2019 07 09 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 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, Libolt Varner,
Nieto, Proctor, and Chairperson McCune
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Danny Castro, Planning
Manager Cheri L. Flores, City Engineer Bryan McKinney, Senior
Planner Carlos Flores, Commission Secretary Wanda Wise -Latta
and Administrative Assistant Mirta Lerma
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Caldwell led the Planning Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Chairperson McCune requested that Staff Items be heard ahead of Commissioner
Items
Commission concurred.
ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS -
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED JUNE 11, 2019
Commissioner Proctor inquired about standards for covered parking. Senior
Planner Carlos Flores stated that the code does not provide for detail as to covered
parking or carports; and given staff's understanding of the Planning Commission's
intent, staff would evaluate the design of the covered parking during the review
process.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 JULY 9, 2019
Commissioner Nieto recused himself from voting on the approval of the Planning
Commission Minutes dated June 11, 2019 as his term as Planning Commissioner
was effective July 1, 2019.
Chairperson McCune recused himself from voting on the approval of the Planning
Commission Minutes dated June 11, 2019 due to his prior recusal from discussion
and vote on Public Hearing Item No. 1 related to the approval of Conditional Use
Permit 2018-0005 and Site Development Permit 2018-0004 for the Desert Club
Apartments project, reflected in the minutes due to a potential conflict of interest
stemming from a business relationship.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Currie/Proctor to
approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt,
Caldwell, Currie, Libolt Varner, and Proctor. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Nieto and Chairperson McCune. Motion passed.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. SELECT PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019/20
Chairperson McCune thanked all the candidates who submitted applications to serve
on the Planning Commission and welcomed Commissioners Nieto and Libolt Varner
to the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in
the Design and Development Department.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Proctor/Currie to
select Commissioner Caldwell to serve as Planning Commissioner Chairperson for a
period of one year. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION - A motion was made by Planning Commissioners Bettencourt/Currie to
select Commissioner Proctor to serve as Planning Commissioner Vice Chairperson
for a period of one year. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Caldwell assumed the duties of presiding officer for the remainder of
the meeting and on behalf of the Commission, thanked Commissioner McCune for
his service and leadership and extended her welcome to Commissioners Nieto and
Libolt Varner.
STUDY SESSION - None
PUBLIC HEARING - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 JULY 9, 2019
STAFF ITEM
1. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS INVENTORY UPDATE
Senior Planner Flores presented the report that is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
At the request of Commissioner Bettencourt, Mr. Flores explained the difference
between staff's review of wireless telecommunication facilities as presented in the
report and the ten-year review of wireless facilities per Municipal Code Section
9.170.080. He addressed Commissioners' inquiries regarding applicants'
compliance and the use of natural vegetation and live palm trees to camouflage
monopalms.
2. UPCOMING PROJECTS
Planning Manager Flores presented a verbal report and PowerPoint regarding
upcoming projects. The PowerPoint is on file in the Design and Development
Department. Ms. Flores shared updates about projects in the Village; the
Travertine project located south of Avenue 60 and west of Madison Street; the
Pavilion Palms commercial center at the northwest corner of Avenue 50 and
Jefferson Street; the Highway 111 Corridor Plan; the Indio project east of the
Komar Desert Center; and the Interactive Project Map located on the City's website.
Staff noted that the City will hold a community workshop seeking input and ideas
from artists and residents for a new art event March 5-8, 2020. The Arts Event
Workshop will be held July 10, 2019 at City Hall.
Staff answered questions regarding the Pavilion Palms project environmental
determination and addressed comments regarding the public hearing schedule.
Staff also answered questions regarding the Indio project east of Komar Desert
Center.
Design and Development Director Castro announced that at its July 16, 2019
meeting, the City Council will present proclamations to former Planning
Commissioners Quill and Wright. He also noted that at a future Planning
Commission meeting, the City Clerk will make a presentation regarding topics such
as the role of a commissioner; the Brown Act; Rules of Procedure and Decorum;
Conflict of Interest; and will distribute the updated Commissioner's Handbook.
Commissioner Bettencourt stated that he hoped staff would keep the Commission
apprised of the actions of the Bermuda Dunes Community Council and the Vista
Santa Rosa Community Council. Senior Planner Flores noted that he attends the
Vista Santa Rosa Community Council meetings.
COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 JULY 9, 2019
1. Discussion of Planning Commission Summer Schedule.
Chairperson Caldwell suggested that the Planning Commission consider going dark
for two meetings. Staff indicated that there are no items currently scheduled for
both the August 27 and September 10, 2019 Planning Commission meetings. The
Planning Commission concurred to cancel both the August 27 and September 10,
2019 Planning Commission meetings.
Staff responded to Commissioners inquiries regarding the aesthetic standards of
carports and covered parking.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Proctor/Bettencourt to adjourn this meeting at 6:42 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
WANDA WISE-LATTA, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 JULY 9, 2019