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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AG EN DA
The Regular Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
December 20, 2001
3:00 P.M.
Beginning Minute Motion 2001-021
CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
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 15, 2001.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the La Quinta Grill; a request
for approval of a Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment.
Applicant: The Woodard Group
Historic Consultant: LSA
B. Phase I Cultural and Paleontological Resource Assessment for Specific
Plan 90-016 Amendment #1; a request for approval of a Phase I Cultural
and Paleontological Resources Assessment.
Applicant: Toll Brothers --Doi
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Historic Consultant: LSA
HPC/AGENDA
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
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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 15, 2001
This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman
Maria Puente at 3:03 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 Irwin, Mitchell, Sharp, Wright, and Chairman
Puente. Unanimously approved.
Staff Present: Principal Planner Stan Sawa, and Secretary Carolyn
Walker.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: Commissioner Sharp introduced Melody Winston as
a person interested in learning more about the
Commission.
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 18, 2001 with the following change:
VII. Commissioner Items. Item A, corrected to read:
"Commissioner Sharp stated he received a copy of the La Quinta City
Council/Planning Commission Joint meeting minutes of September 19,
2001. In those minutes, a statement was made by Ben Scoville,
representing the Torres -Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, where he asked
that the City of La Quinta appoint a member of the Torres -Martinez Tribe
to the City's Historic Preservation Commission. Commissioner Sharp
thought that as the Commission dealt with so many areas that touched
on this relationship, it seemed like a very good idea."
Unanimously approved. -003
PACAROLYNWC 11-15-01.wpd -1-
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
November 15, 2001
V. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Phase II Archaeological Test Program for Tentative Tract Mao 30 31;
a request for approval of a Phase II Archaeological Test Program.
Applicant: Santa Properties and Development, LLC - Historic Consultant:
Archaeological Advisory Group
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 Mitchell stated he didn't have any concerns and
concurred with staff's recommendations.
3. Commissioner Wright concurred with staff's recommendations.
4. Commissioner Irwin stated she also supported staff's
recommendations.
5. Commissioner Sharp asked if this project was near the Coral
Mountain development.
6. Commissioner Wright answered the Coral Mountain development
was some distance from this project.
7. Commissioner Sharp concurred with staff's recommendations.
8. Chairman Puente had no further comments and concurred with
staff's recommendations.
9. There being no further discussion, it was moved and seconded by
Commissioners Irwin/Wright to adopt Minute Motion 2001-020
recommending approval of the Phase II Archaeological Test
Program for Tentative Tract 30331; for property located on the
north side of Avenue 50, west of Jefferson Street. Unanimously
approved.
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
November 15, 2001
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
A. Commissioner Wright gave staff photos taken at Fort Irwin when the
Commission visited there last year. Commissioner Wright asked that
these photos be retained by the City.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Wright/Sharp to adjourn this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the
next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on December 20, 2001. This meeting of
the Historical Preservation Commission was adjourned at 3:12 p.m., November 15,
2001. Unanimously approved.
Submitted by:
Carolyn Walker
Secretary
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BI #A
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: DECEMBER 20, 2001
ITEM: PHASE I CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT FOR THE
LA QUINTA GRILL
LOCATION: SOUTHEAST CORNER OF CALLE CADIZ AND A'VENIDA
BERMUDAS
APPLICANT: THE WOODARD GROUP FOR LA QUINTA GRILL
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT: LSA
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The purpose of this study is to identify all potentially significant cultural resources
situated within the 1.16 acre parcel that contains two residences, one of which is
used as a restaurant. An office building is proposed to be added to this property.
This assessment has been incorporated into environmental review of the project for
the approval process.
DISCUSSION:
A records search was conducted through the Eastern Information Center of the
California Historical Resources Information System at UC Riverside for historic and
prehistoric archaeological sites. The results of the record search indicated that 32
cultural resource surveys have been conducted within a one mile radius of the project
area. Seven archaeological sites, six prehistoric isolates, and six historic properties
were recorded within a one -mile radius of the project area, with four studies within
a one -quarter mile radius. Cultural resources within this radius include a prehistoric
surface scatter, four 1920' to 1940's historic buildings and a segment of a historic
road.
The report notes the project area is located in a residential area established in the late
1930's, with the property now occupied by a restaurant (La Quinta Grill), dating from
the 1950's, and a residence dating from the 1960's.
The project area is void of any native vegetation and covered with asphalt, buildings
and landscaping. A field study of the project area did not locate any cultural
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resources. It did note the presence of the restaurant complex, which was build in
1952, for residential use. A rustic water tower is on the property and associated
with the restaurant.
The report notes that the architecture of the restaurant has been compromised by
secondary additions and expansions, and therefore, does not qualify for potential
nomination to the California Register of Historic Resources.
CONCLUSION:
The report notes that the site does not contain archaeological resources or historic
resources that have any historic significance, and therefore, recommend no further
cultural resource studies or monitoring. The history of the property, including existing
buildings and structures on the property should be documented prior to issuance of
a building permit, in that the area of the building is of local historic interest. The La
Quinta Historic Society should be consulted for information.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Minute Motion 2001- , accepting :
1.) The "Cultural Resources Assessment - La Quinta Grill", as prepared by LSA,
subject to the following condition:
A.) Prior to issuance of a building permit, documentation of the property
history shall be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission for
approval.
Attachment:
1. Cultural Resource Assessment - La Quinta Grill
Prepared by: Submitted By:
Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner
Christine di lorio, Pla ning Manager
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: DECEMBER 20, 2001
ITEM: PHASE I CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE
ASSESSMENT FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 90-016, AMENDMENT
#1
LOCATION: NORTHEAST CORNER OF JEFFERSON STREET AND
AVENUE50
APPLICANT: TOLL BROTHERS
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT: LSA
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of the study is to identify all potentially significant cultural resources
situated within the 385 acre parcel that is proposed to be developed with a residential
country club development. This assessment will be incorporated into environmental
review of the project during the approval process.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION:
A records search was conducted through the Eastern Information Center of the
California Historical Resources Information System at UC Riverside for historic and
prehistoric archaeological sites. The results of the record search indicated that 19
cultural resource surveys have been conducted within a one mile radius of the project
area, with five of these surveys including nearly all of the project area as portions of
other projects. Two archaeological sites (CA-RIV-2975 and CA-RIV-2976) have been
recorded within the project area and 15 archaeological sites, seven prehistoric
isolates, and two historic properties were recorded within a quarter mile radius of the
project area.
In addition to the National Register of Historic Places, California Historical Landmarks,
California Points of Historical Interest, the California State Historic Resources
Directory, and historic maps were inspected for historical information on the: project
area. Two historic properties adjacent to the project site were found. They were 33-
8301, the Coachella Canal, which borders the property on the east side and 33-8301,
a 1950's historic building site near the northwest corner.
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A field study of the project area revealed that approximately 85% of the project area
was exposed native soil that consisted of sand and exhibited heavy disturbance from
small mammals and brushing for removal of the citrus orchards. The remaining
surface areas consists of sandy soil obscured by impenetrable Russian thistle. The
pedestrian survey focused on the areas of exposed soil and boulders that exhibited
few or no impacts. One of the previously recorded archaeological sites within the
project area, CA-RIV-2975, was relocated, while the second, CA-RIV-2976, was
documented as destroyed in the late 1980's. Additionally, two previously unrecorded
prehistoric sites and five isolates, including potsherds and historic sun colored
amethyst (SCA) glass fragments were located during the survey. One previously
known historic site was also recorded.
Site CA-RIV-2975, recorded in 1984, and subsequently surface collected and tested
in 1989. The survey found that more artifacts and rare prehistoric features have been
exposed since 1989. What appears to be at least three features consisting of
wooden structural remains and two baked earth features that may be the remains of
wattle -and -daub brush huts were found. These features qualify as a "unique
archaeological resource" and meet the requirements of CEQA Guideline 3 in that they
represent unique data potential and may yield information important in prehistory.
One of the new sites, LSA-FKH136-S-3, Site #3 included a baked earth feature similar
to those found at CA-RIV-2975 (possible wattle -and -daub structural remains). Due
to its location and similar cultural remains, it appears to be associated with CA-RIV-
2975. The remaining sites and isolates were determined to not be of significance.
PALEONTOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT:
The property elevations range from approximate ly 43 feet above sea level (ASL) to
18 feet ASL, which means it was most likely covered by ancient Lake Cahuilla which
ranged as high as 42 feet ASL. A records search at the Regional Paleontological
Locality Inventory, located at the San Bernardino County Museum did not identify any
prior surveys for the project area. It noted fossil localities near the parcel and in
sediments mapped as similar found fossil mollusks, fish, reptiles, birds and small
mammals.
Sediments of the property are lacustrine deposits, including silts and sandy silts.
Sand dunes cover portions of deposits in the project area.
The paleontological survey found fossil mollusks consisting of fresh water clam
(Anodonta sp.), fresh water planispiral snail (Planorbula sp.), and fresh water snail
(Physa sp.)• These mollusks indicate the property was below the lake surface near
a shoreline with lacustrine vegetation.
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CONCLUSION:
Two archaeological sites (CA-RIV-2975 and LSA-FKH 1 36-S-3) have the potential to
yield unique archaeological data on a little known aspect of prehistoric: Native
American life (aboriginal shelter). LSA recommends a resource impact mitigation
program consisting of three 1x2 meter test units at CA-RIV-2975 and one 1x.2 meter
test units at LSA-FKH136-S-3, and monitoring of all earth moving activities in the
vicinity of these two sites.
Excavation for the proposed project has potential to impact the significant
nonrenewable resources. LSA recommends a paleontological resource impact
program be conducted, including excavation/grading monitoring and specimen
recovery, including screen washing.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Minute Motion 2001- , accepting :
1.) The "Cultural Resource Assessment - the Grove/Mountain View Country Club
in Central Riverside County. California", as prepared and recommended by
LSA,subject to the following condition:
A.) A Phase II testing report shall be submitted to the Historic Preservation
Commission for approval prior to City Council approval of the specific
plan amendment.
2.) The "Paleontological Resource Assessment - the Grove/Mountain View Country
Club in Central Riverside County, California", as prepared and recommended
by LSA, subject to the following condition:
A.) Collected paleontological resources to be given to the City for c:uration.
Attachments:
1. Cultural Resource Assessment - the Grove/Mountain View Country Club in
Central Riverside County, California
2. Paleontological Resource Assessment - the Grove/Mountain View Country Club
in Central Riverside County, California
Prepared by: Submitted By:
Stan B. Sawa, Principal Planner
Christine di Iorio, Pl nning Manager
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