HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-11 PC & AAC Joint Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION
AND
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
JOINT MEETING MINUTES
September 11, 2013
Large Conference Room, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Donenfeld called the meeting to order at 11:32 am.
ROLL CALL:
PLANNING COMMISSION
PRESENT: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Klatchko, Commissioner
Lowe, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk, Vice -
Chair Hudson and Chair Donenfeld
ABSENT: None
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
PRESENT: Committee Member Cassady, Committee Member Hirschbein,
Committee Member Purnel, Committee Member Song, Vice -Chair
Fauber and Chair Secoy-Jensen
ABSENT: Committee Member Fredricks
ALSO PRESENT: M. Margo Wheeler, AICP, Director of Planning Services
INTRODUCTIONS:
The members of the Planning Commission and Architectural Advisory Committee
introduced themselves.
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 6:00 pm on Thursday,
September 3, 2013.
Planning Commission Minutes 2
September 11, 2013
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Donenfeld opened public comments:
MARVIN ROOS, spoke about gated communities. He made the points that many
communities do not contribute to the grid section and therefore gating is not detrimental.
He said that it is an economic decision. He added that when the Planning Commission
has recommended denial, the City Council overrode and approved.
There being no further appearances public comments was closed.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE / HISTORIC SITE
PRESERVATION BOARD / PLANNING RESPONSIBILITES.
2. PLANNING COMMISSION EXPECTATIONS OF ARCHITECTURAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Staff reviewed the materials submitted
Chair Donenfeld indicated that he felt that the Architectural Advisory Committee was
doing fine work and that concerns of the past have been resolved. He indicated the
importance of Architectural Advisory Committee comments to the Planning
Commission.
Commissioner Roberts wants to ensure that the AAC reviews the entire project.
Director Wheeler confirmed that "site layout, orientation, location of structures and
relationship to one another" is within the purview of the AAC.
Commissioner Weremiuk wants more information from the AAC about concerns they
have about design and the applicant's response. She feels landscape is very important.
Commissioner Roberts wants to ensure that staff sends matters to the AAC even when
staff has authority to approve; the 7-11 store is an example.
Commissioner Weremiuk asked if the AAC reviewed their minutes. She felt they need
greater detail.
Committee Member Purnel indicated they could add now knowing the importance.
Planning Commission Minutes 3
September 11, 2013
Committee Member Hirschbein said now he will both comment and review the minutes
differently with the information from this meeting.
Commissioner Roberts desired to have an AAC member attend the Planning
Commission meeting.
Director Wheeler reminded the Planning Commission that she attended all AAC
meetings and that she and the Planning Commission member in attendance could
convey additional details.
Vice -Chair Hudson indicated the importance of the applicant understanding AAC
instructions.
Chair Donenfeld asked if sequence of review mattered.
Chair Secoy-Jensen said she'd prefer the HSPB to go first.
Committee Member Cassady agreed.
Director Wheeler said she would follow-up.
3. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS / GATED COMMUNITIES.
Director Wheeler reviewed the material presented.
Commissioner Weremiuk stressed the importance of limiting gates and providing
sidewalks.
Commissioner Calerdine stressed bike access also.
Committee Member Hirschbein asked if gates become a "deal -breaker".
Chair Donenfeld indicated that is what developers say.
Commissioner Roberts stated it is false security and that guidelines are needed. A
subcommittee may be good.
Committee Member Song said it is a design issue; visibility can be improved with
differing types of fencing.
Commissioner Weremiuk stressed that standards are needed and bike paths and
sidewalks should be addressed.
Planning Commission Minutes 4
September 11, 2013
Chair Donenfeld says the matter requires buy -in of all parties including City Council.
Director Wheeler indicated she would outline a process and bring it back for Planning
Commission review.
Committee Member Secoy-Jensen commented favorably on the productivity of the
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission and the Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 1:13
pm.
M. Margo Wheeler, AICP
Director of Planning Services