto Phone:
(916) 319-2059
Local Phone:
(909) 625-1038,
Sacto Fax:
(916) 319-2159
Local Fax:
(909) 625-1063
Sacto Address:
State Capitol
Web:
http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/59/
Facebook:
Anthony Adams Facebook
Twitter:
Anthony Adams
Twitter
29th Senate District
Senator Bob Huff
Photo from
cssrc.us/web/29
Sacto Phone:
(916) 651-4029
Local Phone:
(626) 914-5046
Sacto Fax:
(916) 324-0922
Local Fax:
(626) 914-8976
Sacto Address:
State Capitol, Room 3048
2605 E. Foothill Blvd., #A
E-mail:
E-mail Form
Facebook:
Bob Huff Facebook
Twitter: Bob
Huff Twitter
State Governor
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Photo from http://gov.ca.gov/
Sacto Phone:
(916) 445-2841
Local Phone: (213)
897-0322
Sacto Fax:
(916) 558-3160
Local Fax: (213)
897-0319
Sacto Address:
Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger
Web:
http://gov.ca.gov/
Facebook:
Arnold Schwarzenegger Facebook
Twitter:
Arnold Schwarzenegger Twitter
House of Representatives, 26th
District
Congressman David Dreier
Photo courtesy of Bill Coburn
D.C. Phone:
(202)
225-2305
DC Fax: (202) 225-7018
Local Fax:
(909) 575-6266
D.C. Office:
233 Cannon
Local Office: 510
East Foothill Blvd.,
Web:
www.dreier.house.gov
Facebook:
David Dreier Facebook
Twitter: Not available as of
6/8/09
U.S. Senate
Senator Barbara Boxer
Photo from boxer.senate.gov
D.C. Phone:
(202) 224-3553
Local Phone:
(213) 894-5000
DC Fax:
(202) 224-0454
Local Fax: (202)
224-0357
D.C. Office: 112 Hart
Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
Web:
www.Boxer.Senate.gov
Facebook:
Barbara Boxer Facebook
Twitter:
Barbara Boxer Twitter
U.S. Senate
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Photo from feinstein.senate.gov
D.C. Phone: (202)
224-3841
Local Phone:
(310) 914-7300
DC Fax: (202) 228-3954
Local Fax:
(310) 914-7318
D.C. Office: Senator
Dianne Feinstein
Local Office: 11111
Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 915, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Facebook:
Dianne Feinstein Facebook
Twitter: Not available as of
6/8/09
U.S. Executive Branch
President
Barack
Obama
Photo from WhiteHouse.gov
D.C. Phone: (202)
456-1111
D.C. Fax: (202)
456-2461
D.C. Office: The White
House
E-mail:
E-mail
Form
Web:
www.whitehouse.gov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse
Twitter: http://twitter.com/whitehouse
(9/22/09) SCAG
Membership Discussion
The Chamber will be submitting a statement recommending that
the Council remain in SCAG. You can find the staff
report on this Agenda item by
clicking here.
Statement from Chamber of Commerce re: SCAG Membership My name is Bill
Coburn, and I’m the Executive Director of the Sierra Madre
Chamber of Commerce. I’m here tonight representing the
Chamber in encouraging the Council to retain its membership in
the Southern California Association of Governments, aka SCAG. As the
designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for Southern
California, SCAG is mandated by the federal government to
research and draw up plans for transportation, growth
management, hazardous waste management, and air quality. In 1966, then
Ventura County Supervisor John Montgomery stated that
“Regional planning is not a matter of if, but rather when and
who. Regional planning must come via cooperation and mutual
assistance. Regional planning will (either) be accomplished
through local governments working together or by big brother
mandates from state and national governments." The Chamber
believes that Sierra Madre should be one of the local
governments working together in cooperation with our
neighbors, rather than being subjected, without any input, to
big brother mandates from state and national governments. Our neighbor
communities, both small and large, are all members: Bradbury,
Arcadia, Duarte, Monrovia, Pasadena, Azusa, El Monte, La
Canada/Flintridge, Rosemead, San Marino, South Pasadena, all
have joined the nearly 150 city members of SCAG. The only area
city that is not a member of SCAG is Temple City. Some have
mentioned SCAG’s role in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment
as a reason to withdraw from SCAG, but whether we are a member
of SCAG or not, we will still have to incorporate the RHNA
allocations into our Housing Element, so compliance with RHNA
would not seem to be a good reason to withdraw. And since
SCAG is involved with far more than just housing, such as
transportation, growth management, hazardous waste management,
and air quality, withdrawing from SCAG eliminates our ability
to be part of the discussion on all these issues. The
discussions about these issues, any of which could have major
impacts on Sierra Madre, will still go on, they’ll just go on
without input from Sierra Madre. Some have
mentioned their concern that even though we are members of
SCAG, we are not receiving proper representation within the
organization. Recently, Sierra Madre’s representative in SCAG,
Arcadia Council member Bob Harbicht, resigned as our
representative. As the new representative is chosen in the
near future, Sierra Madre should take advantage of the
opportunity to influence that decision to ensure that the
selected representative is one that will be pro-active in
representing Sierra Madre’s interests. By withdrawing from
SCAG, we will instead ensure that our only representation in
the organization is through the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments, whose charge is to represent the best interests
of the entire San Gabriel Valley, which may or may not be in
line with Sierra Madre’s best interests. If we are unhappy
with our representation, it would seem to be more effective to
improve the representation, rather than to eliminate it by
withdrawing. SCAG is going
to be making decisions that affect our City, and we have an
opportunity to have representation in the organization so that
our voice is a part of the decision making process. The
Chamber of Commerce believes that the City of Sierra Madre
should remain in SCAG, rather than bowing out, remaining
silent during the decision making, and then just having to
accept what is decided by others about our City. We encourage
the Council to retain the City’s membership in the Southern
California Association of Governments.
(9/22/09) Alverno Villa
TUP Request
The Chamber will be
submitting a statement recommending that the Council approve
Alverno's request for a TUP. You can find the staff
report on this Agenda item by
clicking here.
Statement
from Chamber of Commerce re: Alverno Villa TUP Request.
My name is
Bill Coburn, and I’m the Executive Director of the Sierra
Madre Chamber of Commerce. I’m here tonight representing the
Chamber in encouraging the Council to vote to approve the
Temporary Use Application of Alverno High School.
Next year,
Chamber member Alverno High School will celebrate its 50th
year as a valued member of the Sierra Madre Community. For
twenty of those years, the school has rented out its
facilities to supplement tuition income in order to fulfill
its budget requirements, including maintenance and upkeep of
the historic Villa structure and the school property. We
recognize that this TUP request is for rental use of the
property only, and that school and City use of the property
will not be governed by the TUP.
The main
obstacle we understand to be in the way of the approval of the
TUP is concern about potential negative impacts on the
residents in the neighborhood around the school, particularly
noise. According to the staff report on this issue, there
have been only two noise complaints received by SMPD related
to rental events in the last four years. A recent call to the
school provided the information that there have been an
estimated 96 rental events during that time period. In one of
those instances, the complaint was received after nine-fifteen
pm, despite the fact that the school has an agreement in place
with the neighbors that music must end at 9:30pm. In both
instances, the police report shows that the noise level was
lowered for the short remainder of the event.
The TUP as
submitted has numerous conditions designed to mitigate
potential negative impact on its neighbors, and we believe
that Alverno, in agreeing to these conditions, is doing
everything it can to ensure that it does its part to be a good
neighbor, while still allowing a venue that will be desirable
for certain events.
We support our
member Alverno High School in its request for a TUP, and
recognize that this decision has the potential to impact not
only Alverno, but several others of our members, such as food
and beverage suppliers, restaurants, caterers, and performers
who stand to benefit if they are hired at these rental
events. In addition, any additional business brought to town
by the TUP (sales tax generated at events, last minute wedding
presents, post event snacks at local eateries, etc.) will also
benefit the City. Therefore, we ask the members of the
Council to vote to approve Resolution NO. 09-62, the Temporary
Use Permit to allow private rental events to occur in the
Alverno Villa.
(7/11/09) Downtown
Overlay Zone Comes Before City Council
At the July 14th City Council
meeting, Council will be considering Ordinance 1296, based on
Planning Commission's Resolution 09-10, recommending
amendments to Chapter 17.36 in its entirety and repeal of
Chapter 17.37 and section 17.60.030(B) of the Sierra Madre
Municipal Code. The amendments include updating the list of
permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the commercial
zone, and updating the corresponding design and development
standards. Repeal of
Chapter 17.37 and section 17.60.030(B) of the Sierra Madre
Municipal Code removes downtown overlay standards which limits
the uses allowed in the commercial zone and the requirement
that all such uses requires a conditional use permit.
Due to the consolidation of permitted and conditionally
permitted uses as provided in Chapter 17.36, repeal of
17.60.030(B) removes the cross reference of these same uses.
Here
is the 78-page staff report regarding this
item...The first 10 pages are the staff report and the
proposed language of the ordinance, and the next ten pages are
the amendments to Chapter 17.36. Pages 21 - 40 are the
red-line version of the amendments, showing what has been
deleted and added. The map of the affected area can be
found on page 41. Pages 42 - 59 are the current (extant)
versions of 17.36 and 17.37. Page 60 is where you'll
find PC's Resolution 09-10. The Initial Study and Notice
of Intent (Environmental) reporting on Environmental Factors
that may potentially be effected begins on page 64, with the
findings being that the proposed project could not have a
significant effect on the environment, and that a negative
declaration will be declared. Pages 77 and 78 are the
negative declaration.
The Planning Commission
considered this issue at its May 21st, June 4th and June 18th
meetings. The Chamber took an active role in the
discussions, and believes that the Planning Commission's
recommendations are a significant improvement over the current
status, and much more business friendly. The Chamber
encourages its members and others from the downtown business
community to attend Tuesday night's meeting when the Council
will be considering the issue. Staff has recommended
that the Council introduce and approve for first
reading by title only.
(6/8/09) City Council
Agenda Items Related to Sierra Madre Business at the 6/9/09
Regular Meeting
Proposal for Barriers at
Dining Areas on North Baldwin Ave.
In response to a request from
a member of the Community, staff looked into the idea of
putting barriers curbside by dining establishments on N.
Baldwin Ave. Staff is recommending that the Council
receive and file this report.
Here's the staff
report on this item, number 5 on the agenda.
Consideration of
AB811Program of Low Interest Loans For Energy Efficiency
Projects and Solar Panels to Homeowners and Small Businesses
Gov. Schwarzenegger signed
Assembly Bill 811 giving cities and counties the ability to
offer low interest loans for energy efficiency projects and
solar panels to homeowners and small businesses. The
loans are to be repaid through assessments on property tax
bills. Staff is seeking Council direction on whether to
proceed with establishing an AB811 program.
Here's the staff report
on this item, number 7 on the agenda.
In addition to the above two items, Council is also
considering a water crisis/information committee. It
might be beneficial to have a member of the business community
on such a committee if one is formed. Downtown Overlay Zone
Update (6/7/09)
Thank you to Chamber members David
Felt, Ellen Burry, Matt Krantz, Alison Kalmus and George
Maurer for attending and participating in the Planning
Commission meetings on May 21st and June 4th. The
Commission has now completed their review, and the revised
recommended ordinance will come before them at the June 18th
meeting. At that time, they are expected to recommend to
the City Council the repeal of Chapter 17.37 (Downtown Overlay
Zone), and recommend the reinstatement of a modified Chapter
17.36. I do not expect it to be on the agenda for the
June 23rd meeting, but it may be. When I learn the date
it goes before the Council, I'll post it.
Mayor Maryann MacGillivray and Mayor Pro Tem Don Watts were at the June 4th
meeting.
Some pertinent points addressed
by the Chamber (and others) at the last two meetings:
Antique and second hand stores
should be allowed use, not removed from list, Commission
agreed and reinstated these uses to the list.
One acre minimum lot seemed too
large, Planning Commission agreed and reduced the minimum lot
size to 3,750sq. ft.
Recommended that some new
construction, alterations or additions could be approved
without CUP, including minor additions in square footage.
Commission decided too many variables were involved to allow
additional sq. footage, also decided to separate new
construction from alterations or additions under different
headings.
Walls vs. landscaping,
recommended Commission take note of former Commissioner John Hutt's suggestion to use landscaping instead of walls
when possible, Commission re-worded to place more emphasis on
landscaping, removed berm requirement.
Bill Coburn,
Exec. Director
Downtown Overlay Zone/Planning Commission
(6/1/09)
The
current DOZ is decidedly unfriendly to business, and the
Planning Commission recognizes that and is working to ensure
that the revisions, if/when they are approved, are more
friendly to business and a better solution for our downtown
district.
Most of the
discussion at the last meeting centered around what uses are
to be allowed, and which of those are to be "permitted" and
which will require a Conditional Use Permit." It is expected
that most of the discussion at this week's meeting will
revolve around design criteria for the "C" (Commercial) Zone.
Here's a direct link to the staff report
Here's a direct link to the "Redline" draft of the revised
Chapter 17.36
Here's a direct link to the "Undecided List"
which explains the modifications to some of the uses that have
changed or been removed.
This issue
will directly effect the downtown district, including new and
(some) existing businesses and I encourage all business and
property owners to get involved. If you are unable to make it
to the meeting, please feel free to call or e-mail the Chamber
and let us know your thoughts.
Bill Coburn,
Exec. Director
Find your legislator, contact information,
biographies and committee assignments. Search by
bill number, author, topic or key words to track all bills
in current and past legislative sessions. We keep a
close eye on legislation that could be devastating to
business in California.
Read about current and past job killers. The
California Chamber of Commerce has identified the
following bills as proposals that will help boost the
state's economy and create jobs.
Job Creators Page Want to
know where your legislators stand? Check out their voting
records. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce
37 N Auburn Avenue; Ste. 1: Sierra Madre, CA : 91024 : 626.355.5111
© 2007 - 2009 Sierra Madre Chamber. All rights reserved.
site design: Village Domain