CITY OF WINTERS caltlerwia Est.1875 Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Held at on October 22, 2024 Commissioner Called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM Present: Commissioner Ramon Altamirano, Commissioner Judith Arce, Commissioner Jessica Smith, Vice ChairLisa Baker, Chairperson Gregory Contreras None Absent: Staff: Jeremy Craig, Joanna Gin (Zoom), Police Chief Joseph Kreins, David Storer, Zorina Treat PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC COMMENTS Commissioner Judith Arce led the Pledge of Allegiance. Kate Laddish suggested that the planning commission share its initial thoughts on agenda items before taking public comment. Ms. Laddish believes it helps the public tailor their comments to the commission's direction, especially on complex issues like cannabis zoning. Laddish thanked the commission for their work. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Vice Chair Baker, seconded by Commissioner Altamirano to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS Commission Members Ramon Altamirano, Judith Arce, Jessica Smith, Vice Chair Baker, Chair Gregory Contreras None None 8.1. Public Hearing and Consideration of proposed amendments to Chapter 5.36 (Food Vendors), Section 17.52.020 (Land Use/Zone Matrix) and Section 17.58.050 (Allowed Use Regulations), Including Table 17.58-2 (Permitted Uses) of the Winters Municipal Code Relating to Food Vendors In a review of Chapter 5.36, presented by David Storer, which regulates food vendors, proposed amendments were discussed, including adjustments to sidewalk and stationary vendor locations and a structured penalty scale for violations starting at $100 for the first offense. There are seven stationary vendors, with an eighth under review, and permits are issued for one year with possible extensions. Discussion ensued regarding a proposal to create a new city map diagram with quadrants to improve clarity on pop-up vendor locations, a vendor cap & coordination with the county health departments for health code violations with violation enforcement. Joanna Gin, Legal Counsel, proposed modifications tos specify mobile food truck locations with a detailed diagram and to update CEQA exemption language. Residents Kate Laddish and Jim Heyer made public comment voicing their concerns regarding the pop-up vendor parking near intersections, potentially conflicting with new state laws, as well as the overall traffic and safety impacts. The seasonal nature of pop- ups raised concerns about potential negative effects on brick-and-mortar businesses. Lastly, attendees emphasized the need for clear enforcement protocols, particularly since vendors often operate outside regular city hours, and questioned who monitors vendor compliance and permits. The public hearing was closed at 7:50 pm. Vice Chair Lisa Baker moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-08, seconded by Commissioner Altamirano. The Motion failed by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commission Members Ramon Altamirano, Vice Chair Baker Commission Members Judith Arce, Jessica Smith and Chair Gregory Contreras None None The Commission continued the hearing to December 10, 2024 and directed staff to make revisions to the ordinance to remove a cap on vendors, and limit the number of vendors at each quadrant at Grant Avenue and Railroad Avenue to three per quadrant. 8.2. Public Hearing to consider adopting a Resolution No. 2024-06 recommending the City Council adopt an Ordinance to allow one retail storefront commercial cannabis business in the City and amending Sections 17.04.140 (Definitions) 17.52.020 (Land Use/Zone Matrix) and 17.205.030 (Commercial Cannabis Uses and Requirements, of the Winters Municipal Code, and finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. David Storer asked Commissioners to consider adopting a resolution regarding cannabis business regulations following a prior workshop. The staff presented proposed changes, including revised operational hours--shorter on weekdays and longer on weekends--and the maintenance of a 500-foot buffer from sensitive areas. Maps were provided to outline specific parcel areas (05 and 19) identified as suitable for cannabis businesses, chosen to minimize residential and sensitive-use impacts. The discussion included clarifications on zoning adjustments, sensitive-use considerations, and technical issues with the map presentation. Itv was emphasized that the proposed resolution aimed to balance community concerns with the need to allow regulated cannabis operations, seeking direction from the commission on the next steps. Chair Contreras opened the floor for public comment at 8:06 PM. Corinne Martinez thanked David Storer for providing the explanation and background. Questions were raised around the dotted red line, which appeared to represent a personal map number and is clearly outside the city limit, and whether it is included in or excluded from consideration. Ms. Martinez noted that the location of parcel 19 would be appropriate should the Planning Commission and Council decide to move forward, and no further questions were raised. Kate Laddish discussed supporting the Commission's earlier decisions on business hours and zoning specifics. She raised concerns about the proposed location near the freeway, highlighting the potential impacts of prominent signage, such as one featuring a marijuana leaf, which could unintentionally brand the town. Ms. Laddish also posed questions about zoning distinctions within Parcel 19 and along Grant, seeking clarification from staff. She emphasized the importance of exploring how the location and storefront design could influence community perceptions and behavior, urging the Commission to thoroughly consider the pros and cons to provide clear Angelica Sanchez, a representative from Perfect Union, a cannabis company based in Sacramento, addressed the Commission to discuss her review of the ordinance. She shared that Perfect Union, established 15 years ago in the medicinal market and transitioning to recreational sales in 2016, prioritizes community engagement through initiatives like its Compassion Program, which provides free cannabis to individuals with debilitating illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and cancer. Ms. Sanchez emphasized the company's support for local nonprofits and its mission to create trusted, safe cannabis-access spaces, benefiting residents and the City through improved quality of life and tax revenue. She expressed her commitment to answering questions and collaborating with the Council to ensure mutual benefits for the community. Mr. Jim Hyer opposed cannabis businesses in the community, citing the City's ability to thrive without them. He disagreed that cannabis was a significant revenue source. Hyer shared concerns about illegal sales to minors and a desire to reverse cannabis approvals. Staff clarified that cannabis establishments would only be allowed in C-2 zones, adhering to specific setback requirements from residential areas. The public comment period closed without additional comments, and the Commissioners agreed to consider site-specific zoning criteria. guidance for the City Council. The public hearing was closed at 8:16 pm. Discussion ensued. A Motion to continue this item to the next meeting for further discussion was made by Vice Chair Baker, seconded by Commissioner Smith. The motion carried unanimously by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MISCELLANEOUS None PRESENTATIONS None Commission Members Ramon Altamirano, Judith Arce, Jessica Smith, Vice Chair Baker, Chair Gregory Contreras None STAFF COMMENTS/NFORMATION ITEMS Due to the holiday schedule, the regular meetings on November 26, 2024, and December 24, 2024, will be canceled, and a special meeting will be held on December 10, 2024. COMMISSION COMMENISIREPORIS The session concluded without additional comments from staff or commissioners. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:41 pm. Junc Gregory Contreras, Chairperson ATTEST: Commission Secretary &22 Minutes oft the Planning Commission Held on October 22, 2024