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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1019 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 19, 1977 1 : 00 PM - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS I . CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Berkey at 1 : 00 p .m. in the Council Chambers in the Palm Desert City Hall . II . PLEDGE - Commissioner Kryder III . ROLL CALL Present : Commissioner KELLY Commissioner KRYDER Commissioner READING Commissioner SNYDER Chairman BERKEY Others Present : Paul A. Williams - Director of Environmental Services Bud Engel - Fire Marshal Dave Erwin - City Attorney Ralph Cipriani - Associate Planner Kathy Shorey - Planning Secretary IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES of the regular Planning Commission meeting of October 4, 1977. �wr Mr. Williams requested that the following corrections be made : Page three, last paragraph, change "guranateeing" to "guaranteeing" . Page four, eighth paragraph, second sentence, delete "The Public Hearing was closed and" . Page four, 2nd paragraph from the bottom, add the fol- lowing : Mr. Williams noted a change in Condition No. 1 it should read: A Conditional Use Permit for a 146 space parking lot related to proposed commercial development is granted for the lands as described in the application and any attachemnts thereto, and as shown on the Plot Plan labeled Exhibit B. Page seven, fourth paragraph from the bottom, last sent- ence, delete "a" to make read "Continued to the October 19th" . On a motion by Commissioner Reading, seconded by Commissioner Kelly, the minutes of October 4, 1977, as amended, were approved by a unanimous vote. V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Anonymous letter to the Chairman of the Planning Commission regarding the Commission ' s adopted resolution regarding CVAG. It was noted for the record that this item was thoroughly dis- cussed at the meeting of August 17 , 1977. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission October 19, 1977 Page Two V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (Cont . ) B. Letter to the Planning Commission regarding the instal- lation of storm drainage facilities. The Commission directed the secretary to hold the letter and consider as a part of the Master Drainage Plan and then forward to the City Council and also acknowledge the letter and bring them up to date. sir.+ C. Letter to Bill Hobbs continued from last meeting. Mr. Williams handed out a revised letter and it was accepted by the Commission. The Commission directed the secretary to forward the letter . VI . PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case No. PM 11050, PHILIP ABRAMS CONSULTING ENGINEERS, Applicant . Request for approval of a Tentative Parcel Map to create two (2) lots, one of 0. 40 acres and one of 2. 13 acres in size from a 2 . 53 acre parcel generally located west of Shadow Mountain Drive at the Kings ' Point condominium project . Mr. Williams noted a letter received from the lawyer for the property owners noting the approval of the plot plan . Mr. Williams handed out a new resolution which had been approved by the City Attorney and Mr. Bach the Property Owners ' attorney. Chairman Berkey opened the public hearing and asked if the ap- plicant was present and wished to speak at this time. TOM ESSEN, 431 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, representing the applicant Philip Abrams , spoke to the Commission noting that they preferred the tentative parcel map as opposed to the lot line adjustment . Chairman Berkey asked if there was anyone wishing to speak in FAVOR or in OPPOSITION to the project . Being none he declared the public hearing closed and asked for the pleasure of the Commission . It was moved by Commissioner Snyder and seconded by Commissioner Kelly that the case be approved by Planning Commission Resolution No . 290; carried unanimously (5-0) . VII . OLD BUSINESS A. Review of public hearing draft of COD Area Specific Plan. Mr. Williams reviewed the schedule of meetings . Commissioner Kelly asked if the summary of recommendations was in order of importance , Mr. Williams indicated they were not . Commissioner Snyder complimented the staff for the excellent job and gave a vote of confidence to the staff from the Commission for the work done on the report . Chairman Berkey spoke for the Commission and recommended that the report be accepted as written, noting that the Commission can now devote its time to implementing the report and waiting for public imput at the Public Hearings. Commissioner Reading also noted a job well done. A minute motion by Commissioner Snyder, seconded by Commissioner Reading to accept the report as written was unanimously moved. Minut es Palm Desert Planning Commission October 19, 1977 Page Three VII . OLD BUSINESS (Cont . ) Mr. Williams reviewed the various phases of the report now that it has been accepted. First the projects that can be completed in a five year period with capital improvement funds; second, how we expect private development to participate; third, funds to take care of plan and how they will be obtained. Further the plan will be updated on a yearly basis and within the next five years a majority of the plan will be done. Commissioner Kryder noted that one of the questions that will probably be asked by the residents at the neighborhood meetings will be what will be cost be to them. Mr. Williams noted that the first priority is the acquisition of the land needed. He also indicated that the neighborhood meetings will bring out the residents priorities. The Commission then discussed the various priorities and how they should be implemented. An action plan should be devised and the goals for completion detailed. For the Commissions information Mr. Williams noted that the plan will be available at the neighborhood meetings and large property owners will receive a copy. VIII . NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of proposed construction of a domestic water line extension on Lantana Avenue and Larrea Street by the C.V.C.W.D. Commissioner Snyder expressed concern over the tearing up of .. the streets and whether there will be sidewalks on Lantana and Larrea. Mr. Williams indicated that there would be sidewalks on E1 Paseo and probably Lantana but he was not certain of Larrea. It was moved by Commissioner Kelly and seconded by Commissioner Kryder to approve the proposed construction by Planning Commission Re- solution No. 291 ; carried unanimously (5-0) . B. Presentation by Mr . Lowell Weeks. Mr. Weeks was not present at this time and the Commission continued on to the next item. IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS A. Review of cases acted on by the Design Review Board at their meeting of October 11 , 1977 . Mr. Williams pointed out to the Commission that Mr . Martin had requested that his Case No. 59C be continued to November 16, 1977. The Commission approved this with a motion by Commissioner Kelly and seconded by Commissioner Kryder ; carried unanimously (5-0) . Mr. Williams also noted that Mr. Gibbs , Case No. 58C had not submitted all the items that were needed and that the case should be continued to the November 1 , 1977 meeting. The Commission approved this with a motion by Commissioner Snyder , seconded by Commissioner Reading; carried unanimously (5-0) . Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission October 19, 1977 Page Four IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS (Cont . ) Mr. Cipriani reviewed Case No. 60C and noted that the applicant had obtained a variance and the conditions had been discussed with the applicant and staff recommends the deletion of Special Conditions No. 3 and 4. Commissioner Kryder questioned as to whether the entry to the project would be changed. Mr. Williams noted that under the variance the frontage road will be improved. It was moved by Commissioner Reading and seconded by Commissioner Snyder to approve Case No. 60C with the deletion of Special Condition No. 3 and 4 and the continuance of Case No. 58C to November 1, 1977, by Planning Commission Resolution No. 292 ; carried unanimously (5-0) . Mr . Williams explained the revised application form noting that the Standard Conditions are a part of the application itself and the Special Conditions are added. B. Review of Case No. 48MF and Case No. 77MF. Mr. Williams noted that the applicant for Case No. 48MF was not here and suggested that the Commission go on to the next item. XII . COMMENTS C. Planning Commissioners - Commissioner Kelly told of her attendance at the Design Review Board meeting and noted that it was very informative. She also noted that it was very helpful having Mr. Hill and Mr. Beebe at the meetings . Further she stated that she felt it was not a good idea having the staff members make up a quorum when members are not present or have a conflict of interest . She suggested that the ordinance be looked into and see if there is a way that the staff does not have to make up the quorum. VIII . NEW BUSINESS (Cont . ) B. Presentation by Mr. Lowell Weeks of the C.V.C.W.D. Mr. Weeks covered various concerns of the Commission . He began by discussing water availability within the Coachella Valley during the next 30 year period. At present usage rates, the City will have sufficient water to meet its needs for the next 200-300 years as the best estimates available indicate that there is a potential water supply of 15 . 7 million acre feet within our basin and that we are only using approximately 30, 000 acre feet a year. None the less Mr. Weeks indicated the need for continued water conservation as new sources of water are more expensive to deliver to users and there is always the possibility that water quality could deteriate at any time in the future. Mr. Weeks then discussed necessary improvements on the part of the C.V.C.W.D. needed in the City of Palm Desert within the next 10 years. He indicated that the water district has presently budgeted for $800, 000 worth of improvements for Palm Desert this year and $2 . 5 million within the next three years. With regard to the issue of manpower needed to operate the C.V.C.W.D. , 31r. Weeks indicated that only a slight increase in the number of employees, probably 2 or 3, would be needed during the next several years, probably in the accounting department . Growth in the Palm Desert area should require no increase in the number of employees needed to operate the C.V.C .W.D. in the near future. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission October 19, 1977 Page Five VI I I . NEW BUSINESS ""U CES AMEfC (Copt . ) Having discussed the three major concerns of the Commission `" �b , he then asked if the Commissioners had any questions. Commissioner Kelly asked about the progress on the sewer lines, to which Mr . Weeks indicated that a majority of the proposed lines have been installed. Chairman Berkey asked about the flood control problem, Mr. Weeks replied that the Bechtel Report would be reviewed for all the cities involved Friday morning, October 21st , at 9 : 30 a.m. at C.V.C.W.D. Chairman Berkey asked about the importing of Colorado River water and its quality . Mr . Weeks indicated that it costs more to treat State water than the Colorado River water. Commissioner Snyder complimented Mr. Weeks on his organization and thanked him for his presentation . The Commission also thanked Mr. Weeks for his time and his presentation. THERE WAS A BRIEF RECESS AT 2:30 P.M. THE MEETING WAS RECONVENED AT 2:40 P.M. IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS (Cont . ) B. Review of Landscaping Concept for Parkview Subdivision Case No. 48MF, and the Fencing Plan for Case No. 77MF approved by the Design Review Board at their meeting of August 10, 1977. Mr . Williams reviewed Case No. 77MF noting that there was a revision of the plans for the walls on Club circle and along the loth tee. It will be slumpstone painted green to protect the adjacent homes . Mr. Williams then reviewed Case No . 48MF noting the 10 different landscape plans for 10 different elevations. He stated that $300 would be added to the purchase price to cover the cost of landscaping. Some discussion followed with regard to the landscaping being done and when . Mr. Williams indicated that the owner would have a choice of selecting one of the landscape plans or submitting his own to the City for approval . FRANK GOODMAN, 77-900 Avenue of the States , applicant , spoke to the Commission noting that the owner would not get his $300 back until the landscaping was done if the owner chose to do it on his own . It was moved by Commissioner Snyder and seconded by Commissioner Reading to approve the actions of the Design Review Board by Planning Commission Resolution No. 293 ; carried unanimously (5-0) . X. DISCUSSION ITEMS - None XI . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None XII . COMMENTS (Cont . ) MINUTES AMEN EL C. Planning Commissioners Commissioner Kelly asked if the COD Area Specific Plan EIR eYemen ' would be distributed to the school principals. Mr. Williams noted that they would receive a copy. She also asked if the entrance to the alley off of Portola between Highway 111 and E1 Paseo would be changed. Mr. Williams noted that there would be two entrances. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission October 19, 1977 Page Six XII . COMMENTS (Cont . ) Commissioner Reading stated that the Mayor and Staff should be commended for their actions during the last storm warning. Some discussion followed as to whether the City has an emergency action plan and if the area residents will be informed of a possible emer- gency. nA N Are Chairman Berkey stated that he felt the practice of ha L"-g--_._.. outsiders come and speak to the Commission . He also noted that he had received complaints from people about doing business in the City. Commissioner Kryder also noted he had received complaints. Commis- sioner Snyder noted that a new association was forming and that they had affidavits on the slowness of processing plans through the City. Mr. Williams suggested that a meeting be set up between several contractors and architects and himself, Mr. Cook, Mr. Hill and the Fire Marshal to explain the procedures of the City and hear their com- plaints. , • Commissioner Kryder pointed out the inflexibility of difi�erent '_J- plans as opposed to set rules for others and that lower staff is not able to make decisions and this is a waste of time and causes delays. Further dismission continued with regard to the public being able to meet with the staff and Commissioners and Council and air out their problems . A joint meeting will be held with all concerned as soon as possible . A. City Staff - �Ir.r Mr. Williams noted a request from the County for rezoning on the Shuman property to R-1-12, 000 and that an EIR is needed. Staff rec- commends that the Commission approve the Change of Zone and notify the Riverside County Planning Dept . It was moved by Commissioner Snyder and seconded by Commissioner Reading that the secretary notify the County of their concurrence with the request ; motion carried unanimously (5-0) . Mr . Williams handed out corrected legal notices and pointed out the corrections. Mr . Williams then reported on the actions of the City Council at their last meeting including the two reports from CVAG have been scheduled for a study session; they approved the Change of Zone request by C. G. Dunham at El Paseo and Lupine ; they approve the Change of Zone Case C/Z 07-76 Parcel A to PR-7; they approved the street light proposal ; and they established the moratorium. Commissioner Snyder asked if this moratorium would affect the COD plan . Mr. Williams noted that it might bring out more interest in the citizens. Some discussion followed as to the land to be acquired for the parks that is to be donated by developers. Mr . Williams noted that the City Council and the Parks and Recreation ; Commission will have a joint session to discuss possible site for parks in the City on October 31st . When the plans are finalized the Parks & Recreation Commission will want to meet with the Planning Commission. Minutes Palm Desert Planning Commission October 19, 1977 Page Seven XII . Comments (Cont . ) Mr. Williams told of his attendance at the American Institute of Planners Conference in Kansas City and noted that they are urging a National Land Use Policy. He also noted the big problem is housing and that the HCD Act of 1974 does not apply to housing. Further, more government control in the future is proposed as the present system does not seem to be working. And in conclusion he stated that we are in good shape compared to other areas of the country. XIII . ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Kelly that the meeting be adjourned at 3 :20 p.m. ; carried unanimously (5 .,0) . PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Secretary v..r ATTEST: GEORGE BERKEY, Chairma /ks