HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-04 PC Special Meeting MinutesCity of Palm Desert Page 1
PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
January 4, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
(HYBRID MEETING)
This meeting was conducted as a hybrid meeting allowing public access via
teleconference and in person at the meeting location.
I.CALL TO ORDER
A Special Meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Pradetto on
Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
II.ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners, Nancy DeLuna, John Greenwood, Vice Chair Ron Gregory,
Lindsay Holt, and Chair Joseph Pradetto.
Absent: None
Staff
Present: Carlos Campos, City Attorney; Richard D. Cannone, AICP, Director of
Development Services; Nick Melloni, AICP, Principal Planner; Carlos Flores,
AICP, Senior Planner; and Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary.
III.PUBLIC HEARINGS
Associated documentation and video on the following items can be viewed on the Planning
Commission Information webpage at, https://www.palmdesert.gov/connect/committees-
and-commissions/planning-commission.
A.CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO REVOKE, IN ITS ENTIRETY,
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 17-0027 WHICH ALLOWED A
MANUFACTURING, DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION CANNABIS BUSINESS
ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 75-080 SAINT CHARLES PLACE.
Principal Planner, Nick Melloni, narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the item and
responded to Commission inquiries.
Chair Pradetto opened the public hearing period.
Derek Markstein, JW Brands Owner, spoke in opposition to the revocation request. Mr.
Markstein stated to his knowledge they had been granted the appropriate certifications
and approvals to conduct manufacturing services and to complete improvements to
their business. He requested the Commission grant a continuance to allow time for
staff to speak with the state to address the misunderstanding of the business diagram.
Mr. Markstein stated the City did not provide adequate notice to him as the license
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carrier; he acknowledged that the business operators received timely notice but failed
to communicate the inspections completed by the City and issues raised to him.
With no other members of the public wishing to comment, Chair Pradetto closed the
public comment period. Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing
comments for the revocation request.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GREENWOOD, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER DELUNA, CARRIED 5-0; to approve the request as presented
including:
1.Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2849;
2.Adopting a Notice of Exemption and determining under CEQA that the project is not
subject to further environmental review; and
3.Revoking Planning Commission Resolution No. 2737, which approved a Cannabis
Manufacturing, Delivery, and Distribution Cannabis Business on the Property
located at 75-080 Saint Charles Place.
B.CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO MODIFY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
NO. 17-0030 WHICH ORIGINALLY ALLOWED A MANUFACTURING, AND
DISTRIBUTION CANNABIS BUSINESS ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 77-
700 ENFIELD LANE TO REMOVE MANUFACTURING AND ONLY ALLOW
CANNABIS DISTRIBUTION
Vice-Chair Gregory announced his recusal due to a conflict of interest as his son is the
architect of record for this business.
Principal Planner, Nick Melloni, narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the item and
responded to Commission inquiries.
Chair Pradetto opened the public comment period.
Michael Duff, Attorney for P & S Ventures, spoke in favor of the request for modification
to the Conditional Use Permit No. 17-0030.
With no other members of the public wishing to comment, Chair Pradetto closed the
public comment period. Discussion on the item ensued with Commissioners providing
comments for the modification request.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GREENWOOD, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER DELUNA, CARRIED 4-0 (GREGORY RECUSED); to approve the
request as presented including:
1.Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2850;
2.Adopting a Notice of Exemption and determining under CEQA that the project is not
subject to further environmental review; and
3.Modifying CUP17-0030 to allow only Cannabis Distribution.
IV.ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m.
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___________________________________________
Melinda Gonzalez, Executive Administrative Assistant
Recording Secretary
___________________________________________
Richard Cannone, Director of Development Services
Staff Liaison
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