1983 10 11 PC Minutes " ~" ........APPROVED-'"'"-
~ " LA QUI.I¥~A PLANNING COMMISSION
PLANNING COMMISSlON - CITY OF LA QUINTA DAT[ //- ~- ~ ~
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta
City Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta,
California
October 11, 1983 7:00 p.m.
1. CAT,T, TO ORDER
- A. Chairman John Klimkiewicz called the Planning ~ssion meeting
to order at 7:00 p.m. He then called upon ~ssioner Imkamp to
lead the flag salute.
A.Chairman Klimkiewicz requested the roll call. The Secretary called
the roll:
Present: Cc~missioners Salas, Imkamp, Thornburgh and Chairman
Klimkiewicz
Absent: ~ssi~ner Paul Goetcheus
A motion was made by Cc~missi~ner Thornburgh and seconded by Cc~missioner
Imkamp to excuse Cc~missioner Goetcheus.
Also present w~re City Manager Frank Usher, Principal Planner Sandra
Bonner and Secretary Donna Velotta.
3. HEARINGS
A. Chainm3n Klimkiewicz introduced the public hearing stating that it
was regarding Tentative Tract Map No. 14496, Revised No. 1, a request
by Anden Group to consider a revision to their previously approved
- tentative tract map to allow condc~inium units. The property is
located west of Eisenhower Drive at Avenue 50. Anden Group is the
applicant. He then called upon staff for their report.
1. Sandra Bonner, Principal Planner, explained that the Applicant
is requesting approval to revise a portion of the tentative tract
map for the Santa Rosa Cove development. The previous map showed
individual lots for each dwelling. The Applicant proposes to change
the unrecorded portions of the tract to statutory condcminiums,
whereby only the units or the buildings are sold while the land
remains in ccnmon undivided ownership. The revision will apply only
to phases four through seven; final maps for the first three phases
have already been recorded.
Ms. Bonner advised that the purpose of this request is to allow the
Applicant more flexibility than allowed by the present tract map.
Currently, the lots are approximately the same size as the dwellings.
Whenever the Applicant wishes to build a larger dwelling on the lot
than originally proposed, they must adjust the lot lines to increase
the size of the parcel accordingly. Six lot line adjustments have
been approved by the City for this purpose. Approval of this revised
map will allow the Applicant more flexibility in choosing the size of
each dwelling and will eliminate the need for lot line adjustments.
MINUTES - PLANNING CC~4~[SSION
October 11, 1983
Page Two.
She went on to explain that the revised map proposes three changes
in the street plan from the previously approved tract map. The
changes are:
o The cul-de-sac on Lot 12 has been changed so that the bulb or
turn-around area has been moved frcm the end of the street to
a point approximately 250 feet frc~ the end of the road.
o The streets on Lots 14 through 16 have been changed frcm a "Y"
design to two cul-de-sacs.
o The streets on Lots 18 thrcugh 21 have been changed to eliminate
one cul-de-sac and to provide for more open space area.
In response to these changes:
o The fire marshall has requested that the cul-de-sacs on Lot 12
be placed at the end of the street to provide required turn-
around area for fire engines.
o The City Engineer rec~ds that streets on Lots 14 through 16
be shortened to a maximum of 600 feet in length. The basis for
this requirement is that if the entrance to the cul-de-sac was
blocked by an accident or disabled vehicle, fire hoses could be
extended a maxinum of 600 feet. This requirement is consistent
with the standards of other cities in the Coachella Valley. Our
current ordinance allows 1,320-foot cul-de-sac streets at present
and it has been discussed re low~ring our standards to accc~rodate
fire equipment. The cul-de-sac street in question is 856 feet in
length.
At this time, there was a short discussion in regards to traffic
volume, street widths and visitor parking for this area.
_
Ms. Bonner noted that the Applicant had requested a change in the
total number of units; however, the Planning Cc~nission agreed to
leaving the number of units approved originally stand.
She also informed the Planning Cc~mission that although it is not
a part of this revised tract map, the Applicant has agreed to install
a sidewalk along the west side of Eisenhower Drive from Avenida
Mazatlan to the southern tract boundary. Further, as a condition of
approval for Specific Plan No. 121-E, of which this tract is a part,
the Applicant shall suhnit plans to the City for approval showing the
proposed bicycle circulation system within the tract. Ms. Bonner
stated that staff has not received any written ~ts for or
against the proposed revision frcm the adjoining property owners.
The property owner's association's Board of Directors has stated that
the proposed change will have no effect on the association.
Based upon the above findings, staff requested that the Planning
~ssion approve this request.
MINUTES - PLANNING CC~MISSION
October 11, 1983
Page Three.
Chairman Klimkiewicz then opened the hearing for public ccnm~nt.
John Canty of J. F. Davidson, speaking in behalf of Anden
Corporation, stated that they had concerns with sc~ of the
conditions required of this project. Those concerns are in the
conditions imposed by the City Engineer in his letter of
September 23, 1983, and the requ~t to sut~nit a bicycle
circulation plan to the City, which Mr. Canty stated does not
affect the development of this project.
As there were no other public ccnm~_nts, Chairman Klimkiewicz
closed the public hearing.
After further discussion regarding the conditions of approval,
the following additions to the conditions were approved:
16. All street curves shall have a minimum radius of 100',
with the exception of Lot "F", which shall be constructed
as shown on Exhibit "A".
17. There shall be a minimum 12-foot-wide emergency vehicle
access easement connecting the ends of Lots "F" and "G".
ChaLrman Klimkiewicz then called for a motion.
2. Cc~m~ssioner Thornburgh made a motion to approve Tentative Tract
Map No. 14496, Revised No. 1, subject to the attached conditions
as amended, and adoption of the negative declaration prepared for
the environmental assessment. Cc~missioner Imkamp seconded the
motion. Unanimously adopted.
4. CONSENT CAI~
A. ~Dtion made by Chairman Klimkiewicz, seconded by Cc~nissioner Salas,
to adopt the Consent Calendar approving the minutes of September 13,
1983.
1. The minutes of the regular meeting of September 13, 1983, were
approved as submitted. Unanimously adopted.
B. MDtion made by Chairman Klimkiewicz, seconded by Cc~missioner Salas,
to adopt the Consent Calendar approving the minutes of September 27,
1983.
1. The minutes of the adjourned meeting of September 27, 1983, were
approved as sutm~tted. Unanimously adopted.
5. BUSINESS
A. Chairman Klimkiewicz introduced the first item under business as being
a review of Plot Plan No. 83-030, a request to construct a single-family
house at the northeast corner of Avenida M~ntero and Calle Orense; Garvey
Development, Applicant. He then called for staff's report.
MINUTES - PLANNING CC~MISSION
October 11, 1983
Page Four.
1. Principal Planner Sandra Bonner stated that the Applicant intends
to sell the house upon cc~pletion. He has no other houses under
construction in the City, but does have one ccmpleted and vacant
house on San Lucas. The siting or location of the house is con-
sistent with both the develo~x~ent in the area and the zoning
requirements. The house will have 1,755 square feet of liveable
area, three bedrooms with minimum 10-foot width and depth dimensions,
tw~ 3/4 bathrooms and an attached double-car garage. The exterior
appearance of the house will show stucco walls with a clay barrel
tile roof. The height of the house will be 13½ feet. Ms. Bonner
stated that a detailed landscaping plan will be required prior to
issuance of a building permit. Full street improvements, including
curb and gutter, exist along Avenida Montero and Calle Orense. Both
of these streets have been tentatively approved by the City for
vacation of the public right of way. Based on these findings, staff
recc~mends that the Planning Cc~ssion approve this request.
There being no further discussion, Chairman Klimk ewicz called for
a motion.
2. Cc~missioner Salas made a motion to approve Plot Plan No. 83-030
in accordance with Exhibits A, B and C and subject to the attached
conditions. Cc~missioner Thornburgh seconded the motion. Unanimously
adopted.
B. Chairman Klimkiewicz introduced the next item of business as being a report
frcm the City Manager regarding the Redevelo~nnt Plan for the La Quinta
Redevelopment Project.
Frank Usher, City Manager, began his report by referring the Planning
Cc~missioners to the copies of the Redevelo~_nt Plan Report that had been
given them. He explained that this report contains the items that the
California Redevelopment Law requires for a redevelo~nent plan. The basic
thrust of this entire Redevelopment Plan is to get some major flood control
work done to prevent the possibility of catastrophic flooding in the cove
and flat areas. He noted that in the plan report under "Goals and
Objectives", it states that a particular objective is the provision of
necessary improvements required to protect the project area properties from
damage of flooding due to rainwater runoff from the surrounding mountains.
Mr. Usher explained that other goals and objectives are of a general nature
and are listed in the report.
With regard to eminent dcmain, this plan removes the right of eminent
dcmain on any property that is zoned residential for the purpose of con-
veying that property to another private party. Mr. Usher explained that
scme redevelo~m~_nt projects are used to acquire land in order to turn it
over to a developer to form scme type of development - usually ~cial.
If there is a need for residential land for other public purposes - flood
control or any other public purposes where the land would remain in public
cc~mercial - that is permissible. However, we have not provided tax
increment funds for the purpose of aoquiring land.
MINUTES - PLANNING ~SSION
October 11, 1983
Page Five.
Going on to the tax increment draw, Mr. Usher explained that the entire
tax increment draw is limited to being $61,970,000. This amount may have
changed during the course of fiscal review process with the other taxing
agencies, but this amount is calculated to be enough to cover the cost of
the necessary bonds ar~ debt service for our flood control project and to
cover administrative costs over the 35-year life of the project. The
various taxing agencies, probably during the course of fiscal review, will
require scme tax increment passed through to them. Legally, if they do
require that, we have to increase the amount mentioned above, but then
we inxaadiately pass whatever is agreed to with the taxing agencies through
to each agency. Mr. Usher stated that the maximum bonded indebtedness at
any one time is $22,500,000 and the actual cost of the project is estimated
to be $14,500,000. When the $14,500,000 is calculated out with debt service
and all, plus administrative costs, it adds up to the $61,970,000. He noted
that other financial assistance can be utilized by the agency if it is
available.
Mr. Usher explained that the project area covers the entire City south of
Avenue 50 with a small area north of Avenue 50 lying west of Eisenhower.
It also includes area outside the City east of Jefferson which is owned by
Ix3/xiwark Land Ccnpany. The land uses shown are those on our present County
approved General Plan. If any of those land uses are changed when we adopt
our own general plan, it does not affect this project. Mr. Usher advised
the Planning ~ssica that there is one correction that needs to be made
on the land use map provided them. That correction is the area shown in
"black dots" at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Avenida Bermudas which
should actually include the Desert Club property. He stated that before
the plan is adopted, this map will be corrected.
Mr. Usher continued to explain that Exhibit C of the report is the description
of the basic flood control works that will be done. The west side of the
cove will be a dike and channel system intercepting water frcm Bear Creek
- and taking it down to the Oleander Reservoir. The east draining system will
intercept and channel all waters east of Bear Creek down the east side of
Avenida Benmudas to the Fritz Burns property and will take it to what we
call the Cove Reservoir, which will be located at the northerly end of the
Fritz Burns property.
Mr. Usher concluded his report by again advising the Planning Ccammission
that this Redevelotm~nt Plan is to provide protection against any catastrophic
flooding of the City. The City will still experience surface street flooding
frcm rainfall until such time as a curb and gutter project is carried out.
This may be 5 or 10 years in the future.
Adoption of the resolution reccnm~nding adoption of the Redevelo~mant Plan
for the La Quinta Redevelot]nent Agency is respectfully recoaxnanded.
After a short discussion, Chairman Klimkiewicz called for a motion.
MINUTES - PLANNING CO~b~SSION
October 11, 1983
Page Six.
1. Cc~sioner Thornburghmade a motion to adopt Resolution No.
P.C. 83-5 Recc~m~_ndingAdoption of the Redevelopment Plan for
the La QuintaRedevelop~ent Project. Ccmmzissioner Imkamp
seconded the motion. Unanimously adopted.
C. Chairman Klimkiewicz introduced the last item of business as a revie~
of a c~cation frcm RDbert Lamb Hart Planners and Architects, Ltd.
with regard to the Washington Street Specific Plan. He called upon
staff for their report.
1. Sandra Banner, Principal Planner, explained that Robert Lamb Hart
Planners and Architects, Ltd., in response to an article concerning
the redesign and landscape of Washington Street, sent us a copy of
~ork they had done in Scottsdale, Arizona. This firm suggested
that the landscape along Washington Street should be a lush, flowering,
desert landscape and that its appearance during the winter resort
season should be a primary consideration. They noted that their
experience with a totally dry native desert landscape is not as
desirable for both practical and aesthetic reasons, because while
water needs are minimized, weed control can be a major problem and
the unavailability and slow establishment of plant material rule out
the possibility of an inmediate landscape effect.
Ms. Bonner noted that this was presented as food for thought with
regard to our Washington Street Specific Plan.
,'Principal Planner Bonner went on to another topic with regard to
Landmark Land Cc~pany's Duna La Quinta Project. She noted that the
Planning ~ssion need not give any ~ts at this m~eting, but
the Duna La Quinta Tract that came before the Ccmmztssion a few months
ago had a condition of approval that the Planning ~ssion would
look at the landscaping and wall plan. She noted that it is very
--
important that the City gets what they want.
Kevin Manning, Planner for ~k Land ~y, stated that he
would like to get a response or direction frcm the Oommission as
they would like to get going on this because they have already had
problems with people entering the prop~ where the houses are
being built. The security guard on duty has reported such activity
during the evening hours. Therefore, Landmark would like to start
building the wall as soon as possible.
Ms. Bonner advised the Cc~missioners that there are sections of this
plan that the City will require to be redone. The plan is being
presented to the Cc~mission for their review only. The primary
issue is the location and design of the wall.
After a short discussion, the Ccmmzission agreed to review their
copies of the plan and meet to review it on October 18, 1983, at
4:00 p.m.
MINUTES - PLANNING ~SSION
October 11, 1983
Page Seven.
6. ADJ~
There being no further items of agenda to ccme before the Planning Cc~missi~n,
Chairman Klimkie~icz called for a motion to adjourn.
Commissioner Imkamp made a motion to adjourn to a special study session to be
held on October 18, 1983, at 4:00 p.m., in La Quinta City Hall, 78-105 Calle
Estado, La Quinta, California. MDtion was seconded by Cc~ssioner Salas.
Unanimously adopted.
The regular meeting of the Planning Ccmm~ssion of the City of La Quinta,
California was adjourned at 8:30 p.m., October 11, 1983, at La Quinta City
Hall, 78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California.