2004 09 16 HPC�a�Qr
OF
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AG EN ®A
The Regular Meeting to be held in the Session Room at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
3:00 P.M.
Beginning Minute Motion 2004-027
CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II�Y�I3�NZK�L�ih�ilq��1
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 Minutes for the meeting of August 19, 2004
„ ., 0 01
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation for Tentative Tract Map 31874; and
Paleontological Assessment Report for a 40-acre site for Tentative Tract Map
31874.
Applicant: Stonefield Development
Archaeological Consultant: San Bernardino County Museum, Division of
Geological Sciences and The Keith Companies
Location: Northwest corner of Monroe Street and Avenue 53
B. Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of a 17,883 square foot piece of lot.
Applicant: James F. Kelly
Archaeological Consultant: The Keith Companies (Leslie J. Mouriquand)
Location: Southwest corner of Desert Club Drive and Calle Barcelona
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL:
VI1. COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
A. Discussion requiring notification to Native -American Heritage Commission and
Local Tribes for Cultural Resources Assessments.
LTAINEW-LYOMOINIV0ILVA1:101rr
002
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
A Regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, 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.
PACAROLYMHist Pres Com\HPC 8-19-04.doc 0 0
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-PJlartinez
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.
�... 004 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 and 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.
005
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.
1. 006 4
Historic Preservation Commission
August 19, 2004
B. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report, Assessor's Parcel
No. 767-580-015 ITT 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/Paleontologiist)
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 pairt 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.
1. . 007 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
,.... 008 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.
009
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/Archaeological 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.
0.10 8
Historic Preservation Commission
August 19, 2004
4. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information
contained in the Paleontological Resources Report, which is on
file in the Community Development Department.
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 ITT 32398)• and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report
— Site CA-RIV-5158 ITT 323981.
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.
Oil
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.
Vill. 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 4:10 p.m. Unanimously approved
Submitted by:
Carolyn Walker
Secretary
�... 012
A-1
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
ITEM: PHASE 1 CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATIION FOR
TTM 31874
LOCATION: NORTHWEST CORNER OF MONROE STREET AND AVENUE
53
APPLICANT: STONEFIELD DEVELOPMENT
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT: THE KEITH COMPANIES
BACKGROUND
The property is a 40-acre parcel in the south La Quinta vicinity at the northwest corner
of Monroe Street and Avenue 53. The property is presently not within the City limits,
but is proposed to be annexed. A Phase I (survey level) cultural resources assessment
has been completed for a Tentative Tract map application that is being processed by
the City. This will be part of the Environmental Assessment required by the California
Environmental Quality Act for the project application. The assessment includes a
prehistoric and historic records search, Native American consultation and field
reconnaissance of the property.
The property is improved with a single-family and caretakers residence, horse barn, RV
barn, corrals and other accessory structures. The property has been graded flat and
used for crop farming, most recently grapes.
DISCUSSION
An archaeological records search for the property was conducted at the Eastern
Information Center of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS)
at UC Riverside. The records search indicated that the study area had previously been
within the boundaries of a 1,300 acre survey in 1999, but was not surveyed because
it was inaccessible at the time. Within a one mile radius of the property seven surveys
has been conducted with 2 archaeological sites and 20 isolated finds recorded within
this radius.
A historic search was done on the Internet utilizing the Bureau of Land Management
General Land Use Office patent records and National Park Service's National Register
of Historic Places records. The search did not show any cultural activity in the study
area. It did show that the property was part of a homestead recorded by Mr. Louis J.
P:\stan\hpc\rpt tt 31874 ph i archaeo.doc 013
Yager in 1916. There is no indication that this ownership by Mr. Yager or subsequent
owners are of any historic significance. No indication is given in the report as to when
the current modern -age structures were constructed.
A request was made of the Native American Heritage Commission for a check of their
Sacred Lands file. Additionally, letters requesting comments on the project were
apparently sent to the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of
Mission Indians and Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. Responses were received
from these tribes and are included in the report. Two of the tribes requested that
monitoring include a Native American monitor.
The field survey conducted by The Keith Company staff consisted of systematically
walking over the site at 10-meter intervals and visually observing the site for artifacts.
Surface visibility was good except in the area where grape vines debris covered the
ground.
The report notes the structures and other man-made improvements are of modern
vintage and that most of the property has been disturbed by past farming activites.
Two isolates were found consisting of a small ceramic pottery sherd and a large
shotgun shell base from the Winchester Repeating Arms Company dated from as early
as 1925.
The report concludes that there is a possibility of finding buried archaeological
resources despite past agricultural activites. Therefore, archaeological monitoring of
on and off -site rough grading and major trenching is recommended under the
supervision of a Registered Professional Archaeologist. Furthermore, the report
recommends that Native American monitors participate in the future monitoring of the
project site during grading and excavation.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Minute Motion 2004- , accepting the Phase I Cultural Resources
Investigation of 40 acres located at the northwest corner of Avenue 53 and (Monroe
Street, as prepared by The Keith Company, subject to the following conditions:
The site shall be monitored during on and off -site trenching and rough grading
by qualified archaeological monitors including a Native American monitor. Proof
of retention of monitors shall be given to the Community Development and
Public Works Departments prior to issuance of first earth -moving or clearing
permit. Monitors to include a Native American from a local tribe.
2. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of
Occupancy for the project.
P:\stan\hpc\rpt tt 31874 ph 1 archaeo.doc 014
3. Collected archaeological 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 Certificate of Occupancy for the
property. Materials shall be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes
and records, primary research data, and the original graphics.
Attachment:
Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of 40 acres located at the northwest
corner of Avenue 53 and Monroe Street, Riverside County, California
(Commissioners only)
Prepared by:
�iJGtnti��e%Ltnl �-
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
015
p[\stan\hpc\rpt tt 31874 ph 1 archaeo.doc
DATE:
fi1114AT
LOCATION:
APPLICANT:
PALEONTOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT:
BACKGROUND:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
PALEONTOLOGIC ASSESSMENT FOR 40-ACRE SITE FOR
TTM 31874
NORTHWEST CORNER OF MONROE STREET AND AVENUE
53
STONEFIELD DEVELOPMENT
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MUSEUM, DIVISION OF
GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
The study area is a 40-acre parcel located at the northwest corner of Monroe Street
and Avenue 53 in an unincorporated area of Riverside County, adjacent to the City of
La Quinta. The City is currently processing a request for a tentative tract map on the
property. A Phase I (survey level) paleontological resources assessment has been
completed for the property. The assessment includes a paleological resources; record
search and field reconnaissance of the property. This assessment will be part of the
environmental review required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for
the project applications.
The property is improved with a single-family and caretakers residence, horse barn, RV
barn, corrals and other accessory structures. The property has been graded flat used
for crop farming, most recently grapes.
The report notes study area was previously covered with water during the high stands
of ancient Lake Cahuilla (the remnants of which are now the Salton Sea). As such,
the study area is considered to have high potential to contain nonrenewable fossil
remains.
DISCUSSION:
A paleontologic records search for the property was conducted at the San Bernardino
County Museum. The records search indicated that while the study area has not been
surveyed, significant fossils remains have been recovered in the nearby vicinity.
016
p:\stan\hpc\rpt tt 31874 ph 1 paleo.doc
The on -foot field survey confirmed the presence of sediments of the ancient Lake
Cahuilla exposed at the surface throughout the property. These sediments consisted
of green -grey clays and silts that were observed during the survey to contain fossil
mollucs (cf. Anodonta) and gastropods. Portions of vertebrate bones were observed
during the field inspection. However, because the paleontologists felt they, of an
inderterminate age and might not be fossils, they were not collected. A representative
sample of the entire amount of fossils found will be collected during monitoring.
The report concludes the study area is highly sensitive for paleontological resources,
and preparation of a mitigation program and monitoring is necessary to insure that
potential impact to paleontological resources are reduced to a level that is "less than
significant" for the environmental review required by CEQA. Page eight of the! report
recommends five items be completed to permit the proposed residential project to
proceed. Staff concurs with these recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Minute Motion 2004- , accepting the "Paleontological Assessment,
Stonefield Development La Quinta Region Riverside County, California", as prepared
by the San Bernardino County Museum, Division of Geological Sciences, subject to the
recommendations in the report and following conditions:
A. The site shall be monitored during on and off -site trenching and rough grading
by qualified paleontological monitors. Proof of retention of monitors shall be
given to City prior to issuance of 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 production home
building permit for the project.
C. Collected 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.
Attachment:
1. Paleontological Assessment, Stonefield Development, La Quinta Region,
Riverside County, California
Prepared by:
017
�,�-.�GlnnlTn
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
p(\stan\hpc\hpc rpt ph 1 paleo sp 03-064.wpd
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
ITEM: PHASE 1 CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATION OF
17,883 SQ.FT. (0.4 AC) LOT LOCATED IN OLD TOWN LA
QUINTA
LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF DESERT CLUB DRIVE AND
CALLEBARCELONA
APPLICANT: JAMES F. KELLY
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
CONSULTANT: THE KEITH COMPANIES
BACKGROUND:
The property is a .4-acre parcel in the downtown La Quinta vicinity. A Phase I (survey
level) cultural resources assessment has been completed for a Tentative Traict map
application that is being processed by the City. The assessment includes a prehistoric
and historic records search, Native American consultation and field reconnaissance of
the property.
The property is level and vacant except for a planting of fan palm trees along a portion
of the western boundary.
DISCUSSION:
An archaeological records search for the property was conducted at the Eastern
Information Center of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS)
at UC Riverside. The records search indicated that the study area had not been
previously surveyed. Within a one mile radius of the property several surveys has been
conducted with a number of archaeological sites and isolated finds recorded within this
radius.
A historic search was on the Internet utilizing the Bureau of Land Management General
Land Use Office patent records and National Park Service's National Register of
Historic Places records. This included studying published literature in local and regional
history and historic maps. No indications of man-made use of the property or trails or
roads crossing the property were found.
A request was made of the Native American Heritage Commission for a check of their
Sacred Lands file. Additionally, letters requesting comments on the project were
P:\stan\hpc\rpt vup 04-024 ph 1 archaeo.doc 0118
apparently sent to the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of
Mission Indians and Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. Responses received from
these tribes are included in the report. Two of the tribes requested that monitoring
include a Native American monitor.
The field survey conducted by The Keith Company staff consisted of systematically
walking over the site at 10-meter intervals and visually observing the site for artifacts.
Surface visibility was good. One isolate was found consisting of a small ceramic
pottery sherd.
The report concludes that while the discovery of one isolated artifact is not in and of
itself a significant resource it may indicate the presence of additional buried
archaeological resources. Given the number of recorded prehistoric and historic sites
within one mile, the belief that the property is within the "interaction spheres" of
several prehistoric Indian villages, and that early human activities impacted the
property at some level, archaeological monitoring of on and off -site rough grading and
major trenching is recommended under the supervision of a Registered Professional
Archaeologist. Furthermore, the report recommends that a Native American monitor
participate in the future monitoring of the project site during grading and excavation.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Minute Motion 2004- , accepting the Phase I Cultural Resources
Investigation of 17,883 sq.ft. (0.4 ac) located in Old Town La Quinta, as prepared by
The Keith Companies, subject to the following conditions:
1. The site shall be monitored during on and off -site trenching and rough grading
by qualified archaeological monitors including a Native American monitor. Proof
of retention of monitors shall be given to the Community Development and
Public Works Departments prior to issuance of first earth -moving or clearing
permit. Monitors to include a Native American from a local tribe.
2. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of
Occupancy for the project.
3. Collected archaeological 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 Certificate of Occupancy for the
property. Materials shall be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes
and records, primary research data, and the original graphics.
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Attachment:
1. Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation of 17,883 sq.ft. (0.4 ac) located in Old
Town La Quinta, Riverside County, California (Commissioners only)
Prepared by:
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION
FROM: OSCAR ORCI, INTERIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
STAN SAWA, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
SUBJECT: NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION AND LOCAL TRIBES
NOTIFICATION PROTOCOL
At the August 19, 2004 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting, Staff was
directed to prepare a policy for the Commission's consideration regarding the
notification protocol to the tribal bands and Native American Heritage Commission
(NAHC) when Cultural Resource Assessments are prepared for projects in the: City of
La Quinta.
By way of background information, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is
the national equivalent to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Both Acts
require various degrees of environmental assessment for proposed development
projects, including preparation of a Cultural Resources Assessment (prehistoric and
historic)• Environmental Assessments for NEPA are prepared for Federally approved
projects while CEQA studies are prepared for projects approved by California
jurisdictions.
NEPA requires notice to Indian tribes when a Federal projects may affect thiem. In
California, the NAHC, in Sacramento, is contacted for comments. In turn, the NAHC
will provide input and/or refer the report preparer to potentially effected tribes. CEQA
does not mandate this contact. However, when NAHC is notified of a proposed
project for CEQA, the procedure is the same.
Senate Bill No. 18 (SB 18) would establish numerous provisions related to cultural
assessments, including the requirement for the State to establish a notification
protocol and the requirement that an applicant notify the NAHC. The Bill is currently
under consideration at the Governor's office; however it is uncertain if the Governor
will sign the Bill. In fact, recent e-mail communications have also indicated the
Governor's office may change the State's Historic Preservation Program.
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The NAHC conducts sacred site searches of their records, provides applicable lists of
traditional cultural properties and determines the likely descendents (tribe)• To date,
the NAHC has not commented on any specific project site, but has referred the report
preparer to the local Indian tribes for comments. Comments when received from the
tribes normally have consisted of requesting monitoring and that the archaeological
monitors include a tribe member.
Based upon the information above, Staff has prepared the following draft policy:
"As part of the preparation of Cultural Resource Assessments, an applicant or
his agent shall notify the Native American Historic Commission and Local
Native American Tribes, in writing, of the preparation of the Cultural Resource
Assessment for such project. Such notice shall include a site and project
description as well as a solicitation for comments. A copy of the notices and
any responses shall be incorporated into the Cultural Resource Assessment
report for the Historic Preservation Commission's review. Failure to provide
such notice may result in the continuance, or rejection of the projects Cultural
Assessment report."
If the Commission determines, as a policy, that contacting the NAHC and effected
local tribes for Assessments is necessary, Staff will present this determination to the
City Council for approval. Should the City decide to require this contact, we will send
letters to archaeologists who have submitted assessments during the last two years
notifying them of this requirement.
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission review this issue and
determine whether notification to the NAHC and affected local tribes is required when
Cultural Resource Assessments are prepared for sites in the City of La Quinta.
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