1993 02 23 HPC Minutes
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MINUTES
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION - CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
February 23, 1993
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 5:33 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows and
Commissioner Elison led the flag salute.
II. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commission Members
Mosher Elison, Marrs, Adolph, and Chairwoman Barrows.
B. Staff Present: Planning Director Jerry Herman, Principal Planner Stan Sawa,
Associate Planner Leslie Mouriquand-Cherry, and Department Secretary Betty
Anthony.
Ill. BUSINESS SESSION:
A. Presentation by Mr. Drew Palette. President of the Coachella Valley Archaeology
Society
1.
Associate Planner Leslie Mouirquand-Cherry introduced Mr. Palette to the
Commission. Mr. Palette reviewed with the prehistory of La Quinta with
the Commission and pointed out some of the prehistoric sites. He went
on to state that the Coachella Valley Archaeology Society (CV AS) has
about 200 members and their primary purpose is public education and
outreach.
2.
Commissioner Ellson inquired where the archaeology find at the Wal-Mart
site had been taken to. Mr. Palette stated it was being curated at the
University of California at Riverside (UCR).
3.
Commissioner Marrs stated he was glad to hear the City was actively
involved in preserving these sites.
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February 23, 1993
4. Planning Director Jerry Herman asked Mr. Palette to explain to the
Commission the phasing process during an archaeology study. Mr.
Palette stated there were three main parts to the study:
a. Survey and identify the site.
b. Testing and determining the significance.
c. If found to be significant, preserve or recover the artifacts.
Mr. Palette went on to elaborate on the process and Commissioners asked
questions concerning the process.
5. Commissioner Ellson inquired if there were only three tribes that were
recorded to have lived in this area. Mr. Palette stated there were three
groups of Indians but they were all basically a part of one tribe, the
Cahuilla.
6. Commissioner Ellson asked if it was possible for the City to retrieve the
artifacts that had been collected in order to establish our own museum.
Mr. Palette explained to the Commission the difficulty in caring for the
pieces and unless La Quinta had a museum in place with the ability to
preserve the artifacts, it could be detrimental to the artifacts. In addition,
it sometimes can be difficult to determine who actually owns the artifacts.
7. Commissioner Adolph asked whether property owners could be
conditioned to donate the artifacts to the City. Mr. Palette suggested the
City invite someone from the OCR to answer these questions.
8. There being no further discussion, Chairwoman Barrows thanked Mr.
Palette for taking the time to educate the Commission on so many areas.
B. Certified Local Government Status
1.
Assistant Planner Leslie Mouriquand-Cherry explained what a Certified
Local Government was and the process it would take for the City to
become certified.
2.
Chairwoman Barrows asked Staffto clarify what information Staff needed
from the Commission. Staff explained that this would better be handled
during a study session, but basically Staff suggests that the Historical
Preservation Commission petition the City Council to see whether they
desire the Historical Preservation Commission to file for the Certified
Local Government status.
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February 23, 1993
3. Commissioner Mosher asked if the Historical Preservation Commissioners
based on their resumes, would qualify. Staff stated that most of the
Commissioners would, but the City could also qualify by having an
advisory staff member or adding an additional member(s) from the
community who held the expertise needed.
4. Following discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Ellson and seconded
by Commissioner Mosher to recommend to the City Council that the
Historic Preservation Commission apply for the Certified Local
Government Certification as described in the Staff report as Option #2.
Unanimously approved.
C. Discussion on preservation issues with the La Ouinta Historical Society members
1. Mr. Fred Rice, Chairman of the Historical Society introduced the
Boardmembers who were present, and stated their willingness to work
with the Commission on any issues they so desired. He further stated
there needed to be a Historical Preservation Ordinance adopted by the
City. Mr. Rice then displayed a pictorial history of La Quinta as well as
brochures that had been published by the Society.
2. Commissioner Adolph asked the Society if they had any knowledge of
how the City could have archaeological artifacts held in the City.
Discussion followed between the Commission and the Society members.
Following the discussion, the Commission asked Staff to check into
methods of keeping artifacts in La Quinta. It was suggested that an
agreement could possibly be made with Palm Springs Museum to keep the
items stored there until La Quinta could establish their own.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - None
VII. OTHER - None
Vill. ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adjourn
this regular meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission to a regular meeting on March
23, 1993, in the La Quinta City Hall Council Chambers. This meeting of the La Quinta
Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 6:50 P.M., February 23, 1993.
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