HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/12/10 - MINUTES CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
December 10, 2008
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2008/2009
This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences:
Larry Hochanadel, Chair X 17 0
Leo Cohen, Vice Chair X 16 1
Toni Ringlein X 14 3
Jon Caffery X 15 2
Bill Scott X 14 3
Tracy Conrad X 13 4
Doug Donenfeld X 17 0
•
REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA:
The agenda was available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west
side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Services counter by 4:30 p.m. on Friday,
December 5, 2008.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
The agenda was accepted, as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Hochanadel opened Public Comments; and no speakers coming forward Public
Comments was closed.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1A. Minutes of October 1, 2008.
0 MIS/C (Donenfeld/Scott, 7-0) Approved, as part of the Consent Calendar.
Planning Commission Minutes of December 10, 2008
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
2A. Architectural Advisory Committee: Appointment of Landscape Architect
Director Ewing provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated
December 10, 2008.
M/SIC (Conrad/Caffery, 7-0) To create an ad hoc committee to interview both
applicants and make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The ad hoc
committee to consist of: Chair Hochanadel, Commissioner Ringlein and Commissioner
Caffery.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3A. Case 5.1190 CUP 16.509 VAR (Palm Springs Batch Plant) - A request by
Elsinore Ready Mix Company for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the
installation and operation of a portable concrete batch plant on
approximately 5.29-acres and a Variance request to exceed the thirty foot
height maximum permitted in the E-1 zone. The site is located at the
southwest corner of Dillon Road and Karen Avenue, Zone E-1, Section 10,
• APN 668-280-015: (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate Planner)
David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated December 10, 2008.
Chair Hochanadel opened the Public Hearing:
-Brad Adams, North Palm Springs, (representing adjacent wind energy
owners) commented that the location of the concrete plant may affect the turbine energy
production, air quality, view and fence screening (blown from high winds).
James Bennett, applicant, requested staff provide clarification on certain project fees
and conditions of approval. Mr. Bennett noted that dust control measures would be
completed and provided further details.
-Danielle Sakai, representing the applicant, emphasized that the concrete plant has not
been in operation to affect the air quality to the adjacent wind mills.
There being no further appearances, the Public Hearing was closed.
The Commission discussed and/or commented on the unresolved issues between the
two parties, location, dust control, fencing (including use of block walls) and the high-
winds in this area.
2
Planning Commission Minutes of December 10, 2008
M/SIC (Conrad/Ringlein, 7-0) To continue, to the meeting of December 17, 2008, to
allow the applicant to respond to the project concerns.
3B. Case 5.1137 PD 335 / TTM 35230 1 3.3028 MAJ - A request by Wessman
Holdings, LLC, to construct a four-story mixed use development consisting
of first-floor commercial/retail,19 residential condominium units, adaptive
re-use of the existing building for the retail/restaurant use and a Tentative
Tract Map located at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 16,
APN: 613-204-005. (Project Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning Services, requested the Planning
Commission continue the public hearing to January 14, 2009.
M/S/C (Ringlein/Scott, 7-0) To continue, the public hearing to January 14, 2009.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Caffery requested chain-link fencing in the north-end as a discussion
item for an upcoming study session. Discussion occurred on the City Council's
continuance of the medical cannabis item.
• PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Staff discussed the upcoming format of the planning commission minutes.
Director Ewing provided an update on planning items scheduled for tonight's City
Council meeting.
Marcus Fuller, Assistant Director of Public Works, provided an update on the following
capital improvements:
*The Belardo Road project.
*The Interchange projects on Gene Autry and Indian Canyon Way.
*The Landscaping project on Gene Autry Way and Vista Chino Way.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission adjourned at 2:26 p.m. to Wednesday, December 17, 2008.
ig . E qng, PDirec of ervices
3