The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by Chair Dianne Thomas in the Helen Kawagoe Council Chambers, Carson City Hall, 701 E. Carson Street, California 90745.

Planning Secretary Laura Gonzalez noted the roll:

Planning Commissioners Present: Chair Dianne Thomas, Vice Chair Louie Diaz, Commissioner Del Huff, Commissioner DeQuita Mfume, Commissioner Clarence Johnson, Commissioner Leticia Wilson, Commissioner Frederick Docdocil, Commissioner Jaime Monteclaro

Planning Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Carlos Guerra

Also Present: Nathan Freeman, Community and Economic Development Director; McKina Alexander, Planning Manager; Jacob Collins, Assistant Planner; Kameliya Danaei, Administrative Intern III; Benjamin Jones, Assistant City Attorney 

Commissioner Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

None.

None.

Director Freeman - Last week, our mayor and I had a meeting with the owner of the Carson Plaza on Avalon. One of the questions I've been asked most in my short time here with the city is, when is Sprouts going to open? I'm happy to report that we are looking at the end of June. We were able to connect our multi-media team with the contractor who's building the space. In early May they are doing a behind the scenes tour that will be posted on social media. As you recall at the last meeting, you denied a CUP for a BESS project. The developer appealed your decision to the city council and that will most likely be heard by our city council at the first meeting in May.

Planning Manager Alexander - I want to acknowledge Associate Planner Aaron Whiting who worked very hard on the Sprouts project, including to making sure that the design is nice, that there's landscaping, and  so forth. He collaborated with building and safety and engineering to make sure that street improvements are made as well. Jacob Collins, our Assistant Planner, is leaving us. He will be sorely missed. He has been a huge asset to the team, not only as a professional planner but as a person. He bloomed from being quiet to this person that doesn't have problems with sharing his opinion, always in a respectful manner. I appreciate his approach to projects, his commitment, and his sincere commitment to our city. He is a voice of reason. He is a voice of making sure that not only our residents but the folks that work, live, and play here are being considered with each project he's handled. One of the sayings that we have within our team is that we want them to stay with  us, but we also want to help build their professional development so that they have the opportunity to spread their wings and continue that professional trajectory. This is his last meeting with us.

Assistant Planner Collins - I kind of did a year in Fullerton as a contract planner. Other than that, this is my first full-time position. I feel I've grown so much. I really enjoyed my time here. I accepted a position back in Ohio close to family.  

Director Freeman - My job has been made easier by having folks like Jacob and McKina. Jacob is very modest. He has accepted a director's position in his new community. Jacob, you're going to be sorely missed. We hope you will stay in touch with us.

Assistant City Attorney Jones - Congratulations to Jacob. I've seen his growth over the few years that he's been here. He worked on the staff report for tonight's item and it was done excellently. That alone showed he's evolved very fast with a fast-learning curve. I think he's going to do excellent when he goes back to Ohio because California has the most complicated laws and requirements. You're going to do very well having this experience in Carson.

Commissioner Monteclaro - I've been away for a while. I'm glad to be back.

Commissioner Johnson - Happy to be here and serve. I wish Jacob well in his new adventures.

Commissioner Mfume - Happy to serve. I wish you well in your new job. We will miss you.

Commissioner Wilson - The presentation that was given about the partnerships in the Brownfield project was very exciting. It's amazing to see that we have that partnership with our educational institutions of higher learning. Thank you Jacob for your service. Thank you staff for all your amazing work. Thank you commissioners for being amazing as we do the work on behalf of our entire community.

Commissioner Docdocil - I want to acknowledge all the hard work that staff does. Jacob's presentation was very thorough. It makes our job a lot easier when the heavy lifting has been done prior to the commission meeting. I appreciate the service of my fellow commissioners as well. I have a lot of neighbors in South Carson inquiring about the traffic light at the corner of Main and Lomita. The light on Figueroa has a left turn arrow but the one on Main doesn't. Is that something that we could look into or how does one go about doing that?

Director Freeman - Potentially, at the next commission meeting, we can ask our friends from the Engineering Division to join us and give you a quick update on that.

Commissioner Docdocil -  I'm involved with the planning of a couple of community events that are coming up. With the presentation about the Brownfield Act being out in the community, I can get you all connected to get a table at these events. I would like to help get the word out.

Commissioner Huff - Wilmington still needs some attention. There are holes that have been there for a long time. Jacob, congratulations on your new job. We will miss you. You haven't been unnoticed. As McKina said, you've been an asset to us. 

Vice Chair Diaz - I want to acknowledge Planning Secretary Laura Gonzalez for the copious notes that were taken. Cammy, excellent job, we appreciate the presentation on the city's brownfield grant awards. We look forward to the Economic Development update at our next meeting. I want to congratulate Jacob on his promotion and move to Ohio. The Dominguez Lincoln Village on the east side of  town will be having a blood drive at 21156 South Santa Fe Avenue on Monday, June 29th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Chair Thomas - Congratulations Jacob. I've had the honor of working with Jacob and McKina apart from the commission and he's always done a stellar job. Welcome Cammy, it's good to meet you and we look forward to hearing from you. This year's Juneteenth is going to be celebrated on Saturday, June 13th. It's an all-day affair that will take place at Anderson Park located at University and Wilmington. I am honored to serve with all of you here. We have wonderful staff and a wonderful commission. I want us to keep Commissioner Guerra in our prayers as he continues to have health challenges.

The meeting was adjourned by Chair Dianne Thomas at 7:24 p.m.