HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-10 PC Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
February 10, 2016
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
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Chair Klatchko called the meeting to order at 1:34 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Present This Meeting: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Donenfeld,
Commissioner Hirschbein, Commissioner Lowe,
Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk and
Chair Klatchko
Absent This Meeting: None
Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, Michael Daudt, Terri Hintz and Savat Khamphou
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, February 4, 2016.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Klatchko opened public comments:
The following persons spoke in reference to the prior Study Session Item 2 - Serena Park
(Palm Springs Country Club):
FRED FABRICANT, resides on Whitewater Drive, provided background history on the site
and the private and public roads. He cautioned that the curve at the intersection on Farrell
Drive and Racquet Club is very dangerous.
TERRI MC COPPIN, Palm Springs Country Club resident, expressed concern with the
insignificant impact indicated in the traffic study, lack of open -space and issues with the
flood control area.
Planning Commission Minutes
City of Palm Springs
February 10, 2016
STEWART SOKOL, commented that traffic on Via Escuela backs -up in the mornings,
closure of Gene Autry due to the strong winds; and noting that the entrance will have a
tremendous impact.
JEFF D'AVANZO, encouraged the Commission to re-examine the layout in the original
plan. He spoke in favor of this area being developed; however, is concerned about
meeting water mandates while adding hundreds of homes.
JERRY COLLAMER, spoke on behalf of Bob & Renee Saunders, stated that they
purchased their house because of the open -space protected by the General Plan and
suggested the Commission re -think the golf course dilemma.
RENEE SAUNDERS, said the proposed park is not in a good area and suggested
mitigating open -space by leaving some of the narrow fairways open.
JIM O'KEEFE, suggested looking at project alternatives to golf and expressed concern
with a development agreement for the project and lack of public benefits.
DENISE JANSSEN EAGER, Palm Springs Country Club resident, said she's pleased to
see the Commission studying the environmental documents and urged the Commission to
look into project alternatives.
RONALD HERISKO, said that traffic will be increased and recommend reconsideration of
the traffic study. He suggested building a temporary construction road over the wash to
Gene Autry to avoid traffic in this area.
DAVID SUELEP, Desert Park Estates Neighborhood Organization, advisory board
member, said he understands the complexities of the Serena Park project and requested
consideration that Francis Road is not opened up as an access point.
The following person(s) spoke on other issues:
ALLEN WORHTY, commented about police harassment and impounding of his vehicle.
ERIC CHIEL, provided details on a street name change dedication to Krisel Way and
invited the Commission and public.
There being no further appearances public comments was closed.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 13, 2016 AND JANUARY 27, 2016 STUDY
SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.
2I
Planning Commission Minutes
City of Palm Springs
February 10, 2016
Commissioner Hirschbein noted his recusal on the minutes because he was not in
attendance.
ACTION: Approve, as submitted.
Motion: Commissioner Donenfeld, seconded by Commissioner Weremiuk and carried on a
roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Lowe,
Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Chair Klatchko
RECUSE: Commissioner Hirschbein
2. NEW BUSINESS:
2A. DUANE SMITH AND STEFANE BARBEAU REQUEST THE VACATION AND
ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF A PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY ON GIRASOL
AVENUE ADJACENT TO 2800 VISTA GRANDE; LOT 29 OF AMENDED MAP OF
CHINO VISTA, (CASE 7.1441; ENG. FILE R 15-10) (ER).
Assistant Director of Public Works Khamphou presented the proposed street vacation
request as outlined in the staff report.
Commissioner Calerdine noted that only some improvements have been made on this
street and suggested finding ways to have the remainder of the unnecessary portions of
the right-of-way vacated.
ACTION: Approve as submitted.
Motion: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Middleton and unanimously
carried on a roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Hirschbein,
Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Chair Klatchko
2B. TOLL CA 11, L.P., REQUESTS THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF A PUBLIC
UTILITY EASEMENT WITHIN LOT "I", OF TRACT MAP 32233-5, OF THE ESCENA
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (CASE 5.0666, PD-231; ENG. FILE: R15-13).
(ER)
Assistant Director of Public Works Khamphou presented the proposed lot -line adjustment
as outlined in the staff report.
Commissioner Weremiuk disclosed that she resides in Escena Development and
previously spoke with the City Attorney and Fair Political Practices Commission and
they've determined that there is no conflict of interest. She explained that Toll Bros. is
3 1 D n o 0
Planning Commission Minutes
City of Palm Springs
February 10, 2016
O workingon opening -up an im roved pedestrian path across the golf course access within
P P P 9 (
the community).
ACTION: Approve as submitted.
Motion: Commissioner Weremiuk, seconded by Commissioner Calerdine and unanimously
carried on a roll call vote.
AYES: Commissioner Calerdine, Commissioner Donenfeld, Commissioner Hirschbein,
Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Middleton, Commissioner Weremiuk, Chair Klatchko
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
The Commission requested clarification and/or commented on:
• The process for the Museum Market Plaza Specific Plan - (revised plans for the
hotel and Development Agreement will return to the Commission for review).
• Request to provide security for the Planning Commission meetings due to
controversial testimony during the last few months.
• A summary of the changes to the MMP Specific Plan recommended by the City
OCouncil.
• Vice -Chair elections will be scheduled for the next meeting.
• Status of the small lot subdivision guidelines for PDD's; and Commissioner
Hirschbein was appointed as a member of the subcommittee.
• Serena Park: The EIR is available on-line and a request to get a formal position
from adjoining neighborhood organizations. It was suggested that the developer
and/or staff reach out to the residents of the mobile home park.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Planning Director Fagg distributed a copy of the proposed revisions to the Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance and provided an overview.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments the Planning Commission adjourned at 2:35 pm to
Wednesday, February 24, 2016, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon
Way.
Flinn Fagg, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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