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2000 12 21 HPC°Z V _ 5 GFM Of HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION The Regular Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California December 21, 2000 3:00 P.M. Beginning Minute Motion 2000-029 CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance B. Roll Call This is the time set aside for citizens to address the Historic Preservation Commission on matters relating to historic resources within the City of La Quinta which are not Agenda items. When addressing the Historic Preservation Commission, please state your name and address and when discussing matters pertaining to prehistoric sites, do not disclose the exact location of the site(s) for their protection. III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Approval of the regular Minutes for the meeting of November 9, 2000 V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Phase I Historic/Archaeological Resources Survey and Paleontologic Assessment for Puerta Azul Specific Plan Area; located on the west side of Madison Street, north of 581h Avenue. Applicant: Pacific Land Management Company. Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Bruce Love) Paleontological Consultant: San Bernardino County Museum Section of Geological Sciences HPC/AGENDA •. - - _ O O 1 B. Phase I and Phase II Archaeological Assessment of a 75 Acre Site for Proposed Monticello Project: located on the west side of Jefferson Street, between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue. Applicant: Century Homes Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Advisory Group (Jaynes Brock) C. Certificate of Appropriateness 2000-007 for a new freestanding sign for a historic commercial building; located at the southwest corner of Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive. Applicant: Bruce and Jim Cathcart (La Quinta Palms Realty) VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS Vill. ADJOURNMENT 002 HPC/AGENDA MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA November 9, 2000 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Vice Chairman Maria Puente at 3:05 p.m. who led the flag salute and asked for the roll call. CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call: Present: Commissioners Irwin, Mitchell, Sharp, and Vice Chairman Puente. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Sharp to excuse Chairman Wright. Unanimously approved. Staff Present: Planning Manager Christine di lorio, Principal Planner Stan Sawa and Secretary Carolyn Walker. 11. PUBLIC COMMENT: None III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Sharp to approve the Minutes of October 19, 2000, as submitted. Unanimously approved. V. BUSINESS ITEMS A. Phase II Archaeological Testina and Site Evalualion Report for —Parcel _ep 2_6_860f located at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Miles Avenue. Applicant: City of La Quinta - Archaeological Consultant: CRM TECH (Bruce Love) 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Commissioner Sharp questioned the type of development planned for this property. 003 P:\CAR0LYN\HPC1 1-9-OO.wpd -1- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 3. Planning Manager di lorio stated it had not been determined yet, but the possibilities included a commercial hotel and residential. 4. Commissioner Irwin pointed out this project was in the vicinity of the Whitewater River where a village was discovered along the side of it. She then asked if there were any specific dates indicated in the report. 5. Commissioner Mitchell replied the report mentioned the late prehistoric era, but he did not think the archaeologist performed any Carbon 14 dating, or identified the Cottonwood Triangular Projectile Point which dated back to 500 A.D. and after. 6. Commissioner Irwin suggested monitoring be required during grading. 7. Commissioner Mitchell had some concerns about the comprehensiveness of the report. He was not sure if this was the time to discuss these concerns or if they would be addressed in a Phase III Report. His questions concerned the following items: a). Page 9 discussion on trade and use of shell beads presumably by the Mojave, who were great distance traders with a tradition of passing frequently between the Colorado River and the western seashore. They had been known to travel as far north and west as the Chumash in Santa Barbara and they may have had contact with the Gabrielino around the Long Beach area and other tribes along the Pacific Coast. But the Cahuilla would trade sometimes directly with the Serrano to the west and of course the Serrano in turn would trade with the Gabrielino along the coast. He agreed this statement was correct but it did not give other alternatives in terms of the acquisition of trade items from the Pacific Coast. Commissioner Mitchell thought it would be beneficial to discuss those points. In addition, the Cahuilla were in the same language family as the Gabrielino along the Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbor areas and could presumably understand each other. The Cahuilla could have had direct contact with the Gab6elino as opposed to contact only with the Mojave Tribe because they were known as the "Phoenicians of the West"; b). Page 22 - "Ceramics" P:\CAROLYN\HPC I 1-9-OO.wpd -2- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 - there is mention of buffware and brownware. He wanted to know what the presence of buffware and brownware revealed regarding outside contact with other cultures. If it was Colorado buffware, the clay originated along the Colorado River and that had inference in terms of contact with other cultures. Brownware, assuming this refers to Tizon Brown, is a residual clay found in the Santa Rosa Mountains. He would have like to have seen more information about what these different types of pottery had to do in terms of where they originated and what they meant in terms of contacts with other cultures; and, c). Page 24 - "Land Snails" - He asked if the Land Snails were used as a subsistence resource. The report only states the remains were present, but not their significance or usage. 8. Commissioner Irwin mentioned a lot of snails had been found in the La Quinta Cove and were still in evidence. She did not know their usage or if they were just residual from the Ancient Lake. 9. Commissioner Mitchell thought the report should have stated what was known, or not known, possibly through ethnographic accounts. The report does not expand on this. He also had a question about Page 25, "Shell Beads", referring to the recovery of shell beads (Wall Disc Beads). Normally Wall Disc Beads are from the Olavela Shell, but this was not stated. When Wall Disc Beads are mentioned it is assumed this meant Olavela, but the report does not say state this. Olavela comes from the Pacific Coast. Shell beads are diagnostic in that some shell beads are reflective of certain periods. The Olavela Wall Disc Beads have a very wide period of use, but nothing is mentioned about that in the report. 10. Council Member Don Adolph asked if the bone fragments found were human or animal. 11. Commissioner Irwin answered "both". 12. Council Member Don Adolph asked if they were human, was the Tribal Council notified they had been found. 13. Planning Manager di lorio stated yes and outlined the procedures followed, per CEQA. 14. Council Member Adolph wanted to know if the City would receive any notification from the Tribal Council about what they wanted to do if the remains were identified as human bones P:ACAROLYN\HPCII-9-OO.wpd -3- U Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 15. Planning Manager di lorio explained the Tribal Council works with the Coroner's Office and the developer as to disposition of the remains. 16. Council Member Adolph commented on all the development in that area and had concerns about burial grounds curtailing development of the property. 17. Planning Manager di lorio clarified there was no discussion of this being a burial ground. It was a single, localized cremation. The Coroner comes out and looks at the area and takes the materials and goes back and takes care of them and notifies the nearest of kin. 18. Council Member Adolph wanted clarification that the due process was in motion. 19. Planning Manager di lorio told him usually the Indian Tribe contacts the developer and they work together on a decision as to what area would be appropriate to re -inter the remains; trying to keep them as close as possible to where they were originally uncovered. 20. Council Member Adolph thanked Planning Manager di lorio for clarifying the procedure. 21. Vice Chairman Puente asked about the artifact storage in La Quinta. She wondered if a determination had been made as to where the artifacts would be stored. 22. Commissioner Irwin replied the La Quinta Historical Society had a air conditioned room for their storage with plenty of room for any artifacts the City may need to store. 23. Planning Manager di lorio commented the City had planned to store them there. She then asked Commissioner Mitchell about his Phase III comments because the next part of the review process would be under "Recommendation for Monitoring". Did he think Phase III was for more than just monitoring or did he just want his comments noted. 24. Commissioner Mitchell stated he wanted his comments incorporated in the minutes. His intent was to have his comments included in the Final Report. 006 P:ACAROLYN\HPCI 1-9-OO.wpd -4- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 25. Planning Manager di lorio stated this was the Final Report. 26. Commissioner Mitchell stated his comments were directly specific to this report, and his final comment was that once these are addressed and expanded upon, the impact to this archaeological site would be mitigated if these concerns were addressed. 27. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp/Irwin to adopt Minute Motion 2000-026 recommending approval of the Phase II Archaeological Testing And Site Evaluation Report For Parcel Map 26860; located at the southeast corner of Washington Street and Miles Avenue; with the following condition added: a. Prior to issuance of the first building permit a Final Report on the monitoring be submitted to the City. The revisions are to include an expansion of the discussion regarding trade, ceramics, and shell beads. Unanimously approved. Unanimously approved. B. Certificate of ApDro rio ateness 2000-007: Request for restoration of a historic commercial building; located at the southwest corner of Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive (51001 Eisenhower Drive). 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Commissioner Sharp thought the plan was a nice improvernent but was concerned about the redcap brick and its authenticity. He also questioned the proportions of the sign as it affects the whole project. He suggested reducing the height of the sign. He then asked what the sign materials were and if the letters were hand - painted. He also asked if the sign would be illuminated. 3. Principal Planner Sawa replied it was painted with no lighting shown on the plans. 4. Commissioner Sharp then asked if the City would allow an illuminated sign. 007 P:\CAROLYN\HPCI 1-9-OO.wpd -5- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 5. Planning Manager di lorio replied that it depended on the type of illumination. 6. Commissioner Sharp stated the appropriateness of the design was good, but a condition should be added regarding illumination. 7. Planning Manager di lorio stated it could be added if it was the Commission's recommendation. 8. Commissioner Irwin stated she had visited the building to see how large the present wood sign was. She could not determine the size, but felt with the height of the planter, and the sign's present size, it was very large in proportion to the building. The other improvements they were making were going to take the building right back to what it originally was. Her only concern was the size of the sign. 9. Commissioner Sharp asked if there was some way the Commission could see a scaled drawing or plot plan of the whole project, including the sign, to get a sense of the scale of the sign. 10. Commissioner Irwin added the City had standards on signs and their size. She added the veterinary sign does not overpower the historic building. This building is smaller with a very large sign and will not preserve the historic aspect of the building. 11. Planning Manager di lorio stated the Code measures sign height from the nearest curb and the Commission could ask it be measured the same to regulate the height of the sign. 12. Commissioner Irwin was not in favor of dictating to the applicant what size their sign should be, but was concerned that this beautiful historic building could be overpowered by a sign. 13. Planning Manager di lorio stated the City Zoning Code allows historic building signs flexibility due to the architectural sensitivity of the project. Monument signs are not allowed for buildings with less than 200 feet of frontage and there would have to be a finding by the Commission that having a building mounted sign would infringe on the architectural integrity of the historic P:\CAROLYN\HPC 1 1-9-OO.wpd -6- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 structure. Also, the Code specifies the maximum square footage size and height for monument signs. She added when the Planning Commission approves a sign they look at the proposed sign and how it relates to the site. If the maximum is too Ihigh the Commission may require a reduction in size and height. She suggested the Commission approve the project and ask for the applicant to come back with a more appropriate sign. 14. Commissioner Sharp commented he was having difficulty envisioning the scale of the sign from the sketches provided and asked if it was possible to see a scaled drawing. 15. Commissioner Irwin responded she would be inclined to approve the project with the exception of the sign and have it brought back to make a decision on the appropriateness of the sign. 16. Vice Chairman Puente asked if the Commissioners would like to have a scaled drawing. 17. Planning Manager di lorio said a condition could be added recommending approval of the requested revision to the building. 18. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp/Irwin to adopt Minute Motion 2000-027 recommending approval of Certificate of Appropriateness 2000- 007„ with the following condition added: b. "That a scaled drawing of the monument sign, including the elevations, be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission for approval." Unanimously approved. 19. Council Member Don Adolph asked Planning Manager di lorio if the final design of the sign would go before the Planning Commission. 20. Planning Manager di lorio stated the Code requires the Certificate of Appropriateness be reviewed by the HPC and the City Council P:\CAROLYN\HPCI 1-9-OO.wpd -7- 11.1 009 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 21. Commissioner Irwin asked if the project would be going back through the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee (ALRC)• 22. Planning Manager di lorio said no. The applicant would be: able to pull permits for the modification as soon as the City Council made a decision at their November 21 s` meeting. She also informed the Commission the applicant had already received funding approval by the ALRC. C. Certificate of Appropriateness 2000-005 (Revision): request to allow a wood patio cover on front of restaurant; located at 78-039 Calle Estado. Applicants: David and Alma Cetina (El Ranchito Restaurant). Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Commissioner Irwin had a question on Condition #2, which said "the following material shall match as closely as possible; to that used on the building". She also referred to the Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee minutes that said on Page; 7, Item #2, "Committee Member Cunningham stated he approved of the proposed work except for plastering of the columns. He questioned why the Historic Preservation Commission changed the applicant's design. Mr. Cetina stated the original submittal did not contain the plastering of the columns but the HPC requested that he redesign it as it is currently submitted." She did not recall the Historic Preservation Commission asking that the columns be plastered. 3. Mr. Cetina, applicant stated first it was wood, then it was changed to plaster. 4. Planning Manager di lorio said the revisions were made after the first HPC meeting. Due to the request by the HPC to redesign the patio cover, the applicant change from wood to plaster columns. The HPC did not give him specific design changes. 4. Commissioner Irwin said the reason she objected to the first design was that it had a solid wood roof which detracted from the historic building. The new design has a lattice roof gives more openness in addition to the separation into two patio covers. She had no reason to object to the new design. P:\CAROLYN\HPC I 1-9-OO.wpd -8- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 5. Commissioner Sharp commented he thought it looked very nice and added it might look better with a front beam across the top, connecting the two patio covers. 6. Mrs. Cetina, applicant informed the Commission they were trying to make an entry statement similar to other restaurants with awnings; possibly in a round shape which makes the building appear larger at the entrance 7. Commissioner Sharp stated architecturally, it would make more sense to add an 8" x 8" beam across the opening. 8. Mrs. Cetina replied she thought it would look better if the top was all one piece instead of leaving an opening in the middle. 9. Council Member Don Adolph asked if she was referring to the curved awning, at T-bo's, that the Council approved a year or so ago. 10. Mrs. Cetina replied yes. 1 1 . Commissioner Sharp asked if that was a canvas awning 12. Council Member Don Adolph stated yes. 13. Mrs. Cetina commented that they have spent a lot of money on the canvas patio cover and they did not get the results they wanted, but that was the only option they had available to get a canopy up quickly to cover their outside patio. She said people wanted a patio and this was what was available at that time. She stated she preferred the straight across style the Commission was suggesting and it was closer to the original style patio cover they had intended. 14. Commissioner Sharp asked what the purpose of the gates was. 15. Mr. Cetina replied they lock them at night. 16. Mrs. Cetina added sometimes they moved items in and out through that opening. 17. Commissioner Sharp asked if the low block wall was g61ng to be painted. Oil -9- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 18. Mr. Cetina answered they would be painted the same color as the building. 19, Commissioner Sharp asked the height of the decorative fence. 20. Mr. Cetina said the block portion would be 18 inches and with the wrought iron it would be approximately three feet. 21. Commissioner Sharp asked if the wood would be painted. 22. Mr. Cetina stated it would be stained dark brown. 23. Commissioner Mitchell asked if the suggested beam would go across the top of the lattice, just to tie it in and make it flow better. 24. Commissioner Sharp replied yes, it would look just like the design submitted except it wouldn't have a solid roof behind it. 25. Council Member Don Adolph asked Principal Planner Stan Sawa how much room would be in front of the restaurant with the new street design. 26. Planning Manager di lorio answered eight feet for the sidewalk. 27. Council Member Don Adolph asked if four to eight feet was a little too narrow. 28. Planning Manager di lorio replied that was how Calle Estado was designed. 29. Council Member Don Adolph stated not for commercial and this would be commercial. People walking up and down, especially when you have street fairs, would not have enough room. 30. Planning Manager di lorio stated the applicant had talked with the City's consultants who were working on the improvements for Calle Estado. 31. Mr. Cetina said they were allowed to go up to the property line leaving an eight or nine foot sidewalk. P:ACAROLYN\HPC I 1-9-OO.wpd -10- 012 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 32. Council Member Don Adolph then commented that would cause no problem, but he was concerned about the safety of narrow sidewalks 33. Planning Manager di lorio asked the Commission if they wanted to make a recommendation to delete Condition #2. Discussion followed regarding how to word the condition. 34. Commissioner Irwin told the Commission they needed to consider this application carefully because she did not want to see this historic building distorted, and asked what options were available to the Commission. 35. Commissioner Mitchell thought Mr. & Mrs. Cetina had made an excellent effort to follow the requests of the Commission and the Commission should finalize the project at this meeting. 36. Commissioner Irwin was concerned about setting a precedent where a historic building was concerned. As there weren't many historic commercial buildings left, she thought the Commission needed to be very careful about their decision. 37. Planning Manager di lorio suggested the Commission consider the recommendation of a single beam going across the top to lessen the focus on the central doors as they are not original to the building. 38. Commissioner Irwin stated that at one time the building had three businesses in it; two of which were a Cantina and a 'furniture store. 39. There followed general discussion among the Commissioners and the applicant as to the best approach to finishing off the top portion of the patio covers to provide continuity while preserving the historic integrity of the building. 40. Council Member Don Adolph had some concerns about the visibility of the building signage. 41. Commissioner Irwin asked Commissioner Sharp to do a drawing of what he was suggesting. This was followed by general discussion of what should be included in the drawing. P:\CAKOLYN\HPC I 1-9-OO.wpd -11- 013 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 9, 2000 42. The drawing was accepted by the Commission to be compatible with the building. 43. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp/Mitchell to adopt Minute motion 2CI00-028 recommending approval of the wood patio covers in front of the restaurant; located at 78-039 Calle Estado, as modified. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL A. Planning Manager di lorio gave a brief presentation on her attendance at the National Historic Preservation Conference in Los Angeles. VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS A. Planning Manager di lorio asked if the Commissioners would be available for the December 21s` meeting. The Commissioners decided there would be a quorum and decided to hold the meeting as regularly scheduled. Vill. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Sharp to adjourn this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission on December 21, 2001. This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was adjourned at 4:12 p.m., November 9, 2000. Unanimously approved. Submitted by: Carolyn Walker Secretary P:\CAROLYN\HPCI 19-OO.wpd -12- 014 PH #A HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: DECEMBER 21, 2000 ITEM: PHASE 1 HISTORICAL/ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY AND PALEONTOLOGIC ASSESSMENT FOR PUERTA AZUL SPECIFIC PLAN AREA LOCATION: APPLICANT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: PALEONTOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: BACKGROUND: WEST SIDE OF MADISON STREET, APPROXIMATELY 1,400 FEET NORTH OF 58T" AVENUE PACIFIC LAND MANAGEMENT COMPANY CRM TECH SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MUSEUM SECTION OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES In anticipation of a future development proposal on approximately 20 acres on the west of Madison Street, north of 58th Avenue, a Phase 1 historical/archaeological and paleontologic assessment has been completed for the site. The site is the location of the former La Quinta Sculpture Park which has been closed for several years. Most of the outdoor sculptures have been removed, but the building and landscape and hardscape improvements still exist. DISCUSSION: Archaeological An archeological resources records search was conducted through the Eastern Information Center (EIC) of the California Historical Resources Information System at UC Riverside. The search found the study area had not been included in any previous archaeological studies nor have archaeological sites been identified within the project area. Within a one mile radius, 12 cultural resource surveys have been conducted with identification and recordation of eight archaeological sites, three historic -era sites, and four isolates. The archaeological sites consist of sherd and ceramic scatters and one human cremation. c\..\wpdocs\hpc rpt ph 1 puerta azul sp.wpd 015 A field survey of the study area was conducted walking east -west transects at 15 meter intervals across the entire project site. Special attention was givers to the northwest corner of the property because a recorded site is situated off -site approximately 100 feet from the current project boundaries. The results of the field survey were negative. There was no evidence of any historic or prehistoric; human activity with an age greater than 50 years. However, due to the close proximity of a known archaeological site, archaeological monitoring is recommended during grading and trenching at the project site. Historical U.S. General Land Office's(GLO) township plat maps dated 1856 and 1903 and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) topographic maps of the region dated 1904, 1941, and 1956/1959 from the Science Library of UC Riverside and/or Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District were reviewed to determine any historic man- made feature or activities in the study area. The research did not identify any man- made feature or activities on or adjacent to the study area. The conclusion is that the installation of the current sculpture park improvements was the first activities on the property. Paleontological A review of pertinent paleontologic and geologic literature was made to determine the potential for paleontological resources on the study area. The review suggests the presence within the area of potential effect of early Holocene lacustrine sediments of ancient Lake Cahuilla. These sediments have demonstrated high potential to, contain significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources. A records search was conducted through the Regional Paleontological Locality Inventory (RPLI) located at the San Bernardino County Museum to identify all previous paleontological resource assessments on the study area and surrounding lands. No paleontological localities are recorded on the study area. However, approximately two miles to the northwest similar sediment lithologies to those on the study area have produced fossils. Therefore, the possibility of recovery of remains at depth, in a reliable stratigraphic context would be highly significant. A field survey of the study area was conducted by field personnel walking five -meter transects across the property. The survey confirmed the presence of disturbed and undisturbed micaceous lacustrine sediments of ancient Lake Cahuilla exposed at the surface throughout all undeveloped portions of the study area. These sediments consist of grey -green clays and silts which were observed to contain fossil molluscs and gastropods. No vertebrate fossils were observed or recovered during the field survey. c\..\wpdocs\hpc rpt ph 1 puerta azul sp.wpd 1.. 016 The paleontologic sensitivity is high throughout all undeveloped portions of the study area and high for buried resources. For these reasons it is recommended that a qualified vertebrate paleontologist develop a program to mitigate impacts to nonrenewable paleontologic resources exposed or unearthed during grading or excavation. This program is recommended to include, but not be limited to monitoring during earth moving, preparation of recovered specimens, curation, and preparation of a final report. RECOMMENDATION: 1.) Adopt Minute Motion 2000- , accepting the "Historical/Archeological Resources Survey Report in the Cif of La Quinta, Riverside County, California" as recommended, subject to the following conditions: A. A final report on the monitoring shall be prepared and submitted prior to final occupancy of the project approved for the property. B. Collected cultural/paleontological resources shall be properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene sel-seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building permit for the property. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics. 2.) Adopt Minute Motion 2000-_, accepting the "Paleontologic Assessment Puerta Azul Specific Plan City of La Quinta, Riverside County. California" as recommended, subject to the following conditions: A. A final report on the monitoring shall be prepared and submitted prior to final occupancy of the project approved for the property. B. Collected cultural/paleontological resources shall be properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene sel-seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building permit for the property. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics. 017 c\..\wpdocs\hpc rpt ph 1 puerta azul sp.wpd Attachments: Historical/archeological Resources Survey Report in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County. California (Commissioners only) 2. Paleontologic Assessment Puerta Azul Specific Plan. City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California (Commissioners only) Prepared by: eb to ' b '(: teuU—at. Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner Submitted by: Christine di lorio, Planning Manager 018 c\..\wpdocs\hpc rpt ph 1 puerta azul sp.wpd DATE: ITEM: LOCATION: APPLICANT: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT: BACKGROUND• HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DECEMBER 21, 2000 PHASE I AND PHASE II ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF 75 ACRE SITE FOR PROPOSED MONTICELLO PROJECT WEST SIDE OF JEFFERSON STREET, BETWEEN FRED WARING DRIVE AND MILES AVENUE CENTURY HOMES ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY GROUP (JAMES BROCK) The property is a rectangular 75 acre parcel in northeast La Quinta south of Fred Waring Drive and west of Jefferson Street. A Phase I archaeological assessment of the 75 acre site was accepted by the Historic Preservation Commission on September 21, 2000 (Attachment 1). The Phase II testing report has been submitted for approval. The Phase I information is included in the report as well. DISCUSSION: The Phase I report stated there was abundant cultural resources present on the property, particularly on site CA-RIV-1769. There was potential for buried prehistoric sites to be present on the site. The previous Arkush test program conducted in 1989 did not include any backhoe testing, although it was recommended in the McCarthy study of 1989. The HPC on September 21, 2000, accepted the recommendation for Phase II testing consisting of backhoe trenches. Archaeological Advisory Group (AAG) conducted the backhoe testing in October, 2000. A minimum of 20 trenches was proposed to be dug, with 31 actually excavated. These trenches consisted of minimum two meter deep trenches in a systematic grid of no greater than 50 meter intervals in the previously recorded sites and in areas of lightly deposits. Trench sizes were approximately 60 by 200 centimeters with the excavated dirt screened through a mesh of one -quarter inch. No potentially significant or large quantities of cultural deposits were located during the testing, nor were any new sites located on the property. Cultural material found included sherds, baked clay fragments, debitage, bone fragments, and possibly one projectile point fragment. pf\stan\hpc rpt sw fred w jeff ph 2.wpd 019 Although no buried, stratigraphically-intact, cultural deposits were identified during the test excavation, there is still possibility for buried deposits to exist on the study area. Therefore, monitoring of future grading should be conducted by, or under the supervision of, a Registered Professional Archaeologist, or equivalent. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 2000- , accepting the "Phase I and Phase II Archaeological Assessments for the Proposed Monticello Project, West Side of Jefferson Street Between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue, La Quinta, California", as prepared by Archaeological Advisory Group, subject to the following conditions: 1 . Collected cultural/paleontological resources shall be properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene sel-seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building permit for the property. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics. 2. A final report on the monitoring shall be prepared and submitted for HPC approval prior to final occupancy of the project approved for the property Attachments: 1. HPC minutes for the meeting of September 21, 2000 2. Phase I and Phase II Archaeolooical Assessments for the Proposed Monticello Project West Side of Jefferson Street Between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue La Quinta. California, La Quinta, California (Commissioners only) Prepared by: Submitted By: Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner Christine di lorio, Plann ng Manager 020 p[\stan\hpc rpt sw fred w jeff ph 2.wpd ATTACHMENT 1 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 21, 2000 20, Commissioner Irwin commented she thought the report was excellent. 21. Commissioner Sharp had no comments on the report. 22. Dr. Love added the clay pieces with the stick impressions were; quite a find. One of the outstanding research questions in the Valley had been about these pieces. Different archaeologists had found different uses for the clay, as it was used for many different things by the Cahuilla people. This, however, was the best collection, so far, indicating the use of clay as daub (being pushed in around sticks). It may have been used for graineries, where they kept their mesquite beans, or as animal pens. They pushed the clay against the sticks and the hope is the final report will have some further analysis of these pieces. We can actually analyze, based on the impressions, what kind of wood sticks they were and possibly the clay sources. There is further work to do on this. 23. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mitchell/Irwin to adopt Minute Motion 2000-021 accepting the Interim Cultural Resources Report for Archaeological Testing and Evaluation of Sites CA-RIV-6352 to 6357 at the southwest corner of 501h Avenue and Jefferson Street, subject to the final report being submitted prior to issuance of a grading permit. Unanimously approved. 24. It was also moved and seconded by Commissioners Irwin/Mltchell to accept the final report of the Paleontological Resource Assessment for RJT Homes, subject to collected paleontological resources being given to the City for curation as follows: a. "Collected cultural/paleonotological resources will be properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene self -seal bads, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building permit for the property. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics." Unanimously approved. E. Phase I Archaeological Assessment of a 75 Acre Site for Proposed Monticello Pro'ect located on the west side of Jefferson Street, between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue. Applicant: Century Homes - Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Advisory Group (James Brock). 021 P:\CAROLYMHPC9-21-OO.wpd -8- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 21, 2000 1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department. 2. Commissioner Mitchell commended Mr. Brock on his report. 3. Commissioner Irwin concurred and commented she was interested in continuing the backhoe testing/monitoring. Her concern was the proximity of this property to other rich sites nearby and she was interested in seeing what could be found. She commented on the influence of the Whitewater rather than the Ancient Lake Cahuilla on the people that lived in those areas. The Whitewater went back further than the dependence on the lake. She expressed her enthusiasm for the project. 4. Mr. James Brock stated the University of California Riverside did not list this as an important site. He noted when he came back to recommend backhoe work, 11 years later, there were new discoveries, proving the backhoe work was necessary. 5. Commissioner Irwin stated we know more now than we did 11 years ago. Discoveries made, in that general area, have been made recently, but she would like to learn as much as we possible from the area. 6. Mr. Brock stated his goal was to find the sites that haven't been identified. With the hand excavation that has been done previously, the potential for buried sites is great. 7. Commissioner Irwin complimented Mr. Brock on his work on Jefferson and 481"' the Burning Dunes Site, and likened those finds to this project. 8. Mr. Brock acknowledged that was a classic example of how hand excavation can miss a site. The only way it can be found is with the backhoe. The Burning Dunes site was an example where things would not have been found unless there was a road cut going right through the middle. 9. Commissioner Irwin commented that was why she was so interested in monitoring. 10. Mr. Brock added we need to get to the sites before monitoring and that was what the backhoe test was all about. The problem was the area with the highest potential was the big dune at the north of the property and taking out that dune completely is critical to the project which does not leave much room for preservation if a significa� jte is found. L DArnonTv PPrQ.91-00wnd -9- Historic Preservation Commission Minutes September 21, 2000 1 1. Commissioner Sharp said he understood this was the shoreline: of Lake Cahuilla and a very volatile area. 12. Chairman Wright complimented Mr. Brock on a great job and agreed with Commissioner Irwin on the importance for backhoe testing. He observed there aren't a lot of sites left, in the City. Developers are becoming anxious about spending the money where there aren't a lot of :sites left. Finding sites is going to take more time and money, but it's very important„ He added he also felt strongly about the monitoring. 13. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Sharp/Irwin to adopt Minute Motion 2000-023 accepting the Phase I Archaeological Assessment of a 75 Acre Site for (Proposed Monticello Project with the following conditions: 1. "Collected cultural/paleontological resources shall be properly packaged for long term curation, in polyethylene self -seal bags, vials, or film cans as appropriate, all within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of first building permit for the property. Materials will be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics. 2. "The Phase II testing report shall be submitted to the: Historic preservation Commission prior to approval of a development application for the study area." VI. ,CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS A. Planning Manager di lorio discussed the Historic Preservation Conference in Philadelphia. B. Planning Manager di lorio advised the Commissioners that the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2000-115 for the Resource Curation Plan. We will now be accepting artifacts for curation. We are working on a long-term storage plan. Commissioner Irwin stated the Historical Society has a trailer that will be available in six months. A security system could be added and it is already air conditioned. There would be enough space to share with the City for curation purposes and the trailer is on City property. �.. 023 P:\CAROLYN\HPC9-21-OO.wpd '10- PH # C DATE: ITEM: REQUEST: LOCATION: APPLICANTS: BACKGROUND: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DECEMBER 21, 2000 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 2000-007 NEW FREESTANDING SIGN FOR A HISTORIC COMMERCIAL BUILDING SOUTHWEST CORNER OF CALLE TAMPICO AND EISENHOWER DRIVE (51001 EISENHOWER DRIVE) BRUCE AND JIM CATHCART (LA QUINTA PALMS REALTY) On November 9, 2000, The Historic Preservation Commission recommended to the City Council approval of the applicants request to restore the City identified historic structure to a condition which enhances its architectural integrity. The City Council approved the Certificate of Appropriateness request on November 21, 2000. One of the requirements was that the proposed freestanding sign be revised to be lower in profile. PROPOSED REVISIONS: The applicants have submitted a revised sign proposal consisting of a rectangular sign with "clipped corners" on the top and using a white smooth trowel "California Mission" finish. The sign is four feet high and six feet wide and eight inches thick with an area of approximately 21 square feet. The sign would have their "palm tree" logo in gold, blue and white at the top, with their name in blue and black, and address in black. The letters and logo will be made out of an opaque hard foam and externally illuminated with low voltage landscape lighting. The sign will be placed in the lawn area perpendicular to Eisenhower Drive. The large palm tree near the sign will be removed. Although not shown with a planter, a small planter with a short (six inches) high one may be provided. If a planter is used, the overall height of the sign will remain at four feet. DISCUSSION: Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 7.08.030, the request can be approved if, and only if it is determined: to..024 p:\stan\hpc rpt ca 2000-007 sign cathcart.wpd 1. That the proposed work would not detrimentally alter, destroy or adversely affect any architectural or landscape improvement. RESPONSE: The proposed sign is in keeping with the architectural character of the original features of the building. The proposed freestanding masonry sign will replace a modern freestanding wood sign near the northeast corner of the lot facing Eisenhower Drive. Under Chapter 9.160 (Signs) of the Municipal Code, because this business does not have at least 200 feet of street frontage on Eisenhower Drive it is not allowed a freestanding sign. The building was constructed as a residence and, as such, was not designed to accommodate a building sign. Municipal Code Section 9.65.030 (Commercial Village District) allows City identified historic structures to deviate from Chapter 9.160 sign requirements as a part of the Certificate of Appropriateness process. The design of the proposed masonry sign conforms to the architecture of the building and will maintain the architectural integrity of the building. 2. If the owner of the designated historic site or landmark demonstrates that such property cannot be economically used and denial of a permit would deprive the owner of all or most of his economic interest in the property, the City Council may issue the permit with an effective date 180 days from the issuance of the permit to allow time for the investigation of alternatives to the work proposed in the permit application, such as acquisition of the site improvement by the City or a public interest group. RESPONSE: The proposed revisions to the sign is in keeping with the character defining features of the building and be beneficial to the property owner as well as the City. 3. In the case of construction of a new improvement upon a historic site, that the exterior of such improvement will not adversely affect and will be compatible with the external appearance of existing historically designated improvements on said site. RESPONSE: No new construction is proposed to the existing building. 4. That the applicant has presented clear and convincing evidence of facts demonstrating to the satisfaction of the City Council that such disapproval will impose immediate and substantial hardship on the applicant because of conditions peculiar to the person seeking to carry out the work, whether this be property owner, tenant, or resident, or because of conditions peculiar to the particular improvement, or other feature involved, and that approval of the application will be consistent with the purposes of the permit procedures. 095 p:\stan\hpc rpt ca 2000-007 sign cathcartmpd RESPONSE: The applicant has shown that the revision to the sign will improve the appearance of the building, and the applicant has shown a desire to retain the architectural integrity of the structure:. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 2000-_, recommending approval of the requested revision to the sign. Attachment: Proposed sign exhibits Prepared by: Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner Submitted by: f Christine di lorio, Planning Manager p:\stan\hpc rpt ca 2000-007 sign cathcart.wpd I G'V11�IViVVv ^� ^ M e a co C 0 e o