2016 12 27 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 6:00
p.m. by Chairperson Bettencourt.
PRESENT: Commissioners Blum, Hansen, McCune, Quill, Wright and
Chairperson Bettencourt
ABSENT: None
VACANCY: One
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Timothy R. Jonasson, Assistant
City Attorney Morgan Wazlaw, Planning Manager Gabriel Perez,
Principal Engineer Bryan McKinney and Executive Assistant Wanda
Wise -Latta
Commissioner Blum led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Site Development Permit 2016-0009 submitted by the SilverRock Development
Company, LLC for the consideration of site, architectural, and landscaping plans
for 200 -key hotel, new golf course clubhouse, ten golf villas and a resort
residential development within Planning Areas 5, 6, and 10A of the SilverRock
Specific Plan. Project: SilverRock Resort. CEQA: previously reviewed under
Environmental Assessment 2014-1003; the project is consistent with the
analysis previously approved. Location: southwest corner of Jefferson Street
and Avenue 52.
Planning Manager Gabriel Perez presented the information contained in the
staff report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department.
Staff addressed Commissioner McCune's questions regarding the anticipated
alignment of the temporary fence and its design.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 DECEMBER 27, 2016
Chairperson Bettencourt declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 6:18 p.m.
Public Speaker: John Gamlin, Robert Green Company/SilverRock Development
Company - introduced himself and conveyed Mr. Robert Green's regrets
regarding being unable to attend the meeting due to a family emergency. Mr.
Gamlin gave a presentation of the project.
Public Speaker: Kevin Heinly, Managing Director and Principal, Gensler, San
Diego, CA - introduced himself and explained in further detail the concepts and
design of the project.
General discussion followed regarding the architectural design and color
palette.
Public Speaker: Ray Rooker, La Quinta, CA - introduced himself and shared his
thoughts regarding the project.
General discussion continued regarding materials and color selections;
adequacy of the square footage of the clubhouse, adequate dining and kitchen
facilities in the clubhouse; dimensions of the pro shop; staging area for golf
tournaments, golf cart circulation; hotel room dimensions and details; and
landscaping details adjacent to the hotel buildings.
Mr. Gamlin stated that he valued the comments from Mr. Rooker and the
Commissioners.
Planning Manager Perez stated that if the Commission approved the Site
Development Permit, it would then go before the City Council for consideration
as a business item, but the Commission could recommend conditions tonight.
General discussion followed regarding golf clubhouse ownership, parking, cart
barn and the Commission's role and actions with regards to the Site
Development Permit.
Chairperson Bettencourt declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:16 p.m.
Motion - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Quill/Wright to
adopt Resolution No. 2016-019 recommending that the City Council approve
Site Development Permit 2016-0009 and find it consistent with Environmental
Assessment 2014-1003 with the addition of the following recommended
conditions:
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 27, 2016
1. Prosopis Glandulosa (Texas Honey Mesquite) trees shall be removed as a
landscape option in the plant legend for SDP2016-0009.
2. Vertical landscape elements shall be included in landscape areas adjacent
to three-story buildings of the lifestyle hotel in Planning Area 5 and the
lifestyle -branded condominiums in Planning Area 6.
3. The applicant shall introduce building material colors that are compatible
with the color hues of the adjacent mountains of the SilverRock Resort.
4. A room dimension and square -foot analysis shall be prepared by the
applicant for lifestyle hotel room options.
5. Applicant shall redesign the golf clubhouse within the allotted space for
optimal clubhouse and golf cart function. The redesign of the clubhouse
shall include input from clubhouse operators and study of other clubhouses.
The pro shop shall be redesigned to maximize revenue for the City of La
Quinta by the allocation of merchandising elements and enhancement of
views to the first and tenth tees. The lounge design shall be designed as a
dining venue that serves as a destination for golfers, visitors and City
residents.
AYES: Commissioners Hansen, McCune, Quill, Wright and Chairperson
Bettencourt. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: Commissioner Blum
(counted with the majority based on City Council adopted Rules of Procedure
Resolution No. 2015-023). VACANCY: One. Motion passed Ayes: 6
CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL - None
COMMISSIONER ITEM
Chairperson Bettencourt reaffirmed the Commission's willingness to be helpful with
the review of Development Agreements and asked for an update on the cell towers
evaluation.
Commissioners Quill and Wright commented on the plant material in the landscaping
surrounding the Cinemark movie theatre and the adjacent parking lot.
Chairperson Bettencourt requested that staff provide a report to the Planning
Commission at its next meeting regarding the status of the landscaping at the
theatre.
Chairperson Bettencourt requested to be excused from the January 10, 2017 Planning
Commission meeting due to a long -planned commitment.
STAFF ITEMS
1. Report on City Council Action for Special Events.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 27, 2016
Planning Manager Gabriel Perez presented the staff report on Council action
approving new regulations for special events, which is on file in the Design and
Development Department,
Commissioner Quill asked if there was a fiscal impact for the City and staff
responded that there are none and that the City is recovering costs through
special event permit fees.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Wright/Blum to adjourn this meeting at 7:50 p.m. in memory and honor of Riverside
County Supervisor John J. Benoit. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
av �r
WANDA WISE-LATTA, Executive Assistant
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 27, 2016