HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-06 PC Regular Meeting Agenda PacketCITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014 – 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
______________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Any person wishing to discuss any item not scheduled for public hearing may
address the Planning Commission at this point by stepping to the lectern and
giving his/her name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a
maximum of three minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Planning
Commission. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Planning Commission to
take action on items not on the Agenda, Commissioners will not enter into
discussion with speakers but may briefly respond or instead refer the matter to
staff for report and recommendation at a future Planning Commission meeting.
Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the
agenda, including those received following posting/distribution, are on file in the
Office of the Department of Community Development and are available for public
inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.,
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760) 346-0611,
Extension 484.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE
ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE NO
SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION OR AUDIENCE REQUEST SPECIFIC ITEMS BE
REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
ACTION UNDER SECTION VII, CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER, OF THE AGENDA.
AGENDA
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 6, 2014
______________________________________________________________________
2
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Agenda\5-6-14.docx
A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of April 15, 2014.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Action:
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a lot line adjustment to eliminate Lot
112 (APNs 652-141-032, 652-141-033, and 652-141-034). Case No. PMW
14-65 (Richard Nunn and Sandra LaFon, 134th Avenue NE, Bellevue,
Washington 98005 , Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a lot line adjustment, Case No. PMW 14-
65.
Action:
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising only
those issues he or she raised at the public hearing described herein, or in written
correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public
hearing. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three minutes unless
additional time is authorized by the Planning Commission.
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of adoption of a Notice of Exemption
from Environmental Impact analysis, and approval of Tentative Parcel Map
36502 to subdivide a 2.09-acre site into four parcels (three single-family lots
and one retention basin lot) located at JFK Trail (APN 655-300-017). Case
No. TPM 36502/HTE 12-410 (DRRS Holdings and Ross, Johnson and
Associates, 888 Fort Street, 4th Floor, Victoria, British Columbia V8W
1H8, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2621, approving Case
No. TPM 36502/HTE 12-410, subject to conditions.
Action:
AGENDA
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 6, 2014
______________________________________________________________________
3
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Agenda\5-6-14.docx
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to amend Development Plan 13-316
adding Section J Pad Height Elevation Schedule for the 23 remaining
undeveloped lots within the Mountains at BIGHORN. Case No. DP 13-316
(Bighorn Development, LLC, 255 Palowet Drive, Palm Desert, California
92260, Applicant).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2628, approving Case
No. DP 13-316, subject to conditions.
Action:
X. MISCELLANEOUS
None
XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
B. PARKS & RECREATION
XII. COMMENTS
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that
the foregoing agenda for the Planning Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin
board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated this 1st day of May, 2014.
Monica O’Reilly, Recording Secretary
Please contact the Planning Department, 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 346-
0611, for assistance with access to any of the agenda, materials, or participation at the meeting.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2014 – 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
______________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Roger Dash called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Vice Chair Ken Stendell
Commissioner John Greenwood
Commissioner Sonia Campbell
Chair Roger Dash
Staff Present:
Jill Tremblay, City Attorney
Tony Bagato, Principal Planner
Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner
Monica O’Reilly, Administrative Secretary
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Nancy DeLuna led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, reported that at the meeting of April 10, the
City Council passed Ordinance No. 1267A to second reading, approving Zoning
Ordinance Amendment 13-357 for accessory building and structures, and the
definitions. The Council also passed an ordinance to second reading to reduce
single-use plastic bags by retail establishments.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
2
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of March 18, 2014.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented.
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a lot line adjustment (APN 625-253-
002) at 74-765 Del Coronado Drive. Case No. PMW 13-352 (Mark Pachacki,
74-765 Del Coronado Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a lot line adjustment, Case No. PMW 13-
352.
C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a one-year extension to PP/CUP 06-
03 due to the economic conditions, which do not warrant the project’s
construction. Case No. PP/CUP 06-03 (Gerald Ford Business Park, LLC, 40-
004 Cook Street, Suite 3, Palm Desert, California 92260, Applicant).
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a one-year extension (until August 24,
2015), Case No. PP/CUP 06-03.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Campbell, second by Commissioner
Greenwood, and a 4-0-1 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, Dash,
DeLuna, and Greenwood; NOES: None; ABSENT: Stendell), the Consent Calendar was
approved as presented.
VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
None
IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to recommend to the City Council for
consideration of adoption of a Notice of Exemption of Environmental Impact,
a new four-story 108-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott hotel, and a future
restaurant pad located at 74-765 Technology Drive (APN 694-190-061). Case
No. PP 14-25 (Prest-Vuksic Architects, 44-530 San Pablo Avenue, #200,
Palm Desert, California 92260, Applicant).
Commissioner John Greenwood recused himself because he is an associate of
Prest-Vuksic Architects (Applicant).
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
3
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, reported that the property is located at
Technology Drive. He noted that the site is at the lowest elevation in the City.
The applicant is proposing a four-story 108-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott
hotel, a future 6,300-square-foot restaurant pad, and the site will maintain 185
parking spaces. He stated that the applicant is also proposing to construct the
site in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of the hotel, and Phase 2 would be the
restaurant pad. He noted that the construction of the restaurant is not part of the
approval. When the applicant submits plans for the restaurant, it would have to
be approved by the Architectural Review Commission. The restaurant would not
require approval from the Planning Commission or the City Council. He
presented photos of the site plan, floor plan, elevations, and photo survey. Mr.
Swartz stated that the proposed hotel meets all the development standards
except for the height exception. He mentioned that other hotels in the City have
received height exceptions. Staff recommended approval and offered to answer
any questions.
Chair Dash asked if there is a time specification for the construction of the
restaurant.
Mr. Swartz responded that there is not. However, the Palm Desert Municipal
Code does state that a detached restaurant pad must be allocated or have a
restaurant within the hotel.
Chair Dash inquired if hotel height exceptions are becoming the normal thing to
do.
Mr. Bagato replied that many hotels have received height exceptions since the
City incorporated, which has become a standard practice to make the hotel
feasible.
Chair Dash referred to photo A3.11, and asked what the area with the shadow is.
Mr. Swartz replied that it is an overhang.
Chair Dash asked what the reason for height exception is. Are rooms being
added? Is it for a flag pole?
Mr. Swartz responded that height exceptions are usually for adding rooms.
However, this site sits 35 feet below, and you would see the rooftop if the hotel
had three floors. With the fourth floor, the applicant is able to screen the
mechanical equipment.
Mr. Bagato explained that there is a municipal code for the timing of phased
projects. He said that precise plans require the restaurant to be built one year
after the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued for the hotel, or the applicant
may request a one-year extension.
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
4
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the 56-foot tower element is on the north side
closest to Interstate 10.
Mr. Swartz replied that is correct.
Commissioner DeLuna inquired about the restaurant, and asked if the applicant
has to build within code and meet the height requirements.
Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. He made clear that the Planning Commission is
approving a 6,300-square-foot restaurant pad. If the applicant exceeds the
approved square footage, the applicant must return to the Planning Commission
for approval for the modifications.
Commissioner DeLuna asked what the allowable height is for the restaurant.
Mr. Swartz replied 35 feet.
Commissioner DeLuna clarified that there are restrictions in place, if the Planning
Commission gives a blanket approval for the restaurant pad.
Mr. Swartz replied that is correct.
Chair Dash declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN
FAVOR or OPPOSITION.
MR. JOHN VUKSIC, Prest-Vuksic Architects, 44-530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite
200, Palm Desert, California 92260, referred to photo A3.11 and noted that the
shadow demonstrates the depth of the building, the articulation, and the deeply
recessed windows that they like to incorporate into the architecture. He noted
that the height of the main building is 44 feet, and Cook Street sits at
approximately 27 feet so the building is roughly 17 feet above Cook Street. He
offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the overhang at the top of the building goes
straight out or does it angle up.
MR. VUKSIC replied that the overhang goes out horizontally.
Commissioner DeLuna asked how far out the projection of the overhang is.
MR. VUKSIC replied that it is at least 12 or 15 feet.
Commissioner Sonia Campbell inquired if all the equipment is located in the
middle of the building so nothing is visible from the Cook Street off-ramp.
MR. VUKSIC replied that is correct.
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
5
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there is an applicant for the restaurant.
MR. VUKSIC responded that he is not aware of a prospective restaurant at the
moment.
MR. CODY SMALL, Radius Retail Advisors, 567 San Nicolas Drive, Suite 130,
Newport Beach, California, stated that Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott is not a full
service hotel. He stated that at this time, they do not know who will go on the
restaurant pad. He also stated that the pad size and height will be at the allowed
requirements. Mr. Small voiced his concern with the time limit on building the
restaurant. He said that he does not know where the condition for the time limit
came from. He understood that there would be no time limit or restrictive
covenant on building the restaurant.
Mr. Bagato interjected that it is not a condition; it is in the Zoning Ordinance.
MR. SMALL stated that he thought the issue was cleared months ago when he
met with Planning staff, and asked where the condition came from.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the Planning Commission is constrained to deal
with building of the restaurant.
Mr. Bagato responded that it is up to the applicant to request a continuance on
the item. He said that they would have to review the code and consult with the
City Manager and City Attorney. He stated that the Planning Commission could
make an action, and staff could figure out the time limit on the restaurant before it
goes to the City Council. Mr. Bagato noted that per code there must be a time
limit, and a restaurant must be built.
Commissioner DeLuna clarified that they will vote on what was presented by staff
in terms of the structure of the hotel, the site for the restaurant, and the
conditions.
Mr. Bagato replied that the Planning Commission’s purview is the site plan, the
height exemption, the overall land use compatibility, and environmental review.
MR. SMALL voiced that he is confused that there is a written condition about a
timeline of a restaurant to open a year after their occupancy.
Mr. Bagato responded that it is not a condition; it is a law. He briefly referred to
the ordinance.
Chair Dash requested guidance from the City Attorney.
Ms. Jill Tremblay, City Attorney, stated that the hotel and restaurant site plan has
to be approved together, and the City Council will review and make a
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
6
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
determination on the ordinance. She said the Council would also look at
extensions, if requested.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the Planning Commission gives an approval
tonight, is there a timeline that starts running.
Ms. Tremblay responded that the timeline would start once the Certificate of
Occupancy is issued.
Mr. Bagato added that the only timeline that would start is if the Planning
Commission approves the item, staff has 40 days to take it to the City Council.
Commissioner Campbell clarified that the applicant can request time extensions
on the restaurant pad.
Mr. Bagato replied that is correct.
MR. SMALL commented that he hopes it is approved by the Planning
Commission, and his concerns regarding the timeline are worked out in the next
few days. He stated that he hopes to have constructive discussion on the
timeline with the City Council at the Council level.
With no further testimony offered, Chair Dash declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner DeLuna moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend to the City
Council for consideration of adoption of a Notice of Exemption of Environmental Impact,
a new four-story 108-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott hotel, and a future restaurant
building pad located at 74-764 Technology Drive (APN 694-190-061). Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 3-0-2 vote (AYES: Campbell,
Dash, and DeLuna; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood and Stendell).
Commissioner DeLuna moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and
adopt Resolution No. 2625, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 3-0-2 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, and
DeLuna; NOES: None; ABSENT: Greenwood and Stendell).
Commissioner DeLuna commented that it is a beautiful hotel, and thanked the
applicant for moving forward in Palm Desert.
B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of adoption of a Notice of Exemption of
Environmental Impact, and approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a new
underground water well within the boundaries of Shadow Mountain Golf
Course along Flagstone Lane (APN 694-190-061). Case No. CUP 14-76 (The
Reserve Club, Craig Surdy, 49-400 Desert Rutte Trail, Indian Wells, California
92210, Applicant).
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
7
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
Mr. Swartz reported that the applicant is proposing to construct a new
underground water well within Shadow Mountain Golf Course. He stated that
Shadow Mountain had entered into an agreement with The Reserve Club to
make available a 40-foot by 80-foot section of land to drill and install the well. He
said staff’s main concern of the well site is noise and the aesthetics. Mr. Swartz
stated that the applicant is proposing an underground well site within a vault that
will not be visible from public view. He presented photos of the proposed site and
underground well vault. He mentioned that the underground well site will not give
off a buzzing or vibrating sound. Staff determined that the well site as proposed
and conditioned would not create added noise. In addition, the site would be
landscaped to blend into the golf course. The applicant proposes to begin drilling
in June for 24 hours, seven days a week. The applicant will also install sound
devices to mitigate sound. Mr. Swartz stated that if the applicant is able to drill 24
hours a day, the drilling will take approximately two weeks; not 30 days as stated
in the staff report. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission allow the
applicant to drill 24 hours a day at 55 decibels from the hours of 7:00 a.m. to
10:00 p.m., and at 45 decibels from the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. He
noted that staff added a condition that if noise becomes disturbing and reported
by three independent persons, the applicant must restrict drilling to normal
construction hours. The applicant will work closely with the residents to ensure
they are fully aware of the project, and that the drilling does not bring disruption
to the neighborhood. Mr. Swartz stated that staff will also send out a notice
providing them with the City’s and driller’s contact information. He added that a
notice of the public hearing was sent out 30 days before the hearing instead of
the normal 10 days, and staff only had one call. After staff explained that the well
would be underground, the resident did not have concerns. Staff recommended
approval and offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if staff has heard from the homeowner that is
located next to the proposed well site.
Mr. Swartz replied that he has not.
Commissioner Campbell asked if the notices will be sent out within the 300-foot
radius.
Mr. Swartz responded that staff would send out notices to residents adjacent to
the proposed well site.
Commissioner John Greenwood asked if there is an elevation on what the
electrical meter looks like. What is the meter attached to?
Mr. Swartz replied that he does not. He mentioned that the electrical meter might
not be at the proposed location. The applicant has to work with Southern
California Edison on the location. He deferred the question to the applicant.
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
8
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
Commissioner Greenwood asked what the plans to secure the proposed well site
during construction are.
Mr. Swartz responded that there are no plans to add fencing around the well site.
There are also no plans to screen the utilities. He also deferred the question to
the applicant.
Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the City has any requirements to screen the
site for safety purposes.
Mr. Bagato responded that since the vault is underground, there are no
screening requirements. He noted that vaults usually could be locked.
Commissioner Campbell asked if there have been any reports of vandalism or
entry into vaults at other locations.
Mr. Swartz deferred the question to the applicant.
Chair Dash declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN
FAVOR or OPPOSITION.
MR. CRAIG SURDY, General Manager of The Reserve Club, 49-440 Marne
Court, La Quinta, California 92253, communicated that they have another well on
Haystack Road designed like the well being proposed in Shadow Mountain. He
said most people do not notice that it is there. The vault is locked and secured;
no one will be able to access without a key. He offered to answer any questions.
Commissioner DeLuna asked the applicant if they have plans to screen the
electrical panel.
MR. SURDY responded that they submitted a landscape plan. The area will be
screened properly.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the area will be maintained by Shadow
Mountain.
MR. SURDY replied yes.
MR. SCOTT STORMO, Geologist for Earth Systems, 77-596 Justin Court, Palm
Desert, California 92260, stated that for safety it is important to drill for 24 hours.
MR. CURTIS MC CALLA, President of South West Pump & Drilling, 53-381
Highway 111, Coachella, California 92236, stated that the project is unique from
others in trying to obscure or mitigate the visual impact of the water well, which is
a primary concern at this location. He mentioned that they have done other wells
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
9
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
in the area, and they have been satisfactory to the client. He offered to answer
any questions.
Commissioner Greenwood asked the applicant if they have done decibel
readings before, and will they be able to meet the condition on the decibel
reading levels.
MR. McCALLA responded that he has a concern with the 45 decibel reading. He
said that since they are close to Portola Avenue, the ambient noise would not
meet the 45 decibels.
Commissioner Greenwood mentioned that he has seen cargo containers at well
sites, and asked if they will be doing the same at the proposed site.
MR. McCALLA said yes.
Commissioner Greenwood asked what will be the screening during construction.
MR. McCALLA responded that during construction they are going to put a 17-foot
wall (two cargo containers stacked) along the perimeter of the nearest home. He
noted that from a safety standpoint, it is important to operate on a 24-hour basis.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the site is manned 24 hours.
MR. McCALLA replied that it is. He mentioned that they estimate it will take
approximately two weeks to complete the project.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if a geotechnical report has been produced on
the proposed well site.
MR. McCALLA replied no.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the electrical service will be underground.
MR. McCALLA responded yes, and provided a brief description of the
landscaping to screen the meter.
Commissioner Greenwood asked if the panel will be anchored to a pad or a wall.
MR. McCALLA said that it will be anchored to a pad and it will be freestanding.
Commissioner DeLuna asked how close the electrical panel will be to the
adjacent residents.
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
10
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
MR. McCALLA responded that they are flexible with the location of the panel;
however, Southern California Edison will dictate where the transformer will go
which they have no control over.
Commissioner Greenwood inquired if the panel will be secured and locked.
MR. McCALLA responded that everything has to be locked per the National
Electrical Code.
Commissioner DeLuna asked how close the drilling will be to the adjacent
resident.
MR. McCALLA replied that it is approximately 40 feet from the bore hole.
Commissioner Campbell asked if the homeowner was contacted to find out if
they will be there during the summer.
MR. McCALLA said that he has not had contact with the homeowner.
Commissioner Greenwood mentioned that the applicant has a concern with the
45 decibel level reading, and asked if staff has an objection to the reading.
Mr. Swartz recommended amending Condition of Approval No. 7 to permit drilling
24 hours, seven days a week at 55 decibels.
Commissioner Campbell asked if the applicant will be done in two weeks if
drilling 24 hours.
Mr. Swartz responded that the timeframe is two weeks.
Commissioner Greenwood inquired if staff is comfortable with properly notifying
the homeowner that is directly adjacent to the proposed well site.
Mr. Swartz replied yes. He said that staff will be sending out another notice.
Commissioner Campbell suggested taking out Condition No. 9 since the
applicant has to drill 24 hours a day for safety measures.
Mr. Swartz responded that if the Planning Commission wished to strike the
condition, he suggested making it part of the motion.
Chair Dash inquired of the work is generally explained to the adjacent residents
before work begins.
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
11
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
MR. SURDY responded that they sent a notice with a photograph so they should
have a good understanding of what will be happening. He said they included their
contact information; however, they did not receive any feedback.
Chair Dash voiced his concern with the resident that is directly adjacent to the
proposed well site. He said notices come and go, and his fear is that once work
starts they should not stop due to safety.
Commissioner Campbell stated that she feels staff has given enough notice to
the residents, and enough time for them to come forward or complain.
With no further testimony offered, Chair Dash declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Greenwood commented that the work is common practice, and he
hopes they do not run into an issue.
Commissioner DeLuna clarified that the work will start in the summer so there will
be minimal impact.
MR. SURDY replied that he hopes the work will begin in June.
Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to adopt a Notice of
Exemption of Environmental Impact, approve a Conditional Use Permit for a new
underground water well within the boundaries of Shadow Mountain Golf Course, delete
Condition of Approval No. 9, and amend Condition of Approval No. 7 from 45 to 55
decibels, 24 hours a day. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried
by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, and Greenwood; NOES: None;
ABSENT: Stendell).
Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and
adopt Resolution No. 2626, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna,
and Greenwood; NOES: None; ABSENT: Stendell).
X. MISCELLANEOUS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to approve Parcel Map Waiver No. 14-
069, a lot line adjustment between two parcels within a planned community
development overlay zone located at the end of Technology Drive, subject to
the recording of various easements for the benefit of the City and certain
specific conditions to be attached to both parcels pursuant to Section
66412(d) of the California Government Code (APNs 694-190-019, 694-190,
074, 694-190-076, and 694-190-077). Case No. PMW 14-069 (Matthew V.
Johnson, 45-455 Portola Avenue, Suite 5, Palm Desert, California 92260,
Applicant).
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
12
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
Mr. Bagato explained that Parcel Map Waivers are typically under the Consent
Calendar and most do not have conditions. He said that this Parcel Map Waiver
has conditions attached to both parcels for the benefit of the City; therefore, it is
under Miscellaneous. Staff recommended approval and offered to answer any
questions.
Commissioner DeLuna asked if the applicants pay for the amendments that are
being done.
Mr. Bagato replied yes.
Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to approve Parcel Map
Waiver No. 14-069, a lot line adjustment between two parcels within a planned
community development overlay zone located at the end of Technology Drive. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES:
Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, and Greenwood; NOES: None; ABSENT: Stendell).
Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and
adopt Resolution No. 2627, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Greenwood and carried by a 4-0-1 vote (AYES: Campbell, Dash,
DeLuna, and Greenwood; NOES: None; ABSENT: Stendell).
XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
None
PARKS & RECREATION
Chair Dash reported that the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed park
use at University Park.
XII. COMMENTS
Commissioner Greenwood commented that Vice Chair Stendell, Mr. Swartz, and
he attended the 2014 Planning Commissioners’ Academy in San Francisco. He
said it was a fantastic experience. He appreciated that the City allocated funds
for two Commissioners to attend, including a staff person. He recommended that
the Planning Commission view a presentation given by Mr. Tony Seba called The
Future of Transportation: Technology Mega-Trends that will Soon Disrupt Public
and Private Transportation. He noted that Mr. Seba will be posting the
presentation on his website. He thanked the City and the Planning Commission
for allowing him to attend the conference.
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2014
13
G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2014\Minutes\4-15-14 min.docx
Commissioner DeLuna commented that the City’s Planning staff excels in the
level of knowledge and professionalism; the City is very fortunate.
Commissioner Campbell agreed with Commissioner DeLuna that Planning staff
is the best.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Commissioner DeLuna, second by Commissioner Greenwood,
and a 4-0-1 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, Dash, DeLuna, and
Greenwood; NOES: None; ABSENT: Stendell), Chair Dash adjourned the meeting at
7:29 p.m.
ROGER DASH, CHAIR
ATTEST:
TONY BAGATO, SECRETARY
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
MONICA O’REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY