HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-16 PC Regular Meeting Minutes """""'• CITY OF PALM DESERT
\ PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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..,N��3,,.• TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 — 6:00 P.M.
ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair John Greenwood called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair John Greenwood
Vice-Chair Nancy DeLuna
Commissioner Ron Gregory
Commissioner Lindsay Holt
Commissioner Joseph Pradetto
Also Present:
Craig Hayes, Assistant City Attorney
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
Monica O'Reilly, Management Specialist II
Susan Myrland, Art in Public Places Commission Chair
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Ron Gregory led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTIONS
None
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Art in Public Places Chair Susan Myrland communicated that there are changes with the
Desert X Judy Chicago smoke sculpture, which she would give an update during
Committee Meeting Updates.
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 16, 2021
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of February 16, 2021.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, seconded by Vice-Chair DeLuna, and a 5-
0 vote of the Planning Commission, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented
(AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve a Precise Plan and a Conditional Use
Permit to demolish the existing Pizza Hut building and construct a new 7,500-square-
foot retail and restaurant building located at 72310 Highway 111, and adoption of a
Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Case
No. PP/CUP 20-0002 (Nadel Architects, Inc., Los Angeles, California, Applicant).
Principal Planner Eric Ceja stated that staff recommended continuing this item to a date
uncertain. Staff would re-notice the public hearing when the project is ready. The applicant
decided to postpone their application until the City Council completes their evaluation of
the drive-through restaurants. He noted that the applicant is also continuing to evaluate
the landscape plan.
Commissioner Pradetto moved to, by Minute Motion, continue Case No. PP/CUP 20-
0002 to a date uncertain. The motion was seconded by Vice-Chair DeLuna and carried by a
5-0 vote (AYES: DeLuna, Greenwood, Gregory, Holt, and Pradetto; NOES: None).
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 16, 2021
Chair Myrland reported that the Art in Public Places Commission had a long discussion
regarding the Judy Chicago smoke sculpture planned at The Living Desert. The Living
Desert canceled the exhibition for several reasons, and then it was suggested to change
the location to Desert Willow near the Montecito community. However, as of Friday, March
12 the new location was also canceled. She said that staff worked very hard to make it
work, but there were too many complications. She mentioned that there was an article in
the Los Angeles Times about the Judy Chicago sculpture being canceled for Desert X.
Commissioner Ron Gregory commented that the article did not read well and he felt it was
much better what she was proposing to do.
Chair Myrland shared that during the meeting, Judy Chicago described the sculpture as
being multi-story and pumping out colored smoke for at least 30 minutes. However, she
would not reveal what was in the smoke. She only said it was non-toxic, but multiple
environmentalists had an issue with the project and too close to the Montecito community.
B. PARKS & RECREATION
None
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
None
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting at
6:11 p.m.
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J N G EEN , CHAI
ATTEST:
ERIC CEJA, SE F ETARY
MONICA O'REILLY, RECOR ING SECRETARY
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