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Home My WebLink About2015-04-21 PC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 – 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 ______________________________________________________________________ I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Stendell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Sonia Campbell Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Vice Chair John Greenwood Chair Ken Stendell Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, City Attorney Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Monica O’Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Stendell led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, summarized pertinent March 12, 2015, City Council actions. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 7, 2015 2 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\4-7-15 min.docx VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of February 17, 2015. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a lot line adjustment shared by Lot 4 (Tract 27301) and Lot M (27520-4) at 107 Tekis Place within BIGHORN Golf Club (APN Nos. 771-260-004 & 771-260-009). Case No. PMW 14-336 (Kenneth and Roberta Williams, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a lot line adjustment, Case No. PMW 14- 336. C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a lot line adjustment at 73697 Santa Rosa Way (APN Nos. 627-102-017 & 627-102-019). Case No. PMW 15-89 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a lot line adjustment, Case No. PMW 15-89. D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a lot line adjustment at 73578 Santa Rosa Way and 73550 Santa Rosa Way (APN Nos. 627-101-020 & 624-101- 040). Case No. PMW 14-416 (Chris N. Evanko and Chabad of Palm Springs, Inc., Applicants). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a lot line adjustment, Case No. PMW 14- 416. E. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a one-year extension to PP/CUP 06- 03 and TPM 34437). Case No. PP/CUP 06-03 & TPM 34337 (Gerald Ford Business Park, LLC, Applicant). Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a one-year extension (until August 24, 2016), Case No. PP/CUP 06-03 & TPM 34437. Upon a motion by Commissioner DeLuna, second by Commissioner Pradetto, and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 7, 2015 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\4-7-15 min.docx IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to adopt a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to install a new 48-foot tall Verizon Telecommunication tower and equipment shelter located at 40004 Cook Street. Case No. CUP 14-209 (Verizon Wireless, Applicant). Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and recommended approval (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna asked how tall are the palm trees that are going to be removed. Also, what is the rate of growth of the four new palms that are going to be planted? Mr. Swartz responded that the tallest palm ranges from 55 to 60 feet, and the other two palms are approximately five feet shorter. He stated that generally palm trees can grow two to three feet a year. Commissioner Joseph Pradetto inquired if other locations were considered. Mr. Swartz replied that he would let the applicant address that question. He mentioned that the applicant did ask JW Marriott Desert Springs, and they were not interested. He said that the Desert Springs Marketplace does not have an area to be screened with the existing buildings and landscaping. Commissioner Pradetto stated that he understands with the Telecommunications Act, health and safety concerns cannot be considered. He asked if anyone raised those issues, especially with the equipment shelter being close to residences. Mr. Swartz said that no one raised any issues to his knowledge. Commissioner Pradetto asked if the equipment shelter has a generator. Mr. Swartz replied that it does. Commissioner Pradetto asked what kind of noise will be generated from the equipment shelter. Mr. Swartz replied that he would let the applicant address that question. Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. MIKE HAYES, Spectrum Services representative for Verizon Wireless, Ontario, California 91761, stated that the generator is for emergencies only. The PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 7, 2015 4 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\4-7-15 min.docx generator would run approximately one hour per week, unless there is a power outage. He noted that they could set a time so it is less intrusive to the neighborhood. He stated that the noise level from the generator is approximately 50 decibels. Mr. Hayes requested that the Planning Commission accept staff’s recommendation. Chair Stendell stated that in the picture provided, it appears that the new palm trees look like they will be equal in height. MR. HAYES replied that the new palm trees will vary in height, and they would be more in line with the tower to screen the tower. He noted that the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) thought it would be better that the screening palm trees were in the same general range of height as the tower. Chair Stendell pointed out that the palm trees will outgrow the 48-foot tower, and potentially tower over the mono-palm in eight to 10 years. He suggested that the palm trees be staggered. MR. HAYES responded that he does not have a problem with staggering the palm trees. He noted that the Canary Island palms do not grow as much as the Mexican Fan palms. Vice Chair John Greenwood stated that the plans indicate a 10-foot by 10-foot enclosure around the main column. He asked if the enclosure could be visible from the street. MR. HAYES replied no. Vice Chair Greenwood asked if the existing landscape on the southwest side of the equipment enclosure would remain in place. MR. HAYES replied yes. Commissioner Pradetto commented that initially the telecommunications tower was proposed at 75 feet; however, ARC requested to take it down to 48 feet. He asked if the performance of the 48-foot tower will be impacted. MR. HAYES said that the performance would be better at 75 feet than at 48 feet. He stated that the engineers were able to make it work at a 40-foot center line for the antennas. Commissioner Pradetto commented that AT&T applied for a tower in Bermuda Dunes; however, it was fiercely opposed by the residents because of health and safety concerns. He said that it was educational and he realized that the federal government, to a certain extent, ties the hands of local jurisdictions on the placement of telecommunication towers. With that said, he thanked the applicant PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 7, 2015 5 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\4-7-15 min.docx for working with the ARC to reduce the height, and agreed that varying the size of the palms will make it look more natural. With no further testimony offered, Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Campbell moved for approval, and commented that she likes the picture showing the artificial palm and the new palm trees better than the Mexican Fan palms. Commissioner Pradetto seconded the motion, and noted that no matter how much you try to disguise telecommunication towers, you can still notice them. It is a matter of demand, and people demand their cell reception and everyone is happier when they have their 4G speed than not having service. Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to adopt a Notice of Exemption and approve Conditional Use Permit 14-209 to install a telecommunication tower and equipment enclosure located at 40004 Cook Street. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna. Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). Mr. Swartz commented that if the Planning Commission wishes to have the palm trees staggered 25 to 35 feet, he recommended that the condition be added to their motion. Commissioner Campbell communicated that it is already in the staff report as recommendation by the ARC. Chair Stendell stated that the motion stands as-is, and asked that the Commission cast their vote. Commissioner Campbell moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2647, adopting a Notice of Exemption and approving Conditional Use Permit 14-209, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). X. MISCELLANEOUS None XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Chair Stendell reported that proposals for exhibitions in the Palm Desert Community Gallery were discussed. He also reported that there were 18 docent tours in February. He mentioned that the film series and First Weekend on El PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 7, 2015 6 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\4-7-15 min.docx Paseo have been successful. Chair Stendell handed out a brochure on the Heritage Festival. B. PARKS & RECREATION None C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP Ms. Aylaian reported that the group recapped all of the public input, which was received during the workshops. She said that they will be conducting a parking study for the commercial core area. XII. COMMENTS Chair Stendell commented that he talked to Commissioner Pradetto about appointing him as the liaison on the Parks & Recreation Commission, which he accepted. He noted that they meet the first Tuesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. Commissioner Pradetto commented on the recent water restrictions by the governor. He stated that the decisions made by the governor could have an impact on how our valley and city look in the future. Commissioner DeLuna mentioned that the City of Palm Desert has a turf buyback program. Ms. Aylaian explained that the City does the turf buyback program annually as funding is available in concert with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). Commissioner Campbell noted that the news mentioned the City of Palm Desert cutting back water on City medians. Ms. Aylaian stated that the City has taken an aggressive program to cut water consumption at City parks and medians. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there will be an impact on the Aquatic Center. Ms. Aylaian replied none. She mentioned that in the next couple of weeks the CVWD will be meeting with city representatives to discuss what needs to be done and/or any new policies or ordinances that may be enacted. Commissioner Pradetto said that he would like to encourage staff when a residential project comes up to rethink landscaping and be creative to reduce water consumption. PRELIMINARY MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 7, 2015 7 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\4-7-15 min.docx XIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Vice Chair Greenwood, second by Commissioner Campbell, and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None), Chair Stendell adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. KEN STENDELL, CHAIR ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MONICA O’REILLY, RECORDING SECRETARY