HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/27/1987 - MINUTES I
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
OCTOBER 27, 1987
An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Palm Springs, was called to order by Mayor Bogert, in the Large
Conference Room, City Hall , 3200 Tahquitz-McCallum Way, on Tuesday,
October 27, 1987, at 3 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Councilmembers Apfelbaum, Birer, Foster,
Smith and Mayor Bogert
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (See Item 1)
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
1. C.U.P. 5.0451 - ALEXANDER COLER - ILA STEDEM APPEA@.
Consideration of appeal by Ila Stedem from Planning Commis-
sion approval of lighting an existing tennis court at
555 Via Monte Vista, was continued from October 21, pending
field trips by Councilmembers.
Joyce Ellis, daughter of Ila Stedem, stated that her mother
is quite elderly and wants to spend her remaining life
in peace and quiet; that she learned this weekend that
the Coler residence is for sale, and that any question
about the tennis court lighting should be resolved so
any buyer would be aware of the decision.
Donna Gordon, 755 Crescent, presented photographs showing
the relationship of the Coler residence and golf course
to her home, and stated that she opposes the direction —
of play on the course. She also stated that her home
has suffered multiple broken windows, and she has had
to go to considerable expense to protect her windows.
Stanley Avison, 611 Dry Falls Road, stated that he
previously sent correspondence (to the Planning Commission),
concerning the lights, and submitted a letter regarding (78)
sale of the property.
Assistant City Manager reported that the master had been
continued to allow Councilmembers to visit the site at
night; and that the Council had requested a report on
the golf course and final landscaping plans. He stated
that the hearing was closed.
City Attorney stated that if additional matters are received
and considered by the Council in connection with the
hearing, an examination of them should be made available
to Mr. Coler, but his absence at the meeting would not
preclude the Council for taking final action, since he
was aware of the continuance to this date.
Planning Director reiterated the Planning Commission's
approval , and stated that a time limit for play on the
courts would be appropriate; that Mr. Coler proceeded
with the installation of the lights because of his desire
not to remove landscaping at a future date; that the degree
of lighting observed on the field trip would probably
be tempered somewhat by the growth of the trees, and the
dark colored final surface to be applied to the courts,
and might be further reduced by a net windscreen, as well
as a baffle on the edge of the "shoebox" lampshades.
Council Minutes 081
10-27-87 Page 2
1. C.U.P - COLEIY (Continued)
He stated that the curfew would be enforced on a complaint
basis, and ultimately through compliance procedures of
the use permit process.
Councilmember Smith stated that the bulk of the glare
seems to stem from the reflection off the court:; and also
questioned if conditions of approval of the lights could
be imposed to resolve the golf course concerns.
Planning Director stated that the golf course could be
addressed independently. He also stated that the applicant
stated that the lights could be shielded, buy lie has not
seen plans to that effect, nor do plans call for a wind
screen or a fence.
Councilman 8irer stated that he did not think the light
was very objectionable; that a time curfew OF 10 p.m. ,
would minimize the impact on the neighborhood; that there
is a certain amount of reflection on the hillside, but
he did not consider it objectionable; and that the project
is less noisy than that which could be caused by forty
homes which could have been built on the same size parcel .
In answer to question by Council , Planning Director reported
that there are a few lights on the back of the guest house,
but made little difference in terms of hillside reflection
when they were turned off.
Councilmember Apfelbaum stated that she found 'he lighting
' as it is to be very objectionable, and she was now convinced
that it will disappear after the courts are painted; and
that she is concerned as to the number of neighbors who
are opposed, and that neither the AAC nor bhe Planning
Commission were unanimous in their approvals.
Mr. Coler stated that the golf course seems to cloud the
tennis court lighting issue; that he curreni-Ay has two
homes for sale, and after whichever sells first, he will
move into the other; that the golf course is a private,
three-hole course; that he believes most of the lighting
on the hillside can be eliminated, and painting the court
surface will eliminate it; that he is willing to install
shades over the lights at this time and lei anyone see
it later; that he will shade the portion of the light
which appears below the shoebox fixture; and re-explained
his reason for installing the lights prior to approval .
He questioned if he would be permitted to have the lights
for other than tennis court lighting purposes, e.g. , enter-
taining.
Councilmember Smith stated that the shading and painting
the court should eliminate the objections, iwwever, his
main concern is noise, and lights would allow playing
all night, and a 10 p.m. curfew would limit the noise
' factor for the neighbors.
Planning Director stated that the use permit runs with
the land, although it is not recorded, it is considered
passed from owner to owner, unless specifically stated
that it is not transferable; that most night-lighted courts
are seldom used; that if the application is denied, the
lights would have to be removed, and any lighting on the
property would have to be approved.
E)�) Council Minutes
10-27-87 Page 3
1. C.U.P. - COLER (Continued)
Mr. Coler noted that a full disclosure is required at
the time of sale of real property; and that he is willing
to install netting if errant golf balls are a problem.
Councilmember Birer stated that he does not always look
to unanimity on the Planning Commission or any other board;
and would support the approval of the lights, under condi-
tions.
It was moved by Birer, seconded by Smith, and carried
by the following vote, that the appeal be denied, and
that the Planning Commission decision be upheld, subject
to additional conditions that a 10 p.m. curfew be imposed;
that additional shading on the shoeboxes be required;
and that the Staff study the golf course issue to see
what if any changes should be made in terms of tee loca-
tions, and proximity to neighbors, and report back to
the Council in that regard:
AYES: Birer, Foster, Smith and Bogert
NO: Apfelbaum
ABSENT: None
2. CONVENTION CENTER DRAPERIES
Recommendation: That the Council award contract for the
purchase and installation of draperies at the Convention
Center, estimated at $26,000. (139)
Assistant City Manager stated 'that this matter was not
ready for consideration, and was withdrawn from the Agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at 3:35 p.m. , Mayor declared
the meeting adjourned.
` _JUDITIiSUMICH
City Clerk
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