HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-08-14MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 1986
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Kelly
III. INVOCATION - Councilman Snyder
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Councilmember Jean Benson
Councilman Walter H. Snyder
Councilman S. Roy Wilson
Mayor Richard S. Kelly
Also Present:
Bruce A. Altman, City Manager
Doug Phillips, Deputy City Attorney
Carlos L. Ortega, Assistant City Manager
Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/P.I.O.
Mary P. Frazier, Deputy City Clerk
Kirby J. Warner, Director of General Services
Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Community Services
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Adjourned City Council Meeting of
August 1, 1986.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrant
Nos. WR0701, WR0707, WR0704, 86193E, WR0615, WR0713,
WR0618, and WR0716.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Raphael V.
Shapiro for Raphael's, 73-131 Country Club Drive, C-9,
Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by David S.
Forman for B.B. O'Brien's, 72-185 Painters Path, Palm
Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT as of June 30, 1986.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 86-86 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH ITS
FINDINGS AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF FILES FROM
THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY THAT HAVE BEEN
MICROFILMED.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
G. RESOLUTION NO. 86-87 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH ITS
FINDINGS AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF FILES FROM
THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY THAT HAVE BEEN
MICROFILMED.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt.
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H. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Joint Use Agreement (#00-144)
with Southern California Edison Company in Conjunction
with the North Sphere Assessment District.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, authorize the Mayor to enter
into a Joint Use Agreement with Southern
California Edison Company (#00-144) in
conjunction with the North Sphere Assessment
District No. 84-1.
I. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Final Tract Map 21493 (Willow
Industrial II).
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
86-88, approving Tract Map 21493.
J. RESOLUTION NO. 86-89 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY INTO
THE CITY STREET SYSTEM.
Rec:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
86-89, accepting a portion of Portola Avenue
into the City street system.
K. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Orders Nos. 1 and 2 for
Palm Desert Fire Station #3 Construction Contract #00-145
(1098).
Rec:
By Minute Motion, approve Change Orders Nos. 1
and 2 in the amount of ($12,120) and $13,443
respectively, totalling an increase of $1,323
to the construction contract.
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Payment for Final Billing of
1985/86 Sheriff Contract #00-016-1.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, appropriate $108,750 to the
Sheriff contractual services account from the
unobligated General Fund balance of Fiscal Year
1985/86.
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M. CLAIM AGAINST THE CITY by E. L. Yeager Construction
Company, Inc., for Indemnity in the Amount of $125,000.
Rec: Deny the Claim and Instruct the City Clerk to
so advise the Claimant.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, the Consent Calendar
was approved as presented by unanimous vote of the Council.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
MRS. CAROL ROBINSON, 40-224 Sagewood, Palm Desert, addressed
the Council relative to a proposed development by Germain
Development Co., Inc., which would be located behind her
property. She submitted copies of letters written by other
property owners in the area (on file and of record In the City
Clerk's Office). She stated that the homeowners were not
opposed to the development itself; however, they did oppose
the grading level and the height of the pads, which would
result in an 11 foot wall being built. She showed the Council
pictures of the area (on file and of record in the City
Clerk's Office) and asked for assistance in thfs matter.
Upon question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Diaz responded that the
grading plans had been returned to the developer earlier in
the week indicating corrections were required to lower the
grade closer to that of the existing grade of adjacent
properties and assuring that proper drainage was obtained. He
added that the developer was not happy with it at this point
but would not be able to obtain a grading permit unless he was
willing to conform to this grading plan at two feet lower than
he had proposed.
Mrs. Robinson stated that this would be acceptable to the
homeowners.
MR. STUART NAZARRO, 49-037 Mariposa, Palm Desert, Manager of
Coachella Valley Television, addressed Council and asked that
he be allowed to speak when the Council considered Item D
under New Business.
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MR. LEONE SANBORN, 250 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach,
asked that he be allowed to speak when the Council considered
Item A under New Business.
Mayor Kelly stated that both gentlemen would be allowed to
speak at the time these items were considered.
VII. RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 86-90 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING CHANGES
AND MODIFICATIONS IN PROCEEDINGS AND ASSESSMENTS IN A
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO THE "MUNICIPAL
IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1913".
Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report and recommendation
and offered to answer any questions.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Benson, Resolution No. 86-90
was adopted by unanimous vote of the Council.
VIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 468 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AMENDING SECTION 25.56.302 TO CHAPTER
25 OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE. CASE NO. ZOA 86-4.
Mr. Diaz recommended that this ordinance be passed to
second reading as indicated in the staff report dated
August 14, 1986.
Upon motion by Benson, second by Snyder, and unanimous vote of
the Council, Ordinance No. 468 was passed to second reading.
For Adoption:
None
IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
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X. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FROM SANBORN F. RYLEE FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF
THE MATTER OF PAYMENT/NON-PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES IN
RELATION TO A PROPOSED 77 UNIT CONGREGATE CARE FACILITY.
Mr. Phillips stated that Resolution No. 84-29 was
currently in effect which provided that no building
permits would be issued for development unless and until
certain fees necessary to mitigate school impact were
paid. He felt there might be a problem granting this
appeal unless the City were to rescind the resolution.
He recommended that the Council direct the applicant to
take this matter up with the Desert Sands Unified School
District. If the District agreed to a reduction or
waiver of the fees and sent a letter to the City to that
effect, the City would honor such letter.
MR. LEONE SANBORN, 250 Newport Center Drive, Newport
Beach, stated that his firm had been advised by the
Planning Department that the proposed facility would be
exempt from school fees and that there was a letter from
the School District to that effect. He had not seen the
letter but stated he had been told that Dr. Ken Meberg of
the School District had subsequently sent a second letter
rescinding the first one. He added that he had met with
Dr. Meberg and requested that this matter be taken up with
the School Board, which has indicated that this is a
problem for the Palm Desert City Council to resolve. He
reviewed his letter dated July 29, 1986 (on file and of
record in the City Clerk's Office). He added that he
had also been informed that the Attorney General had
ruled that this type of facility is exempt from school
fees.
Mr. Phillips suggested that a meeting be set up between
the School District, City of Palm Desert, and City
Attorney's Office to try and resolve this problem.
Councilman Snyder agreed with Mr. Phillips and added that
the City receives none of the money collected for school
fees. He felt that the developer did have an indebtedness
unless the School District chose to waive or reduce the
fees.
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Mayor Kelly suggested that the City Manager set up this
meeting to discuss the issue and provide Mr. Sanborn with
information as to what will be done from this point on.
Mr. Altman stated that he had talked to the School
Superintendent who advised that the fees must be paid.
He felt that this should not be continued; instead, the
appeal should be denied based on the effective resolution.
If during the meeting the School District decides to
waive or reduce the fees, this could be done admin-
istratively.
Upon question by Councilman Wilson, Mr. Phillips stated
that if the Attorney General's Office had ruled that
these facilities are exempt from paying school fees, he
believed it could also be handled administratively.
Upon question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Phillips stated he
would prefer recommending denial of the appeal rather
than a continuance and immediately have a meeting with
the School District to discuss this matter. If it cannot
be handled administratively, then it should be brought
back to the Council for reconsideration.
Councilman Wilson moved to deny the appeal by Sanborn & Rylee
for consideration of nonpayment of school impact fees. Motion was
seconded by Benson and carried by unanimous vote of the Council.
B. CONSIDERATION OF CHANGE IN TRAFFIC CONTROLS AT THE
INTERSECTION OF SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE AND TUMBLEWEED LANE.
Mr. Folkers reviewed the staff report and recommendation.
Mr. Altman noted that the staff report indicated Joshua
Road when it should be Joshua Tree Road.
Councilman Snyder moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Change the
street status and make Tumbleweed Lane a through street between Shadow
Mountain Drive and Ocotillo Drive; 2) Replace the stop sign for
Tumbleweed Lane at Joshua Tree Road with a yield sign; and 3) Make the
four-way stop at the intersection of Shadow Mountain Drive and Tumbleweed
Lane a permanent stop. Motion was seconded by Wilson and carried by
unanimous vote of the Council.
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C. REQUEST FOR AWARD OF CONTRACT #00-146 FOR DESIGN SERVICES
OF THE LIVING DESERT BIKEWAY AND MARRAKESH LINEAR PARK.
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report, noting that due to
time limits by Riverside County Transportation Commission
and Caltrans, the City must proceed at this time.
Upon questions by Councilmembers Benson and Wilson, Mr.
Altman responded that although ASL Consulting Engineers
was not the low bidder for this contract, they did have
the drainage background necessary for the project. He
added that staff had met with the firm submitting the
lowest proposal, and they had admitted they did not have
the drainage background to do this job. He noted that
the low bidder had previously been awarded other contracts
for the City which they were qualified to do.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, award the
design contract for the above contract to ASL Consulting Engineers
in the amount of $51,035 with a ten percent contingency. Motion was
seconded by Snyder and carried by unanimous vote.
D. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO EMPLOY KINLEY SIMPSON AND
ASSOCIATES FOR CONSULTING SERVICES IN CITY'S PETITION TO
THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION (CONTRACT #00-147).
Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report and recommendation
dated August 4, 1986, noting that the City's ability to
regulate rates charged cable television subscribers will
stop on December 29, 1986, unless a firm is hired to
determine that we do not receive three television signals
per criteria established under the Cable Television Act of
1984. He added that the firm hired by the City would also
file a petition with the FCC stating those stations they
determine to be significantly viewed signals are not
available in the Valley except through Coachella Valley
Television. He stated that representatives from Kinley
Simpson and Associates were available to answer any
questions.
MR. STUART NAZARRO, General Manager of Coachella Valley
Television, reviewed his letter dated August 11, 1986
(on file and of record in the City Clerk's Office).
He stated that his company would only raise rates to what
they would have been if they were still regulated. He
added that he felt they had done a good job in providing
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cable television for the Coachella Valley and did not
want to get into any situation which could possibly lead
to litigation or any FCC hearing.
Mr. Altman stated that he had attended several meetings
with the cable people, attorneys, and Mr. Ortega. He
felt the only way to regulate rates was to follow the
steps outlined in the staff report and file with the FCC.
Councilman Wilson stated that Mr. Nazarro's proposal
assured that cable rates would be the same for one year.
However, there is no assurance that they would not sky-
rocket after that one year.
Upon question by Councilman Wilson, Mr. Ortega responded
that even if the rates were increased as proposed by Mr.
Nazarro, under State law the City cannot hold them to it.
He added that one of the items investigated was whether
or not the City could work out a side agreement with CVTV,
and they are specifically prohibited from giving up those
rights.
Upon question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Ortega responded that
the firm could proceed with the engineering study and
provide its results to the Council prior to receiving
approval to file with the FCC.
Councilmember Benson moved to, by Minute Motion, hire the firm
of Kinley Simpson and Associates to perform the engineering study as
outlined in Step 1 of their proposal dated May 8, 1986, and to report
back to the Council with the results prior to receiving Council approval
to file a petition with the FCC. Motion was seconded by Wilson and
carried by unanimous vote.
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
XII. OLD BUSINESS
A. REPORT ON TELEPHONE SYSTEM.
Mr. Warner reviewed his memo dated August 4, 1986, noting
that staff recommended approval of the power transfer
system with eight trunk lines which would be automatically
activated during a major system failure, such as in the
recent earthquake. He added that Executone would be
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doing monthly testing of the system and had put the City
within a two-hour response time. Staff also recommended
waiting on the UPS power supply system until the generator
system can be looked at.
Council concurred with the staff report and instructed Mr.
Warner to proceed with plans as outlined.
XIII. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
Mr. Altman reported he had received a letter from Mr.
Robert M. Barton of Charter Communities dated August 13,
1986, requesting an informal meeting with the City Council
regarding senior housing overlay zoning.
Mr. Diaz stated this project was scheduled to be
considered by the Planning Commission at its next meeting;
however, since the request was for a change in the
development agreement, the matter would be continued to
the first Planning Commission meeting in September.
Councflmember Benson stated she felt the middle of a
project was not the time to start raising concerns with
the ordinance and that the developer should either
continue the project as started or withdraw and begfn
again.
Mayor Kelly expressed his feeling that no one should be
denied an opportunity to meet with the Council. He felt
if they wanted to speak with the entire Council, it
should be done at a Council meeting. However, there
would be no problem if the developer wished to meet with
one Councflmember and staff.
After additional discussion, Council concurred that no special
meeting or study session would be held; however, if Mr. Barton wished
to meet with staff and a Council representative, he could do so.
B. CITY ATTORNEY
1. Rent Review Commission
Mr. Phillips stated that at a previous meeting,
Councflmember Benson had asked Mr. Dave Erwin to
look into the matter of changing the base month used
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in the City's rent control ordinance. He distributed
copies of the report (on file and of record in the
City Clerk's Office). He noted that there were
several parks which had already gone through the
hearing process. At the next hearing in each of
those parks, it would be necessary to modify the base
figures that the Rent Review Commission works from.
2. Mr. Phillips requested a Closed Session under
Government Code Section 54956.9 (c) for the purpose
of discussing pending litigation.
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Councilman Wilson stated his concern with traffic
travelling south on Monterey. Once it crosses
Country Club Drive, there is only one lane going
south, while there are two lanes going north. He
felt there was sufficient pavement for two lanes,
especially since there was a yellow turn lane with
no place to turn in most of that area. He asked if
staff could work with the City of Rancho Mirage to
change this situation.
Mr. Folkers responded that he would look into this
matter.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, and unanimous vote of
the Council, Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting at 5:19 p.m. to Closed
Session under Government Code Section 54956.9 (c) for the purpose of
discussing pending litigation, said Closed Session to immediately follow
adjournment of the Redevelopment Agency Meeting. He reconvened the
meeting at 6:05 p.m. with no action taken or announced and immediately
recessed for dinner. The City Council meeting was reconvened at 7:00
p.m.
XIV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
None
XV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
MRS. RHEO LAWMAN, 73-816 De Anza, Palm Desert, addressed the
Council regarding the deterioration of her neighborhood east
of Portola on De Anza Way, which she called a "slum area".
She passed around pictures of the neighborhood (on file and of
record in the City Clerk's Office) and asked for the Council's
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s a a s • s a a • s s a a a a s s s s s •-- -i • • +
help. She added that she felt there should be some kind of
homeowners' regulations which state that people have to take
care of their property. She also was concerned with businesses
being conducted out of residences on De Anza.
Mayor Kelly agreed that it was an unsightly situation and
assured Mrs. Lawman that this Palma Village area had been
identified as a target area to be upgraded in the next year or
two. He added that he would work with staff to see what could
be done in the interim to clean up the area.
Upon question by Councilmember Benson, Mrs. Lawman stated that
there was a gardening service which was working out of that
area again.
Mr. Altman suggested inviting Mrs. Lawman to go out with Mr.
Wayne Ramsey of the Code Compliance Department and point out
these areas of concern, and she agreed to do so.
XVI. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
None
XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION CONDITION
FOR THE PAYMENT OF SCHOOL IMPACT FEES FOR A SIX UNIT
SENIOR HOUSING APARTMENT PROJECT. (HARRY SCHMITZ,
APPELLANT).
Mr. Phillips reported that Resolution 84-29 currently
requires that these fees be collected at the time building
permits are issued unless there is an agreement between
the applicant and the School District to the contrary.
He recommended that a resolution be adopted denying the
appeal based on the fact that the school impact fee
resolution is still in effect.
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open and invited
testimony fn FAVOR of or OPPOSED to this appeal.
With no testimony offered, Mayor Kelly declared the
public hearing closed.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, Resolution No. 86-91,
denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission decision, was
adopted by unanimous vote of the Council.
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B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN,
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP, AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRON-
MENTAL IMPACT FOR A 149,600 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL/COMMERCIAL
SHOPPING CENTER CONSISTING OF 18 LOTS WITH INGRESS/EGRESS
AND PARKING EASEMENTS ON A 15.2 ACRE SITE, ZONED PC (3)
S.P. LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN CENTER WAY BETWEEN
HIGHWAY 111 AND FRED WARING DRIVE (AHMANSON DEVELOPMENTS,
APPLICANT).
Mr. Diaz stated that this request had been called up for
Council review because of the sensitivity of the area
involved. Staff and the Commission had had reservations
about the project, but changes were made by the applicant
to mitigate these concerns. He noted that the applicant
would be installing a theme sculpture in accordance with
the newly proposed Art in Public Places ordinance and
that they were talking to Sunline about incorporating a
bus stop as it would be to their benefit as well as to
Sunline`s.
He reviewed Conditions 9, 12, 14, 17, and 19 as imposed
by the Planning Commission, all of which had been added
or amended to mitigate concerns raised. He noted too
that the height of two proposed towers had been reduced
to the limit of 30 feet. However, the Architectural
Review Commission recommended that the City Council allow
the requested 40 feet for aesthetic purposes.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in FAVOR of the request, and the
following spoke:
MR. ROY COLEMAN, Ahmanson Company, stated his firm had
worked with staff over a three month period as well as
with the Architectural Review commission. He said that
they agreed to adhere to all conditions of approval
imposed by the Planning Commission and asked that the
City Council grant approval.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in OPPOSITION to the request,
and the following spoke.
MS. MARIAN HENDERSON, 73-597 Pinyon Street, Palm Desert,
opposed the project for the following reasons: its
approval should not be considered during the summer
months when so many people were not in town; the towers
were too high and will block the view of the mountains
and would be an eyesore; the block wall which she felt
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should be a fence with shrubbery growing on it. She
concluded her remarks by saying she felt that too many of
the new buildings on Highway 111 stuck up like sore
thumbs and asked that Council be more careful in its
future approvals.
Mayor Kelly invited further testimony, and none was offered.
He closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Benson said that this whole area was
expanding so rapidly that she could not understand how
the City could say this project would not have a negative
impact on the traffic in the area. She said that Council
should not be looking at one project but the area as a
whole. She did not feel that three feet of berms ng was
high enough to hide the parking from the street. Last,
she opposed the bell towers. She noted that the Town
Center did not have them but was attractive enough. She
asked if staff knew who the tenants of this project would
be.
MR. GREG SIMON, Ahmanson Company, responded that firms
such as Mervyns, Lamps Plus, Linens and Things, Ross
Stores, Marshalls, and Craft Mart were all being
considered as tenants.
Upon question by Councilman Snyder, Mr. Diaz responded
that the widening of Highway 111 and additional signaliza-
tion will accommodate the traffic for this project.
At the request of the applicant and with concurrence from
the City Council, Mayor Kelly reopened the public hearing.
MR. CURT ELI, 38-700 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage,
stated that they had been working on this project for
over three months, with staff, the Architectural Review
Commission, and the Planning Commission. He said they
had voluntarily lowered the towers. With regard to an
EIR on the entire area, he said that their project would
not create a substantial adverse impact on the
environment.
MR. RICK GAYLORD, 199 S. Las Roples, Pasadena, said that
the parking lot for their project was lower than the site
across the street and that it would be adequately
screened. He said they felt that a berm was a much softer
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way of screening. He too said that the developer had
voluntarily lowered the towers.
Mayor Kelly declared the hearing closed.
Councilman Wilson stated that while the issue was raised
that this project was being considered at the wrong time
of year with rebuttal that it had been in for three
months, in reality, it was being considered for a year.
It started with Mervyns and a zone change to commercial.
It had been back and forth between Architectural Review
Commission and Planning Commission for months, so he
could not buy the timing argument. He said he too
disliked tall structures and would like to see buildings
lower. With regard to the berming, he said he would like
the parking screened from the street and if three feet
would accomplish this, then three feet should be a
sufficient condition. He concluded by stating that
this project had been worked over as much or more than any
project in the City and that it had been thoroughly
reviewed. He felt that a lot of fine effort had been
made to address the City concerns.
Councilman Snyder agreed that it was unfortunate that the
final approval came during the summer but noted that the
City could no longer consider itself seasonal but rather
a year-round city. He felt that the developer had
attempted to alleviate all the City's concerns and while
it was not everything he would like, it was a good
compromise. He said the traffic problems discussed were
not just a City problem but rather a valley -wide problem,
and he said the widening of Highway 111 with Rancho
Mirage would alleviate many of these problems.
Upon further discussion about the berming, Councilman
Wilson asked if the condition could be worded to require
three feet or more, subject to the approval of the
Directors of Community Services and Public Works. Doug
Phillips responded that this could be incorporated. Mr.
Diaz recommended that the following conditions be amended
to mitigate Council concerns:
23. Plans for all pad sites shall be submitted to the
City Council for approval after review by the
Architectural Review Commission.
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12. Special attention shall be given to assure that cars
are adequately screened even if higher berming is
needed.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Benson, Resolution No. 86-92,
amended to include revised Conditions 12 and 23, was adopted by unanimous
vote of the City Council.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CHANGE OF ZONE, PRECISE PLAN OF
DESIGN, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP, AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A
RETAIL/RESORT COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF SOME 90,636 SQUARE
FEET ON A NINE ACRE SITE LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER
OF FRED WARING DRIVE AND HIGHWAY 111 (JOE SEITZ,
APPLICANT).
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and recommendation,
noting that the Commission, In its review and approval of
the project, had dealt with concerns about the building
heights, a farmers market, a service station, and drive
through restaurants. He said that the drive through
restaurants had been eliminated because current City
policy prohibited them. He said that concerns about the
other items had been mitigated by the developer. He
suggested that the Council add a condition of approval
that would require: "buildings on the independent pads
be brought to the City Council for final approval after
Architectural Review Commission approval." He concluded
by stating that both staff and the Planning Commission
recommended approval of the project.
Councilman Wilson stated there was over 47,000 sq. ft. of
commercial uses in this project, and he did not think that
it fit into the PC4 zone. He asked if that was discussed
at the Planning Commission and if so, what were some of
the conclusions that justified these uses in the PC4 zone.
Mr. Diaz responded that the Commission had concluded that
the hotel project and this project were one entire project
and that these buildings were ancillary to the hotel.
Councilmember Benson said she did not consider a grocery
store an ancillary use to a hotel.
Planning Commission Chairman Buford Crites said that the
Commission felt that the farmers' market was unique and
would be good adjacent to a hotel. In response, Council -
member Benson said she had visited the Christian Bros.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 14, 1986
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Farmers' Market and felt it was nothing more than a
Jensen's Market or Safeway Market -- a grocery store.
Mayor Kelly declared the hearing open and invited testimony,
and the following spoke in FAVOR of the project.
MR. BRUCE GREEN, Protect Manager, addressed Council in
support of the request. He said that the farmers' market
was a unique concept and an appropriate use adjacent to a
hotel. He reviewed the changes they had made to the
project to mitigate Council concerns.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in OPPOSITION to the project,
and the following spoke:
MR. DAVE EVERS, 72-450 Manzanita, said he was an adjacent
neighbor of the project. His neighborhood had a traffic
problem now, and he felt a hotel would only make the
problem worse. He said he and his neighbors did not want
sidewalks from their area to this project as was proposed.
He also asked what this project would do to his property
values.
Mr. Diaz responded that there was not drive through or
walk through from this residential area. The sidewalk
that ran adjacent to the property could be eliminated if
the residents so desired it to be.
Mayor Kelly declared the hearing closed.
Counci lmember Benson said she did not feel the proposed
uses were in accordance with the PC4 zoning. She did not
feel the project was of the deluxe quality the City
wanted for its entrance.
Mayor Kelly said that this project was not in keeping
with the commercial uses the City wanted there. He said
there was another gas station across the street from
this project, and he did not feel the area needed two.
Councilman Snyder said he had a problem with the proposed
commercial uses in this PC4, Scenic Preservation zone.
He said that whatever goes on this property must take
into consideration there is a residential zone next to it
and it must protect it.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 14, 1986
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Councilman Wilson said that the project looked too heavy
to be just general retail. He said the intent of the PC4
zone is not what was being proposed; it was to be
auxilliary services to a hotel zone. He said to him a
farmers' market was an outdoor market with a festive
atmosphere, not a deluxe grocery store. He said he had a
problem with restaurants being as close to a residential
area as proposed in this project.
Councilmember Benson moved to instruct staff to prepare a resolution
of denial and to refer the matter to the Planning Commission for comment,
said comments and resolution of denial to be presented to the Council at
its meeting of September 11, 1986. Motion died for lack of a second.
With Council concurrence, Mayor Kelly reopened the hearing for
further testimony.
MS. CAMILLE COURTNEY, D & D DEVELOPMENT, said her firm
owned the land which was now In escrow for this project.
She felt the farmers' market was festive and a desirable
ancillary use for the hotel. She said the uses proposed
were dictated by the market place. She said they were
agreeable to a continuance if it expedited approval.
Mayor Kelly declared the hearing closed.
Councilman Wilson moved to continue the matter to the meeting of
September 11, 1986, with direction to staff to take it back to the
Planning Commission with Councfl's concerns and in particular a closer
look at the question of "is this project appropriate for the zoning on
the land?" Councilmember Benson seconded the motion. Motion carried by
unanimous vote.
D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A SENIOR OVERLAY CHANGE OF ZONE,
PRECISE PLAN/CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT, AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF 113 CONVENTIONAL SENIOR
APARTMENTS ON 7.2 ACRES LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF
COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE BETWEEN SAN TROPEZ VILLAS AND THE
FOUNDATION FOR THE RETARDED (PALM DESERT VILLAS, INC.,
APPLICANT).
Mayor Kelly declared the hearing open and asked for staff's
report.
Mr. Diaz reviewed the report and recommendation for
approval.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 14, 1986
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Mayor Kelly invited testimony in FAVOR of the project, and the
following spoke:
MR. RON DILLERY, 39-448 Warm Springs Road, Palm Springs,
stated his concurrence with the staff report. He said
the 2,000 square foot area mentioned was a central area
in the main two-story building which will be used for a
library, a staging area, and musical area. He said that
they had met with Van Cadenhead of the Senior Center who
told them there was a great need for this type of project.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in OPPISITION to the request,
and none was offered. He closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Benson said while she did not object to the
location of the project, she did object to the density.
Councilman Wilson said that San Tropez Villas, adjacent
to this project, was built at 22 units to the acre.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Kelly, Resolution No. 86-94 was
adopted by a 3-1 vote of the Council with Councilmember Benson voting NO.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Kelly, Ordinance No. 470 was
passed to second reading by unanimous vote of the Council.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Snyder, Resolution No. 86-95 was
adopted and Ordinance No. 471 was passed to second reading by unanimous
vote of the Council.
Councilmember Benson asked for a total number of senior
units approved by the Planning Commission and/or City
Council before any more are put on the boards. Mr. Altman
said such a report would be sent to Council.
Councilmember Benson asked about the property once
proposed for a hilltop restaurant which the Planning
Commission had recently considered and approved for
residential development. She asked about the road and
utilities and whether or not installation of same was
conditioned compatibly to that of the previous request.
Mr. Diaz suggested that Council adopt a motion calling
the request up for consideration if in fact the road and
its screening were not approved at the same level of
condition as set forth by Council in the previous action.
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AUGUST 14, 1986
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Councilman Wilson so moved and Councilmember Benson seconded the
motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Councilman Wilson suggested that two additional Oral
Communication sections be added to the agenda -- one at
the close of the 4 p.m. session and one at the close of
the 7 p.m. session. Mrs. Gilligan said they would be
added to the next Council agenda.
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Snyder, and unanimous vote of
the Counci 1 , Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting to 4 p.m. on Thursday,
August 28, 1986.
ATTEST:
✓SHEILA R. G-YCLIGAN, Y CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, ALIFORNIA
20
RIfiARD S. K LL , MAYOR 7