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2004 02 19 HPC Minutes MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A Regular meeting held at the La Guinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Guinta, CA February 19, 2004 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Leslie Mouriquand at 3:07 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 Puente, Sharp, Wilbur, and Chairperson Mouriquand Absent: It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and Wilbur to excuse Commissioner Wright. Unanimously approved. Staff Present: Planning Manager Planner Stan Sawa, Walker. Oscar Orci, Principal and Secretary Carolyn II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wilbur and Puente to approve the minutes of January 15, 2004 as submitted. Unanimously approved. V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Re~on Archaeolo~ical Monitorin~ for the Washin~ton Park Project, located on the south side of Highway 111, between Simon Drive and Adams Street. Applicant: Washington 111, Ltd. Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH P:\CAROL YN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 2~ 19-04.doc Last printed 3/25/04 4: 12 PM Historic Preservation Commission February 1 9, 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 Puente asked if there was a possibility more human remains would be found. Mike Hogan, representative from CRM TECH replied it didn't seem likely as a lot of grading had been done on the site. 3. Chairperson Mouriquand asked if they were getting ready to develop and had they done their deep utility trenching. Applicant's representative, Bill Sanchez replied they had very limited offsite utilities and the mass grading had been done. 4. Commissioner Sharp asked if the Washington Mutual Bank building was completed. Bill Sanchez replied it would be open in April. Commissioner Sharp asked if the area had been monitored before the bank was built. Bill Sanchez replied it had. Chairperson Mouriquand directed Commission Sharp to Page 2 of the Technical Study. Staff added that grading had begun and building was almost complete. 5. Commissioner Wilbur asked if a contingency plan was in place if anything was discovered. Staff replied the development was essentially past that point. If additional grading was done and there was a discovery, the project would be stopped to take care of the new finding. He also asked if there was anything significant enough to require a memorial. Staff replied that was covered in the Conditions of Approval. 6. Chairperson Mouriquand replied the report contained some very valuable data. She recommended a follow up to report of RIV 150, incorporating the consultant's conclusions, and suggested it be funded by the City or the developer. She added the Torres Martinez Tribe had adjusted their traditional cultural boundaries. They will come as far west as Jefferson Street, but not into La Ouinta. The Torres-Martinez Tribe will be deferring to the Augustine Band in the La Ouinta area. She commented the report contained no reference to contact with the Augustine Tribe. Mike Hogan, of CRM Tech replied he contacted the Augustine Tribe, and a ceremonial blessing had been performed. Chairperson Mouriquand said she had invited Gary Resvaloso, 2 Historic Preservation Commission February 19, 2004 Cultural Resource Coordinator of the Torres-Martinez Tribe, to discuss the new boundaries at this meeting, but he was unable to attend. He could possibly be invited back at a later date to present this information to the Commission. 7. Commissioner Sharp asked if the map expanded the boundaries of the Torres-Martinez Reservation. Chairperson Mouriquand explained they were not expanding their reservation boundaries, but the traditional historical boundaries. She suggested all consultants, as well as City staff, need to include the Augustine Band in early scoping letters, and not at the end of the projects. Staff and consultants will have to contact all Tribes until the areas have been clearly defined. She also asked about an earlier report by Paul Chace, which included several cremations and artifacts. There was no discussion of that report included in this background information. Mike Hogan replied he had contacted Paul Chace and was told the report was not yet completed. Chairperson Mouriquand replied Mr. Chace was working on a secondary research paper which would be different from the compliance report he completed for the City. A copy of that report would be available through the City. Aside from her previous comments, Chairperson Mouriquand felt this was important data and would like to see it taken to a synthetic final report for RIV-1 50 for the prehistory of La Quinta which the City ought to consider publishing. 8. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-002 accepting the Archaeological Monitoring Report for the Washington Park Project as submitted. Unanimously approved. B. Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for a 12,943 square foot ~'cel, located on the southwest corner of Calle Tampico and Avenida Navarro. Applicant: Coronel Enterprises Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Advisory Group (AAG) 1. Principal Planner Stan Saw a presented the information contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Commissioner Sharp asked how tall the office building would be. Staff replied two stories. 3 Historic Preservation Commission February 19, 2004 3. Commissioner Wilbur asked if there was any significance to the fact there were historic sites nearby. Staff replied it meant there was the possibility of resources being located on this site. 4. Chairperson Mouriquand asked for the elevation of the site and was told it was 46 feet, the approximate elevation of the ancient shoreline area. 5. Commissioner Puente said the records search showed the area was sensitive for historical resources and a part of the Southern Pacific Railroad. She asked for clarification of how sensitive the area was as referenced on Page 9 of the report. Staff replied, according to the report the site had already been graded, but because of the subterranean parking structure, the City requested the applicant do more investigation. The Commission was asked if they wished to have a monitor during trenching. 6. Chairperson Mouriquand commented that the subterranean garage further supported the need for monitoring. She also added the archaeological consultant is correct about the roadway system in the Cove, mentioned on Page 8. It had not been recorded and should be. Roadways are historic cultural resources, such as the recordation of Old Avenue 52 as a historic resource, when the Tradition Club was processed. She also disagreed with the section of the report which mentions the area has a low density of archaeological sites. She stated there were plenty of sites recorded in the Cove and in this area as well. She did not see any mention of the Hunt Homestead and Date Gardens, which are in close proximity. Other items not included were the historic Lake Marshall, and a portion of the Old Indian Trail which was located in an area of the Cove within a mile to the west. This trail later became known as The Bradshaw Trail. These are regionally National Register eligible items that were not addressed; as well as the fact the Augustine Band was not contacted. She also wondered if the City or County building permits were checked. The archaeologist did not recommend monitoring which she disagrees with. There are significant historical and prehistoric 4 Historic Preservation Commission February 19, 2004 site in the near vicinity. She commented to the Commissioners they should require focused, comprehensive monitoring during the excavation and deep trenching by someone conversant in not only the pre-historic resources of the area, but the historic as well. 7. Lucas Coronel, applicant's representative, said they would comply with monitoring if that was the Commission's wish. He also discussed concerns about monitoring of a nearby project as well as the need for monitoring because of the excavation depth of his project. 8, Chairperson Mouriquand acknowledged the applicant's concerns and said she was not on the Commission when the subject project was reviewed. The history of the Cove was added, and all of La Quinta was previously documented in The Historic Context Statement prepared for the City and available at the Eastern Information Center. 9. Commissioner Sharp stated he did recall document but there may have been extenuating which eliminated the requirement for monitoring. reviewing the circumstances 10. Chairperson Mouriquand stated one of the Commission's goals was to be consistent. She said she would have recommended monitoring for the nearby project, just as she was recommending monitoring for this project. She answered Mr. Coronel's question about the depth issue by explaining the need for a Phase II study. 11. Mr. Coronel reiterated his position on the monitoring of the nearby project and the fact there was nothing located on that site. 12. Chairperson Mouriquand replied since there was no monitoring done, there would be no way of knowing if anything was found. 13. Commissioner Puente commented the report states some local Cahuilla groups were contacted for further input but no response was received. She asked Mr. Coronel if there would be any follow-up. 5 Historic Preservation Commission February 19. 2004 14. Chairperson Mouriquand explained that Mr. Coronel was the landowner and not the archaeologist, so he would not have that answer. She also replied the archaeologist stated he gave them 15 days from the date of the request; which is reasonable. It is the Tribes' responsibility to respond to these comments. The archaeologist did everything necessary except contact the Augustine Band. 15. Commissioner Sharp commented on an item on Page 10, of the report where the Augustine reservation is marked on the map. Chairperson Mouriquand commented the Augustine Band was one of the last Cahuilla reservations. 16. Luke Coronel made the suggestion the City provide a listing of parameters to be considered when a developer is going to proceed with a report for property close to a project area so the archaeologist would have an idea of what they are looking for. 17. Commissioner Puente commented the Commission has required these conditions since she had been a Commissioner. The Commission has been trying to have everyone comply with the same conditions. 18. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wilbur/Puente to adopt Minute Motion 2004-003 accepting the Cultural Resources Assessment for the 12,943 square foot parcel with conditions amended as follows: a. The site shall be monitored during on-and off-site trenching and rough grading by qualified archaeological monitors. Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the City prior to issuance of the first earth-moving or clearing permit. b. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the first building occupancy permit for the project. c. Collected archaeological artifacts shall be properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene self-seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid-free, standard 6 Historic Preservation Commission February 19, 2004 size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of the first occupancy permit being granted by the City. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics. Unanimously approved. C. Historical, Archaeological, and Paleontological Resources Reports for a 38..65 Acre Site Proposed for Tentative Tract Map 31910, located on the west side of Monroe Street, between Airport Boulevard and AVlenue 58. Applicant: John Megay and Associates Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Associates and Eilar Associates. 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 for clarification of the site's location in the middle of the Augustine reservation as indicated on Page 2 of the report. Chairperson Mouriquand clarified the location he was questioning and commented it was 50 feet below sea level and had been inundated by the ancient lake. 3. Chairperson Mouriquand complimented the research design discussion on Pages 10 and 11 as it followed the ARMR format. She commended the consultants on their work and defining research goals. She stated she was curious about the Neuman tenant farm house site listed in the table on Page 12. She also noted on Page 13, Subsection C, Previous Surveys, it stated the entire City had been previously surveyed while the staff report stated it had not. Apparently, it had been surveyed in 2000 or 2001. She asked why a re-survey was required if it had been less than the State recommended five years since the last one. Staff asked if there was a need for the survey. Chairperson Mouriquand replied yes, for the Village at the Palms project. She also mentioned in the last paragraph on Page 13 there was a discussion about the dirt wagon road (the Old Indian Trail which later became the Bradshaw Trail Line). A highly significant landmark. The consultant had not recommended monitoring, but staff did and she agreed. 7 Historic Preservation Commission February 1 9, 2004 4. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and Sharp to adopt Minute Motion 2004-004 accepting the Historical and Archaeological Resources Report for Tentative Tract Map 31910 as submitted by staff, Unanimously accepted, 5. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Puente and Wilbur to adopt Minute Motion 2004-005 accepting the Paleontological Resources Reports for Tentative Tract Map 31910 as submitted by staff. Unanimously accepted. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: A. Staff discussed the information passed out regarding the Historic Preservation Conference. B. Staff distributed photographs of historical artifacts recovered through the research efforts of Marlys K. DeBell who had been asked by the City to conduct a search to see if anything could be located. She was able to locate these in storage at the University of California, Riverside. These items are scheduled to be included in the City's Museum, when constructed, The Commission requested the actual items be shown at a future meeting. Staff replied they would make arrangements for the Commissioners to view these items. VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A, Discussion regarding about the City's Fill Policy for on- and off-site fill and stockpiling, Staff contacted the Public Works Department and found out the permits are issued without approval from the Community Development Department. Several options are being discussed with the Public Works Department. B. Commissioner Mouriquand brought up the subject of parcels that have been surveyed, She made reference to Quad sheets with surveyed areas filled in. Staff replied the City Manager has initiated a GIS mapping system showing developments, tract numbers, and file names for a base plan of what has been done. C. Ms. Neeley, 42625 Iowa Street, Palm Desert, and Docent Director for the La Quinta Museum, introduced herself and stated she was instructed to address the Commission on the Point Happy project. S Historic Preservation Commission February 19, 2004 Staff stated they were unaware of this arrangement. It was staff's understanding the McKenna group was to arrange for an oral report that would be presented to the Commission at a date to be determined. Also in attendance was Kristina Lindgren, representative for the McKenna Group. Staff asked if this was the Oral Report, formerly requested for the Point Happy Project. Kristina Lindgren replied it was not. This was just a brief presentation Ms. Neeley wanted to give to the Commission. Ms. Neeley's presentation included the following highlights: ~ Photos taken of The Clark Ranch. ~ A discussion of the Indian Rubber tree. ~ Some typed material was handed out and discussion regarding the Arabian horses and the fact that Mr. Burkett worked on the stalls at Point Happy. ~ A listing of all the fruits and berries grown on The Ranch. ~ Location of buildings and historical items on The Ranch. ~ She noted she had several videos she had made of the Point Happy Ranch. ~ A short synopsis of The Ranch, also available at the La Guinta Historical Museum. ~ A picture of the house Mr. Morgan built for Alice Marble. ~ Information about the date trees behind Von's being the Lundbeck date trees. Staff thanked Ms. Neeley and invited her back for a more detailed report on this historical piece of property. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wilbur and Sharp to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next Regular Meeting to be held on March 18, 2004. This meeting of the Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4:37 p.m. Unanimously approved. Submitted by: ~ke~J~ Secretary 9