HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-10 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
June 10, 2020
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Weremiuk called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Staff Present:
Donenfeld, Ervin, Hirschbein, Lewin, Song, Vice Chair Moruzzi,
Chair Weremiuk
Planning Director Fagg, AICP, Attorney Priest, Administrative
Secretary Bruggemans, Engineering Associate Minjares,
Principal Planner Newell
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, June 4, 2020.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Agenda was accepted, as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MAY 13, 2020
Hirschbein, seconded by Donenfeld to approve, as presented.
AYES: DONENFELD, ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, LEWIN, SONG, MORUZZI,
WEREMIUK
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2A. VERIZON WIRELESS ON BEHALF OF COULAS JONES AND
TERRENCE JONES FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR AN EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY TO
MODIFY THE APPROVED DESIGN (FAN PALM) TO A DATE PALM
DESIGN FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2101 SAHARA ROAD,
ZONE P, SECTION 1 (CASE NO. 5.1314 CUP AMND). (DN)
Planning Commission Minutes
June 10, 2020
City of Palm Springs
Associate Planner Newell provided background information and an overview on the
proposed amendment to modify the approved design.
Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing:
BEN HACKSTEDDE, Sequoia Deployment Services, Inc., representing Verizon
Wireless, stated that the Mexican Fan Palm tree design has had many problems with
the fronds flying off and exposing the antennas. He was available for questions from
the Commission.
There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed.
BEN HACKSTEDDE noted that Verizon has identified operational issues with the fan
palm fronds-they provide limited coverage as they increase in size (to provide
screening) and increase in weight and wind resistance.
Commissioner Song noted that the two other mono-palms are in very bad shape
aesthetically and although this one looks like a new mono-palm it doesn't go with the
rest of the natural and full composition palm trees. She suggested perhaps not re-
installing it as a fan palm but rather keep it as an antenna without screening it.
Commissioner Hirschbein said in his opinion they look silly.
Commissioner Lewin spoke in favor of upholding the prior Planning Commission's
action and staff's recommendation to require the carrier to re-install the Date Palm Tree
as a Mexican Fan Palm tree.
Commissioner Donenfeld agreed with Commissioner Lewin and with staff's
recommendation.
Chair Weremiuk recalled when the Commission approved this project and agrees with
staff's recommendation.
Weremiuk, seconded by Donenfeld to deny the application as proposed.
AYES: DONENFELD, ERVIN, LEWIN, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK
NOES: HIRSCHBEIN, SONG
2B. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS TO AMEND THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING
CODE TO ESTABLISH A FOOD DESERT OVERLAY ZONE. THE
PURPOSE OF THE OVERLAY ZONE IS TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GROCERY STORES IN UNDERSERVED
AREAS SO AS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEAL THY AND
AFFORDABLE FOOD (CASE 5.1507 ZTA). (FF)
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Planning Commission Minutes
June 10, 2020
City of Palm Springs
Director Fagg provided an overview on the proposed zone text amendment.
Commissioner Lewin complemented the subcommittee and staff; noting that this is the
fastest policy he's seen done by the City and is really well done. He spoke in support of
the zone text amendment provided there are no modifications by the Commission.
Commissioner Donenfeld thanked the Planning Director for a well-crafted ordinance and
as part of the subcommittee they made very few changes and is pleased to make a
motion of approval.
Chair Weremiuk asked if the change to reduce the minimum setback to 15' in the M-1
zone would be acceptable-(yes).
Commissioner Ervin noted that there was also a lot of work done by the Business
Retention Subcommittee, as well as the Planning Director.
Donenfeld, seconded by Song to recommend approval to City Council with minor
change as follows:
1. To reduce the minimum setback to 15' in the M-1 zone.
AYES: DONENFELD, ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, LEWIN, SONG, MORUZZI,
WEREMIUK
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
4. NEW BUSINESS: NONE
5. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE:
Planner Newell provided an update on the community workshop, survey and Priority
statements. He was available for questions from the Commission.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS:
• Upcoming Planning Commission meetings.
• Maintenance of cell tower and palm fronds.
• Public meetings start time.
• George Floyd peaceful protests in the Coachella Valley.
• Consistency of Commission member names on Zoom.
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: None.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
• July 8th will the next Planning Commission meeting. No meetings will be held on
June 24 th or July 22 nd . The month of August is anticipated to go dark.
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Planning Commission Minutes
June 10, 2020
City of Palm Springs
ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 6:50 pm to 5:30 pm,
Wednesday, July 8, 2020, City Hall, Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon
Way.
Director of Planning Services
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