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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-18 PC Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY — October 18, 2011 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. It. ROLL CALL Members Present: Sonia Campbell, Chair Nancy De Luna, Vice Chair Van Tanner Roger Dash Connor Limont rr Members Absent: None Staff Present: Bob Hargreaves, Deputy City Attorney Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Missy Wightman, Assistant Planner Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Tony Becker, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Tanner led the pledge of allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Aylaian indicated that there was only one item related to land use discussed at the last City Council meeting, October 13, 2011. The passage of the second reading of the Development Agreement of the proposed Rosewood hotel was approved on a 3-2 vote. That vote concluded the action on this matter. r MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE Vl. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Request for approval of the October 4, 2011, meeting minutes. Action: Commissioner Limont moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded the approval of the October 4, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0. Vll. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Case No. PP 06-18 I CUP 06-15, Time Extension, May Garden Associates I John Wang Applicant. Approval of a two-year time extension for an 88-room hotel with a restaurant pad known as Candlewood Suites, located at 75-144 Gerald Ford Drive. Commissioner Limont asked staff how long this applicant has to build the project. She noted that there have been two prior approvals already. Mr. Bagato stated that the Planning Commission grants these approvals on a case-by—case basis. The last approval was granted through the upcoming December (2011) and if no extension were granted this time, then the entitlements would expire. Commissioner Limont indicated that she would vote for the approval of the extension but that also this would be the last time. Action: Commissioner Limont moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded approval of Consent Calendar item(s). Motion carried 5-0. Vill. PUBLIC HEARINGS Chair Campbell announced that 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. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 A. Case No. TPM 36395, Tentative Parcel Map, Kambiz Kamdar, Applicant. Approval of a tentative parcel map to split a 19.47-acre parcel into two parcels separating an existing residential development from an existing commercial development. Ms. Wightman orally presented her staff report and PowerPoint presentation. She described the property and its surrounding area to the commission and showed aerial photos of the property in question. She noted that the aerial photographs were already two years old, so there are some built-out parcels just south and west of the property that don't appear on the photos. The applicant is simply asking to split the commercial from the residential parcels for tax purposes. Access to each parcel is optimal and fire access is available. Staff recommends approval, subject to the attached conditions. Commissioner Tanner asked why the applicant wanted to separate the commercial from the residential. Ms. Wightman didn't know the reasons and stated that the applicant didn't mention to her. Commissioner Tanner asked if this was an unusual request. Ms. Wightman stated that it is not an unusual request and in her personal opinion, it makes sense to separate a residential parcel from a commercial parcel for tax purposes or for future sales or property transfers. She also noted that the applicant wasn't present to answer any of these specific questions. Chair Campbell declared the public hearing Open and asked for any testimony either in favor of or in opposition to this request. Seeing none, she declared the public hearing closed and asked for commissioner comments. Commissioner Tanner stated that he'd move for approval since the applicant has requested the parcel split in the proper manner and the surrounding areas are now beginning to be built up and sees that as a positive step. Action: Commissioner Tanner moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded approval of TPM 36395, subject to the attached conditions. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Tanner moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded adoption of Planning Commission Resolution No. 2569, approving TPM 36395, subject to the attached conditions. Motion carried 5-0. r 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 B. Case No. 96-20 / HTE CUP 11-297 Amendment #1, Napa's Tapas, k. Applicant. Consideration of an amendment to condition use permit 96-20 to operate a restaurant / bar rather than a European style wine bar as was originally approved in 1996, in a general commercial zone located at 73-900 El Paseo #2. Chair Campbell excused herself from the Council Chamber because she owns a business next to the applicant's business. Vice-Chair De Luna began and asked for staff presentation. Mr. Swartz orally presented his staff report and on-screen presentation to the commission. He described the business, property, and zoning of the area and gave a brief history. On July 16, 1996, the Planning Commission approved case no. 96-20 permitting Napa's Tapas to open as a European Coffee and Espresso Bar, serving finger-foods and wine as well as coffee, tea and espresso. At that time, the bar sat 33 people, with no outdoor seating, and operated from 11 a.m. to midnight. In 2006, the applicant took over the tapas bar, unaware of the conditions of approval, and began operating outside of the conditions of approval. On June 22, 2011, Code Compliance division issued a letter to the applicant informing that the business must comply with the CUP on file or come to the Planning Division and apply for an amendment to the current CUP on file. The amendment would allow the bar to remain open and also would allow the Planning Commission to impose new restrictions on the bar if necessary. The Police Department submitted a letter dated July 20, 2011, stating that (in summary) Napa's Tapas didn't generate more disturbance calls than other bars In the area, but due to ABC suspension for serving alcohol to a minor, and adjacent business owner complaints, and the location on El Paseo, staff believes that more restrictive conditions of approval are necessary and would allow the business to operate successfully. Staff would like to amend condition #4 to state that the hours of operation should be from 11 am to midnight, Sunday through Thursday and 11 am to 2 am, Friday and Saturday. Mr. Swartz also pointed out condition #5 which states that the applicant has to have a certified, licensed security guard to provide extra protection during the hours of midnight to 2 am. Condition #8 states that the occupancy level is for 44 people. The bar acknowledges allowing up to 71 people. The building official reviewed the plans presented to the City of Palm Desert and found that the correct allowable occupancy count is 44. The applicant has been informed that any nightly entertainment hosted at the bar must have an entertainment site plan permit. The applicant also has been informed that only 12 people rr 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 are allowed on the outdoor patio at one time. Condition #6 requires that the applicant is responsible for cleaning up all areas: planters, sidewalks, and medians within 100 feet of the property to be free of trash, debris, and broken glass within 30 minutes of closing each night. The applicant has agreed to all of the aforementioned conditions except for the hours. Mr. Swartz said that the applicant will speak to that shortly. Staff recommends approval of this application. Commissioner De Luna began by asking about the original conditions of approval and if they would still be in effect. Mr. Swartz indicated that was so. Commissioner Limont asked staff how the applicant was able to operate without a CUP for over five years without anyone noticing. Mr. Swartz indicated that when the applicant purchased Napa's Tapas, he was unaware of the original CUP. Commissioner Limont asked about the 106 police calls and why that hadn't come up before staff as a revocation. Mr. Swartz stated that it wasn't until a recent sting by the ABC Board, catching the establishment serving alcohol to a minor, that triggered research by staff and the Fire Marshal's office on the CUP held by the applicant. Vice Chair De Luna declared the public hearing open and asked the applicant(s) to come forward. •.. Ramon Vega, part-owner of Napa's Tapas, 73990 El Paseo #2, indicated that he just took over the management of the establishment nearly two weeks ago and wasn't aware of any of the prior incidents. He assured the Commission that under his management, the 106 police calls would not be happening again. He stated that the only item that he wanted the Commission to consider was to leave the hours of operation untouched whereby the bar could continue to close at 2 am, rather than midnight. Mr. Vega stated that he currently has two security guards for Thursday and Friday nights, since those are his busiest nights. He stated that it was his understanding that the maximum occupancy was 71, not 44 as reported. Commissioner Dash asked about the exit to the rear (parking lot) and wondered where exactly it was, he couldn't locate it. Mr. Vega stated that there is one on El Paseo and the other exit is at the rear of the hallway that meets the parking lot at the back of the bar. Commissioner Dash asked how a bar of that size could have so many things go wrong. He assumed that since the bar was a 'local, neighborhood bar' then there wouldn't be that many problems arising from this location, but the opposite appeared to be the case. Commissioner Dash wanted to know what Mr. Vega's role was in this establishment. Mr. Vega stated that he is taking over the management of the bar for Guillermo (Mr. Avalos, the other r 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 applicant). Commissioner Dash clarified that Mr. Vega is the manager but not the owner. Mr. Vega stated that he is part-owner with Mr. Avalos, but that he (Mr. Vega) will be sole manager. Commissioner Dash stated that he was pleased to see that Mr. Vega had security there on the busy nights. Commissioner Tanner commented that he felt it was good that this matter was being addressed and was happy that there was renewed interest in making things right. He asked Mr. Vega about his experience running a restaurant/bar like Napa's Tapas and if Mr. Vega had any experience managing a bar that would meet the standards that El Paseo required. Mr. Vega stated that he is the owner of a mechanic business and he has such rapport with his customers that he felt that this would be another good venture for him. Commissioner Tanner asked what kind of changes Mr. Vega would make that would be able to reduce the 106 police calls. Mr. Vega indicated that he would keep the building and its surroundings spotless. He would also not permit hats, jerseys or baggy clothes to be worn by the patrons in order to keep the gang element out. Commissioner Tanner mentioned that with two security staff and a cap at five employees, he wanted to know if that would be enough for Mr. Vega to properly run the bar. Mr. Vega indicated that it would, since it is a small location. Commissioner De Luna asked Mr. Vega if he had previous experience in managing a bar before. Mr. Vega responded that he hadn't. Mr. Guillermo Avalos, 73321 Santa Rosa Way, stated that many of the phone calls to the police were made by him in order to have assistance keeping the peace. Mr. Avalos slated that the officer told him that if he ever had issues with unruly patrons to call them (the police) as that is why they are there-to help. Awhile later, Mr. Avalos stated that a police lieutenant approached him saying that the bar was having an unusually high number of calls. Mr. Avalos stated that he calls the police when a potential problem arises: a customer doesn't want to leave, or is angry for not getting served or is just disorderly in general. He doesn't want to be the one to use physical force against the patron, so he calls the police. He asked for further advice as to what he could do to keep the calls to a minimum. The response was to start a dress code (which he did). He stated he noticed more police patrolling the entrance and exit to the bar one night: the police reported that they received a complaint regarding occupancy and loitering late after hours. Mr. Avalos researched and found out that a neighbor lives above a store nearby, which may be the source of some of the noise complaints. Commissioner Tanner asked Mr. Avalos if he is the owner of Guillermo's Restaurant. Mr. Avalos said that was correct. Commissioner Tanner r 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 asked Mr. Avalos to compare the number of times he had to call the police for Guillermo's location and the number for Napa's Tapas location. Mr. Avalos stated that he only had to call the police once at the restaurant. Commissioner Tanner asked why the discrepancy and if he thought it was due to a younger crowd. Mr. Avalos posited that the difference was the restaurant was a family space and larger, whereas a bar is a bar and is 21 and over—not a family space. Mr. Avalos indicated that there were a total of 106 calls over five years, then that only equates to about 20 calls per year and that isn't that many in the 'big picture' point of view. Commissioner Tanner wanted to reiterate that the Planning Commission is here to help a business operate correctly under their CUP. Mr. Avalos said that he understood and he would ask that the Commission look at how many police calls were reported in the last eight months as he didn't think that there were many. Ms. Aylaian stated that the police memo that was given to the Planning Department only contains information about what reports were filed, but this memo was already 45 days old, so the information presented at this meeting wasn't the most current. Mr. Avalos stated that he believes that within that time, there has only been a few calls. Commissioner Limont asked Mr. Avalos if he read the terms and conditions of his CUP when he purchased his business in 2006. He stated r that he did. Commissioner Limont queried as to what he thought he was buying. He indicated that he believed he was buying a restaurant/bar. She stated that the CUP was very specific as to what type of operation it could and couldn't be, with hours of operation listed clearly (she read off some of the original CUP requirements). Mr. Avalos stated that when he bought the business he approached the city with his parameters and was told that his request would be approved at the time. Ms. Aylaian stated that the present planning staff were not in the department at the time the original CUP was issued, so she could not verify Mr. Avalos' statement. She state that when a problem arose with the current CUP, Mr. Avalos did come forward and ask for guidance about what to do. There were no previous complaints registered with the city, so no problem appeared to have existed at the time Mr. Avalos came forward, without realizing that he was operating outside of the realm of the original CUP. Giving the benefit of the doubt, planning staff recommended that Mr. Avalos come forward and apply for a revision to his CUP and in the mean time that he should operate within the guidelines of the original CUP. Ms. Aylaian stated that Mr. Avalos was granted permission by the City Council to sell full liquor and he provided the correct paperwork showing that permission. She did impress upon Mr. Avalos that if he still wanted to have live entertainment and outdoor seating and such, then he r 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 207t would have to file the necessary paperwork for an amendment to the original CUP, as he has done. Commissioner Limont asked Ms. Aylaian what the agreement was regarding the hours of operation. Ms. Aylaian stated that Mr. Avalos was advised to operate within the terms of the original CUP. The city recently did request a patrol of the premises to verify hours of operation, and the police reported that the establishment was open past midnight and that there were far greater than 30 people there. Mr. Avalos said that he talked with his neighbor awhile back and was told that he couldn't be a full restaurant and that he needed to go before the city. Commissioner Tanner asked what he thought he was purchasing, did he think he was buying a full-liquor license? Mr. Avalos stated that he paid nearly $210,000 and fully expected to have a full-liquor license for that price. He believed that he was buying what was already there, time, liquor license and everything. Commissioner De Luna asked Mr. Avalos if he had a business license at Guillermo's and if that was true, then how did he, a business owner, not know if he did or did not have the proper licensing for Napa's Tapas. Mr. Avalos stated that he let the manager of Napa's take care of everything (fees, licensure, etc). When he found out that they hadn't complied, then he decided to oversee that aspect of Napa's as well. Commissioner De Luna asked him about trash removal at Napa's Tapas. Mr. Avalos stated that, although Code Compliance Division issued a warning about trash blocking the rear exit, his staff goes around and checks the area for a few doors and cleans up. Commissioner De Luna asked Mr. Avalos about occupancy and why Napa's Tapas is continually over the limit. Mr. Avalos stated that the occupancy is too low and he would go out of business if the occupancy maximum were so small. He stated that he understood that he was allowed to have 71 people there. Mr. Avalos claims he was told that if both exits were opened, then the space could hold up to 115 people. So he stated that he keeps the doors open. Commissioner De Luna asked about the ABC complaint and what he would do in the future to prevent this from happening again. Mr. Avalos stated that the incident occurred during the day, when a regular patron stopped in for a drink with his son. The bartender told the patron that he couldn't have his son there. The patron claimed his son was of age and when asked for proof of ID, the patron said he forgot it at home. Since they were friends, the bartender took the patron at his word. When ABC made their bust, Mr. Avalos stated that not only was the bartender reprimanded and later fired, but he learned a lesson about trust and doing his job first. So Mr. Avalos stated that on slow nights, they check IDs at r 8 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 the door, but on busier nights the wait staff checks IDs at time of service. He stated it was a one-time offense and other bars probably have more incidents. Vice Chair De Luna asked for any testimony in favor of or in opposition to the application. She stated she received a card from Lisa Dempton, 73956 El Paseo, who wished to speak. Ms. Dempton stated she is the building owner of the address listed above. She brought in two letters from other neighboring businesses. They were accepted by Mr. Becker, copies made and distributed to the Commissioners and to Mr. Avalos. In the mean time, Ms. Dempton spoke saying that there were a few negative incidents where the sculpture in the center median of El Paseo was damaged and another incident where an automobile was hit by an intoxicated driver coming from that bar. Mr. Steve Brooker, Fire Marshal for the City of Palm Desert offered to answer any questions regarding any issues. Vice Chair De Luna asked if Mr. Brooker could shed further light on the incident in question where the back exit was locked. Mr. Brooker stated that his department did observe the back door being locked, but no citation was issued as Mr. Avalos was able to unlock the door immediately. Commissioner De Luna asked about reports of vomit and wanted to know if the Fire Marshal's office handled those complaints. Mr. Brooker said it did not. Vice Chair De Luna asked for any other testimony. Ms. Dempton came forward again to summarize the letters. She stated that [in sum] the writers of the letters and the patrons to their businesses received slurs and threats to them as they walked by. The other letter talked of vomit and trash in the plants of a property. [Copies of the letters were passed out to the applicant and the Commissioners, and put up on over-head projection] Commissioner Limont asked about where alcoholic beverages were allowed to be consumed. Mr. Hargreaves stated that the empty bottles could be beyond the premises, but no consumption of their contents could take place. Vice Chair De Luna asked Mr. Avalos if he wanted to comment on anything in the letters he just received. Mr. Avalos approached the podium again and stated that he talked to one of the letter writers and asked that writer to let him know if there were any concerns that he needed to address. He now knows that there was vomit 9 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 in the plants and doesn't know how he missed that and he's happy to clean up the area after closing to make sure that the area is clean of cans and bottles (even though the bar doesn't sell cans or energy drinks). Mr. Avalos believes that he has done everything above board and that he has been honest with his neighbors and feels like one of them calls excessively because they live above their store. Apart from that, he feels like he has done everything correctly. Commissioner Dash asked why Thursday nights were special. Mr. Avalos stated that his clientele came to Napa's for karaoke or a special night because over at the Guadalajara Cafe, there was a special on Friday nights, so the clientele migrated wherever the specials were. Vice Chair De Luna declared the public hearing closed and asked for commissioner comments. Commissioner Limont stated that she wanted to state that the Planning Commission's duty is to help businesses thrive in Palm Desert. But they also must protect El Paseo to keep it high-end. She stated that this location is trying to fill two different 'requests': one for a crowd that wants to dance and sing and enjoy their nightlife, and the other crowd wants to leisurely stroll El Paseo and have it be a nice, easy-going experience. She felt that these two 'wants' were conflicting and she would agree with staff r that tighter restrictions are required to keep El Paseo the 'leisurely street' that it seems to be. She's not trying to point fingers and wants the past to be the past. She understands that Mr. Avalos indicated that he can't function under a certain threshold, but she will still agree that the lower occupancy is necessary. Commissioner Tanner concurred with Commissioner Limont and said that he fully understands that the bar clientele is of the 25-45 year old range and their 'night life' doesn't usually get started until after midnight, however, he feels that it is important to keep the time to midnight. Given what has happened over the last ten years, Commissioner Tanner feels that it is important to let the city of Palm Desert and the bar's neighbors judge the bar under a new light and under new regulations. Commissioner De Luna stated that she fully concurred with her fellow commissioners and admonished the applicant for going four years without a license and for allowing a minor to be served and for locking fire doors when the applicant himself is a business owner and should already know how to run a business. She said that she knows the economy is difficult these days and everything should be done to help businesses, but within the confines of good sense and working within the system. 10 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 Commissioner Dash stated that he concurs with everything that has been stated tonight and suggested that the applicant work under the new conditions and try to make it work and if things need adjusting in the future, then to come back at a later date and take a fresh look at the conditions. Commissioners De Luna and Limont asked questions of staff about conditions 4 and 5 regarding hours of operation and security. Mr. Swartz put the conditions back on-screen for viewing. Commissioner Limont asked if condition 8 would remain at 44 people for maximum occupancy. Mr. Swartz said yes. Commissioner Limont asked that staff be very prompt in reviewing any further incidents with any business, not just this one, so the calls to the police and the violations don't get out of hand. Ms, Aylaian stated that staff will ask that Code Officers patrol there more regularly. She wanted to point out, as Mr. Avalos stated previously, that the City and the police really do want people to call the police if there is a problem or a potential problem and don't want to discourage that practice. Compared to other bars in the city, Napa's Tapes isn't that far out of the 'norm' for service calls. Commissioner Tanner wanted to clarify that conditions number 7 & 8 which allow for 44 people and an addition 12 on the patio for a total of 56 if he reads that correctly. He heard that the Fire Marshal said something about 71 or 150 or are we setting this up to failure. Mr. Swartz stated that the original calculation for 71 was done incorrectly. The director of the Building and Safety department performed the new calculation and, based on the plans presented to staff and the official, the correct calculation would be 44 inside and the 12 for the patio (total of 56). Commissioner De Luna wanted to congratulate staff on a well done and difficult job collecting the data. She wanted to clarify that the conditions to be amended would be 4, 5 and 10 where the hours of operation would change. Mr. Swartz said that was correct. Commissioner Limont moved for approval, and Commissioner Tanner quickly asked for clarification on the number of security guards. Mr. Swartz stated that the applicant said they had two, but were only required to have one. Mr. Swartz stated that the applicant mentioned earlier that having a total of five employees would be fine, whether they had one security guard or two. Commissioner Limont stated that as an option, they could start out having one security guard and if they felt they needed more than they could have another one. Mr. Bagato stated that it would better to allow the restaurant r 11 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 to have five employees for the restaurant and to have additional security guards as needed. Action: Commissioner Limont moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded approving amendment #1 to CUP 96-20 / HTE CUP 11-297 subject to conditions as amended. Motion carried 4-0-1-0 (Commissioner Campbell ABSENT) Commissioner Limont moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 2570 approving amendment #1 to CUP 96- 20 / HTE CUP 11-297, subject to conditions as amended. Motion carried 4-0-1-0 (Commissioner Campbell ABSENT). C. Case No. CUP 11.340, Short-term rental, M. Connor Limont, Applicant. Consideration of a conditional use permit to operate a short-term vacation rental located at 72-720 Bel Air Road. Commissioner Campbell rejoined the Commissioners and Commissioner Limont recused herself from this vote as she is the applicant in question. Mr. Swartz orally presented his staff report and PowerPoint presentation. He talked about the location, its zone and the area around it. He showed on-screen photos and renderings of the property in question. The home has three-bedrooms, which would allow for no more than six overnight guests and an additional three guests during the day time. Mr. Swartz said that there is a two-car garage and a large driveway that would permit a total of four cars to be parked on the premises. Mr. Swartz said that a neighbor did come to the counter asking about the application, but stated that she would talk to the applicant personally. Staff has not received any other complaints or information in favor of or in opposition to this application. Mr. Swartz offered to answer any questions. Commissioner De Luna wanted to call attention to a typo on page three of the staff report, where it said, "...there have been complaints from neighbors..." she wanted to clarify that it was supposed to say "...there have NOT been complaints from neighbors..." Mr. Swartz stated that was correct. Chair Campbell declared the public hearing open and asked the applicant to come forward. Ms. M. Connor Limont of 72720 Bel Air, addressed the commission stating that she applied for a short-term rental to build in flexibility to rent 12 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 out her property. She stated that she learned a lot about short-term vs. long-term rentals when she talked to a leasing agency and they recommended long-term rentals since they are less wear-and-tear on a house. Chair Campbell asked for any testimony either in favor of or in opposition to this application. Seeing none, Chair Campbell declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner De Luna stated that she is pleased to see that this applicant will be using a professional rental agency to manage the property. Commissioner Tanner moved to approve this application and followed with his feeling that this would be a responsible rental since the applicant is using a professional agency. He also mentioned that the Commission still looks to protect the family atmosphere of the Palm Desert neighborhoods and the Commission still looks at each of these applications on a case-by-case basis. Action: Commissioner Tanner moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded approving CUP 11-340, subject to conditions. Motion carried 4-0-0-1 (Commissioner Limont it ABSTAINING). Commissioner Tanner moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded approval of Planning Commission Resolution No. 2571 approving CUP 11-340, subject to conditions. Motion carried 4-0-0-1 (Commissioner Limont ABSTAINING). IX. MISCELLANEOUS NONE X. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION Commissioner Campbell stated that there would be a meeting October 19, 2011. B. LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE Commissioner Limont stated that the committee will reconvene in November. r 13 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2011 C. PARKS & RECREATION Commissioner Tanner said that there wasn't a meeting. D. PROJECT AREA 4 COMMITTEE Commissioner Dash indicated there was a large attendance at the recent meeting. The Palm Desert Country Club and Carlos Ortega Villas were the topics of conversation. The Coachella Valley Vector Control is working to eradicate the fire ant infestation at the Palm Desert Country Club. The HOA of the PDCC and the new management company were also in attendance. The topic of discussion was the fees for golf, which would be levied at $60-70. If a member was already a long-standing member of the country club, then they would not have to pay a new initiation fee. The office at the Palm Desert Country Club should be staffed by November 1, 2011. Renderings of the proposed senior-housing facility of Carlos Ortega Villas were presented for people to see what the facility would look like. Commissioner De Luna wanted to know about the long-time residents of the Palm Desert Country Club and what their HOA dues would be, and what would people pay if they were just purchasing a house there today. Ms. Aylaian stated that there are no HOA fees associated with the Palm Desert Country Club; it is one of the few courses that doesn't collect HOA fees. Ms. Aylaian stated that the actual fees haven't been established yet, but $60-70 was mentioned. XI. COMMENTS Commissioner Limont commented that she went out to the area between Monterey and Portola in the North Sphere, around the Gerald Ford area. She stated that the green fencing there was ratty and had many holes in it and one section was tagged. She wondered if the city could send someone out there or have the owner clean that up. Ms. Aylaian stated that she would ask Code to contact the owner and have that rectified. Ms. Aylaian stated that there would not be a meeting for November 1, 2011. There will be a full agenda for November 15, 2011. She also announced the upcoming departure of Administrative Secretary, Tony Becker. He will be returning home to Texas. The Planning staff wishes him well. Mr. Becker stated that it was his supreme pleasure serving the Planning Commission and Staff and all would be greatly missed. 14 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 18 2017 XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner De Luna motioned and Commissioner Campbell seconded the motion for adjournment and the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m. LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary ATTEST: SONIA CAMPBELL, Chair Palm Desert Planning Commission /tb +r r 15