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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-01 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES ' TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015 — 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Stendell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Sonia Campbell Commissioner Nancy Del-una Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Vice Chair John Greenwood Chair Ken Stendell Staff Present: Douglas Phillips, City Attorney Tony Bagato, Acting Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Stendell led the Pledge of Allegiance. After the Pledge of Allegiance, on behalf of the City Council, Mayor Susan Marie Weber thanked the Planning Commission for their service and presented the Commissioners with a gift of appreciation. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Tony Bagato, Acting Director of Community Development, summarized pertinent City Council actions. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of October 20, 2015. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, second by Vice Chair Greenwood, and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VIII. NEW BUSINESS None IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) that will amend Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) Section 25.34.120 to prohibit cannabis dispensaries, cannabis manufactures, cultivation, and delivery of cannabis in the City of Palm Desert. Case No. ZOA 15-322 (City of Palm Desert, California, Applicant). �- Mr. Bagato presented the staff report and displayed photos. He recommended approval (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org), and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Sonia Campbell asked if a person has a card for medicinal purposes, can they have a certain amount of live or dry plants in their possession. Mr. Bagato responded that if a person has a medicinal card and per state law, a person could grow up to two plants. Commissioner Campbell clarified that the maximum amount of plants a person could have is two. Mr. Bagato said he was not sure. Mr. Douglas Phillips, City Attorney, interjected that he did not know, but thought it was six plants. Commissioner Joseph Pradetto said the staff report mentioned complaints about cultivation in commercial areas. He asked how often are the complaints and how does the site look. 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Mr. Bagato replied that in one of the photos he displayed was taken at a commercial site. He said the site was detected due to the smell coming from the building and an increase of traffic. He stated that the police are concerned with potential crime and theft. He mentioned the City of Indio recently completed research and an analysis pertaining to cannabis. Based on their analysis, Indio opted to prohibit any commercial use of cannabis in their city. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if there is any indication about how pervasive is residential manufacturing. Do code enforcement and police feel like they know where some of them are? Is there a lot that they cannot account for? Mr. Bagato responded that there have been a few, and they usually find out pretty quick. He said staff has received calls about commercial cultivation; staff lets them know it is prohibited per the City ordinance. Commissioner Pradetto said if the Planning Commission and the City Council approve this ban, a change would not be felt if someone is trying to conduct business in the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. It is currently prohibited, and it has been prohibited since 2005. Vice Chair John Greenwood stated that since the 2005 ban a great deal has changed. It would be interesting to see what happens in the State of California within the next year. He said it was mentioned there are plans to have a study done relative to cannabis dispensaries, manufactures, cultivation, and delivery. He asked what those plans are. Mr. Bagato responded that at this time, pass the prohibition and wait to see what happens with state legislation. Unless there is direction from the City Council to study it further or the Planning Commission could recommend to the City Council that a study be done. However, the City is going to wait and see how the state election pans out in 2016. If it passes, the City would have to re-evaluate city ordinances and how they are regulated. Vice Chair Greenwood commented that the delivery of medical marijuana is mentioned in the staff report. He asked staff what they foresee for policing or controlling delivery of medical marijuana within the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Bagato said he does not see any changes at this time. He stated that it is basically a complaint driven enforcement. He noted there is no way to proactively seek who is getting mobile deliveries. Chair Stendell commented that after the election in 2016, should recreational marijuana pass, will the City still maintain the right to prohibit marijuana in Palm Desert or would the City need to look at a whole new set of guidelines passed down from the state. Mr. Bagato replied it is unclear at this time. 3 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Commissioner Pradetto mentioned that The Desert Sun reported there are 18 proposed initiatives regarding marijuana. He said it is really up in the air as to what could happen. He asked if the City fails to act by the deadline and the state default goes into effect, does the City lose its right to local control, enforcement, and regulation in the future. Mr. Bagato explained that the City would have the same control. However, the current ordinance would be questionable to some of the loopholes. If the state has the authority, a business would only need a state license. With the City's ordinance, a business would need the City's approval first to be licensed, if the City allowed it, then the business would also need a state license. He stated if someone wanted to question Palm Desert's ordinance, they could go straight to the state and potentially get licensed without Palm Desert's approval. Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and invited any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. With no testimony offered, Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed. Vice Chair Greenwood considered this item as a multifaceted issue on both sides of the table. He noted there are other states that have legalized marijuana, and have been dealing with some of the negative and positive effects from it. Based on the March deadline, he felt it was critical that the City maintains control of our destiny and decisions. With that said, he thought this was something that should be studied. He stated that he would be a proponent for the formation of a subcommittee comprised of City officials and community members to study this further. So as they look ahead, the City would be able to maintain what Palm Desert currently has in place or make well informed decisions. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna commented she is concerned with the March deadline. She said it seems the intent of the City and the City's current ordinance is clear, and she does not think it precludes Palm Desert from continuing to study or forming a subcommittee. However, at this time, the City has been well advised to proceed and maintain control. With that said, she moved that the City institute a complete ban on medical cannabis dispensaries, cultivation, transportation and delivery. Vice Chair Greenwood interjected that he agreed with Commissioner DeLuna. He also agreed with staff's recommendation; however, he would like to see the formation of a subcommittee to study medical cannabis and make a recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner Pradetto seconded the motion and agreed with both DeLuna and Greenwood's comments. He pointed out; there is no way to intelligently regulate anything three to four months before the deadline. He stated that passing this ban would give the City enough time to maintain local control and study it. He also stated that it may not be worth studying until they know what happens at the state level. Therefore, he supports Commissioner DeLuna's motion. �. 4 GAPlanning\Monica Meilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.dou MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Commissioner Campbell asked Commissioner Pradetto if Commissioner DeLuna needs to change her motion to include a study. Commissioner Pradetto responded that Commissioner DeLuna did not mention anything about a study in her motion. He felt the motion does not need to mention the study. Commissioner Campbell concurred with the other Planning Commissioners. Chair Stendell asked the Planning Commission if everyone agreed to the motion. The Planning Commission agreed. Commissioner DeLuna moved for the approval of a recommendation to the City Council to institute a complete ban on medical cannabis dispensaries, cultivation, transportation and delivery. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). Commissioner DeLuna moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2657, recommending approval of ZOA 15-322 amending Palm Desert Municipal Code 25.34.120 "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries." Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). � lr B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Conditional Use Permit for the sale of Tesla branded automobiles and dedication of six (6) parking stalls for vehicle display and charging stations within The Gardens on El Paseo parking structure located at 73-515 El Paseo. Case No. CUP 15-317 (The Gardens on El Paseo, LLC, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Applicant). Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, gave a Power Point presentation, reviewing the staff report in detail (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. He mentioned representatives from The Gardens on El Paseo and Tesla are also present to answer any questions. Commissioner DeLuna asked if Tesla agreed to dedicate two of the six parking stalls with the charging stations for public use. Mr. Ceja replied yes. Commissioner DeLuna clarified that in addition to having cars on display there would be a public benefit gain by having charging stations. Mr. Ceja replied yes. For that reason, it helped staff support this request. He said in exchange for Tesla to have six spaces dedicated to them, two of the spaces would have to be made available to other Tesla owners and for the public to use. 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.dou MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Commission DeLuna inquired if the charging stations are only for Tesla owners or anyone with an electric vehicle. Is there a specific charging connection? Mr. Ceja deferred the questions to the Tesla representative. Commissioner Pradetto voiced his concern with the public display. He asked if the two public parking spaces would be designated as such. Mr. Ceja responded that staff discussed the condition with the landlord. The landlord has agreed to allow two parking spaces to be open for the public. Staff has not seen any signage. However, it would be appropriate to have signage so that the public does not get confused, and they know those spaces are available for them. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if the Planning Commission should recommend adding signage for the two public parking spaces to the conditions of approval. Mr. Ceja replied that staff could amend the condition so signage indicates that the two parking spaces are appropriately marked for public use. Commissioner Campbell commented that she has seen regular cars parked in parking spaces for electric cars. She asked if non-electric cars would be ticketed or towed away. Mr. Ceja stated that signage could only go so far. He is not sure how you can stop someone from parking a large car in an electric car parking space. Chair Stendell asked if there is a universal identification or signage for the proposed parking spaces, such as what is available for disabled parking spaces. Mr. Ceja answered that there must be, but he cannot identify any specific signage. He stated that he is sure staff could work with Tesla to provide appropriate signage for the two public parking spaces. Chair Stendell asked if the Planning Commission should add signage to the conditions so that the two public parking spaces are formally identified. Mr. Ceja replied that would be appropriate. Vice Chair Greenwood asked if there are other electric vehicle charging stations within The Gardens on El Paseo. Mr. Ceja replied he does not believe there are other electric vehicle charging stations. However, there are some at City Hall but not in the same capacity as what Tesla would install at The Gardens. Vice Chair Greenwood asked staff where other Tesla charging stations are located in the Coachella Valley. NNW GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Mr. Ceja responded that there are Tesla charging stations in Cathedral City and Indio. He made clear that a person could test drive a Tesla car at The Gardens on El Paseo; however, you cannot purchase a car at this location. A person could order the car; then it is delivered directly to the customer. In addition, there are no service or parts sales done at The Gardens. Vice Chair Greenwood pointed to the outside display photo. He asked if there was discussion pertaining to the conduit installation along the wall to make it more visually appealing. Mr. Ceja answered there has not been any discussion pertaining to the conduit. Chair Stendell inquired if it is beneficial for the City to look at approving more universal charging stations on the upper deck at The Gardens. Commissioner Campbell interjected that there are charging stations available at Presidents' Plaza East. Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and invited any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MS. CHRISTY ORTINS, Tesla Design Manager, Fremont, California, 94538, thanked the Planning Commission for considering their request. She mentioned that in the few days they have been open, they have had a huge amount of people in and out of the location at The Gardens. She said Tesla only manufactures 100 percent electric vehicles and they are excited the market is interested in their vehicles. She offered to answer any questions specific to Tesla. Commissioner DeLuna asked Ms. Ortins if they agreed to dedicate two parking spaces for public use of the proposed six parking spaces. If so, does Tesla have a unique charging orifice so that it is not universally applicable to other electric vehicles? MS. ORTINS responded that they agreed to have two charging stations opened to the public. The goal is to have six parking spaces to allow Tesla customers to park in the two public spaces. She explained that their charging stations are high wall power connectors that are specific to Tesla. Other electric vehicles that are not a Tesla vehicle cannot use it because of the charge that comes out of the chargers. Commissioner DeLuna asked if the two spaces dedicated to the City would have a universal appliance so any other electric vehicle could use the charger. MS. ORTINS replied no. The charger would be Tesla specific only. Commissioner DeLuna clarified that even though two parking spaces are for public R use, it is only for a Tesla owner. MS. ORTINS replied yes. Tesla connectors are exclusive to Tesla vehicles. 7 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx J MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Commissioner DeLuna noted that there has been a white Tesla parked in front of the store. She asked if it is a private vehicle or Tesla uses that front space to display their vehicles. MS. ORTINS thinks Tesla staff is occasionally parking a car in the front, and there was a customer there when she passed by earlier in the day. Commissioner DeLuna asked if Tesla intends to use the parking space in front of the store. MS. ORTINS replied no. Commissioner DeLuna asked what a Tesla evangelist is. MS. ORTINS responded a Tesla evangelist is a person that specifically sells Tesla vehicles and are passionate about Tesla vehicles. Commissioner DeLuna asked where the source of the power for the electric vehicle come from. Does it come from the grid? MS. ORTINS replied yes. Chair Stendell asked Ms. Ortins if there is a universal painting schematic that could be supplied to the Planning Department for the two public parking spaces so it is easier to be identified. MS. ORTINS responded that it is going to look the same way as displayed in the image; however, they would need to identify the spaces for public use. She stated that they would put a sign with the Tesla logo, and it would say "Charging Courtesy of Tesla." She noted that the other four parking spaces would have the Tesla vehicles for test driving. I Commissioner Pradetto commented he has a better understanding of how the charging stations work and a sign may not be necessary. He asked if Tesla customers understand that they could go to any Tesla location to charge their vehicles. MS. ORTINS replied yes. She mentioned that the screen in the car identifies where there is a Tesla charging station. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if the interface or voltage or both are specific to Tesla vehicles. MS. ORTINS replied both are specific to Tesla vehicles. Vice Chair Greenwood asked what considerations were put in place to not have a super charging at The Gardens location. 8 G1Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 MS. ORTINS responded that they have experimented putting super chargers in some mall locations; however, it becomes a high traffic area. She described that super chargers are like gas stations to Tesla. Vice Chair Greenwood inquired what the times are between a standard charge and a super charge. MS. ORTINS answered with a super charging station a car can get half of a charge in 20 minutes. With the standard charging station, it would take about seven to eight hours for the Tesla to get a full charge. Vice Chair Greenwood commented that he loves the design and the aesthetic of the outside is very appealing and clean. He asked Ms. Ortins if they would be opposed to looking at the parking area, and provide some type of furring on the wall to clean up the conduit. MS ORTINS responded that she would have to look at the specific condition. She stated that the image provided is not an image of The Gardens parking garage. MR. PATRICK KLEIN, General Manager of The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert, California 92260, interjected that the plan is to have the conduit and kit on the backside of the wall. He said there is a dock area on the other side of the wall and it is not in plain sight of the customer or the general public. He informed the Planning Commission that the El Paseo Village (across the street) has either six or eight standard charging stations available for the general public. Commissioner Campbell asked how often does the Tesla vehicles need to be charged. MS. ORTINS answered that the range in their vehicles is approximately 350 miles, depending on the car model and the battery. Mr. Ceja apologized for any confusion regarding the charging stations. Secondly, he noted that staff received an email from a resident on Tumbleweed Lane, which was distributed to the Planning Commission before the meeting. He stated that the resident's issues have been addressed. Mr. Ceja reaffirmed there are no direct sales or auto repairs done at this location, and parking is not an issue. With no further testimony offered, Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed. Vice Chair Greenwood is excited to see Tesla has come to Palm Desert. He felt that the Tesla brand and emissions are in line with the City's goals and sustainability aspirations. It is a great fit for the high-end atmosphere in the area and welcomed Tesla. Commissioner Campbell is happy to see Tesla on El Paseo, which means more people are walking around and shopping. It is a great location. 9 G1Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Chair Stendell shared that there is a guy that travels around the country in a Tesla. He has put over 250,000 miles on his car because he refuses to fly. Chair Stendell stated that Tesla is a rather interesting product, and he almost fell out of his car when he saw Tesla on El Paseo. Commissioner Pradetto stated that there is a debate on who is responsible to provide electric charging stations. A lot of cities and Tesla are providing charging stations. He wished to have seen two general use charging stations; however, it is not necessary in this situation. He stated that in the future not many people will provide complimentary charging stations for electric vehicles. Commissioner Campbell moved for approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the sale of Tesla automobiles and dedication of six parking stalls for vehicle display and charging stations within The Gardens on El Paseo parking structure. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). Commissioner Campbell moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2658, approving Conditional Use Permit 15-317, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). The Planning Commission thanked and welcomed the applicant to the City of Palm Desert. C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council to approve a Notice of Determination of a Negative Declaration for an ordinance amendment to repeal Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.72.040 "Development Plans" and adopt a new Municipal Code Section 25.78.080 "Specific Plans" and make minor amendments to Municipal Code Sections 25.28.060, 25.28.070, 25.60.060, and 25.99.020 to reflect the new specific plan ordinance. Case No. ZOA 15-03 (City of Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Mr. Ceja outlined the salient points of the staff report (staff report is available at www.citVofpalmdesert.org). Commissioner DeLuna interjected after Mr. Ceja referred to The Millennium Palm Desert and the 170-Acre University Neighborhood specific plans. She asked if discussion of this agenda item related to the 170-acre project. Mr. Ceja replied no. He communicated that this item is only to establish a Specific Plan Ordinance. The 170-Acre University Neighborhood Specific Plan will come back to the Planning Commission at a later time. Commissioner DeLuna asked if she needed to recuse herself due to a conflict of interest with the 170-acre site. Mr. Bagato responded that she did not need to recuse herself. 10 GAPlanning\Monica OReillyPlanning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Mr. Ceja continued with his presentation. At the conclusion of his report, he recommended approval and offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Pradetto mentioned that some Planning Departments give applicants an organizational chart with different trees that illustrates which path to follow. He summarized that there are two paths that go the same way and the recommendation is to take one away. Therefore, it is not only cleaner for the administrative side, but also for the applicant. Mr. Ceja replied that is correct. Referring to Exhibit A; Item D Initiation; No. 4; Commissioner Pradetto asked if Commission refers to the Planning Commission. Mr. Ceja replied yes. Commissioner Pradetto asked why it requires a majority vote of the Planning Commission, but not by the City Council. Mr. Ceja responded that essentially it would require the majority vote of the City Council as well. Therefore, one councilmember could not initiate a specific plan by a one to four vote. Commissioner Pradetto suggested removing by a majority vote. Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and invited any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. With no testimony offered, Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Campbell moved to recommend to the City Council to approve a Notice of Determination of a Negative Declaration for an ordinance amendment to repeal PDMC Section 25.72.040 and adopt a new PDMC Section 25.78.080 for Specific Plans, and make minor amendments to PDMC Sections 25.28.060, 25.28.070, 25.60.060, and 25.99.020 to reflect the new Specific Plan Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). Commissioner Campbell moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2659, recommending approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 15-03. Motion was seconded by Commissioner DeLuna and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). 11 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 X. MISCELLANEOUS A. PRESENTATION to the Planning Commission by Maria Song, Terra Nova Planning & Research, regarding the Green Building Program and Net Zero. A Power Point presentation with oral interpretation was given by Mr. Reuel Young and Ms. Maria Song (consultants for Terra Nova Planning & Research), regarding the Green Building Program and Net Zero. At the end of the presentation, he offered to answer any questions. Vice Chair Greenwood asked Mr. Young what he felt differentiates the Green Building Program from other national programs, especially taking into account Coachella Valley's climatic conditions. MR. YOUNG responded that they looked at four or five different programs and N incorporated their same climatic conditions and issues as the Coachella Valley. Therefore, they geared the Green Building Program to the desert climate. Vice Chair Greenwood asked what they are doing locally for professional education. MR. YOUNG answered that they presented the program to the International Code Council (ICC) local chapter, and provided training in the cities of the Coachella Valley. They are scheduled to meet with the Desert Valley Builders Association and other organizations. MS. MARIA SONG added that for the last four years they presented to the professional groups, both in the contracting business and to the architects. She mentioned the economy has been tough so it has been difficult for people to take the time to learn about the program. With Palm Desert so active in sustainability, they hope information about the program gets around even more. MR. YOUNG noted that Title 24 has burdened the design community and the enforcement community. He said they are available to them; however, it is a low priority for design and enforcement communities. He said getting up to date on Title 24 is their highest priority because it has consequences in terms of legality. Vice Chair Greenwood asked Mr. Young what he feels is the incentive, other than being sustainable and improving where they live, for professionals and landowners to jump into a program like this. MR. YOUNG communicated that they went from the program, to the booklet, then to the handout. They believe the incentive is to understand the value, and understand that they can improve the performance of their building significantly without it being either extremely costly or more complex than the normal construction techniques. Commissioner Del-una asked if the larger air conditioning and heating companies throughout the desert get permits on their own or does the homeowner get the permits. 12 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 MR. YOUNG replied that he cannot speak to that. MS. SONG mentioned they hope more people can educate themselves by reading the handouts or the guidebook. At the conclusion of discussion on permitting and the program, Chair Stendell thanked Mr. Young and Ms. Song for their presentation. XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None B. PARKS & RECREATION None C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP Vice Chair Greenwood reported that at the last meeting the group focused on the northern sphere; Cook Street and the university area. He announced their next meeting is December 18. XII. COMMENTS Commissioner DeLuna thanked the College of Desert students for attending a Planning Commission meeting. She invited the students to the City if they have any questions. Commissioner Pradetto inquired about the duo votes. Mr. Bagato responded that for the 14 years he has been in the Planning Department, there always been two votes on an action. He said the Planning Commission could approve the resolution as a motion and only vote one time. Commissioner DeLuna asked if there is an advantage or disadvantage of voting either way. Mr. Bagato replied there is no reason to vote twice. Lastly, he mentioned he was at a Palm Desert Master Plan Kick-off meeting at California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert campus. He stated that they are working on a master plan for their next phase to increase to 8,000 students. He indicated there would be a study session in January or February of 2016, with the City Council and the Planning Commission. Vice Chair Greenwood commented that when he was first appointed to the Planning Commission, he was put on a subcommittee for the university. He asked for the status of the subcommittee. 13 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 1, 2015 Mr. Bagato responded that the subcommittee meets on a needed basis. With the Master Plan Kick-off meeting, they may meet with the subcommittee before they meet with the City Council and the Planning Commission. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Vice Chair Greenwood, second by Commissioner DeLuna and a 5-0 vote of the Planning Commission (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None), Chair Stendell adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. *STNDELL,, C AIR ATTEST: TONY BAGATO, ACTING SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION O, MONICA O'REILLY, RECORDI G SECRETARY II i 14 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2015\Minutes\12-1-15 min.docx