1 00:00:08,280 --> 00:00:10,880 >> It's Tuesday August 11th 2026 at 702 com I now call this 2 00:00:10,880 --> 00:00:13,380 meeting to order if you're able, please stand for the Pledge 3 00:00:13,380 --> 00:00:15,380 of Allegiance. 4 00:00:18,741 --> 00:00:21,366 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America 5 00:00:21,366 --> 00:00:21,378 and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 6 00:00:21,378 --> 00:00:25,578 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 7 00:00:29,880 --> 00:00:35,280 >> Right a staff can you please call the roll? 8 00:00:36,139 --> 00:00:42,139 [Reading names] Before I move on to this ability statement 9 00:01:03,568 --> 00:01:06,300 some of you see that we have a couple of new members 10 00:01:06,300 --> 00:01:07,728 of this distinguished body. 11 00:01:07,728 --> 00:01:10,680 So, if you guys want to take a moment just 12 00:01:10,680 --> 00:01:12,373 introduce yourselves to the public. 13 00:01:12,373 --> 00:01:15,240 And say a little bit about your background 14 00:01:15,240 --> 00:01:20,400 comment again we thank you for joining us. 15 00:01:23,139 --> 00:01:24,264 >> Of course that happened. 16 00:01:24,264 --> 00:01:25,590 Sorry everybody. 17 00:01:25,590 --> 00:01:29,680 My name is Sarah Torraco I've been a resident of Martinez 18 00:01:29,680 --> 00:01:32,900 for three years, and I'm an architect. 19 00:01:32,900 --> 00:01:34,176 I have been licensed for ten years in California 20 00:01:34,176 --> 00:01:38,376 and I specialize now in housing developments. 21 00:01:39,586 --> 00:01:42,160 >> My name is Bill would, and I'm also an architect, 22 00:01:42,160 --> 00:01:44,216 I've been living in Martinez since 1985. 23 00:01:44,216 --> 00:01:49,616 And, I was on the Planning Commission from 1988 to 2001. 24 00:01:50,465 --> 00:01:56,465 I left 25 years ago this month to raise my kids. 25 00:01:58,340 --> 00:02:02,320 I figured I'd come back and have a couple more years 26 00:02:02,320 --> 00:02:04,360 of whatever you want to call it. 27 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:11,560 Trying to help the city to get back on track after COVID. 28 00:02:11,950 --> 00:02:14,592 And I'm glad to meet everybody that's here. 29 00:02:14,592 --> 00:02:16,592 This is great. 30 00:02:17,507 --> 00:02:18,257 >> Well thank you. 31 00:02:18,257 --> 00:02:21,660 We are glad to have you back for your second tour of duty 32 00:02:21,660 --> 00:02:21,920 here at. 33 00:02:21,920 --> 00:02:24,920 We appreciate both of you. 34 00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:27,207 We have a lot of people that come and go 35 00:02:27,207 --> 00:02:28,280 from this commission. 36 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:32,880 So it's great to have two architects on board. 37 00:02:32,880 --> 00:02:34,434 One of the benefits is that we do 38 00:02:34,434 --> 00:02:36,800 see a different varieties and different backgrounds that 39 00:02:36,800 --> 00:02:37,893 come on board. 40 00:02:37,893 --> 00:02:40,560 So I definitely want to see what you guys have to say about some 41 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:42,240 of the things that come before us. 42 00:02:42,240 --> 00:02:44,440 They can get a little heated. 43 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:47,460 So I definitely love to have you guys aboard. 44 00:02:47,460 --> 00:02:48,400 So thank you. 45 00:02:48,400 --> 00:02:52,600 We will move on to the civility statement. 46 00:02:52,600 --> 00:02:55,600 As your appointed governing board 47 00:02:55,310 --> 00:02:59,709 we will treat each other As your appointed Governing Board, 48 00:02:59,709 --> 00:03:02,840 we will treat each other and the with patience, civility, 49 00:03:02,840 --> 00:03:02,930 and courtesy as a model of the same behavior 50 00:03:02,930 --> 00:03:02,105 we wish to reflect in for the conduct of all City business 51 00:03:02,105 --> 00:03:02,108 and community participation. 52 00:03:02,108 --> 00:03:02,115 This includes respect everyone's First Amendment Right 53 00:03:02,115 --> 00:03:02,124 to voice their opinion on matters within the City's 54 00:03:02,124 --> 00:03:02,130 subject jurisdiction, even if that opinion 55 00:03:02,130 --> 00:03:02,135 is different from our own. 56 00:03:02,135 --> 00:03:02,141 The decisions made tonight will be 57 00:03:02,141 --> 00:03:04,160 the benefit of the Martinez community and not 58 00:03:04,160 --> 00:03:06,160 for personal gain. 59 00:03:18,448 --> 00:03:18,948 So. 60 00:03:18,948 --> 00:03:26,148 We will now move on to public comment for items not listed 61 00:03:27,267 --> 00:03:28,392 on the agenda this evening. 62 00:03:28,392 --> 00:03:30,920 Again these are items that are within the jurisdiction 63 00:03:30,920 --> 00:03:33,232 of this commission but not on tonight's agenda. 64 00:03:33,232 --> 00:03:35,828 I don't see anybody present, but if there is, 65 00:03:35,828 --> 00:03:38,120 there will be an opportunity to comment on agenda items 66 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:38,984 later this evening. 67 00:03:38,984 --> 00:03:41,416 So since we don't have anyone present com 68 00:03:41,416 --> 00:03:43,104 is there anyone online? 69 00:03:43,104 --> 00:03:47,620 That has any comments not on the agenda? 70 00:03:47,620 --> 00:03:50,620 >> There are no hands raised. 71 00:03:51,180 --> 00:03:51,680 >> Okay. 72 00:03:51,680 --> 00:03:53,305 Since we don't have any public comments 73 00:03:53,305 --> 00:03:59,905 we will close public comment for items not on tonight's agenda. 74 00:04:02,800 --> 00:04:07,173 We will move on to approve action minutes from June 23rd 75 00:04:07,173 --> 00:04:09,775 2026 are there any changes questions or concerns with those 76 00:04:09,775 --> 00:04:11,775 action meeting minutes? 77 00:04:16,480 --> 00:04:21,130 Can I get a motion to >> A motion 78 00:04:21,130 --> 00:04:23,000 to approve the minutes as submitted. 79 00:04:23,000 --> 00:04:24,880 >> Second. 80 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:27,280 >> Please record the vote. 81 00:04:27,457 --> 00:04:30,400 >> Quickly before we do a roll call vote I just want to advise 82 00:04:30,400 --> 00:04:36,640 the new commissioners, you are able to vote on this item. 83 00:04:38,403 --> 00:04:40,403 [Members voting] 84 00:04:48,595 --> 00:04:49,720 >> I wasn't here last time. 85 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:50,753 >> You can still vote. 86 00:04:50,753 --> 00:04:52,753 Okay. 87 00:04:53,523 --> 00:04:55,523 [Members voting] 88 00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:09,800 >> Motion passes. 89 00:05:09,800 --> 00:05:11,425 >> Fantastic we are moving right along. 90 00:05:11,425 --> 00:05:13,620 So we will now move on to our regular agenda items. 91 00:05:13,620 --> 00:05:17,885 The first of which is to conduct a public hearing to adopt 92 00:05:17,885 --> 00:05:20,585 resolution number 26-08 forwarding a recommendation 93 00:05:20,585 --> 00:05:23,360 to the City Council to adopt an ordinance approving 94 00:05:23,360 --> 00:05:26,520 the amendment to the Martinez Municipal Code regarding group 95 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:28,400 homes and residential care facilities. 96 00:05:28,400 --> 00:05:32,000 By amending chapter 22-04, chapter 22.1222.14 chapter 97 00:05:35,226 --> 00:05:37,226 22.16, chapter 22.23. 98 00:05:38,664 --> 00:05:42,400 And staff will present us with their briefing. 99 00:05:42,400 --> 00:05:44,400 Thank you. 100 00:05:44,840 --> 00:05:46,123 >> Thank you chair Evans. 101 00:05:46,123 --> 00:05:48,140 Good evening Planning Commission and members 102 00:05:48,140 --> 00:05:51,260 of the public and the online general public. 103 00:05:51,260 --> 00:05:53,760 My name is Emma Tovar, I'm the assistant planner here 104 00:05:53,760 --> 00:05:56,120 at the City of Martinez, and I'm going 105 00:05:56,120 --> 00:06:00,800 to be giving a presentation on group homes and residential care 106 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:02,800 facilities. 107 00:06:05,221 --> 00:06:07,429 >> Today we are going to be talking about the purpose 108 00:06:07,429 --> 00:06:09,387 of residential care facilities and group homes, 109 00:06:09,387 --> 00:06:12,672 what a group home is, was a residential care facility is, 110 00:06:12,672 --> 00:06:15,133 talk about existing legislation and regulations. 111 00:06:15,133 --> 00:06:19,320 Their proposed amendments and I would be answering any questions 112 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:20,800 afterwards. 113 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:25,440 So the reason we are here is because in Martinez's housing 114 00:06:25,440 --> 00:06:27,440 element, specifically program 11, 115 00:06:28,640 --> 00:06:31,420 it requires the city to consider adopting regulations 116 00:06:31,420 --> 00:06:34,960 to fully address small and large residential care facilities 117 00:06:34,960 --> 00:06:36,976 consistent with state law. 118 00:06:36,976 --> 00:06:39,800 In that program, the city also commits 119 00:06:39,800 --> 00:06:43,184 to consider amending the zoning ordinance 120 00:06:43,184 --> 00:06:47,344 to allow group homes for seven or more persons 121 00:06:47,344 --> 00:06:52,346 with a conditional use permit in conditional use zones. 122 00:06:52,346 --> 00:06:55,560 It's also in our 2025 and 2026 Planning Division 123 00:06:55,560 --> 00:06:57,960 work plan as well. 124 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:03,400 So, what is a group home? 125 00:07:03,400 --> 00:07:08,160 So a group home, we have it split into small group 126 00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:09,448 home and large group home. 127 00:07:09,448 --> 00:07:12,813 Small group home will be six or fewer unrelated persons 128 00:07:12,813 --> 00:07:13,800 with disabilities. 129 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:18,600 They would be residents sharing cooking, dining common living 130 00:07:18,600 --> 00:07:18,760 areas. 131 00:07:18,760 --> 00:07:21,304 They would provide peer support and may participate 132 00:07:21,304 --> 00:07:23,740 in cooking and housekeeping, and other communal 133 00:07:23,740 --> 00:07:24,750 living activities. 134 00:07:24,750 --> 00:07:28,920 Group homes will be the same, however, 135 00:07:28,920 --> 00:07:30,440 large group homes would be the same 136 00:07:30,440 --> 00:07:33,450 however it will be seven or more unrelated persons 137 00:07:33,450 --> 00:07:35,450 with disabilities. 138 00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:39,400 Residential care facility. 139 00:07:39,880 --> 00:07:43,884 Small residential care facility will be six or fewer persons. 140 00:07:43,884 --> 00:07:46,980 This will be services for individuals 141 00:07:46,980 --> 00:07:48,920 in need of assistance with daily living 142 00:07:48,920 --> 00:07:53,900 activities such as bathing com dressing, eating, and mobility. 143 00:07:53,900 --> 00:07:55,300 And is state licensed. 144 00:07:55,300 --> 00:07:58,593 A large residential care facility will be the same. 145 00:07:58,593 --> 00:08:03,680 But this will be for seven or more persons. 146 00:08:03,680 --> 00:08:07,392 So, use is not proposed to change 147 00:08:07,392 --> 00:08:09,600 at this time include transitional and supportive 148 00:08:09,600 --> 00:08:10,320 housing. 149 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:12,720 Emergency shelters, boarding houses, 150 00:08:13,546 --> 00:08:15,546 dormitories, recovery residences, 151 00:08:15,680 --> 00:08:20,359 or sober living homes, and other alcohol or drug facilities. 152 00:08:20,359 --> 00:08:25,925 The ones we are talking about today are because of the housing 153 00:08:25,925 --> 00:08:30,125 program companies are not in housing program 11. 154 00:08:30,683 --> 00:08:35,660 So, a city council study session was held on February 4th, 155 00:08:35,660 --> 00:08:38,319 to receive direction on group home and residential care 156 00:08:38,319 --> 00:08:43,719 facility uses the City Council provided feedback that supported 157 00:08:44,800 --> 00:08:49,306 the proposed definitions, and they did not support permitting 158 00:08:49,306 --> 00:08:52,310 large residential care facilities with conditional use 159 00:08:52,310 --> 00:08:56,200 permit and other residential use districts besides multifamily 160 00:08:56,200 --> 00:08:58,200 and commercial. 161 00:08:59,120 --> 00:09:04,293 So now, we will move on to existing legislation 162 00:09:04,293 --> 00:09:05,896 and regulations. 163 00:09:05,896 --> 00:09:09,464 So state law does require small group homes 164 00:09:09,464 --> 00:09:12,824 to be allowed by all residential districts. 165 00:09:12,824 --> 00:09:16,592 And state law also requires small residential care 166 00:09:16,592 --> 00:09:20,760 facilities to be allowed by all residential districts. 167 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,960 So for large group homes come to the California Department 168 00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:27,560 of Housing and Community Development HCD 169 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:32,600 asserts that local jurisdictions are also 170 00:09:32,880 --> 00:09:36,136 required to permit large group homes by right and single family 171 00:09:36,136 --> 00:09:37,344 residential zoning districts. 172 00:09:37,344 --> 00:09:41,360 Now the city is unable to locate a statutory requirement 173 00:09:41,360 --> 00:09:45,600 or support, however the state has granted purview over housing 174 00:09:45,600 --> 00:09:48,670 matters to HCD which is why we are 175 00:09:48,670 --> 00:09:53,480 all including that in our definitions as well and uses. 176 00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:57,680 So, here are the existing city regulations, 177 00:09:58,213 --> 00:10:02,300 as you can see in the middle column, 178 00:10:02,300 --> 00:10:08,808 a lot of the uses listed here are not permitted by right, 179 00:10:08,808 --> 00:10:13,160 and the definitions these are the current definitions that we 180 00:10:13,160 --> 00:10:16,160 have in our zoning ordinance. 181 00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:19,200 So, proposed regulations, as mentioned 182 00:10:22,300 --> 00:10:24,773 before the middle column where it says permitted by right 183 00:10:24,773 --> 00:10:29,470 is going to be consistent with state law allowing small group 184 00:10:29,470 --> 00:10:31,853 homes, a large group homes and residential care 185 00:10:31,853 --> 00:10:33,986 facilities, small residential care facilities, 186 00:10:33,986 --> 00:10:36,386 and all residential districts. 187 00:10:39,880 --> 00:10:44,408 So, I just wanted to show a visual 188 00:10:44,408 --> 00:10:48,256 of what the proposed group home is going to look like. 189 00:10:48,256 --> 00:10:53,240 So highlighted in blue is going to be state law where 190 00:10:53,240 --> 00:10:55,646 it's allowed in all residential districts 191 00:10:55,646 --> 00:10:59,813 and you have highlighted in orange where a small group 192 00:10:59,813 --> 00:11:01,980 homes is going to be allowed conditionally. 193 00:11:01,980 --> 00:11:04,220 And small group homes again, this 194 00:11:04,220 --> 00:11:09,200 is going to be six persons or fewer. 195 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:14,520 Similarly here, this is going to be for large group homes, 196 00:11:14,520 --> 00:11:17,520 so seven persons or more. 197 00:11:20,560 --> 00:11:24,520 And this is going to be for small residential care 198 00:11:24,520 --> 00:11:27,520 facilities, six persons or fewer. 199 00:11:29,560 --> 00:11:33,760 And large residential care facilities, seven persons 200 00:11:34,255 --> 00:11:36,255 or more. 201 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:44,760 And come with that, I will make the recommendation to conduct 202 00:11:44,760 --> 00:11:48,644 a public hearing and adopt resolution 26-08 forwarding 203 00:11:48,644 --> 00:11:52,133 the recommendation to the City Council to adopt an ordinance 204 00:11:52,133 --> 00:11:55,150 approving amendments to the Martinez Municipal Code 205 00:11:55,150 --> 00:11:57,680 regarding group homes and residential care facilities 206 00:11:57,680 --> 00:12:00,680 by amending chapter 22.04 chapter 22.12, chapter 22.14, 207 00:12:04,560 --> 00:12:06,560 chapter 22.16, and chapter 22 .23. 208 00:12:10,140 --> 00:12:14,940 And with that, I can answer any questions. 209 00:12:15,160 --> 00:12:15,904 >> Thank you. 210 00:12:15,904 --> 00:12:17,536 We really appreciate that. 211 00:12:17,536 --> 00:12:19,792 That was very brief. 212 00:12:19,792 --> 00:12:23,542 And thorough, and I know staff has made or put 213 00:12:23,542 --> 00:12:25,584 a lot of work into the last couple years bringing 214 00:12:25,584 --> 00:12:28,375 in our ordinances and code in line 215 00:12:28,375 --> 00:12:30,000 with the state and other municipalities 216 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:32,260 that are within our area. 217 00:12:32,260 --> 00:12:34,813 So then we're all aligned with one another. 218 00:12:34,813 --> 00:12:38,520 So I know it was a heavy lift, and I definitely appreciate it. 219 00:12:38,520 --> 00:12:41,571 Before I open it up to the rest of the group, 220 00:12:41,571 --> 00:12:42,960 I just have one question. 221 00:12:42,960 --> 00:12:45,120 Are there any proposed residential care facilities 222 00:12:45,120 --> 00:12:47,408 or group homes that are currently 223 00:12:47,408 --> 00:12:52,208 in planning or under consideration at this time? 224 00:12:56,392 --> 00:12:57,434 >> Not that I'm aware of. 225 00:12:57,434 --> 00:12:58,491 At the moment. 226 00:12:58,491 --> 00:13:01,330 >> So this is really just to bring it in line with the state? 227 00:13:01,330 --> 00:13:06,160 Like it's not going to affect anyone at this time? 228 00:13:06,160 --> 00:13:07,986 >> Correct. 229 00:13:07,986 --> 00:13:09,403 >> I will open it up to the group, 230 00:13:09,403 --> 00:13:12,730 I know we all have personal experiences with this topic. 231 00:13:12,730 --> 00:13:16,800 So, I am anxious to hear everyone's thoughts. 232 00:13:16,800 --> 00:13:19,200 If there are any. 233 00:13:25,543 --> 00:13:27,960 >> I'm just curious, how many residential facilities do we 234 00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:29,960 currently have? 235 00:13:30,920 --> 00:13:33,920 Or do we have any? 236 00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:36,880 We don't know? 237 00:13:37,800 --> 00:13:42,000 >> We don't have that information readily >> Okay. 238 00:13:43,958 --> 00:13:45,958 Thank you. 239 00:13:51,177 --> 00:13:54,122 >> No one has any questions for staff? 240 00:13:54,122 --> 00:13:56,580 >> I appreciate your it seems like it's mostly a formality. 241 00:13:56,580 --> 00:13:58,980 There's nothing planning there. 242 00:13:59,170 --> 00:14:02,352 Doesn't sound like this is going to have much of an impact 243 00:14:02,352 --> 00:14:04,440 other than bringing us into compliance. 244 00:14:04,440 --> 00:14:06,840 Is that assumption accurate? 245 00:14:07,440 --> 00:14:09,130 >> Yes. 246 00:14:09,130 --> 00:14:10,953 >> I want to clarify that comment. 247 00:14:10,953 --> 00:14:15,560 So I think yes it does bring us into compliance, 248 00:14:15,560 --> 00:14:19,600 yes there are not any pending applications related 249 00:14:19,600 --> 00:14:23,480 to this use, but, it absolutely could have an impact if we 250 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:26,900 saw an increase in this type of use in other places in the city 251 00:14:26,900 --> 00:14:30,500 where they currently are not permitted. 252 00:14:35,620 --> 00:14:36,687 >> I have some clarification questions. 253 00:14:36,687 --> 00:14:39,460 One, is it something that all jurisdictions in California 254 00:14:39,460 --> 00:14:44,260 are obligated to afford with under obligation number 11? 255 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:48,832 >> Project 11 is our housing element, 256 00:14:48,832 --> 00:14:52,106 but each city in California should be consistent with 257 00:14:52,106 --> 00:14:54,136 the definitions in what they allow. 258 00:14:54,136 --> 00:14:56,824 For example the small and large group homes 259 00:14:56,824 --> 00:14:59,260 should be allowed at all residential districts 260 00:14:59,260 --> 00:15:04,279 and it's something that each city should have in place. 261 00:15:04,279 --> 00:15:06,904 >> And are we going to see more of these definition corrections 262 00:15:06,904 --> 00:15:10,504 as we move forward this year? 263 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:16,520 >> Over time, little by little it will depend on looking back 264 00:15:16,520 --> 00:15:19,706 at the planning Division's work plan and the housing element 265 00:15:19,706 --> 00:15:21,670 and seeing what we are going to tackle. 266 00:15:21,670 --> 00:15:25,820 And if there are any updates coming from the state. 267 00:15:25,820 --> 00:15:30,580 >> To add to that, I think it was two years ago we did 268 00:15:30,580 --> 00:15:35,766 a comprehensive update to all of our uses in our commercial 269 00:15:35,766 --> 00:15:40,566 and industrial districts and we did corresponding definitions 270 00:15:42,600 --> 00:15:45,655 with our existing and proposed uses. 271 00:15:45,655 --> 00:15:49,746 So not foreseeing in the near future 272 00:15:49,746 --> 00:15:52,376 any substantial changes in this space, 273 00:15:52,376 --> 00:15:54,160 but there will be some additional changes 274 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:56,160 in the future. 275 00:16:02,231 --> 00:16:04,230 >> I think this is personally a great idea. 276 00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:06,720 I had a family member come it was pre-COVID. 277 00:16:06,720 --> 00:16:10,216 But grandmother lived in a facility like this, 278 00:16:10,216 --> 00:16:13,886 down in Arpita's I think it was. 279 00:16:13,886 --> 00:16:16,721 And she lived with a group of I think maybe 4 or 5 ladies 280 00:16:16,721 --> 00:16:18,721 in a house. 281 00:16:21,160 --> 00:16:22,986 And they kind of watched over each other, 282 00:16:22,986 --> 00:16:24,920 and it created a great environment 283 00:16:24,920 --> 00:16:28,553 where she wasn't alone but she had 284 00:16:28,553 --> 00:16:30,306 her own freedom I guess because she didn't 285 00:16:30,306 --> 00:16:31,720 want to live with family. 286 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:35,180 So come I think it's a great idea. 287 00:16:35,180 --> 00:16:37,331 If we didn't have this in place that we 288 00:16:37,331 --> 00:16:40,530 would make it available in case something like that 289 00:16:40,530 --> 00:16:41,800 is necessary for us. 290 00:16:41,800 --> 00:16:45,140 I mean personally, it worked out great for our family. 291 00:16:45,140 --> 00:16:51,740 And I hope it works out great for other people too. 292 00:16:51,760 --> 00:16:54,000 And I'm just curious. 293 00:16:54,000 --> 00:16:56,800 It just occurred to me. 294 00:16:56,800 --> 00:17:00,310 When we have residential housing accommodations, 295 00:17:00,310 --> 00:17:04,510 does that help with our housing numbers? 296 00:17:17,756 --> 00:17:19,964 >> It helps when there's new residential construction 297 00:17:19,964 --> 00:17:21,297 and building permits are issued. 298 00:17:21,297 --> 00:17:23,560 So it could result in an improvement 299 00:17:23,560 --> 00:17:25,820 if this results in additional units. 300 00:17:25,820 --> 00:17:29,973 However, in most cases, it's an existing residential unit 301 00:17:29,973 --> 00:17:32,616 that's converted to this use, which would not 302 00:17:32,616 --> 00:17:36,440 have a direct benefit in terms of our regional housing needs 303 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:39,560 allocation, however, if that were to occur, 304 00:17:39,560 --> 00:17:42,410 it is something that we could talk about as a way 305 00:17:42,410 --> 00:17:45,600 to provide housing opportunities for additional people. 306 00:17:45,600 --> 00:17:48,504 In the qualitative narrative that we submit 307 00:17:48,504 --> 00:17:52,104 as part of our annual report. 308 00:17:58,836 --> 00:17:59,586 >> Good questions. 309 00:17:59,586 --> 00:18:00,961 >> I appreciate the conversation. 310 00:18:00,961 --> 00:18:03,577 If there turns out to be any public comment of course 311 00:18:03,577 --> 00:18:05,702 we can come back for additional discussion. 312 00:18:05,702 --> 00:18:07,856 But since we have no one in the audience, 313 00:18:07,856 --> 00:18:11,600 do we have anyone online for public comment? 314 00:18:11,600 --> 00:18:13,346 >> We do not. 315 00:18:13,346 --> 00:18:16,000 >> Okay then I will close that public comment. 316 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:21,600 I don't think there is a need for any additional discussion. 317 00:18:21,600 --> 00:18:25,860 So I will ask if there's a motion. 318 00:18:30,370 --> 00:18:30,537 >> Motion. 319 00:18:30,537 --> 00:18:31,245 >> I will second. 320 00:18:31,245 --> 00:18:37,845 >> Just to clarify the motion is as moved by staff correct? 321 00:18:39,483 --> 00:18:41,400 >> Is no one going to read >> I don't have to. 322 00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:43,904 >> Yeah, motion as directed by staff. 323 00:18:43,904 --> 00:18:44,568 Okay. 324 00:18:44,568 --> 00:18:46,968 Please record our votes. 325 00:18:53,113 --> 00:18:55,113 [Members voting] 326 00:19:10,899 --> 00:19:11,607 >> Motion passes. 327 00:19:11,607 --> 00:19:11,915 >> Thank you all. 328 00:19:11,915 --> 00:19:14,516 We will now move on to our next item on the regular agenda 329 00:19:14,516 --> 00:19:16,933 comments to conduct a public hearing and consider adoption 330 00:19:16,933 --> 00:19:22,333 of resolution number 26-09A recommendation to City Council 331 00:19:23,312 --> 00:19:27,730 to adopt an ordinance amending the Municipal Code by appealing 332 00:19:27,730 --> 00:19:31,168 chapter 2.24, City Planning Commission in its entirety 333 00:19:31,168 --> 00:19:35,653 and replacing it with Martinez Municipal Code chapter 2.24 334 00:19:35,653 --> 00:19:36,795 Planning Commission. 335 00:19:36,795 --> 00:19:39,800 And staff will proceed with that. 336 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:42,160 >> Good evening Chair Evans and members of the Planning 337 00:19:42,160 --> 00:19:45,160 Commission, Michael, the academic director. 338 00:19:47,320 --> 00:19:50,320 Was indicated before the Commission this evening 339 00:19:50,320 --> 00:19:53,100 is the consideration of updated regulations related 340 00:19:53,100 --> 00:19:58,383 to the Planning Commission, which is contained in chapter 341 00:19:58,383 --> 00:20:00,783 2.24 of our municipal code. 342 00:20:01,685 --> 00:20:05,760 As the Commission is aware, the Commission 343 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:07,968 serves in both an advisory and a decision 344 00:20:07,968 --> 00:20:11,556 making authority for the city, and a variety of issues. 345 00:20:11,556 --> 00:20:13,356 But mainly having to do with planning 346 00:20:13,356 --> 00:20:15,280 and zoning, and development. 347 00:20:15,280 --> 00:20:18,453 The commission is responsible for adhering to state law 348 00:20:18,453 --> 00:20:21,560 as well as what is outlined within our code. 349 00:20:21,560 --> 00:20:26,360 Our existing chapter 2.24 has remained largely unchanged since 350 00:20:29,960 --> 00:20:34,520 it was originally established, as quite frankly pretty 351 00:20:34,520 --> 00:20:38,240 antiquated, and further it's not consistent with our current 352 00:20:38,240 --> 00:20:40,640 practices, our bylaws, etc.. 353 00:20:40,730 --> 00:20:44,000 So, the proposed ordinance is intended 354 00:20:44,000 --> 00:20:48,200 to comprehensively update chapter 2.24 to improve clarity, 355 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:52,200 reflect current organizational structure, namely adding 356 00:20:52,200 --> 00:20:55,320 an information on our alternate commissioner, 357 00:20:55,320 --> 00:20:58,700 and establish consistent procedures for appointment 358 00:20:58,700 --> 00:21:01,670 and operation of the Planning Commission. 359 00:21:05,560 --> 00:21:08,448 So, the proposed amendments I'm going 360 00:21:08,448 --> 00:21:09,586 to outline them before you. 361 00:21:09,586 --> 00:21:12,680 So first, they are to clarify that the Planning Commission 362 00:21:12,680 --> 00:21:15,820 consists of seven regular members, and one 363 00:21:15,820 --> 00:21:18,573 alternate member that are appointed by the mayor with City 364 00:21:18,573 --> 00:21:19,840 Council approval. 365 00:21:19,840 --> 00:21:23,256 Regarding this matter our code currently just speaks 366 00:21:23,256 --> 00:21:25,722 to the seven regular members, it does not 367 00:21:25,722 --> 00:21:27,180 speak to the alternate member which 368 00:21:27,180 --> 00:21:29,830 has been a practice for a number of years. 369 00:21:29,830 --> 00:21:32,230 Additionally, the proposed amendments 370 00:21:33,300 --> 00:21:37,400 allow up to one regular or one alternate member 371 00:21:37,400 --> 00:21:41,304 to reside within the city's adopted sphere of influence. 372 00:21:41,304 --> 00:21:44,260 Which is intended to expand opportunities 373 00:21:44,260 --> 00:21:46,416 for individuals that are members of our community 374 00:21:46,416 --> 00:21:49,000 but maybe are not directly within Martinez. 375 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,592 I do not believe we currently have someone 376 00:21:51,592 --> 00:21:53,496 on the commission that satisfies that role, 377 00:21:53,496 --> 00:21:57,504 but in the last few years, we have had somebody 378 00:21:57,504 --> 00:22:00,504 that has filled that purpose. 379 00:22:01,720 --> 00:22:07,120 Third, the proposed amendments Establish two four year term 380 00:22:08,120 --> 00:22:10,240 limits for regular planning commissioners. 381 00:22:10,240 --> 00:22:13,466 Which is a current practice that has not 382 00:22:13,466 --> 00:22:16,520 been codified in our code, but it is in our bylaws. 383 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:20,376 It also is intended to clarify that term limits are 384 00:22:20,376 --> 00:22:22,376 for consecutive terms. 385 00:22:22,613 --> 00:22:25,600 And, excludes service of alternate members 386 00:22:25,600 --> 00:22:29,568 of the Planning Commission, and excludes partial terms 387 00:22:29,568 --> 00:22:32,700 from the term limit calculation when it's less than half 388 00:22:32,700 --> 00:22:33,653 of a regular term. 389 00:22:33,653 --> 00:22:37,140 So let me give an example for that. 390 00:22:37,140 --> 00:22:39,390 Commissioner Sönnichsen was an alternate commissioner. 391 00:22:39,390 --> 00:22:41,560 Now he's a regular commissioner. 392 00:22:41,560 --> 00:22:43,300 When he was an alternate commissioner 393 00:22:43,300 --> 00:22:47,480 that would not count towards one of his two terms. 394 00:22:47,480 --> 00:22:52,280 I forget which Commissioner one of the new commissioners 395 00:22:52,280 --> 00:22:55,880 is actually satisfying a term that 396 00:22:55,880 --> 00:22:59,760 was vacated by Commissioner Klopp when he moved out 397 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:01,560 of the country. 398 00:23:01,560 --> 00:23:03,297 So that's a partial term so if it's 399 00:23:03,297 --> 00:23:05,453 less than two years it would not count towards that required 400 00:23:05,453 --> 00:23:05,953 term. 401 00:23:05,953 --> 00:23:08,936 In an effort to really allow some stability 402 00:23:08,936 --> 00:23:13,192 of the commission, but also allow new voices. 403 00:23:13,192 --> 00:23:17,320 Next, the proposed amendments allow planning commissioners 404 00:23:17,320 --> 00:23:20,460 to hold office upon the exploration of the terms, 405 00:23:20,460 --> 00:23:23,980 until their successor has been nominated and confirmed 406 00:23:23,980 --> 00:23:26,240 to ensure continuity of government. 407 00:23:26,240 --> 00:23:30,624 This is come as you know, the council breaks during the summer 408 00:23:30,624 --> 00:23:32,760 months, and this would allow, if we needed 409 00:23:32,760 --> 00:23:34,760 to do so it would allow commissioners to stay on 410 00:23:34,760 --> 00:23:36,500 past their term if there hadn't been 411 00:23:36,500 --> 00:23:38,000 the opportunity for new appointment. 412 00:23:38,000 --> 00:23:42,184 Ideally that will not be used, it's 413 00:23:42,184 --> 00:23:48,620 a placeholder to protect us in case we ran into an issue. 414 00:23:48,620 --> 00:23:51,512 The regulations are clarify the role and participation 415 00:23:51,512 --> 00:23:54,800 of the alternate member where the alternate member would 416 00:23:54,800 --> 00:23:57,691 participate, and actually vote on a meeting 417 00:23:57,691 --> 00:24:00,590 if one of the regular commissioners is not present to. 418 00:24:00,590 --> 00:24:04,790 As Commissioner Wood is doing this evening. 419 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:09,000 Sorry. 420 00:24:19,600 --> 00:24:23,920 The regulations also update the officer selection process 421 00:24:23,920 --> 00:24:26,630 and meeting provisions to reflect current practice 422 00:24:26,630 --> 00:24:28,140 and applicable law. 423 00:24:28,140 --> 00:24:30,580 They update staff liaison language 424 00:24:30,580 --> 00:24:34,780 to reflect the city's current organizational structure. 425 00:24:35,660 --> 00:24:39,266 They clarify quorum requirements and voting procedures 426 00:24:39,872 --> 00:24:42,872 at a very high level. 427 00:24:43,256 --> 00:24:47,000 A modernize and consolidate the Commission's power and duties 428 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:49,880 in state law and our code, and then 429 00:24:49,880 --> 00:24:53,750 finally, they remove obsolete and duplicative procedures 430 00:24:53,750 --> 00:24:58,550 while improving the overall organization of the chapter. 431 00:24:58,880 --> 00:25:02,472 So come with the recommendation before the commission this 432 00:25:02,472 --> 00:25:05,680 evening is to conduct a public hearing, 433 00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:09,880 adopt resolution number 26-09 forwarding the recommendation 434 00:25:10,400 --> 00:25:13,500 to the City Council to adopt an ordinance approving amendments 435 00:25:13,500 --> 00:25:17,710 to the Martinez Municipal Code by repealing chapter 2.24 City 436 00:25:17,710 --> 00:25:20,280 Planning Commission in its entirety, 437 00:25:20,280 --> 00:25:24,300 and replacing it with chapter 2.24 Planning Commission. 438 00:25:24,300 --> 00:25:27,411 The final couple of comments that I want to make 439 00:25:27,411 --> 00:25:29,880 is as has previously been represented, 440 00:25:29,880 --> 00:25:33,288 this is the second of a three part process 441 00:25:33,288 --> 00:25:35,510 the staff is undertaking. 442 00:25:35,510 --> 00:25:39,450 First was the onboarding guide, second is updating our code, 443 00:25:39,450 --> 00:25:41,270 and the third effort will be to update our bylaws 444 00:25:41,270 --> 00:25:42,389 to ensure consistency. 445 00:25:42,389 --> 00:25:47,786 I am available for any other questions that you may have. 446 00:25:47,786 --> 00:25:48,778 >> Thank you. 447 00:25:48,778 --> 00:25:52,152 And the onboarding guide was fantastic. 448 00:25:52,152 --> 00:25:55,508 >> I know I didn't get that one I jumped on board but I know 449 00:25:55,508 --> 00:26:00,693 if I had it would have been a much easier battle. 450 00:26:00,693 --> 00:26:02,889 You mentioned one alternate? 451 00:26:02,889 --> 00:26:08,289 Once upon a time I thought we had two? 452 00:26:08,744 --> 00:26:11,327 >> There are a couple of other commissions that have more than 453 00:26:11,327 --> 00:26:13,119 one alternate, but for Planning Commission, 454 00:26:13,119 --> 00:26:17,320 as long as I'm aware they've only had one alternate. 455 00:26:17,320 --> 00:26:19,320 >> Okay. 456 00:26:19,880 --> 00:26:23,166 And the four year terms, is that capped 457 00:26:23,166 --> 00:26:25,780 so you get two four year terms period? 458 00:26:25,780 --> 00:26:31,180 Or can you do four year terms a break, 459 00:26:31,400 --> 00:26:35,680 >> So our current practice just says two terms. 460 00:26:35,680 --> 00:26:39,640 But the updated language is two consecutive terms 461 00:26:39,640 --> 00:26:42,388 which would allow for an opportunity for a break 462 00:26:42,388 --> 00:26:45,580 and then if selected by the council and by the mayor 463 00:26:45,580 --> 00:26:47,100 and confirmed by the City Council 464 00:26:47,100 --> 00:26:50,100 a commissioner could come back. 465 00:26:58,506 --> 00:27:02,732 >> Is that a break of at least one term? 466 00:27:02,732 --> 00:27:03,899 >> I'm glad that's in there. 467 00:27:03,899 --> 00:27:05,204 Because once you've been on this body for eight years, 468 00:27:05,204 --> 00:27:07,929 I would hate to think that with all that experience 469 00:27:07,929 --> 00:27:09,512 you couldn't come back at another time 470 00:27:09,512 --> 00:27:13,160 and still volunteer and contribute to the city. 471 00:27:13,160 --> 00:27:15,840 My next question it could be in the bylaws, 472 00:27:15,840 --> 00:27:19,160 is there going to be any language about term 473 00:27:19,160 --> 00:27:20,973 lengths for the chair? 474 00:27:20,973 --> 00:27:26,880 I know we had recently discussed rotating it every year. 475 00:27:26,880 --> 00:27:29,670 >> There is language that codifies that the chair and vice 476 00:27:29,670 --> 00:27:31,610 chair are selected annually. 477 00:27:31,610 --> 00:27:34,304 There is not language that would prohibit 478 00:27:34,304 --> 00:27:38,320 a chair from being reselected as previously happened. 479 00:27:38,320 --> 00:27:41,480 But there will be a vote annually on who 480 00:27:41,480 --> 00:27:44,480 should serve in that role. 481 00:27:44,533 --> 00:27:46,533 >> Thank you. 482 00:27:46,846 --> 00:27:48,388 Anybody else? 483 00:27:48,388 --> 00:27:50,388 By all means. 484 00:27:52,400 --> 00:27:54,960 Well we are going to have different opportunities 485 00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:57,132 to discuss these come as Michael mentioned 486 00:27:57,132 --> 00:27:58,840 this is the second of three. 487 00:27:58,840 --> 00:28:01,893 I know I look forward to the bylaws, that's 488 00:28:01,893 --> 00:28:07,930 going to be a good discussion when that comes aboard. 489 00:28:07,930 --> 00:28:13,930 >> Do you anticipate when you'll be bringing the bylaws forward? 490 00:28:16,926 --> 00:28:18,426 >> I don't have a date for that yet, 491 00:28:18,426 --> 00:28:20,488 I would anticipate that we are going to pivot for a little bit 492 00:28:20,488 --> 00:28:21,821 and prioritize some other items. 493 00:28:21,821 --> 00:28:27,240 So I would anticipate that is probably in early 2027 task. 494 00:28:27,240 --> 00:28:29,240 >> Thank you. 495 00:28:30,295 --> 00:28:32,670 >> Want to express appreciation for the onboarding guide. 496 00:28:32,670 --> 00:28:34,670 That was great. 497 00:28:35,600 --> 00:28:40,400 I think that makes a lot of sense. 498 00:28:42,950 --> 00:28:44,530 >> Are these in line with other municipalities? 499 00:28:44,530 --> 00:28:46,251 Did you guys look into that? 500 00:28:46,251 --> 00:28:48,251 Okay. 501 00:28:48,757 --> 00:28:51,340 >> The only other thing that I think would be important to add 502 00:28:51,340 --> 00:28:53,715 that I didn't because I'm actually working in partnership 503 00:28:53,715 --> 00:28:56,680 with our assistant city manager and recreation manager. 504 00:28:56,680 --> 00:28:59,773 They are updating the regulations concurrently 505 00:28:59,773 --> 00:29:02,750 for the cemetery commission. 506 00:29:02,750 --> 00:29:04,460 Where there will be a fair amount of alignment 507 00:29:04,460 --> 00:29:06,768 with the changes that we are working on with the one 508 00:29:06,768 --> 00:29:09,448 distinction that they actually do not have an alternate as part 509 00:29:09,448 --> 00:29:11,448 of their commission. 510 00:29:14,450 --> 00:29:16,825 >> For providing consistency both between the commissions 511 00:29:16,825 --> 00:29:18,520 and with other municipalities. 512 00:29:18,520 --> 00:29:20,413 I think that's great. 513 00:29:20,413 --> 00:29:22,280 We don't have anyone in public comment 514 00:29:22,280 --> 00:29:24,920 do we have anyone online? 515 00:29:24,920 --> 00:29:26,800 >> We do not. 516 00:29:26,800 --> 00:29:29,480 >> Okay then I will close public comment on that. 517 00:29:29,480 --> 00:29:31,984 Can I get a motion? 518 00:29:31,984 --> 00:29:35,584 From one of our new commissioners? 519 00:29:41,677 --> 00:29:44,260 >> I moved to adopt the finding funding commission as reviewed 520 00:29:44,260 --> 00:29:46,260 by the staff. 521 00:29:52,278 --> 00:29:52,778 >> Second. 522 00:29:52,778 --> 00:29:53,320 >> Thank you. 523 00:29:53,320 --> 00:29:55,720 Please record the vote. 524 00:29:57,473 --> 00:29:59,473 [Members voting] 525 00:30:10,810 --> 00:30:11,518 >> Motion passes. 526 00:30:11,518 --> 00:30:12,600 >> Fantastic. 527 00:30:12,600 --> 00:30:17,800 So we will move on to our last regular item on the agenda. 528 00:30:17,800 --> 00:30:20,300 It is to review the draft community planning proclamation 529 00:30:20,300 --> 00:30:22,930 in order to provide feedback to City Council 530 00:30:22,930 --> 00:30:25,400 and barring any concerns recommend 531 00:30:25,400 --> 00:30:28,640 adoption of the proclamation in October 2026. 532 00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:34,640 Thank you again Chair Evans and members of the Planning 533 00:30:34,640 --> 00:30:38,280 Commission, before you as consideration of the Community 534 00:30:38,280 --> 00:30:40,280 Planning Month proclamation. 535 00:30:40,400 --> 00:30:45,200 So, each October communities throughout the United States 536 00:30:46,200 --> 00:30:49,200 celebrate national Community Planning month 537 00:30:50,700 --> 00:30:52,530 to recognize the important role that planning 538 00:30:52,530 --> 00:30:54,280 plays in communities. 539 00:30:54,280 --> 00:30:59,400 Since 2023 the City Council has adopted Community Planning Month 540 00:30:59,400 --> 00:31:01,400 proclamation annually. 541 00:31:01,400 --> 00:31:05,000 Celebrating this holiday in Martinez specifically. 542 00:31:05,920 --> 00:31:10,440 The draft proclamation before you has been prepared for City 543 00:31:10,440 --> 00:31:14,180 Council's consideration at its October 7th meeting. 544 00:31:14,180 --> 00:31:17,780 And staff is requesting any feedback 545 00:31:18,400 --> 00:31:22,440 from the Commission on any potential suggested revisions 546 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:25,470 prior to the City Council's consideration. 547 00:31:25,470 --> 00:31:29,860 So come the recommendation before the Planning Commission 548 00:31:29,860 --> 00:31:32,440 is to review the draft proclamation, 549 00:31:32,440 --> 00:31:35,560 and provide feedback, and recommend the City Council adopt 550 00:31:35,560 --> 00:31:37,864 the proclamation in October of 2026. 551 00:31:37,864 --> 00:31:40,773 And then finally, assuming it is adopted 552 00:31:40,773 --> 00:31:44,624 would encourage commissioners to attend to receive 553 00:31:44,624 --> 00:31:46,600 a copy of the proclamation. 554 00:31:46,600 --> 00:31:49,660 I am available for any questions. 555 00:31:54,685 --> 00:31:55,227 >> Thank you. 556 00:31:55,227 --> 00:32:00,270 Does anyone have any questions about the proclamation? 557 00:32:02,200 --> 00:32:02,520 >> I do not. 558 00:32:02,520 --> 00:32:03,280 >> Okay. 559 00:32:03,280 --> 00:32:06,880 That was pretty easy. (laughs) it's 560 00:32:07,731 --> 00:32:09,768 because the staff gave such a fantastic briefing 561 00:32:09,768 --> 00:32:13,968 all of our questions were already answered. 562 00:32:15,119 --> 00:32:19,000 (laughs) anyone online that has a comment? 563 00:32:19,000 --> 00:32:21,240 >> There's no one online. 564 00:32:21,240 --> 00:32:23,160 >> Okay we will close public comment. 565 00:32:23,160 --> 00:32:27,720 All right, then can I get a motion? 566 00:32:27,720 --> 00:32:33,813 >> I will make a motion that we move forward with recommendation 567 00:32:33,813 --> 00:32:38,130 -- recommending the draft community planning month 568 00:32:38,540 --> 00:32:42,980 proclamation with the provided feedback and recommend that 569 00:32:42,980 --> 00:32:48,380 the City Council adopt the proclamation in October of 2026. 570 00:32:50,280 --> 00:32:52,653 >> I second that motion. 571 00:32:52,653 --> 00:32:55,530 >> Please record the vote. 572 00:32:57,624 --> 00:32:59,624 [Members voting] 573 00:33:12,691 --> 00:33:13,399 >> Motion passes. 574 00:33:13,399 --> 00:33:15,240 >> Fantastic we are moving right along. 575 00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:20,424 So we will move on to any commission items? 576 00:33:26,528 --> 00:33:27,111 >> I have one. 577 00:33:27,111 --> 00:33:27,172 It's more of a question. 578 00:33:27,172 --> 00:33:28,424 It's something that I would like for us to consider, 579 00:33:28,424 --> 00:33:30,680 or I'd like to receive advisement 580 00:33:30,680 --> 00:33:32,623 if it's already in place. 581 00:33:32,623 --> 00:33:37,840 Does the city have a designation of public works professionals 582 00:33:37,840 --> 00:33:40,840 identifies as as first responders? 583 00:33:44,744 --> 00:33:46,577 >> I don't know that off the top of my head, 584 00:33:46,577 --> 00:33:47,827 but we can follow up with you. 585 00:33:47,827 --> 00:33:50,227 >> I would love that. 586 00:33:50,600 --> 00:33:54,275 That's a good one do you want to tell us some background 587 00:33:54,275 --> 00:33:56,440 or some context for that? 588 00:33:56,440 --> 00:33:59,807 >> No I want to be cloaked in mystery. (laughs) no. 589 00:33:59,807 --> 00:34:02,440 One of the things that we recognize 590 00:34:02,440 --> 00:34:05,620 is that in the event of an emergency, often 591 00:34:05,620 --> 00:34:10,880 the people who make way for medical and fire personnel 592 00:34:10,880 --> 00:34:13,920 are people who or staff who work in public works. 593 00:34:13,920 --> 00:34:19,920 They clear the roads, they free pathways for medical personnel. 594 00:34:20,325 --> 00:34:24,400 But oftentimes they do not have that distinction. 595 00:34:24,400 --> 00:34:27,800 Which comes with a fair deal of respect. 596 00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:31,773 And I think that municipalities can make that distinction 597 00:34:31,773 --> 00:34:34,200 and identify public works professionals 598 00:34:34,200 --> 00:34:37,686 with first responders, police and fire. 599 00:34:37,686 --> 00:34:40,840 And they can hold that space for them 600 00:34:40,840 --> 00:34:44,284 and acknowledge them during first responder acknowledgments. 601 00:34:52,530 --> 00:34:52,560 >> Thank you. 602 00:34:52,560 --> 00:34:52,640 I appreciate you bringing that to our attention 603 00:34:52,640 --> 00:34:52,897 and mentioning that. 604 00:34:52,897 --> 00:34:55,780 It's very true depending upon the nature of the emergency. 605 00:34:55,780 --> 00:34:58,720 Sometimes that work is required. 606 00:34:58,720 --> 00:35:00,720 >> Agreed. 607 00:35:00,840 --> 00:35:01,393 >> Thank you. 608 00:35:01,393 --> 00:35:02,226 Please look into it. 609 00:35:02,226 --> 00:35:04,226 Thank you. 610 00:35:04,746 --> 00:35:08,346 >> Are there any acting director updates? 611 00:35:09,800 --> 00:35:10,830 >> As usual, I have a few. 612 00:35:10,830 --> 00:35:15,504 So a couple of items first the second meeting in August 613 00:35:15,504 --> 00:35:16,640 will be canceled. 614 00:35:16,640 --> 00:35:18,442 Your evening will be free. 615 00:35:18,442 --> 00:35:21,536 But we will have a meeting a regular first meeting 616 00:35:21,536 --> 00:35:22,568 in September. 617 00:35:22,568 --> 00:35:24,592 At that meeting there will actually 618 00:35:24,592 --> 00:35:26,592 be development application. 619 00:35:27,400 --> 00:35:31,360 So change of pace from what we have been seeing from a policy 620 00:35:31,360 --> 00:35:32,976 standpoint lately. 621 00:35:32,976 --> 00:35:38,376 A couple of items recently went before the department 622 00:35:40,240 --> 00:35:46,240 the city Commission to be aware of city Council introduced 623 00:35:48,360 --> 00:35:51,380 regulations to establish entertainment zone regulations, 624 00:35:51,380 --> 00:35:55,840 and specifically to designate the downtown as an entertainment 625 00:35:55,840 --> 00:35:56,440 zone. 626 00:35:56,440 --> 00:35:59,728 For background entertainment zones are -- 627 00:35:59,728 --> 00:36:02,000 they have been permitted by the state 628 00:36:02,000 --> 00:36:05,392 for a couple of years at this point starting in San Francisco. 629 00:36:05,392 --> 00:36:07,240 And then, a year and a half ago it 630 00:36:07,240 --> 00:36:10,773 was expanded to municipalities throughout California. 631 00:36:10,773 --> 00:36:14,280 These are areas where local businesses are 632 00:36:14,280 --> 00:36:18,480 able to sell alcoholic beverages to go 633 00:36:18,520 --> 00:36:23,320 where they can be consumed by the general public 634 00:36:23,320 --> 00:36:25,232 in defined areas. 635 00:36:25,232 --> 00:36:29,280 So the regulations that the City Council has introduced 636 00:36:29,280 --> 00:36:32,840 would again establish the downtown as an entertainment 637 00:36:32,840 --> 00:36:35,813 zone, and it would allow the entertainment zone 638 00:36:35,813 --> 00:36:39,996 to be activated by the city in downtown Martinez and Co 639 00:36:39,996 --> 00:36:42,576 in the chamber, only during special events 640 00:36:42,576 --> 00:36:45,608 where a special event permit has been activated. 641 00:36:45,608 --> 00:36:49,600 It is intended as an economic development tool, 642 00:36:49,600 --> 00:36:52,166 and one of the main reasons why this is being done, 643 00:36:52,166 --> 00:36:54,460 is that it is to streamline the permitting processes 644 00:36:54,460 --> 00:36:57,791 for these organizations with dealing with a, b, C. 645 00:36:57,791 --> 00:37:00,203 But also to create an opportunity that when 646 00:37:00,203 --> 00:37:02,240 there is a big event that's in the downtown, 647 00:37:02,240 --> 00:37:05,560 that it's our established brick and mortar businesses that 648 00:37:05,560 --> 00:37:09,540 receive the economic benefit of the increased traffic 649 00:37:09,540 --> 00:37:12,160 rather than an emphasis on outside vendors being brought 650 00:37:12,160 --> 00:37:14,160 in. 651 00:37:16,480 --> 00:37:19,333 Be one of the first dozen or so in the state 652 00:37:19,333 --> 00:37:21,200 to establish these recommendations. 653 00:37:21,200 --> 00:37:24,400 And the second in the East Bay. 654 00:37:24,400 --> 00:37:31,000 Secondly, during July and when a period opened where cities could 655 00:37:33,840 --> 00:37:37,712 nominate certain census tracts that our census tracts 656 00:37:37,712 --> 00:37:41,912 where there are disadvantaged communities, as Opportunity 657 00:37:42,760 --> 00:37:43,380 zones. 658 00:37:43,380 --> 00:37:46,930 An Opportunity Zone is a federal program 659 00:37:46,930 --> 00:37:49,360 this is the second iteration of that program. 660 00:37:49,360 --> 00:37:52,680 And as part of that program, it opens up 661 00:37:52,680 --> 00:37:56,400 opportunities where individuals can take their capital 662 00:37:56,400 --> 00:38:01,280 gains from other properties, invest them into an opportunity 663 00:38:01,280 --> 00:38:07,880 zone fund, and they can be used to establish businesses, build 664 00:38:08,410 --> 00:38:11,546 housing, a whole series of economic development. 665 00:38:11,546 --> 00:38:12,973 Efforts. 666 00:38:12,973 --> 00:38:17,173 Within Martinez, there are four census tracts 667 00:38:17,480 --> 00:38:21,000 that are eligible for the designation. 668 00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:23,960 However, the caveat is that each governor is only 669 00:38:23,960 --> 00:38:28,360 allowed to select up to 25% of the nominated census tracts. 670 00:38:28,360 --> 00:38:33,200 Planning staff nominated all four of our census tracts, 671 00:38:33,200 --> 00:38:38,600 they predominantly occupy, two of them occupy our downtown, 672 00:38:38,826 --> 00:38:40,776 one is our downtown waterfront, one 673 00:38:40,776 --> 00:38:45,130 is our main industrial corridor, and then the final one 674 00:38:45,130 --> 00:38:48,208 goes down our avenue corridor close to the freeway. 675 00:38:48,208 --> 00:38:51,893 So these are areas that we have deemed appropriate 676 00:38:51,893 --> 00:38:53,496 for additional development. 677 00:38:53,496 --> 00:38:59,344 I am excited to share that one of our census tracts 678 00:38:59,344 --> 00:39:03,580 is on the shortlist, and it likely will hopefully 679 00:39:03,580 --> 00:39:05,600 get selected by the governor. 680 00:39:05,600 --> 00:39:07,960 We are doing our due diligence to see 681 00:39:07,960 --> 00:39:11,893 if we are able to get two, three, or four. 682 00:39:11,893 --> 00:39:14,556 That is probably not likely. 683 00:39:14,556 --> 00:39:17,894 We are happy that it's looking like we may get one. 684 00:39:17,894 --> 00:39:20,400 And really, we see this as a very significant 685 00:39:20,400 --> 00:39:22,864 economic development tool that could 686 00:39:22,864 --> 00:39:26,880 be hugely impactful to the city and a portion of our downtown 687 00:39:26,880 --> 00:39:28,840 and our waterfront. 688 00:39:28,840 --> 00:39:32,400 Next, related to the waterfront, I 689 00:39:32,400 --> 00:39:37,200 would like to share that we are continuing, 690 00:39:37,440 --> 00:39:41,466 emphasis is mainly focused on building relationships 691 00:39:41,466 --> 00:39:46,266 with outside agencies to help with the regulatory 692 00:39:46,410 --> 00:39:51,810 and permitting process, but also from a physical standpoint. 693 00:39:51,966 --> 00:39:57,966 Myself and the city manager met with Libby Shaft, who's 694 00:40:00,720 --> 00:40:03,220 the director of the Bay Area Council 695 00:40:03,220 --> 00:40:05,400 and gave her a tour of our downtown and waterfront 696 00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:08,360 and had lunch with her and spoke about the project, 697 00:40:08,360 --> 00:40:09,896 and we are continuing those efforts 698 00:40:09,896 --> 00:40:13,496 to get some attention on Martinez. 699 00:40:19,360 --> 00:40:23,493 I did send some information a few days ago, but as a reminder 700 00:40:23,493 --> 00:40:28,293 the Centennial on behalf of Eve Kearney who's 701 00:40:30,480 --> 00:40:32,613 doing the extensive planning efforts plug, 702 00:40:32,613 --> 00:40:34,780 hope to see all their. 703 00:40:34,780 --> 00:40:40,320 And those of you who can, you do have the ability 704 00:40:40,320 --> 00:40:45,120 to do so as well if you're able. 705 00:40:56,800 --> 00:41:00,504 Brandon has been promoted from associate to senior planner 706 00:41:00,504 --> 00:41:01,456 as well. 707 00:41:01,456 --> 00:41:05,560 So, we have some well-deserved recognition. 708 00:41:06,440 --> 00:41:08,440 >> Congratulations! 709 00:41:12,929 --> 00:41:14,637 >> Those are my updates for this evening. 710 00:41:14,637 --> 00:41:16,720 >> Are you able to share with us which census track is being 711 00:41:16,720 --> 00:41:17,220 considered? 712 00:41:17,220 --> 00:41:19,620 Or is that confidential? 713 00:41:19,960 --> 00:41:22,564 >> No it's public information, I don't know the census track 714 00:41:22,564 --> 00:41:24,220 information off the top of my head, 715 00:41:24,220 --> 00:41:28,480 but it is the one that occupies our waterfront in the northern 716 00:41:28,480 --> 00:41:30,448 part of our downtown. 717 00:41:38,594 --> 00:41:39,136 >> Thank you. 718 00:41:39,136 --> 00:41:39,143 That was a good amount of updates. 719 00:41:39,143 --> 00:41:39,893 I appreciate that. 720 00:41:39,893 --> 00:41:40,826 Any communications? 721 00:41:40,826 --> 00:41:42,826 All right. 722 00:41:43,680 --> 00:41:48,100 Well if there are no further discussions or communications, 723 00:41:48,100 --> 00:41:51,600 we will adjourn to our next regularly scheduled Planning 724 00:41:51,600 --> 00:41:57,600 Commission meeting which will be the first meeting in September. 725 00:41:57,988 --> 00:42:00,280 >> Correct except we are adjourning to the next meeting 726 00:42:00,280 --> 00:42:02,497 even though it will get canceled. 727 00:42:02,497 --> 00:42:05,800 >> Okay then I will say that we are turning to the August 25th 728 00:42:05,800 --> 00:42:07,365 2026 meeting which will be canceled. 729 00:42:07,365 --> 00:42:10,965 The current time is 744 August 11th 2026. 730 00:42:18,305 --> 00:42:20,305 [Background Conversation]