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(5) 2035 LQ General Plan - Chapter V (11.19.13)               Chapter  V     PUBLIC   INFRASTRUCTURE   &  SERVICES      EMERGENCY  SERVICES      WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER   UTILITIES      PUBLIC  FACILITIES                                   EMERGENCY  SERVICES     V-­‐1         EE MM EE RR GG EE NN CC YY    SS EE RR VV II CC EE SS       PURPOSE   The  Emergency  Services  Element  addresses  multiple  components  of   the   City’s   public   safety   services,   including   police   and   fire   service,   emergency  medical  response,  and  emergency  preparedness.       Police,   fire   and   emergency   medical   response   are   essential   services   available  to  the  City’s  residents,  visitors  and  businesses  at  all  times.   Emergency   preparedness   refers   to   the   City’s   ability   to   respond   to   natural  and  man-­‐made  disasters  such  as  a  major  earthquake  or  flood,   but  it  could  also  be  triggered  by  other  events,  such  as  a  hazardous   materials  incident  or  a  civil  emergency.       The   Emergency   Services   Element   establishes   goals,   policies   and   programs  to  aid  the  City  in  meeting  its  responsibilities  in  an  emergency.     Government  Code  65302(g)  describes  how  each  city  must  address,  in   its  General  Plan,  its  ability  to  respond  to  environmental  hazards.  This   Element   coordinates   with   the   Environmental   Hazards   Chapter,   particularly  the  Soils  and  Geology  Element,  the  Flooding  and  Hydrology   Element,  and  the  Hazardous  Materials  Element.       BACKGROUND   Police  Services  and  Facilities   The  City  has  contracted  for  police  services  from  the  Riverside  County   Sheriff’s   Department   since   its   incorporation.   The   Sheriff’s   Department   also   provides   police   protection   to   the   Sphere   of   Influence.  Service  is  provided  throughout  the  City  and  Sphere   on  a  24-­‐hour  basis.  The  Sheriff’s  Department  operates  in  the   City  as  the  La  Quinta  Police  Department,  using  dedicated   facilities,  equipment  and  personnel.       EMERGENCY  SERVICES     V-­‐2     There   are   two   Police   Department   offices   in   the   City  –  the   station   located   at   51-­‐351   Avenida   Bermudas,   and   a   Business   District   Office   located  at  79-­‐440  Corporate  Center  Drive.  In  addition,  the  new  station   located  in  Thermal,  is  the  Department’s  central  facility  for  this  part  of   the  Valley,  and  includes  a  jail.     The   City   contracts   annually   for   police  services.   In   2010,   the   City’s   contract   called  for   the   equivalent   of   51  sworn   officers,   and   5   community   service   officers.   Officers   assigned   to   the   City   perform   investigations,  traffic  control,  and  general  patrol  duties.  The  Special   Enforcement   Team   supplements   the   patrol   division,   and   provides   investigative   and   preventive   support   in   the   community.   The   Police   Department  also  operates  community  programs  in  the  City,  including  a   School  Resource  Officer  program  at  all  local  schools;  a  Junior  Cadet   program;   a   Crime   Stoppers   program;   a   volunteer   Citizens   on   Patrol   Program;   and   Community   Service   Officers   assigned   to   each   division   and   acting   as   Community   Program   Coordinator,   responsible   for   Neighborhood  Watch  programs  and  community  liaison.  The  City  also   relies   on   mutual   aid   agreements   with   neighboring   jurisdictions   for   additional  police  support,  when  necessary.     Fire  Service  and  Facilities   The  City  contracts  with  the  Riverside  County  Fire  Department  for  fire   protection.  The  Fire  Department  also  provides  fire  protection  for  the   Sphere  of  Influence;  however,  costs  for  fire  services  in  this  area  are   paid  for  by  the  County  of  Riverside.  The  Department  provides  staffing   for  three  paramedic  assessment  engine  companies,  each  responding   from  a  city-­‐owned  fire  station  as  noted  below:      Fire  Station  #32,  located  at  78-­‐111  Avenue  52,  houses  primary   and  reserve  fire  engines.    Fire   Station   #70,   located   at   54-­‐001   Madison   Street,  houses   primary  and  reserve  fire  engines,  and  a  volunteer  squad  vehicle.    Fire   Station   #93,   located   at   44-­‐555   Adams   Street,  houses   a   primary  and  reserve  engine.     Additional   stations   in   the   Department’s   system   are   available   for   emergency  response,  including  Station  #55,  located  on  El  Dorado  Drive   in  Indian  Wells;  Station  #88,  on  Madison  Street,  and  Station  #86  on   Jackson   Street,  in   Indio;   and   Station   #39,   which  is   located   at   the   Jacqueline  Cochran  Regional  Airport,  east  of  the  City  and  its  Sphere  of   Influence.   All   calls   are   dispatched   through   the   County’s   centralized   Riverside  County  Fire  Department  Emergency  Command  Center,  which       EMERGENCY  SERVICES   V-­‐3   determines   the   responding   station(s)  or   engine   company  based   on   closest   resource   concept.  Under   this   operating   system,   the   closest   appropriate  unit(s)  is  sent  regardless  of  jurisdiction.     All  fire  stations  are  staffed  by  career  professional  firefighters.  Current   minimum  staffing  is  3  firefighters  per  front-­‐roll  fire  engine.  Of  these   three   firefighters,   1   will   be   a   “Company   Officer”   level   supervisor.   Additionally,   at   least   one   of   the   three   will   be   Paramedic   Licensed.   Volunteer  Reserve  firefighters  are  used  to  supplement  paid  staff  by   providing   additional   firefighters  and,  during   busy   periods,   staffing   additional  equipment.     In  2010,  average  response  time  (driving)  was  3.9  minutes  throughout   the  City.  The  City  has  an  Insurance  Service  Office  (ISO)  rating  of  4  on  a   scale  of  1  through  10  (1  being  the  highest  rating).  The  ISO  rating  scale  is   based   on   a   number   of   criteria,   including  staffing   levels,   response   distances,  training,   equipment   (pumping   capacity,   number   of   apparatus   including   ladder   companies),   and   water   supply   times,   building  code  standards  and  safety  history.  The  rating  is  periodically   reviewed.     The   City   also   relies   on   mutual   aid   agreements   with   neighboring   jurisdictions   to   provide   additional   fire   protection   services  when   necessary.     Emergency  Medical  Response   The   Fire   Department   responds   to   emergency   medical   incidents   and   provides   Basic   and   Advanced   Life   Support   via   its   paramedic   assessment   engines.  The   County   contracts  for   the   provision   of   ambulance   transportation   services   across   the   region,   including   the   City,   via   exclusive   operation   areas.   Currently,  American   Medical   Response  (AMR)  is  the  awarded  contractor.  AMR  is  a  private  company,   which  operates  a  fleet  of  ambulances  serving  the  City  and  region.  AMR   is   connected   to  the   County’s   dispatch   system  and   responds   in   conjunction  with  Fire  Department  personnel.         Emergency  Preparedness   The   City’s   primary   tool   in   preparing   for   emergencies   is   its   adopted   Emergency  Operations  Plan  (EOP).  The  EOP  is  designed  to  guide  the   City’s  response  to  various  emergencies,  by  establishing  procedures  and   responsibilities   for   City   personnel.   It   also   identifies   resources,   both   inside   and   outside   the   City,   which   would   be   available   to   help   in   an   emergency,  and  establishes  evacuation  plans  during  an  emergency.  It   has   been   designed   to   coordinate   with   other   local   jurisdictions,       EMERGENCY  SERVICES     V-­‐4   including  surrounding  cities  and  the  County  of  Riverside.  The  La  Quinta   EOP  has  been  endorsed  by  the  State  Office  of  Emergency  Services,   resulting  in  the  City’s  inclusion  in  the  statewide  emergency  response   system.     The   Emergency   Services   Division   is   responsible   for   emergency   preparedness  in  the  City.  The  Division  is  responsible  for  both  planning   and  implementation  of  emergency  response  efforts,  and  coordinates   with  other  local  jurisdictions  and  the  County  of  Riverside  in  emergency   response  planning,  training  and  disaster  exercises.  Close  coordination   with  both  the  Police  and  Fire  Departments  is  included  in  all  disaster   planning   efforts.   In   addition,   the   City   participates   in   the   California   Standardized  Emergency  Management  System  (SEMS)  program,  and   FEMA’s   National   Incident   Management   System   (NIMS),   to   assure   coordinated  response  at  the  state  and  federal  levels.       The  City  operates  an  Emergency  Operations  Center  (EOC)  in  City  Hall.   Riverside  County’s  EOCs,  located  in  Indio  and  Riverside  as  well  as  its   mobile  command  post,  could  also  provide  assistance  to  La  Quinta  in   the  event  of  an  emergency.  The  City’s  emergency  response  effort  is   supported   by   agreements   with   the   Riverside   County   Sheriff’s   Department,   Riverside   County   Fire   Department,   American   Medical   Response  and  the  American  Red  Cross.  Included  in  the  EOC’s  tools  is   the  CodeRED  emergency  notification  system,  which  allows  the  City  to   notify  residents  by  phone  of  an  imminent  threat,  such  as  the  need  to   evacuate,  a  missing  person,  a  hazardous  materials  spill  or  a  terrorist   threat.       The   City   also   relies   on   its   Community   Emergency   Response   Team   (CERT)  volunteers  to  assist  with  emergency  response  during  disasters.   CERT   is   composed   of   residents   and   business   people   who   have   completed  FEMA  CERT  training  provided  through  the  City  of  La  Quinta   Emergency   Services   Division   and   the   Coachella   Valley   Emergency   Managers   Association.   These   volunteers   are   trained   to   help   in   their   neighborhoods  when  an  emergency  occurs  and  immediate  help  may   not  be  available  from  first  responders.       The   City   also   has   volunteer   amateur   radio   operators   representing   R.A.C.E.S.   (Radio   Amateur   Civil   Emergency   Service)   and   A.R.E.S.   (Amateur  Radio  Emergency  Service).  All  volunteers  with  the  City  are   registered  as  Disaster  Service  Workers  (DSW).         EMERGENCY  SERVICES   V-­‐5   In   an   emergency,   critical   facilities,  such   as   police   and   fire   stations,   hospitals,   government   buildings,  and   utility   infrastructure   will   be   an   important  link  between  the  City’s  population  and  emergency  response   teams.  The  General  Plan  Land  Use  Map  must  not  site  these  facilities  in   areas  prone  to  hazards  (such  as  flood  zones),  and  the  City  must  assure   that  they  are  constructed  under  the  most  stringent  seismic  building   codes,   to   help   ensure   that  they   survive   a   natural   disaster  and   are   available  in  an  emergency.     Finally,  the  City  has  established  emergency  evacuation  routes  for  its   neighborhoods,  to  assure  that  residents  can  leave  their  neighborhoods   safely.   In   addition,   the   City   constructs   its   infrastructure,   and   in   particular  its  bridges,  to  the  most  current  seismic  codes  to  improve  the   likelihood  that  these  structures  could  survive  a  significant  earthquake.   Not  all  the  City’s  major  arterials  and  secondary  roadways  are  currently   all-­‐weather  crossings.  The  long-­‐term  build  out  of  the  City  will  require   that  these  roadways  be  bridged,  particularly  at  the  Coachella  Valley   Stormwater  Channel.  Construction  of  the  Adams  Street  Bridge  began   in  2011  and  is  expected  to  be  completed  in  late  2013.  After  this  project   is  complete,  only  one  low  crossing  (along  Dune  Palms  Road)  over  the   Stormwater  Channel  will  remain.     PLANNING  FOR  THE  FUTURE   As  the  City  continues  to  develop,  additional  demand  will  be  placed  on   emergency   responders.   The   City’s   ability   to   modify   its   emergency   preparedness   plans   to   meet   the   needs   of   the   City   in   the   future   is   critical  to  the  safety  of  its  residents.     At   build   out,   the   City   could   have   a   population   of   79,956,   while   the   Sphere  of  Influence  could  be  home  to  an  additional  54,396.  Police  and   fire  services  will  need  to  expand  to  meet  this  population  growth.  The   generally  accepted  standard  for  police  officers  is  one  for  every  1,000   residents.  On  this  basis,  the  City  will  require  80  police  officers,  and  the   Sphere  of  Influence  will  require  54  at  build  out.     Fire   services   in   La   Quinta   are   based   on   delivering   a   minimum   of   3   personnel  in  the  response  time  standard  of  5  minutes  or  less  90%  of  the   time.  This  requires  the  strategic  placement  of  fire  stations  to  maintain   calculated  travel  times.    Additional  facilities,  including  fire  stations,  will   be  needed  in  areas  where  growth  occurs.  Based  on  current  City  limits   and  the  Sphere,  the  Fire  Department  has  identified  the  need  for  two   additional  stations  in  the  south/eastern  section  of  the  City.  Depending       EMERGENCY  SERVICES     V-­‐6   on  how  this  area  is  annexed,  it  is  anticipated  that  one  or  both  of  these   facilities  should  be  cost-­‐shared  with  adjoining  jurisdictions.   An  increased  population  means  increases  in  the  number  of  residential   and  commercial  structures  which  could  be  subject  to  fire;  the  number   of  vehicles  which  could  be  involved  in  major  traffic  accidents;  and  the   number  of  homes  which  could  be  subject  to  flooding,  vandalism,  or   other   emergencies.  Additionally,   since   over   75%   of   emergency   calls   entail  an  Emergency  Medical  Service  (EMS)  response,  higher  density   development  can  tax  responding  resources.  The  City  must  continue  to   adapt   its   emergency  response   to   address   this   growth  and   plan   for   increased  services  in  an  emergency.     GOALS,  POLICIES  AND  PROGRAMS   GOAL  ES-­‐1     An   effective  and  comprehensive  response   to   all   emergency   service   needs.      Policy  ES-­‐1.1     The   City   shall   continue   to   work   with   the   Riverside   County   Fire   Department  to  accurately  forecast  future  needs  and  provide  adequate   and   timely   expansion   of   services   and   facilities   based   on   service   capabilities  and  response  times.      Program  ES-­‐1.1.a:    Maintain  the  Fire  Facilities  component  of  the   City’s  Development   Impact   Fee   to   assure   that   new   development  pays  its  fair  share  of  future  fire  stations.      Policy  ES-­‐1.2     New  development  proposals  shall  continue  to  be  routed  to  the  Fire   Department   to   assure   that   project   access   and   design   provide   for   maximum  fire  and  life  safety.      Policy  ES-­‐1.3   The  City  shall  continue  to  work  with  the  Fire  Department  to  maintain  or   improve  the  current  ISO  rating  in  order  to  reduce  insurance  premiums   for  City  residents  and  businesses.      Policy  ES-­‐  1.4   The  City  shall  coordinate  with  adjacent  jurisdictions  to  consider  joint   funding  of  fire  facilities  based  upon  service  area.         EMERGENCY  SERVICES   V-­‐7    Policy  ES-­‐1.5     The   City   shall   continue   to   work   with   the   Riverside   County   Sheriff’s   Department  to  accurately  forecast  future  needs  and  provide  adequate   and  timely  expansion  of  services  and  facilities.      Policy  ES-­‐1.6     New  development  proposals  shall  continue  to  be  routed  to  the  Police   Department   to   assure   that   project   access   and   design   provide   for   defensible   space   and   maximum   crime   prevention  while   maintaining   City  design  standards  and  codes.      Policy  ES-­‐1.7   The  City  shall  coordinate  with  the  Sheriff’s  Department  to  assure  that   community-­‐based  policing  and  community  programs  that  encourage   resident  participation  are  implemented  to  the  greatest  extent  possible.        Policy  ES-­‐1.8     The  City  should  maintain  an  emergency  response  program  consistent   with   State   law,   and   coordinate   with   surrounding   cities,   Riverside   County  and  other  emergency  service  providers.      Program  ES-­‐1.8.a:  Periodically   review   and   update   the   Emergency   Operations   Plan   to   address  the   City’s   growth   in   population  and  built  environment,  as  well  as  new  emergency   response  techniques.      Program  ES-­‐1.8.b:  Coordinate  all  emergency  preparedness  and   response  plans  with  neighboring  cities,  the  County  of  Riverside,   local   health   care   providers   and   utility   purveyors,   and   the   California  Emergency  Management  Agency  (CalEMA).      Program   ES-­‐1.8.c:  Continue   coordinated   training   for   City   Emergency  Response  Team  members,  Community  Emergency   Response   Team   (CERT)   volunteers,   and   related   response   agency  personnel.      Policy  ES-­‐1.9   Critical  facilities,  such  as  police  and  fire  stations,  hospitals  and  clinics,   schools  and  utility  substations,  should  be  sited  away  from  identified   hazard  areas.         EMERGENCY  SERVICES     V-­‐8    Program   ES-­‐1.9.a:  Review   and   amend,  as   appropriate,   development   regulations   to   ensure   critical   facilities   are   not   located   in   an   area   identified   in   the   General   Plan   as   a   hazard   area.      Policy  ES-­‐1.10   The   City   should   provide   education   programs   and   literature   to   its   residents,   business   people   and   property   owners   on   earthquake   preparedness,  fire  safety,  flooding  hazards  and  other  emergencies.      Program   ES-­‐1.10.a:  Maintain   and   distribute   emergency   preparedness  information  and  handouts  at  City  Hall,  the  Senior   Center  and  Library,  and  at  community  events.    Additionally,  the   City’s   website   and   other   media   resources   shall   be   utilized   to   inform   and   educate   residents   and   business   owners   on   emergency  preparedness  matters.      Program   ES-­‐1.10.b:  The   Emergency   Services   Division   will   continue  to  coordinate  city-­‐wide  emergency  response  exercises   as  appropriate,  as  well  as  training  programs  for  City  staff  and   Community  Emergency  Response  Team  (CERT)  volunteers,  and   will  publicize  training   sessions   to   City  residents   and   business   owners.     RELATED  GOALS   As  described  above,  this  Element  relates  to  others  in  this  General  Plan.   The   following   Goals  and   their   associated   policies   and   programs  are   closely  related  to  those  of  this  Element.     GOAL  GEO-­‐1:  Protection  of  the  general  health,  safety  and  welfare  of   the  community  and  its  property  from  geologic  and  seismic  hazards.     GOAL  FH-­‐1:  Protection  of  the  general  health,  safety  and  welfare  of  the   community  and  its  property  from  flooding  and  associated  hydrological   hazards.     GOAL  HAZ-­‐1:  Protection  of  the  general  health,  safety  and  welfare  of   the  community  and  its  property  from  the  potential  impacts  associated   with   the   manufacture,   use,   storage,   transport   and   disposal   of   hazardous  and  toxic  materials.     EMERGENCY  SERVICES   V-­‐9   THIS  PAGE  INTENTIONALLY  LEFT  BLANK                 WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER  UTILITIES   V-­‐11     WW AA TT EE RR ,,    SS EE WW EE RR    &&    OO TT HH EE RR     UU TT II LL II TT II EE SS       PURPOSE     Water,  sewer  and  other  utilities  are  essential  services  in  any  City.  All   types  of  development  depend  on  them,  and  all  are  necessary  for  the   successful  long-­‐term  growth  of  the  City.  The  Water,  Sewer  and  Other   Utilities  Element  establishes  goals,  policies  and  programs  intended  to   ensure  that  these  public  and  quasi-­‐public  services  are  provided  to  the   City  as  it  grows.  Without  adequate  levels  of  these  services,  the  City’s   Land  Use  Element  cannot  be  effectively  implemented,  and  build  out  of   the  General  Plan  would  be  severely  compromised,  if  not  impossible.   Conversely,   the   overly   aggressive   expansion   of   these   services   can   result   in   the   wasteful   use   of   resources,  which   is  contrary   to   the   precepts  of  the  Livable  Community  Element,  the  Energy  and  Mineral   Resources  Element,  and  the  Water  Resources  Element.     This   Element   addresses   the   availability   of   domestic   water,   sanitary   sewer,   electricity,   natural   gas,   communications  and   solid   waste   disposal.   Where   applicable,   the   Element   provides   descriptions   of   standards  for  the  provision  of  services  as  they  relate  to  population  and   land  use.     Government  Code  Section  65302  requires  that  the  City  address  natural   resources,  including  water  and  natural  gas.  California  Water  Code  also   contains  standards  and  requirements  for  domestic  water  with  which   the  City  must  comply.       BACKGROUND     Domestic  Water   The   Coachella   Valley   Water   District   (CVWD)   provides   domestic  and  irrigation  water  services  within  the  City   and  its  Sphere   of   Influence   (Sphere),   although   some  private  wells  may  be  in  use  in  the  CVWD   service  area,  particularly  in  the  Sphere.  The   District’s  primary   source   of   water   is       WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER  UTILITIES   V-­‐12   groundwater,   which   it   extracts   through   a   system   of   wells   located   throughout   the   City   and   region.   In   addition   to   groundwater,   CVWD   relies   on   imported   water   brought   to   the  region   by   regional   canals,   which  is  stored  or  recharged  into  the  aquifer  at  basins  in  the  west  end   of  the  Valley  (Whitewater  River,  northwest  of  Palm  Springs);  in  the   southeastern   section  of   the   City  (Dike   4);  and   in   Martinez   Canyon,   south  and  east  of  the  City.  CVWD  also  owns  and  operates  the  water   distribution  system,  which  is  generally  located  under  existing  streets  in   the  public  right-­‐of-­‐way.  The  District  also  maintains  water  storage  tanks   throughout  its  service  area,  including  ten  existing  or  planned  tanks  in   the   City   and   its  Sphere,   with   capacities   ranging   from   250,000   to   10   million  gallons.     CVWD  is  responsible,  under  the  California  Water  Code,  for  analyzing  its   current  and  future  water  supply,  and  assuring  that  sufficient  supply  is   available  to  serve  land  uses  within  the  District,  through  the  preparation   of  an  Urban  Water  Management  Plan  (UWMP).  CVWD  is  required  to   periodically   update   the   Plan,   and   is   currently  undertaking   such   an   update.   Further   details   regarding  CVWD’s   supply   and   demand   for   water  can  be  found  in  the  Water  Resources  Element.     Sanitary  Sewer   CVWD   also   provides   the   City   with   sanitary   sewer   collection   and   treatment.  Most  of  the  City  and  Sphere  are  served  by  sewer,  although   some  septic  systems  are  still  in  use,  particularly  in  the  Sphere.  CVWD   has   two   wastewater   treatment   plants   serving   the   City.  Sewage   generated  north  of  Miles  Avenue,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  City,  is   conveyed  to  Water  Reclamation  Plant  7  (WRP-­‐7)  located  at  Madison   Street  and  Avenue  38,  northeast  of  the  City.  The  capacity  of  WRP-­‐7  is   five  million  gallons  per  day  (mgd).  For  all  land  in  the  City  and  Sphere   located   south   of   Miles   Avenue,   sewage   is   treated   at   the   Mid-­‐Valley   Water  Reclamation  Plant,  located  southeast  of  the  City  and  Sphere,   which  has  a  capacity  of  9.5  million  gallons  per  day.     Tertiary  treated  water  –  water  which  is  suitable  for  irrigation  but  is  not   potable  is  available  from  WRP-­‐7,  with  a  capacity  of  2.5  million  gallons   per   day   and  an  expansion   potential   to   7.5   million   gallons   per   day.   CVWD   does   not   have   tertiary   treatment  available  at   the   Mid-­‐Valley   plant;   however,  plans   are   underway   to   extend   the   tertiary-­‐treated   water   delivery   system   to   other   areas   in   the   valley.  As   it   becomes   available,  tertiary  treated  water  will  be  used  by  appropriate  facilities,   particularly  golf  courses.         WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER  UTILITIES   V-­‐13   CVWD  also  owns  and  operates  the  sewer  conveyance  system  anchored   by  a  system  of  trunk  lines  ranging  in  size  from  4  to  24  inches,  including   18-­‐inch  force  mains  in  Washington  Street,  Jefferson  Street,  Madison   Street,  and  Avenues  50,  58  and  60.     Electric  Power   Electricity  is  provided  to  the  City  by  the  Imperial  Irrigation  District  (IID),   which  provides  power  through  a  combination  of  power  generation  and   contractual   agreements.   Electricity   is   delivered   to   IID’s   substations   throughout  the  City  at  92  or  161  kilovolts,  and  decreased  to  12  kilovolts   for  distribution  to  its  customers.     Natural  Gas   Natural  gas  is  the  primary  source  of  energy  used  in  the  City  for  space   and  water  heating,  as  well  as  cooking.  Natural  gas  is  provided  to  the   City  and  its  Sphere  by  The  Gas  Company.  The  Gas  Company  has  major   supply  lines  in  Washington  Street  and  Highway  111.  Natural  gas  service   is  limited  in  the  southern  end  of  the  City  and  its  Sphere,  particularly   south   of   Airport   Boulevard   and   east   of   Monroe   Street.   In   2010,   customers  in  the  City  consumed  an  estimated  1,025  million  cubic  feet  of   natural  gas.       Areas   of   the   La   Quinta   Cove,   and   some   older   developments   in   the   Sphere  of  Influence,  do  not  have  access  to  natural  gas  and,  instead,   contract  with  private  firms  to  purchase  propane  gas.       Communications   The   primary   land   line   telephone   provider   in   the  City   is   Verizon.   As   telephone   service   has   become   less   regulated   and   technology   has   improved,   a   number   of  communication  alternatives   have   become   available   to   the   public,   including   cellular,   internet,   fiber   optic,  and   cable-­‐based  services.  The  primary  cable  TV  provider  is  Time  Warner.  As   the  City  continues  to  develop,  it  is  expected  that  a  number  of  new   technologies  will  become  available  to  assure  adequate  and  effective   communication   and   data   transfer   for   the   City’s   residents   and   businesses.       Solid  Waste   Solid  waste  disposal  is  provided  in  the  City  and  its  Sphere  by  Burrtec   Waste   and   Recycling   Services,   LLC   (Burrtec)  under   a   franchise   agreement  with  the  City.  Burrtec  collects  solid  waste  and  transports  it   to  the  Edom  Hill  Transfer  Station,  located  west  of  the  City  in  the  City  of   Cathedral   City.   From   the   Transfer   Station,   waste   is   taken   to   one   of       WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER  UTILITIES   V-­‐14   three   regional   landfills:   Lamb   Canyon,   Badlands   or   El   Sobrante.   All   three  landfills  have  capacity  remaining  for  the  long-­‐term.     Burrtec   also   implements   solid   waste   recycling   efforts   for   the   City.   These  include  residential  and  commercial  collection  of  paper,  plastic,   glass   and   aluminum.   Green   waste   can   also   be   recycled.   The   City   is   currently  required  to  implement  new  and  maintain  ongoing  waste  and   recycling  programs  and  recycle  at  least  50%  of  its  solid  waste  stream,   and  is  meeting  that  goal.  Special  programs,  including  the  collection  and   disposal  of  household  hazardous  waste,  construction  and  demolition   materials,  and  medical  “sharps”   (syringes   and  needles),   as   well   as   commercial  recycling,  are  also  administered  by  Burrtec.     PLANNING  FOR  THE  FUTURE   The  City’s  growth  is  dependent  on  adequate  water,  wastewater  and   utility  services.  The  continued  expansion  of  these  services  is  critical  to   the  successful  implementation  of  the  General  Plan.  The  City  also  wishes   to   wisely  use   these   resources  and   conserve   them   to   the   greatest   extent  possible.  To  that  end,  the  Livable  Community  Element  contains   specific  policies   and   programs   aimed   at   reducing   the   City’s   dependence  on  water,  electricity  and  natural  gas.  The  goals,  policies   and  programs  below  are  aimed  at  supporting  that  Element,  and  assure   the  wise  and  careful  use  of  these  limited  resources.     GOALS,  POLICIES  AND  PROGRAMS   GOAL  UTL-­‐1     Domestic   water   facilities   and   services   which   adequately   serve   the   existing  and  long-­‐term  needs  of  the  City.      Policy  UTL-­‐1.1   The  City  should  coordinate  with  the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District  to   assure  that  sufficient  water  supplies  are  available  to  sustain  current   and  future  development.      Program  UTL-­‐1.1.a:  Work  with  the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District   to  expand  the  availability  of  tertiary  treated  water,  non-­‐potable   canal   water,  and   encourage   its   use   for   landscape   irrigation   purposes,  especially  for  irrigating  golf  courses  and  other  large   landscaped  areas.         WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER  UTILITIES   V-­‐15    Program   UTL-­‐1.1.b:  Continue   to   work   with   CVWD   on  water   conservation  programs  (such   as   landscaping   conversion  and   smart  irrigation  control)  to  reduce  domestic  water  use,  which   will  result  in  the  need  for  fewer  domestic  water  facilities  and   services  to  adequately  serve  the  existing  and  long-­‐term  needs   of  the  City.      Program   UTL-­‐1.1.b:  Continue  to   coordinate   between   the   Fire   Department  and  CVWD  to  ensure  adequate  water  supplies  for   fire  suppression  throughout  the  City.      Policy  UTL-­‐1.2   The  City  should  encourage  the  conservation  of  water.      Program  UTL-­‐1.2.a:  Develop  programs,  both  in  conjunction  with   the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District  and  independently,  to  allow   and   encourage   the   retrofitting   of   existing   water-­‐intensive   appliances  and  irrigation  systems  in  existing  development.      Program  UTL-­‐1.2.b:  City  and  private  sector  development  projects   shall  implement  water  efficient  landscaping  plans  which  meet   or  exceed  current  water  efficiency  standards.      Policy  UTL-­‐1.3   New  development  shall  reduce  its  projected  water  consumption  rates   over  “business-­‐as-­‐usual”  consumption  rates.      Policy  UTL-­‐1.4   Review   and   amend   Development   Standards   to  require   that   all   new   development   demonstrate   a   reduction   of   domestic   water   consumption   equivalent   to,   or   exceeding,  the   CalGreen   Tier   One   standards  in  effect  at  the  time  of  development.     GOAL  UTL-­‐2     Sanitary   sewer   facilities   and   services   which   adequately   serve   the   existing  and  long-­‐term  needs  of  the  City.      Policy  UTL-­‐2.1   All  new  development  should  be  required  to  connect  to  sanitary  sewer   service.         WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER  UTILITIES   V-­‐16    Program  UTL-­‐2.1.a:  Review  and  amend  Development  Standards   and   Review   Procedures   to   ensure  coordination   with   the   Coachella   Valley   Water   District   and   assurance   that   existing   sewer   service   along   with   the   extension   of   sewer   service   is   capable   of   meeting   the   needs   of   current   and   forecasted   development.      Policy  UTL-­‐2.2   Septic  systems  for  the  treatment  of  sewage  should  be  replaced  with   sanitary  sewer  service  throughout  the  City.      Program  UTL-­‐2.2.a:  Coordinate  with  the  Coachella  Valley  Water   District  and  encourage  the  elimination  of  septic  systems  where   they  occur  within  the  City.     RELATED  GOALS   This  Element  relates  to  others  in  the  General  Plan.  The  following  Goals   and  their  associated  policies  and  programs  are  closely  related  to  those   of  this  Element.     GOAL  PF-­‐1:  Public  facilities  and  services  that  are  available,  adequate   and  convenient  to  all  City  residents.     GOAL   WR-­‐1:  The   efficient   use   and   conservation   of   the   City’s   water   resources.       WATER,  SEWER  &  OTHER  UTILITIES   V-­‐17   THIS  PAGE  INTENTIONALLY  LEFT  BLANK                           PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐19       PP UU BB LL II CC    FF AA CC II LL II TT II EE SS       PURPOSE     Public   facilities   include   City-­‐owned   buildings,   such   as   City   Hall,   the   Senior   Center   and   the   Library  (collectively   part   of   the   Civic   Center   Campus),   as   well   as   schools   operated   by  the   Desert   Sands   Unified   School  District  or  the  Coachella  Valley  Unified  School  District.     The  Public  Facilities  Element  provides  descriptions  of  these  facilities,   and  establishes  goals,  policies  and  programs  which  will  allow  the  City   to  continue  to  provide  a  full  range  of  municipal  and  scholastic  services   to  its  residents  and  businesses.     Government  Code  Sections  65103(c)  and  65302(a)  both  address  the   need  to  include  public  facilities  in  the  General  Plan.  The  former  requires   that   all   cities   annually   review   capital   improvement   needs   for   consistency  with  the  General  Plan.  The  latter  requires  that  the  General   Plan  discuss  the  location  of  schools  and  whether  school  facilities  are   adequate.     This  Element  is  closely  related  to  the  Land  Use  Element,  insofar  as  both   municipal  and  school  facilities  should  be  identified  and  mapped  on  the   Land  Use  Map.  It  also  is  related  to  the  Parks,  Recreation  and  Trails   Element,  the  Emergency  Services  Element  and  the  Water,  Sewer  and   Other  Utilities  Element,  which  together  provide  a  complete  description   of  the  public  services  available  in  La  Quinta.  Finally,  as  municipal   services   and   facilities   contribute   significantly   to   the   City,   providing  a  full  range  of  services  to  its  business  community,   this  Element  also  is  related  to  the  Economic  Development   Element.         PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐20   BACKGROUND   Municipal  Facilities   The  City  owns  and/or  operates  a  number  of  facilities  which  provide   public  services  to  the  community.  They  include:     City  Hall,  located  in  the  Civic  Center  Campus,  at  78-­‐495  Calle  Tampico,   provides  a  full  range  of  municipal  services,  including  Code  Compliance,   Building  and  Safety,  Planning,  Recreation,  Public  Works  and  Economic   Development.       Also  within  the  Civic  Center  Campus  is  the  La  Quinta  Senior  Center,   which  provides  fitness  and  enrichment  classes,  excursions  and  other   services  for  residents  55  years  of  age  or  older.  The  Senior  Center  is   located   at   78-­‐450   Avenida   La   Fonda,   on   the   south   side   of   the   Civic   Center  Complex.     The  La  Quinta  Library,  located  at  78-­‐275  Calle  Tampico,  is  owned  by  the   City  and  operated  by  the  County  of  Riverside.  The  Library  is  currently   20,000  square  feet  in  size  and  contains  89,060  volumes.  The  County   Library  system  targets  an  un-­‐adopted  standard  of  2  books  per  person.   Based  on  that  standard,  and  an  estimated  total  population  of  134,352   at  General  Plan  build  out,  the  City  and  its  Sphere  of  Influence  will  have   a  need  for  268,704  volumes  at  build  out  of  the  General  Plan.  This  may   be  accomplished,  in  part,  with  virtual  books  and  other  materials.     The  La  Quinta  Museum  is  located  at  77-­‐885  Avenida  Montezuma.  It   provides  historic  and  cultural  exhibits,  as  well  as  collections  relating  to   the  history  of  the  City  and  other  subjects  of  interest.  The  facility  has   also  provided  other  community  programs.     The  City  owns  and  operates  its  corporate  yard,  which  is  located  at  78-­‐ 109  Avenue  52,  and  public  parking  lots  in  the  Village.  The  yard  is  used   for  the  storage  of  City  vehicles,  maintenance  equipment  and  materials.       Finally,  the  City  owns  the  SilverRock  Resort  project,  which  includes  the   Arnold  Palmer  Classic  Course  at  SilverRock  Resort,  at  the  southwest   corner   of   Jefferson   Street   and   Avenue   52.   The  public   golf   course   currently  offers  18  holes  of  play  and  is  a  host  course  for  the  Bob  Hope   Classic  golf  tournament.  SilverRock  Resort  offers  instruction,  reduced-­‐ cost  play  for  residents,  and  clubhouse  facilities.  Future  plans  for  the   project  include  expansion  of  the  golf  course  to  include  36  holes  of  golf,   a  resort   hotel   and   commercial   retail   facilities   (please   also   see   the   Economic  Development  Element).           PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐21     The  City  also  owns  and  operates  the  following  parks  and  recreation   facilities  throughout  the  community:      Adams  Park    Bear  Creek  Trail    Civic  Center  Campus    Cove  Oasis  Trailhead    Desert  Pride  Park    Eisenhower  Park    Fritz  Burns  Park    Fred  Wolff  Bear  Creek  Nature  Preserve    La  Quinta  Park    La  Quinta  Senior  Center    Monticello  Park    Saguaro  Park    Season’s  Park    Velasco  Park    La  Quinta  Fitness  Center    Pioneer  Park    Skate  Park     The  City  also  relies  on  joint  use  agreements  with  various  agencies  and   organizations   for   the   use   of   additional   recreation  facilities.  For   example,  the  City  has  a  joint  use  agreement  for  the  Sports  Complex   and  Colonel  Paige  Sports  Fields.  Under  this  agreement,  the  City  uses   the   fields   in   the   evenings   and   weekends   and   maintains   them.   Additionally,  City  residents  utilize  a  community  center,  baseball  field,   and  amphitheater  at  the  La  Quinta  Community  Park;  these  facilities  are   owned   and   operated   by   the   Coachella   Valley   Recreation   and   Park   District.  Lake  Cahuilla  Park,  managed  by  Riverside  County  Parks  and   Recreation,   is   also   an   important   recreational   facility   used   by   City   residents.     These  and  other  facilities  are  described  in  greater  detail  in  the  Parks,   Recreation  and  Trails  Element.  A  discussion  of  police  and  fire  services   and  facilities  is  provided  in  the  Emergency  Services  Element.     Schools   The   City   is   served   by   two   public   school   districts   which   provide   Kindergarten  through  Grade  12  education:  the  Desert  Sands  and  the   Coachella  Valley  Unified  School  Districts.         PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐22   The  Desert   Sands   Unified   School   District  (DSUSD)  serves   families   located  west  of  Jefferson  Street  and  north  of  Avenue  48,  including   families  located  in  the  City’s  northern  Sphere  of  Influence.  The  District   has  a  total  of  seven  schools  in  La  Quinta,  including:      John  Adams  Elementary  School,  located  at  50-­‐800  Desert  Club   Drive    Benjamin   Franklin   Elementary  School,   located   at   77-­‐800   Calle   Tampico    Harry  S.  Truman  Elementary  School,  located  at  78-­‐870  Avenue   50    La  Quinta  Middle  School,  located  at  78-­‐900  Avenue  50    Colonel  Mitchell  Paige  Middle  School,  located  at  43-­‐495  Palm   Royale  Drive    Summit   Continuation   High  School,   located   at   43-­‐330   Palm   Royale  Drive    La  Quinta  High  School,  located  at  79-­‐255  Blackhawk  Way     In  addition  to  its  educational  services  for  children,  the  District  provides   English   as   a   second   language  classes;  citizenship   classes;   early   childhood   education;   after   school   programs;   and   special   education   services.  The  District’s  administrative  offices  and  bus  yard  are  located   in   the   City,   at   47-­‐950   Dune   Palms   Road.    Open   spaces,   including   playgrounds   and   sports   fields,  and   some   indoor   spaces  at   various   schools  are  available  for  community  use.     The  Coachella   Valley   Unified   School   District  (CVUSD)  serves   families   located   east   of   Jefferson   Street   and   south   of   Avenue   48,   including   those   families   living   in   the   City’s   eastern   Sphere   of   Influence.   The   following   four   schools  (none   of   which   are  located   within  the   City   limits)  serve  students  in  the  City  and  its  Sphere  of  Influence:      Westside   Elementary   School,   located   at   82-­‐225   Airport   Boulevard,  east  of  the  City      Cahuilla  Desert  Academy,  located  at  82-­‐489  Avenue  52,  east  of   the  City      Mountain   Vista   Elementary  School,   located   at   49-­‐750   Hjorth   Street,  northeast  of  the  City    Coachella   Valley   High   School,   located   at   83-­‐800   Airport   Boulevard,  east  of  the  City       Both  Districts  are  funded  through  a  number  of  sources,  including  a   portion  of  the  local  property  tax,  bond  issues,  Redevelopment  Agency         PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐23   pass-­‐through   payments,  State   funds   and   developer   fees.   The   latter   fees   were   established   by   AB2926,  effective   1986,  which   authorizes   Districts   to   charge   developers   an   impact   fee   that  is   used   for   the   construction   of   new   facilities.   The   fee   changes   periodically  and   is   calculated  on  a  per  unit  or  per  square  foot  basis,  depending  on  the   type  of  development  being  undertaken.     Build  out  of  the  City,  according  to  the  General  Plan’s  land  use  plan,  has   the  potential  to  generate  31,603  housing  units  in  the  City,  and  21,500  in   the  Sphere  of  Influence.  As  shown  in  Table  V-­‐1,  these  new  households   have  the  potential  to  increase  school  enrollment  to  23,293  students  at   build   out.  As   school   facilities   in   both   Districts   are   close   to   or   over   capacity,   additional   schools   will   be   required   to   accommodate   these   students.  The  exact  number  of  new  schools  will  depend  upon  actual   build  out  levels  and  the  rate  at  which  new  development  occurs.     Table  V-­‐1   Potential  Student  Generation   Grade  Level  Max.   Buildout   Units   Student   Generation  Rate   Projected   Enrollment   Elementary  (K-­‐6)     Single-­‐Family   46,866  0.214  10,029   Elementary   (K-­‐6)     Multi-­‐Family   6,236  0.1267  790   Middle   School   (7-­‐8)   Single-­‐Family   46,866  0.1093  5,122   Middle   School   (7-­‐8)   Multi-­‐  Family   6,236  0.0522  325   High   School   (9-­‐12)     Single-­‐Family   46,866  0.1427  6,688   High   School   (9-­‐12)     Multi-­‐Family   6,236  0.0543  339   Total  53,103    23,293   Student  Generation  Rates,  Desert  Sands  Unified  School  District.       Higher  Education   College   and   university   courses   are   provided  at   three   regional   institutions  located   in   the   City   of   Palm   Desert.   The   College   of   the   Desert  (COD)  is  a  Community  College  that  provides  both  Associates   degree  programs  and  adult  education.  Its  three  campuses  are  located   in   Palm   Desert,   Indio   and   Mecca.  California   State   University,   San       PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐24   Bernardino   and   the   University   of   California,   Riverside,   both   offer   Bachelor’s  and  Master’s  degree  programs.     PLANNING  FOR  THE  FUTURE   The  continued  growth  of  the  City  will  require  the  expansion  of  public   facilities  to  serve  the  City’s  expanding  population.  It  is  important  that   the  City   plan   for   this   future   need  to   assure   that   City  services   are   adequate  at  all  times  to  serve  its  population,  visitors  and  businesses.   This  will  include  a  need  to  expand  City  buildings,  including  the  Senior   Center,  Museum,  and  Library,  and  to  provide  additional  operating  costs   and  staff.  Additionally,  the  City  will  need  to  complete  the  expansion   and   renovation   of  its  corporate   yard   in   order   to   meet   the   future   maintenance   needs   as   the   City   matures.  The   City’s   Capital   Improvement  Program  (CIP)  will  play  a  key  role  in  the  planning  and   construction  of  future  facilities.  By  annually  updating  the  CIP,  the  City   will  have  an  opportunity  to  consider  the  growing  demand  for  services   well  in  advance  of  need,  to  assure  timely  construction  and  expansion   of   facilities.  The   City   must   also   maintain   a   current   and   effective   Development  Impact   Fee   program,   by   which   new   development   projects  contribute  to  the  costs  of  new  and/or  expanded  infrastructure   and  facilities.     Although   the   City   has   no   direct   control   over   the   construction   and   operation   of   school   facilities,   it   is   critical   that   the   City   maintain   its   working  relationship  with  both  the  Desert  Sands  and  Coachella  Valley   Unified   School   Districts.   The   provision   of   quality   education   is   an   important   consideration   for   individuals   and   employers   when   contemplating  relocation,  and  the  City  can  help  to  influence  District   plans  in  the  future  to  assure  the  best  scholastic  opportunities.     GOALS,  POLICIES  AND  PROGRAMS   GOAL  PF-­‐1     Public   facilities   and   services   that   are  available,  adequate   and   convenient  to  all  City  residents.      Policy  PF-­‐1.1     The  City  shall  expand  or  modify  municipal  services  to  meet  the  needs   of  the  community.           PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐25    Policy  PF-­‐1.2     Periodically  evaluate  the  demand  for  municipal  services  and  facilities,   and   include   construction   and   expansion   of  these   facilities  to  assure   timely  completion.      Program  PF-­‐1.2.a:  The   City   will   annually   review   municipal   facilities  as  part  of  its  Capital  Improvement  Program  planning.      Program   PF-­‐1.2.b:    The   City   will   review   demand   for   services   annually,  as  part  of  its  budgetary  process.      Policy  PF-­‐1.3     The  City  shall  identify  all  viable  financing  mechanisms  for  the  funding   of  construction,  maintenance  and  operation  of  municipal  facilities.      Program  PF-­‐1.3.a:  The  Development  Impact  Fee  program  shall  be   monitored   regularly   to   assure   it   is  providing   current   and   effective  funding  contributions  to  the  City.      Policy  PF-­‐1.4     The  design  and  construction  of  municipal  facilities  shall  comply  with  all   the   processes   and   development   standards   that   apply   to   privately   constructed  facilities.      Policy  PF-­‐1.5   The  City  shall  continue  to  coordinate  with  the  County  of  Riverside  to   assure   that   library   facilities   and   services   are   expanded   as   demand   warrants.      Policy  PF-­‐1.6   The  City  shall  coordinate  with  the  Desert  Sands  and  Coachella  Valley   Unified  School  Districts  and  encourage  the  Districts  to  plan  for  and   construct  new  schools  to  meet  demand.      Program   PF-­‐1.6.a:  Development   proposals   will   continue   to   be   routed  to  the  appropriate  District  for  review  and  comment  early   in  the  planning  and  entitlement  process.      Program   PF-­‐1.6.b:   The   City   shall   continue   to   support   the   payment  of  school  impact  fees  by  all  eligible  new  development   projects.           PUBLIC  FACILITIES   V-­‐26    Program   PF-­‐1.6.c:  The   City   shall   modify   the   Land   Use   Map   to   show  new  school  facilities  as  Major  Community  Facilities  as  new   schools  are  developed.      Policy  PF-­‐1.7   The  City  shall  continue  to  explore  the  potential  for  the  joint  purchase   or  use  of  recreational  facilities  with  the  Desert  Sands  and  Coachella   Valley   Unified   School   Districts,   as   well   as   the   Coachella   Valley   Recreation  and  Park  District.     RELATED  GOALS   As  described  above,  this  Element  relates  to  others  in  this  General  Plan.   The   following   Goals  and   their   associated   policies   and   programs  are   closely  related  to  those  of  this  Element.     GOAL  PR-­‐1:  A  comprehensive  system  of  parks  and  recreation  facilities   and  services  that  meets  the  active  and  passive  needs  of  all  residents   and  visitors.     GOAL   WR-­‐1:  The   efficient   use   and   conservation   of   the   City’s   water   resources.     GOAL  CIR-­‐1:  A  transportation  and  circulation  network  that  efficiently,   safely   and   economically   moves   people,   vehicles,   and   goods   using   facilities  that  meet  the  current  demands  and  projected  needs  of  the   City.