2019 06 11 CC Minutes CC & PC Joint Special MeetingCITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING Page 1 of 3 JUNE 11, 2019
SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL
AND PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019
CALL TO ORDER – City Council and Planning Commission
A Special Joint Meeting of the La Quinta City Council and La Quinta Planning
Commission was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Evans.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Fitzpatrick, Peña, Radi, Sanchez, Mayor Evans
ABSENT: None
PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Caldwell, Currie, Proctor, Quill, Wright,
and Chairperson McCune
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Planning Chairperson McCune led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS THE HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR AREA PLAN PROGRESS
Design and Development Director Castro presented the staff report, which is
on file in the Clerk’s office.
PLANNING COMMISSIONER CURRIE JOINED THE SPECIAL MEETING AT
5:07 P.M.
City Consultant Kaizer Rangwala with Rangwala and Associates, gave an
update of the community outreach and survey results with regards to the
Highway 111 Corridor (Corridor) Area Plan (Plan); including reducing the size
of vehicle lanes along the Corridor; introducing mixed-use developments,
pedestrian and bicycle paths; utilizing existing parking areas to hold special
events; connectivity with CV Link; reducing parking areas to bring businesses
CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING Page 2 of 3 JUNE 11, 2019
closer together and encourage more pedestrian and alternative
transportation.
General joint discussion followed regarding ensuring the size of vehicle lanes
along the Corridor is in compliance with state and CEQA regulations; potential
alternative uses of existing parking areas, such as special events; parking
requirements citywide were reduced in 2016 through the Development Code
Tune-Up; parking requirements for the commercial centers along the Corridor
are based on the existing Specific Plans; business owners’ ability and
willingness to amend the Specific Plans to reduce parking and the distance
between businesses and create a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere;
connectivity with CV Link; La Quinta’s efforts for boundary adjustment of the
parcel behind Point Happy shopping center.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Steve Cherry, La Quinta – expressed concerns regarding
the use of parking lots for special events, and potential parking issues when
accessing nearby businesses.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Unknown – inquired about the width of the Corridor, and
size of vehicle and bicycle lanes.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Christine Tinsley, Desert Bicycle Club Outreach Director,
Palm Desert – explained that shoulder lanes are not bicycle lanes; there are
no designated bicycle lanes along the Corridor, and riding bikes on sidewalks
is not allowed.
Additional joint discussion followed regarding the Plan proposing to shorten
the width of vehicle lanes along the Corridor and add a protected
pedestrian/bicycle path off the street.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Stephen Nieto, La Quinta – inquired if parallel parking
would be allowed along Highway 111.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: Dale Tyreman, La Quinta – inquired about the Plan for the
entire Corridor.
General joint discussion followed regarding potential traffic congestions;
parallel parking along the Corridor would not be allowed; improving visibility
of the current businesses; and pedestrian overpasses.
PUBLIC SPEAKER: John Schmid, Pacific Coast Commercial President, Irvine CA
– spoke about pedestrian connectivity between Corridor centers and the need
to adjust to changing consumer demands.
CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING Page 3 of 3 JUNE 11, 2019
COUNCIL AND COMMISSION MEMBERS’ ITEMS – None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Councilmembers Radi/Fitzpatrick to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
NICHOLE ROMANE, Deputy City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California