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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-23 PC Meeting MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 23, 2022 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California (Meeting held via Zoom) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Weremiuk called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm. ROLL CALL: Present: Aylaian, Ervin, Hirschbein, Miller, Moruzzi, Vice Chair Roberts*, Chair Weremiuk Staff Present: Assistant Planning Director Newell, Attorney Priest, Administrative Coordinator Hintz, Assistant Planner Perez REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The agenda was available for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) by 9:00 pm on Thursday, March 17, 2022, and posted on the City's website as required by established policies and procedures. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: Miller, seconded by Hirschbein to accept the agenda, as presented. AYES: AYLAIAN, ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, WEREMIUK ABSENT: ROBERTS PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 23, 2022 Hirschbein, seconded by Miller to approve 1A, as presented. AYES: AYLAIAN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, WEREMIUK ABSENT: ROBERTS ABSTAINED: ERVIN, MORUZZI Planning Commission Minutes March 23, 2022 City of Palm Springs 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2A. OLC 2020, LLC (DBA PRETTY FACES, LLC), FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A NIGHTCLUB/COCKTAIL LOUNGE USE LOCATED WITHIN AN EXISTING HOTEL AT 150 SOUTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE (CASE NO. 5.1551 CUP). (AP) Vice Chair Roberts arrived at 5:47 pm. Assistant Planner Perez narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the proposed project. Discussion followed regarding charging for parking, adhering to the security plan as part of the Conditions of Approval, enforcement by the Police Department, support of the plan by the hotel management, issues with the previous nightclub and the proposed hours of operation. Chair Weremiuk noted there were recent gun shootings in the area, crime level has increased and expressed concerns there is no patrolling of the streets after midnight. Assistant Planning Director Newell stated the City does not currently have a merchant security patrol; and noted that it would require input and buy -in from merchants. Chair Weremiuk opened the public hearing. TYLER CAIDEN, applicant, said he's working with Michael Murphy on the opening of Pretty Faces. Mr. Caiden said they lease the space from the new owners of the hotel and are gearing the nightclub to cater to hotel guests; and will provide full security. There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. Vice Chair Roberts commented favorably on the project and Commissioner Moruzzi concurred. Commissioner Moruzzi made a motion of approval and Vice Chair Roberts seconded the motion. Chair Weremiuk suggested adding security to follow patrons at night as they are exiting. Mr. Caiden clarified the nightclub will have "valet only" parking; and noted most of the guests will be staying at the adjacent hotel. He confirmed there will be a roaming security guard to ensure people will be using the valet and/or leaving the property, promptly. Planning Commission Minutes March 23, 2022 City of Palm Springs Commission Hirschbein expressed concerns about the legality of having the nightclub hire a security guard to provide intervention off the property. Mr. Caiden reported the security plan includes a security guard at the door. Assistant Planning Director Newell suggested adding language that addresses loitering and crowd management, on site. Vice Chair Roberts said loitering and crowd control has already been addressed in the security plan. Commissioner Hirschbein pointed out the security plan includes three guards that would be available to monitor people as they exit the venue. Moruzzi, seconded by Roberts to approve Case 5.1551 CUP, subject to Conditions of Approval, including staff recommendations. AYES: AYLAIAN, ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, ROBERTS, WEREMIUK Chair Weremiuk commented on increased fighting in parking lots, on the streets and gun violence and referred the matter to City Council to consider ways they can safeguard the streets and encouraging City Council to incentivize the local business community to create a merchant patrol. Chair Weremiuk reported she is currently in a rehabilitation facility and asked Vice Chair Roberts to take over the meeting at this point. 2B. GEORGE YOUSEF (DBA: PALM SPRINGS CAR WASH) FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALTER THE HOURS FOR OFF -PREMISES ALCOHOL SALES IN A RETAIL STORE LOCATED IN SECTION 14, AT 300 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE REO, (CASE 5.1461 CUP). (GM) Assistant Planner Perez narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the proposed project. Discussion followed regarding alcohol sales, on -call security, sign permit for building sign, security response time, whether there are similar stores in the City selling alcohol through windows and the need to consider liquor store saturation levels. Vice Chair Roberts opened the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes March 23, 2022 City of Palm Springs George Yousef provided details about security patrols during the day and evening hours There being no further speakers the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Aylaian expressed concern about criminal incidents increasing in the downtown area and hoped the applicant could develop a security plan that would ensure a prompt response time. Commissioner Moruzzi reminded the Commission that the Police Department had no objection to the additional hours requested. Chair Weremiuk agreed with Commission Aylaian; and expressed concern that no saturation information is available and suggested continuing the item until such information is available. Vice Chair Roberts said it would be helpful to have input from the Police Department about crime levels that occur on certain timeframes during the evening hours and agreed with the need to obtain more information. Commissioner Ervin noted the Police Department has already signed off on the project. Assistant Planning Director Newell provided information regarding the number of alcohol licenses within the subject census tract. Weremiuk, seconded by Roberts to continue to date certain of Wednesday, April 13, 2022, and direct staff to provide additional information on liquor license saturation and operational hours of other off -sale licensees. AYES: AYLAIAN, ERVIN, HIRSCHBEIN, MILLER, MORUZZI, ROBERTS, WEREMIUK 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE 4. NEW BUSINESS: NONE PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS, REQUESTS AND COMMENTS: • Update on the appeal to City Council relating to the Crestview projects and other planning related properties. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Assistant Planning Director Newell provided an update on the Sunny Dunes project and status on the General Plan update from City Council. Chair Weremiuk congratulated Commissioner Ervin look at colleges and consider other opportunities Roberts for a recent, successful event at the Plaza. ADJOURNMENT: Planning Commission Minutes March 23, 2022 City of Palm Springs for his efforts in taking students to She congratulated Vice Chair The Planning Commission adjourned at 6:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Fbp- David Newell, AICP Assistant Director of Planning