HomeMy WebLinkAbout0620 MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY - JUNE 20, 2000
7:00 P.M. - CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Beaty called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Jonathan led in the pledge of allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Paul Beaty, Chairperson
Jim Lopez, Vice Chairperson
Sonia Campbell
Cindy Finerty
Sabby Jonathan
Members Absent: None
it
Staff Present: Steve Smith, Planning Manager
Bob Hargreaves, City Attorney
Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner
Tonya Monroe, Administrative Secretary
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Consideration of the June 6, 2000 meeting minutes.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Campbell, seconded by Commissioner Finerty,
to approve the June 6, 2000 meeting minutes as submitted. Motion carried
5-0.
V. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION
Mr. Smith summarized pertinent June 8, 2000 City Council actions.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
i` None.
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
Vill. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to raising
only those issues he, she or someone else raised at the public hearing
described herein, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning
Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
A. Case No. PP 00-13 - SHERMAN/SHRADER ENTERPRISES, Applicant
Request for approval of a precise plan of design to allow the
addition of 1 ,437 square feet to an existing 8,271 square foot
commercial building within the Palms to Pines Shopping Center
at 72-795 Highway 1 1 1 .
Mr. Alvarez explained that the request was to add 1 ,437 square feet to an
existing 8,271 square foot commercial building currently occupied by A.G.
Edward's and Sons. He noted that AG Edward's intended to relocate to the
southwest corner of Portola and Highway 111 . The building would be
reoccupied by Kinko's. The addition would occur at the northwest corner of
the building which would extend the existing west elevation 20 feet toward
the west drive aisle that runs north and south. The exterior would be finished
in a similar slump stone block painted to match the existing building. There
were photos given to commission previously showing the location. The
addition would take place where the carport structure on the west side
currently exists. It was a former drive-thru aisle for a bank. The issue that
came up in the review process was the west elevation's lack of a buffer
between the drive aisle and the building. Staff added condition nine to require
a minimum two-foot planter to address this issue. Staff met with the
applicant and today received a revised site plan which included a four-foot
planter which Mr. Alvarez felt would be adequate to support the buffer and
provide significant landscaping. In terms of architectural review, the case was
brought before Planning Commission in order to expedite the case since the
July 4 meeting was canceled. Staff would be processing the application
before ARC with commission's consent to defer the architectural review items
to that board. In terms of access and parking, the access to the shopping
2
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
center would not be modified or impacted. During the submittal process, staff
was informed by the applicant that the center's CC&R's which provide joint
access and parking agreements had expired. Without the CC&R's the
individual parcels had to rely on stand alone parking. Staff added condition
eight to the resolution to encourage the applicant to cooperate with the rest
of the center's property owners and reinstate the CC&R's. In terms of
parking, a letter from the applicant was given to the commission which
addressed the existing intensity of A.G. Edwards which at times could have
20 employees onsite. Kinko's would have eight employees and their turn
around was fairly quick--a lot quicker than the current A.G. Edwards. Typically
the parking at the center had been semi adequate in the front portion on the
north side of the building. It was very underutilized on the back side except
in the evenings which was used by the Blue Coyote for some of their valet
parking. Staff felt that there would be sufficient parking to accommodate
Kinko's less intense use. Staff added condition seven requiring employees to
park in the rear or south parking area. This would free up additional parking
on the north side for customers. With the less intense use and implementation
of condition seven, the center's parking would not be impacted. In terms of
zoning ordinance requirements, the project would meet the requirements of the
commercial district. Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in
the draft resolution. For CEQA purposes, the project is a Class 3 categorical
exemption and no further documentation necessary.
Commissioner Jonathan stated that he would be abstaining from discussion
and voting on this case.
Chairperson Beaty opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to
address the commission.
MR. MEL SHERMAN informed commission that he read the staff report
and concurred with the conditions of approval. He felt it was a very
good report.
Chairperson Beaty asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION
to the proposal. There was no one and the public hearing was closed.
Chairperson Beaty asked for commission comments or action.
Commissioner Campbell stated that she would move for approval. She said
she was at the current Kinko's location every day and the parking right in front
of their building (six to eight parking spaces) in addition to the parking on the
3
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
i
opposite side of the drive aisle was adequate. She had never had a parking
problem and in the Palms to Pines East center the only time she has ever seen
the south parking lot full was when the Chamber had a mixer at the Blue
Coyote. Otherwise, there was no one there. She felt this would be a great
addition, especially with the four-foot planter. It would really revitalize the
center. She moved for approval.
Commissioner Finerty seconded the motion. Chairperson Beaty said he was
in full agreement and asked for the vote.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Campbell, seconded by Commissioner Finerty,
adopting the findings as presented by staff. Motion carried 4-0-1
(Commissioner Jonathan abstained).
It was moved by Commissioner Campbell, seconded by Commissioner Finerty,
adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1995, approving PP 00-13,
subject to conditions. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Commissioner Jonathan
abstained).
B. Case No. PP 00-14 - HUGH JORGENSEN for SHOOSHANI
DEVELOPERS, Applicant
Request for approval of a precise plan of design to construct a
6,547 square foot retail building on property located at the
southwest corner of Washington Street and Hovley Lane East.
Mr. Alvarez explained that the project was 300 feet north of Avenue of the
States on Washington Street in the existing Albertson's shopping center which
formerly housed Lucky's. The pad was one of two undeveloped pads within
the center. To the south commission approved a Jiffy Lube facility. The
center was originally approved by the County of Riverside and was annexed
into Palm Desert in 1994. The pad was 2,100 square feet. The proposal was
for a 6,547 square foot retail building located in front of the Sav-On drug store
and north of the Jiffy Lube facility. The elevations, site plan, material samples
board and photographs of the center were on display. The building height
would be 18'6" with four towers at heights of 22'6". The building's
architecture would incorporate designs and features found within the existing
shopping center including Spanish style, decorative detailing tiles along the
4
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
borders and colors. On May 23, 2000, ARC granted preliminary approval of
the architecture and conceptual approval of the landscaping. The motion
carried 5-0 with Commissioners Lingle and Gregory absent. In terms of zoning
ordinance requirements for height and setbacks, the project would meet all the
requirements of the district commercial zone. In terms of access, there were
two access points to the center from Washington Street, two from Avenue of
the States, and two from Hovley Lane East. As part of the development of the
site, 15 parking spaces currently exist in front of the building, but they would
be replaced with a 33' wide planter landscaped along the frontage. In terms
of overall parking for the center, staff indicated that with the removal of 15
parking spaces, the center would have 713 off street parking spaces with a
total of 150,161 square feet of use given a 15% reduction for unusable space.
The center had 127,637 square feet of usable space which required 5.5
spaces per 1 ,000 square feet which equaled 702 parking spaces. The center
would have 713 spaces which would be sufficient to meet the requirement.
The project met all the zoning ordinance requirements. The architectural
design and site plan would be compatible with the existing center. In terms
of CEQA, this was an infill project which had been previously assessed by the
County. Mr. Alvarez recommended approval, subject to the resolution
Ir.,. conditions.
Commissioner Jonathan asked if there was a specific tenant in mind. Mr.
Alvarez wasn't aware of one and suggested asking the applicant.
Chairperson Beaty opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to
address the commission.
MR. SHOOSHANI, representing the developer, informed the commission
that the tenant they had in mind was Video Depot, which was an
existing tenant. They were building a Ralph's shopping center across
the street in the County which would have a Blockbuster Video, so they
were anxious to get Video Depot in there.
Commissioner Campbell asked if Video Depot would be the only tenant. Mr.
Shooshani concurred.
Chairperson Beaty asked if anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION
to the proposal. There was no one and the public hearing was closed.
Chairperson Beaty asked for commission comments or action.
5
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
Commissioner Campbell stated that she didn't see any problem with having
this retail development on that pad. She felt it would be good exposure for
Video Depot and moved for approval.
Commissioner Finerty felt this was a very nice looking building and hoped it
wouldn't take too long to fill up the current Video Depot space and seconded
the motion.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Campbell, seconded by Commissioner Finerty,
adopting the findings as presented by staff. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Commissioner Campbell, seconded by Commissioner Finerty,
adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1996, approving PP 00-14,
subject to conditions. Motion carried 5-0.
C. Case No. PP 00-08 - WHITE ROCK INVESTMENTS, INC., Applicant
Request for approval of a precise plan of design for four (4) industrial
buildings on the east side of Garand Lane (39-750 Garand Lane).
Mr. Smith noted that plans were on display. He recalled that this was a
portion of the Select Properties development on the north side of Country
Club. The four buildings in question were subject to the rezoning to Service
Industrial and that would be completed once this process was done. The
buildings would range in size from 9,000 square feet to approximately 13,000
square feet each. They would take access from Garand Lane as well as a
central driveway which connected to the rest of the center. He pointed out
the elevations and site plan and explained that the buildings were single story,
22 feet in height and the plans would comply with code standards as outlined
on the top of page 2 of the staff report. The plans were before ARC a week
ago and were given preliminary approval. The concerns of ARC were that the
building sides facing the internal driveway were plain and they wanted it
dressed up somewhat. They requested some pilaster detailing at spacing that
wasn't specified. Staff had expected to have revised plans to show the
commission, but had not received any although he had been tough to get a
hold of. That issue had been addressed and would be addressed further by
ARC. Findings for the approval of the precise plan were on page three of the
staff report. He noted that the Fire Marshal had some concerns with the
6
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
turning radii into certain areas and the applicant was advised to contact the
Fire Marshal. The buildings themselves were considered part of the master
plan for Desert Country Plaza and were reviewed for environmental purposes
at that time when a Negative Declaration was certified. He recommended
approval subject to the draft resolution conditions.
Commissioner Campbell asked if this project was approved if a condition could
be added regarding the additional building detailing. Mr. Smith yes, but stated
that it was covered now in that there was a requirement that the project fulfill
ARC requirements. He also passed out a material sample board so that
commission could see the colors.
Commissioner Jonathan asked for clarification on what the west elevation of
Building A would look like and the comparison between the buildings. Mr.
Ricciardi said that it was the same building flipped. Commissioner Jonathan
asked for and received clarification on the area of staff's concern. Mr. Smith
noted that in a couple of weeks the commission would receive a proposal for
development of an adjacent commercial building and carports to the south.
i� Commissioner Campbell asked about Buildings B and D and what the detailing
would be on those buildings on the south side. Mr. Smith said it would be
similar to the north side, and it would face the carports on the adjacent
property. Commissioner Campbell noted that there would also be parking and
some kind of a berm between the building and Country Club. Mr. Smith also
pointed out the location of the driveway.
Commissioner Lopez noted that part of the conditions included requiring
resubmitted plans to be approved by ARC. Mr. Smith concurred.
Commissioner Lopez asked if it was currently a condition of approval. Mr.
Smith said yes, it was included in condition four requiring approval from ARC.
Chairperson Beaty indicated that Mr. Smith pointed out concerns from the Fire
Marshal and the report said that staff would report further on this issue. He
asked for any updated information. Mr. Smith said he didn't have new
information, but thought that the applicant (Mr. Ricciardi) did.
Commissioner Jonathan asked Mr. Smith if he felt that condition four was
specific enough to require the improvements addressed in the staff report. Mr.
Smith said yes, that ARC was quite adamant about it and stated that it would
v
happen. Commissioner Jonathan asked if Mr. Smith would be presenting the
7
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
case to ARC himself. Mr. Smith concurred. Commissioner Jonathan wanted
to insure that the concerns were addressed. Mr. Smith was confident they
would be.
Commissioner Campbell asked for clarification on condition nine regarding the
Art in Public Places program in Palm Desert and asked what would be provided
by this project. Mr. Smith said that at the minimum the applicant would pay
the fee although most people chose to place art on their own property so they
got some benefit from it.
Chairperson Beaty opened the public hearing and asked the applicant to
address the commission.
MR. ROBERT RICCIARDI, the architect, 75-090 St. Charles Place Suite
A in Palm Desert, addressed the commission. He stated that he spoke
with the Fire Marshal and he evidently wasn't given the overall plan,
therefore he didn't know there was a drive going out. Once he was
shown that, he said the project was fine and had no problem with the
way the project was designed because the fire trucks could come in and
loop out from Garand or Country Club and had complete access. They
didn't need any turning radius. The other issue was the carports. He
was also the architect on the four buildings to the south of the project
that face on Country Club and hoped at the next meeting the
commission would have that project for review. He said that the
carports planned for that part would abut up against the south property
line.
Chairperson Beaty commented that Mr. Ricciardi if anyone should know what
the commission was looking for and wanted to make sure the buildings looked
nice facing Country Club.
Mr. Ricciardi said he met with several city council members because in
the past ARC began looking at industrial buildings like they would
residences. He pointed out that nothing could extend past the property
line, so when they discussed pilasters, ARC conditioned that they bring
that detail back at the time of working drawings. He pointed out the
areas that the staff report called "plain" and explained that if the
commission looked at industrial buildings, industrial buildings are plain.
They had a seven-foot planter that would screen some of it. He
showed on the map the added detailing that would be spaced out on
.ri
8
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
r..
the building. He said the detailing would be about three inches out from
the wall and 14-16' on center. The north side would abut an existing
building. On another section, they would provide the same detail even
though there would be carports adjacent to it. From farther back, the
stripes would be seen. He felt the area was pretty well screened and
they were proposing to put in the same tilt wall panel all across the wall
so it would all tie together.
Commissioner Campbell asked for confirmation that there would be planters
and then the carports. Mr. Ricciardi said yes. They were waiving the seven-
foot planter, but they would have enough room in that area to have an espalier
and perhaps some bougainvillea and various vines to grow up the wall, even
through there would be adjacent carports. There would be landscaping along
the wall.
Commissioner Jonathan commented that in terms of industrial buildings, he
wanted Mr. Ricciardi to recognize that both ARC and the Planning Commission
have had concerns with the "plain" look and wanted more detailing, so he
suggested either that Mr. Ricciardi continue with his opinion and receive the
••• same kind of response which was that proposed industrial buildings have been
too plain, or he could recognize that industrial buildings could have some type
of aesthetic appeal without increasing costs financially. He felt this design
seemed to satisfy that.
Mr. Ricciardi said they tried to do that with all their industrial buildings
with the use of stripes and colors. Whenever he met with the
Architectural Review Board, if they asked for something that he felt the
applicant could live with, they always acquiesced to that. He never
tried to be the bad guy and impose their wishes onto anyone.
Commissioner Jonathan stated that he just hoped they could come to an
agreement since Mr. Ricciardi seemed to be very busy with work and was
bringing in a lot of projects. If they could come to an agreement that industrial
buildings can be aesthetically pleasing, then he thought it would be a win-win
situation.
Mr. Ricciardi reiterated that they have always tried to do that through
color, stripes and textures. He noted that with the Kerry Meier building
they put on details, as well as the L.V. Investment building. They
always tried to do details within the confines of industrial buildings.
9
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
Chairperson Beaty asked if anyone else wished to speak in FAVOR or
OPPOSITION to the proposal. There was no one and the public hearing was
closed. Chairperson Beaty asked for commission comments or action.
Commissioner Jonathan felt that with the concerns of staff being satisfied at
the ARC meeting, then this project was appropriate and he was prepared to
vote for approval.
Commissioner Finerty agreed, but still preferred that ARC give their approval
prior to coming before Planning Commission so they could see what the
finished project would actually look like.
Commissioner Campbell thought that as long as staff was going to be at ARC
and knew exactly what the commission wanted, she thought ARC would listen
to staff's and Planning Commission's recommendation. Commissioner
Campbell stated that if Commissioner Jonathan made the motion, she would
second it.
Commissioner Lopez said he would agree if staff was going to be involved in
the revised plan. He also concurred with Commissioner Jonathan in his .�
comments regarding the aesthetics of industrial buildings. He would hate to
come back to Palm Desert in 15 years and see something that was before
Planning Commission while he was on the commission and be embarrassed
because of the aesthetic look of that particular project. He thought it was
healthy that the commission try to improve the aesthetic look of these so-
called industrial areas because they would have a long term impact on the
community. He did think that as long as staff was there to push forward on
the changes on this, he was okay with that particular action.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Jonathan, seconded by Commissioner
Campbell, adopting the findings as presented by staff. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Commissioner Jonathan, seconded by Commissioner
Campbell, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1997, approving PP
00-08, subject to conditions. Motion carried 5-0.
10
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
tow
D. Case No. ZOA 00-04 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant
Request for approval of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance,
Chapter 25.56.280 Detached Accessory Buildings.
Mr. Smith indicated that staff would be recommending a continuance of this
matter. If there were people here who wished to speak to the matter, the
commission should hear from them so that staff could incorporate any
comments they might have into the final version. He reported that the council
at its meeting of June 8 adopted an urgency ordinance that effectively allowed
people on large lots of 40,000 square feet or larger to request such buildings
through a conditional use permit process and a couple of those applications
had been received that would be coming before the commission on July 18.
On lots less than 40,000 square feet, there wouldn't be any more bonus
rooms. They might see gazebos or small storage sheds of 100 square feet or
less. Staff went back to ZORC last Wednesday and that group heard from
some people who were on a 25,000 square foot lot and they made a case for
a category for that size, so staff would be reporting back to ZORC on that and
following that it would be brought back to commission through another legal
noticing process. When it was scheduled, staff thought they had it ready to
go, but there appeared to be other categories that they needed to explore.
ZORC would be working on that further after their next meeting, which was
July 12.
Chairperson Beaty opened the public hearing and noted that there was no one
in the audience to speak.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Finerty, seconded by Commissioner Campbell,
continuing Case No. ZOA 00-04 indefinitely. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Jonathan strongly concurred with staff's concerns with some
of the disallowances, but also liked that there would be some situations where
they would be allowed. Mr. Smith stated that staff would be open to any
discussion the commission might want to present. Staff was thinking in the
range of 12,000 to 15,000 square feet as a break off point and would be open
to any other comments. Commissioner Jonathan stated that he would concur
as long it was a public hearing process and the neighbors had an opportunity
to give input. He thought that would be appropriate. He didn't like to see
zoning restrictions that were so absolute that said it wasn't allowed at all
11
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
because they could very easily have a situation where it was appropriate.
Some mechanism in place that would enable it would be appropriate. With a
provision for pre approved projects, everyone going in would know about the
possibility that there was an allowed structure, whether it got built or not,
which would be appropriate. He thought something along those lines would
be good to pursue. Mr. Smith said that was the direction staff was taking.
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
None.
X. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES - (No meeting)
B. CIVIC CENTER STEERING COMMITTEE - (No meeting)
C. DESERT WILLOW COMMITTEE - (June 20, 2000)
Commissioner Finerty indicated that the committee had a presentation
from Hilton with regard to their 250 rooms situated in villas, as well as
their convention center. She thought it would be before commission
within the next couple of months. They would probably be hearing
from Montecito homeowners regarding the proposed parking structure.
D. LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE - (No meeting)
E. PROJECT AREA 4 COMMITTEE - (June 19, 2000)
Regarding the regional park, Commissioner Finerty indicated they were
looking at 280 homes with the park. The middle school was still
uncertain. She said that the Parks and Rec. office would like to relocate
to the new regional park. A consultant would be hired for the design of
the park soon. She also indicated that Phil Smith shared with the
committee a project they were proposing between Fred Waring and
Hovley just west of Palm Desert Country Club on 640 acres. He was
proposing 650 low density homes similar to Indian Ridge. Chairperson
12
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
�r
Beaty noted that was in the city of Indian Wells. Commissioner Finerty
concurred.
F. PALM DESERT/RANCHO MIRAGE MONTEREY AVENUE CORRIDOR
PLANNING WORK GROUP - (No meeting)
G. ZONING ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE - (June 14, 2000)
Mr. Smith noted that ZORC handled the accessory structure issue.
They were also looking at a zone change to allow moveable copy on
certain signs. There was a proposal by a brokerage firm wanting to
show the DOW and NASDAQ. They were also looking at a problem
that was occurring with short term rental of single family homes that
were outside of country club situations. It was fairly common in
country clubs but it was now happening in single family areas on the
south side and some neighbors were upset so they were discussing a
conditional use permit process for that type of use. In talking with the
City Attorney, he thought that was a more defendable position than
doing prohibition. Commissioner Lopez asked what Mr. Smith
v considered short term rental. Mr. Smith replied weekends, 2-3 days.
Mr. Smith noted that the city was already collecting TOT so it was all
above board. They got business licenses, etc., but it was apparently
causing a disturbance. There would be a public hearing before
commission on that issue. Mr. Smith said ZORC also talked about a
problem similar to the Reyes case where someone wanted to put a
carport in his front yard because at some point in the past the garage
had been converted. There was some support at ZORC to look at
carports differently than garages. And for measurement purposes,
suggested perhaps looking at a setback from the curb as opposed to
adhering strictly to the setback from the property line. That was
something they would be looking at. Lastly, they also looked at
communication towers and they told staff to proceed with reducing the
height but removing the separation requirement so that they could get
the groves of pseudo palm trees. That would be coming back to
Planning Commission also. Commissioner Jonathan asked when ZORC
expected to address the height and setback concept for the 1 :1 ratio
that was going to be placed on their agenda. Mr. Smith said ZORC
looked at it several meetings back and chose not to take up the issue.
Commissioner Jonathan stated that at the last Planning Commission
meeting, they asked Mr. Drell where they were in that process because
%NW
13
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
the commission had voted to begin the process of a zoning ordinance
amendment regarding height and setbacks for a possible 1 :1 ratio.
They addressed it again at their last meeting and asked for an update
and status report and he thought Mr. Drell said the next step was ZORC
and that it would be on their agenda at either that meeting or the
following meeting. Mr. Smith said it had been before ZORC three or
four meetings back and it did not receive any support. Commissioner
Jonathan asked if that was the case, where they would go from there.
Mr. Smith said that it would be appropriate, if the commission hadn't
already done so, to direct staff to set the matter for hearing.
Commissioner Campbell stated that she didn't recall discussing that
matter at ZORC. Mr. Smith said he was quite sure they did, but would
look into it further. Commissioner Jonathan asked for clarification that
when Mr. Smith talked about setting the matter for hearing, if it would
be before Planning Commission. Mr. Smith said yes. Commissioner
Jonathan asked if it would be appropriate to just proceed to that. Mr.
Smith said yes. Commissioner Jonathan asked what the other
commissioners felt about that. Commissioner Finerty and Chairperson s
Beaty said they should proceed. Mr. Smith said that if he was in error,
he would definitely take it before ZORC. Commissioner Finerty asked
for clarification on the wireless communication towers. Mr. Smith had
said they told staff to look at reducing the height to 65 feet and
removing the separation requirement between them. That was the
problem they had now. The ordinance allowed them at 85 feet but
required 1 ,000 feet of separation between towers. The idea of going
with the 85 feet was to encourage co-location, but now co-location
seemed to be a stealth situation. Chairperson Beaty noted that there
would be the possibility of having two of these towers in a cluster. Mr.
Smith concurred. He said that in going back to ZORC he was thinking
they would leave it the way it is with the 85 feet and the 1 ,000 feet of
separation, but if they wanted to do it at a height of 65 feet or less with
a stealth situation, they would entertain that without the separation
requirement.
H. Commissioner Jonathan reminded the commission that he was on a
committee to hire a consultant that would advise the city with regards
to updating the city's general plan. He said there was an informal
approach taken and they were all given some firms' resumes and a
recommendation for selection had been made to city council.
14
MINUTES
PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 20, 2000
XI. COMMENTS
Chairperson Beaty informed commission that he would not be in attendance
on July 18 and there was a good chance he would be absent August 1 .
Commissioner Lopez said he would be present July 18, but would be absent
for both August meetings. Chairperson Beaty noted that someone might have
to fill in as chair. Commissioner Finerty said she would be present for the
meetings. Commissioner Campbell also stated that she would be present.
Chairperson Beaty thought they would be back on August 1 but wasn't sure
since he didn't have the flight scheduled yet. Mr. Smith said there was going
to be huge agendas for both meetings, so they didn't want to be in a position
of not having a quorum. Commissioner Jonathan asked if Mr. Smith was
talking about both meetings in August. Mr. Smith said July 18 and August 1
for sure. Commissioner Jonathan noted that he would not be attending the
July meeting either. He would be out of the country. If the cases were
significant or controversial or if Mr. Smith thought the full commission needed
to be in attendance or at least have more than three members, then they might
be issues that could be deferred. He said he would be at the August 1
meeting. Mr. Smith said he would try and make that call and hadn't done the
r► legal advertising yet. Commissioner Campbell asked who would be present for
the July 18 meeting. Those who said they would be attending were
Commissioners Campbell, Finerty and Lopez.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Jonathan, seconded by Commissioner
Campbell, to adjourn the meeting to July 13, 2000 at 2:00 p.m. by minute
motion. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
STE E SMITH, Acting Secretary
ST:
JA S LOPEZ, Vic C i person
tP`sePlanning o m
rt ission
/tm
15