HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-01-08MINUTES
REGULAR/ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1987
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kelly convened the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Richard S. Kelly
III. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro-Tem Jean M. Benson
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tem Jean M. Benson
Councilman Buford Crites
Councilman Walter S. Snyder
Councilman S. Roy Wilson
Mayor Richard S. Kelly
Also Present:
Bruce A. Altman, City Manager
Carlos L. Ortega, Assistant City Manager
David J. Erwin, Ctty Attorney
Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/Secretary
Ramon A. Diaz, Director of Community Services
Richard J. Folkers, Director of Public Works
Kirby J. Warner, Director of General Services
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Adjourned Joint Meeting of the City
Council and its Redevelopment Agency for November 20,
1986, and of the Regular City Council Meeting of December
11, 1986.
Rec: Approve as presented.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8. 1987
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B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY TREASURY - Warrants
Dated 11/30/86, 12/05/86, 12/12/86, 12/12/86, and
12/19/86.
Rec: Approve as presented.
C. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Host
International/Marriott Corporation for Marriott's Desert
Springs Resort, 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Services for processing.
D. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Charles
Pendleton, General Partner for Original Mesquites, 73-030
El Paseo, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
E. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Richard
F. Gregor' for Palm Desert Wine & Spirits, 74-115 Highway
111, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and file.
F. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Gregory S.
Frech and Timothy C. Thompson for Chateau Gourmet, 41-555
Cook Street, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Services for Processing.
G. APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE by Bruce Mercy
and Kathleen M. Vollstedt for Great Ideas Unitd., 42-220
Green Way, Palm Desert.
Rec: Receive and refer to the Department of Community
Services for processing.
H. CLAIM NO. 032 AGAINST THE CITY by Jeffrey H. Davidian in
the Amount of $500,000 for Alleged Injuries.
Rec: Deny the Claim and Instruct the City Clerk to
so advise the Claimant.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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I. CLAIM NO. 034 AGAINST THE CITY by Mrs. J. W. Arnold in the
Amount of $263.13 for Alleged Damages to Her Automobile.
Rec:
By Minute Motion: 1) Deny the Claim; 2) Deny
the Claim because it did not occur in the City
of Palm Desert; and 3) Instruct the City Clerk
to so advise the Claimant.
J. CLAIM N0. 036 AGAINST THE CITY by Daniel Shear in an
Unspecific Amount for Alleged Damages to His Vehicle.
Rec: Deny the Claim and Instruct the City Clerk to
so advise the Claimant.
K. MINUTES OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS & CONDEMNATION
of November 13, 1986.
Rec: Receive and file.
L. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL of Change Order No. 1 for Contract
No. 00-109 (1091), Traffic Signal & Roadway Improvements
- Paul M. Gardner Corp., Contractor.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, ratify the City Manager's
approval of Change Order No. 1 to Contract No.
00-109.
M. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT MAP 21791 - Germain
Development Co., Inc.
Rec: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No.
87-1, approving Final Tract Map 21791.
N. CONSIDERATION OF A PETITION FROM DE FRISCO'S HAIR DESIGNS
FOR AMENDMENT TO CITY REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO SMOKING IN
PUBLIC PLACES. (Continued from November 13, 1986,
Meeting.)
Rec: By Minute Motion, deny the request.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6, 1987
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0. CONSIDERATION OF A REOUEST BY MARRIOTT CORPORATION FOR
APPROVAL OF A FIREWORKS DISPLAY FOR ITS FEBRUARY 19,
1987, GRAND OPENING.
Rec:
By Minute Motion, approve the request contingent
upon the City's receiving proof of a $1,000,000
Insurance coverage.
P. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT NO. 00-178 WITH THE
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ROAD DEPARTMENT FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED
ON COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE IN THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve Agreement No. 00-178
and authorize the Mayor to execute same.
Q. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME TO COMPLETE THE PALM DESERT
TOWN CENTER STORM DRAIN.
Rec: By Minute Motion:
1)
Authorize the City Council to award the
Palm Desert Town Center an extension of
time to complete the installation of the
storm drain; and
2) Waive the parking requirement of J. W.
Robinson from March 19, 1987, through
June, 1987.
R. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDED LEASE (00-175) WITH THE
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE FOR THE NORTH PALM DESERT FIRE
STATION.
Rec: By Minute Motion, approve the amended lease and
authorize the Mayor to execute same.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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S. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION to Cali for Bids for a Second
Street Sweeper.
Rec: By Minute Motion:
1)
Authorize the City Clerk to advertise and
call for bids for a second street sweeper
for the Public Works Department; and
2) Appropriate an additional $16,000 for
continuance of the contract sweeping
service for the remainder of the 1986-87
fiscal year.
Mr. Altman asked that Item M be held for discussion with the item
dealing with the building pad heights adjacent to the Sagewood
Development under Old Business. Council so agreed.
Councilman Snyder moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented
with the exception of Item "M". Councilmember Benson seconded the
motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A
None
VII. RESOLUTIONS
None
VIII. ORDINANCES
For Introduction:
A. ORDINANCE NO. 492 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER
15.16 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT RELATING TO
THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE AND ITS MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHTS.
Mr. Altman said that the recommendation came from the
Cove Communities Public Safety Commission and it really
did not affect us as our zoning ordinance already
restricted the building height in the City.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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Mayor Kelly, Chairman of the Cove Communities Public
Safety Commission, added that the City had no intention
of allowing buildings over that height anyway.
Mr. Erwin advised that while it in essence did not change
any of the existing municipal code, this ordinance merely
added the restriction to the Uniform Fire Code of the
municipal ordinance.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, Ordinance No. 492 was
passed to second reading by unanimous vote of the Council.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 489 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
8.16.060 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT RELATING
TO COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE (Continued from
the Meeting of December 11, 1986).
Mr. Ortega reported that at the last City Council meeting
in December, the issue before the Council was an amendment
of the City's municipal code pertaining to who could or
who could not haul solid waste in the City. He noted
that there were a couple of interpretations that had been
made by a judge in a recent court ruling. He further
noted that the attorney who had represented the City in
this particular case was present and had recommended that
the Council adjourn to Closed Session for the purpose of
discussing this matter.
Councilman Wilson moved to adjourn to Closed Session in
accordance with Section 54956.9 (b) of the Government Code. Councilman
Snyder seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Mayor Kelly adjourned to Closed Session at 4:45 p.m. Council
reconvened at 5:10 p.m.
Councilman Snyder moved to take no action on the proposed
ordinance at this time and to direct staff to bring back to the City
Council a report on the sections pertaining to this matter.
Councilmember Benson seconded the motion, and motion carried by unanimous
vote.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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For Adoption:
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JANUARY 8, 1987
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A. ORDINANCE NO. 487 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW
SUBSECTION (E) TO SECTION 5.86.050 OF CHAPTER 5.86 OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PERMITTING A
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S FASHION AND BEAUTY SALON TO CONDUCT
MASSAGE SERVICE.
Mr. Altman reported that there had been no change since
first reading and recommended adoption.
Upon motion by Benson, second by Wilson, Ordinance No. 487 was
adopted by unanimous vote of the Council.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 490 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND CHANGE OF ZONE
FROM R-1 TO OP AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF FRED WARING
DRIVE AND FAIRHAVEN DRIVE. CASE NO. C/Z 86-9 AND PP 86-48.
Mr. Altman reported there had been no changes to this
ordinance since first reading and recommended adoption.
Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, Ordinance No. 490 was
adopted by unanimous vote of the Council.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 491 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 107, THE PALM DESERT ZONING MAP, BY R-1, S.P. TO
PR-2, S.P. ON A TRIANGULAR SHAPED PARCEL DIRECTLY
SOUTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF MESA VIEW DRIVE AND
HIGHWAY 74. CASE NO. C/Z 86-7.
Mr. Altman reported there had been no changes to this
ordinance since first reading and recommended adoption.
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Wilson, Ordinance No. 491 was
adopted by unanimous vote of the Council.
IX. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
Item M was removed from the Consent Calendar and was discussed
under Old Business Item C.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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X. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION BY SHADOW MOUNTAIN RESORT
COOPERATIVE UNITS OF WAIVER OF SITE SIZE REQUIREMENTS.
Mr. Diaz reported that as indicated in the staff report
this matter was discussed by the Planning Commission, but
it felt that the matter should be considered by the City
Council. He reviewed the report and recommendation to
approve the request and waive the site size requirements
for the cooperative units at Shadow Mountain. He said
this recommendation was based on the fact that the units
were developed under the County prior to the City's
incorporation. He said that while they did not meet the
City's requirements as to size, the owners were having a
problem with regard to refinancing the units as condo-
miniums.
MR. TIMOTHY KUHN of Shadow Mountain Resort cooperative
units, addressed the City Council stating that the units
ranged In size from 620 square feet to 540 square feet.
He said there were only 30 units involved.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
request and waive the site size requirements for cooperative units at
Shadow Mountain Resort and Racquet Club. Councilmember Benson seconded
the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
At this point in the Agenda and with concurrence of the
Council, Mayor Kelly moved Item A under Continued Business and
Item C under Old Business up for consideration at this point
In the Agenda to accommodate the people in attendance to speak
to the issues.
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF AN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION DECISION BY THE LOCK SHOP, INC. (Continued
from the Meeting of December 11, 1986).
Mr. Diaz stated that the Architectural Review Commission
had reviewed the matter and felt that the placing of the
awning against a wall should not be permitted. He said
other concerns were the color, which was yellow, and the
style of the awning, and that the Commission felt it was
not fn keeping with the architecture of the building or
the usual purpose of the provisions of the code.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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MR. LYN MANOR, President of The Lock Shop, addressed the
Council and showed slides of the building and where the
proposed awning would go. The slides also showed what
type of work would be done on cars outside the building,
such as replacing door locks, ignition locks, and trunk
locks. He said that the awning would be necessary so
that cars could pull under it In the heat of the summer
months, allowing the workmen to work on the extremely
hot metal. He also noted that he personally could not be
exposed to the summer sun as he had skin cancer and this
provided the workers a place to get out of the sun. He
also stated that the awning was the same color as the one
used on their previous building and one which had been
approved previously by the Architectural Review
Commission. He concluded his remarks by stating that the
awning also provided signage for the rear of his building.
Upon question by Councilman Crites, Mr. Diaz responded
that The Lock Shop would be allowed signage on every side
that abutted parking.
Councilman Wilson asked why the Architectural Review
Commission was objecting to the color now when it had
been approved two years ago.
Mr. Diaz responded that staff was approving them at that
time and could not answer as to why staff had approved
the color.
Councilman Wilson stated that since the City had
previously approved the color and Mr. Manor had spent
money on the awning and the sign, that If Council felt
the awnf'ng was justified in that location, the color
should be accepted. He noted that there were colors from
yellow to orange on El Paseo as well as from green to
blue, noting that the City had not been consistent in any
color scheme.
Councilmember Benson noted that the building in front of
The Lock Shop blocked the view of the awning anyway.
Councilman Crites said that it seemed that the
Architectural Review Commission objected to the awning
being erected on a blank wall. While he felt that the
applicant was entitled to the awning for the purposes he
had stated, he felt that the color should be approved by
the Architectural Review Commission.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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To this, Mr. Manor responded that Commissioner Holden and
Commissioner Martin had Indicated they had no objection
to the color of the awning.
Councilman Wilson moved to grant the appeal and allow the
awning as requested. Mayor Kelly seconded the motion. Motion carried
by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Crites voting NO.
OLD
BUSINESS
C. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY NOELL W. ROBINSON FOR
RECONSIDERATION OF BUILDING PAD HEIGHTS IMMEDIATELY
ADJACENT TO SAGEWOOD DEVELOPMENT.
Mr. Diaz said that the letter presented by Mr. Robinson
spoke for itself, that the grading permit was issued on a
plan that lowered the height of the building pads adjacent
to the existing Sagewood project by two feet below that
of the proposed tentative tract map. He said that the
situation that existed on the site at the time of approval
made the grade level substantially higher than the
developed property to the north. He said that the grades
were being dropped and the developer was requested, after
numerous meetings, to drop an additional two feet, and he
had done so.
Mr. Folkers agreed and said that the developer did do as
he had been requested, subsequent to the meetings with
staff, the Mayor, City Manager, and residents of Sagewood.
Mr. Noell Robinson, 4022 Sagewood Drive, addressed the
City Council relative to the letter he had submitted on
December 29, 1986. He said they had never received a
final copy of the proposed grading plans, even though
they had been asking for them for three months. He said
he had also been asking for a copy of the plan for the
proposed wall. He said that when he finally got the
grading plans the first time he asked the Public Works
Department for them, the plan for the wall was on the
grading plan. He said that with the copy of the grading
plan he could now compare it to what had been approved in
the meeting. He said that while two lots had been
lowered by two feet, the balance of the lots had only
been lowered by eight inches. He said that when the
homeowners received copies of the plans from the
developer, Mr. Germain, each letter had a copy of the
wall plan and showed existing elevations. He said that
each plan was different; 1.e., one plan would say that
the retaining wall varied four feet to five feet plus or
minus a few inches, and another would say two feet to
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 1987
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three feet, and he felt that the residents were being
defrauded. He said that the grading was exactly the same
height as it was before the City said it had to be
lowered by two feet, that the builder was saving money by
not moving the dirt, and that the builder was the only
one who was going to profit from this because the walls
were going to be eight to ten feet high in his back yard
and that this was not going to benefit the Sagewood
property owners, nor would it benefit the people who
bought the homes in the new development. He concluded by
stating that if the lots could drain to Hov l e•y, then
there was no need to raise the lots. He urged the City
Council to help them.
Mrs. Carol Robinson addressed the Council. She stated
that she had been objecting to this project and the
height of the pads since it had been before the Planning
Commission. She said now they were looking at houses
that were sitting on top of sand dunes and that no one
was going to benefit from this except the developer.
Upon question by Mayor Kelly, Mr. Folkers responded that
the grading was substantially complete at this point, the
pads were cut in, the sewer line was in, and they were
beginning to form out for foundations. He said the
Public Works Department had received a letter from them
today asking for pad certification.
Councilmember Benson stated that she had gone out and
looked at the project on Monday and felt that there was a
big problem in the whole area out there. It was just
another situation like on Salt Cedar. She said the
elevations between lots were all different and there
seemed to be no consistency. She could see no benefit
from the pads being as high as they were and that the
land further south of it would have an even bigger
problem.
Councilman Crites stated that the problem was the topo-
graphy of the land and probably the only solution would
be for all developers to haul the sand out and put it on
lower property, which would be an enormously expensive
proposition. He said it was not just this property but
that the problems existed all over town. He asked Mr.
Diaz to respond to Mr. Robinson's statement that he had
trouble in getting cooperation with the Community Services
Department in obtaining a copy of the grading and wall
plans.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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Mr. Diaz responded that, yes, there had been a lack of
communication, but initially they had been talking about
a lot two and a half feet above whfch was to be dropped
six inches. He said it became a trade-off between
privacy and aesthetics. He said they had never thought
of taking that area and the area east of it and lowering
it by moving all the dirt. He said that he did not have
the grading plans, nor did he have the wall plans, and was
merely responding to Mr. Robinson's inquiry. He
apologized that he did not know that they were in the
Department of Public Works. He said that the discussions
had been going on for a long time and when the agreement
was reached with the applicant and the people, he had
been on disability leave.
Mr. Altman stated that he had joined the meeting that the
Mayor held with the developer and residents of Sagewood.
He said that the developer had initially refused to do
anything inasmuch as he had already been issued a permit
but upon pressure from the Mayor and the City Manager he
did agree to lower two lots, the only two lots that back
up to Sagewood.
Mr. Folkers pointed out that those two lots had been
lowered by two feet and others had been lowered by
different dimensions. He said that the natural lay of
the land is, in some cases, five feet, which meant that
some of the lots had been dropped by nine feet. He said
if the whole area had been owned by one developer and
graded for one project, the natural lay of the land could
have been worked out. Because the natural lay of the
land was very high, it was going to cause problems
because it was not flat.
Mr. Robinson said that if what Mr. Folkers said was true,
then the wall behind the Ayott property would be 12 feet
tall.
Mr. Erwin advised that the developer had a grading permit
and appears to have complied with the issued permit. He
said if he didn't have a building permit as such that
there were no vested rights.
At this point, Mr. Conlon informed him that he did have
building permits. Mr. Erwin stated then that because
building permits had been issued, the property owner did
in fact have, in his opinion, vested rights.
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JANUARY 8, 1987
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Councilman Crites asked if the only thing that the
developer didn't have was the Building Pad Certification,
could the City hold that up?
Mr. Erwin said that the City Council could, but that it
would be ill advised if in fact building permits had been
issued because the City would be potentially violating
the developer's vested rights.
MS. DONNA AYOTT, 40-200 Sagewood Drive, said that they
had been complaining since July and urged the City
Council to do something to eliminate the problem.
Mayor Kelly asked whether or not the Council could hold
the pad height certification until the next Council
meeting and give staff and the Council time to see if
some alternative could be worked out.
Councilman Crites responded by saying that he thought
that at some point the City Council had to make a decision
about these issues as a whole. He said these situations
existed all over town where vacant property was being
developed next to existing homes and because of the lay
of the land, the pads were all elevated. He felt that
this was a major policy decision which would affect staff
functions, and the Council needed to have a set policy
that dealt with all vacant property; people need some
kind of firm policy guideline on this, and staff deserves
it as well.
Mr. Altman said he did not feel a two -week continuance
would accomplish anything, as staff was out of solutions.
The grading ordinance was not the problem; the problem
was the lay of the land. He said these problems existed
in tracts all over town. In fact, the Summit project,
Lewis Homes behind Salt Cedar, and Desert Falls were
worse than this situation.
Mr. Robinson addressed the Council and again stated that
the developer had defrauded them. He wanted it worked
out with the City Council and did not want to litigate it.
MR. BOB FATCHER, 74-957 Highway 111, Indian Wells, said
that he had submitted a letter of certification on the
grading pads and that as far as he was concerned the
grades were In accordance with the grading plan.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 1987
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MR. DAVE GERMAIN, 1750 Camino Parocella, Palm Springs,
spoke as the developer and said that the information sent
to the property owners in Sagewood was from the original
tentative tract map. It was rough information supplied
to him by his engineer. It was not a final grading plan.
He said that to put a red tape on his project at this
time would be a real tragedy. He said he was willing to
withhold work only on the construction on the two lots
immediately adjacent to Sagewood.
Mayor Kelly said that the Sagewood property owners, the
developer, and City staff had met and made an agreement
in good faith. He said the developer had abided by that
agreement. He said the Council was trying to work
something out.
Councilman Crites moved to Issue a stop work order on the back
six lots, numbers 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, of this project for a
maximum of two weeks, allowing the developer to work on all other lots,
and within that two -week period staff would determine whether or not the
figures presented by the developer to the Sagewood property owners are
accurate. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Benson.
The developer's engineer asked at this point whether or
not this would include a stop work notice on construction
of the wall.
Councilman Crites responded that the motion did include
construction on any walls on those particular lots. Motion carried by a
4-1 vote, with Councilman Snyder voting NO.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Crites, Item M of the Consent
Calendar was continued to the meeting of January 22, 1987, by unanimous
vote of the Council.
Mr. Altman advised that he would be the staff person
responsible for this and would bring in any other
appropriate members to assist him.
Mayor Kelly adjouned to the dinner session at 6:50 p.m. He
reconvened the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
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ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
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••••The following items were discussed at the conclusion of Public
Hearings which commenced at 7:10 p.m.••••
B. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL POLICY WITH REGARD TO DEVELOPERS
MEETING WITH COUNCILMEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY TO DISCUSS
PROPOSED PROJECTS AS IT RELATES TO POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS OF
THE BROWN ACT. (Mayor Pro-Tem Jean Benson's Request)
Councilmember Benson said she was often approached by
developers who told her they had already talked to two
other Councilmen who liked their project and now wanted
to meet with her to get her input. She felt it was a
violation of the Brown Act.
Mr. Erwin said that it was an area the legislature would
like to cover but that interpretations were such that
there were two things that had to come together for there
to be a violation of the Brown Act: 1) There has to be
at least a majority of the decision making body, and 2)
that that majority reaches a decision. If those two
things are done out of the public meeting situation,
there Is a violation of the Brown Act. He further stated
that nothing said that Councilmen could not meet with
developers to hear an explanation of their project. The
gray area was when they asked the Councilmen for their
decision or tried to get their vote In advance of the
public meeting. He said that it was very Important for
elected officials not to get to the point of making a
decision prior to the open meeting.
Mayor Kelly said that if any citizen wants to talk to
him, he will let them do it. If they ever say he made a
commitment, they were lying.
Councilman Crites said if a developer wanted to sit down
and present a project to him, he had an opportunity to
say yes or no. Listening to a developer's position was
no different than listening to one of a mobile home park
tenant.
Councilman Wilson said that if any citizen wanted to talk
to him, he would not make a commitment except to say that
he would take his comments into consideration during the
public testimony portion of the public meeting and that
he would not make a decision until the Council had input
at the public meeting.
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MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1967
• • a • • a • • • a • • • • • • • • a • • --• - • • •
Councilman Snyder said he had an obligation to meet with
his constituents when they asked to, and developers were
in fact constituents. However, he would never indicate
his position or how he might possibly vote.
Counciimember Benson thanked her colleagues and the City Attorney
and said she would follow the same policy. No action was taken on this
item.
C. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION IN CLOSED SESSION TO
FILE A PETITION WITH THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WHICH IF IT AGREES WITH THE CITY OF PALM DESERT'S POSITION
WILL ESSENTIALLY PREVENT COACHELLA VALLEY TELEVISION FROM
DEREGULATING ITS RATES.
Mr. Ortega reported that the City's special counsel had
filed a petition with the FCC in opposition to CVTV's
deregulation and also asking that the proposed rate
increase for February 1st be held in abeyance until the
Commission ruled on the petition. He noted that copies
of the filing were available for Council review and for
the media. No action was necessary by the Council at
this time.
D. TRAFFIC REPORT BY SGT. STAN SNIFF. (This item was
discussed immediately before the Public Hearing section of
the Agenda.)
Sgt. Sniff presented the Council with a report which
outlined results of a review of the traffic team by
representatives of the State. He said it pointed out the
team's strengths as well as areas that might be improved.
He noted that with the tremendous population increase in
the City, both traffic and traffic incidents had
increased.
Councilman Snyder complimented the traffic team for an
excellent job. He said the results of creating our own
police department within the Sheriff's Department were
excellent, and this was another example of it. Mayor
Kelly agreed and thanked Sgt. Sniff on behalf of the City.
E. REQUEST BY MRS. JOANNE BERGMAN FOR REGULATION OF EARLY
CONSTRUCTION HOURS ON PORTOLA AVENUE STORM DRAIN
INSTALLATION. (Mayor Dick Kelly's Request)
Mayor Kelly said he had received this letter and asked
that it be considered on the agenda. He said he felt the
special permission for early work hours should be
16
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
rescinded as he believed it to be only for the summer
months.
Mr. Altman stated that the contractor had been given
special permission by the City Council to begin work at 6
a.m. in an effort to expedite the project and that input
from other residents was more in favor of getting the
project completed. He said that there had been a problem
with pipe being delivered at 5 a.m. but recommended that
the Council continue with the early start-up with the
understanding that 6 a.m. was the earliest.
Councilman Snyder agreed that the early start-up should
continue to expedite the completion of the project but added
that the management of the project by C.V. Water District was
atrocious. He said the way C.V.W.D. was allowing our streets
to be left was horrible. Mr. Altman noted that the Council
would be hosting a breakfast with that agency's board and staff
on January 29th and suggested that it be a topic for the
agenda.
Council concurred with leaving the hours of construction for this
project as they were, and no action was taken on the request.
F. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
NO. 00-179 AND LEASE FOR A SHERIFF'S SUBSTATION (CONTRACT
NO. 00-180) WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY.
Mr. Ortega reviewed the staff report and recommendation.
Upon question by Councilman Snyder, Mr. Altman responded
that the next step was to convene a meeting of the Civic
Center Steering Committee and to direct the consultant to
expedite that particular part of the plan.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the
Amended and Restated Cooperative Agreement (No. 00-179) and approve
in concept the Lease Agreement (No. 00-180) with Riverside County
for the Sheriff's Substation. Councilman Wilson seconded the
motion, and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
XII. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEE
LOUNGE AND MODIFICATION TO CONFERENCE ROOM.
Mr. Altman explained that Councilmember Benson had asked
staff to look into what could be done to make the employee
lounge more comfortable inasmuch as it is used for
17
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
• • a a a • • • • • • • • • • • • • • a • • • • •
receptions and meetings as well as by the employees. He
said that a committee formed was recommending that the
City engage the services of John Outcault (who had been
present earlier in the meeting to answer questions) to
expand the lounge into a conference room and lounge by
using the patio space between the Administrative Services
Building and the Council Chamber Building. These services
would cost $6,400, and he recommended Council's action to
appropriate same.
Councifinember Benson added that she felt the employee lounge was
very cold and drab and not a very attractive place for either the
employees or the many receptions the City was now hosting. She moved to
approve the proposal submitted by John Outcault and to appropriate
$6,400 for his services. Councilman Snyder seconded the motion, and the
motion carried by a 4-1 vote with Councilman Wilson voting NO.
B. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT NO. 00-170 -
THE JOSLYN COVE COMMUNITIES SENIOR CENTER IMPROVEMENTS
CONTRACT TO SIMMONS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
Councilman Wilson moved to, by Minute Motion, authorize the award of
Contract No. 00-170 to Simmons Construction Company in the Amount of
$45,678.00. Councilman Crites seconded the motion, and the motion
carried by unanimous vote.
C. CONSIDERATION OF A REOUEST BY NOELL W. ROBINSON FOR
RECONSIDERATION OF BUILDING PAD HEIGHTS IMMEDIATELY
ADJACENT TO SAGEWOOD DEVELOPMENT.
This item was considered earlier in the Agenda.
D. CONSIDERATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT ENTRANCE TO MONTEREY
COUNTRY CLUB. (Mayor Pro-Tem Jean Benson's Request.)
Councilmember Benson said she was concerned about this
because of the many letters Council was receiving from
the residents of Monterey Country Club. She felt there
was a greater need for a signal here than at Palm Desert
Greens where the City had approved copayment of a signal
in an area that was not even in the City.
Mr. Altman responded that Dick Folkers had been working
on this and that the City of Rancho Mirage did not intend
for Clancy Lane, which is immediately across from this
entrance, to be much of a street and was not, therefore,
willing to participate in a signal. He said Public Works
was conducting a traffic survey there now.
18
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • * • • • • • •
XIII.
In response to question by Councilmember Benson, Dick
Folkers said that moving the existing signal which is up
the road would be as expensive as installing a new one.
Councilman Crites stated that Monterey Avenue was experi-
encing a great deal more traffic because of the closure of
Portola Avenue, and it would be lowered once Portola was
reopened. Councilman Wilson pointed out that the
developer installed the existing signal, not the City.
Councilman Snyder said that if the City installed a
signal every place someone complained about, the City
would have one at every corner.
Mr. Altman noted that the City had spent over $1,000,000 on signals
and that staff should probably at this point make a list of proposed
locations for Council prioritization for future installations. No
action was taken on this item.
REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. CITY MANAGER
None
B. CITY ATTORNEY
None
C. MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Wilson said that Sgt. Sniff's traffic report
pointed out a number one traffic problem at El Paseo and
Highway 74. He said a left-hand turn lane was necessary
there and asked whether or not this data could be used to
convince Caltrans of the need. Mr. Altman responded that
the original cost for this revision was $17,000, and
Caltrans was unwilling even then to make it, but staff
would investigate its interest now with the new report.
Councilman Wilson said in doing some research at the U.C.
Riverside Library, he came across some data in a textbook
which stated the Coachella Valley was the highest
subscriber to cable television. He asked if this could
be used as future proof to the FCC that we are a captive
audience. It was agreed Mr. Ortega would get more
details from Councilman Wilson for submission to the
City's consultant.
19
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • a a • • • a • • • • • • • • • • • - -•- • • •
Councilman Crites asked that the chimes be turned off
during Council meetings. He further asked that staff get
in touch with the City of Rancho Mirage to see if they
could not better enforce trash control at the corner of
Monterey Avenue and Country Club Drive. He said it was
beginning to look like a dump site.
XIV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B
None
XV. COMPLETION OF ITEMS HELD OVER FROM 4:00 P.M. SESSION
These items were discussed after the Public Hearing portion of
the Agenda.
XVI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - C
None
XVII. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF BUFORD
CRITES.
Councilmember Benson stated that she and Councilman
Crites, as a subcommittee, had reviewed all applications
and were recommending that the Council interview six
individuals for possible appointment. These interviews
would be scheduled for an hour before the meetings of
January 22nd and February 12th.
B. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF JULIE BORNSTEIN TO THE
CIVIC ARTS COMMITTEE.
Upon motion by Crites, second by Benson, Ms. Julie Bornstein was
appointed to a two-year term on the Civic Arts Committee by unanimous
vote of the Council.
C. REQUEST BY COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
FOR APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS TO SERVE ON ITS PUBLIC
SAFETY COMMITTEE AND ITS HOUSING COMMITTEE.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Snyder, Councilman Crites was
appointed to the Public Safety Committee, end Councilmember Benson was
appointed to the Housing Committee by unanimous vote of the Council.
20
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
. . * * . . . . . . * . . . • * . * . . . * . . .
XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 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 ill - JOE SEITZ,
APPLICANT. (Continued from Meetings of August 14, 1986,
September 11, 1986, and November 13, 1986.)
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and Planning Commission
recommendation that the project and its uses complied
with the requirements of the zoning ordinance. He noted
that two Commissioners had voted against it feeling that
the ancillary uses of this project too liberally construed
those in the Resort Center Zone District.
Mayor Kelly declared the Public Hearing open, and the following
individuals spoke in favor of the project.
MR. JOE SEITZ, Santa Anita Development, 1601 Avacado,
Newport Beach, California, spoke as the developer. He
said he had worked with adjacent property owners on a
block wall; he had diligently coordinated his project
with the adjacent hotel to make sure it would blend; he
noted the Planning Commission had approved it twice and
that the Architectural Review Commission had approved it
by unanimous vote. He said it was consistent with the
requirements of the PC4 zone, and that the City Attorney
had issued a report stating that.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in opposition to the project,
and none was offered. He closed the public hearing.
Council Questions:
Crites: Would there be objection to additional conditions to
require a water concept on the Highway 111 border and one which
would prevent construction until the adjacent hotel was under
construction. Seitz responded he would not object.
Kelly: Asked about condition requiring widening of Highway
111. Response was to amend Public Works Condition #12 to
include wording "said streets shall be constructed to the
satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.
21
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ..-. -• •- • • •
Asked whether or not a convenience store was included.
Response was that a self -serve section of the gas station
provided vending machines.
Council Comments:
Benson: Said that in 1973, the City Council was very insistent
the City would not be filled with gas stations and used car
lots and that every effort would be made to upgrade the City.
Opposed to a super market as an ancillary use of the hotel.
She said a service station did not belong at the entrance to a
street that housed the Cultural Center. She said a more
unique use of the land was needed to enhance what is an
entrance to the City.
Crites: Noted he was on Planning Commission when this was
approved. Commissioners felt that hotel occupants needed a
petrol station, and it was not good to put these off Highway
111. No excess of gas stations in the City; people are now
waiting In line. Design is attractive; hotel is suites with
kitchens for market is appropriate ancillary use. A reasonable
use of this corner and one that will not diminish in the eyes
of the City or community.
Wilson: Not happy with the project. This is a choice piece
of property and an entrance to the City. Felt something like
an art colony would be a better and more unique use. He said
the City prided itself in having the only Art in Public Places
program in the County and had more art galleries than any
other community fn the Coachella Valley. Nothing glamorous
about this project; just another commercial center. The City
is trying to get Highway 111 to look like something, and this
project doesn't do it.
Snyder: Serious difficulties with the project on this property
and in particular the gas station, but the project had been
before both the Council and Planning Commission several times
and there was no reason to send it back to the Commission. It
had recommended approval, and he felt the Council should rely
on its good judgment. He said Council had to consider that
when people purchase property and create designs for it, good
justification must be found for turning it down. He did not
see any justification In this case.
Kelly: Would rather see an art colony but agreed it was
probably not economically feasible unless the City bought the
land and did it. He said that the project and its open space
was better than the project across from it which backed up to
22
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
. . . . * * * . * . . * * * . * * * * * * * * . .
the street. Council and Commissions had been reviewing it for
a long time, and all Commissions had approved it.
Mayor Kelly reopened the public hearing to receive comments from
Mr. Warren Hickey who objected to Councilman Crites voting on this matter
since he had voted to approve it when he was on the Planning Commission.
Mr. Erwin advised that Mr. Crites was a duly elected Councilman and was
not required to disqualify himself because he was at the time this came
through the Planning Commission a member of the Commission. Mayor Kelly
closed the public hearing.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and pass Ordinance
No. 469 to second reading and to waive further reading and adopt Resolu-
tion No. 86-93, amended to include the following:
Public Works Condition 412: Add "said streets shall be constructed
to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.
Add City Council Conditions:
1. Construction of the project, except for grading, shall not
commence until the foundation for the adjacent hotel (Raffles)
are placed.
2. There shall not be a convenience store on the site, and any
non -automotive products in the service station site shall be
limited to products normally sold in vending machines, a
description of which must be approved by the City; sale of
alcoholic beverages from the service station site is expressly
prohibited.
3. The landscape plans at the corner of Fred Waring Drive and
Highway 11l shall include a water element.
Mayor Kelly seconded the motion. Motion carried by a 4-1 vote with
Councilmember Benson voting NO.
B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW
REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING ONE ISLAND GAS STATION WITH A TWO
ISLAND STATION AND A 2000 SQUARE FOOT CONVENIENCE STORE -
ATLANTIC RICHFIELD COMPANY, APPLICANT. (Continued from
the Meeting of November 13, 1986.)
Mr. Diaz reviewed staff's report and recommendation noting
that the plans had been revised to increase the amount of
landscaping and to modify direct access to Highway 111.
Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing and invited testimony in
favor of the project.
23
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
MR. FRANK WELLS, 17315 Studebaker Road, Cerritos,
California, spoke as the applicant and made the following
points: Project amended by moving the north island five
feet and parking spaces three feet. Two-way access onto
Highway 111 had been tentatively approved by Caltrans.
They had met with businessmen in Presidents' Plaza and
eliminated their concerns; explained the project to the
Redevelopment Project Area Committee and received unani-
mous endorsement. Met with El Paseo Merchants Association
and received 2-1 support. Met with Palm Desert Property
Owners' Association and felt comfortable it would approve
it. Upon question, he responded that the Association had
raised questions which his architect was going to answer
when he met with them so no final approval had been given.
MR. CLYDE SWEET, Manager of Ludwig Engineering of San
Bernardino, detailed the revisions made to the plan in
cooperation wfth Caltrans. He said that their marketing
survey indicated this would be a high use store but with
minimum impact. He said traffic was already on the
street, and this would only produce a 1.3% increase.
Parking being provided was adequate, and traffic would
flow better than what is there now.
MR. JACK DAHLSTROM, Attorney for the applicant, 74-133 Ei
Paseo, asked that he be allowed to rebut opposition.
Mayor Kelly invited testimony in opposition to the project,
and the following spoke against the project because of the
increased traffic, parking problems, bad pedestrian traffic
pattern, pedestrian safety, and the convenience store and the
inevitable trash it would bring.
MR. HENRY HOYLE, 73-340 Broken Arrow, Palm Desert, spoke
as an El Paseo Merchant and added that no vote was taken
at the Ei Paseo Business Improvement Area meeting.
MR. WARREN HICKEY, Hales Men's Store of El Paseo.
Mayor Kelly invited rebuttal, and the following spoke:
MR. JACK DAHLSTROM said that ten people had attended the
El Paseo meeting and that three had vehemently opposed
the project. He said Chairman Don Davis had said that
his initial concerns about the project had been relieved
by the new ingress and egress. He said this project was
pedestrian friendly. This project would aesthetically
improve what he felt to be the ugliest corner in the City.
24
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • a • • a • • • • • a • a • • • • • • • • •
Mayor Kelly closed the hearing.
Council Ouestions:
Crites: Could sidewalks be required on the frontage road over
to Portola, to which Mr. Diaz responded yes.
Council Comments:
Benson: No objection to improving the gas station but putting
a convenience store at the corner that already has the highest
collision rate seemed unreasonable. She noted the letter from
the Chairman of the Redevelopment Agency's Project Area
Committee which stated that the Committee didn't feel this
proposal was consistent with good use of that site. She felt
Council should accept its opinion in that they had spent much
time in studying it.
Crites: Project enormously improves traffic circulation.
Project Area Committee right on the money that the project
thoroughly upgrades what is there but perhaps is not what is
best for that corner.
Based on the new information from the Committee, Mr. Diaz
recommended a month's continuance to allow for a meeting
of the Agency and the Committee.
Mayor Kelly reopened the hearing and asked the applicant if a
continuance was acceptable. Mr. Wells responded it was and added
that if the City felt another site was more acceptable, they would
be willing to negotiate a trade.
Upon motion by Wilson, second by Benson, the item was continued to
the City Council meeting of February 12, 1987, by unanimous vote of the
Council.
C. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A MASSAGE PERMIT BY IRENE A. HALL.
Mr. Altman stated that the Code Compliance Department and
the Police Department had made necessary investigations,
and it was their recommendation to approve the request.
Mayor Kelly opened the public hearing and invited testimony in
favor of the request; none was offered. He invited testimony in
opposition to the request; none was offered. He closed the public
hearing.
25
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • - a • • •
Council Questions:
Snyder: Would work be conducted at the home. Mr. Allen responded
that the home address could be used as the business address but no
work could be conducted in the home.
Councilman Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the request
and authorize the Director of Code Compliance to issue a Massage Permit.
Councilman Wilson seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
D. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND A PRECISE PLAN OF
DESIGN TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A 168-UNIT INN, A FULL
SERVICE RESTAURANT, AND A GAS STATION ON 10 ACRES IN THE
PC (4) , S.P. AND PR (5) N, S.P. ZONE AT THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF HIGHWAY 111 AND DEEP CANYON ROAD - THOMAS
MILLER AND SUNCASTLE REAL ESTATE, APPLICANTS.
Mr. Diaz reviewed the staff report and recommendation. He
said that both the Planning Commission and the Architec-
tural Commission worked a long time on this project which
had been substantially revised at the direction of both
Commissions. He noted that while the Agenda recommenda-
tion stated an ordinance, it should in fact be Resolution
No. 87-4.
Mayor Kelly invited public testimony in favor of the project, and
the following spoke:
MR. SANDY BAUM, 45-800 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert
spoke as a representative of Thomas Miller, the developer.
He said that they had met with the board of directors of
Hidden Palms whfch resulted in additional conditions of
approval to alleviate their concerns. Caltrans concerns
had also been satisfied. He said the project would be
well landscaped to afford privacy to adjacent residents.
He closed by saying that the Project Area Committee had
reviewed this project.
MR. BOB FOSTER, 2804 Bentway Circle, Wichita, Kansas,
spoke as the developer. He said that their feasibility
studies showed these types of uses to be needed in the
city. He noted he was the franchisee of the hotel and
restaurant.
MR. JAY FLOOD, Flood Meyer Architects, Santa Monica, said
that a mobilemart was included, not a 7-11 type store.
He said the area was 7-800 sq. ft. and would house
26
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
* . . * * . ; * * • * . * * *
vending machines only. He noted that the proposal also
included a self-service car wash which was 16 feet wide
by 28-30 ft. long.
MR. KENT KENDALL, 930 Orangethorpe, Anaheim, outlined how
the car wash operated. He said he had measured the noise
levels existing at the corner at 5:10 p.m. that date. He
said that 10 ft. off the highway, the noise was 65
decibles and that while the highest reading was 85
decibles, the consistent level was 70-72 decibles.
On Deep Canyon and 120 ft. off the highway, the noise
was 60 decibles; 20 ft. in off Deep Canyon, the highest
reading was 78 decibles, with a consistent level of 66
decibles. He said the car wash at 100 ft. in would be at
64 decibles which is less than the ambient noise levels
measured.
Mayor Kelly invited public testimony in opposition to the project,
and the following was offered:
MS. MARIAN KENNY, 44835 Deep Canyon Road, said she did
not feel this corner should be "trashed" with a gas
station and car wash. She said she did not want to live
next to the noise the car wash would give off all day
long. She felt this project would depreciate her property
values and that the City was turning itself into a
Cathedral City.
MS. BEVERLY SCHAEFFER, 44-615 Monaco, Palm Desert, said
that Deep Canyon Road was already too busy with traffic
and that this project would have a very negative impact
on the Hidden Palms homes and those on Deep Canyon with
its 24-hour gas station and its car wash.
MR. BRUCE PEDDINGILL, Deep Canyon Road, said he felt the
hotel was appropriate but opposed both the gas station
and car wash.
Mayor Kelly invited rebuttal, and Mr. Baum said that the lot at the
corner of Alessandro and Deep Canyon was 250-300 feet from the car
wash; the comments made by Ms. Shaeffer about property values
were substantives, not factual; the property is zoned PC-4 which
allows all the proposed uses. Mayor Kelly closed the hearing.
Council Questions:
Crites: Is a water element Included In the overall landscaping
theme? Mr. Baum answered that there was. Could the berming
27
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
and landscaping be extended so as to obscure the gas station
and car wash? Mr. Diaz responded it could be a condition.
Kelly: 1s there a convenience store? Baum responded that
there was only an area which had vending machines.
Wilson: How does project entrance line up with Alessandro?
Mr. Folkers said it was directly across from it.
Council Comments:
Benson: Don't need another gas station or car wash, especially
next door to residential. Proposed uses stretch the Intent of
the zoning. Only other commercial in the area is a liquor
store.
Snyder: Complimented efforts of staff and developer on
architecture of project. Stretching the zoning to put in car
wash and gas station, and they're not needed. Liked hotel.
Wilson: Liked layout of hotel and its architecture. Concerns
about noise levels of car wash were somewhat alleviated by
developer's data presented at the hearing.
Crites: Hotel as it had evolved was one he would take pleasure
in voting for. 24-hour gas station might create a 24-hour
corner of traffic; felt hours should be restricted.
Kelly: Liked the hotel and restaurant part of the project.
Concerned about car wash and would have trouble voting for an
all-night gas station In a predominantly residential district.
Councilman Crites moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolu-
tion No. 87-4 approving that component of the project which deals with
the hotel and associated restaurant facility. Councilman Snyder seconded
the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
Mayor Kelly reopened the public hearing to ask the Mobil representa-
tive if he would agree to limited hours of operation. The represen-
tative responded that they would agree to a six-month trial period
to test hours or reduce them to 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Upon question by
Crites, he said they would not agree to 6 a.m. to 10; it would have
to be 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mayor Kelly closed the hearing.
28
MINUTES
ADJOURNED/REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1987
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Councilman Snyder stated that the Redevelopment Agency Project Area
Committee was meeting with the Agency Board the following week to make
recommendations on this area, and he moved to continue this matter for
two weeks. Councilmember Benson seconded the motion but asked that it
be amended to continue the matter to February 12 to allow more time to
receive feedback on what is going to happen to the proposed ARCo station
revision. Councilman Snyder agreed to the amendment to his motion.
Motion carried by a 3-2 vote with Councilmen Crites and Wilson voting NO.
XIX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - D
None
XX. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Snyder, second by Crites, and unanimous vote of the
Council, Mayor Kelly adjourned the meeting to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday,
January 22, 1987.
ATTEST:
SHEILA R. GIL IGAN, CI,T, CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, LIFORNIA
29
RI HARD S. KELLY, MAYOR