2019 04 09 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
T ESDAY APRIL 9 2019
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at
6:00 p.m. by Chairperson McCune.
PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Proctor, Quill,
Wright and Chairperson McCune
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Danny Castro, City Engineer
Bryan McKinney, Planning Manager Cheri L. Flores, Interim
Senior Planner Carlos Flores, Traffic Management Analyst Kris
Gunterson, Management Analyst Julie Mignogna, Commission
Secretary Wanda Wise -Latta and Administrative Assistant Mirta
Lerma
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Proctor led the Planning Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
ANNal1NCEMENTS. PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATTON5 -
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED MARCH 26, 2019
Commissioner Proctor noted that with regards to Public Hearing No. 1 and the
Commission's discussion regarding security for a proposed indoor storage facility,
he would like to see a security plan reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Interim Senior Planner Flores noted that the Commission's motion added a
condition of approval for staff -level review of a security plan.
Design and Development Director Castro stated that the Commission's comments
made at its March 26, 2019 meeting were noted by staff. He indicated that review
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 APRIL 9, 2019
of a security plan is not typically a planning staff or Planning Commission matter
but would have police staff look at the plan when it is submitted.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Currie/Quill to
approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt,
Caldwell, Currie, Proctor, Quill, Wright and Chairperson McCune. NOES: None.
ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION - None
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS DYNAMIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS AS PART OF THE
COACHELLA VALLEY REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION
PROGRAM
Traffic Management Analyst Kris Gunterson presented the staff report, which is on
file in the Design and Development Department. Mr. Gunterson stated that this
afternoon he received information regarding a monument -style changeable
message sign option that would be available for consideration in addition to the
single -direction sign and the double -direction sign. With reference to a double -
direction sign placed in the center median, he said the City would be responsible for
the cost and construction of a barrier or guardrail to protect the sign and drivers
from any roadway departure as the result of an accident; and also a monument -
style sign would be constructed at the expense of the City; and the equipment
within the monument would be covered by CVAG's project.
Staff responded to Planning Commissioners' inquiries regarding the use of the
message signs for public interest messaging; CVAG's role in the cost of the poles,
messaging equipment and installation; synchronization; messaging control; option
of back-to-back signs; the possibility of a mobile alternative; participation of other
Coachella Valley cities in the program; opportunity to participate in a future phase
of installation in the sign program; engineering windload of proposed signs;
aesthetics of the sign and pole design; additional sign locations; use of signs for
traffic and public service announcements; and Highway 111 corridor plan.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
Commissioner Proctor inquired as to the status of the proposed Pavilion Palms
commercial project and its traffic study whereas staff provided an update.
Commissioner Quill asked about the project location for the staff -level decision
regarding Minor Adjustment 2019-0005.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 APRIL 9, 2019
STAFF ITEM
1. 2018 PLANNING STAFF METRICS
Interim Senior Planner Flores presented the information contained in the staff
report, which is on file in the Design and Development Department. Mr. Flores
responded to inquiries regarding metrics for CEQA determinations and the eTRAKiT
system.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Wright/Proctor to adjourn this meeting at 6:56 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
WANDA WISE-LATTA, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 APRIL 9, 2019