2004 09 14 PC Minutes
\
.
MINUTES
PLANNING COMM:ISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78.-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
September 14, 2004 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 Kirk who asked Commissioner Ladner to lead the flag
salute.
B. Present: Commissìoners Rick Daniels, Kay Ladner, Paul Quill, and
Chairman Tom Kirk. It was moVed and seconded by Commissioners
Daniels/Ladner to excuse Commissioner Krieger.
C. Staff present: Oscar Orci, Interim Community Development Director,
Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston, Assistant City Engineer Steve
Speer, Principal Planner Fred Baker, Associate Planners Wallace Nesbit,
Martin Magaña, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT:
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA:
A. Associate Planner Martin Magaña asked that Item IIF" be moved before
Item liE". It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Ladner/Daniels
to move Iter"F" to Item "E" and Item "E" to Item "F".
IV. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Chairman Ki k asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of the
regular meet ng of August 10, 2004. There being no corrections, it was
moved and econded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to approve the
minutes as ubmitted.
B. Department eport. Assistant City -Attorney Michael Houston reviewed
the memora dum sent to the Commission concerning conflict of interest
regarding p rsonal property and asked if there were any questions.
Chairman Ki k asked if staff would give a report ontents at the next
meeting.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9~ 14-04.doc
,
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Environmental Assessment 2004-511 , Specific Plan 2004-073, and
Tentative Tract Map 31874; a request of Stonefield Development, Inc.
for consideration of establishing development principles', guidelines and
programs to allow the subdivision of 40 acres into 102 residential lots for
the property located at' the northwest corner of Monroe Street and
Avenue 53.
1 . Planning Manager Oscar Orci informed the Commission this case
still needed to complete its environmental review and staff was
therefore requesting a continuance.
2. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Quill to
continue the project to September 28, 2004. Unanimously
approved.
B. Tentative Tract Map 32371 ; a request of Ehline Company for
consideration of the subdivision of 8.99 acres into 54 single-family lots
and other miscellaneous lots for the property located south of Miles
A venue, on the east side of Seeley Drive.
1 . Planning Manager Oscar Orci informed the Commission that the
applicant had withdrawn the application and no further action was
required.
C. Environmental Assessment 2004-502 and Tentative Tract Map 32225; a
request of Vince D' Ambra for consideration of adopting a Mitigated
Negative Declaration of environmental impact and the subdivision of 8.08
acres into 33 residential lots and other common lots for the property
located at the northwest corner of Madison Street and A venue 58.
1 . Commissioner Daniels stated he had a potential for a conflict of
interest and left the dais.
2. Chairman Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Principal Planner Fred Baker presented the information
contained in the report a copy of which is on file in the Community
Development Department.
3. Chairman Kirk asked staff to explain condition 7.A. Assistant City
Engineer Steve Speer explained how the traffic model for Madison
Street was set at six lanes. Due to the actual development of the
G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 2
"
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
projects in this area there is a need to .downgrade the General Plan
accordingly; therefore, the condition is to allow time for the
change to be made. Chairman Kirk asked if there was any
discretion regarding this condition. Staff stated they would apply
whatever General Plan requirements are in place at the time of
final map. Interim· Community Development Director Oscar Orci
stated the General Plan Amendment is intended to be scheduled as·
soon as possible. Should this not happen, staff will make a
determination of whether or not this project should be redesigned.
Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated there w·as a project on
Washington Street approved under a similar circumstance. In this
case staff asked for the right of way and not the entire lane.
4. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Kirk asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Dan Lee,
representing the applicant, stated they concur with the conditions
as written.
5. Chairman Kirk asked if there was any other public comment. Mr.
Pierre LaTallia, 39-559 New Castle, Palm Desert, stated he has
purchased a lot in the adjoining tract ånd believes this project is to
dense for this area and even though he understands it meets the
City's standards he would like to request a lowering of the density.
6. Mr. Robert Stowe, 80-581 Vista Lazo, stated he too agrees it is
too dense for this area. His ·Iot will adjoin three of the lots for this
tract. They are situated too close to the property line. No other
tract in this area is designed with this density. It is not compatible
with the surrounding developments. It will create too much traffic
for the area as well.
7. Mr. David Brudvik, Santa Rosa Development, engineer for the
project, stated it ~iII be designed with one story homes and it is
half the density of the Puerta Azul project and across the street on
Avenue 58, it is zoned for Medium Density.
8. There being no other public comment, Chairman Kirk closed the
public participation portion of the hearing.
9. Commissioner Quill asked ·staff to ensure the elevations were as
stated on the map so they remain the same as the adjoining tracts.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 3
·
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
10. Chairman Kirk asked how much discretion the Commission could
have in regard to density. If the Commission found the right
findings they could change the density. Assistant City Attorney
Michael Houston stated the Commission could provide for less
density. . Findings such as aesthetics, community design,
community health and safety, etc., could be made.
11. . Commissioner Ladner thanked the applicant for restricting the units
to one story.
1 2. Chairman Kirk asked the density of the adjoining projects. Staff
stated Puerta Azul located immediately to the north, is zoned
Medium Density. Chairman Kirk stated it seems that a slight
reduction in density on Lots 11- 1"5 on the west side of the project
would mitigate some of the issues regarding density.
13. Commissioner Ladner asked if they move to see a change in the
density, would it' go to the City Council for their approval.
Chairman Kirk stated yes.
14. Chairman Kirk reopened the public hearing.
15. Commissioner Quill asked the applicant if they intended to build
the homes on the site. Mr. Srudvik stated he intends to build the
h.omes. They originally envisioned the project to be designed
similar to the La Quinta Hotel casitas units. Staff noted the site
design and elevations will be before the Commission for approval
of a Site Development Permit and public comment will be taken at
that time.
16. Mr. Robert Stowe, owner of Lot 12, stated he is concerned with
the entry to the project that will have a left turn lane across the
median so close to Madison Street. He is also concerned about
the safety of those exiting at this location. Assistant City Engineer
Steve Speer stated that Avenue 58 and Madison Street will be
signalized' within two years. With respect to the full turn for the
project it complies with the General Plan.
17. There being no further public comment the public hearing was
again closed.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 4
·
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
18. Commissioner Quill asked about the setbacks. Staff stated the
setbacks and discussion followed. Commissioner Quill stated he
would prefer a90 foot dimension on the frontage to· allow the
houses to have a 3,.000 square foot range.
19. Chairman Kirk stated the project to the north has a higher density.
Lot 10 to the west is larg.er than Lots 37' - 40, so there isn't much
impact. Lot 11 to the south end of Lot 1 5 is where the
compatibility is impacted. A 90-footwidth could be required on
Lots 4-1 6 to provide a buffer between the two tracts.
20. Commissioner Ladner asked that Lot 4 not be included.
21. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Ladner to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-061., recommending
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental
Assessment 2004-502, as recommended:
ROLL CALL: A YES: Commissioners Ladner, Quill, and C~airman Kirk.
NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Daniels and
Krieger. ABST AIN: None.
22. It was moved and seconded' by Commissioners Quill/Ladner to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004:..062, recommending
approval of Tentative Tract Map 32225, as recommended by staff
and amended:
a. Condition added: The front lot dimension for Lots 5-1 6
shall be increased to a minimum of 90 feet.
ROLL GALL: A YES: Commissioners Ladner, Quill, and Chairman Kirk.
NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Daniels and
Krieger. ABSTAIN: None.
Commissioner Daniels rejoined the Commission.
D. Conditional Use Permit 2004-085; a request of Nextel Communication for
consideration of a 60 foot high telecommunications monopole and 230
square foot equipment shelter for the property.located at the southwest
corner of A venue 54 and Madison Street, within Riverside' County Fire
Department Station #70 property.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 5
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
1 . Chairn-:'an Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Associate Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the
information contained inthe report a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Commissioner Daniels stated he is a resident of PGA West and the
homeowners' association is within 500 feet of thi~ property, but
he. does not feel there is any conflict of interest.
3. Chairman Kirk asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Ladner asked the distance between the toP. of the
live tree to the bottom of the monopalm. Staff stated the highest
tree is 42 feet in height, so about a 15-22 foot difference.
4. There being no further questions of' staff, Chairman Kirk asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. John
Beke with Tetra Tech Wireless, representing the applicant, stated
they have reviewed the conditions and hav.e no objections. With
regard to the opposition letter submitted by Mr. Glen Hart, the
FCC does not allowed them to interfere with any other electrical
appliances; in terms of unsightliness, it is planted among live
palms of the same species; in regard to lighting, they have not
applied for any and none are requiréd; in regard to adjacency to his
front yard it is over 200 feet away. To view this pole, Mr. Hart
will have to view this through a grove of trees to even see this
pole. They tried to locate at the PGA Clubhouse, but were unable
to do so. In regård to staff's recommendation for plantings 8-10
feet tall between the perimeter wall and their shelter, they would
prefer to use vines to gr.ow up onto the shelter.
5. Chairman Kirk stated the. monopalm dominates the view as it
appears to be twice as tall and large, but in the photos contained
in their packet, the palms were indistinguishable. Mr. Beke went
over the process of how they produce' the photos and determine
the height needed. .
6. Chairman Kirk asked if there was any other public comment. Mr.
John Bobbitt, 80-432 Pebble Beach stated he is the president of
the homeowners' association that will be .affected by this pole. A
number of residents are away and not available to speak to this
project. They object to an object of this height. He appreciates
their attempt' to disguise. it, but it will still be unsightly. . The
potential to interfere with their equipment room that controls a lot
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 6
I Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
of their equipment is a great concern. He understands they have
to conform to FCC rules and yet he knows these things do not
operate perfectly. He reaffirmed his protest against the project.
7. Commissioner Daniels asked if their concern was that the tower
may interfere with their communication equipment. Mr. Bobbitt
stated yes as well as the aesthetics. They have had trouble with
the Fire Department radio equipment interfering with their
equipment, and Mr. Beke has already had problems even though
they cannot prove it. Mr. Beke stated that in regard to the
interference, they would be happy to have a condition added that
they would remedy any interference within a time frame. They
would begin a remedy within 48-hours of notice by the claimant to
. resolve the problem.
8. There being no other public comment, Chairman Kirk closed the
public participation portion of the hearing. Commissioner Quill
asked if the Riverside County Fire Department had reviewed this
I request and found there were no issues. Mr. Beke stated yes.
9. Commissioner Daniels asked how they chose this site and what
other sites were reviewed.
10. Chairman Kirk reopened the public hearing. Mr. Be~e stated their
customer, KSL, requested they improve their service. They do not
like to go with vacant land as it is unknown what will be there and
this site was then chosen.
11 . Commissioner Daniels asked why the height had to be 60-feet.
Mr. Beke stated this is the lowest functional height to give them
the coverage they need.
12. Commissioner Daniels asked if the Verizon pole was approved at a
lower height. Staff stated it was 60-feet.
13. Mr Bobbitt stated he would recommend KSL use a different
company and reduce the need for the tower.
14. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to
I a~opt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-063, approving
Conditional Use Permit 2004-085, as recommended and amended:
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 7
-
.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
a. Condition added: If any complaints regarding interference
are received, the applicant will address them within 48
hours.
b. Condition added: Vines shall be added to the equipment
building between the perimeter wall and the building.
ROLL CALL: A YES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner, Quill, and Chairman
Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Krieger.
ABST AIN: None.
E. Environmental Assessment 2004-516 and Site Development Permit
2004-811; a request of Rich Boureston for consideration of adopting a
Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact and development
plans to construct a 42,000 square foot medical office building on 3.44
acres for the property located at the southeast corner of Washington
Street and Lake La Quinta Drive.
1 . Chairman Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the .staff
report. Associate Planner Martin Magaña presented the
information contained in the report a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department. Staff clarified there will .be
outpatient surgery, but no overnight stays.
2. There being no questions of staff, Chairman Kirk asked if the
applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Richard
Boureston, the applicant, stated they wer:e in agreement with the
conditions, with the exception of the condition for the deceleration
lane. Most of the deceleration lanes on Washington Str~et are for
the projects with direct access to their site. There are other places
along Washington Street that do not have a deceleration lane who
have access off another street. Because of the distance off Lake
La Quinta Drive they believe the requirement for a deceleration
lane is not warranted. The other objection is for them to pay the
25% for the signal that will someday be installed. The 25% is a
difficulty for them and they are the last to build at this location.
Other developments wiH be constructed further south who should
also contribute to the cost of the signal.
3. Chairman Kirk asked s~aff to address the concerns raised.
Assistant City Engineer Steve Speer stated the City is in a state of
growth and therefore there are a lot of differences in what has
been required. This is true by virtue of changes to the General
Plan. This condition arose from the City Council requesting
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 8
.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
conditions be added to require deceleration lanes on major streets.
Currently, the General Plan requires Washington Street to be an
eight lane street. Staff has been requesting applicants to either
install the deceleration låne or dedicate the easement necessary to
meet this requirement should it become necessary. With respect
to the traffic signal, staff has found that the developers impact fee
-has been formed to help pay for Arterial. street signals. Typically
the developers on each corner will pay for the signals. We have
been changing the condition to require a fair share prorate share up
to 25%. A sentence will be added to the condition to address
this. Mr. BoÜreston stated the City does need deceleration lanes
where there is' direct access from Washington Street. If Lake La
Quinta Drive was heavily traveled it would need a deceleration
lane, but it is not.
4. Chairman Kirk stated his concern was the City' s requirement to
have the front of the building at one story. Mr. Ron Sakahara,
architect for the project, stated this design was based on the
City's height requirement for this area. Chairman Kirk stated there
has been some relief on other projects if there are architectural
features. He would I,ike to see the entire building at two stories
even if it encroaches into the setback 2Q-feet. Mr. Sakahara
stated they would like to work with staff if this was acceptable to
the Commission as long as it did not affect their timeline.
5. Mr. Tim Bartlett, 73-382 Salt Cedar Street, Pc;¡lm Desert, gave a
history on the development of the site. All four corners were
develop~d at that time and received the final map. In his opinion,
this pad is within that final map approval and should not be
required to· pay for the signal as all. conditions had ·been met.
Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston stated a final map does
not give a vested right to develop in a particular way. Vested
rights only accrue upon the issuance of a building permit and
substantial completion of construction pursuant to . a building
permit. The concept of a final map does not allow a discretionary
body to make further discretionary approvals and attach
·conditions, is not what the law is. Mr. Bartlett stated the streets
have all been finished and the City has accepted them.
6. Mr. Sakahara stated they may have only one drop off on the
Washington Street side instead of· the two and the mechanical
equipment screen shows it should have a matching parapet and
they would prefer to just match the color texture with only the
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 9
.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
cornice showing. Lastly, they would like to eliminate the use of
brick and use a stacked stone.
7. Mr. Ben Rosker, 47-675 Via Montesa, Lake La Quinta HOA, stated
he was surprised that the developer of the homes being
constructedacrosa from this site was never informed of this public
hearing. On Caleo Bay there isa gated entry to Lake La Quinta.
During the school year there are a number of children waiting to be
picked up by buses. It is surprising to see'this medical office is
going to enter off Caleo Bay. This is a narrow street with children
present and he believes this project should have an entry off a
different street.. He would recommend the building be reversed to
have the one story on Caleo Bay .Caleo Bay has parking on both
sides which will narrow the street for access of other cars.
Assistant City Engineer stated those. who have been developing
~Iong Caleo Bay have been conditioned to participate in the cost of
restripping Caleo Bay. Parking will be eliminated and there will be
a two-way left turn lane with a single lane on both sides of the
street.
8. Commissioner Ladner asked the reasoning to have their access off
CaleoBay. Mr. Boureston stated they were. told by staff this was
the only access they could have.
9. Commissioner Daniels asked the implication of changing the
building to make it two story and moving the building to
Washington Street and putting the parking" on the Caleo Bay side.
Mr. Boureston stated they would have to redesign the site plan
and see how it works on the site. If they ·went to a two story
building and were relieved of meeting the setback condition, they
would be willing to move the building as suggested.
10. Commissioner Quill stated he is glad it is setback and only one
story. He is emphatic that a deceleration lane be installed, but he
is not certain whos'e responsibility it is. This would also apply to
the signal in regard to who is responsible for the. construction.
What concerns him is .that they were very strict with Walgreens
for their architectural style as well as other developments along
Washington Street. Yet this building is just a concrete. tilt-up
building with some architectural features.
11 . Commissioner Ladner stated it is not an attractive building.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 10
.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
12. Chairman Kirk stated they are not as hard on the architecture style
as they have been on other buildings that are different. There is a
variety of architecture along Washington Street. This building
does need some additional features, but not necessarily tile roofs.
He also believes the building should be a two story and moved
closer to Washington Street to move it away from the residents
and sensitive to viewshed. In respect to access, he supports
staff's recommendation in re~pect to location and design, but atso
concerned as to who should pay the cost of the signal. Staff has
made good suggestions making sure that those who benefit should
contribute. He does support the deceleration lane. I n regard to
compatibility, this has been a difficult street. He does support the
use.
13. Commissioner Ladner asked what kind of input came from the
Architecture and Landscape Review Committee (ALRC). Staff
stated the ALRCstated they realized the building fit the design as
it was an institutional use. They discussed the parapet being out
of balance and the applicant agreed to reduce the height. The
ALRC determined the style was reminiscent of something from
Chicago and suggested the. brick to bring out the institutional look.
Mr. Boureston stated the ALRC made the statement that when
you think of a concrete tilt up building you think of an industrial
style building. Mr. Bartlett noted the architectural features. Mr.
Sakahara went over the design of the building.
. 14. Chairman Kirk asked if there was any other public comment.
There being no other public comment, Chairman Kirk closed the
public participation portion of the hearing.
15. Commissioner Ladner stated she would rather have it set back and
the number of stories is not an issue. She would not object to
having two stories. She is not in favor of the architectural style.
Staff stated that an increase in size would require more parking
which would require the applicant to do another analysis.
16. Commissioner Daniels stated he has no problem making it all two
story and if necessary move it closer to Washington Street.
17. Chairman Kirk stated that architecture is not a concern of his and
if the Commission wants to continue this, direction 'needs to be
provided. Staff stated deviations to the Code could be' allowed
through a· specific plan.
G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 11
.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
18. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Ladner/Kirk to
adopt Planning ~ommission Resolution 2004-067, recommending
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental
Assessment 2004-516, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: A YES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner, Quill, and Chairman
. Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Krieger.
ABSTAIN: None.
19. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Daniels to
continue the SDP to September 28,2004, with the following
instructions:
a. Reducing the applicant's cost of the signal, based on staff's
recommendation up to a 25 % contribution, pending an
analyze of the relative benefit of this and on other projects;
b. Requiring the deceleration lane;
c. Respect the ALRC conditions regarding stone veneer; an
alternative more formal stone may be more appropriate and
more of it possibly in the entry area and not just the
columns; and
d. If architectural standards were enhanced, the150 foot
setback off Washington Street and the parking standards
could be relaxed if architecture enhancement were provided.
Unanimously approved.
F. Environment.al Assess'ment· 2004-513, Specific Plan 2004-072, and
Tentative Tract Map' 32398; a request of Rob Schumacher for
consideration of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental
impact, establish design and development principles, and the subdivision
of 110.9 acres ï"nto 392 single-family lots, a ten acre commercial lot and
miscellaneous lots for the property located at the northeast corner of
Monroe Street and Avenue 60.
1 . Chairman Kirk opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Associate Planner Martin Magaña presented the
information contained in the report a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
2. Chairman Kirk asked about the' commercial setback requests.
Staff stated the applicant was requesting a ten foot setback along
the northern property line.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 12
.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
3. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Kirk asked if
the applicant would ,like to address the Commission. Mr. Web
Barton, representing the applicant, stated they had no objections
to the conditions 'and were available to answer any questions.
4. Chairman Kirk asked about the ten foot setback and wall. Mr.
Barton stated they designed it with the 10/30 setback which was
a mistake in the Specific Plan and they are not requesting the
deviation. Chairman Kirk stated it is an incredible'project and yet a
poor Specific Plan with erroneous information. Chairman Kirk
reviewed his concerns about the Plan. Mr. Frank Laulainen,
apologized for the condition of the Specific Plan and stated they
would correct it before going to the City Council. One of the
problems they faced was to divorce themselves from the Coral
Mountain Specific Plans.
5. Mr. Michael Keebler, representing Coachella Valley Unified School
District, stated that in the document in two places Page 63 and 91
there is discussion about a bus turnout. In most projects they try
to coordinate bus turn'outs withSunline and in this case they
would request conditions be placed on the project that they
coordinate with both agencies.
6. Chairman Kirk asked if there was any other public comment.
There being no other public comment, Chairman Kirk closed the
public participation portion of the hearing.
7. Commissioners Ladner, Daniels, and Quill commended the
architect on the project and Chairman Kirk agreed.
8. It was moved and s,econded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-065, recommending
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental
Assessment 2004-513 , as recommended:
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner, Quill, and Chairman
Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT:, Commissioner Krieger.
ABSTAIN: None. '
9. It was moved and seconded by. Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-066, recommending
approval of Specific' Plan 2004-072, as recommended/amended:
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 13
·
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
a. Condition added: The applicant shall work with staff to
upgrade the quality of the Specific Plan formatting
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner, Quill, and Chairman
Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: CÒmmissioner Krieger.
ABSTAIN: None.
10. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Daniels/Ladner to
adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-066, recommending
approval of Tentative Tract Map 32398, as recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladner, Quill, and Chairman
Kirk. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Krieger.
ABST AIN:None.
G. Environmental Assessment 2004-51 5, Zone Change 2004-121, and
Tentative Tract Map 32742; a request of Village Builders 98" LP for
consideration of adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration of
environmental impact, a zone change to remove the Equestrian Overlay
and the subdivision of 14.54 acres into 40 single-family lots and
miscellaneous lots for the property located at 55-101 Monroe Street,
approximately 150 feet south of Avenue 55.
1 . Chairman Kirk excused himself due to a possible conflict of
interestand left the dais.
2. Vice Chairman Quill opened the public hearing and asked for the
staff report. Associate Planner Martin Magaña presented the
information contained in the report a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department.
3. Vice Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Daniels noted the Greg Norman course is within the
PGA development and as a homeowner within PGA West with
common area interest; he believes in this instance, he has no
conflict of interest.
4. Vice Chairman Quill asked staff to explain Lot B. Staff stated it
contains easements for the one sinQle-family home. Staff has
conditioned that Lot 1 5 honor the easement to this house and that
all future homeowners of this lot be made aware o'f this easement.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 14
.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
5. There being no further questions of staff, Vice Chairman Quill
asked if the applicant would like to address the Commission. Ms.
Margo Thibeault, MSA Consulting,. representing the applicant,
stated they are in agreement with all conditions except Condition
#54.A.e. It was their understanding the equestrian trail would be
on the east side of the street and as it would not make any
connection to any other trail and would like to be relieved of this
condition. In regard to the property to the north, they did try to
purchase it but was unsuccessful.
6. Commissioner Daniels asked for an explanation of the cross-hatch
area on the street. Ms. Thibeault stated it is decorative section for
traffic calming.
7. Vice Chairman Quill asked if there was a multi-purpose trail or if
this condition was an error. Staff stated there is a mixture in this
area and staff is unable to' place the trail on the east side as· it is
not within the City's limits. Vice Chairman Quill asked if the
CVWD easements would be abandoned before the Final Map. Ms.
Thibeault stated they have started the abandonment procedure,
but it is not a fast process. Vice Chairman Quill noted they would - -
not be able to build until the easements were abandoned. Staff
noted the condition was written prior to building permits being
issued.
8. Mr. John Pedalino, the applicant, stated Bureau of Reclamation
(BOA) can take as long as a year to abandon the easements, but
CVWD has given them a letter noting they would be abandoned.
The final map will show the easements and when BOR approved
the abandonment, the title company will note on the deed.
9. There being no other public comment, Vice Chairman Quill closed
the public participation portion of the hearing.
10. . .
Commissioner Daniels asked if the trail was required. Staff noted
they could take whateve~ åction they chose to in regard to the
trail. Staff noted there are trails along this area and there are
breaks in the trail that will not be closed until all developments are
completed. It is the City's goal to have a City~wide trail system.
Discussion followed.
G:\ WPDOCS\PC· Minutes\9-14-04.doc 15
.
..
Planning Commission Minutes
September 14, 2004
11 . It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Ladner/Daniels to
'adopt Planning Commission Resolution 200'4-068, recommending
certification of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental
Assessment 2004-51 S, as recommended:
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daniels, Krieger Ladner, and Vice
Chairman Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioners
Krieger and Kirk. ABSTAIN: None.
12. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Ladner/Daniels to
~dopt Planning Commission Resolution 2004-069, recommending
approval Tentative Träct Map 32742, as recommended and
amended:
a. Condition #54.A.e. deleted.
ROLL CALL: A YES: Commissioners Daniels, Ladne~,and Vice Chairman
Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioners Krieger and
-"-- Kirk. ABST AIN: None.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS: None.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
VIII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Interim Community Development Director Oscar Orci discussed potential
, issues for the joint meeting with the City Council. Commissioner Quill
asked that annexations be discussed.
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Daniels/Ladner to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular
meeting of the Planning Commission to be held on September 28, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.
This meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:54 p.m., on September
14, 2004.
__ RespecttuIIY)l:ted.
~ r·
. . e y:J awyer, Executive Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
G:\WPDOCS\PC Minutes\9-14-04.doc 16