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2005 09 15 HPCw cFM OFF Historic Preservation Commission Agendas are now available on the City's Web Page @ www.la-guinta.org HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGEN®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 15, 2005 3:00 P.M. Beginning Minute Motion 2005-019 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 Minutes for the meeting of July 21, 2005 --001 Historic Preservation Commission Agenda V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Phase I Cultural Resources Survey Report Applicant: Quadrant, Inc. Archaeological Consultant: ECORP Consulting, Inc. Location: South side of Avenue 58, west of Monroe Street. B. Paleontological Resources Assessment Report C. Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report Applicant: Coral Mountain Trails, LLC (Tom Cullinan) Archaeological Consultant: CRM Tech, Inc. Location: South of Avenue 59, along Jefferson Street, Tentative Tract Map 33444 D. Cultural Resources Phase I Survey for the Costco Project E. Cultural Resources Phase II Survey for the Costco PRoject Applicant: HDR Engineering, Inc., for Komar Development Archaeological Consultant: Harris Archaeological Consultants (Nnina Harris, RPA) Location: South side of Highway 1 1 1, midway between Jefferson Street and Dune Palms Road VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: Vill. ADJOURNMENT DECLARATION OF POSTING I, Betty J. Sawyer, Executive Secretary of the City of La Quinta, do hereby declare that the foregoing agenda for the La Quinta Historic Preservation Commission meeting of Thursday, September 15, 2005, was posted on the outside entry to the Council Chamber, 78-495 Calle Tampico, the bulletin board at the La Quinta Cove Post Office, Chamber of Commerce, and Stater Bros. 78-630 Highway 111, on Friday, September 9, 2005. DATED: September 9, 2005 %BET I Y6/SAWYER, Executive Secretary City of La Quinta, California 002 G:\WPDOCS\HPC\hpc Agenda.doc MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING A Regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall Session Room 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA July 21, 2005 This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was called to order by Chairman Allan Wilbur at 3:00 p.m. He then led the flag salute and asked for the roll call. CALL TO ORDER A. Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call. Present: Commissioners Mouriquand, Wright, and Chairman Wilbur Absent: Commissioners Puente and Sharp. Staff Present: Principal Planner Stan Sawa and Secretary Carolyn Walker 11. PUBLIC COMMENT: None III. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Chairman Wilbur asked if there were any corrections to the Minutes of May 19, 2005. Commissioner Mouriquand asked that Item 7 on Page 4 be changed to read as follows: "Commissioner Mouriquand commented there was probably no building permit because it was in the County's jurisdiction and building permits were not issued until 1950." Commissioner Mouriquand asked that Item 8, Page 7 be changed to read as follows: "Commissioner Mouriquand said she could not remember an instance where the City had. Staff replied they would review the matter." There being no further changes, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mouriquand and Wilbur to approve the Minutes of May 19, 2005, as amended. Unanimously approved. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: �... 0C}3 P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 7-21-05.doc Historic Preservation Commission July 21, 2005 V. BUSINESS ITEMS: A. Paleontological Evaluation Report and Mitigation Plan• Applicant: Quadrant, Inc. Archaeological Consultant: Cogstone Resource Management, Inc. (for ECORP Consulting) Location: South side of Avenue 58, west of Monroe Street 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 Mouriquand commented the report was comprehensive and well done. 3. Chairman Wilbur concurred with staff's recommendation to require the monitoring. He stated the Commission should be consistent in their monitoring recommendations. 4. Commissioner Wright concurred with staff's recommendations. 5. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright and Mouriquand to adopt Minute Motion 2005-017 accepting the results of the Paleontological Evaluation Report and Mitigation Plan, as submitted. Unanimously approved. B. Phase I Cultural Resources Survey Report: Applicant: Quadrant, Inc. Archaeological Consultant: ECORP Consulting Location: South side of Avenue 58, west of Monroe Street 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 Mouriquand said she noticed the consultant only used a one-half mile study radius. The standard is one mile. Also, she did not find an explanation of why the radius was reduced to one-half mile. There was no reference to a Government Land Office (GLO) search or discussion on the Euro-American History. It has been the Commission's policy to request they be included in the report. nnq P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 7-21-05.doe 2 Historic Preservation Commission July 21, 2005 Staff asked if there were representatives from ECORP Consulting in the audience. There being none available staff suggested the Commission require those items be included and the report brought back at a future meeting. Commissioner Mouriquand agreed it be done in order for this report to be complete. 3. Chairman Wilbur said he appreciated staff's recommendations, but agreed with Commissioner Mouriquand's suggestion. 4. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mouriquand and Wright to continue this application with the following recommendations: a. The Applicant shall expand the discussion to the radius of one mile, or justify the use of a one-half mile radius. b. Include discussion of the Government Land Office (GLO) search for homesteads and land -granted properties. C. Include discussion on the Euro-American history for the project area. Unanimously approved. C. Phase II (Test Level) Archaeological Investigation at CA-RIV-5211, Tentative Tract Map 31732: Applicant: IREC PAC LQ/197, LLC Archaeological Consultant: Archaeological Resource Management Corporation (Carol R. Demcak, RPA and Sue A. Wade, RPA) Location: Southeast 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. Chairman Wilbur asked about a statement in the chronology section regarding "data needed." He wanted to know if that meant data would be supplied later or it could not be supplied based on the research. 3. Ms. Carol Demcak, RPA for Archaeological Resource Management, introduced herself and said these are questions n05 P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 7-21-05.doe 3 Historic Preservation Commission July 21, 2005 that are sent out to guide the research and they hope to obtain the answers after excavation of the site. 4. Chairman Wilbur said the report was very thorough and thoughtful in the handling of the materials, documentation, cataloging, and categorizing them. He asked if any human remains were found would excavation be halted. Staff replied that is standard operating procedure to stop excavation if human remains are found. Carol Demcak referred to Page 56 of the report, final paragraph, which includes this procedure, "... in the event of discovery of human remains; contact will be made with the Riverside County Coroner's Office in Indio as well as decendancy modices followed." Chairman Wilbur asked if this paragraph was included in the recommendations. Staff said it is the law and not necessary for inclusion as all professional archaeologists are aware of the requirement. 5. Commissioner Mouriquand said this was a very good report, comprehensive, tackled some good research questions, and provided another piece of the historic puzzle. 6. Commissioner Wright said it was a very good report and he concurred with staff's recommendation. 7. It was moved and seconded by Commissioners Mouriquand and Wright to adopt Minute Motion 2005-018 accepting the Phase II Archaeological Investigation Report for Tentative Tract Map 31732 as submitted. Unanimously approved. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: A. Two items were distributed: "The L.E.E.D. Building Certification Program" and "Meet the USGBC." These items were distributed in response to Commissioner Mouriquand's previous inquiry. B. Grant information was distributed in response to Chairman Wilbur's previous inquiry. Chairman Wilbur commented on the Anderson Grant. There followed discussion on various grant programs including the Berger Foundation. Commissioner Mouriquand commented the Commission first needed to identify projects before searching for grant funding. C. Historic Records Survey Discussion: ,,., 006 P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 7-21-05.doc 4 Historic Preservation Commission July 21, 2005 1. Commissioner Wright asked if staff was still researching funding to update the Historic Records survey. Staff replied there may be money budgeted by the City to complete the survey. Commissioner Wright said the survey is eight years old and needs to be updated. He asked if staff had any information on the survey update. Staff replied they will look into the matter and report back. 2. Commissioner Mouriquand asked if an Request For Proposal would be sent out to consultants. Staff replied yes. 3. Commissioner Wright asked how much the survey would cost. Commissioner Mouriquand said the original grant received was for $15,000 with a City in -kind match of 40% which included staff time and services. Commissioner Wright commented this should be a real priority of this Commission. Commissioner Mouriquand added the Commission should also take a look at the Preservation Ordinance and the Preservation Plan to see if there is a need for any changes or amendments. 4. Commissioner Mouriquand asked if there would be an opportunity to display curated artifacts in the new City Library. She asked if there were any grants available to prepare an interpretive display in the library for public education and suggested a brochure be included describing the artifacts and their history. Commissioner Wright commented there should be available space as only one-half of the Library will be used when it is opened. He added use of the Library space would have to be cleared with the County. Commissioner Mouriquand said there were grants available for public education displays if they have a particular type of theme and are oriented towards a specific audience, such as children. She suggested checking on grants from the Anderson Foundation. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of obtaining this type of grant as well as types and locations for displays. Commissioner Wright said he was interested in seeing a project of that type in the Library. Those types of displays were originally planned for the City Museum which has been on hold but may be reconsidered soon. Staff said that was a possibility. Commissioner Mouriquand said once the Museum is built it will be the perfect venue for this type of display and public outreach. 5. Commissioner Mouriquand said the Commission might consider partnering with the Desert Sands Unified School District on this 007 PACAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 7-21,-05.doc 5 Historic Preservation Commission July 21, 2005 display. Chairman Wilbur said he would like to see a portable display that could be used by the schools. Commissioner Wright said this could be on a partnership basis with the school districts. Commissioner Mouriquand said she would imagine the schools would be having field trips to the new Library. The school children could then gain the benefits of the exhibit and the brochure. The pre -history of La Quinta and the summary history of La Quinta could be included in the display. It should be geared for the 8" grade level. That seems to be an appropriate level for most children and adults to grasp. Commissioner Mouriquand said the priority was to figure out what types of artifacts are in storage and put something together. Curating, or doing an exhibit, would be an excellent public outreach project. 6. Chairman Wilbur said the Commission's first priority was to finish the survey. Commissioner Wright agreed. He said once it was completed, it could be included in an exhibit and presented to the people of La Quinta showing what the survey uncovered as far as paleontological, archaeological and cultural artifacts and information. 7. Commissioner Mouriquand said the State has a foundation for humanities which issues grants to groups to do oral histories and public interpretation. Commissioner Wright commented the public currently is unaware of the City's Historic Survey. Since the survey was originally done, La Quinta has grown and annexed new areas. 8. Chairman Wilbur said they had previously discussed preparing a brochure. Commissioner Wright agreed with Commissioner Mouriquand concerning public outreach as an end -product of the survey and suggested piggy -backing the request on to the humanities grant. Commissioner Mouriquand suggested the City obtain consultant bids on all of these items. The Commission could then calculate how much grant money would be needed to supplement the City's contribution. Commissioner Wright said he would like to see this plan in action by the first of the year. Commissioner Mouriquand asked how soon funds would be available. Staff replied they would check and get back to the Commission. 9. Chairman Wilbur asked if there was any value in preparing a Scope of Services for the projects the Commission would be 008 P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 7-21-05.doc 6 Historic Preservation Commission July 21, 2005 requesting. Commissioner Mouriquand replied it was not necessary as a Scope of Work was prepared for a Request For Proposal (RFP). A Scope of Work would explain the project; identify the different components, and a cost estimate proposal. The project, Scope of Work and the RFP would all have to be approved by the Council. Commissioner Wright said he was confident staff knew the best way to present this to the Council. Once an amount is determined then grant information could be obtained. Chairman Wilbur asked staff if there was enough money budgeted by the City to complete all these tasks. Staff was advised the survey money was budgeted, but did not have an exact figure. Staff replied they would look into the matter and report back. 10. Commissioner Mouriquand commented on the Certified Local Government (CLG) funding deadlines for next year and said the first thing the Commission needed to do was develop a Scope of Work stating exactly what they want done. Commissioner Wright replied they should complete the survey, create an exhibit based on the results of the survey, and a take-home brochure to go with the exhibit. Chairman Wilbur said this should be done on a level that would be interesting to people of all ages and not too technical. 11. Commissioner Mouriquand outlined what would be included in the RFP and survey update as well as exactly what the Commission expected of the consultant. 12. Commissioner Wright commented the consultant would have less work when they deal with the new annexation areas because they are already documented. Commissioner Mouriquand said they still have to document the homes in the Cove that were overlooked in the last survey. She estimated a field crew and a couple of people could do the actual field survey part and the DPR forms in three days costing about $15,000 to cover the whole cost. Chairman Wilbur suggested if the City funding fell short, the Commission could apply for additional grants. Commissioner Mouriquand reminded the Commissioners that the money received from the City could serve as a percentage match for larger grants. Commissioner Wright said the important thing was just to get the ball rolling instead of having to wait. Chairman Wilbur commented it is now up to staff. 11 009 P:\CAROLYN\Hist Pres Com\HPC 7-21-05.doc 7 Historic Preservation Commission July 21, 2005 VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS: A. Staff advised the Commission there were no cases pending and therefore there would be no August meeting. If a meeting was needed, the Commissioners would be called. Commissioners agreed with staff's recommendation. B. Commissioner Mouriquand advised the Commissioners of an upcoming conference: 1. California Indian Conference 2005, October 7-9, 2005, at Humboldt State University: "Finding Balance Through Traditional Native Knowledge." She offered to get materials to Commissioners who were interested. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners Wright and Mouriquand to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission to the next Regular Meeting to be held on September 15, 2005. This meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission was adjourned at 3:48 p.m. Unanimously approved. Submitted by: Carolyn Walker Secretary 010 PACAROLYMHist Pres Com\HPC 7-21-05.doe 8 DATE: ITEM: LOCATION: APPLICANT: CONSULTANT: BACKGROUND: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 PHASE I CULTURAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT SOUTH SIDE OFAVENUE 58, WEST OF MONROE STREET QUADRANT, INC. ECORP CONSULTING, INC. This Phase I (survey level) Cultural Resources Assessment has been revised as per the Historic Preservation Commission's decision at their July 21, 2005 meeting. As requested, the Assessment now includes the expanded National Register of Historic Places record search for historic use of the property, an expanded one mile radius search, and the requested Euro-American background. The study area is a 4.6+ acre parcel located on the south side of Avenue 58 west of Monroe Street. The property is currently planted in rows of older unmaintained date palm and citrus trees. The City is processing a tentative tract application to allow a single-family residential development on the property. This Assessment will be; part of the environmental review required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the project application. DISCUSSION: An archaeological and historic records search for the property was conducted at the Eastern Information Center located at UC Riverside. The records search indicated the study area has not been previously surveyed and no cultural resources had been recorded on the site. Within one mile of the site, the records search showed 12 total previous surveys, resulting in 11 prehistoric archaeological sites and two historic resources being found; however only three of these are cited within a half mile of the site. In addition, 12 prehistoric isolated sites have been recorded, all more than a half mile away from the site. The on -foot field survey was conducted by walking parallel north -south transects spaced ten meters apart. The results of this survey were negative for prehistoric or historic resources. In early April a request was made of the Native American Heritage Commission for a check of their Sacred Lands file. Additionally, 11 letters requesting comments on the P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt tt 33717 revised ph 1 archaeoquandrant.doc 01 T project were sent to area Indian tribes. To date, three responses were received from the contacted area tribes. These responses requested a qualified archaeologist be contacted if resources are discovered, that the tribes be notified of any discoveries, and that a Native American monitor be included in the monitoring crew. ECORP Consulting is recommending monitoring during grading and trenching operations, as there is the potential for buried archaeological deposits. This conforms to HPC policy, which requires monitoring in this part of the City regardless of whether artifacts were found. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 2005- , accepting the "Cultural Resources Survey Report for a 4.6 Acre Parcel in La Quinta, Riverside County California", as prepared by ECORP Consulting, Inc. subject to the following conditions: A. The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough grading by qualified archaeological monitors. Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the City prior to issuance of the first earth -moving or clearing permit. B. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy for the project. C. 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. D. Monitoring crew shall include a Native American tribe member. Attachment: 1 . Cultural Resources Survey Report for a 4.6 Acre Parcel in La Quinta, Riverside County, California Prepared by: ` a'y' `sGw-& -,5 ,y Andy Mogensen, Associate Planner .. 012 P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt tt 33717 revised ph 1 archaeoquandrant.doc DATE: ITEM: LOCATION: APPLICANT: CONSULTANT: BACKGROUND: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 PALEONTOLGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT TTM 33444, SOUTH OF AVENUE 59 ALONG JEFFERSON STREET CORAL MOUNTAIN TRAILS, LLC (TOM CULLINAN) CRM TECH, INC. The study area is an 80± acre site located a half mile to the south of Lake Cahuilla, along the south side of Avenue 59 bisected by Jefferson Street. The property is vacant desert atop an alluvial wash at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, bordered along both the east and west by rock outcroppings. To the north is The Quarry, a residential subdivision. This property ranges between 60 to 200 feet above mean sea level. The City is currently processing Tentative Tract Map 33444, an application to allow a 218 lot single-family residential development to be known as Coral Mountain Trails. A Phase I (survey level) Paleontological Resources Assessment has been completed for the property. The Assessment includes a 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 application. DISCUSSION: A paleological records search for the property was conducted at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands and by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The records search indicated no localities (sites) have been recorded within or adjacent to the study area, but several paleontological localities have been reported near the study area. The San Bernardino County Museum considers the project vicinity to be of "high paleontologic sensitivity." The on -foot field survey of the study area did not find any paleontological resources. The report concludes that while the surface of the study area has a low potential for containing significant non-renewable vertebrate fossil remains, older sediments found below this strata have a high potential for containing significant fossil remains. 013 P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt tt 33444 ph 1 paleo.doc CONCLUSION: The report concludes that due to the unknown thickness of the surface soils, and because there is a low potential impact on paleontological resources during initial grubbing and surface grading, only periodical monitoring is recommended during excavations that exceed five feet. However, if any potential fossiliferous older Pleistocene alluvium is impacted, then continuous monitoring will become necessary along with any mitigation. The HPC policy has been to require monitoring for Paleontological resources in the City. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 2005- , accepting the Paleontological Resources Assessment Report — Tentative Tract Map 33444, as prepared by CRM TECH, subject to the following Conditions: 1 . On- and off -site monitoring of earth -moving and grading in areas identified as likely to contain paleontological resources shall be conducted by a qualified paleontological monitor. The monitor shall be equipped to salvage fossils as they are unearthed to avoid construction delays and to remove samples of sediments that are likely to contain the remains of small fossil invertebrates and vertebrates. The monitor shall be empowered to temporarily halt or divert equipment to allow removal of abundant or large specimens. Proof that a monitor has been retained shall be given to the City prior to issuance of the first earth -moving permit, or before any clearing of the site is begun. 2. Recovered specimens shall be prepared to the point of identification and permanent preservation, including washing of sediments to recover small invertebrates and vertebrates. 3. A report of findings with an appended itemized inventory of specimens shall be submitted to the City prior to the first occupancy of a residence being granted by the City. The report shall include pertinent discussions of the significance of all recovered resources where appropriate. The report and inventory, when submitted will signify completion of the program to mitigate impacts to paleontological resources. 4. Collected resources and related reports, etc. shall be given to the City. Packaging of resources, reports, etc. shall comply with standards commonly used in the paleontological industry. 014 P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt tt 33444 ph 1 paleo.doc Attachment: Paleontological Resources Assessment Report - Tentative Tract Map 33444, City of La Quinta, California (Commissioners only) Prepared by: Andy Mogensen, Associate Planner C/1 S p[\stan\hpc rpt ph 11 tt 30487.wpd BI #C HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 ITEM: HISTORIAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT LOCATION: SOUTH OF AVENUE 59 ALONG JEFFERSON STREET, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 33444 APPLICANT: CORAL MOUNTAIN TRAILS, LLC (TOM CULLINAN) CONSULTANT: CRM TECH, INC. BACKGROUND: The study area is an 80± acre site located a half mile to the south of Lake Cahuilla, along the south side of Avenue 59 bisected by Jefferson Street. The property is vacant desert bordered along both the east and west by mountains. The City is currently processing Tentative Tract Map 33444, an application to allow for a 218 lot single-family residential development to be known as Coral Mountain Trails. A Phase I (survey level) Archaeological/Historical Resources Assessment has been completed for the property. The Assessment includes a record search, historical background, 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 application. DISCUSSION: An archaeological and historic records search for the property was conducted at the Eastern Information Center located at UC Riverside. The records search indicated the study area was included in a previous cultural resources survey back in 1994, but no cultural resources had been recorded within or adjacent to the site. Within one mile of the site the records search showed over 20 previous cultural resource surveys, resulting in 26 archaeological sites and 13 isolate sites. None of these sites or isolates was found in the immediate vicinity of the project area. The on -foot field survey was conducted by walking parallel east -west transects spaced ten meters apart. In the results of this survey, three isolated prehistoric artifacts, including a piece of chalcedony chipped stone and two ceramic shards, were found at different locations in the project area. No buildings, structures, or other objects more than 50 years of age were identified during the field survey. 016 PAReports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt tt 33444 ph 1 archaeo.doc A request was made of the Native American Heritage Commission for a check of their Sacred Lands file. Upon response, 23 of the Native Americans representatives on behalf of nine tribes and three unaffiliated individuals were contacted. Six responses were received on behalf of four tribes and two unaffiliated individuals, with requests ranging from providing documentation of any archaeological reports to having an archaeological monitor on site during earth -moving activities. The report concludes that since the project area has demonstrated sensitivity for prehistoric archaeological remains, CRM TECH is recommending the site be monitored by a qualified archaeologist during all earth -moving operations. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 2005- , accepting the "Historic/Archaeological Re:>ources Survey Report Tentative Tract 33444 City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California", as prepared by CRM TECH and subject to the following conditions: A. The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough grading by qualified archaeological monitors. Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the City prior to issuance of 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 Certificate of Occupancy for the project. C. 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. D. Monitoring crew shall include a Native American tribe member. Attachment: 1 . Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report for Tentative Tract 33444, City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California Prepared by: ✓GW'L�. ^poles .. U 1 l Andy Mogensen Associate Planner P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt tt 33444 ph 1 archaeo.doc BI #D HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 ITEM: CULTURAL RESOURCES PHASE I SURVEY FOR THE COSTCO PROJECT LOCATION: SOUTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 111, MIDWAY BETWEEN JEFFERSON STREET AND DUNE PALMS ROAD APPLICANT: HDR ENGINEERING, INC. FOR KOMAR DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT: HARRIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS (NNINA HARRIS, RPA) BACKGROUND: The study area is a 26.8+ acre parcel located on the south side of Highway 111 between Jefferson Street and Dune Palms Road. The property is vacant, consisting of fill material on the east end and Aeolian sand dunes on the west. In the past it had been used for agricultural farming. A gas station, located in the City of Indio, and storm channel exists to the east with an abandoned trailer park to the west. The City is currently processing an application to allow a commercial project on the site, consisting of a Costco Wholesale Warehouse, and other commercial uses. A Phase I (survey level) Archaeological/Historical Resources Assessment has been completed for the property. The Assessment includes a 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 application. DISCUSSION: An archaeological and historic records search for the property was conducted at the Eastern Information Center located at UC Riverside. Other sources consulted include the National Register of Historic Places, the California Historic Landmarks, California Points of Historic Interest (2004), and Office of.Historic Preservation Database of Determinations of Eligibility (2004). Historic maps (USGS Indio 30' 1904, USGS La Quinta 7.5' 1959) and aerial maps (1938, 1949, and 1973) on file at the information center and in the Map Collection room at the Science Library on the UCR campus were also reviewed. P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt costco archaeo ph I.doc The records search indicated the study area has not been surveyed and no cultural resources had been recorded on the site. Within the search radius, the records search showed 22 previous surveys, resulting in 29 prehistoric sites or isolate artifacts. Of these, 17 are prehistoric, two multi -component, two isolate prehistoric artifacts, and one an isolate prehistoric isolate. The on -foot field survey was conducted by walking parallel north -south transects spaced 10-12 meters apart. As a result of this survey seven new archaeological sites (four historic and three prehistoric) and two prehistoric isolates were identified on the site. 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 sent to local Indian tribes. To date, responses have been received from several of these tribes and are contained in the report. A request has been made that the monitoring crew include a Native American monitor. The report concludes that since cultural resources were encountered during the: course of the study, a Phase II test program is necessary. It has been completed and is also under consideration at this meeting. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 2005- , accepting the "Results of a Cultural Resources Phase I Survey Report for the Costco Project, City of La Quinta, California", as prepared, subject to the following Conditions: A. A Phase II testing program shall be accepted by the Historic Preservation Commission with the Conditions of Approval added to the applicable Environmental Assessment. B. The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough grading by qualified archaeological monitors. Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the City prior to issuance of the first earth -moving or clearing permit. C. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the project. D. 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 Certificate of Occupancy for the property. 019. P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt costco archaeo ph I.doc Materials shall be accompanied by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data, and the original graphics. E. Monitoring crew shall include a Native American tribe member. Attachment: 1. Results of a Cultural Resources Phase I Survey Report for the Costco Project, City of La Quinta, California Prepared by: Stan Sawa, Principal Planner P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt costco archaeo ph I.doc 0�0 BI #E HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 ITEM: CULTURAL RESOURCES PHASE II TEST FOR THE COSTCO PROJECT LOCATION: SOUTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 111, MIDWAY BETWEEN JEFFERSON STREET AND DUNE PALMS ROAD APPLICANT: HDR ENGINEERING, INC. FOR KOMAR DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT: HARRIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS (NNINA HARRIS, RPA) BACKGROUND: This report presents the Phase II testing conclusions based on a Phase I survey recently completed for this property and also presented at this meeting. The study area is a 26.8+ acre parcel located on the south side of Highway 111 midway between Jefferson Street and Dune Palms Road. The property is vacant, consisting of fill material on the east end and Aeolian sand dunes on the west. In the past it had been used for agricultural farming. A gas station, located in the City of Indio and storm channel exists to the east with an abandoned trailer park to the west. The City is currently processing an application to allow a commercial project on the site, consisting of a Costco Wholesale Warehouse, and other commercial users. A Phase I (survey level) Archaeological/Historical Resources Assessment has been completed for the property. The Assessment included a record search and field reconnaissance of the property. As a result of that survey seven new archaeological sites (four historic and three prehistoric) and two prehistoric isolates were identified on the site. This report documents the results of testing of these sites and isolates. DISCUSSION: Testing consisted of preparation of a research design, surface collection of diagnostic artifacts, and subsurface excavation. Historic archival review is provided documenting land ownership of the study area beginning in 1935. Testing of the historic and prehistoric sites resulted in no subsurface artifacts being found. The report concludes that the sites are not significant or important under CEQA 021 P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt costco archaeo ph ILdoc guidelines. However, due to the number of sites in the area, the report recommends monitoring during construction grading and trenching. Staff agrees and recommends the standard conditions be imposed. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Minute Motion 2005- , accepting the "Results of a Cultural Resources Phase II Test for the Costco Project City of La Quinta, California", as prepared by Harris Archaeological Consultants, subject to the following Conditions: A. The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough grading by qualified archaeological monitors. Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the City prior to issuance of the first earth -moving or clearing permit. B. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the project. C. 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 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: 1. Results of a Cultural Resources Phase II Test Report for the Costco Project, City of La Quinta, California Prepared by: S� Stan Sawa, Principal Planner P:\Reports - HPC\2005\9-15-05\rpt costco archaeo ph II.doc