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2004 08 19 HPC Minutes MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A Regular meeting held at the La Ouinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Ouinta, CA August 19, 2004 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman Allan Wilbur at 3:05 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll call. I. CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call. Present: Commissioners Mouriquand, Sharp, and Chairman Wilbur Absent: It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mouriquand and Sharp to excuse Commissioners Puente and Wright. Unanimously approved. Staff Present: Planning Manager Oscar Orci, Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Secretary Carolyn Walker. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and Mouriquand to approve the minutes of July 15, 2004 as submitted. Unanimously approved. V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Archaeological Survey and Testing, Assessor's Parcel No. 770-040- 012 (SP 2004-071); and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report, Assessor's Parcel No. 770-040-012 (SP 2004-071) Applicant: Pacific Retirement Services Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal and Harry Quinn, Geologist/Paleontologist) Location: Southeast corner of Washington Street and Avenue 50. P:\CAROL YN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 8-19-04.doc Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 1. 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. Commissioner Sharp asked what a shovel test pit was. CRM TECH Principal, Michael Hogan, gave an explanation of the testing process. 3. Commissioner Sharp asked if the Torres-Martinez Tribe had been notified about the site, and had they replied. Mr. Hogan replied there were no human bones located to prompt tribal notification. Commissioner Sharp read a portion of Recommendation A, where it states "...The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians shall be contacted to determine if a tribe member is to be included as an archaeological monitor." 4. Commissioner Mouriquand replied it could be done during monitoring. She added she was concerned because the Consultants did not do a Scoping Letter to the tribe. 5. Commissioner Mouriquand made a comment about the fire- affected bead. She asked if there was a photograph of the bead. CRM TECH Paleontologist, Harry Quinn, stated there wasn't, but they could take one. Commissioner Mouriquand said she would like to see the bead. 6. Commissioner Sharp asked if it was a tortoise shell bead. Mr. Quinn replied it was not and described the bead. 7. Commissioner Mouriquand commented on several cache pits found in south La Quinta with odd accumulations of artifacts. She requested the Consultants be aware of some of the unusual items found in those areas and exercise more diligence during monitoring. 8. Commissioner Mouriquand noted the Honey Mesquite trees located close to the roadway, as they are good producers of pods which the local tribes are now collecting. The Native Americans are going back to using their traditional resources for food. She wanted to know if there was any thought to preserving the trees as part of the landscape design. 2 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 9. Marvin Roos of Mainiero Smith was introduced. Mr. Roos replied there was a possibility of including the trees in the landscaping. He commented on the street being subject to widening and possibly inclusion of a right-turn lane, but they would look at the design and see if the trees could be incorporated. 10. Commissioner Mouriquand commented it would be a good will gesture to maintain the trees and in the first part of August, which is the pod harvesting time, the local native people could be invited to harvest the pods. There are fewer native Honey Mesquite trees and this would be an excellent opportunity to preserve a historic indigenous food source. She mentioned a possible planting site where the trees could be preserved and incorporated into the landscape design. 11 . Commissioner Sharp commented the information about the Honey Mesquite trees was very interesting i1nd suggested it might be added to the project's marketing literature. 12. Commissioner Mouriquand added the pods are legumes, very high in protein, and highly nutritious. They lower blood sugar and help reverse the effects of diabetes when included as part of the native diet. 13. Mr. Roos commented they would have to check to see if the Honey Mesquite was on the plant palette restriction list. Staff replied they would look into it and have the information transmitted to the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee and the Planning Commission. 14. Mr. Roos commented the "thorn" variety of Mesquite has been the problem. He did not know if the problem was because it was not people-friendly or if the problem ensued because the trees were planted in small planters in parking lots and could not get a decent root ball. Possibly planting them in a parkway would help them root better. He added, the Mesquites that have been here for generations wouldn't suffer the problem of tipping over with the wind which was one problem that caused the restricted use of Mesquites on plant palette lists. The matter would have to be researched. 3 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 15. Commissioner Mouriquand said she didn't know if the indigenous Honey Mesquites could be transplanted successfully, but if they couldn't she suggested planting new trees of the same species. If they couldn't preserve the sites, possibly they could preserve part of the indigenous environment which would include the Mesquite as a staple resource plant. The Native Americans are looking to get back into their native food practices and the Honey Mesquite tree pods are a good example of one of the local food staples. 16. .It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2004-019 approving the Archaeological Survey and Testing as submitted. Unanimously approved. 17. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the staff report regarding the Paleontological Resources Assessment Report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 18. Commissioner Mouriquand asked Mr. Quinn if he was familiar with Lake Marshall which was located in the vicinity of this project. Mr. Quinn replied he was not. He said the only one he was familiar with was the La Quinta Back Bay located near Lake Cahuilla. Commissioner Mouriquand stated during historic times there were "wet years" in this area and showed Mr. Quinn a map of the area she was discussing. Mr. Quinn stated the project area was on the edge and according to testing, actually sat on top of a lakebed under the sand dunes. That was one of the reasons he included monitoring; in case they broke through the sand dunes and went into the lake bed. None of the outcrop material showed anything other than the scattered shells. He stated in one area they found a lot of fish bone, but they didn't know if it was natural or cultural. Commissioner Mouriquand asked how many trenches they were going to do. Mr. Quinn said they weren't going to do any trenching. They were going to do monitoring. Mr. Sawa added they are going to monitor during trenching and earth moving. 19. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2004-020 approving the Paleontological Resources Assessment Report as submitted. Unanimously approved. 4 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 B. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report, Assessor's Parcel No. 767-580-015 (TT. 32742); and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report, Assessor's Parcel No. 767-580-015 (TT 32742) Applicant: Village Properties Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal, and Harry Quinn, Geologist/Paleontologist) Location: West side of Monroe Street between Mountain View Lane and Brown Deer Park. 1. 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 Wilbur said there was no literature cited, just a map, and there was no mention correlating the information with any historical literature. He suggested it might be wise to consider adding it for the integrity of the report and historical record. Mr. Hogan replied the consultants repeatedly use the same resources so they don't reference them in their reports. They added a Bibliography only. Commissioner Sharp added there was no Bibliography in this report. Mr. Hogan replied they are standard sources. 3. Commissioner Sharp commented he enjoyed reading the historic parts of the report. He was very interested in the part about the Bradshaw Trail. 4. Commissioner Mouriquand commented that the staff report indicates that no Native American Heritage Commission or the local bands have been contacted and no scoping has been done. She asked if the City had a policy regarding noticing. Staff replied that the Commission had not established such a policy. In the future, the consultants could be directed to include this information. Commissioner Mouriquand replied perhaps it was something to be taken up as an item on another agenda. When a decision is made, the City could let consultants know what policy has been decided. Commissioner Mouriquand stated it should be a matter of policy for a Phase I Study to contact the Native American Heritage Commission for sacred site searches. Mr. Hogan commented it is not a CEQA requirement, so they have not been doing it. 5 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 5. Commissioner Mouriquand commented it should be standard operating procedure to identify traditional cultural properties and include them in the investigation and discussion for a Phase I report. She stated Mr. Hogan was correct that it was not required by CEQA, but a policy should be adopted and disseminated to the consultants practicing here so they know any future reports would be expected to have that. There may possibly be other tribes involved besides the Torres Martinez, Augustine, or Cabazon. The Agua Caliente or Santa Rosa Band may be interested in the project. Mr. Hogan commented he didn't have a problem regarding the policy, but requested the policy be made very clear about what's expected and how it needs to be done. He has completed Federal projects where they were required to follow these procedures and would get the list back from the Heritage Commission of who should be contacted. Some tribes have told him not to contact them unless it is in their traditional use area. 6. Commissioner Mouriquand admitted it was' not a smooth procedure. Staff added one of the things they did to address this concern was include a recommendation which states the applicant shall contact the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. That condition could be extended to include additional Bands to address this issue. Commissioner Mouriquand stated, as a matter of courtesy, the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla, Augustine and Cabazon tribes should all have an opportunity to comment. Staff replied they would bring this up at the next meeting. 7. Commissioner Sharp commented the Native Americans attended the Commission's last meeting because they were extended special invitations. He asked if they received any of the Commission information. Staff replied the Torres-Martinez Band receives agendas of the meeting. 8. Commissioner Mouriquand commented the Tribes should have the opportunity to read the whole packet and comment on them, not just the agenda. She said they do appreciate having them if, for no other reason, than to build up their own internal historical library. Staff advised the Commissioners the Agenda does introduce the project and specify the location. If the Tribes had an interest they would call the City. Staff added 6 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 they had not received any communications, but if received, staff would provide information as requested. 9. Commissioner Sharp commented that the local tribes should be attending meetings to make their comments. 10. Chairman Wilbur commented that by the end of the next meeting the Commission should have clear parameters for consultants to follow. They would know exactly what is required. 11. Mr. Hogan made the comment that updated conditions should be given to the developers as well as the consultants. 12. Commissioner Mouriquand suggested in the future, consultants should be required to contact the Native American Heritage Commission for the following: A. A sacred site search. B. A list of Traditional Cultural Properties C. A list of local Tribes connected with the project site. The consultant would be required to scope with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, the Augustine Band, and the Torres- Martinez Desert Cahuilla Band, notwithstanding the recommendation of the Native American Heritage Commission. Commissioner Mouriquand suggested it could take the form of a Policies and Procedures document. 13. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2004-021 accepting the Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report with the following addition to Condition A: A. The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla, Augustine, and Cabazon Band of Mission Indians shall be contacted to determine if a tribe member is to be included as an archaeological monitor. Unanimously approved. 7 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 14. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the Paleontological Resources Report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 15. Chairman Wilbur commented this development is a high potential area and asked if there were enough recommendations to cover contingencies in terms of finding other artifacts. Staff replied these were standard monitoring conditions and should be adequate. 16. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2004-022 accepting the Paleontological Resources Assessment Report as submitted. Unanimously approved. C. Historical/Archaeolo\1ical Resources Survey Report Assessor's Parcel No. 762-240-015 (TT 32225); and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report Assessor's Parcel No. 762-240-015 (TT 32225). Applicant: Earth Systems Southwest for Vince D' Ambra Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Michael Hogan, Principal and Harry Quinn, Geologist/Paleontologist) Location: Northwest corner of Madison Street and Avenue 58. 1 . Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the staff report, and suggested the addition of the Augustine and Cabazon Tribes to Condition A in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. The Commissioners had no comments on the report. 3. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mouriquand and Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-023 approving the Historical/ Archaeological Resources Survey Report as submitted with the addition recommended by Staff as follows: A. The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla, Augustine, and Cabazon Band of Mission Indians shall be contacted to determine if a tribe member is to be included as an archaeological monitor. Unanimously approved. 8 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 4, Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the contained in the Paleontological Resources Report, file in the Community Development Department, information which is on 5. Commissioner Mouriquand had a question about placement of the reports in the packet. She requested future staff reports have item numbers on the upper right hand corner of the first page, even if there were two staff reports for one project, 6. There were no additional comments. 7. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2004-024 approving the Paleontological Resources Assessment Report as submitted, Unanimously approved. D. Archaeological Mitigation and Data Recovery Report - Site CA-RIV- 5158 (TT 32398); and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report - Site CA-RIV-5158 (TT 32398). Applicant: Robert Schumacher Archaeological Consultant: CRM Tech (Michael Hogan, Principal) Location: Northeast corner of Monroe Street and Avenue 60 1. 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. Commissioner Sharp commented on the sensitivity of the area. 3. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp and Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2004-025 accepting the Archaeological Mitigation and Data Recovery Report as submitted with the following addition to Condition A: A, The Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Band, Augustine Band, and Cabazon Band of Mission Indians shall be contacted to determine if a tribe member is to be included as an archaeological monitor. Unanimously approved. 9 Historic Preservation Commission August 19, 2004 4. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the Paleontological staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 5. Commissioner Sharp asked a about how the depth of the site was determined. Mr. Hogan gave an explanation of how the measurement was obtained. 6. Commissioner Mouriquand had no comments. 7. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mouriquand and Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-026 accepting the Paleontological Resources Assessment Report as submitted. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Commissioner Mouriquand requested staff to agendize discussion of a policy to require all consultants to include Scoping Letters with all Archaeological Reports, as well as contacting the Native American Heritage Commission to obtain the correct list of tribal representatives for the specified project area. Staff replied it would be added. B. Commissioner Sharp expressed his disappointment in the fact there were no representatives from the local tribes. Commissioner Mouriquand suggested an explanation of why representatives might not be able to attend. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mouriquand and Sharp to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next Regular Meeting to be held on September 16, 2004. This meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4: 1 0 p.m. Unanimously approved Submitted by: ~e~~ Secretary 10