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2000 10 10 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampi¢o, La Quinta, CA October 10, 2000 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER A. This meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Robbins who asked Commissioner Butler to lead the flag salute. B. Present: Commissioners Jacques Abels, Richard Butler, Tom Kirk, Robert Tyler, and Chairman Steve Robbins. C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, ASsistant City Attorney John Ramirez, Senior Engineer Steve Speer, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: A. Community Development Director Jerry Herman asked that Business Item #B be changed to Public Hearing Item "D'. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Butler to confirm the agenda as changed. IV. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of joint meeting of September 26, 2000. Commissioner Tyler asked that staff check whether Mr. Handover spoke twice and if so, verify what he spoke about. There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded' by Commissioners Butler/Abels to approve the minutes as submitted. B. Department Report: None. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Environmental Assessment 2000-396, General Plan Amendment 2000- 067, Zone Chanae 2000-093, Specific Plan 2000-045, and Site Development Permit 2000-677; a request of Evergreen, La Quinta Limited Partnership for certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of G:\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-00. wpd Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 Environmental Impact, amend the General Plan Land Use Element from Commercial Office to Neighborhood Commercial, change the Zoning Designation from Commercial Office to Neighborhood Commercial, design guidelines and development standards for a 7.63 acre commercial/office complex, and development plans for a one story 1 4,490 square foot drug store. 1. Staff informed the Commission that the applicant had requested a continuance to November 14, 2000. 2. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Abels to continue this item to the meeting of November 14, 2000, as requested by the applicant. Unanimously approved. B. Site Development Permit 2000-68? a request of Tomra Pacific Inc./Recycling Centers for approval of architectural, landscaping, sign and site plans for a 496.5 square foot prefabricated recycling collection facility to be located at 78-630 Highway 111 in front of Stater Brothers Supermarket within the One Eleven La Quinta Shopping Center. 1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented' the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. Staff noted a correction to the Resolution. 2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Kirk asked if the applicant had addressed the major issues raised by the Commissioners. Staff stated yes, with the exception of the location. 3. Commissioner Tyler stated that on Page 3 of the staff report the most important issue raised by the Commission was location, and yet, the applicant does not address it with this resubmittal. 4. Commissioner Butler stated he concurs with Commissioner Tyler. 5. Commissioner Kirk stated it was a majOr issue for some of Commissioners, but not the majority. Whereas, the' design issues were a concern to the entire Commission and the applicant has addressed those issues. G :\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-00. wpd 2 Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 6. Chairman Robbins questioned the wording of Finding #4 of the Resolution as to whether or not the building was compatible and asked how many parking spaces would be blocked out. Staff stated the applicant would have to address this. 7. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Richard Kearns, representing Tomra Pacific, stated that to answer the question regarding location he would remind the Commission that they were requested by Stater Bros. to move their location. They are currently working with 130 stores in California. Stater Bros. is the major company involved in the recycling business and Tomra is a dominate source of recycling in and out of the United States. Some of the issues raised have been built in for safety by providing a false facade which would allow them to provide a location for recycling that was safe and convenient. This is the first production model that has been adopted and they have blended it into many cities. For La Quinta they have made a $30,000 upgrade to put a better look on the building. The primary thing they can do to blend in is to change colors and add roof tiles. He went on to note the other changes they are proposing to blend the facility in with the Center. He stated they have major support from the Center's owners. They were requested by the owner of the Center to move the facility to the front for safety. In regard to the landscaping they worked with staff to make changes they thought would make it blend more with the Center. In regard to the signs, their sign was designed to work with all their promotional material to be attractive and catch attention. For every 200,000 containers recycled they are donating a tree to that city. The graphic design on the side is to show the continuity with their recycling brochures and program. They have agreed to removed it on this facility to be more compatible with the City's requirements. One purpose of the mural is to keep down the graffiti. In regard to AB 939 requirements, the City has to have a 50% reduction and most of the cities in the Valley are having a problem meeting their quota. The City of Cathedral City paid their fees for a facility to help them meet their quota. 8. Commissioner Tyler asked where their facility was located in Cathedral City. Mr. Kearns stated it was also in from the Stater Bros. on Date Palm Drive. 9. Commissioner Abels stated this Commission was not against recycling. He had the opportunity to look at their location in Indio and in his opinion, it was an eyesore in regard to what La Quinta G :\WPDOCS\PC 1 o-10-O0.wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 is trying to accomplish on Highway 1 1 1. Even though the present location is not desirable, to put this on Highway 1 1 1 is not the best location. He commended the applicant on his purpose. Commissioner Abels asked staff if the City had met our quota. Staff stated, to date the City has not, but it depends on what the City does this year. Mr. Kearns stated he could obtain those figures and would be happy to give them to staff. 10. Commissioner Kirk asked staff if the specifications and materials were the same in this packet as the one previously given to the Commission. Staff noted it was a new packet with the revised building elevations. 1 1. Commissioner Tyler asked about the electrical connection. Mr. Kearns stated they are able to tie into electrical lines and run them out to their location off of the electrical panel at Stater Bros. Commissioner Tyler asked if there were any other utilities they would need. Mr. Kearns stated none, only electrical. Commissioner Tyler asked about water. Mr. Kearns stated that in order to keep the facility clean they will connect to the landscaping connection for general cleanup. Commissioner Tyler stated some of the items raised at the last meeting were not addressed by the applicant in this proposal, such as how often the items are picked up. Mr. Kearns stated that since they have used this design Which is a much more attractive and inviting facility, they have increased the amount of recyclables. Commissioner Tyler stated he visited the facility in Indio and found a very foul smell of stale beer. Mr. Kearns asked what day of the week. Commissioner Tyler stated it was during the week and in his opinion the containers should be cleaned more than three or four times a month. 12. Chairman Robbins noted that in the packet it stated there was a 50-foot clearance behind the facility and asked where that was measured from and with the length of the trucks it does not appear to be enough room. Mr. Kearns stated they try to get as much room as possible. They will schedule pick up times for the least busiest times of the Center. They generally rope two parking spaces off behind the bins for pickup. Chairman Robbins stated these are angled parking spaces and it would probably take four spaces. In regard to the new proposal where the mural has been removed, Chairman Robbins asked why the lights were needed on the side of the building. Mr. Kearns stated for safety. You cannot avoid the transient people and the lighting will deter this problem G :\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-00. wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 and all lights will be turned off as the store closes. Chairman Robbins asked about restroom facilities. Mr. Kearns stated it is written into the agreement with Stater Bros. that the employees can use those in the store. Chairman Robbins asked about the hours of operation. Mr. Kearns stated it is intended to be manned 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Chairman Robbins stated he would rather see it open Saturday and Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Mr. Kearns stated this is the reason they went with the machines. They could change the hours to be convenient to the residents. 1 3. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and opened the project for Commission discussion. 14. Commissioner Tyler stated that if approved he would like the following included in the conditions: utilities are to be undergrounded; the hours of operation shall be consistent with the store's hours; the hours for truck pick up shall be 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.; and the bins will be changed once a week to keep the Smell down. He still has trouble with 'the findings that the facility does not interfere with the traffic in regard to the bin transfers. He also does not agree that people will walk into the store to turn their receipts in. He does not understand why the facility cannot be kept in the rear of the building. He drove through this area several times to check the rear of the building for the hours of heavy traffic and it was only during the truck deliveries for Stater Bros. and therefore, is not convinced it has to be in the front. He is in favor of recycling and the facility, but objects to the location. He cannot support this in this location. 1 5. Commissioner Butler stated he concurs with Commissioner Tyler's comments. He agrees with the purpose, but not the location. It needs to stay where it is. 16. Commissioner Abels stated he agrees with Commissioners Tyler and Butler. 1 7. Commissioner Kirk stated the recycling is irrelevant. Government should not be involved as to whether or not the use is good. The design issues are important and he believes the Commission gave the applicant a mixed message at the last meeting. The applicant has met all the design issues as requested by the Commission. G:\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-O0.wpd 5 Planning Commission Minutes -- October 10, 2000 With respect to the location, he disagrees with the other Commissioners. The issues of safety and traffic are a valid consideration. Also, he does not think they should decide who is good or bad in regard to who is hanging around these facilities. He would move to support the project as it has been redesigned. 1 8. Chairman Robbins. stated he agrees that location is not an issue for this project. The issue is that this is a production unit. While the applicant did attempt to address the issues, in his opinion the change in colors helped, but did not do what they needed to do. They hid the building rather than conform to the existing architecture. The landscaping provides an opportunity for someone to hide which is also unsafe and he is not necessarily in favor of the heavy landscaping. As to the odor, it will be there whether it is in the front or back of the building. Traffic is a concern in the front as people will wait in their cars to drop their items off and will line up causing traffic problems. 19. Commissioner Abels stated he concurs with Chairman Robbins as the architecture is a problem. It needs a softer look. 20. Commissioner Tyler asked staff if there was some way to approve the facility behind the store. Community Development Director Jerry Herman stated the Commission can approve it subject to it's existing location and the applicant can appeal their decision to the City Council. Staff does support the facility as it does help to meet AB 939 requirements. 21. Commissioner Abels asked if it could be moved to the east of Stater Bros. Mr. Kearns stated Stater Bros. only controls their property. They have a $50,000 investment in this facility and it needs to be able to do what it is intended to do. They are greatly concerned with safety issue. They will not put a facility behind the store as it would not pay them to do so and the owners have declined to allow them to be behind the store anyway. 22. Ms. Susan Morse, representing Stater Bros., stated they have been told by the owners that there will be no more recycling in the rear of the building. Both the property managers and owners have stated this location is not an option. They will do everything they can to meet the City's requirements as they must recycle. They do not wish to argue with the Commission, but are working with some limitations. Women in this community want a safe place G :\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-O0.wpd {~ - Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 and they want to be in the front of the building. It is not that obtrusive and will not be seen as you drive down the street. The have surveyed different sites at the Center, but must use the Stater Bros. parking lot. 23. Commissioner Abels stated he would feel better if the design was better. He can understand the location and will concur with the location, but the design is not what the City wants. Mr. Kearns presented some pictures of other locations. Commissioner Abels stated it is too small. Mr. Kearns stated they cannot build anything larger. 24. Commissioner Butler stated this could be an argument raised by all the other supermarkets and this could open up an avenue for other facilities in other centers. Ms. Morse stated they are to be within so many miles of each other and no other markets will be asking for it. Customers love the idea and ask for it. It does draw people into the Centers due to the recycling. 25. Commissioner Kirk stated he would not like the Commission to try and redesign the facility during a meeting. The applicant has addressed the design issues raised at the last meeting. If there is a desire to redesign this facility again, it is a mistake now to pick it apart. 26. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Abels to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-067 approving Site Development Permit 2000- 683, subject to the Findings and Conditions of Approval as amended. a. All utilities shall be undergrounded. b. The hours of operation shall be the same as market. c. Bin pickups will be scheduled between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. d. The Community Development Director can authorize additional pickups if there are odors. 27. Commissioner Butler stated that in terms of all that is proposed for this intersection it will only enhance Stater Bros. business. This is one of the major reasons he is not in favor of the location. It is definitely needed, but not what the City wants on one of the four corners. G.'\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-O0.wpd '7 Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 28. Chairman Robbins stated that in regard to the issue of location, he concedes that the back of the store is not the right location, especially going to automated. The applicant has attempted to address a lot of the issues, but it is such a visible corner that he has a hard time approving it even with the redesign. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioner Kirk. NOES: Commissioners Abels, Butler, Tyler and Chairman Robbins. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. D. Environmental Assessment 97-341 Addendum, General Plan Amendment 2000-072, Zone Change 2000-097, and Tentative Parcel Map 29897; a request of Chapman Golf Development, L.L.C. for certification of an Addendum to a previously approved Environmental Assessment, amend the General Plan and Zoning Land Use Designation from Golf Course to Low Density Residential, and create a 13,230 square foot single family residential parcel. 1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Community Development Director Jerry Herman presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of . which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Tyler asked how much of'the land area was vertical as it appeared to be very small. Staff stated none and displayed the location on the tract map. 3. Commissioner Kirk asked why this piece of land was not included at the original development of the Tract. Staff stated they have now found additional land that could accommodate more houses. 4. Chairman Robbins asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Dale Kelliber Keith Companies, representing the applicant, stated they agree with staff's recommendations with the exception of Condition #26. Staff stated they agreed with the deletion of this condition. 5. Commissioner Tyler commended the applicant on the development. G :\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-O0.wpd 8 Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 6. Chairman Robbins asked if there was any other public comment. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and opened the project for Commission discussion. 7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-067 recommending to the City Council certification of an Addendum to Environmental Assessment 97- 341. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 8. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-068 recommending to the City Council approval of General Plan Amendment 2000- 072. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 9. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-069 recommending to the City Council approval of Zone Change 2000-097. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 10. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-070 recommending to the City Council approval of Tentative Parcel Map 29897, subject to the conditions as submitted/amended. e. Condition #26: Deleted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. G:\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-00. wpd 9 Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 D. Right-of-Wav-C 2000-001; a request of the City of La Quinta for a General Plan consistency findings for the proposed closure of Avenida Mendoza located between Avenida Montezuma and the alley to vehicular traffic. 1. Chairman Robbins opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Senior Engineer Steve Speer presented the information contained in the staff report. 2. Chairman Robbins asked if Mendoza originally went through the park. Staff noted that was true, but had been vacated. 3. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Butler commended staff on his presentation. 4. Commissioner Tyler asked about the term "motorized vehicle", and asked how this would affect motorized bicycles, etc. Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez the State Vehicle Code uses the word "motorized" and would include the broadest interpretation. In this instance if you are asking whether the City can make the finding that it is no longer needed, staff has illustrated this finding can be made. Commissioner Tyler stated his concern that the police would be issuing tickets on motorized bicycles. Senior Engineer Steve Speer stated the word "vehicular traffic" was added by staff as the Code only states automobiles. Commissioner Tyler noted the City is currently working on a Transportation Demand Ordinance which would involve golf cart and they could also be affected. Staff stated the idea is that automobiles can be easily deterred without inconveniencing the public. It is not intended to address bicycles or golf carts. 5. Commissioner Kirk stated staff indicated what the ADT is, but is the traffic model able to address the future ADT? Staff stated no. It is a connector street between the neighborhood and the park and as he noted in the staff report, by doing this it cuts off passenger traffic from outside the neighborhood. 6. Chairman Robbins asked if this was approved by the Fire Marshal as he questions whether the new fire trucks could make a turn around in this alley. Staff noted it is 20-feet wide alley and will be developed to its full width. The City Council has approved this as being a one-way alley. The Fire Marshal has not be consulted. Chairman Robbins stated his concern was the turning radius of the larger fire trucks. G:\WPDOCS\PC 1 O- 10-O0.wpd ] 0 Planning Commission Minutes October 10, 2000 7. Commissioner Kirk asked is this was a private development would staff even be considering this request. Staff stated there are several circulation opportunities and this is consistent with subdivision concepts to have a curvilinear street. Commissioner Kirk asked if this was a private development developing on a public street would the City be considering it. Staff stated they would not know what the Council would do in that instance. It is not a vacation of a street, just closing to vehicular traffic. 8. There being no further public comment, the public hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Tyler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2000-071 approving RW-C 2000-001 as recommended by staff. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Abels Butler, Kirk, Tyler, and Chairman Robbins. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. VI. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Minor Use Permit 2000-241; a request of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for approval of a temporary turfed parking lot with 21 9 parking spaces with temporary parking lot lighting for the Church. 1. Chairman Robbins asked for the staff report. Community Development Director Jerry Herman presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Robbins asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Kirk asked if any promises were made as to the duration of the parking lot. Staff stated no. Commissioner Kirk asked if there were any time limits. Staff stated there are none contained in the Code. 3. Commissioner Tyler asked is this was lO-feet above grade or the concrete pavement. Staff stated 10-feet above the concrete or a total of 12 feet. G:\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-00.wpd ] ! Planning commission Minutes _ October 10, 2000 4.Chairman Robbins asked if this was on Church property. Staff stated it was the Church's property. 5. Mr. Larry Saindon, representing St. Francis of Assisi, gave their reasons for the request being safety and security. The lights will be on a timer and will come on Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and special services; a total of four hours a week. 6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Kirk to adopt Minute Motion 2000-015 approving Minor Use Permit 2000-241 as recommended by staff with the following amendments: a. Light poles will be a maximum of 10 feet with a 2-foot pedestal. b. All utilities shall be undergrounded VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:. None. VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Commissioner Tyler gave a report of the City Council meeting of October 3, 2000. IX. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Abels/Butler to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held October 24, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. on October 10, 2000. Respectfully submitted, Bett~ J.r~'a~yer, Exec~ive Secretary City of L"~Quinta, California -- G :\WPDOCS\PC 10-10-00. wpd ]2