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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-03 PC Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY - MAY 3, 2011 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Sonia Campbell, Chair Nancy De Luna, Vice Chair Van Tanner Roger Dash Connor Limont Members Absent: None Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, Assistant City Attorney Bob Hargreaves, Deputy City Attorney Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Tony Becker, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Tanner led the pledge of allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Aylaian informed the Planning Commission that the City Council met several times since the last Planning Commission meeting. She mentioned that there weren't any items on the last City Council Agenda that related to land-use or zoning issues. OrAw MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3 2011 V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Gail Christiansen, 73820 Calle Bisque, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Ms. Christiansen stated that for the past eleven years, Casa Blanca has endured residual effects from the lack of construction of units on the empty acreage at the Villa Portofino property. Some of these effects include: blowing sand and dust from the raised pads, coyotes, and the compromised garden wall that adjoins the two properties. She wanted to impress upon the Commission that the Casa Blanca pool equipment repair crew and landscaping crew have spent most of their time on dust-related issues rather than regular maintenance. Finally, the Casa Blanca homeowners hired an engineer, at their expense, to verify the integrity of their adjoining garden wall with Villa Portofino and found that the wall had sustained damage. She felt that none of these things would have been an issue if the City had enforced the original conditions given to Mr. La Melza in the first place. She also indicated that the residents of Casa Blanca understood that none of these problems will go away over night. She asked that the City and the Planning Commission enforce and add strict conditions to this project regarding the aforementioned issues. Mr. Rudy Herrera, Family Development, Rancho Mirage, CA wanted to announce to the Commission that they are currently in the final stages of escrow for the purchase of the final parcel in the Villa Portofino project. They hope to close escrow at the end of May and encourage the Commission not to take action on the Development Agreement until escrow closes. He also wanted to make clear that he does understand the requests made by the Casa Blanca homeowners and is taking action to see that the conditions are met. He wanted to clarify that the AQMD (Air Quality Management District) doesn't regulate blowing dust when the wind is over 25 mph—as it has been doing the last few days. In lighter winds (under the 25 mph threshold) his development has done what it could to minimize the dust. Once escrow is closed, he stated that he will look toward mitigating the issues mentioned tonight. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Request for approval of the April 5, 2011, meeting minutes. Action: Commissioner Limont moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded the approval of the April 5, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0. UW 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3 2011 VII. CONSENT CALENDAR Now NONE 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. A. Case No. PP 06-05 Amendment #1, TT 36342 and HTE 10-434, High Pointe Housing, Applicant(s). That the Planning Commission approve the findings and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2549, approving Precise Plan 06-05 Amendment #1, TT 36342 and HTE 10-434 for High Pointe Communities within the University Park Master Plan, subject to the attached conditions. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, orally presented his staff report and PowerPoint presentation to the Commission. The property is located on the corner of University Park and College Drive. The site is 22.9 acres and was originally approved as 'Parcel B' as part of the overall University Park Master Plan, which was approved by the City Council on April 27, 2006. The plan called Now for a maximum of 213 units, a park and a retention basin. On June 22, 2006, the City Council approved John Laing Homes to build 198 units. Those homes were two stories and were 24 feet high. The homes were never built; the project went bankrupt and was purchased by a bank. Most recently, High Pointe bought the project from the bank and modified the approved tract map to include 196 homes: 78 detached-cluster, 69 attached homes and 49 single-family homes and a club house. The project would have two access points (Mr. Swartz pointed to the map on the screen showing the locations) on University Dr. The homes would be designed in Spanish, Italian or Tuscan styles and would range from 1,461 — 2,398 square feet depending on the floor plan and/or the phase built. Mr. Swartz also showed images of the floor plans and colors for the project. The overall plan meets design, height and density regulations to which staff recommends approval. Mr. Swartz offered to answer questions at this time. Chair Campbell declared the public hearing open. Commissioner Limont began by asking about traffic ingress and egress on University Park Dr. (referencing the map on the PowerPoint), and wanted to 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3, 2011 know if these are just 'right-in right-out' entrances, or could someone turn left on to University Park Dr. Mr. Swartz wasn't sure but believed that it was a right-in right-out design. Ms. Canales stated that a left turn in/out was possible, but no signalization would be present. Commissioner Limont wanted to know then, if there would be a turn lane in the middle of the road. Ms. Canales did not believe that was part of the proposed design. Commissioner Limont. had a request for an emergency exit on "Street B' just next to the main entrance where the adjacent wall juts out from that entrance. Mr. Swartz stated that staff will look into that scenario. Commissioner Limont was concerned about that area because it seemed to her that the nearest emergency exit was far away and this would be another point of entry. Commissioner Limont asked a final question about the amount of housing and would that affect the overall number in the North Sphere. Ms. Aylaian stated that approval of this project would mean that two more houses would need to be built somewhere else. Commissioner Limont asked about the occupancy of Falling Waters and what it was currently. Mr. Swartz wasn't certain and didn't want to guess. Commissioner Tanner spoke up saying that they were about 75% occupied. Commissioner Limont thanked them and wanted to make sure that no one was over-building. Commissioner De Luna asked about parking inside the gates for guests. She wanted to know if the 'hash-marks' on the plans represented parking on the street. She didn't want guests to have to walk far for parking. Mr. Swartz said most of the units have two-car garages for a total of 392 spaces which would .rrr require 73 parking spaces for guests, and the current plans provide 76 spaces. Commissioner De Luna asked where these guest parking spaces are located. Mr. Swartz pointed to the map and stated that there are spaces along various streets and around the club house. Steve Miss, of High Pointe Communities, 20 Enterprise St. Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656 stated that upon review of staff documents and conditions, they are pleased with the project as presented and agree to the conditions presented. They are happy to answer any questions. Commissioner Limont began by asking about her previous question about the emergency gate. Mr. Vliss introduced Mr. Steve Ludwig, Engineer, who could speak to that. Mr. Ludwig stated that there were no objections from his standpoint, but it might not be feasible because of the slope, and Fire Department truck-turning requirements. He stated that they would revisit the issue. He also stated that there is a man-gate nearby that would and could be used for this purpose. He also wanted to address the parking question, posed by Commissioner De Luna, stating that there are also two additional spaces in each driveway along with the garages for parking. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3 2011 Commissioner Limont asked if there was an anticipated start date for this project to begin. Mr. Vliss indicated that they would be selecting their builder soon and want to begin as soon as they can. They anticipate 2012 before anything tangible could begin. Chair Campbell briefly asked what the prices would be for the homes being built. Mr. Vliss stated that they would be around high 200's low 300's in today's market. Commissioner Dash asked about the amenities and exercise equipment and where they would be located. Mr. Vliss said that there would be some equipment in the club house which would be used by the residents. The common area could also be used for social gatherings by the pool. Most homes would have a pool, except for the cluster homes and the pool and exercise equipment would most likely be used by those residents. Commissioner De Luna wanted to know if the homes would have individual mail boxes or would they be in clusters and where. Mr. Ludwig said that they would be in clusters and their placement would be determined by the U.S. Postal Service. They would determine the placement, possibly a majority of mail boxes in the club house and maybe two or three satellite stations at either end of the property. Mr. Dave Kent, KTGY Architectural Group, stated that his company also designed the John Laing Homes and indicated that there would indeed be one set of mail boxes in the center and probably two other satellites on either end of the complex within walkable distances for people. Chair Campbell asked for anyone to come forward to speak in favor of or opposition to the proposed project. Seeing no one, she declared the public hearing closed and asked for Commissioner comments. Commissioner De Luna began by touting the benefits and the good design of this project and moved for its approval. Commissioner Dash reminded the Commission that this is a good location, close to 1-10, and is necessary for the City to meet its housing goals and would also vote in favor of this project. Chair Campbell stated that she has seen this project come through Planning Commission a few times under different auspices and is happy to see it move forward under such a good design and will vote in favor of it as well. 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3, 2011 Action: Commissioner De Luna moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded approving Precise Plan 06-05 Amendment #1, TT 36342 and HTE 10-434 for High Pointe Communities within the University Park Master Plan, subject to the attached conditions. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner De Luna moved and Commissioner Tanner seconded adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 2549 recommending approval of Precise Plan 06-05 Amendment #1, TT36342 and HTE 10-434 for High Pointe Communities within the University Park Master Plan, subject to the attached conditions. Motion carried 5-0. IX. MISCELLANEOUS A. Request of continuance for Villa Portofino. That the Planning commission continue the discussion of terminating the Senior Housing Agreement ("Development Agreement") for Villa Portofino until a June Planning Commission meeting to allow time for escrow to close on APNs 622-020-094 and 622-020-091 between City National Bank and Family Development. Commissioner De Luna stated that she would recuse herself from .■r these proceedings due to a potentially perceived conflict of interest— as she once provided real estate information to a gentleman that was once an interested party. Commissioner Tanner indicated that he too would recuse himself from these proceedings due to a conflict of interest. Both he and Commissioner De Luna exited the Council Chambers. Commissioner Limont began with a question about procedure of the overall agreement and would each individual owner have to come forward with a new development agreement. Mr. Swartz indicated that they would have to come together collectively. Commissioner Limont just wanted to clarify for her own understanding what is happening with the process. Mr. Swartz stated that the applicant has issued a letter requesting extra time be granted to allow escrow to close at the end of May. Staff recommends approval of a continuance. With no further questions of staff, Chair Campbell asked for a motion on this matter. am 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3 2011 Action: Commissioner Limont moved and Commissioner Dash seconded the continuation of discussion of terminating the Senior Housing Agreement for Villa Portofino until a June Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 3-0-2-0 Commissioners De Luna and Tanner ABSENT). Commissioners Tanner and De Luna re-entered the Council Chambers. X. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES COMMISSION Commissioner Campbell stated that there was no meeting this month. B. LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE Commissioner Limont mentioned that she was unable to attend the last meeting and asked Ms. Aylaian for a summary. Ms. Aylaian stated that there was no quorum and therefore, no decisions were voted upon. C. PARKS & RECREATION Commissioner Tanner said that the grand opening for the pool is ,,,W June 11, 2011. Commissioners Dash and Tanner met and looked at the pool and noted that it was coming along. Commissioner Campbell asked if the pumps were installed. Commissioner Tanner indicated that one was and the other would be arriving shortly. Commissioner De Luna asked if there was going to be a soft opening. Commissioner Tanner stated that he asked Karen Creasy, the new YMCA Pool Director, and she said that there might be one for the Y staff, but nothing was planned other than the June 11 grand opening. Commissioner Dash said that there had been some interest in holding a biathlon at the new pool and that more interest was being raised about using the pool for competition. D. PROJECT AREA 4 COMMITTEE Commissioner Dash indicated that there was a meeting and he reported on what the Commission heard about the Housing Element and he and Ms Aylaian answered questions posed about the its update. 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3 2011 X1. COMMENTS Ms. Aylaian stated that the City Council suggested that the Planning r.r Commission choose 'alternates' in case one of them aren't able to make their assigned committee meetings. Ms. Aylaian stated that she knew when these committees met if anyone had any scheduling questions. Commissioner De Luna said she would volunteer for Landscape Beautification. Commissioner Dash volunteered for Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Limont volunteered for Art in Public Places. No one was available at this time to volunteer for Project Area 4 due to scheduling conflicts. Ms. Aylaian stated that it isn't compulsory to have an alternate for everything but is a good idea to have someone in mind just in case. Commissioner Tanner stated that he would try and attend if necessary and to have Commissioner Dash call him if he were unable to attend one. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Tanner moved and Commissioner De Luna seconded the adjournment of the meeting by minute motion. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. S��— ,Oe LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary No ATTEST: ONIA CAMPBELL, Chair Palm Desert Planning Commission /tb No 8