2016 03 22 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Planning Commission was called to order at 7:02
p.m. by Chairperson Wilkinson.
PRESENT: Commissioners Bettencourt, Fitzpatrick, Wright, and Chairperson
Wilkinson
ABSENT: Commissioner Blum
STAFF PRESENT: Design and Development Director Tim Jonasson, Planning
Manager Gabriel Perez, Principal Engineer Bryan McKinney,
Executive Assistant Wanda Wise -Latta, and Deputy City Clerk
Monika Radeva
Commissioner Fitzpatrick led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Speaker: Mr. Walt Sorenson, La Quinta, CA - introduced himself and spoke in
opposition of Washington 50 project submitted by Chandi Group, USA and located at
the southeast corner of Washington Street and Avenue 50; (Site Development Permit
2015-0005). The project proposes the construction of a 52,000 square -foot
commercial development, which consists of a 6,000 square -foot gas station with
convenience store/deli and 4,000 square -foot car wash facility, two 3,000 square -foot
drive-through restaurant pads, and two 18,000 square -foot office/retail buildings.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Appeal 2016-0001 submitted by Mr. George Bushala seeking reversal of Design
and Development Director's decision regarding the approval of Tentative Parcel
Map 2015-0009 (TPM 36964) and Minor Adjustment 2016-0001. CEQA:
categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act Section 15315, Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions).
Location: southeast corner of Calle Quito and Avenida La Jarita.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 MARCH 22, 2016
Planning Manager Gabriel Perez presented the information contained in the staff
report, a copy of which is on file in the Community Development Department.
Chairperson Wilkinson declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:25 p.m.
Public Speaker: Mr. George Bushala, Applicant, La Quinta, CA - introduced himself and
explained his reasoning for appealing the Director's approval of Tentative Parcel Map
2016-0001 (TPM 36964). He expressed disagreement with the staff's findings and
recommendations as outlined in the staff report.
Chairperson Wilkinson called for a short recess at 7:55 p.m.
Chairperson Wilkinson reconvened the meeting at 8:03 p.m. with all Commissioners
present.
Public Speaker: Mr. Christian Servin, La Quinta, CA - introduced himself and spoke in
support of the appeal and requested the Planning Commission reverse the Director's
approval of Tentative Parcel Map 2016-0009 (TPM 36964).
Public Speaker: Mr. Rick Morris, La Quinta, CA - introduced himself and said he is the
owner of the appealed parcel. He said he has lived in the Coachella Valley for a long
time and has been a builder in the community as well. He said he thinks this project
will enhance the residential community.
Chairperson Wilkinson declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 8:15 p.m.
Motion - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Bettencourt/Fitzpatrick
to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016-006 denying Appeal 2016-0001
and upholding the Director's approval of Tentative Parcel Map 2015-0009 (TPM 36964)
and Minor Adjustment 2016-0001. AYES: Commissioners Bettencourt, Fitzpatrick,
Wright, and Chairperson Wilkinson. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT:
Commissioner Blum. Motion passed.
BUSINESS SESSION - None
COMMISSIONER ITEMS - None
DIRECTOR'S ITEMS
1. Planning Manager Perez said the Development Code Tune Up (Zoning Ordinance
Amendment 2016-0001) will be presented to the City Council for review and
consideration at the April 5, 2016 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 22, 2016
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners
Bettencourt/Fitzpatrick to adjourn this meeting at 8:24 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MONIKA RADEVA, Deputy City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 MARCH 22, 2016