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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-17 PC Regular Meeting Minutes1 CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 — 6:00 P.M. ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lindsay Holt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Chair Lindsay Holt Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Vice -Chair John Greenwood Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Commissioner Ron Gregory Also Present: Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Principal Planner Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Nancy DeLuna led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTIONS None V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of November 3, 2020. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 17, 2020 Upon a motion by Vice -Chair Greenwood, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, and a 4-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Pradetto). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS None X. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION for approval of an amendment to Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 17-0015 for a 1,400-square-foot expansion for Libra by Healing of the Nation Club located at 78010 Country Club Drive, and adoption of a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Case No. CUP 20-0009 (CUP 17-0015) (H.O.T.N. Club, Cathedral City, California, Applicant). Principal Planner Eric Ceja presented the staff report (staff report(s) are available at www.cityofpalmdesert.orq) and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the retail business would increase as a result of the manufacturing capability. Since the facility is near a freeway, she also asked if the expansion would put it in a different category and set a precedent. She said other locations closer to the commercial part of the city might also consider expanding for manufacturing. Mr. Ceja responded that a CUP requires discretionary review by the Planning Commission. Due to the unique characteristics of this location not being near residential or the commercial core, City staff is comfortable with the proposed expansion. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the product would go to other cannabis locations and not added to the retail operation that could increase the amount of traffic at this location. Mr. Ceja understood that the applicant would be manufacturing their brand to distribute to their other existing stores. Chair Holt declared the public hearing open and invited public testimony FAVORING or OPPOSING this matter. MR. JOHN GREENWOOD, the applicant/owner, Cathedral City, California, stated that the expansion is to alleviate pressure on the retail side. They currently have to deliver to vendors at the same place as retail customers. He said the expansion is a safety measure to have vendors go into a designated entrance with a secured check -in. He noted that they would also have security to monitor the check -in process. He stated that the 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 17, 2020 expansion is primarily for their inventory and reducing manufacturing. They would distribute from this location to their other stores in the Coachella Valley. Commissioner DeLuna asked the applicant if they are currently distributing their manufacturing product through the retail operation. MR. GREENWOOD replied yes, and explained that they do not distribute to anyone else. They do very light manufacturing, such as breaking down the bulk flower and placing the flower in smaller packaging. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the applicant is expanding the filtration systems. MR. GREENWOOD replied absolutely. He said they are carrying the same plans as the current location to the additional 1,400 square feet. They will also have lock systems and add more cameras. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if retail customers would not have access to the expanded suite. MR. GREENWOOD answered retail customers would not have access. Only employees would have access to inventory space. He noted that they have to comply with state regulations. With no further testimony offered, Chair Holt declared the public hearing closed. Chair Holt inquired if any of the other cannabis businesses in the City of Palm Desert have had any security issues to date. Mr. Ceja replied there had not been any issues. Director of Community Development Ryan Stendell added that the cannabis industry has been extremely receptive and well organized. The Code Compliance Division met every operator after opening their doors, and they have been great to work with. He stated that the staff is pleased with the results of our ordinance. Vice -Chair John Greenwood commented that he is happy the business is doing well, and it needs to grow. They have done a great job complying with the regulations and supported the proposed project. Commissioner Ron Gregory concurred with Vice -Chair Greenwood. He was impressed with their success and pleased with what they are trying to do. Vice -Chair Greenwood moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2783, approving Case No. CUP 20-0009 (CUP 17-0015), subject to the conditions of approval; and adopt a Notice of Exemption in accordance with CEQA. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gregory and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, and Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Pradetto). 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 17, 2020 Because they are in the world of Zoom meetings and for the record, Mr. Stendell stated that Commissioner Greenwood and Mr. Greenwood, the applicant are NOT the same person. XI. MISCELLANEOUS None XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None B. PARKS & RECREATION None XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS Vice -Chair Greenwood asked Chair Holt why she shared the picture of the mural. Chair Holt remarked that she found the mural interesting. She shared that the artist is very in tune with the community and interested in reaching out to the people, so she decided to share the picture with the Planning Commission. The location of the mural is at the Westfield Palm Desert. Vice -Chair Greenwood inquired if there has been any discussion on implementing art on San Pablo. Mr. Stendell replied, yes. He would ask Management Analyst Amy Lawrence to provide an informational report on the art for San Pablo. XIV. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair adjourned t meetin at 6:24 p.m. % E I 'n I , n i LIMPSAY HOLT, QHAIR ATTEST: �2�-Y,t I RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY /_�\- MONICA O'REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY C!