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Home My WebLink About2015-02-11 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 11, 2015 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chair Klatchko called the meeting to order at 1:32 pm. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko Excused: Chair Hudson Staff Present: Planning Director Fagg, Planning Admin. Coordinator Hintz, Engineering Associate Minjares, Assistant Planner Mlaker and Associate Planner Newell REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The agenda was posted for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Services counter by 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2015. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Commissioner Weremiuk noted her abstention on the minutes of January 14, 2105 due to her absence. The agenda was unanimously accepted as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Vice -Chair Klatchko opened public comments: KYLE HUSFLOEN, representing Demuth Park Neighborhood Organization (spoke in reference to Item 2A) expressed concern with the existing airport noise, sewer plant and City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2015 bad odors; noting that a cell tower would only add another disadvantage to the neighborhood. BRIAN HURST, spoke in reference to Item 2A, spoke about health issues affecting neighbors caused by radiation from the cell towers. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 14 AND JANUARY 28, 2015 ACTION: Approve the minutes of January 14, 2015 and January 28, 2015, as presented. (Noting Commissioner Weremiuk's abstention on the minutes of Jan. 14, 2015.) Motion: Commissioner Calerdine, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Chair Hudson 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2A. SPECTRUM SERVICES (VERIZON WIRELESS) FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A FORTY-THREE (43) FOOT HIGH MONOPOLE STRUCTURE AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT SHELTER WITHIN A 900-SQUARE FEET AREA LOCATED IN DEMUTH PARK AT 3601 EAST MESQUITE AVENUE, ZONE O (CASE NOS. 5.0793 CUP & 6.535 VAR). (GM) Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposed cell tower as outlined in the staff report. The Commission asked technical questions relating to: • Co -locations on existing antenna; • Distance from residential areas (existing cell tower antennas); • Health risks associated with radiation from cell towers; • Proximity to the community center. Commissioner Middleton clarified that she did not receive any other correspondence than what was distributed to the Commission. 2 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2015 Vice -Chair Klatchko opened the public hearing MIKE HAYES, representing Spectrum Services, recommended the FCC or the American Cancer Society websites for information on safety issues associated with cell towers and was available for questions.' KYLE HUSFLOEN, said it would be preferable to have the cell tower located toward the back of the park rather than having a cluster near the community center. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Roberts asked why this particular location was chosen. Mike Hayes (applicant) responded that this seemed to be the best fit; to cluster the antennas rather than spread them out. He would prefer not to choose another location. Commissioner Middleton spoke in favor of the tower noting that it could not be placed much further and there are existing light fixtures higher than the antenna. Commissioner Weremiuk commented that this CUP is consistent with what the Commission has approved in the past (i.e. cell tower adjacent to a school); she said it is unfortunate that it must be adjacent to residential; however coverage is needed in the city. ACTION: Approve with conditions and recommend approval to City Council. Motion: Commissioner Middleton, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Chair Hudson 2B. LAWRENCE SALAMEH FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A LIQUOR AND CONVENIENCE STORE AT 2781 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1 (CASE 6.0971 CUP). (DN) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed request for a Conditional Use Permit as outlined in the staff report. Mr. Newell provided details on the two letters received from the public. 3 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2015 The Commission requested clarification on the following items: • Original approved hours of operation; • Hours consistent with other liquor stores in town; • Any issues reported by the Police Department; • Census track governed by the Alcohol Dept. of Beverage Control. Vice -Chair Klatchko opened the public hearing: LAWRENCE SALAMEH, applicant, said no complaints have been made to the police since he opened in 2006; indicated that this is not a typical liquor store but more of an organic food store. There being no further appearances the public hearing was closed. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions. Motion: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Chair Hudson 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 3A. PALM SPRINGS, LLC, REQUEST FOR FINAL PDD PLAN APPROVAL FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 324 TO CONSTRUCT A MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF A 150-ROOM HOTEL, PARKING STRUCTURE AND RETAIL SPACE LOCATED AT 400 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE PD 324 (CASE 5.1091-PD 324). (FF) Director Fagg provided an update on this project that was previously seen by the Commission and approved by the City Council with conditions. Director Fagg outlined the details of the conditions imposed by the City Council. Vice -Chair Klatchko opened public comments: GREG SIMONOFF, SMS Architects, provided details on the revisions made to the project including the corner on Alejo and Palm Canyon, Indian Canyon elevation, pedestrian sidewalk and shade structures to enhance streetscape. 4 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2015 The Commission asked questions about the Alejo entrance (vehicular) will there be an access for pedestrian entry. Yes, responded the architect. Commissioner Roberts explained that as a member of the subcommittee they encouraged an encroachment permit to give the applicant flexibility on the Palm Canyon frontage. Director Fagg noted that an encroachment permit would need to be processed through the Public Works department; however, it has been noted for the record. Commission Lowe noted the corner of Palm Canyon and Alejo Road has dramatically improved. Director Fagg pointed -out that a condition of approval is to convert the angled spaces to parallel parking along Indian Canyon. Commissioner Calerdine said this is an example where the process really works - it will be a great entrance statement to the north -end of the downtown core. Commissioner Middleton congratulated all that were involved in this project. She noted that she previously had trouble with the 2nd floor; and now she is looking at a gorgeous building. She appreciates the use of shade trees and shade structures. RON GREGORY, landscape architect, provided details on the sidewalk on Palm Canyon that includes planters, plantings and a shade structure. ACTION: Approve, subject to conditions of approval as amended: • Investigate the southern alleyway for pedestrian access from Indian Canyon to Palm Canyon. • Support encroachment for additional shade structures as approved by Public Works. • Shade devices should include misting devices. • Prefer barrel cactus is not used; investigate plantings at Palm Canyon and Alejo Road corner. Motion: Commissioner Middleton, seconded by Commissioner Lowe and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Chair Hudson 5 City of Palm Springs Planning Commission Minutes February 11, 2015 4. NEW BUSINESS: 4A. BARBARA FOSTER HENDERSON, OWNER REQUESTING A MAJOR ARCHITECTURE APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 3,521-SQUARE FOOT HOUSE ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 884 LA MIRADA CIRCLE (CASE 3.3819 MAJ). (GM) Assistant Planner Mlaker provided an overview of the proposed hillside house. JIM CIOFFI, project architect, was available for questions from the Commission. Commissioner Calerdine said it looks like this will be landmark home; a very interesting and elegant design. ACTION: Approve with conditions. Motion: Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and unanimously carried 6-0-1 on a roll call vote. AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Weremiuk and Vice -Chair Klatchko ABSENT: Chair Hudson PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: Commissioner Weremiuk commented that the former Planning Director Margo Wheeler would be in town in a couple of weeks. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: No comments. ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 3:08 pm to Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at 1:30 pm, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. 4E��_ Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services n