2020 09 08 PC Minutes
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at
5:00 p.m. by Chairperson Caldwell.
This meeting was held by teleconference pursuant to Executive Orders N-25-20, N-
29-20, N-33-20, and N-35-20, executed by the Governor of California in response
to the state of emergency relating to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
and enabling teleconferencing accommodations by suspending or waiving specified
provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et seq.).
PRESENT: Commissioners, Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, Proctor
and Chairperson Caldwell
ABSENT: Commissioner Bettencourt
STAFF PRESENT: Design & Development Planning Manager Cheri L. Flores, Senior
Planner Carlos Flores, Commission Secretary Sijifredo Fernandez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson Caldwell led the Planning Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
There were no requests to speak under the ‘Public Comment on Matters Not on the
Agenda’ section of the meeting and Staff continued to monitor emails should
written comments or requests for verbal comments be received.
COMMISSIONER BETTENCOURT ARRIVED IN THE MEETING AT 5:06 P.M.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Proctor/McCune to
approve the Agenda as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Currie,
Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, Proctor and Chairperson Caldwell. NOES: None.
ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
1. AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER 2020
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN-SMALL JURISDICTION AWARD HONORING THE
HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR PLAN FOR EXCELLENCE IN PLANNING
Design and Development Director Castro presented the American Planning
Association Award honoring the Highway 111 Corridor Plan. Director Castro
provided a recap of the Highway 111 Corridor Plan and the steps moving forward
for the project coming this fall.
Commissioners congratulated staff on the collective effort for the achievement of
the award.
Design and Development Director Castro recognized Manager Flores and planning
staff for the work that was completed on the Highway 111 Corridor Plan.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED JUNE 23, 2020
Commissioner Bettencourt stated that he hoped staff would be able to provide
meeting minutes prior to the next planning commission meeting, in the event that
future planning commission meetings are cancelled.
Manager Flores stated the current process is consistent with the other city’s boards
and commissions procedures and mentioned the video/audio recordings of the
meeting are available to public via our city’s website.
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Currie
to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt,
Currie, Libolt Varner, McCune, Nieto, Proctor and Chairperson Caldwell. NOES:
None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed unanimously.
DECLARATIONS REGARDING COMMISSION PUBLIC CONTACTS – No public contact
to report.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. SELECT PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21
The Planning Commission waived presentation of the staff report, which is on file in
the Design and Development Department. Chairperson Caldwell opened the
nominations for chairperson.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Currie/Bettencourt
to select Commissioner Proctor to serve as Planning Commission Chairperson for a
period of one year. Motion passed unanimously.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
MOTION - A motion was made by Planning Commissioners Proctor/Libolt Varner to
select Commissioner Nieto to serve as Planning Commission Vice Chairperson for a
period of one year. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Proctor assumed the duties of presiding officer for the remainder of the
meeting and on behalf of the Commission, thanked Commissioner Caldwell for her
service and leadership.
2. ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE MINOR USE PERMIT 2020-0004 FOR
MECHANICAL POOL EQUIPMENT WITHIN A SIDE YARD SETBACK.
APPLICANT: TESERRA POOLS. CEQA: THE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT REVIEWED THE PROJECT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(CEQA) AND DETERMINED THAT THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES 15301, MINOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING
FACILITIES. LOCATION: 80216 MERION [RESOLUTION NO. 2020-007]
Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
Staff responded to the Commission inquiries and comments regarding:
• Clarification of action being taken by the Planning Commission.
• Discussion of updating the code to making these approvals conducted at a
staff level;
MOTION – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Nieto
to find the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines 15301, Minor
Alterations to Existing Facilities and adopt Planning Commission Resolution 2020-
007 subject to the Findings and Conditions of Approval as submitted. Motion passed
unanimously.
STUDY SESSION- None
PUBLIC HEARINGS – None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM UPDATE
Design and Development Director Castro provided an update regarding the Short-
Term Vacation Rental Ad Hoc Committee.
COMMISSIONERS’ ITEMS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
Commissioner Nieto brought a concern regarding the Highway 111 dealership’s
landscaping plan and monument signs project. A question was raised as to the
number of vehicles that were allowed based on their approval and whether the
project is in compliance.
Design and Development Director Castro stated that staff will verify if the they are
within compliance of their approval.
STAFF ITEMS
1. AUGUST 2020 VILLAGE PARKING SURVEY
Associate Planner Fernandez presented the staff report which is on file in the Design
and Development Department.
Staff responded to Commission inquiries and comments regarding the frequency of
the parking surveys going forward.
2. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS INVENTORY UPDATE
Senior Planner Flores presented the staff report which is on file in the Design and
Development Department.
Staff responded to Commission inquiries and comments regarding the cell tower
that is out of compliance located within the City-owned property.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Bettencourt/Caldwell to adjourn at 6:07 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
SIJIFREDO FERNANDEZ, Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California