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2001 10 23 PC Minutes MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA October 23, 2001 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 Abels who lead the flag salute. B. Present: Commissioners Richard Butler, Tom Kirk, Steve Robbins, Robert Tyler, and Chairman Jacques Abels. C. Staff present: Community Development Director Jerry Herman, Assistant City Attorney John Ramirez, Community Services Director Dodie Horvitz, Planning Manager Christine di Iorio, Senior Engineer Steve Speer, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed IV. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Chairman Abels asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of October 9, 2001. Commissioner Tyler asked that Page 3, Item 6, be corrected to read, "...from the floor' of the basin..."; Page 8, Item 6 corrected to read, "...radius of the service area..."; Page 9, Item 11 corrected to read, "They do need a vertical separation...", Item 13.b. corrected to read, "...for a multiple antenna."; Page 12, Item 6 corrected to read, "...construction noise of the hotel." . There being no further corrections, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Butler to approve the minutes as corrected. Unanimously approved. B. Department Report: 1. Staff informed the Commission of the Joint meeting between the City Council and Planning Commission on November 14, 2001 regarding the General Plan Update. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-01 .wpd ] Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 V. PRESENTATIONS: None. VI. PUBLIC HEARING: A. Site Development Permit 2001-715' a request of Sean Kearney for a compatibility review of architectural plans for a single family residence to be located at 78-775 Lowe Drive within Acacia. 1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff. There being no questions of staff, Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Sean Kearney, the applicant, stated he as available for questions and had submitted the landscape plans. 3. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Tyler asked if the color of the roof tile was similar to what was in the neighborhood. Mr. Kearney stated yes. Commissioner Tyler asked that the applicant adhere to the City Ordinance in regards to hours of construction. 4. Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to speak regarding this project. There being no further discussion, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. · 5. Commissioner Robbins asked if the architectural details in regard to the popout were allowed. Staff clarified it was a chimney, not a popout. 6. Commissioner Tyler asked if the size of the house was compatible with the house sizes in the existing subdivision. Staff stated it was compatible. 7. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-1 31, recommending approval of Site Development Permit 2001-715, subject to the findings and Conditions of Approval as recommended. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-01 .wpd ~- - Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. Environmental Assessment 2001-420, Specific Plan 87-011 Amendment No. 3. Conditional Use Permit 2001-064. and Site Development Permit 2001-708; a request of the Lathrop Development for review of the design guidelines and development standards for a 25,240 square foot two story building; a site development permit to allow construction of a 25,240 square foot two story commercial-office building/ and a conditional use permit to allow commercial, retail and office uses to be located north of Avenue 47, west of Adams Street. 1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Principal Planner Fred Baker presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. ._ 2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioners asked staff to clarify the entrance of the project, which staff did. 3. Commissioner Tyler asked staff to clarify the one-way driveway. Staff stated the circulation pattern had been changed and was all a two-way circulation pattern. Commissioner Tyler asked about the retention basin at the northeast corner, which should be the northwest corner, that is referred to in the Specific Plan but he cannot see on the plans. Staff clarified its location and stated that according to the study it was of sufficient size. Commissioner Tyler asked why a conditional use permit was required. Staff stated it was included in the original Spanos tract map which included Lake La Quinta which was conditioned to allow a commercial use. When this project was developed and Avenue 47 was redirected south of the tract line, it required the use to have a conditional use to exist as proposed. Commissioner Tyler questioned the Environmental Assessment where it stated the Coachella Valley was in the non-attainment area for PM10 and - that is not what he understands to be true. Staff noted that new data has shown the Valley to no longer be in compliance. Commissioner Tyler asked why the applicant was being required to pay for 25% of the cost and design to construct a traffic signal G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC10-23-01 .wpd 3 Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 at Avenue 47 and Washington Street. This signal has been in place and operational for years and it would seem more appropriate to address the proposed signal at Avenue 47 and Adams Street. Senior Engineer Steve Speer explained staff was modifying the existing conditions to the existing specific plan. This condition was being clarified and in the condition there is an exception. This parcel was created by the map. Staff is asking them to reimburse the City for the signal. The Spanos Company built all of the street and were the owner of the lot so they should not have to reimburse again for things they have already completed. It is a continuation of a previous condition in the Specific Plan. 4. Commissioner Butler asked staff to clarify the zoning. Staff stated it is Regional Commercial. 5. Commissioner Kirk asked if Item V.b. of the Addendum which required archaeological monitoring, was a Code requirement or mitigation measure. Staff stated it was a mitigation measure. Commissioner Kirk asked if it was staff's practice to have a mitigation measure when it is a less than significant .impact. Staff clarified it was a judgement call for the Commission and staff. Planning Manager Christine di Iorio stated it is in regard to a Phase I study with a recommendation from the archaeological report. Commissioner Kirk stated that in Item Vlll.b. the City's Landscaping Ordinance and City standards as mitigation measures; are they mitigation measures or City Ordinances. Staff stated they were all City standards. Commissioner Kirk asked why there was no Mitigation Monitoring Program. Staff clarified it was a mis-communication between staff and the consultant who was preparing it for the City Council and not the Commission. Commissioner Kirk asked if there was a fence or wall on the site; on the eastern property line. Staff stated there is a condition for the north side to require access to the north property so it would blend in with whatever regional development is developed on the north. There is an existing wall on the east side that belongs to CVWD. Commissioner Kirk stated it was his understanding this property was part of the Spanos Specific Plan and contains conditions related to that project and will become a part of the Washington Square Specific Plan which is in the process of being updated. Staff stated that once an application is submitted, the Washington Square Specific Plan would be updated and this project would be incorporated into that plan. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC10-23-01 .wpd 4 Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 6. Chairman Abels asked if the applicant would like to address the. Commission. Mr. Tom Lathrop, the applicant, gave a presentation on the project. 7. Commissioner Tyler asked what uses were contemplated for that portion of the plan that is designated as warehouse. Mr. Lathrop stated it would be storage for his own business. There would be no roll-up doors with no industrial use. 8. Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to speak regarding this project. There being no further discussion, the public participation portion of the hearing was closed and open for Commission discussion. 9. Commissioner Kirk stated he liked the project as it has a good articulation of design. He hopes the rest of the project is integrated with this one. 10. Commissioner Robbins stated he likes the project. 11. Commissioner Tyler asked if the City would be incorporating new lighting standards based on what was 'being considered for the La Quinta Arts Foundation. Staff stated yes. 1 2. Commissioner Butler stated he likes the project. 13. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Tyler/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-132, recommending certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for Environmental Assessment 2001-429, subject to the findings as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 14. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission --- Resolution 2001-133, recommending approval of Specific Plan 87- 011 Amendment //3, subject to the findings and Conditions of Approval as recommended. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-O1 .wpd 5 Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 15. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Kirk to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-134, recommending approval of Conditional Use Permit 2001-064, subject to the findings and Conditions of Approval as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 16. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Robbins/Butler to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-135, recommending approval of Site Development Permit 2001-708, subject to the findings and Conditions of Approval as recommended. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, Tyler, and Chairman Abels. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. C. Environmental Assessment 2001-438 and Capital Improvement Project 2001-694; a request of the City of La Quinta for review of the development of an 18.07 acre community park site with various size lighted soccer fields, two lighted baseball fields, concession stand, restrooms, tot lot skate park, picnic areas with barbeques and shade structures to be located on the northeast corner of Adams Street and Westward Ho Drive. 1. Chairman Abels opened the public hearing and asked for the staff report. Community Services Director Dodie Horvitz presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. Mr. Oscar Johnson, consultant for the project, gave a presentation on the site plan. Ms. Coleen Marcum gave a presentation on the proposed lighting plan. Mr. Mark Crane, architect for the project, gave a presentation on the building architecture. 2. Chairman Abels asked if there were any questions of the applicant Commissioner Tyler asked about the number of stalls in the G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-01 .wpd 6 _ Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 restrooms. Mr. Crane stated it was similar to other parks. Commissioner Tyler stated that with this size and number of soccer fields, the number of stalls is inadequate. If there is a standard he does not know why it is not applied. Community Services Director Dodie Horvitz stated the current fields have one stall in each restroom and it is adequate. 3. Commissioners Kirk and Robbins stated they had no objections to the architecture. 4. Commissioner Kirk stated that in regard to the lighting, it is indicated 95% of the light can be maintained. Why not contain 100% of the light on most of the fields? Ms. Marcum stated that when 100% of the light is facing down, there is no way to hit the light levels in the middle of the field where it is needed. 5. Commissioner Butler stated he did not believe the School District had to meet the City's standards. His concern is the light poles. Ms. Marcum stated that at the time the school was constructed the light poles were donated and need to be updated. The poles are too short and cannot handle the wind elements for more efficient light fixtures. The light problems on the field.can be solved. Commissioner Butler asked if this would compounding the problem with the new lights being installed in regard to the dark sky. Community Services Director Dodie Horvitz stated the City is working with the School District to resolve the light problems. The park lights will be monitored through the Community Services Department. 6. Commissioner Tyler asked about the type of poles to be used. Ms. Marcum stated they are stainless steel with a concrete base. They have met the requirements of the athletic organizations and the poles will be painted to blend into the surroundings. 7. Commissioner Chairman Abels asked if anyone else would like to speak regarding this project. 8. Ms. Lynn Hay, 78-815 Wakefield Circle, stated she was unable to .--- attend any prior meetings regarding this project. She understands La Quinta needs the soccer fields, but the Palm Desert fields are not near residential houses and the parking is severely handicapped. Her biggest concern is that the parking is not large enough to meet the need that exists. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-01 .wpd 7 Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 9. Mr. Dave Thornton, 78-805 Wakefield Circle, stated his biggest protest is a sports center so near their homes with the noise and traffic all weekend and during the week nights as well. With all the activity that is existing and proposed it will become a very congestive area. He requests the City look for another location. In regard to the lighting, the sky will still be lit by the reflection off the field regardless of what lights are installed. 10. Mr. James Tourje, 78-760 Wakefield Circle, stated he moved into his house in 2000, and he knew there was a park going in when he bought his home. He is in favor of the park, however, he has' a problem with a high usage park surrounded on three sides by homes. He would ask the City to consider a different location that could handle the high traffic volume. 11. Ms. Angie Ciota, 45-570 Sunbrook Lane, stated she cannot understand how the City could place such a high intensity park in the middle of a residential area. The high school is already a nuisance. The parking is completely inadequate and the traffic will increase greatly. Put this in a commercial area. 12. Mr. Bob Prince, 78-770 Wakefield Circle, stated his main concern was the lighting, but most of those concerns have been resolved by the lighting consultant, but the high school is still an issue. Being able to lie in your backyard and look at the lights will no longer be possible. The City needs to take a careful look at the lighting and parking. 13. Ms. Ellie Tourje, 78-760 Wakefield Circle, stated she knows this park has already been approved and she does not know what can be done regarding the size of the park. The two complexes together are going to compound the problems. As there are no street lights on Adams Street this could even be a safety concern. She submitted a petition from the homeowners regarding the park. 14. Ms. Lynn Hay, stated the reason they chose La Quinta is because of the restrictions to keep it a quiet and dark community. 15. There being no further discussion, the public participation portion of the hearing was clOsed and open for Commission discussion. 16. Commissioner Robbins asked what the applicant to explain the exercise clusters. Mr. Johnson explained. Commissioner Robbins G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC10-23-01 .wpd ~ -- Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 asked why there were no conditions of approval for this project. Community Services Director Dodie Horvitz stated they are contained in the mitigation measures. Commissioner Robbins stated he lives in proximity to the tennis stadium and he does not have an impact from its light source. What he does have a problem with is the lack of parking, especially if there is a football game going on at the same time at the high school. 17. Commissioner Kirk asked how the number of restroom stalls was determined. Mr. Johnson stated it was based on previously designed facilities and an average number of users. Based on their averages, it should be adequate. Commissioner Kirk asked if there was sufficient tree coverage to take care of the light leakage. Ms. Marcum stated yes, but surrounding property owners did not want the trees. Commissioner Kirk asked if while the City was working on the General Plan, and larger and larger development are built, the City should be considering whether or not to build larger and larger parks. This design has been the result of a lot of input from - the community, consultants, and staff, and as this cannot be changed, the City needs to consider smaller parks for future developments. 18. Commissioner Butler stated that in his opinion the lighting issue has been resolved and the high school soon will be. With the~ number of people that have been drawn to this area it has created the need for this size of park. Planning is done before the homes are built to accommodate the demand as it grows. 19. Commissioner Tyler stated the staff report did not contain any information on the new lighting design and had it been looked at by the City's lighting consultant for the Arts Foundation. Staff stated no. Commissioner Tyler asked if staff had any information on the restrooms at the Palm Desert park facility. Ms. Hay stated there were five or six stalls in the women's restroom facilities and probably the same in the men's. Community Services Director stated that facility is 26 acres as compared to this park at 18 acres. Commissioner Tyler asked if the restroom facilities could be increased. Staff stated it could be modified to increase the facilities, but they are under a cost constraints. Mr. Crane stated it would probably increase the budget. Commissioner Tyler asked why the plans he received were different from the ones presented. Mr. Johnson stated the basketball courts had to be relocated due to the grading and size constraints. G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-01 .wpd ~) Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 20. Commissioner Kirk asked staff what was being approved. Staff stated the design of the landscaping and building, the Mitigated Negative Declaration constraints, the lighting and any of the other studies submitted. 21. Commissioner Tyler stated the traffic analysis was not accurate. 22. Commissioner Kirk asked if parking could be addressed as a mitigation measure. Could there be mitigation measures added to ensure there was no conflict with the high school football games? Staff stated a mitigation measure could be added that no games would be allowed at the time of home football games. 23. Commissioner Tyler asked how staff could control what fields are used. Staff stated it could be controlled by the lights that are turned on. 24. Commissioner Robbins asked if this facility is built as designed will there no longer be any games played at the sports facility on Avenue 50. Staff stated both facilities would be used. 25. Commissioner Kirk asked if the fields were being used at their maximum so teams are not able to come in and practice prior to a game. Mr. Mark Woods, La Quinta Soccer Association, stated practices are divided into groups and assigned days that they can practice during the week and games are scheduled for weekends. 26. Commissioner Tyler asked how many participants take part in the game. Mr. Woods stated they have 947 players signed up, but they are spread out over the entire day and usually only 147 kids playing in an hours time. 27. There being no further public comment, the public participation portion of the project was closed and open for Commission discussion. 28. Commissioner Tyler stated he was in favor of the project, but was unable to support it due to the inadequacy of the parking. 29. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001 - 1 36, recommending certification of Environmental Assessment 2001-41 8, subject to the findings as amended: G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-01 .wpd ] 0 _ Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 A. Mitigation measure limiting the use of the fields to no games after five p.m. when there are home high school games. B. I.c) & d)4. Add Saturdays. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman Abels. NOES: Commissioner Tyler. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 30. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Kirk/Robbins to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2001-137 approving Capitol Improvement Project 2001-694, as amended: A. If there is not an appropriate joint use agreement with the High School to provide overflow parking, we recommend to the City Council there be more parking and less fields. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Kirk, Robbins, and Chairman Abels. NOES: Commissioner Tyler. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. VII. BUSINESS ITEMS: None VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None. IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Commissioner Tyler gave a report on the City Council meeting of September 18, 2001. X. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Butler/Robbins to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held November 1 3, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. on October 23, 2001. ,~~ctful? submi~ed, _~,~_~_x~c ut ~e-S-~c reta ry City of L~rQuinta, California G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\PC 10-23-01 .wpd ] ]