2001 03 20 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2001
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of
2:00 p.m. by Mayor Pe~a.
PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with legal counsel - pending litigation - Conserve Our Village
Environment, Kimberly Bird v. City of La Quinta, Riverside County Superior
Court Case No. INC021658 - Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until the
hour of 3:00 p.m.
3:00 P.M.
The City Council meeting reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed Session
which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code (Brown
Act).
Mayor Pe~a led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Genovese noted additional correspondence has been distributed for
Business Item No. 2. ,
Council Member Adolph requested Consent Item No. 9 be moved to Business Item
No. 3.
City Council Minutes 2 March 20, 2001
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. LETTER FROM ARTIST CENTAVA OFFERING DONATION OF PAINTING TO
CITY.
Council concurred to direct staff to place acceptance of the donation on the
next Council agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION- It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the City Council
Minutes of March 6, 2001, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pe~a requested Item No. 10 be pulled for separate action because he needs to
abstain based on a potential conflict of interest. This arises as a result of his wife's
business being a client of Granite Construction.
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED MARCH 20, 2001.
2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT FOR JANUARY 31, 2001.
3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT FOR JANUARY 31,
2001.
4. APPROVAL OF TERMINATION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY SUBLEASE BETWEEN
THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND HOME DEPOT U.S.A. INC.
5. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM THE CITY'S ADOPTION OF THE
ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR CSA 152, AUTHORIZE RIVERSIDE COUNTY TO
CONTINUE TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS, AND INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE
COUNTY HARMLESS FOR LEVYING ASSESSMENTS ON CITY PARCELS
UNDER CSA 152. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-21)
City Council Minutes 3 March 20, 2001
6. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES
AGENCY REGIONAL ACCESS PROJECT TO UTILIZE THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
FOR A FREE LA QUlNTAIMMUNIZATION CLINIC ON APRIL 11, JULY 11, AND
AUGUST 6, 2001, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M. AND THE STUDY
SESSION ROOM FOR T.B. RECHECKS ON APRIL 13, JULY 13, AND AUGUST
8, 2001, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 10:30 A.M.
7. APPROVAL OF A COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANT TO THE AMERICAN RED
CROSS.
8. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CERTIFICATE OF
ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT DEED FROM MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS INC.
FOR A PARCEL ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 111 AND
WASHINGTON STREET.
9. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 3.
10. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER FOR GRANITE CONSTRUCTION
TO COMPENSATE FOR ADDITIONAL WORK CAUSED BY UNDOCUMENTED
UTILITIES ENCOUNTERED DURING INSTALLATION OF SEWER LINE A,
PROJECT NO. 98-19 A/B AND PROTOTYPICAL STREET. (See separate action
below.)
11. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEND THE CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA ANNUAL
INSTITUTE - APRIL 18-20, 2001, IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA.
12. APPROVAL OF A THREE-PARTY AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, AND THE CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR
THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF RAISED MEDIAN LANDSCAPING
AND IRRIGATION ON WASHINGTON STREET FROM FRED WARING DRIVE
NORTH TO COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE.
13. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN ADDENDUM TO
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 88-386 FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 29436
TO DEVELOP 169 LOTS TO BE LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF
EISENHOWER DRIVE, WEST OF WASHINGTON STREET. APPLICANT: U.S.
HOMES. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-22)
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item
Nos. 9 and 10 and with Item Nos. 5 and 13 being approved by RESOLUTION
NOS. 2001-21 and 2001-22 respectively. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-33.
City Council Minutes 4 March 20, 2001
Item NO. 10
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve
Consent Item No. 10 approving a Contract Change Order to Granite
Construction on a time and materials basis in an amount not to exceed $50,000
for loss of production resulting from undocumented underground utilities found
during the installation of sewer trunk main line A. Motion carried with Mayor
Pe~a ABSTAINING. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-34.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 353
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 11.88, SECTION 11.88.040 OF THE
LA QUINTA CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE
REGULATION OF SPECIAL SALES EVENTS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Ordinance No. 353 on
second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 354
City Attorney Jenson advised of a letter received from William Ross on behalf
of Dr. and Mrs. William Franey at 77-713 Avenida Madrugada. They are
objecting to the project and requesting reconsideration of Council's action on
March 6, 2001, based on the fact they did not receive the hearing notice until
after the public hearing. She stated the Franey's property is over 800 feet from
the project and not legally entitled to a mailed notice. She said a notice
however was mailed to the Franey's but was returned due to an expired
forwarding address and was re-mailed by staff to the forwarding address listed
on the returned envelope. She advised the Franey's were notified of this
meeting and invited to speak under the second reading of the ordinance.
In response to Council Member Adolph, City Manager Genovese confirmed there
is no zone change for the property between the residential and commercial area.
City Council Minutes 5 March 20, 2001
ORDINANCE NO. 354
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 2001-067 CHANGING THE ZONING
DESIGNATION FROM MEDIUM HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO VILLAGE
COMMERCIAL ON A PORTION OF A 33-ACRE PARCEL LOCATED
IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF THE LA QUINTA EVACUATION CHANNEL AND
EAST OF EISENHOWER DRIVE (KSL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No. 354
on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER FOR
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION TO REMOVE AND STORE TREES IN PROJECT NO.
98-19 A/B AND PROTOTYPICAL STREET.
Mayor PeRa abstained due to a potential conflict of interest as a result of his
wife's business being a client of Granite Construction and he left the dais.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City
Clerk's Office.
Council Member Adolph voiced concern about the palm trees surviving a second
relocation.
Council Member Sniff agreed and stated he preferred buying healthy,
intermediate-size palm trees for the Civic Center Campus to maximize
survivability.
Council Member Perkins concurred.
Council Member Henderson noted Council had directed staff to save as many
of the palm trees as possible. She suggested those trees with the best chance
for survival be relocated to the Cove Oasis and bike path.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Public Works Director Vogt advised
out of 47 palm trees, 33 have been moved to a temporary location.
City Council Minutes 6 March 20, 2001
Council Member Henderson stated she did not want removal of the trees to
delay the street improvement project.
Council Member Sniff agreed with moving the viable trees to the Cove Oasis
and Bear Creek Bike Path.
City Manager Genovese stated staff will use its discretion in making sure the
Council's goals are met in this matter.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve a
Contract Change Order in an amount not to exceed $63,450 for removal and
relocation of palm trees and directed that the trees be moved to permanent
locations at the Cove Oasis and Bear Creek Bike Path and that the trees not be
used at the Civic Center Campus. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT.
MINUTE ORDER NO, 2001-35,
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF CITY MARKETING PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002.
Management Analyst Wilson presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Assistant City Manager Weiss confirmed the City's
participation in the ICSC has resulted in leads, such as the 99¢ Store that is
locating in La Quinta.
Mayor Pe~a stated he supports continued participation in special events,
especially the Realtor's Breakfast which he felt provides an opportunity to
showcase the City.
Mr. Weiss added the breakfast is also an opportunity to express to realtors and
the financial.industry the investment being put in the village by the public sector
as well as the private sector.
Mayor PeRa stated he understood several banks have purchased property and
plan to build in La Quinta as a result of the last two years of marketing.
Council Member Adolph commented on the sign program initiated for the street
improvement project and noted the sign at Avenue 52 and Washington Street
needs repair.
Council Member Sniff commented on the effectiveness of the marketing
program and stated he supports moving forward another year in basically the
City Council Minutes 7 March 20, 2001
same pattern. He felt the infomercials are very effective and suggested
additional factoids.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Wilson advised the current factoids
are 10 and 30 seconds in length.
Council Member Sniff supported at least four or five factoids of 10, 15, or 30
seconds in length and stated he believed the City should be as proactive as
possible in support of existing and new businesses. He suggested emphasis on
visit La Quinta, shop La Quinta, enjoy La Quinta, and invest in La Quinta. He
stated he was less enthusiastic about the gold key (coupon) program and did
not like the term "park" for the Civic Center. He also felt participation in local
parades should be limited to two parades a year.
Council Member Henderson agreed with continuing the infomercials and
Realtor's Breakfast. She also supported participation in local events such as the
Mariachi Festival but was not sure KSL would be doing the event this year.
Doug Yavanian, 49-499 Eisenhower Drive, of KSL Desert Resorts, confirmed
KSL is planning a Mariachi Festival and would like to expand it to more of a
community event. He added KSL would like to partner with the City and
Chamber of Commerce on local events such as a "La Quinta Celebrate America
Fireworks" event on July 4th. They would also like to expand their holiday
festival of lights with several days of activities and nexus with the City's holiday
event to attract people to the community. He stated they would also be
interested in looking at the gold key program to see how it might help them
attract more people from the valley to their the La Quinta Resort.
Mayor PeSa stated he felt many of the residents would support an effort by KSL
to draw local people back to their facilities much as they did in the past.
Mr. Yavanian stated KSL would also like to see a partnering event to coincide
with the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic such as a "Breakfast of Champions." He
noted in other areas such annual events become festivals and community
activities.
Council Member Henderson stated she would support the "Shop & Dine
La Quinta" program coming back to Council for consideration based on last
year's last minute interest by the business community and the opportunity to
look at the gold key concept. She supported the City's involvement with a 4th
of July celebration in La Quinta as well as its continued participation in parades
but was not sure about the Palm Springs festival of lights and Veteran's Day
parades.
City Council Minutes 8 March 20, 2001
Mayor Pe~a stated he wished to continue participating in the Veteran's Day
parade and suggested having the City's Congressional Medal of Honor recipient
featured on the float.
Council Member Henderson agreed and noted plans will need to be made if the
City is going to have a parade for its 20th anniversary. She also suggested the
City begin looking at a merchandising program for items such as the "beany
baby" Gamby, City shirts and jackets.
Council Member Perkins commented on the effectiveness of the City's
marketing program and spoke in support of the proposed marketing plan.
Council Member Adolph spoke in support of the infomercial video. He voiced
concern about the number of new restaurants possibly taking business away
from existing restaurants. He wished to see emphasis placed on attracting
people to La Quinta from other communities.
Mayor Pe~a was supportive of the infomercial and felt it should be included in
the City's marketing program. He suggested targeting the Inland Empire and
local market for print media, including the City's availability of electric power,
and changing the gold key program to something more unique like the Gold "Q"
program. He supported the City working in concert with the Chamber to
publicize new business grand openings and suggested advertising the
completion of the City's street improvement project once it is done. He also
supported partnering with KSL and the Chamber rather than sponsoring some
of the local events. He was not sure about the documentary. He noted a lot
of valley businesses are looking for a second location and felt the City should
take advantage of the opportunity. He also suggested the Civic Center grand
opening be referred to as a "celebration" or "expansion" instead of grand
opening and agreed with not calling the Civic Center a park.
Council Member Perkins supported emphasizing that the Civic Center Campus
belongs to the citizens of La Quinta.
Council Member Sniff noted coupon programs develop a fatigue factor in a short
period of time. He supported a merchandising program and suggested the items
be sold only by the City and not at stores.
Council Member Henderson suggested, at least for the first year, allowing the
Chamber of Commerce to sell selected items at the Mainstreet Marketplace.
Council Member Sniff suggested the City use the prototype street as a
promotional area and holding multiple events there.
Council Member Perkins suggested "before and after" pictures be taken of that
area.
City Council Minutes 9 March 20, 2001
2.DISCUSSION OF LIBRARY SERVICES OPTIONS.
Management Analyst Wilson presented the staff report.
Council Member Sniff stated he felt it's imperative City staff meet with County
representatives to determine the City's options, hopefully before the next
Council meeting.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Wilson stated the guidelines and
applications for Proposition 14 library grant funds are expected to be available
in September. In regards to the total revenue and net to County amounts
reported on Attachment //1, he confirmed it is conceivable both amounts will
continue to increase, depending on the terms of a new MOU.
In response to Mayor Pe~'a, Mr. Wilson explained when Rancho Mirage
withdrew from the County Library System they lost their no/Iow property tax
funding because they waived their rights to it. He advised the City has not
offered to waive its rights and intends to preserve its no/Iow property tax
dollars.
In response to Council Member Henderson, City Manager Genovese advised the
City's no/Iow property tax amount is approximately $500,000. He stated it's
staff's opinion at this time that the City would not be in danger of losing its
funding if it withdraws from the County Library System which is different than
the fire tax issue discussed a few weeks ago.
Mayor Pe~a noted Rancho Mirage has created a Community Services District to
operate their library.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Mr. Genovese stated it is unlikely the State could
take the library dollars away from the City if it withdraws from the County
system.
Council Member Henderson stated she felt it's somewhat misleading to include
the library revenue figures for FY 95/96, 96/97, and 97/98 in calculating the
net-to-County amount because those years were bad for libraries everywhere.
Council Member Adolph stated he felt the City would be better off with its own
library instead of giving the money to the County. He noted Rancho Mirage is
happy with their decision to withdraw from the County and supports La Quinta
doing the same and building its own library. He felt it would be bad business
to do otherwise.
City Council Minutes 10 March 20, 2001
Council Member Sniff supported the City moving forward with its own library
and contracting its operation with whomever provides the best program, or the
City operating it utilizing City staff. He felt it is unreasonable and unfair for La
Quinta to continue subsidizing the County Library System and wished to start
planning a library on the Civic Center Campus. He felt the City should at least
take the initial steps to withdraw from the County system to be timely.
Council Member Henderson stated as the City's representative for the last four
years on the Library Desert Zone Advisory Board, she wished to relay a message
of appreciation from the other valley cities for La Quinta's prior decision not to
withdraw from the County Library System. She noted the desert's libraries
would not have survived if La Quinta had withdrawn from the system and felt
La Quinta should be proud of the position it took. However, she believed the
City's first responsibility is to the citizens of La Qui'nta. She noted a City library
building is included in the CIP and will be built within the next few years
whether La Quinta withdraws from the County's system or not. She also noted
the current MOU with the County doubled the library's hours and space and
increased staff. She agreed the City should pay attention to the filing deadlines
and file the ,necessary documents to keep the legal options open to withdraw
in 2002, but also understood the County may not be able to provide "black and
white" answers at this time. She said there are a number of issues to be
addressed by several agencies, including the County's contract with LSSI and
the City's library building lease. She further noted La Quinta is not in the
position of Palm Desert and Indian Wells to help worthwhile organizations like
the new university and the McCallum Theatre but does have an opportunity here
to participate in the reading and education for the entire valley. She urged
Council to leave the door open and continue negotiations with the County to
extend the MOU until the City's new library is ready for operation. She
supported negotiating for a greater return to the City in the MOU and continuing
with the County system.
Council Member Perkins agreed with keeping the option open to withdraw but
also renegotiating an MOU more in the City's favor with the understanding the
City may withdraw from the County system within the next few years. He also
supported the City having its own library up and running within two years and
contracting its operation instead of staffing it with City employees. He was
opposed to pulling out of the County system at this time.
Mayor PaRa noted the need for the City Attorney to meet with County Counsel
to find out where the County stands at this time. He agreed with keeping the
City's options open, including withdrawal in the near future. He supported
continuing negotiations with the County but also suggested initiating
discussions with Rancho Mirage to possibly contract with them. He leaned
City Council Minutes 11 March 20, 2001
toward withdrawing from the County system in the near future but noted the
goal of libraries is literacy and that the City's money is going toward that goal.
He felt it is important to get a good handle on tax increment and a funding
source to avoid putting the City into a financial bind. He did not feel the City
is in a position, at this time, to operate its own library and felt it should have a
long-term and short-term approach. He stated he felt the residents are pleased
with the current library services.
Council Member Sniff questioned there being sufficient time to negotiate any
significant improvement from the last negotiations. He also questioned
La Quinta citizens being responsible for subsidizing literacy in the eastern part
of the valley. He stated he did not have a problem negotiating with the County
as long as the negotiations move forward effectively for La Quinta but he could
not support going along with the County in the present mode.
Mayor Pe~a stated what he wants is a definition from the City and County
attorneys on how the finances are going to work and then decide how to move
forward.
Council Member Sniff supported getting started with phased construction plans
for a library and contracting with the County or an interim provider in the
current leased facility or an interim facility until the library is completed. He felt
it's important for the County to know that the City either gets a better deal or
it's gone.
Council Member Adolph stated he is in agreement with Council Member Sniff.
He felt the City could move forward with its own library and stop subsidizing
the other cities in the County.
Council Member Henderson explained each city's financial participation in the
desert library zone is individually calculated, including the County's participation.
Those funds make up the budget for the library system in the valley and it is not
dealt with on a county-wise basis. She wished to leave the door open for the
possibility that the zone budget can view the City's contribution in a much
broader light, otherwise, she agreed the City has no option but to withdraw.
Mayor Pe~a stated he felt the consensus is to go back to the County for legal
answers and if a timely response is not received, to proceed forward in offering
a timely withdrawal and looking at other entities for potentially beginning
negotiations for library services. In response to Mr. Wilson, he confirmed that
would include negotiations with the County for an enhanced MOU.
City Council Minutes 12 March 20, 2001
Council Member Perkins noted nothing precludes the City from using the County
to operate a City library and he felt that should be pointed out to the County,
Council Member Henderson noted other cities in the desert zone, such as Palm
Desert, are not getting dollar for dollar library services on their contribution.
Bob Wright, 44-330 Camino Lavanda, President of Friends of the La Quinta
Library, stated their recommendation is for the City to withdraw from the
County Library System and contract for services with firms like LSSI. They
further recommend staying in the current library facility until a new library is
built.
3. DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS.
City Manager Genovese presented the staff report.
Council Member Sniff distributed a list of his proposed Council goals.
Council Member Perkins reviewed the Council goals listed in the staff report as
follows: #1 - he support medians in major streets but is opposed to dipping into
the General Fund for medians; #5 - he supports pursuing a City library as soon
as possible; #8 - he is not supportive of insurance for former Council members;
#11 - he felt a visitor's center should be handled by the Chamber of Commerce;
#13 - he supports continuing efforts in the southeast annexation; #14 - he is
not supportive and questioned the effectiveness of sound walls; #17 - he
supports improving ambulance services; #15 - he supports further exploration
of public/private partnerships; #19 - he wishes to ensure the City has sufficient
code enforcement personnel for the property upgrade program; #29- he felt the
City Hall expansion needs lot of thought; and #44 - he supports having an
affordable golf facility. He stated he did not see any major changes in the goals
and is satisfied with how things are going.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Genovese confirmed the current
budget includes funding for library design services.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese stated all of the
Council goals will come back at the next meeting for final review and any new
goals supported will be included in the chart.
Council Member Henderson stated she hopes the Montero Estates sound wall
is high priority in the CIP and about to become a reality. She supports moving
forward incrementally with the annexation issue and noted LAFCO will soon be
City Council Minutes 13 March 20, 2001
considering the Vista Santa Rosa group's request for certification which will
give them two years before any further decisions are made on that area. She
supported preliminary planning for a City store to merchandise City items and
wished to stay strong on the City's housing needs. She also supported mini-
parks and dog parks and hopes the putting course issue is going forward. She
stated she supports most everything on the list.
Council Member Sniff summarized his proposed list of goals with some
additional comments. He believed emphasis is needed to create more
commercial development to avoid a major revenue problem and feels a civic
awards program is needed to award individuals, businesses, and/or groups. He
felt it's important for the City to start planning expansion of City Hall to address
the inadequacy of space for the E.O.C and offices. He also felt the Civic Center
Art Purchase Program should be held in obeisance until the Civic Center Campus
is completed.
Council Member Adolph stated he basically agrees with Council Member Sniff's
list of goals as well as those contained in the staff report. However, he feels
too many goals can be overburdening and that Council goals should be more
specific and attainable. He supported adding a short-term goal to look at City
administration and a salary review for staff.
Mayor Pe~a suggested the "Live/Shop" concept be placed on the back burner
and questioned the Village Tower Project.
Council Member Sniff explained he had suggested the tower project as a focal
point for the village but feels it is no longer needed since the village will have
a six-story hotel.
Mayor Pe~a stated he wished to embark on a code enforcement/beautification
program and agreed with looking at adding staff.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Mr. Genovese confirmed the City has applied for a
grant to purchase a CNG van.
Mayor Pe~a suggested painting the van in a manner where it will be recognized
as a City of La Quinta vehicle. He also suggested each Council Member appoint
three citizens to serve on a citizen advisory committee for the purpose of
assessing the need and support for the assessment districts.
Council concurred.
City Council Minutes 14 March 20, 2001
Council Member Adolph asked what is being done regarding the fire department's
dispatch system in relation to the recent fire and if any type of backup system is being
considered.
Battalion Chief Dorian Cooley, of Riverside County Fire Department, reported an
outside fire unit is investigating why the dispatch error occurred. He advised the
dispatch center has a high-tech system and that they are looking to make sure training
is up and if there are any changes to the process that need to be made.
Council Member Perkins expressed appreciation for the fire department's up-front
response to the incident.
Council recessed to and until 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CERTIFY AN ADDENDUM TO A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION (ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 89-110) AND APPROVE A
SOUTHBOUND LEFT TURN FROM WASHINGTON STREET ONTO LAKE
LA QUINTA DRIVE FOR TRACT 24230 (LAKE LA QUINTA). APPLICANT: THE
SPANOS COMPANIES.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:05 p.m.
Planning Manager di Iorio presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. di Iorio stated this matter came up
as a result of an application being filed by the Spanos Companies.
Margo Williams, representing the Spanos Company, stated they are in
agreement with the conditions of approval and available to answer questions.
City Council Minutes 15 March 20, 2001
In response to Council Member Adolph, Public Works Director Vogt advised
there are no plans at this time to place curb cuts on Washington Street between
Avenue 47 and Avenue 48.
Mayor Pe~a inquired if there is any existing overhead lighting at the proposed
location, to which Mr. Vogt responded no.
Council Member Sniff asked if additional lighting would make the proposed
intersection safer.
Mr. Vogt stated that would depend on placement and height of the lighting.
John Malkasian, Via Montana, in Lake La Quinta spoke in opposition to the
installation of the left-turn pocket based on the speed of traffic on Washington
Street and the potential safety hazard a turn pocket could cause.
Sandy Malkasian, Via Montana, also spoke against installation of the proposed
left-turn lane.
Tim Ellis, Manager of the Lake La Quinta Inn, spoke in favor of the left-turn lane
because of the benefit to southbound traffic on Washington Street in entering
both the Inn and the rest of the proposed commercial property, which would
front on Washington Street but be accessed from Caleo Bay.
There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 7:48 p.m.
Council Member Perkins stated he generally supports left-turn pockets but feels
the safety factors in this situation outweigh other considerations. He was
concerned about having a left-turn lane in a high-speed traffic area where
vehicles would be slowing down in the number one (fast) lane and the
possibility of vehicles stacking up in the fast lane. He was also opposed to the
number of plants that would have to be removed from the median to install the
left-turn pocket. He also stated he expects the City to preclude any exits onto
Washington Street from commercial developments in that area.
Council Member Adolph agreed the speed on Washington Street is too fast for
the left-turn lane and stated he would not support anything that may create
another traffic signal on Washington Street. He noted only one commercial lot
would benefit from the left-turn pocket and voiced concern about traffic U-turns
in that location. He stated he could not support the left-turn pocket.
City Council Minutes 16 March 20, 2001
Council Member Sniff stated he would like to support the applicant's request if
significant night-time illumination could be installed. Otherwise, he felt it would
be difficult for northbound traffic to see turning vehicles.
Council Member Henderson stated she would like to support the request but
was not sure all the problems related to the intersection could be solved. She
felt the left-turn pocket would benefit the residential properties by reducing the
commercial traffic on Avenue 47 and Avenue 45 but agreed the intersection
needs illumination. She noted the development plans for the church across the
street shows their southbound parking lot exit will be eliminated at some point
in the future. She wished to know if the intersection can be illuminated,
otherwise, she could not support it.
Mayor Pe~a stated he could not support the left-turn pocket in its current
configuration. He felt the intersection would be confusing to oncoming traffic
and questioned there being sufficient stacking area. He believed the safety
concerns outweigh the benefits to commercial properties.
Council Member Sniff suggested continuing this item to give the developer an
opportunity to develop a safer intersection.
Mayor Pe~a stated he felt the left-turn pocket ruins the integrity of the entire
median.
Council Member Perkins stated he did not feel street lighting would help the
situation.
Council Member Henderson concurred.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to deny the request
by the Spanos Companies to install a southbound left-turn pocket from
Washington Street onto Lake La Quinta Drive for Tract 24230. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-36.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
C.V. Mosquito and Vector Control District -- Council Member Perkins referred to a
letter from the District relative to the fire ants and complimented the District for doing
a fantastic job in controlling the fire ants. He also reported the number of calls on
Africanized Killer Bees has decreased. He added the formal grand opening for the
District's new facility will be held sometime within the next several weeks.
City Council Minutes 17 March 20, 2001
Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority -- Council Member
Henderson reported at their last meeting some members of the hotel industry voiced
concern that Mike Fife may leave the Authority and suggested finding out what it
would take to keep him. She stated the issue was added to the agenda as an urgency
item and discussed in closed session where a sub-committee was formed to meet with
Mr. Fife for the purpose of determining certain facts and issues to take back to the
Board at a special meeting on March 27, 2001.
C.V. Mountains Conservancy -- Council Member Sniff reported the Conservancy has
voted to purchase property in various parts of the valley and/or to provide assistance
grants to the Friends of the Desert Mountains to purchase eight parcels in the
Travertine area.
CVAG Energy & Environment Committee -- Council Member Sniff stated the
Committee is continuing their discussions on the energy problem and that he has
suggested everyone use smaller watt light bulbs and fluorescent bulbs whenever
possible to reduce electricity usage.
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS - None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARK POLICIES.
Council Member Henderson asked that a business item be placed on a future
agenda to discuss possible changes and/or additions to current park policies.
She noted residents near the Adams Park have complained about not being able
to use the neighborhood park because people from outside the area are using
it as a community park. She referenced a recent incident where a large party
held at the Adams Park impacted residents in that area because of the noise,
number of vehicles parked on the streets, and loss of use of the neighborhood
park. She stated the group brought in BBQ grills, a Mariachi band, and were
possibly drinking liquor in the park. She wished to look at possible regulations
such as permits for parties and to make sure "no alcoholic beverages allowed"
signs are posted in the parks. She also wished to have a report from the Public
Works Department on typical cleanup costs at the parks after weekend use.
City Council Minutes 18 March 20, 2001
She also commented on the need to slow traffic down instead of trying to
accommodate the faster speeds.
Mayor Pe~a suggested the issue come back to Council as a study session item
to review usage of all the City's parks.
Council Member Perkins noted the speed limit adjacent to the Adams Park is
25mph but the northbound sign is partially blocked by a tree and the
southbound sign is at the park entrance without any advance notice. He felt the
Traffic Committee should schedule a special meeting to discuss this speed
issue. He has recommended a stop sign be installed near the park, with or
without traffic and pedestrian counts, and noted charter cities have absolute
control over issues of local concern. He suggested contacting residents in the
area to see how they would feel about the City providing parking permits to
residents, including visitor parking permits, to keep park visitors from parking
in front of their homes on weekends.
Council Member Sniff felt the City Attorney should look into the legal pitfalls of
this issue and noted the need to post "park regulations."
Mayor Pe~a stated he felt Council should discuss the various issues in a study
session then give it to staff and legal counsel to see what is appropriate.
Council Member Henderson referenced comments made earlier in the meeting
about the Civic Center and stated she agreed it should never be referred to as
a "park" but rather the Civic Center "Campus." She felt there may be a need
to have separate standards for the different types of facilities such as mini-
parks, neighborhood parks, community park, Cove Oasis, Civic Center Campus,
Bear Creek Bike Path, dog parks, etc. She noted some cities require permits for
parties and charge a cleanup deposit.
Council concurred to direct staff to place this matter on a future agenda as a
study session item.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING A FOUNTAIN FOR THE LA QUINTA COURT
PROJECT.
Council Member Perkins distributed photographs of a fountain on Country Club
Drive which he felt might be appropriate for the La Quinta Court project or the
Civic Center Campus.
City Council Minutes 19 March 20, 2001
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff
to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California