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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-16 PC Regular Meeting Minutes CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2016 — 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair John Greenwood called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair John Greenwood Vice Chair Sonia Campbell Commissioner Nancy DeLuna Commissioner Joseph Pradetto Staff Present: Jill Tremblay, City Attorney Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner Monica O'Reilly, Administrative Secretary III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Greenwood led the Pledge of Allegiance. IV. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL ACTION Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, summarized pertinent February 11, 2016, City Council actions. V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 VI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of January 19, 2016. Rec: Approve as presented. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to merge four existing parcels at 73-703 Highway 111 (APN 627-212-003). Case No. PMW 15-326 (Ray Rodriguez, Casuelas Cafe, Palm Desert, Applicant). Rec: Approve as presented. C. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to merge various lots into one at 45-400 Larkspur Lane (APNs 627-262-008 & 627-262-011). Case No. PMW 15-365 (El Paseo Hotel, LLC, El Dorado Hills, California, Applicant). Rec: Approve as presented. Approved. 3-0-1 (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, and Pradetto; NOES: None; ABSTAINED: Greenwood). D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION to adjust a lot line between two existing lots at 125 & 119 Netas Court (APNs 771-280-016 & 771-280-015). Case No. PMW 16-012 (Van Skilling, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). r.r Rec: Approve as presented Chair Greenwood stated he would be abstaining on Item C, Parcel Map Waiver No. PMW 15-365. Upon a motion by Vice Chair Campbell, second by Commissioner DeLuna, and a 4-0 vote of the Planning Commission, the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Pradetto; NOES: None). VII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None Vlll. NEW BUSINESS None Soo 2 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate a new restaurant, Alps Village, within the Service Industrial zone located at 77-734 Country Club Drive, Suite F. Case No. CUP 15-382 (Robert H. Ricciardi Architects, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Mr. Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner, reviewed the staff report (staff report is available at www.citvofpalmdesert.org) and recommended approval of the CUP. He offered to answer any questions. Vice Chair Sonia Campbell clarified that there would be no alcohol served on the restaurant patio. Mr. Swartz responded that there would be alcohol served on the patio. He said the applicant received approval from the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control. He noted that the applicant would need to post two signs that state "No Alcohol Beyond this Point." He pointed to the site plan to indicate the locations for the signs. He also noted that the adjacent business owners approved of the patio location. Commissioner Nancy DeLuna asked if the hours from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., seven days a week is consistent with other establishments in the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Swartz replied that it is consistent for restaurants. He mentioned that the applicant would most likely close at midnight. However, down the road as they get busier, the applicant does not want to have a condition that would limit their hours. Commissioner Joseph Pradetto affirmed that the restaurant does not have to be open until 2:00 a.m., and that they could be open at any time during the hours specified. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. Vice Chair Campbell clarified that there is a condition that states no amplified music is allowed. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if amplified music relates to a live band or pre- recorded music. Mr. Swartz responded any live bands. However, the applicant would need to apply for a separate Entertainment Permit for music. He said with this Conditional Use Permit request, there is a condition that no amplified music is allowed. 3 G1Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Commissioner Pradetto commented that there is not a lot of space for amplified music. Chair Greenwood referred to the demarcation line shown on the plan, and noted that it is incorrect for the indication of liquor beverages on the patio. What needs to transpire is the column line to the glass line is where the demarcation line essentially should be located. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. Chair Greenwood inquired if there was any feedback from the adjacent business owners. Mr. Swartz responded that staff did not receive any feedback. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. MR. EDDIE SANIN, Alps Village owner, Palm Desert, California, commented that they have a huge support from the neighboring business owners, and they are excited to have a new restaurant in the area. Vice Chair Campbell asked the applicant if he owns another restaurant. MR. SANIN replied no. He informed the Commission that his family has owned a restaurant in Germany for 20 years. He commented that he is supporting his family, and opened the restaurant for them. Chair Greenwood asked the applicant what he foresees happening in the evenings on the outside patio. MR. SANIN answered that they plan on having sports events in the restaurant. He mentioned that business owners in the area like to stop by for a cold beverage and appetizers. He feels the restaurant would be a nice place and peaceful. Chair Greenwood asked if all televisions would be inside the establishment. MR. SANIN replied that is correct. Commissioner Del-una inquired if the television would be located centrally around the bar rather than on the exterior walls close to the outside of the building. MR. SANIN answered that the televisions are already hanging on the inside walls. am 4 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Mr. Swartz interjected that there is a television hanging above the bar. He referred to the plan, and pointed to the areas where other televisions are located. I Commissioner DeLuna asked if the televisions would all be on the same channel or different channels. MR. SANIN responded that the televisions could be set to different channels or events. Commissioner Pradetto asked the applicant if they are open for business. MR. SANIN replied yes. Commissioner Pradetto questioned why the application is before the Planning Commission. Mr. Bagato explained that per the ordinance, the applicant was initially approved for a small takeout restaurant (less than 2,000 square feet, with only 12 tables). However, during the construction process, the applicant decided to expand the restaurant. For a larger restaurant, the applicant needed a Conditional Use Permit. Commissioner DeLuna asked for the total capacity of the restaurant. MR. SANIN answered 49 inside and 24 on the patio. Chair Greenwood inquired if each one of the delineations for the patio seating is one seat. MR. SANIN replied yes. Chair Greenwood affirmed that parking is not a concern. Mr. Swartz replied that is correct. With no further testimony offered, Vice Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Pradetto commented that parking is always an issue. While looking over the staff report, he thought parking would be an issue. However, he never hears if there are adequate bike racks. He stated that they have a bias towards motor vehicles and accommodating vehicles, which encourages more vehicle use. He asked how the City could become more sustainable if they maintain a bias towards motor vehicles. tow Chair Greenwood agreed with Commissioner Pradetto. Because he works with development projects, he mentioned new projects moving forward are under 5 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx i MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 j review of the California Green Code. The code requires a ratio of the overall parking development to be allocated for bike racks. They are also seeing more mandatory electric car stations on commercial development. Vice Chair Campbell commented that most of the businesses in the area close at 5:00 p.m. and she does not see a problem with parking in the evening hours. Chair Greenwood thought it was a valid project for the location. His only concern would be noise for the residential homes. He stated that if the City receives noise complaints, the applicant would be sensitive and make the necessary adjustments to meet those concerns. Vice Chair Campbell moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2662, approving Case No. CUP 15-382, subject to conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Pradetto and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Pradetto; NOES: None). The Planning Commission congratulated the applicant, and thanked him for doing business in Palm Desert. B. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council for a Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) to modify Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 25 to allow beekeeping in single-family residential zones with certain regulations. Case No. ZOA 16-40 (City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert, California, Applicant). Mr. Bagato gave a PowerPoint presentation, reviewing the staff report (staff report is available at www.citvofpalmdesert.org). He offered to answer any questions. Commissioner Pradetto asked how far bees travel from the beehive. Mr. Bagato responded that bees could travel up to three miles, but generally one to two miles. Commissioner Pradetto questioned if the flight path could be controlled. Mr. Bagato said that you cannot control the flight path. He noted that the beehive entrance must face away from adjacent neighbors. Commissioner Pradetto asked if a six-foot wall is significant to control the bees. Mr. Bagato replied probably not. He said other ordinances he researched required a six-foot wall. He mentioned that a wall does not have to be six feet. If a wall is four feet, they could add landscaping. 6 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Commissioner Pradetto inquired if re-queening every two years prevents swarming. Mr. Bagato responded that re-queening could help prevent or reduce the possibility of bees swarming. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if there were any comments related to the re- queening provision. Mr. Bagato said that one of the subcommittee members was in favor of the provision of re-queening every two years. However, he talked to a planner for the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica, originally had the provision in the ordinance, but they decided to remove it. Experienced beekeepers wanted the flexibility of re-queening, if the beehive(s) was doing well. Commissioner Pradetto asked if the subcommittee considered that by targeting novice beekeepers, they may be penalizing some of the more seasoned and experienced beekeepers that know when the queen does need to be changed. Mr. Bagato answered that one of the subcommittee members has been a beekeeper for 30 years, and he recommended the two-year re-queening. He said the provision is meant to be an enforcement issue, if there is a nuisance with a swarm. Commissioner Pradetto questioned how the changing of a queen is monitored. Mr. Bagato explained that a beekeeper must maintain adequate records and show proof of re-queening. Commissioner Pradetto clarified that a beekeeper would be forced to buy a queen and present a receipt or records. Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. Commissioner Pradetto assumed that swarming could be exacerbated by poor beekeeping practices. However, good beekeeping practices would limit swarming regardless of what other provisions are added to the ordinance. Mr. Bagato believed that to be correct. He noted that bees swarm if a beehive gets too big. There is a provision that would allow a beekeeper to bring in a temporary beehive to help eliminate a swarm or catch a swarm. He stated that the provisions are extreme precautions in the event a beehive(s) become a nuisance. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if the ordinance applies to the hillside areas. Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. 7 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Commissioner Pradetto asked if a beekeeper had a five-acre property, would they be limited to four beehives. .r Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. He said that currently there is no limit in the Residential Estates or Hillside zones. Staff developed one standard for two or four beehives. Commissioner Pradetto commented that for a property on the hillside and it is five acres, the ordinance states the beehives should be in the backyard which is not applicable for the hillside. Mr. Bagato agreed that the hillside is a little subjective. Commissioner Pradetto asked if there was any discussion regarding beehives in the backyard for hillside properties. Mr. Bagato replied no. He said the terrain dictates the development in general. Commissioner DeLuna pointed to a picture of a beehive in the PowerPoint presentation, and asked if that it is a typical beehive. Mr. Bagato replied that it is a type of beehive. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there are an average number of bees in any particular beehive. Mr. Bagato replied he did not know. He mentioned that beehive supers could be added, which could increase the size of the beehive. Commissioner DeLuna stated that theoretically a beekeeper could have two beehives on a 20,000-square-foot lot; however, the beehives could be gigantic and have thousands of bees within two beehives to accomplish the same as four smaller beehives. She asked if that is correct. Or could you limit the number of bees kept in the size of the beehive? Mr. Bagato responded that they are not limiting the number of bees. If a beehive would get too big, it would probably swarm and create another beehive. He noted that he does not have that specific information. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there are bee farms. Mr. Bagato replied that there are bee farms. Bee farms are usually associated with regular farms because they help pollinate the crops. He communicated there is still a major decline, and most of the commercial beekeeping is done on farms. He referred to an article included in the staff report, and noted that urban beekeeping is doing better than agriculture beekeeping. One reason is there is a .rri lack of pesticides in an urban environment. 8 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Commissioner DeLuna asked if the City would check on the beehives that they are in compliance. What are the recourses if a beekeeper violates the ordinance? Mr. Bagato said that if the City receives a complaint, the beehive would have to be inspected by a Code Officer or a Planner to make sure the beehive(s) meet the regulations. If the beehive is considered a nuisance, the City would fine the beekeeper and could ultimately have the beehive removed. He stated that they are not going to require the registration of beehives, and they would not go out to inspect the beehive when they first come in. The only time they would inspect a beehive is when there is a complaint. Commissioner DeLuna asked how the two-year re-queening process would be monitored. Mr. Bagato communicated that if there is a complaint, the beekeeper would be asked to provide documentation of the re-queening. He noted that if the queen is purchased, the beekeeper would need to keep a copy of the receipt. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if the City could have a beekeeper remove their operation, if they do not comply. Mr. Bagato responded that if a beehive is a nuisance and not deemed appropriate to code, the City could have it removed through an abatement process. Commissioner DeLuna understood that staff researched the Administrative Use Permit and Conditional Use Permit process, and asked if staff decided against that process. Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. He said the subcommittee discussed the permit process, and they felt it was best to introduce the ordinance and allow backyard beekeeping. If any issues would arise, staff could make modifications to the ordinance in the future. He mentioned that the subcommittee believes there would not be a lot of people that would want to do beekeeping. Commissioner DeLuna affirmed that staff could modify or introduce new regulations, if there was a need to change the ordinance. For example, adding the Administrative Use Permit process. Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. Vice Chair Campbell asked if the only complaints would come from the surrounding neighbors. Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. 9 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Vice Chair Campbell asked if the bees fly two to three miles, how do they know which beehive is theirs. Mr. Bagato responded that the bees are tied to the queen, and they know how to communicate with each other. Therefore, they know which beehive is theirs. Chair Greenwood questioned if there was any feedback on time that would need to be allocated by Code Compliance by having backyard beekeeping as part of the ordinance. Mr. Bagato replied no. He said that other cities allowing backyard beekeeping have not had many issues. He communicated that the biggest issue is perception. If the City required an Administrative Use Permit, they would need to notify the neighbors and consequently the neighbors would get scared without realizing what is really happening with the bees. Other Cities he talked to said it was a matter of educating the public, which he plans to work on. Chair Greenwood asked what the City is going to do in terms of educating the public. Mr. Bagato explained that once the ordinance is approved by the City Council, it would be published in the newspaper for 30 days. When the ordinance goes into effect, there would be a public release (newspaper and media), City's website, handouts, and the BrightSide. Chair Greenwood commented that if someone is going to buy a home and they do their due diligence in terms of purchasing the home, there would be nothing to let them know that an adjacent homeowner is a beekeeper by right of the zone. He asked if there was any major conflict when staff did their research. Mr. Bagato responded that other cities he spoke to did not have any issues. He stated that people have to take precautions if they are allergic to bees; bees could be anywhere in the environment. Chair Greenwood questioned if the ordinance needs to specifically state the size of a beehive. Mr. Bagato responded that he could research the size of beehives before it goes to the City Council. Commissioner Del-una interjected that she feels the size of a beehive is a valid issue. Vice Chair Campbell asked if there is a requirement in the ordinance that a beekeeper must notify the neighbors of the beehives. am Mr. Bagato replied no. 10 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx i MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Commissioner Pradetto asked if the City has received complaints about unpermitted beekeeping now. Mr. Bagato responded that staff received an inquiry to find out if beekeeping was allowed on a 10,000-square-foot lot because the beekeeper notified his neighbors to let them know of the beehives. He noted there was not an issue with the beehives; the neighbor was worried having a beehive next door. Commissioner Pradetto clarified that the only way they would find out about a beehive being a nuisance is through a complaint. Mr. Bagato replied yes. Commissioner DeLuna asked if beekeepers would be allowed to have a honey business out of their home. Mr. Bagato answered yes. He said it is allowed by the State of California. However, with a Home Base Business Permit, the City requires that the sale of honey is done online, at a farmer's market, or street fairs. Chair Greenwood asked if there would be a benefit for the beekeeper to notify the adjacent homeowners. Mr. Bagato responded that the subcommittee did not want to add a regulation to the ordinance that a beekeeper must notify the adjacent homeowners. In his personal opinion, it would be good for a neighbor to know. However, it would create an objection for an issue that is not an issue. He repeated again it has a lot to do with perception. Chair Greenwood voiced his concern about not being notified by a neighbor that is a beekeeper, and inquired if the subcommittee should discuss the matter further. Mr. Bagato said that at this point the subcommittee made their recommendation to not have a requirement to notify the neighbors. The Planning Commission could support the recommendation, deny the recommendation, or recommend changes to the ordinance. He explained that he would add it to the staff report to the City Council, and they could discuss the notification process to neighbors. Commissioner DeLuna asked what the subcommittee's objection to the notification or disclosure is. Mr. Bagato responded that if there is a notification, inherently the neighbor(s) would be opposed to the beehive(s). If they are not notified, there is a chance there would not be an issue. I.I. 11 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Vice Chair Campbell inquired if there is an issue, could the beehive be removed from the property? No Mr. Bagato replied yes, if the beehive is deemed a health or public safety issue. The City could have the beehive removed through an abatement process. Chair Greenwood expressed the importance of educating the public, and noted that he would like to be notified if his neighbor was going to do beekeeping in his backyard. Commissioner DeLuna commented that in theory, if there were 10 houses in a row, she asked if all 10 houses could have beehives. Mr. Bagato replied that is correct. Commissioner DeLuna recognized the necessity of bees to the environment and understands the benefits. She voiced her concern of neighbors not being notified that beehive(s) are next door to them. Mr. Bagato reiterated that if the Planning Commission recommended changes to the ordinance, he would address the changes in his staff report to the City Council. Commissioner Pradetto asked how many other cities required notification of beehive(s) based on staffs research. Mr. Bagato responded that he studied approximately 12 ordinances, and about half of them required a permit or notification. Commissioner Pradetto also asked if staff talked to those cities about the permit and notification process. Mr. Bagato replied he only talked to a city in the Los Angeles area. They required a permit, but he does not recall if they required notification. Commissioner Pradetto inquired if there is a list of people that want to start backyard beekeeping once the ordinance goes into effect. Mr. Bagato replied no. Vice Chair Campbell commented that she does not feel comfortable having too many homes with beehives in one area. She said a certain amount of beehives should be allowed per square miles. Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing open and asked for any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. 12 GAPlanning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 With no testimony offered, Vice Chair Greenwood declared the public hearing closed. Commissioner Pradetto asked staff if anyone could have a garage band in a residential area. Mr. Bagato replied technically that is correct. Commissioner Pradetto noted that technically everyone in his neighborhood could have a garage band. He pointed out that people have the right to do it; however, not everyone is going to have a garage band. He feels the same for beekeeping; not everyone is going to be a beekeeper. Commissioner Pradetto stated that the only people that are going to do beekeeping are the people who care enough to do it well. Realistically, he does not see a neighborhood full of bees. If someone wants to do beekeeping on the property they own by right, he supports the ordinance. Chair Greenwood commented that he would support the ordinance if beekeepers notify adjacent homeowners, and asked staff to further research the size of beehives. Following a brief discussion on the size of beehives, Commissioner Pradetto believed that the subcommittee wanted a hands-off approach. He felt that they should give people the freedom to do what they know how to do, and punish the bad actors. He said that they could do that in the ordinance, and focus more on penalizing the nuisances rather than trying to regulate everything in the hope that nuisances never occur. Commissioner DeLuna acknowledges the benefit bees are to the environment, and the need to increase the bee population in the country and in the City of Palm Desert. However, she is concerned not knowing what the size a beehive could be. She stated that she would also like some type of notification. She supported the ordinance, but is concerned for the public that is allergic to bee stings. Commissioner Pradetto interjected and moved to 1) Add a notification process to adjacent property owners; 2) Make a correction to Exhibit A; Item C; No. 5, changing 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet; 3) Amend the Planning Commission resolution to allow a maximum of eight (8) beehives on hillside properties that are five (5) acres or larger. Commissioner DeLuna asked if all hillside lots are larger than ordinary residential lots. Commissioner Pradetto responded that large lots are mandatory five acres minimum. 13 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Mr. Bagato noted that not all lots are five acres. There are some lots in BIGHORN and Stone Eagle that are smaller than five acres, which they both have Development Plans and are exempt from different regulations. Commissioner Pradetto continued with his motion to 4) Remove the requirement to re-queen beehive colonies every two (2) years; and 5) Remove the requirement to have a six-foot fence/wall. Vice Chair Campbell stated it is currently mandatory to have a six-foot wall. Mr. Bagato clarified that a six-foot wall is mandatory for new construction. Commissioner DeLuna asked why they should remove the provision to re-queen every two years. She inquired if it is punitive. Mr. Bagato replied it could be punitive if the beehive is a nuisance. Commissioner Pradetto stated that if a beekeeper is operating and not bothering anybody, why require beekeepers to change their practices. If the beehive(s) become a nuisance, the beekeeper would get penalized. Commissioner DeLuna asked if it is difficult to re-queen. Commissioner Pradetto responded that he understood it is not necessary, and beekeepers would prefer not to change a queen that is doing the job. If the queen is not doing the job, then they change the queen. Commissioner DeLuna stated she does not have a problem with a six-foot fence because she is allergic to bee stings. Chair Greenwood interjected that the provision also allows for a landscape barrier. Commissioner Pradetto moved to waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2663, approving Case No. ZOA 16-40, with the following amendments: 1) Add a notification process to adjacent property owners; 2) Make a correction to Exhibit A; Item C; No. 5, changing 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet; 3) Amend the Planning Commission resolution to add a provision to allow a maximum of eight (8) beehives on hillside properties that are five (5) acres or larger; and 4) Remove the requirement to re-queen beehive colonies every two (2) years. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Campbell and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Pradetto; NOES: None). Chair Greenwood thanked the subcommittee and staff for working on the beekeeping ordinance. .rr 14 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 XI. MISCELLANEOUS A. APPOINTMENT of a Planning Commissioner to the Cannabis Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Mr. Bagato reported that the City Council approved the ordinance to prohibit cannabis dispensaries and cultivation. However, they requested that staff removes the prohibition on the delivery of medical marijuana. He made clear that it does not technically allow delivery at this time. The City Council also requested that staff form a Cannabis Ad Hoc Subcommittee to address the delivery of medical marijuana. Chair Greenwood responded that he would be fine being on the subcommittee, unless another Commissioner was more interested. Commissioner DeLuna moved to appoint Chair Greenwood to the Cannabis Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Campbell and carried by a 4-0 vote (AYES: Campbell, DeLuna, Greenwood, and Pradetto; NOES: None). XII. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Vice Chair Campbell reported that the Art in Public Places Commission selected an artist to create a design for two traffic signal cabinets on the corner of Magnesia Falls Drive and Portola Avenue. They also selected an artist to be included in the registry. B. PARKS & RECREATION None C. GENERAL PLAN & SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE Mr. Bagato informed the Planning Commission that staff met with legal counsel to discuss concerns with the Environmental Impact Report. The remainder of the General Plan is moving forward. He mentioned he is working on a Specific Plan that is tied to the General Plan. XIII. COMMENTS Commissioner DeLuna commented that she wanted to go back to the beekeeping item. She asked if anything was added about determining the size of beehives. ••. Mr. Bagato responded that the direction from Chair Greenwood was to further study the size of beehives, which he would do before it goes to the City Council. 15 GAPlanningWonica OReilly\Planning Commission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Chair Greenwood asked for an update on the empty seat for the Planning Commission. Mr. Bagato replied that the City Clerk recently put a notice in The Desert Sun for the vacancy. It would probably take another month to fill the seat. Commissioner DeLuna inquired if there is an interview process. Mr. Bagato said there is usually an interview with the City Council. XIV. ADJOURNMENT With the Planning Commission concurrence, Chair Greenwood adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m. '1 i JO REEN"CHAIRN ATTEST: RYAN STENDELL, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION MONICA O'REILLY, RECORDIN SECRETARY wr 16 G1Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Comm ission\2016\Minutes\2-16-16.docx