2006 10 10 PC Minutes
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
A regular meeting held at the La Guinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Guinta, CA
October 10, 2006
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 Guill who asked Commissioner Alderson to lead the
flag salute.
B. Present: Commissioners Ed Alderson, Katie Barrows, Rick Daniels, Jim
Engle and Chairman Paul Guill.
C. Staff present: Community Development Director Doug Evans, Planning
Manager Les Johnson, Development Services Principal Engineer Ed
Wimmer, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Executive Secretary Betty
Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA:
IV. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. Staff requested the minutes of September 26, 2006, be removed from
the agenda as they were not distributed to the Commission in time for
approval. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Daniels/Alderson to continue approval of the minutes to October 24,
2006. Unanimously approved.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
A. Sign Application 2006-1015; a request of PrestIVuksic Architects for
consideration of a Sign Program to serve Caleo Bay, for the property
located on the west side of Caleo Bay, north of Avenue 48.
1 . Chairman Guill opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. . Staff informed the Commission a request to continue the
project had been received by the applicant.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 10, 2006
2. There being no discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Daniels/Engle to continue the project to October 24,
2006, as requested by the applicant. Unanimously approved.
B. Specific Plan 99-035, Amendment #1; a request of East of Madison, LLC
for consideration of landscaping and wall plans for the Madison Street
perimeter of The Madison Club, for the property located on the east side
of Madison Street between Avenue 52 and Avenue 54.
1 . Chairman Quill 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.
2. Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Daniels asked if there was an entrance off Madison
Street. Staff stated they did not believe so, but the applicant
would need to answer that question.
3. Commissioner Barrows asked where the water conservation sheet
was located as it was noted, but not included in her packet. She
also questioned the use of white fountain grass as there was a
potential species that was invasive and she would like it to be
stricken from the list. Community Development Director stated
staff would make an inspection to ensure the white fountain grass
was not used.
4. Commissioner Alderson asked if the multi-purpose trail was
included. Staff stated it was.
5. Chairman Quill asked what type of fencing material was proposed.
Staff stated it will be what the City requires. Chairman Quill noted
there were several shrubs noted on the planting sheet, but the
locations are not identified. The legend does not reflect what is on
the planting plan.
6. Commissioner Daniels asked if anyone has read the general
provisions because on the ones given to the Commission are too
small to read. Staff stated they are standard provisions.
7. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Quill asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. John
Gamlin, representing East of Madison, gave a presentation on the
Planning Commission Minutes
October 10, 2006
project and stated they concurred with staff's recommendation
and the conditions. In regard to the wall it will be located below
the top of the berm as required. They have no problem to
adhering to the City's standard in regard to the material. They
would like to upgrade the material to use wood and not pvc.
There will be no vehicular access off of Madison Street except for
emergency access. In regard to the fountain grass they are wiling
to use a different material. Concerning the discrepancy between
the legend and the palette he is unable to answer their question.
8. Commissioner Daniels asked if the plant palette would be similar
on both sides of Madison Street. Mr. Gamlin stated there will be
some differences.
9. Commissioner Barrows questioned whether there was a theme to
the plant materials. Mr. Gamlin stated characteristically the
planting is very flowing and carefully conceived. Without looking
at the full scale it is hard to see this. Planning Manager Les
Johnson stated his concurrence.
10. Chairman Quill questioned whether or not the wall would meander.
It is at the same relation to the curb for the first section. There
appears to be very little movement in the first 20 feet. Mr. Gamlin
stated that was correct, but it would be meandering. Chairman
Quill stated he would recommend they use the concrete split rail
fencing material similar to what was being used on the Griffin
Ranch project. Mr. Gamlin agreed. Chairman Quill stated that
along Avenue 54 the header boards are failing. He suggested a
concrete header or something that would hold up be used. Mr.
Gamlin stated the Public Works Department has changed their
standard to address this issue. Chairman Quill asked if they would
even consider using a wall that could be seen through. Madison
Street is developing a very claustrophobic feeling because of the
berm itself. Mr. Gamlin stated that if they were to use concrete
and wrought iron they would want to use vines on the wrought
iron. The desire of the property owners is to have the seclusion to
not be seen. Chairman Quill asked about the wall treatment. Mr.
Gamlin explained the articulation and where it would be located.
11. There being no further public comment, the public participation
portion of the public hearing was closed and open for Commission
discussion.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 10, 2006
12. Commissioner Daniels stated he has no problem with the deletion
of the purple fountain grass.
13. Commissioner Alderson stated he too believes it will be a beautiful
development.
14. Commissioner Barrows stated she appreciates the applicant's
cooperation to work with staff to resolve a lot of the
Commission's issues. She does believe the.landscaping lacks a
theme and she has a concern about the amount of planting
material and the view corridors.
15. Chairman Quill stated he too believes the planting is an over-kill.
As he drives Madison Street south there are places where you
cannot even see the mountains due to the berms. He believes it
was a mistake to allow the berms and does not believe it makes
for a good community from the outside. He would agree with the
upgraded fencing material for the multi-purpose trail fence.
16. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Alderson/Engle to adopt Minute Motion 2006-025
approving Specific Plan 99-035, Amendment #1, as recommended
and amended:
a. Condition added: Equestrian fencing shall be of a concrete
material to the satisfaction of the City.
b. Condition added: All mow strips shall be concrete.
c. Condition added: No white (reseeding) fountain grass shall
be used
Motioned carried with Commissioner Barrows voting No.
C. Right-of-Way Vacation 2006-015; a request of Nispero Properties, Inc.
for a report of finding under California Government Code Section 65402
that the proposed right-of-way vacation of a 6,682 square foot portion of
Calle Barcelona is consistent with the General Plan.
1 . Chairman Quill opened the public hearing and asked for the staff
report. Development Services Principal Engineer Ed Wimmer
presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of
which is on file in the Community Development Department.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 10, 2006
2. Chairman Quill asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Engle asked the purpose of the vacation. Staff
stated Nispero Properties is going to include the land into the
development they are proposing.
3. Commissioner Daniels asked if there was anything on the adjoining
properties. Staff stated Palmers Restaurant was adjoining this
site.
4. There being no further questions of staff, Chairman Quill asked if
the applicant would like to address the Commission. Mr. Ralph
Capitz, representing the applicant, stated he was in favor of staff's
recommendation
5. There being no further public comment, the public participation
portion of the public hearing was closed and open for Commission
discussion.
6. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioner Alderson/Engle to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 2006-036 approving Right-of-Way Vacation 2006-015,
as recommended.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Alderson, Barrows, Daniels, Engle,
and Chairman Quill. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
BUSINESS ITEM: None
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
IX. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Staff informed the Commission of the Joint Meeting with the City
CQuncil on October 24, 2006. Commissioner Barrows asked if there
were any items identified for discussion. Staff stated the Sphere of
Influence-Vista Santa Rosa area, landscaping issues, and Village Design
Guidelines.
B. Staff informed the Commission regarding the Riverside County meeting
on October 12'h on the Sphere of Influence-Vista Santa Rosa as well as
Avenue 62.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 1 0, 2006
C. Community Development Director Doug Evans reminded the Commission
of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Focus Group meeting scheduled
for October 20, 2006 at 12:00 noon.
D. Review of City Council meeting of October 3, 2006.
X. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Daniels/Alderson to adjourn this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a
regular meeting of the Planning Commission to be held on October 24, 2006. This
meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. on October 10,
2006.
Respectfully submitted,
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City of La Quinta, California