02/02/2023 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Adopted 03/02/2023
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City of Gilroy
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 2, 2023 | 6:00 PM
1. OPENING
Tonight’s meeting was called to order by Chair Bhandal at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Bhandal led the pledge of allegiance.
3. REPORT ON POSTING THE AGENDA AND ROLL CALL
The agenda was posted on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 5:27 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status
Manny Bhandal Chair Present
Annedore Kushner Vice Chair Present
Stefanie Elle Planning Commissioner Present
Adriana Leongardt Planning Commissioner Present
Joan Lewis Planning Commissioner Present
Michelle Montez Planning Commissioner Present
Kelly Ramirez Planning Commissioner Present
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chair Bhandal opened public comment for items not on the agenda.
There being no speakers, Chair Bhandal closed public comment for items not on the
agenda.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
5.1. January 19, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Chair Bhandal; seconded by Commissioner Lewis to approve the
consent agenda.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Chair Bhandal
SECONDER: Commissioner Lewis
AYES: Commissioners Elle, Leongardt, Lewis, Montez, Ramirez, Vice Chair
Kushner, and Chair Bhandal
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1. Electronic Billboard Ordinance and IS/MND (Z 18-04)
1. Staff Report:
Cindy McCormick, Customer Service Manager
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Regular Meeting Minutes
2. Open Public Hearing
Chair Bhandal opened the item to public hearing.
Tsui Li with FirstCarbon Solutions, the environmental consultant for this project,
provided additional information about the environmental aspect of the project to
the Planning Commission.
Robert Weaver provided a public comment.
Connie Rogers provided a public comment.
Dr. Paul Lynam provided a public comment.
Michelle Nelson provided a public comment.
Danny Mitchell provided a public comment.
Jeff Orth provided a public comment.
John Miller provided a public comment.
Jason Heap provided a public comment.
Les Levitt provided a public comment.
Michele Campbell provided a public comment.
Mike Conrotto, the project applicant, provided additional information about the
project to the Planning Commission and answered questions.
Sean Marciniak, the project applicant’s Outfront Media representative, provided
additional information about the project to the Planning Commission and
answered questions.
Jeff McCuen, the project applicant’s Outfront Media representative, provided
additional information about the project to the Planning Commission and
answered questions.
3. Close Public Hearing
There being no further speakers, Chair Bhandal closed the item to public
hearing.
4. Disclosure of Ex-Parte Communication
None.
5. Possible Action:
Staff has analyzed the proposed project, and recommends that the Planning
Commission:
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Regular Meeting Minutes
a) Recommend that the City Council, based on its independent analysis, adopt
the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and find that: the MND was completed
in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); there is no
substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the
environment; and the MND reflects the City’s independent judgment and
analysis; and
RESULT: Fail
MOVER: Chair Bhandal
SECONDER: Commissioner Lewis
AYES: Commissioners Lewis, Montez, and Chair Bhandal
NAYS: Commissioners Elle, Leongardt, Ramirez, and Vice Chair Kushner
The City Attorney advised the Commission that in light of the previous motion
not to adopt the IS/MND, the only course of action open to the Commission was
to deny the application.
6. Alternative Action:
b) Recommend that the City Council not adopt an Ordinance (Z 18-04)
proposing changes to Section 30.37.30 (Prohibited Signs), Section 30.37.50
(Commercial and Industrial Districts), and Section 30.37.51 (Freeway Oriented
Signs) and creating a new Zoning Ordinance Article LV (Electronic Billboards).
This motion is to deny the application.
Members of the Commission then discussed their concerns with the project. The
City Attorney and the maker of the motion clarified that the motion is a denial of
the application. Chair Bhandal called for the vote.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Commissioner Ramirez
SECONDER: Vice Chair Kushner
AYES: Commissioners Elle, Leongardt, Ramirez, and Vice Chair Kushner
NAYS: Commissioners Lewis, Montez, and Chair Bhandal
6.2. Architectural and Site Review Permit to amend the Plaza Allium sign
program, located on property at the northeast corner of Tenth Street and
Chestnut Street, Application No. AS 22-24
1. Staff Report:
Kraig Tambornini, Senior Planner
2. Open Public Hearing
Chair Bhandal opened the item to public hearing.
3. Close Public Hearing
There being no speakers, Chair Bhandal closed the public hearing.
4. Disclosure of Ex-Parte Communication
None.
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5. Possible Action:
Staff has analyzed the proposed project and recommends that the Planning
Commission take the following actions:
a) Recommend that the City Council, based on its independent analysis,
determine pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, that the proposed
amendment to the approved sign program is adequately assessed by the
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (SCH # 2021060521) adopted for the
commercial development project on September 20, 2021, and that no
subsequent environmental review shall be required.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Commissioner Ramirez
SECONDER: Commissioner Leongardt
AYES: Commissioners Elle, Leongardt, Lewis, Montez, Ramirez, Vice Chair
Kushner, and Chair Bhandal
b) Adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council approve the proposed
sign program amendment AS 22-24.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Chair Bhandal
SECONDER: Commissioner Leongardt
AYES: Commissioners Elle, Leongardt, Lewis, Montez, Ramirez, Vice Chair
Kushner, and Chair Bhandal
7. NEW BUSINESS
None.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
8.1. 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule
Chair Bhandal reminded the Planning Commission that they are set to meet
every first Thursday of the month and reserve the third Thursday of the month
for a special meeting in the event that one must be held.
8.2. Planning Division Staff Approvals
None.
9. PLANNING DIVISION REPORT
Community Development Director, Sharon Goei, informed the Commission of the
upcoming League of California Cities Planning Commissioner 2023 Academy event that
the commissioners will have an opportunity to attend.
10. ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT To the Next Meeting of March 2, 2023 at 6:00 PM
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Chair Bhandal adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
Ariana Fabian
Ariana Fabian, Planning Technician