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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-06 PC Study Session MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE JOINT MEETING AUGUST 6, 2008 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 CALL TO ORDER: a The meeting was called to order at 1:16 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present Present Year: FY 2008/2009 This Meeting: to Date: Excused Absences: Larry Hochanadel, Chair X 4 0 Leo Cohen, Vice Chair X 3 1 Toni Ringlein X 3 1 Jon Caffery X 3 1 Bill Scott 2 2 Tracy Conrad 2 2 Doug Donenfeld X 4 0 ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Present: Jim Cioffi, Douglas Hudson, Lance O'Donnell, Donald Wexler, Michael King, Chris Sahlin and Paul Ortega Absent: Jeffrey Jurasky 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 Department counter by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2008. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Three minute limit.) Chair Hochanadel opened Public Comments; and there being none, Public Comments was closed. City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Study Session Joint Meeting with the Architectural Advisory Committee August 6, 2008 JOINT MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTTEE: DISCUSSION ITEMS: A. August 13, 2008 Planning Commission Memorandum regarding Architectural Advisory Committee Membership Mr. Robertson provided background information on the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) appointment terms and residency requirements. Commissioner Donenfeld noted the language under Section 94.04.00 C - Requirements for Residency is unclear as to whether the AAC is a committee or commission. Mr. Donenfeld remarked that the AAC is only referred to "a commission" in relation to the Brown Act. Mr. Caffery recalled that one of the reasons the AAC was restructured was because they were having trouble keeping qualified architects on the committee. They needed to go outside of Palm Springs, if necessary, to fill those positions. Mr. Cioffi clarified that the AAC is a committee that is subject to the Brown act including term limits, public notices and public comments. Mr. Cioffi suggested the ordinance is returned to the City Council so that they can clarify the ambiguous language. Ms. Ringlein suggested when a vacancy for a "technical member or design professional" is posted the type of field desired is specified to provide clarification. Mr. Sahlin noted his preference to maintain the residency requirement. Mr. James Thompson, City Clerk, provided clarification on the Brown Act stating that it does not matter whether the formed body is a commission, committee or board (with the exception of a task force) state law defines the AAC as a legislative body and is subject to posting of the agenda, public comments and minutes. The AAC is also subject to the City's rules for a commission, such as, residency, registered voter and licensure requirement. Mr. Thompson noted that pertaining to appointment terms, Section 2.06.010.d states, "Except in cases where the mayor or the city council are not the appointing authority, as in this case where the Planning Commission is the appointing body of the AAC, term limits would not apply. Mr. Sahlin commented on the importance of providing minutes of the AAC meetings especially for the architect and applicant. Further discussion occurred on preparation of minutes and televising the AAC meetings. 2 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Study Session Joint Meeting with the Architectural Advisory Committee August 6, 2008 Ms. Ringlein requested a count of the licensed and landscape architects within the city. Further discussion occurred on the planning commissioner's role at the AAC meetings. Mr. Hudson requested project information packets be sent to the AAC members prior to their meetings. A subcommittee was formed of the following Planning Commission and AAC members for further discussion and review; and return with their recommendation to the Planning Commission. Planning Commission: Jon Caffery, Doug Donenfeld and Toni Ringlein AAC: Jim Cioffi, Don Wexler and Chris Sahlin The topic items of discussion are: 1. The term limit. 2. The planning commission liaison's role at the AAC meetings. 3. Provision of minutes for the AAC meetings. 4. Televising the AAC meetings. B. General Discussion - Chair Hochanadel noted that projects which have required a restudy from the AAC have come before them and questioned what could be done to expedite the process for the applicant. Staff reported that the AAC comments provided on staff reports are very clear indicating their recommendations and/or changes. Mr. Cioffi noted that applicants have the right to move forward to the Planning Commission regardless of a restudy. Discussion occurred on the incorporation of global designs such as, street furniture and urban design rather than on a project specific level. Mr. Cioffi expressed concern with large projects presented at study sessions and requested more study time is given to the AAC so that they can prepare for larger projects. Further discussion occurred on the incorporation of modern computer technology to provide more information. Mr. O'Donnell spoke of creating awareness for job site waste management (recycling of materials) noting that it currently does not exist in this community. Mr. O'Donnell provided further details on LEED certification. Mr. Sahlin noted the zoning code is very restrictive and suggested formation of a subcommittee to provide input on the zoning code amendment. Staff explained that when a new general plan is adopted the zoning code reflects inconsistencies that need to be changed. City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Study Session Joint Meeting with the Architectural Advisory Committee August 6, 2008 Mr. Ortega suggested the incorporation of certain requirements for landscape infrastructure/types of irrigation systems. Mr. Caffery provided details on the city's current process of accepting bids (RFP) to provide professional consulting services to develop a community master plan for sustainability. Staff encouraged the Commissioners to request a follow-up joint meeting with the City Council to discuss their concerns. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS: None. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Staff reminded the Planning Commission of next week's regular meeting. Staff noted that the City Council is dark during the month of August. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments the meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m. i ,1