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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-19 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 19, 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 DeLuna Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Vice Chair John Greenwood Chair Ken Stendell Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, City Attorney Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Joseph Pradetto led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, summarized pertinent April 9 and May 14, 2015, City Council actions. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2015 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Planning Commission meeting of April 21, 2015. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner Campbell, second by Commissioner Pradetto, 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 Conditional Use Permit for a 700- square-foot building addition, expansion of indoor and outdoor dining areas, and creation of an outdoor pavilion for events at Casuelas Cafe located at 73- 703 Highway 111. Case No. CUP 14-241 (Casuelas Cafe, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and recommended approval (staff report is available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He thanked the applicant for a great project that will remove a blighted condition along Highway 111 . He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna also thanked the applicant and said that the style is very pleasing and improves the neighborhood. She stated that there is a condition pertaining to noise, and asked if it refers to live music or amplified music. Mr. Ceja responded that it could include live music as part of the amplification. He explained that there is a condition for two reasons: 1) for the noise element that could potentially disturb surrounding businesses, so staff has required that it be limited to the weekends or after 4:00 p.m. on the weekdays; and 2) for parking since most of the businesses are open during the day, again staff required that events be limited to the weekends or after 4:00 p.m. on the weekdays. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if any of the surrounding businesses have expressed any opinions about the project. 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015Minutes\5-19-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2015 Mr. Ceja replied that he has not heard from the surrounding businesses. Commissioner Sonia Campbell asked if the applicant is comfortable with the condition pertaining to amplified sound. Mr. Ceja answered yes. He stated that the conditions were shared and discussed with the applicant. The applicant was amiable to the conditions. Chair Stendell declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. RAY RODRIGUEZ, Indian Wells, California, first apologized for the existing state of the building. He stated that the building is not to their standards or to the community standards. He mentioned that the process has been a learning experience, and it was never intended to let the area fall into disrepair. However, they are excited to move forward and are moving forward quickly. He is thrilled to have Mr. Juan Carlos Ochoa to work with him on the design of the project. Mr. Rodriguez feels that the project will meet a need and it will be a great opportunity for the community. He thanked the Planning Commission and City staff for the work done on his project. Commissioner Pradetto commented that when he eats at Casuelas Cafe, most of the time he parks in the front but he asks himself why. He thinks that the proposed project is a much better use of the parking area and more attractive along Highway 111, which will catch the eye. MR. RODRIGUEZ gave a brief history of the parking lot, and mentioned that the neighbors are asking him why the proposed project is taking him so long to move forward. He commented that Elephant Bar, Tony Roma's, and Fire House left the area around the same time, which is disturbing to him and other businesses in the area. He stated that it is great to see Thai Smile doing vigorous business, and it is great to see what Piero has done with Piero's Pizza Vino. He stated that they would like to be another part of that vitality that is finding its way back into the city. Chair Stendell asked if the pavilion will be open to special events, such as catered affairs or will it be a dining area. MR. RODRIGUEZ responded that they have a dining area that they are designing. He mentioned that the lounge is getting an extension because they are taking away a part of it for the restroom expansion. He said that they are using this opportunity to create an outdoor element, which is highly desirable to their winter guests. Chair Stendell commented that the desert gets very little rain; however, how is the water going to be taken off the roof? 3 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2015\Minutes\5-19-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2015 MR. RODRIGUEZ said that after going back and forth for over a year, Mr. Ochoa finally convinced them to go with the butterfly roof design. He stated that there was no debating Mr. Ochoa's expertise and professionalism, Mr. Ochoa felt that the mid-century look was a better move for the community. He noted that it was unbelievable how the Architectural Review Commission embraced the design. Mr. Rodriguez went to the question Chair Stendell had regarding special events, he believes that the community will drive what happens in the pavilion. Last, he noted that he and his partners have a commitment to their community, integrity, and being good neighbors. He stated that the programming they will have in the pavilion will be safe, neighborly, and hopefully a lot of fun. They hope to be here for a long time. With no further testimony offered, Chair Stendell declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner DeLuna commented that part of the General Plan Update and thinking ahead 25 years is to improve the Highway 111 corridor, as well as focusing on El Paseo. She thinks that this project is expeditionally a first good step because if someone sees something happening, they are more likely to follow and pay it forward. She stated that the project is dramatic enough that it will set the standard for future development and it is very exciting. Vice Chair Greenwood added that the project is going to be great for all the part- time residents, but also for the full-time residents. He said that this is a much needed venue, and he champion's what the applicant has done and it will be well received. Commissioner Campbell said that the project is going to be an asset to Palm Desert, and will be very eye-catching from Highway 111. She hopes it will be white as indicated in the plans because it will stand out instead of the black asphalt. Commissioner DeLuna moved, by Minute Motion, to approve Conditional Use Permit 14-241 for a 700-square-foot building addition, expansion of indoor and outdoor dining areas, and creation of an outdoor pavilion for events at Casuelas Cafe located at 73-703 Highway 111. 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, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2649, approving Conditional Use Permit 14-241, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Greenwood and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, Pradetto, and Stendell; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAIN: None). The Planning Commission congratulated and thanked the applicant. 4 GAPlanning\Monica OReiIINPlanning Comm ission\2015\Minutes\5-19-15 min.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2015 Ms. Aylaian stated that on behalf of City staff, she congratulated and apologized to the applicant. She said that the process took too long, and staff did not do as good a job as they should have. She communicated to the applicant if he has a slowdown getting through permitting or plan check, please let her know. MR. RODRIGUEZ responded that they were also part of the slowdown, but he appreciates the offer and thanked Ms. Aylaian. X. MISCELLANEOUS None XI. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None B. PARKS & RECREATION None C. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP Vice Chair Greenwood commented that they have a meeting scheduled for May 22. Ms. Aylaian said that at the last meeting they summarized the input they received from the three public workshops, and discussed what direction they take next. XII. COMMENTS Chair Stendell asked if funds are available through the Fagade Enhancement Program. Ms. Aylaian responded that there are funds available. She said that 80 percent is set aside for Highway 111 properties and 20 percent is set aside for El Paseo. She believes Casuelas Cafe applied for assistance and will receive some funds from the program. Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, commented that there are a couple of large projects that have gone through Architectural Review Commission that will not be going to the Planning Commission: 1) assisted living at Villa Portofino; and 2) the El Paseo hotel. He noted that the projects will not go to the Planning Commission because they were previously entitled by the Planning Commission. 5 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2015\Minutes\5-19-15 min.docx 1 MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2015 Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the grading issues were resolved at Villa Portofino, and would it affect the proposed assisted living facility. { Mr. Bagato replied no, not entirely. Ms. Aylaian interjected that it will not affect the assisted living facility, and the issues have not been resolved. She stated that they are scheduled to meet with some of the parties next week. Chair Stendell mentioned that he read an article in the newspaper regarding the Palm Desert Country Club nine-hole golf course. Mr. Bagato stated that if they submit an application, the Planning Commission will see the formal application. Ms. Aylaian noted that she does not expect to see an application this calendar year. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Pradetto, second by Member 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 6.34 p.m. KEN OC ELL, CHAIR ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MONICA O'REILLY, RECORkl�3 SECRETARY 6 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2015\Minutes\5-19-15 min.docx