HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-22 PC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
February 22, 2012
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Donenfeld called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present Present
This Meeting: to Date:
FY: 2011 12012
Absences:
Tracy Conrad
X
13
1
Philip Klatchko
X
10
4
Leslie Munger
X
12
2
J.R. Roberts
X
14
0
Doug Hudson, Vice Chair
X
11
3
Doug Donenfeld, Chair
X
14
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 4:00 p.m. on Thursday,
February 16, 2012.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Commissioner Conrad requested Item 1B pulled from the Consent Calendar for
separate discussion.
The agenda was accepted, as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Donenfeld opened public comments:
-Frank Tysen, commented on the Rite Aid sign program amendment that was approved
at their last meeting.
-Jim Cross, Best Signs, requested modification of the existing urgent care signage to
allow greater visibility from the street.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 22, 2012
-John Joyce, spoke in reference to Item 3A, suggested drafting of an ordinance to
require the establishment sell biodegradable plastic containers to help clean up the
environment.
-Charlie Nadar, spoke in reference to Item 2B, expressed concern with the excessive
landscape night lighting.
-Brian Yaklich, spoke in reference to Item 3A, commented on the proposed project
having a negative impact on the Tahquitz creek.
-Carl Enser, representing Einsenhower Health Center, chief administrative
officer, addressed Item 2B, requested consideration of the sign program amendment to
provide more building visibility and explained that the increased lighting was installed to
deter loitering in the area.
-Kathy Adams, The Canyons HOA, president, spoke in reference to Item 3A, expressed
concern with the existing chaos caused by vagrancy loitering and the AA meetings held
in the adjacent building.
There being no further appearances public comments was closed.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1A. Minutes of February 8, 2012.
ACTION: To approve, minutes of February 8, 2012.
Motion Tracy Conrad, seconded by J.R. Roberts and unanimously carried on a
roll call vote.
AYES: Leslie Munger, Tracy Conrad, Philip Klatchko, J.R. Roberts, Chair
Donenfeld, Vice Chair Hudson
1 B. Case 3.3531 SFR - An application by James and Lorrie Etchason to
construct a roughly 3,398 square foot single family residence on a 19,602
square foot lot at 1451 Bogert Trail, Zone R-1-13, Section 35. (Project
Planner: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner)
Commissioner Conrad requested deletion of the wording 'off-white" color in Planning
Condition #3.
The Commission commented and/or discussed establishing design review guidelines
for single-family homes and directed staff to bring back this topic to the Commission as
a study session item for further review.
ACTION: To approve Case 3.3531 SFR, subject to Conditions of Approval, as
amended:
-To delete 'off-white" from PLN 3.
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Planning Commission Minutes
February 22, 2012
Motion J.R. Roberts, seconded by Leslie Munger and unanimously carried on a
roll call vote.
AYES: Leslie Munger, Tracy Conrad, Philip Klatchko, J.R. Roberts, Chair
Donenfeld, Vice Chair Hudson
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
2A. Case SP 06-084 AMEND - An application by Lundin Development Co. for an
amendment to a previously approved sign program to allow tenant
identification signs on the existing monument signs for the Ralph's CVS
Pharmacy shopping center located at 426 South Sunrise Way, Zone NC
(Section 14 Master Plan). (Project Planner: David A. Newell, Associate
Planner)
David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated February 22, 2012.
Commissioner Munger noted vehicular congestion at the ingress/egress at Sunrise Way
and Ramon Road and suggested the way -finding signs are to be placed in the
appropriate location not in this hazardous area.
Commissioner Conrad recalled when the original sign program was heard for this
shopping center and provided background history on the issues with the signage. Ms.
Conrad noted that she could not support the request to add tenant identification signs.
Commissioner Roberts spoke in favor of allowing the tenant identification signs; noting
the benefit to the public and building tenants by increasing visibility of the businesses.
Commissioner Klatchko concurred with Commissioner Conrad; he recalled that the
original sign program was controversial and expressed difficulty making the findings to
deviate from the sign program.
ACTION: To deny Case SP 06-084 AMEND.
Motion Tracy Conrad, seconded by Philip Klatchko and carried 4-2 on a roll call
vote.
AYES: Tracy Conrad, Philip Klatchko, Chair Donenfeld, Vice Chair Hudson
NOES: Leslie Munger, J.R. Roberts
2B. Case SP 10-006 AMEND - An application by Best Signs, Inc. on behalf of
Eisenhower Health Center for an amendment to the existing sign program to
allow modifications to existing signage for the medical office at the
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February 22, 2012
commercial complex located at the southwest corner of Sunrise Way and
Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone RA (Section 14 Master Plan). (Project Planner:
David A. Newell, Associate Planner)
David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background information as outlined in the
staff report dated February 22, 2012.
Vice Chair Hudson spoke in support of the AAC's recommendations but also supported
the applicant's desire to retain the existing north facing sign.
ACTION: To approve Case SP 10-006 AMEND, subject to Conditions of Approval, as
per the AAC's recommendations with the following conditions:
-Allow Option A (retain existing main sign on the north elevation);
-Curved wall to be reduced to a height of 3' 8" and to be located outside the corner
cutback;
-Sign on wall to be reduced proportionally;
Motion Vice Chair Hudson, seconded by Chair Donenfeld and unanimously
carried on a roll call vote.
AYES: Leslie Munger, Tracy Conrad, Philip Klatchko, J.R. Roberts, Chair
Donenfeld, Vice Chair Hudson
3. PUBLIC HEARING:
3A. Case 5.1269 CUP -An application by Lend Lease representing 7-Eleven for a
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate a 24-hour convenience store use at
611 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone PD-77, Section 22. (Project Planner:
David A. Newell, Associate Planner)
Commissioner Munger clarified that she is a board member of the DENO neighborhood
organization; however, she noted that she lives outside radius and has no conflict of
interest in the project.
David A. Newell, Associate Planner, provided background as outlined in the staff report
dated February 22, 2012.
Commissioner Klatchko noted for the record that electronic correspondence
was sent directly to the Commission from the Tahquitz Creek Yaht Club and not routed
through a member of staff.
Chair Donenfeld opened the public hearing:
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February 22, 2012
The following persons spoke in favor of the proposed project:
-Jennifer Gunther, representing the applicant, provided an update on the proposed
changes to the CUP. Ms. Gunther summarized the voluntary conditions submitted by
the applicant to address the concerns relating to signage, lighting and security.
-David Sabin, 7-Eleven representative, commented on 7-Eleven's value to the
community by providing stable, long term leases and contributing to the economic
growth of the city.
-Eli Mashiach, landlord representative and leasing manager, spoke about the
recent and upcoming vacancies to the shopping center; noting their positive experience
with 7-Eleven stores in other cities due to their strict measures in place.
-Molly Thorpe, teacher and mentor for Palm Springs Marathon Runners Program,
provided an overview of 7-Eleven's willingness to donate and support the team activities
and participate in community events.
-Paul Crippan, TREND, chair, noted the benefits of a convenience store to the
neighborhood and increased revenue for the city.
-Jennifer Gunther, applicant rebuttal, addressed monitoring of trash, security
cameras, exterior lighting improvements and limitation of alcohol sales.
The following persons spoke in opposition of the proposed project:
-Sheryl Hamlin, expressed concern with enforcement of the security conditions and the
increase of the homeless population and trash to the area.
-Bill Post, commented that the Police department does not have the manpower to
maintain law and order at this site due to their budget cuts.
-Joan Martin, member of the Tahquitz Creek Yacht Club, expressed concern with the
on -going problems of maintaining this area clean due to the adjacent fast food
restaurants, homeless encampments and parking issues.
-Robert Stone, Warm Sands Neighborhood Organization, chair, provided an overview of
the crime statistics for the neighborhood.
-Bruce Douglas, commented on the high number of fast food restaurants and trash in
the area.
-Melanie Mainline, noted the existing adjacent stores in the area and the parking and
intersection problems.
-Frank Tysen, Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood Association, chair, reported that the
board unanimously voted in opposition of the proposed 7-Eleven store.
There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Conrad spoke in opposition of the location for the proposed 7-Eleven
store.
Commissioner Roberts commended the project team on their efforts with the proposed
project and neighborhood; however, he stated that the majority of adjacent
neighborhoods are not in favor of the location.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 22, 2012
ACTION: To direct staff to prepare a resolution of denial based on the appropriate
findings.
Motion Tracy Conrad, seconded by Vice Chair Hudson and unanimously carried
on a roll call vote.
AYES: Leslie Munger, Tracy Conrad, Philip Klatchko, J.R. Roberts, Chair
Donenfeld, Vice Chair Hudson
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Commissioner Munger requested that should the PC decision be appealed to the City
Council staff add a condition requiring a security guard on the premises for a 12-hour
period during the evening hours in case problems arise.
Commissioner Munger and Chair Donenfeld requested a police representative be
available when projects involving alcohol use come before the Commission.
Commissioner Klatchko requested staff address if any quarterly meetings with the City
Council will be held this year. Director Ewing responded that this item will be added to
the agenda to allow the Commissioners to address their concerns to the City Council.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Director Ewing reported that the appeal period for the 7-Eleven will not begin until the
resolution of denial is approved at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the planning Commission adjourned at 3:25 p.m. to
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East
Tahquitz Canyon Way.
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