• Planning Commission Meeting April 2015

Tonight's meeting was about 37 mins... new record for shortest meeting that I've been to... and that isn't some half baked April Fools joke either.

There were only two items on the agenda.

2.1 Oak Creek Canyon (minor changes)

This was continued until next month's meeting at the request of the applicant. This was continued from the meeting before because of a couple of comment letters from the usual cranks. 

The other day we did receive a letter from the Water Quality Control Board. In summary basically the Water Quality Control Board has indicated that there is no evidence that the quality of waters within the area have been, or threatens to be, adversely impacted. 

If you remember, the contention was that the spray fields at The Farm were contaminating the soil. They also did an impromptu inspection of the waste water treatment facility, and they concluded that there was no over spray or irrigation runoff into neighboring properties, and they concluded "We do not believe that any further action is warranted."

—Matt Bassi Planning Director

Commissioner Stan Smith on the topic: 

"I find it interesting that the minute that the experts review all the claims [from the cranks] they find that it's nothing but a lot of smoke and mirrors on behalf of the individuals that objected. Essentially what the letter is saying is there isn't a problem over there, contrary to what Mr. Johnson and his group allege, correct Mr. Bassi?"

"That's what the letter states," Bassi replied.

The vote went 5-0 to continue the item until the next meeting.

2.2 Zoning Ordinance Amendment

This was kind of wonkish to me. It was about cell towers, and from what I was hearing, many times they have to approve changes provided they keep a similar footprint. It had to do with regulations that are being imposed by the FCC.

This passed 5-0, and will play no part in any of our lives.

Planning Director's Report

• The Parks Master Plan will be going before the City Council at the next meeting. 
• Re: landscape ordinance, a budget item will be brought forth in July to update the landscape/conservation ordinance that's part of the zoning code.

Assistant City Attorney Report

Two maps that are adjacent to Murrieta Creek, owned by CV Communities, there were public hearings dealing with whether subsequent environmental review was required for these minor changes. We received a favorable ruling in that litigation. The court upheld the city's decision not to 

require additional environmental review.

Commissioner Smith said, "The court supported our position? Good, we're always glad to hear about a win".

And you people ask why would I call that contingent of malcontents cranks... because they earned that distinction over many years of hard work and relentless determination [such as above], that's why.

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The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves. — Cassius, JULIUS CAESAR, William Shakespeare 

If Wildomar Rap wrote recipes, you'd have been treated with one dealing with: fresh picked mustard greens from the backyard, sauteed with onions and garlic in olive oil for nearly an hour (that is one tough weed) then rolled up in a tortilla with mozzarella like a burrito.