Minutes for March 15, 2018
- Call to Order
Chairperson Vicky Farrow called to order the regular meeting of the Dry Creek Valley Citizens Advisory Council at 6:02 pm. - Roll Call
Present Councilmembers: Farrow, Smith, Tierney, Wilson.
Absent: Gomez - Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Councilmember Bill Smith, seconded by Councilmember Ruth Wilson, the February 15, 2018, Dry Creek Valley Citizens Advisory Council meeting minutes were approved. The motion carried on a voice vote, (4‐0). - Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items – None
- Correspondence – None
- Councilmember Announcements and Disclosures – Information only.
Councilmember Bill Smith met with Ann Peterson of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and they focused on our Guidelines; especially the numbers for Sonoma County and Dry Creek Valley grown grapes. He also met with Richard Kagel and the DCVA board about the same issues. - Referrals from Sonoma County PRMD –
- File Number: PLP18‐0009
- Applicant Name: Steven Deutsch
- Owner Name: Steven Deutsch
- Site Address: 7212 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg
- APN: 139‐170‐035
- Project Description: Request for a Use Permit and Administrative Design Review to construct a 351 square foot detached wine storage structure to accommodate personal storage and use of approximately 320 cases of wine on a 2 acre parcel.
Steven Deutsch gave the presentation on this referral. They have a 6.5 acre parcel just past Canon Road up on the bench land (Melita Love’s old property). They are wanting to build a small storage facility for a private collection of wine and olive oil. The county requires a Use Permit for anything over 83 cases. They will be replacing an existing storage shed. He showed the plans and elevations of the proposed building to those present. They have planted olives. They have photos of the property and also showed their landscaping plans. The set‐back line does run through the site of the proposed storage building, but they are building on the site of an existing shed and are hoping to avoid taking out existing trees, so they believe this is the best site for the new storage facility. They sit is not visible from Dry Creek Road. - Questions –
Councilmember Mike Tierney asked about capacity. Steven answered there would be a 5,200 bottle capacity. They currently have 3,000 bottles in their garage.
Richard Kagel asked if they share a driveway with Ann and Ed Howard. They do not. He asked if they had spoken with neighbors. The applicant stated that they have spoken with all but one neighbor, whom they have had difficulty contacting. He believes it is silly that a Use Permit is required for this.
Dave Mounts asked about plumbing and possible production. They assured everyone they have no intention of producing their own wine.
- Discussion –
There was no further discussion. - Statement of Motion –
On a motion by Councilmember Ruth Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Mike Tierney, the council recommends approval of this Use Permit. The motion carried on a roll call vote, (4‐0).
Councilmember Smith: Aye
Councilmember Farrow: Aye
Councilmember Wilson: Aye
Councilmember Tierney: Aye - Discussion Item –
Action Item – Action if indicated.
Presentation from DCVA and Winegrowers on update to DCVCAC Guidelines.Councilmember Vicky Farrow recognized that there are differing opinions, which made this job harder.
Councilmember Mike Tierney agrees that it is important that there are Guidelines and that common sense should prevail. He likes that we have something on paper.
Richard Kagle also wanted to comment on the real estate agent that had appeared at a previous DCVCAC meeting, and had worked through the Guidelines document to show his potential buyers what would be expected. He was impressed with the gentleman’s effort.
Ann Peterson mentioned the inconsistency at the county level. She thinks that is a liability for our area. So, they are pleased and believe this will be an important document going forward.
Councilmember Vicky Farrow appreciates their hard work and recognizes that they need to put all the puzzle pieces together. 75% Sonoma County grape requirement was settled on. She did not agree, but is happy that there was a consensus.
Councilmember Bill Smith thanked Vicky and the others who compromised. Bill and Richard are big advocates of the 75 guideline. He gave the history of Napa and other areas using a similar requirement. He also mentioned the use of the document by the real estate agent. He stressed that applicants are working with neighbors. He believes this will be a great benefit for applicants, neighbors, and the valley. He believes it will work for everyone.
Council Chair Vicky Farrow summarized what will happen for the Update and Vote on the Guidelines document. She mentioned that there had been a discussion of the next steps at the previous month’s meeting. Vicky and Ruth will craft a new version, adding the newly agreed upon information to the Guidelines document. They would like a vote to be on our agenda for next month, and take comments before a full vote. If they recommend, they will take it to PRMD, then the Planning Commission, then the Board of Supervisors.
Councilmember Ruth Wilson mentioned they would like the final document to be posted on the county website (DCVCAC area) for reference for applicants. - Agenda Items for Future Meeings –
Final discussion and vote on the updated Guidelines document. The council would like the groups to inform their membership and forward our meeting agenda to them so that all can attend and discuss at the next meeting. - Adjournment –
There being no other Council business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm; on a motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Smith. The motion carried on a voice vote, (4‐0).
Approved Date:
Vicky Farrow, Council Chair