HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-01 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
March 1, 2006
Large Conference Room, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Marantz called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Director of Planning Services, Craig A. Ewing, reported
that the agenda was posted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2006, at City Hall exterior bulletin
board and the Department of Planning and Zoning counter.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chairwoman Marantz opened the Public Comments portion of
the meeting. There being no comments, Public Comments was closed.
2. DISCUSSION – Long Range Water Planning – David Luker, Desert Water Agency
David Luker, General Manager for Desert Water Agency gave a power point presentation. He
indicated a study called “Urban Water Planning” which is updated every 25 years, has just been
completed. Every 5 years a projection is made to make an adjustment, if needed. He spoke on
disinfection and indicated groundwater is very limited. He indicated water use connections
have gone up 4 % and it has to do with rainfall or otherwise known as hydrology. If it’s a dry
year the water usage goes up and vice versus.
He covered in detail groundwater wells which are located all around the Coachella Valley. He
gave a history of Desert Water Agency which was established in 1968. He gave further detail
regarding imported water and the 450 acres of whitewater basins. He stated evaporation is 5 –
10%.
He spoke regarding the recycling facility, the Clorine detection machinery that is used and
indicated that 8” replacement pipelines are installed where needed. He indicated Palm Springs
Classics or the Escena project is a good contractor, they are using recycled water for irrigation.
He spoke regarding the expansion project at Desert Water Agency building.
David spoke regarding the Colorado River indicating California has the largest portion of water,
4.1 million acres, which is called “The Law of the River”. Discussion was made regarding water
efficient landscaping and water demands which has been a 6% increase. He felt DWA is in
good shape because they have a good, strong water supply. He indicated areas like San Diego
County are strictly tied to imported water.
He gave helpful hints for homeowners indicating it is best to water at night because water kills
plants in the middle of the summer days. Checking sprinklers is also very important. He
covered the pricing of water and demands of water indicating they are the 2 biggest
components.
Palm Springs Planning Commission Study Session Minutes
of March 1, 2006
He indicated DWA does property surveys for water conservation. He further stated artificial
grass is being used more. Discussion was made regarding older homes and water
consumption.
He gave an overview on DWA services and studies. The Commission thanked him for his time
and concluded the session was very informative.
3. DISCUSSION – Fire Sprinkler Systems - Scott Ventura, Fire Division Chief
Scott Ventura, Fire Division Chief, distributed information which detailed a map of the 5 minute
response area and definitions of time during a fire.
He discussed the need for Fire Sprinklers in detail. He stated all group occupancies of
assemblies of people of 50 or more require the systems. As well, as anything outside of the 5
minute response area. Scott gave further details using the Power Point presentation. He went
into further detail describing the first 5 minutes of a call. He stated, “Fire sprinklers are the most
effective fire prevention measure to both life and property.” He further reported that the
sprinklers are heat activated and that is the only time they go off. Further discussion was made
regarding the Fire Sprinkler System. Questions from the Planning Commissioners were taken
and discussed in further detail.
4. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: Craig A. Ewing, gave an update on City Council actions.
5. COMMISSION/STAFF REPORTS AND REQUESTS – Chair Marantz commented the
Wastewater Treatment plant would be a good field trip for the Planning Commission. Vice Chair
Hochanadel suggested for a Study Session to have a representative from Edison and The Gas
Company to do a presentation for the Planning Commission.
Craig A. Ewing commented he is working on the budget for the 2006/2007 year and has
suggested an increase for the Planning Commission field trips, training seminars, etc.
The PC requested staff to bring back the City Council’s policy on Order of Business to see how
their meetings are conducted. Craig responded it would be brought to the March 8th PC
meetings.
Leo Cohn commented the Study Session was very informative.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairwoman Marantz, declared the
meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m.
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