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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRC_2021-04-15_MinutesPR � � 202 P�6COF�ATS sCADERO CITY OF ATASCADERO PLANNING DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting — Thursday, April 15, 2021 — 2:00 P.M. City Hall (Teleconference) 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA CALL TO ORDER — 2:00 p.m. Chairperson Newsom called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m. R[)I I Cal I Present: By Teleconference Chairperson Heather Newsom Vice Chairperson Susan Funk Committee Member Emily Baranek Committee Member Dennis Schmidt Committee Member Jeff van den Eikhof Absent: None Others Present: By Teleconference - Recording Secretary, Annette Manier Staff Present: By Teleconference Community Development Director, Phil Dunsmore Senior Planner, Kelly Gleason Assistant Planner, Mariah Gasch Others Present: By Teleconference Tony Burg Various members of the public APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: By Committee Member van den Eikhof and seconded by Vice Chairperson Funk to approve the Agenda. Motion passed by 5:0 by a roll call vote. DRC Minutes of 4/15/2021 Page 1 of 4 PUBLIC COMMENT None Chairperson Newsom closed the Public Comment period. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Schmidt noted that he had not been present at the March 11, 2021 meeting and would be abstaining. 1. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 11, 2021 DRAFT MINUTES MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Funk and seconded by Committee Member van den Eikhof to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion passed by 4:0:1 by a roll call vote. (Schmidt abstained) DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW 2. DESIGN REVIEW OF LITTLE WINGS PRESCHOOL AT 6895 MORRO ROAD The project consists of the installation of a 1,440 sf pre -manufactured office/school building on a site that includes an existing preschool and additional storage structures. The proposed project also includes minor site improvements for landscaping and parking. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. (CEQA). Recommendation: Staff requests the DRC review the proposed design and direct the applicant to make any modifications to the site or building design as necessary. (PRE21-0025) Ex Parte Communications Chairperson Newsom announced that she would need to recuse herself from voting on this item due to financial interest and she lives less than 1,000 feet from the property. Vice Chairperson Funk stated she would chair this portion of the meeting. Planner Gleason presented the project, and she and Director Dunsmore answered questions from the Committee. PUBLIC COMMENT The following members of the public spoke during public comment: Troy Burg (who spoke as the representative of the project), Jason Wells, and Raechelle Bowlay. The following emails were received prior to the meeting, but after packet publication. Emails were sent to the DRC members prior to the meeting and were read in brief by Recording Secretary Manier as all being in favor of the project: DRC Minutes of 4/15/2021 Page 2 of 4 Andrus, Sarah and Matt (Exhibit A) Bailey, Shayna and Chris (Exhibit B) Conde, Melinda (Exhibit C) DePoorter, Melissa (Exhibit D) Foster, Ashley (The Hoefer Family) (Exhibit E) Graf, Rebekah, (Exhibit F) Grozdich, Suzy (Susy Rogers) (Exhibit G) Greenberg, Erica (Exhibit H) Hernandez, Lorena (Exhibit 1) Hughes, Ashley (Exhibit J) Lovejoy, Stephanie (Exhibit K) Milia, Gina (Exhibit L) Paulson, Shana (Exhibit M) Murray, Trisha and Paul, Kimberly (Exhibit N) Perez, Carmen (Exhibit O) Roudebush, Kris (Exhibit P) Wasjutin, Silvia, MP Health (Exhibit Q) Vice Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period. Staff and the applicant answered questions raised during public comment. Vice Chairperson Funk reopened public comment. PUBLIC COMMENT The following members of the public spoke during public comment: Tony Burg. Mr. Burg addressed questions by the Committee. Mr. Burg is not in agreement with a placing shade tree in the back, but is willing to keep the one in the front. Vice Chairperson Funk closed the Public Comment period. The Committee agreed on the following recommendations: MOTION: By Committee Member Schmidt and seconded by Committee Member van den Eikhof to approve the project with modification to the conditions to allow staff to work with the applicant in the placement of parking lot shade trees to meet code requirements with flexibility if not feasible based on the finding that the project site will retain existing mature native tees as allowed by the Municipal Code, and to remove requirements to add a trellis to the Tecorida side of the structure. Motion passed by 5:0 by a roll call vote. The project will move on to building permits. Chairperson Newsom rejoined the meeting. DRC Minutes of 4/15/2021 Page 3 of 4 COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS None DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Dunsmore stated that the next meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2021, and the item on the agenda will be the Dove Creek commercial project. Director Dunsmore gave updates on Barrel Creek, the mini -storage project, Del Rio Ranch, La Plaza rooftop bar, Vandeventer project, and the multi -use space near Bay Laurel Nursery. ADJOURNMENT— 3:11 p.m. The next regular meeting of the DRC is scheduled for Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED BY: Annette Mahier, Recording Secretary Administrative Assistant The following Exhibits are available in the Community Development Department: Andrus, Sarah and Matt (Exhibit A) Bailey, Shayna and Chris (Exhibit B) Conde, Melinda (Exhibit C) DePoorter, Melissa (Exhibit D) Foster, Ashley (The Hoefer Family) (Exhibit E) Graf, Rebekah, (Exhibit F) Grozdich, Suzy (Susy Rogers) (Exhibit G) Greenberg, Erica (Exhibit H) Hernandez, Lorena (Exhibit 1) Hughes, Ashley (Exhibit J) Lovejoy, Stephanie (Exhibit K) Milia, Gina (Exhibit L) Paulson, Shana (Exhibit M) Murray, Trisha and Paul, Kimberly (Exhibit N) Perez, Carmen (Exhibit O) Roudebush, Kris (Exhibit P) Wasjutin, Silvia, MP Health (Exhibit Q) Adopted 4/29/21 DRC Minutes of 4/15/2021 Page 4 of 4 Exhibit A DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Sarah Andrus Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 9:54 AM To: DRC Public Comment Cc: Daniella Wasjutin Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 Hello Atascadero Design Review Committee, As a current parent with a son at Little Wings of Atascadero, I'm writing to encourage you to "say yes" to the new classroom they'd like to add to their facility. We'd be lost without the love, care, and leadership that Little Wings shows our son while in their care. He's never been happier and truly enjoys going to school every day. Dani and Tony and ALL of their staff are exceptional. The time and thoughtfulness they invest into the play space is unparalleled in this area and beyond. During this time of unrest for our most prized members of the community, fun, hands on learning and tender care should be prioritized. Please see this additional classroom as a tremendous asset to the community - for parents and kids alike. Thank you! Sarah & Matt Andrus Parents of a Litte Wings of Atascadero student Sarah Andrus ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. APR 13 2021 Rec'd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. Exhibit B DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: shayna Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 2:42 PM To: DRC Public Comment Cc: shayna APR 12 2071 Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 Hello, We are writing to send our support for PRE21-0025 to add a new classroom to the Little Wings Preschool. As residents of Atascadero my husband and I have so far not been able to find a spot for our almost 3 -year-old son in any daycare in the area despite being on multiple different waitlists since he was born. It is clear that Atascadero as well as the rest of North County is in desperate need of additional daycare services. The availability of daycares/preschools in Atascadero in no way meets the demands of the families in the area an issue that seriously needs to be addressed. We are certainly not the only family that is encountering this problem and it. has been made worse with the recent closing of two daycares and limitations because of Covid. We strongly encourage the City to approve adding a new classroom to the Little Wings Preschool as this would be a huge benefit to parents like us who have spent years on a waitlist to finally being able to place our son in preschool. Sincerely, Shayna and Chris Bailey ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. 9ec d 07 — 16e q- p u ca� t. 00tJ t v4�) rq c 0 rd - 1 From: Sent: To: Subject: Good afternoon, Melinda Conde Monday, April 12, 2021 1:17 PM DRC Public Comment Support forPRE21-0025 Exhibit C DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 APR 12 2021 I am a parent of two young children and a resident of Atascadero. Now that I've started looking at Preschool programs I've noted the extreme need for more options available to Atascadero residents. All of my top options have wait lists with no definite answer on when a space will be available. Obviously as a resident of Atascadero, it would not only be convenient to have child care in the city, but it also seems prudent from a business standpoint to open up more options, keeping our money within our city. I work in SLO and if no options in Atascadero open up, I will have to look into options either in SLO or other cities, creating a hardship on my family's schedule and taking my money out of the city of Atascadero (which, considering the rising costs of child care, can really add up). I am urging the city as a concerned resident of Atascadero to support PRE21-0025 so that I can find a place for my toddlers in a safe and conveniently located Preschool. Specifically, I am aiming my support at Little Wings Preschool, a program that looks perfect and a great fit for our family, Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. Mindy Truelsen Conde "By words the mind is winged..." ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. ,&D APe r P069d- p0 b1(6q-h`o-t,\ kea d, t"(40 a c c (-d Lxhibit D DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Lissa Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 6:39 PM To: DRC Public Comment APR 14 2021 Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Hi there, I am emailing in regards to the Little Wings of Atascadero preschool project (portable classroom and space approval request). My daughter is a student at Little Wings, and they have become such a phenomenal and important part of our lives. Not only was it incredibly difficult just to find a preschool, there remains limited preschool availability throughout the Northern SLO community. Further, current preschool waitlist times create significant burdens for parents and children. When I found Little Wings and a space had opened up for my daughter, we had been on six other waitlists for over five months, all without openings. Little Wings of Atascadero provides expansive developmental, social, and educational opportunities for children, particularly those with special needs. They have always been thorough and professional, with a child's well-being always the central focus of their care. Any opportunity they have to provide services for more children and families would be an asset to our community! Thank you for your time. Kind regards, Melissa DePoorter ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. Recd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. tmult t DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Ashley Foster -----;- Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 9:49 AM To: DRC Public Comment Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 Hi!! My daughter Charli goes to Little Wings and we fully support the expansion! Such an awesome place with such potential for even greater school!! Please make it happen!! Thank you, The Hoefer Family ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. K,11w APR 13 2021 nn:}F4 pA'i"", k Recd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. From: Sent: To: Subject: To the City of Atascadero, Bekah Graf Monday, April 12, 2021 9:09 PM DRC Public Comment Support forPRE21-0025 txnlnit i - DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 APR 12 2021 I am writing to offer support for Little Wings of Atascadero's application to increase their preschool program. There is a need for high quality childcare and early childhood education in North County, and we appeal to the city to approve those desiring to meet this need. Thank you, Rebekah Graf ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. 1Iec d F4CO.y oadf 1it40 foLU(d 1 txniDlt U DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Suzy Grozdich Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 10:28 AM To: DRC Public Comment Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 Hello, Our community is in desperate need of quality childcare and preschools, especially those inclusive of special needs! As a local mother of 2, 1 find Little Wings to be the absolute best child care option for my children. Although we don't personally have special needs, I think it's important to encourage diversity and acceptance of each other's differences, starting at a young age. The Little Wings staff members are focused on each child's individual needs, and they give exceptional patience for all levels of learning. They emphasize outdoor, child -led education. What else could a child ask for? After being on multiple waiting lists and touring the very few preschool options in the area, I feel so lucky to have been able to enroll at Little Wings, and only wish that opportunity to more children in our community. Thank you for your time, Suzy Rogers Sent from my iPhone ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. APR 1 3 202.1 Rec'd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. txnim n DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 T From: erica greenberg Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 4:11 PM To: DRC Public Comment Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 Hi my name is Erica Greenberg and I support Little Wings preschool with their plan to expand and build an additional space for our kids to grow and learn. Little wings is an amazing preschool with a single classroom, but needs more space. Building this extra building will mean being able to separate the littles from the older kids giving both groups an age appropriate classroom to play and learn in. We will all appreciate this so much. Thanks! :) ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. 1 x APR 13 2021 0EVELOPMEN1 Rec'd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. From: Sent: To: Subject: To Atascadero City Council, Lorena Hernandez Thursday, April 15, 2021 11:24 AM DRC Public Comment Support forPRE21-0025 CXnIDIL 1 DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 I APR 15 2021 i I wish to express my support for the new classroom expansion at Little Wings of Atascadero. There is a need for quality childcare in North County. The program at Little Wings serves the needs of this community, with a growing population of working professional parents in the area. I have experienced an impact on my income due to the lack of availability of childcare during this COVID-19 crisis. As schools and childcare facilities have been opening with safer conditions like vaccinations available for teachers and caregivers - this is the perfect time to approve the building permit and begin safe socialization of younger children. Our daughter is almost 2 1/2 years old and has not yet been able to have a social setting with children her age. I believe it is critical for her development to be able to safely interact and foster relationships with her peers under the guidance and supervision of the team at Little Wings of Atascadero. It is with great respect and hopeful support that I write to you and urge your approval of this project for the good of our community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, Lorena Hernandez -om outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. Recd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. tmolt i DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 ------- ---_.,. From: Ashley Hughes <. Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 7:25 AM To: DRC Public Comment Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 To whom it may concern, As a parent I want to express the need for high quality childcare here in the north county. Thank you, Ashley Hughes ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. APR 12 2021 &tvle I,n aper 'paco-+ re a r.1 , Exhibit K DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Stephanie Lovejoy Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 5:53 PM To: DRC Public Comment Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 Hello, My name is Stephanie Lovejoy and I am emailing you in support of PRE21-0025. In 2019, 1 struggled to find quality childcare/education for my son. Although many preschools are fantastic for typical developing children, preschools for children with special needs are limited and not always well equipped. My son is Autistic and cannot attend a preschool without proper support. Little Wings of Atascadero was educated, supportive, and ALWAYS willing to help and accommodate my son and his learning/behavioral needs. He even gets high quality therapies at school that he would not be able to get at most other preschools. In short, Little Wings always does the right thing for the child and will continue to support many students in years to come, especially students with special needs that want to be included with their peers in a respectful, supportive environment. The extra space that they are asking for will give them more space to grow their already wonderful school and support children with special needs and their neurotypical peers to be the best versions of themselves. Thank you for considering, Stephanie Lovejoy Sent from my iPhone ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. f APR 13 2021 Recd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. From: Gina Milia Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 6:51 PM To: DRC Public Comment Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 RE: Little Wings Preschool of Atascadero 6895 Morro Rd. Atascadero, CA 93422 To Whom it May Concern, Exhibit L DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 E" APR 12 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Atascadero is in desperate need of more childcare, schools and programs for our growing population. Our family has found it very difficult to get my grand daughter enrolled in any local preschools because they are already at full capacity. Currently, she is on 5 waiting lists. This is an important concern to our community and a challenge for parents. We need the support of our city to provide attainable opportunities for more schools to open and for existing schools to expand. With recent closures of several preschools in the area, waitlists are overflowing quickly. These overdue educational programs needed for many families are in high demand. Solutions are available, reachable and would provide a huge benefit to the City of Atascadero. We urge you to consider favorable circumstances as they arise in meeting the requirements necessary for our thriving area. I strongly recommend that Little Wings of Atascadero preschool expand to meet the demands and needs of our local residents. Thank you, Gina Milia ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. /�2 C LI f4 Y QCkE )�U CJII c�i� ,QPatd. rj--o (e c o r- Exhibit M DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Shana Paulson - -- Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 1:45 PM To: DRC Public Comment APR 12 20?1 Subject: Public Comment for 4/15 meeting To the Design Review Committee of the City of Atascadero.- This tascadero:This public comment is being submitted in response to item 2. Design Review of Liftle Wings Preschool Building at 6895 Morro Road. The Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, Child Care Resource Connection is the designated Resource and Referral Agency for San Luis Obispo County. In this capacity we maintain data on child care supply and the demand for care in the City of Atascadero. Atascadero currently has 45 licensed child care businesses with the capacity to serve 1206 children. Fifty-two percent (52%) of requests for child care in the North County Region are for Atascadero, but Atascadero only has forty-two percent (42%) of the region's slots for children. Child care plays a critical role in the early education of our community's children. It allows parents to work and local businesses to thrive. We are in support of the expansion of child care access and choice in Atascadero. Thank you for your consideration. Shana Shana Paulson — Children Services Manager This transmission is confidential and intended solely for the person or organization to whoin itis addressed. It may contain privileged and confiderttln! infornmtion. Ifvou are not the intended recipient you should not cops distribute or take any action in reliance on it If you hmn• received this tmnsmmi- in error, please notify me tnnnediately by entait or call (805) 541-4355. ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. 144v j,,e e� o )'d From: Sent: To: Subject: Importance: To whom it may concern: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 9:39 AM DRC Public Comment Support for PRE21-0025 High Exhibit N DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 APR 13 2021 We am writing you today in support of PRE21-0025. Little Wings of Atascadero Preschool has been the best thing that has happened for our son who had early start delays in both speech and motor skills. The diversity of this preschool has thought our child to except all kid from all walks of life. The compassion and care from the staff and teachers at Little Wings goes beyond any I have ever seen. Not only do the kids of this school get the help and support they need, but the parents also receive support and encouragement to help our children succeed. Our community needs this new classroom so that Little wings of Atascadero can expand and enroll more kids who can and will benefit from the nurturing and education provided by Little Wings of Atascadero. This new classroom will provide much needed programs and additional services for families in North County. We urge you to please support PRE21-0025. Thank you for your consideration Trisha Murray and Kimberly Paul ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. Recd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. Exhibit O DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Carmen Perez Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 8:17 AM To: DRC Public Comment APR 15 2021 Subject: PRE210025 t To who is may concern: I in favor of Little Wings expanding. We need more preschools in our community. I'm a mother of 18 month baby and I'm looking forward on in enrolling my child soon. Please take in to consideration my opinion. Sincerely, Mrs.Cano Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone • - ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. Recd after packet publication. Will be read into the record. txhibit P DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 From: Kris Roudebush Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 9:43 AM To: DRC Public Comment Subject: Support for PRE21-0025 Attachments: image001 jpg; PRE21-0025_Support WATC.pdf Dear Atascadero Design Review Committee, Please see the attached letter of support for the PRE21-0025 project on behalf of the We Are the Care Initiative. Sincerely, Kris Roudebush APR 13 2021 Kris Roudebush, Special Projects Administrator Pronouns: she/her/hers First 5 San Luis Obispo County Recd after packetublication. Will be read 3220 S. Higuera Street #232 p San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 into the record. ATTENTION: This email originated from outside the City's network. Use caution when opening links and attachments. 1 We Are the Care San Luis Obispo County WE ARE THE CAN"; SAN LUSS OBISPO coil April 12, 2021 RE: Support for PRE21-0025 Atascadero Design Review Committee 6500 Palma Ave Atascadero, CA 93422 Dear Design Review Committee, The We are the Care Initiative is a coalition of committed individuals and agencies mobilizing to bring together all facets of the community to build upon our current community-based child care system. Since our inception in the Summer of 2019, we have sought to increase the access/ affordability and quality of child care options for ALL families, and to elevate the profession of early childhood educators. We have pursued our goals through education of public and private sectors, the utilization and alignment of resources, and collaborative innovation. The PRE21-0025 is a project that supports both the mission and vision of our We Are the Care Initiative. Atascadero currently has 45 licensed child care businesses with the capacity to serve 1,206 children. fifty-two percent (52%) of requests for child care in the Forth County Region are for Atascadero, but Atascadero only has forty-two percent (42%) of the region's slots for children. The opening of the new Little Wings structure would serve to open up several much desired and essential child care slots for families in Atascadero. Our hope is that as this body makes decisions, such as this one for the PRE21-005 project, you will join us in advocating for the needs of the children in Atascadero and support us in finding ways to value early childhood and those who nurture our youngest generation. We must take the cue of other countries and start viewing early childhood and child care as a universal human right and find ways to guarantee preschool, early care, and learning for our young children. Sincerely, Kris Roudebush Administrative Lead for We Are the Care initiative April 12, 2021, 2021 To Whom It May Concern: Exhibit Q DRC Meeting of 4-15-21 APR 12 2021 I am writing this letter in support of the Little Wings classroom expansion. As a Speech Pathologist and the director of MP Health, I see first hand the impact of being able to support children in their natural environment and the importance of equal access to a quality preschool experience for all. Little Wings IS THE ONLY PRESCHOOL of its kind in the whole central coast area, where children with disabilities (all are accepted) are able to have a full-time preschool experience while attending full time and free of charge due to CAPSLO. These children can receive ALL the special needs services (speech and occupational therapy and/or counseling) while attending; allowing their parents to be able to work. Little Wings and its partner MP Health have a highly trained staff and dedicated therapists that are able to provide a comprehensive scope of services. Little Wings is also deeply committed to the community and has educational agreements with CalPoly that sends interns/future therapists to the preschool year-round. Little Wings also receives interns from prestigious universities such as Northridge, NYU, USC, Dominican, West Coast University and Baylor. Currently, Little Wings waiting list has over 30 families waiting to have their children in, and sadly most of those are families with special needs children that will have no options for care in the area. I urge the Atascadero board to move forward with this proposal. Sincerely, Silvia Wasjutin, SLP MP Health Director 2 : 5 U%. (805) . Barbara, !nphealthsbf, medsectiret !�� C C+ nvbl��a'tian, ,&_,,d f �h�0 ord