HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-20- ARC Minutes
AAC Agenda Item #1
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF JULY 20, 2009
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 3:04 p.m. by Chair Chris Sahlin.
ATTENDANCE: Present: Absent: YTD Attendance:
Chris Sahlin, Chair X 13
Paul Ortega, Vice Chair X 11
Doug Hudson X 12
Lance O’Donnell X 13
Michael King X 13
Robert Parker X 10
Donald Wexler X 0
Jeffrey Jurasky X 0
(Roll Call record is from January 2009 thru meeting of July 20, 2009)
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Holcanadel
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of July 6, 2009.
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker/ Hudson, 6-0) To approve the meeting minutes of July 6, 2009.
REVISIONS TO AGENDA: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Three (3) minute time limit per person on matters within the jurisdiction of the
Architectural Advisory Committee.
Chair Sahlin opened Public Comments:
Stephanie Frith reporter for the Desert Sun announced that she will be taking another job at the end
of July and will be leaving the newspaper. She thanked the AAC members for working with her over
the past several years. She introduced her replacement, Marcel Hunrea.
Chair Sahlin closed public comments.
2. AGENDA ITEM # 2: Case # SP 09-004
Best Signs, to implement a Sign Program for the building located at 979 South Gene Autry Trail, Zone
M-1, Section 19. (ST)
Staff presentation was made by Scott Taschner, Assistant Planner, who gave an overview of the
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proposed sign program including the sizes and material each of the individual signs, and mentioned
the building size and the distances to each of the public right’s-of-way. Staff also stated its
recommendation that the main sign for The Work’s Floor & Wall be reduced to a size two-thirds its
currently proposed size.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
2.a That the main tenant sign for The Works Floor & Tile be reduced to a size that is
that is consistent with the code.
2.b That the corner monument sign be designed using only high quality and durable materials
2.c That the smaller monument sign be redesigned without the cornice feature on top of the
Sign.
ACTION: M/S/C (Hudson/King) 6-0, to approve subject to recommendations
3. AGENDA ITEM # 3: Case # 3.0908 MAA
Biltmore Condominium Association to remove the wood Brisoleil treatments in front of the windows
above the main building entrances located at 1500 - 1552 South Camino Real, Zone R-3, Section 23.
(ST)
A brief presentation was made by Assistant Planner, Scott Taschner. In the presentation staff
outlined the request and asked the Committee members their opinion on the functional and
architectural value of the Brisoleil structures and asked for suggestions on materials and design if
they were going to recommend replacement of the Brisoleil structures.
The committee members mentioned that the Brisoleil structures are important features to the overall
design of the building and do provide some solar control for the building and entryways, and that it
would be a shame to lose the features permanently. They also commented that they understand the
tough economic times and suggested that staff allow some time for the HOA to replace the features.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
3.a That the Brisoleil structures be replaced with in-kind materials or tubular steel to closely
mimic the architectural style and elements of the original design.
ACTION: M/S/C (O’Donnell/Ortega) 6-0, to approve subject to recommendation
4. AGENDA ITEM #4: Case # 3.3368 MAA – La Luz Del Mundo Church
John Rivera representing La Luz Del Mundo church for approval of phase I and phase II to include a
new parking lot, landscape plan, perimeter fence and exterior renovation of existing building at 3989
North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone C-1, Section 34. (GM)
Staff presentation was made by Assistant Planner Mlaker. Mr. Mlaker gave a brief overview of the
previously approved project which included the building of the new sanctuary and the renovation of
the existing structure. Parking for the original plan was to be located between the two buildings. In
the new proposal, several vacant lots located to the south and west of the existing sanctuary building
have been purchased for an expanded parking lot. The new site plan shows a larger parking lot with
a driveway connecting N. Indian Canyon Dr. and El Dorado Road. The landscape plan has a varying
mix of plantings, and the perimeter fence meets all City regulations.
Project Architect John Rivera gave a detailed presentation and stated that this case should be
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considered as an amendment to the originally approved plan. He described the landscape plant
palette, the garden area between the two buildings and the renovation of the existing storage building.
Committee members were concerned with wind control and the number and type of plantings and
gave the following comments.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
4.a Review the type and size of plantings proposed near existing utility easement. Shade trees
to be planted in children’s play area based upon utility company requirements.
4.b Consider placing water feature inside the garden area. The use of the water feature within
the courtyard will have a more cooling effect and will be less of a maintenance problem.
4.c Submit a complete landscape plan with plant types, sizes and quantities. Additional trees
planted in parking lot area to meet City standards.
4.d Native species and decomposed granite groundcover to be used.
4.f Additional shade trees to be planted on the west and south side of building.
4.g To control costs, larger plants shall be used on the perimeter and smaller plants behind
fencing.
4.h Turf to be added to the courtyard where possible along with shade trees.
The members of the AAC agreed to the perimeter fence detail and the exterior renovations of the
storage building – phase II.
In terms of the site and landscape plan, the AAC recommends a re-study to focus on the plan details.
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker/ O’Donnell, 6-0) To recommend approval of the perimeter fencing and
exterior renovations of the existing storage building and to re-study the site and landscape plan.
5. AGENDA ITEM # 5: Case # 3.3369 MAJ – City of Palm Springs Animal Shelter
City of Palm Springs to construct an animal care and shelter facility on approximately four-acre parcel
located at 4575 E. Mesquite Avenue, Zone O, Section 19. (DN)
Staff presentation was made by Associate Planner, David A Newell, who described the proposed
animal shelter. He noted that some of the plans on the board are revisions to what the AAC received
initially with their packet; the changes included some small modifications to window layout and a
larger rooftop screening area of the mechanical equipment.
A presentation was made by the Project Manager, Allen Smoot, who introduced the project team,
which consisted of George Miers, Architect, Jim Cioffi, Architect, and Randy Purnel, Landscape
Architect. Mr. Miers provided a presentation on the layout and floor plan of the facility; Mr. Cioffi
discussed the project’s design; Mr. Purnel gave information on the proposed landscape plan. It was
indicated that the raised planters may be reduced to grade level depending on budget.
A public comment was given by Rob Stone, a resident of the Demuth Park neighborhood. Mr. Stone
spoke in opposition of the proposed facility at this location and provided a letter in this regard.
The AAC further discussed the project. In general, the AAC thought the proposal was a great project.
The Committee agreed that public art should be incorporated into the project and that an artist
consultant would be very helpful. Comments were made regarding the raised planters being
necessary for the building to sit well on the corner. A Committee member suggested that the project
team look at life cycle costs of project and on-going maintenance.
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AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
5.a The brise soleil should be extended further to provide additional shading.
5.b Public art should be incorporated into site and architecture.
ACTION: M/S/C (O’Donnell/ Hudson, 6-0) To recommend approval, subject to above noted
comments.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
Chair Shalin stated the AAC would like to commend the City Council on their continued support of
good civic architecture. The drawings of the proposed new animal shelter prove the Council’s
commitment to good design.
Vice Chair Ortega suggested that Staff review the Major Architectural and Minor Architectural
application forms seeking a better way to inform applicants of required plans, exhibits, and
documentation.
Member Hudson thanked Stephanie Frith and commended her on excellent reporting for the Desert
Sun. He stated that she will be missed.
Principal Planner Robertson reminded the Committee members that the AAC can only review cases
that are being presented before the AAC. Previously reviewed and approved cases by the Planning
Commission or City Council are subject to approved conditions of approval.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m.
____________________________
Edward O. Robertson
Principal Planner