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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1119 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 19, 1980 1:00 P.M. - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Chairman Miller in the City Hall Council Chambers. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Richards III. ROLL CALL Members Present: Commissioner Berkey Commissioner Kryder Commissioner McLachlan Commissioner Richards Chairman Miller Staff Present: Ramon Diaz, Director of Environmental Services Stan Sawa, Associate Planner John Dos Santos, Assistant Planner Linda Russell , Planning Secretary Others Present: Martin Bouman, City Manager Barry McClellan, Director of Public Works IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes of regular meeting of November 5, 1980. Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan, to approve the Minutes as submitted. Carried unanimously (5-0). V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter from Las Sombras Village regarding Painters Path and Highway 111. Mr. Sawa suggested to review this letter as part of Discussion Item "B". The Commission concurred. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Continued Case No. ZOA 05-80 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant Initiation of an amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 25.30, regarding conditionally permitted uses in the R-3 (Multi- family Residential District) zone. — Mr. Diaz explained that Staff would like to request posponing this matter for two weeks to allow an opportunity of giving a recommendation that would ease some concerns Staff has at this point in time. Commissioner Richards felt Staff's request was acceptable. Commissioner Berkey suggested that the Public Hearing be opened to both Items A and B of the Public Hearings because they are interrelated. The Commission agreed and Commissioner Berkey was excused because of a Conflict of Interest. Chairman Miller opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone present wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to Case Nos. ZOA 05-80 and C/Z 10-80. continued. . . MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page Two * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. ) MR. D.L. BALCH„ 73-481 Pinyon, owner of lots on Monterey, stated he was representing another owner, Dolores Mahoney, and would like to see action taken tonight. He requested approval of the change of zone. MR. CHARLES GAILLARD_, 74-691 Prospector Trail , partner H.G. Development Co. , stated he was in favor of the change of zone. MR. THORAL LAKE, longtime resident, stated that prior City incorporation, low Monterey on the west side was zoned R-3. He explained that when that property was changed to R-2, it created a hardship to the owners of those lots because the lots are too large for R-2 4,000. He stated he was representing the owner of the north- east corner of 44th and Monterey and was strongly in favor of the change. MR. RALPH WOOD, Palm Desert Board of Realtors, stated that they have two lots in escrow at this time and would like to proceed on this matter tonight. MRS. MILDRED BROWN, Palm Desert Board of Realtors, stated she was representing one of the owners of three lots on Monterey. She explained that the owner was seriously ill and would like to see this matter pursued tonight. MR. FRANK GOODMAN, 77-900 Avenue of States, explained that they are interested in purchasing some lots for office use which would be compatible when the Hahn Center is developed. He felt that if the Commission chose to continue this case for two more weeks he would like to get at least the Commission`s feelings tonight. MR. CARL MEISTERLINE, President of HMS properties, stated that he was in favor of the amendment relative to conditional use permits in the R-3 zone. He felt this would benefit the City. MR. BILL WILSON, -44-144 Acacia Drive, stated he was a property onwer behind the proposed change of zone and asked what would be built there if it is approved. He was concerned for two-story structures. Mr. Sawa explained that in the R-3 zone, there could be multifamily units or commercial buildings and stated that Staff would recommend one story structures if approved. MRS. MARIAN MOWERY, 43-805 Monterey, owner of Casa Kae Tee Apartments, stated that she was in favor of the zone change but would also like to change the zoning to R-3 for the east side of Acacia Drive. Chairman Miller closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Kryder felt that there were too many concerns yet to be resolved before action is taken. He stressed one concern being an R-3 zone abutting an R-1 zone and its impacts on the residents. Commissioner Richards stated he was in favor of the change of zone but asked Staff if the R-3 zone would be compatible to the COD Specific Plan. Mr. Sawa stated that the COD Plan designated the property in question as 7-12 units per acre, and the present R-2 zone allows 10.89 units per acre. He explained that if it was changed to R-3 (4), this would allow a density of 10.89`:units per acre one unit per 4,000, which is the same as the existing R-2. Commissioner Richards asked Staff if the zone could be changed during the • General Plan Update. Mr. Diaz replied that the Commission could but the R-3 zone would have to be consistent with the designated density in the COD Specific Plan of 7-12 units per acre. continued. . . MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page Three * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont. ) Commissioner Richards felt that because of the Hahn Center the commercial buildings along Monterey would be appropriate. Commissioner McLachlan also felt that because of concerns that are not resolved it should be continued. He added that parking could be a critical problem. Further discussion continued regarding what alternatives could be available. Chairman Miller reopened the Public Hearing and motion was made by Commissioner McLachlan, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to continue Case Nos. ZOA 05-80 and C/Z 10-80 to'December 2, 1980. Carried 4-0-1 (Commissioner Berkey abstained). VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Review and approval of preliminary plans for 9 acre public park at the northeast corner of Country Club Drive and Monterey Avenue. Mr. Diaz explained that he met with the Representatives and felt that there were a number of concerns that still needed to be evaluated by the Director of Public Works and himself. He requested a continuance until next month. Commissioner McLachlan asked if the tennis courts would be for public use. Mr. Diaz replied that they would. The Commission had no objections for a continuance, therefore, Minute Motion was made by Commissioner McLachlan, seconded by Commissioner Kryder, to continue this matter to December 17, 1980. Carried unanimously (5-0). 'VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. 62 C - ROGER FULLER, Applicant - Review of parking lot lights for commercial complex located at the southeast corner of Ocotillo Drive and E1 Paseo. Mr. Diaz explained that Staff did examine the alternate lights and found that they were compatible to the light standards on the building and there was no glare impact on the adjacent residents. Therefore, Staff recommended that if the alternate parking lot lights are approved that the operation of the lights be limited . until 10:00 p.m. The Commission also felt the present lights being used were compatible and there was no glare problem. Chairman Miller asked if the applicant cared to address the Commission. MRS. BARBARA FULLER, 24 Green Oaks Drive, Atherton, stated they would be willing to shield the lighting if there was a glare problem. Minute Motion was made by Commissioner Kryder, seconded by Commissioner Berkey, to approve the alternate lights with limited operation until 9:00 p.m. Carried unanimously (5-0). IX. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ITEMS - NONE X. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Consideration of redesignation of Conte Property (Country Club Drive near Portola Avenue) from "Low Density" to "General ". continued. . . MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page Four * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * X. DISCUSSION ITEMS (cont. ) Mr. Dos Santos gave a presentation stating that the City Council had asked for comments from the Commission as to how it would fit in with the General Plan Update. He further stated that Mr. Conte has proposed a music center/performing arts theater on this property and explained some concerns were compatibility, location, and traffic and other environmental impacts. He reviewed the options available to the Commission. MR. JOHN CONTE, 75-600 Burl Lane, Indian Wells, stated that 10 acres of his 40 acres will be donated for the music -center. He briefly described the purpose of this center and why it was needed in this area. Commissioner Kryder asked if there would be any parking problems. Mr. Conte replied that there would be on-si.te parking only. Commissioner Berkey inquired as to what funds would be available. Mr. Conte explained how the funds would be handled and added he was confident the center would bring in enough monies in the future. Commissioner Berkey asked if a buffer could be created on both sides. Mr. Conte replied that there would be no problem. Commissioner Richards asked what would be done with the other 30 acres. Mr. Conte explained that they plan to provide access to the rest of the property, but no development is envisioned at this time. Commissioner Miller felt that the residents in the area might feel this would be too great an impact. Mr. Conte noted that this would not be a constant factor. Commissioner Richards asked approximately what the number of evenings it would be used. Mr. Conte stated that he believed there would be one performance each month that would run 2 to 3 weeks. Commissioner Berkey felt designating the site "general " on the Land Use Map was premature and chose option number 3 of the report, which redesignated the site as "low density residential/general". Minute Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to designate the site as "low density residential/ general". Carried unanimously (5-0). B. Painter's Path and Highway.111 intersection. Mr. McClellan, Director of Public Works, stated he was directed to research this intersection and tal.ked with Cal Trans which would not permit signs on Highway 111 prohibiting left turns. Mr. McClellan felt that part of the problem was the island on Painter's Path. He stated that there were several alternatives and reviewed those with the Commission. 1) Take island out and repave and stripe for left turn movements. 2) Modify island to prevent left turns out. 3) Remove most of island to provide right turns off of Painters Path; left turns off of Painters Path; and, provide a lane to make left turns off of Highway 111 to Painters Path. Commissioner Richards asked about providing a raised median to prohibit left turns in and out. Mr. McClellan felt Cal Trans would not allow this. Commissioner McLachlan felt that this should be pursued if it could be allowed because he also believed it would resolve the problem. The Commission expressed how dangerous the situation is at that intersection .. and asked Mr. McClellan to pursue the matter of putting in a median strip on Hwy 111 to prohibit left turns in and out. XI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 1. MR. TIM JOHNSON, 43-101 Portola, also. gave some input to the problem at the intersection of Painters Path and Hwy 111. continued. . . MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page Five * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * XI . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (cont. ) 2. MR. CHARLES MARTIN, addressed the Commission on the matter of legal noticing. He felt that it would create a hardship on the developers to provide a list of all the residents in the 300' radius of a development. He added that it would be impossible to acquire all the names of people living, for instance, in apartment units. Further discussion continued regarding how the names could be provided and the Commission felt that it was necessary to legally advise aTl the occupants in the areas. Mr. Diaz suggested that any legal notices that had been mailed out and returned, they could be mailed out again addressed to "occupants". It was agreed to provide a report on new procedures for legal noticing. COMMISSIONER KRYDER WAS EXCUSED AT THIS TIME, 2:50 P.M. 3. MR. BOUMAN, City Manager, addressed the Commission on the matter of the intersection of Painters Path and Hwy 111. He suggested that a cul-de-sac might solve the problem, designed so that all traffic emerges at the signal on 44th Avenue. There was further discussion on whether this would be a better solution or if it might create other problems. Commissioner Richards still felt the median would be a better solution. It was agreed to pursue the matter further, therefore, the Commission asked Mr. Bouman and Mr. McClellan to conduct a further study. XII. COMMENTS - NONE XIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Commissioner Berkey, seconded by Commissioner McLachlan, to adjourn the meeting at 3:15 P.M. AAMON DIAZ, cretary� ATTEST: i G CHARLES MILLER, Chairman /lr