2001 06 19 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JUNE 19, 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 (arrived 2:15 p.m.), Sniff,
Mayor Pe~a
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
1. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9{a), pending litigation, Coachella Valley Water District V. City of
La Quinta, Riverside Superior Court Case No. INC010827.
2. Public Employment - City Attorney - pursuant to Government Code Section
54957.
3. Public Employment - City Manager - pursuant to Government Code Section
54957.
4. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(b), potential exposure to litigation.
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Seesion to end until the
hour of 3:00 p.m.
3:00 P.M,
Mayor Pe~a led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Elaine Reynolds, 49-294, Avenida Vista Bonita, expressed the La Ouinta Arts
Association's need for grant funds as well as the need to provide grant funds to help
hire a qualified teacher for an art program Debbie Bechard is working on at the Boys
& Girls Club to inspire young people.
City Council Minutes 2 June 19, 2001
David Roberdes, 54-015 Southern Hills, spoke regarding the height of a berm along
Avenue 54 at the Country Club of the Desert development and expressed concern that
it will heavily impact the views of PGA West residents. He also stated PGA West
residents were not notified of the Planning Commission hearing to change the height
of the berm.
Wayne LeBleng, 54-511 Southern Hills, also spoke in opposition to the berm height
and presented photographs of the area.
Michael Raines, 54-533 Southern Hills, stated he was opposed to the berm height and
voiced concern that it might cause a "venturi' effect.
Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, spoke regarding Council's upcoming consideration
of a contract with Waste Management and noted the 64-gallon recycling containers
have been omitted from the resolution.
Rob Ballew, 43-930 San Pablo, Palm Desert, of Family YMCA of the Desert, invited
the Council to attend VIP Day at Camp Oakes on June 27, 2001.
Mervyn Kirshner, 54-063 Southern Hills, expressed concern that the berm height along
Avenue 54 would restrict light and air flow and create a canyon effect.
Council Member Adolph stated he has a problem with the grading at Country Club of
the Desert and questioned the appropriateness of the Planning Commission approving
the berm height without bringing it back to Council for final approval. He wished to
discuss the issue under the Tract Map approval (Consent Item No. 10).
City Attorney Jenson advised there is a minimum height requirement for the berm but
not a maximum height. She further advised the 15-day appeal period since the
Planning Commission approval has expired.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Council Member Adolph requested Consent Item No. 1 0 be moved to Business Session
Item No. 9 and that Consent Item No. 8 be pulled for separate action.
City Council Minutes 3 June 19, 2001
Mayor Pe~ia requested Consent Item No. 15 be pulled for separate action.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to confirm the agenda
as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. LETTER FROM FRIENDS OF THE LA QUINTA SENIOR CENTER REGARDING
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES.
Council concurred to refer this matter to the Cultural Arts Commission.
2. LETTER FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS OF THE DESERT REGARDING
THE VETS EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.
Council concurred to direct staff to bring this matter back under budget
considerations.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JUNE 19, 2001.
2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED APRIL 30, 2001.
3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED APRIL 30,
2001.
4. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR TWO COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO
BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12-15, 2001, IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA.
City Council Minutes 4 June 19, 2001
5. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY
MANAGER TO ATTEND A TRAINING CLASS GIVEN BY SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, INC., JUNE
22-23, 2001, IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA.
6. APPROVAL OF A CHANGE ORDER WITH RAY LOPEZ ASSOCIATES FOR
EISENHOWER PARK IMPROVEMENTS.
7. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE OF
PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COSTS AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RECEIVE
BIDS FOR ClTYWlDE STREET IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2000-04.
8. APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT TRAFFIC SIGNAL
IMPROVEMENTS AT CALLE TAMPICO/AVENIDA BERMUDAS, PROJECT NO.
2000-17. (See separate action below.)
9. ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO. 2001-01, MILES AVENUE SOIL EXPORT
PROJECT.
10. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 9.
11. AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT 24317-3.
12. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
30056, OLD CALIFORNIA VILLAGE AT TRADITIONS. (RESOLUTION NO.
2001-78)
13. ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT OF EASEMENT DEED FOR CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLIANCE 2001-022, WAIVED PARCEL MAP NO. 28435.
14. ACCEPTANCE OF DEDICATION OF PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT ON HIGHWAY
111 - LA QUINTA CORPORATE CENTER.
15. ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO. 98-16, FRITZ BURNS PARK FENCE
REHABILITATION IMPROVEMENTS, (See separate action below.)
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Consent Calendar as amended with the exception of Item Nos. 8, 10, and 15
and with Item No. 12 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2001-78. Motion
carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-78.
City Council Minutes § June 19, 2001
Item No, 8
Council Member Adolph questioned the need for the traffic signal and stated he
could not support it.
Mayor PeRa stated he normally would agree. However, the intersection has met
the required warrants and that there have been some accidents where children
were hit by vehicles.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to authorize an
additional appropriation in the amount of $42,000 from the Transportation
Developer Impact Fee (DIF) Account and award a contract in the amount of
$143,161 to DBX, Inc. for the construction of Project 2000-17, Calle Tampico
and Avenida Bermudas Traffic Signal Improvements. Motion carried with
Council Member Adolph voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-79.
Item No. 15
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to accept
Project No. 98-16, Fritz Burns Park Fence Rehabilitation improvements, as
100% complete, authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the
Office of the County Recorder, and authorize staff to release retention in the
amount of $8,429.64 35 days after the Notice of Completion is recorded.
Motion carried with Mayor PeSa ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-80.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE INVESTMENT POLICY
OF THE CITY OF LA QUlNTA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002.
Finance Director Falconer presented the staff report and gave a brief review of
major changes in the policy.
Council Member Henderson stated she was uncomfortable raising the LAIF
percentage from 15% to 20%.
Council Member Sniff stated he supports the Board's recommendation. He
noted it sets a limitation yet provides latitude in making decisions within the
cap.
Council Member Adolph concurred.
City Council Minutes 6 June 19, 2001
Council Member Perkins stated he preferred reducing the LAIF percentage to 0%
but would go along with 15%.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Mr. Falconer confirmed the increase allows up to
20%. He added staff has generally kept it between 10% and 12%.
Mayor Pe~a stated he supports the Board's recommendation.
Council Member Henderson spoke in opposition to increasing the LAIF
percentage and suggested bifurcating the approval so she could support the
balance of the document.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-79
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED INVESTMENT
POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002.
It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2001-79 as submitted.
Council Member Henderson requested the motion be amended to allow adoption
of the policy separate from the LAIF percentage, otherwise, she could not
support the motion.
Motion carried with Council Members Henderson and Perkins voting NO.
Council concurred to take up Business Item Nos. 4 through 7 at this time.
4. CONSIDERATION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE FAMILY YMCA OF THE
DESERT FOR THE LA QUINTA FACILITY.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Horvitz confirmed the YMCA has
no plans to move to another facility.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Ms. Horvitz advised the YMCA contacts City staff
when facility maintenance is needed and confirmed the YMCA has an ongoing
maintenance program.
City Council Minutes 7 June 19, 2001
Council Member Henderson asked staff to provide a follow-up report on
maintenance of the facility.
Mayor Pe~a suggested staff conduct an annual walk-through of the facility.
Council Member Sniff agreed and suggested semi-annually.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Horvitz confirmed the YMCA is
required to comply with State inspections.
Council Member Sniff stated he felt the City should support the YMCA's efforts
to seek other funding sources.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Lease
Agreement with the Family YMCA of the Desert for the La Quinta facility
(49-955 Park Avenue) with a termination date of April 2011. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-81.
5. CONSIDERATION OF A JOINT USE AGREEMENT WITH THE BOYS AND GIRLS
CLUB OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Horvitz confirmed the long-term
maintenance plan has not materialized in the past but will be developed with the
proposed agreement.
Council Member Adolph concurred the maintenance issue needs to be resolved.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve a
Joint Use of Facility and Services Agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of
Coachella Valley-La O. uinta Unit and authorize staff to utilize the General Fund
Account in the amount of t~30,000 and CDBG Funds in the amount of $30,000
for the payments. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-82.
6. CONSIDERATION OF DONATION OF ART PIECE BY AEDWYN DARROLL.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
Council Member Henderson suggested the "Walk-Through Rainbow" art piece
be painted with the City's logo colors.
City Council Minutes 8 June 19, 2001
Mayor PeSa asked about the value of the art piece and Susan Barney, 57-325
Madison Street, stated the original price was $168,000. She will ask the artist
about changing the colors.
Council Member Sniff stated he was not impressed with the art piece and felt
the size is inappropriate for the Fritz Burns Park.
Council Member Adolph commented on the colorfulness of the art piece and
suggested putting it in a play area.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Barney stated the individual "rib"
pieces are approximately 10 inches square and the smallest piece is
approximately three feet high. The art piece is currently bolted to a concrete
foundation.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-80
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING A GIFT ("WALK-THROUGH RAINBOW' ART PIECE).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to adopt Resolution No.
2001-80 as submitted.
Council Member Perkins stated he felt the park is the best location for the art
piece.
Mayor Pe~a noted potential locations will be brought back for consideration,
Motion carried unanimously.
7. CONSIDERATION OF A MEETING SCHEDULE REGARDING VISTA SANTA
ROSA.
Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report. He
advised he attended the Vista Santa Rosa Community Council meeting on June
14th with the next meeting scheduled for July 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the
Westside Elementary School.
Council Member Henderson recommended scheduling a meeting and mailing
notices to those who spoke at the LAFCO hearing.
Council concurred to continue this item to the evening session to set a date for
the meeting.
City Council Minutes 9 June 19, 2001
2. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARCHITECTUREAND
LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE, COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION,
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION,
INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD, AND PLANNING COMMISSION.
Architecture and LandscaDe Review Committee:
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their background and
qualifications:
Frank Reynolds
(Douglas Miller, Michael Zellner, Donna Nelson, and Marten Hazekamp were not
present)
Ballot No. 1
Council Member Adolph voted for Frank Reynolds
Council Member Henderson voted for Frank Reynolds
Council Member Perkins voted for Frank Reynolds
Council Member Sniff voted for Frank Reynolds
Mayor PeRa voted for Frank Reynolds
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Frank
Reynolds to a two-year term on the Architecture and Landscape Review
Committee effective July 1, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO. 2001-83.
Community Services Commission:
There were no applicants present at the meeting.
Council Member Henderson noted some of the applications do not include a
question regarding how many commission/board meetings the applicant has
attended. She wished to have that question included on the application forms
for all of the commissions/boards. She also felt it should be mandatory for
applicants to attend a minimum of three meetings prior to being considered for
appointment.
Council Member Perkins concurred.
City Council Minutes 10 June 19, 2001
Council Member Sniff stated he felt two meetings would be sufficient. He
suggested the interviews be continued to a future meeting because of the Iow
attendance.
City Clerk Greek stated letters were not sent to the applicants advising them of
today's meeting because the interview date was included in the newspaper
advertisements.
After a brief discussion, Council concurred to continue with the interview
process.
Ballot No. 1
Council Member Adolph voted for Deborah Bechard and Denise
Williams
Council Member Henderson voted for Deborah Bechard and Michelle
Hanson
Council Member Perkins voted for Deborah Bechard and Michelle
Hanson
Council Member Sniff voted for Deborah Bachard and Dan Baxley
Mayor Pe~a voted for Deborah Bechard and Michele
Boudreau
Ballot No. 2
Council Member Adolph voted for Denise Williams
Council Member Henderson voted for Michele Boudreau
Council Member Perkins voted for Michele Boudreau
Council Member Sniff voted for Dan Baxley
Mayor Pe~a voted for Michele Boudreau
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Deborah
Bechard and Michele Boudreau to two-year terms on the Community Services
Commission effective July 1, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO. 2001-84.
Cultural Arts Commission:
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their background and
qualifications:
Elaine Reynolds
Else Loudon
(Dan Baxley, Rick Lantz, Linda Young, and Mary Hagerth were not present)
City Council Minutes 11 June 19, 2001
Ballot No, 1
Council Member Adolph voted for Elaine Reynolds, Leslie McMillan,
Else Loudon
Council Member Henderson voted for Elaine Reynolds, Dan Baxley, Else
Loudon
Council Member Perkins voted for Elaine Reynolds, Dan Baxley, Else
Loudon
Council Member Sniff voted for Elaine Reynolds, Leslie McMillan,
Else Loudon
Mayor Pe~a voted for Elaine Reynolds, Dan Baxley, Else
Loudon
Ballot No,~.
Council Member Adolph voted for Leslie McMillan
Council Member Henderson voted for Dan Baxley
Council Member Perkins voted for Dan Baxley
Council Member Sniff voted for Dan Baxley
Mayor Pe~a voted for Dan Baxley
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Elaine
Reynolds, Else Loudon, and Dan Baxley to two-year terms effective July 1,
2001. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-85.
Historic Preservation Commission:
Ballot No, 1
Council Member Adolph voted for Robert Wright and Michael Mitchell
Council Member Henderson voted for Robert Wright and Michael Mitchell
Council Member Perkins voted for Robert Wright and Michael Mitchell
Council Member Sniff voted for Robert Wright and Michael Mitchell
Mayor Peha voted for Robert Wright and Michael Mitchell
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Robert
Wright and Michael Mitchell to three-year terms (professional positions) on the
Historic Preservation Commission effective July 1, 2001. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-86.
City Council Minutes 12 June 19, 2001
Investment Advisory Board:
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their background and
qualifications:
Milton Olander
Cyrille Mahfoud
Donald Moulin
(John Pollis, Robert Schein, and Cecile Mitchell were not present)
City Attorney Jenson advised of a conflict of interest for Robert Schein.
Council Member Henderson asked if Council wished to reduce the membership
on the Board.
Council Member Perkins suggested appointing only three positions.
Council Member Sniff preferred considering the reduction next year.
Mayor Peda stated he felt the Board has functioned well with seven members.
Ballot No. 1
Council Member Adolph voted for Milton Olander, Cyrille Mahfoud,
Donald Moulin, and John Pollis
Council Member Henderson voted for Milton Olander, Cyrille Mahfoud,
Donald Moulin, and Cecile Mitchell
Council Member Perkins voted for Milton Olander, Cyrille Mahfoud,
and Donald Moulin
Council Member Sniff voted for Milton Olander, Cyrille Mahfoud,
Donald Moulin, and Cecile Mitchell
Mayor Pe~a voted for Milton Olander, Cyrille Mahfoud,
Donald Moulin, and Cecile Mitchell
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Milton
Olander, Cyrille Mahfoud, and Donald Moulin to three-year terms and Cecile
Mitchell to a two-year unexpired term on the Investment Advisory Board
effective July 1, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.
2001-87.
City Council Minutes 13 June 19, 2001
Plannim3 Commission:
The following applicants gave a brief presentation on their background and
qualifications:
Steve Robbins
Richard Butler
Mervyn Kirshner
David Thoms
(Paul Strohecker, Rick Lantz, William Hamilton, Roderick Royer, James Booth,
Michael Zellner, Donna Nelson, Thomas Gorney, Stuart Roth, and Mark Diamon
were not present)
Ballot No. 1
Council Member Adolph voted for Steve Robbins and Richard Butler
Council Member Henderson voted for Steve Robbins and Richard Butler
Council Member Perkins voted for Steve Robbins and Richard Butler
Council Member Sniff voted for Steve Robbins and Richard Butler
Mayor Pe~a voted for Steve Robbins and Richard Butler
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to appoint Steve
Robbins and Richard Butler to two-year terms on the Planning Commission
effective July 1, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.
2001-88.
Council recessed to end until 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Judy LeBlang, 54-511 Southern Hills, spoke against Tract Map approval 29894-2
based on the berm issue.
Mike Raines, 54-533 Southern Hills, spoke against the berm height along Avenue 54
- at the County Club of the Desert development.
City Council Minutes 14 June 19, 2001
Jeennine Puglisi, 80-679 Oak Tree, also spoke in opposition to the berm height and
questioned the earth moving activity during early mourning hours at the site,
PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. PUBLIC HEARING ON LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO.
89-1 FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002.
Public Works Director Vogt presented the staff report.
Council Member Adolph questioned how long this rate has been in effect.
Council Member Henderson remarked it hasn't been increased because of
Proposition 218.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:09 p.m. and there being
no requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at
7:12 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-81
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2001/2002 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 89-1 (pursuant to the
Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972).
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2001-81 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER CERTIFICATION OF AN
ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 41; GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 2001-078, AND ZONE CHANGE 2001-101 TO CHANGE LANDS
CURRENTLY DESIGNATED TOURIST COMMERCIAL TO LOW DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL; SPECIFIC PLAN 121-E, AMENDMENT #5 ESTABLISHING
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF 66 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, COMMON AREA FACILITIES
AND AN AMENDMENT OF THE LANDSCAPING PLANT PALETTE; SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-703 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE
City Council Minutes 15 June 19, 2001
MODEL HOMES; AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 30125 FOR THE SUBDIVISION
OF 17.82 ACRES INTO 65 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS AND MISCELLANEOUS LOTS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
EISENHOWER DRIVE AND AVENUE 50. APPLICANT: KSL DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:15 p.m.
Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report.
Chevls Hosea, 55-920 PGA Boulevard, of KSL Land Corporation, gave a brief
presentation on the proposed project. He stated KSL feels the retaining wall is
an over-burdensome cost to the tract and is asking for relief from the street and
bridge improvements adjacent to the No. 13 golf hole. They feel the four-lane
street and bridge widening will benefit the public more than the homes in this
development.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Hosea stated KSL feels the City
should look to the ultimate developer to ask the City for assistance in bearing
the costs of the improvements and believed the revenues generated by the Vista
Monta~as development will justify the City bearing the costs of the
improvements. He questioned the requirement to make improvements adjacent
to built assets, and noted the Washington Street widening improvements
adjacent to Duna La Quinta were funded by the City.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hosea stated the improvement
costs they are asking relief from are estimated at $480,000, including
$188,000 for the retaining wall.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Hosea stated the staff report does not
reflect discussions between KSL and City staff at the time of the casitas
approval about the conditions being associated with the access on Eisenhower
Drive. He stated KSL understood they would be responsible for the Eisenhower
Drive improvements if the parking lot was not relocated within five years.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Mr. Hosea stated there was no documentation in
the documents received from RTC regarding the Eisenhower Drive
improvements as a condition of approval or bonding obligation and that those
improvements did not become an obligation until 1996.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Hosea stated he felt the
improvements should have been included in the Specific Plan conditions of
approval if it was to be an obligation of the project. He also felt the City should
City Council Minutes 16 June 19, 2001
consider the economic benefit of property development by making it feasible for
development.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Public Works Director Vogt stated he
was not aware of the City ever requiring a developer to construct a bridge. As
for the City moving forward with widening Eisenhower Drive, he advised the
bridge could be constructed so it does not affect private property and leaving
the development to make improvements in the future. The cost to the
developer is the Development Impact Fee, which includes the total construction
and design of the bridge. He stated developers pay a portion towards this
bridge and other regional facilities as part of their payment of Development
Impact Fees. He added this does not include the retaining wall.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hosea stated KSL would prefer
building a condominium/hotel resort residential development on the property but
is trying to be sensitive to the surrounding properties.
There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 8:02 p.m.
Council Member Henderson stated she believed there's merit to the developer's
request given the loss of value in changing the land use from Tourist
Commercial to Low Density Residential.
Mayor Pe~a noted the City has paid for improvements for the public good in
other areas and stated he felt this project may qualify for it as well.
Council Member Sniff questioned the City being obligated to support residential
development to make it economically viable and voiced concern about setting
a precedent.
Mayor Pe~a noted if the property is not developed, it will cost the City more in
the future to make the improvements and eliminate the "bottleneck" on
Eisenhower Drive.
Council Member Sniff suggested KSL share the cost of the improvements in
order to widen Eisenhower Drive to four lanes but without the City assuming
full responsibility.
Council Member Adolph stated he supported the project and questioned the
fairness of requiring KSL to pay all the improvement costs compared to what
they are doing in other areas of the City. He felt the Iow density designation
would help eliminate gridlock on Washington Street.
City Council Minutes 17 June 19, 2001
Mayor Pe~ia stated he felt the City should look at doing the improvements if
they benefit the public.
Council Member Perkins stated he didn't see the justification f~r the City
bearing the costs of improvements that the City would otherwise demand of
other developers. He was concerned about setting a precedent.
Council Member Henderson stated she felt the City should consider
developments on an individual basis and that precedents are set only if the City
chooses to do so. She supported working with the developer on this issue and
suggested the City undertake the costs up to $480,000. She was concerned
that doing otherwise would be complicated and maybe trigger other concerns.
Mayor Pe~a concurred.
Council Member Sniff commented on the validity of precedents and the
difficulty of responding in different ways to developers. He suggested the City
pay for the wall and KSL pay for the other costs. He was not prepared for the
City to pay all the costs.
Council Member Perkins stated he would agree to the City paying part of the
costs but not $480,000.
Council Member Adolph noted the retaining wall cost is only $188,000. He
stated he might feel differently if the project extended to the curb line but it
doesn't. He agreed four lanes are needed but objected to KSL being required
to make the improvements.
Council Member Sniff suggested continuing this item to July 3, 2001, to give
staff an opportunity to work out an equitable solution with KSL with the City
paying approximately 50% of the costs.
Mr. Hosea spoke in opposition to a continuance and noted relocation of the
parking lot will not take place if this application is not approved. He added he
was not aware of any objections to the proposed project by surrounding
property owners.
Council Member Perkins stated he could not support a motion to approve the
project at this time.
-- Council Member Henderson stated she supported relieving the developer of the
conditions of the retaining wall and one lane improvement along the property
fronting Hole No. 13.
City Council Minutes 18 June 19, 2001
Mr. Herman advised a condition will be needed to require dedication of right-of-
way and a construction easement for future improvements.
Mr. Vogt noted the need to also take into consideration cost of any repairs or
changes to Hole No. 13.
Council concurred to recess at 9:16 p.m. and continue this item until after
Public Hearing No. 3.
3. PUBLIC HEARING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 29858
PHASE 23, RECONFIGURING SEVEN ACRES AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
THE TRACT INTO 18 SINGLE FAMILY AND OTHER COMMON LOTS LOCATED
APPROXIMATELY 800 FEET SOUTH OF AVENUE 50 AND WEST OF
JEFFERSON STREET WITHIN SPECIFIC PLAN 2000-048. APPLICANT: RJT
HOMES, LLC.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 9:18 p.m.
Community Development Director Herman presented the staff repo~.
Chris Sergh, 79-799 Old Avenue 52, of MDS Consulting, stated they are in
agreement with the conditions of approval.
There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 9:20 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-82
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. I TO TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
29858 RECONFIGURING SEVEN ACRES IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE
TRACT INTO 18 RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER COMMON LOTS (RJT HOMES,
LLC).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2001-82 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Minutes 19 June 19, 2001
2. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER CERTIFICATION OF AN
ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 41; GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 2001-078, AND ZONE CHANGE 2001-101 TO CHANGE LANDS
CURRENTLY DESIGNATED TOURIST COMMERCIAL TO LOW DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL; SPECIFIC PLAN 121-E, AMENDMENT #5 ESTABLISHING
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF 65 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, COMMON AREA FACILITIES
AND AN AMENDMENT OF THE LANDSCAPING PLANT PALETTE; SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-703 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE
MODEL HOMES; AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 30125 FOR THE SUBDIVISION
OF 17.82 ACRES INTO 65 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS AND MISCELLANEOUS LOTS
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
EISENHOWER DRIVE AND AVENUE 50. APPLICANT: KSL DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION.
(This item was continued from Page 18.)
Mr. Herman proposed Condition No. 47(A)(1) be modified to read as follows:
"Eisenhower Drive (Primary Arterial) - The applicant shall construct half of
the total street improvements in compliance with the General Plan along the
500-foot (the property adjacent to Tentative Tract Map 30125) frontage on
Eisenhower Drive. The applicant shall also construct a six-foot meandering
sidewalk, parkway landscaping, and a 12-foot raised center median. The
applicant will be reimbursed for the cost of the median construction from
the Transportation DIF in an amount not to exceed the budget allowance for
this median construction.
The applicant shall dedicate all future right-of-way along Eisenhower Drive
(adjacent to Golf Hole No. 13 on the Dunes Course) necessary for the
construction of Eisenhower Drive pursuant to the General Plan standards
The applicant shall provide a construction easement necessary to construct
a retaining wall, including necessary easements to construct said wall on
applicant's property.
Applicant shall be responsible for all modifications to Golf Hole No. 13 on
the Dunes Course, including but not limited to, modifications to golf paths,
golf lake, green, tee box, fairway, irrigation, landscaping, and any other
modification necessary for the safety of the public."
Mayor Pe~a suggested Hole No, 13 be referred to in the condition as the golf
hole adjacent to Eisenhower Drive.
City Council Minutes 20 June 19, 2001
Mr. Herman advised of additional modifications to Condition No. 47(A)(1) as
follows:
"The applicant may enter into a secured agreement for the construction of
Eisenhower Drive street improvements or construct street improvements
prior to final map. The secured agreement shall reflect the following time
line:
Eisenhower Drive improvements shall be constructed before or at
the same time the Eisenhower Drive bridge and Eisenhower Drive
improvements are made along Hole No. 13 (or if renumbered, the
golf hole adjacent to Eisenhower Drive)."
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Herman stated under the proposed
condition the developer is responsible for constructing approximately 500 feet
of Eisenhower Drive but not responsible for other improvements south of the
tract frontage. Although the applicant may bond for the improvements, the
improvements must be completed by the time the City constructs the bridge.
He stated he was not sure if the road, parkway, sidewalk, and median
improvements between the bridge and Tract 30125 were included in the
$480,000 figure referenced by KSL but the proposed condition relieves KSL of
those improvements.
City Attorney Jenson noted the sidewalk and landscaping requirements on the
820 feet are also waived. She recommended if Council approves the proposed
conditions that staff be directed to come back with a formal amendment to
amend the conditions of approval for the Tract Map and Site Development
Permit.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Vogt stated it's not known at this
time whether or not the easement and/or right-of-way will fall within the lake
boundaries but the proposed condition requires dedication of a construction
easement at no cost to the City.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Vogt stated the only cost estimate
available at this time for the improvements that the developer is being relieved
of is the estimate provided by the developer. He advised the bridge is identified
in the CIP for design next year and construction the following year.
City Council Minutes 21 June 19, 2001
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-83
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING AN ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT NO. 41 PREPARED FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2001-078,
ZONE CHANGE 2001-101, SPECIFIC PLAN 121-E AMENDMENT NO. 5, SITE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-703, AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 30125 (KSL
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.
2001-83 as submitted.
In response to the City Attorney, Mr. Hosea stated KSL is in agreement with the
conditions as modified.
Motion carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-84
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CHANGE IN LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM
TOURIST COMMERCIAL TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL FOR SlX ACRES OF
LAND LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF EISENHOWER DRIVE AND
AVENUE 50 (GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2001-078 - KSL DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.
2001-84 as submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to take up
Ordinance No. 358 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion
carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
ORDINANCE NO. 358
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CHANGING THE LAND DESIGNATION FROM TOURIST
COMMERCIAL TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL FOR A 17.82-ACRE PARCEL
LOCATED WITHIN THE LA QUINTA RESORT SPECIFIC PLAN AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF EISENHOWER DRIVE AND AVENUE 50 (ZONE
-- CHANGE 2001-101 - KSL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION).
City Council Minutes 22 June 19, 2001
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to introduce Ordinance
No. 358 on first reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Mayor Pe~a
NOES: Council Member Sniff
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-85
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPECIFIC PLAN 121-E AMENDMENT NO. 5 FOR A
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, GOLF COURSE, AND
TOURIST COMMERCIAL USES ON 622 ACRES KNOWN AS THE LA QUINTA
RESORT AND CLUB (KSL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2001-85 as submitted, Motion carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-86
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE DEVELOPMENT OF 65 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
WITHIN THE LA QUINTA RESORT SPECIFIC PLAN 121-E AMENDMENT NO.
5(SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-703 KSL DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.
2001-86 as submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-87
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SUBDIVISION OF 17.82 ACRES INTO 6,5
PARCELS AND A NUMBER OF LETTERED LOTS (TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
30126 - KSL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.
2001-87 as amended (amending Condition No. 47(A)(1) as presented by staff).
Motion carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
City Council Minutes 23 June 19, 2001
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to direct staff
to come back with amendments for the Tract Map and Site Development Permit
for KSL Development. Motion carried with Council Member Sniff voting NO.
BUSINESS SESSION ............ continued
3. CONSIDERATION OF UTILIZING CITY-OWNED BUILDING IN THE VILLAGE AS
OFFICES FOR LA QUINTA POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Management Analyst Casillas presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Casillas advised the utility cost
estimates are based on the high-end estimates provided by the Chamber of
Commerce.
Council Member Perkins questioned the water and phone cost estimates and
asked about the landscape maintenance cost. Ms. Casillas stated the monthly
cost estimate to add the facility to the City's contract with Lundeen is $100.
Council Member Sniff stated he was told the air conditioning and heating units
in the facility need repair.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Assistant City Manager Weiss stated staff has
inspected the facility but did not conduct a thorough examination of all the
facilities in the building.
Council Member Sniff noted the additional repair costs need to be included with
the cost estimates.
City Manager Genovese noted the maintenance/repair costs will exist for any
use of the property except for a parking lot.
Council Member Adolph asked if staff has looked into the facility being used as
an art gallery or other commercial business.
Mr. Weiss responded no, stating staff understood the Police Station was
Council's preferred use.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Sergeant Ammons stated he felt the facility would
-- serve the officers' needs and be a win-win situation for the police officers and
the City. He noted it will provide more visibility in the village, including storage
for the officers' bicycles to use in the village.
City Council Minutes 24 June 19, 2001
Council Member Henderson asked if there's been discussion about reactivating
the VIPS program to assist with phones. Sergeant Ammons responded he
supports reactivating the VIPS program.
Council Member Perkins voiced concern about the facility becoming a substation
and an officer being taken off patrol to man the facility. He didn't feel a Police
Station is a proper use of the facility and that it would provide a false sense of
security.
Council Member Sniff asked if the facility would be open to the public, to which
Sergeant Ammons responded "no."
Council Member Sniff questioned how that would be accomplished and noted
citizens with questions and/or concerns are likely to come to the door if a patrol
vehicle is present.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Sergeant Ammons confirmed patrol officers are
approached and respond to citizens' questions at various locations in the City,
including City Hall.
Council Member Sniff noted there's potential for adverse impacts to the
neighborhood caused by police activities at the facility and commented on how
the proposed storage areas might affect use of the facility. He added it was his
understanding from the staff report, that provision of the facility for police use
provides no possibility of public access.
Mayor Pe~a noted the facility is not intended to be open to the public with
"regular" office hours.
Council Member Sniff agreed with Council Member Perkins that the facility
could create the impression of a substation.
Council Member Adolph spoke in support of using the facility as an office for
police use.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Council Member Perkins confirmed
a substation does not have to be manned by a police officer. However, he is
concerned people will expect it to be manned and eventually ask that it be
manned by a police officer. He felt some consideration should be given to using
the property for a public parking lot in conjunction with the Post Office.
Council Member Henderson agreed there's a shortage of parking spaces in the
village but felt that will improve once the construction equipment is gone. She
City Council Minutes 25 June 19, 2001
felt the presence of police vehicles at the facility will create a high profile effect
with residual benefits. She proposed the possibility of using Explorers to man
the facility.
Mayor Pe~a suggested looking at that issue if and when the need arises. He
supported moving forward with the proposed police use at this time.
Council Members Adolph and Henderson concurred.
Council Member Sniff questioned the officers having a place to park when the
Post Office is busy.
Council Member Adolph noted the driveway and carport provides parking for at
least three vehicles,
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to authorize
the use of the City-owned facility in the village as offices for the La Quinta
Police Department and authorize staff to include funds in the FY 2001/2002
Budget for various building upgrades and annual operation and maintenance of
the facility and directed staff to conduct a review of the operation six months
after it is established.
Mr. Weiss advised staff will look into the maintenance/repair costs for the
heating and air conditioning and bring the costs back to Council during the
budget process.
Motion carried with Council Members Perkins and Sniff voting NO. MINUTE
ORDER NO, 2001-89.
8. CONSIDERATION OF LOCATION OF A THIRD FIRE STATION TO SERVE
NORTHERN PORTIONS OF THE CITY.
Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report and reviewed
three proposed sites on a map.
Council Member Sniff asked about the response time for the northern part of the
City and if the Adams Street/Avenue 47 site would encompass any of Indian
Wells, Bermuda Dunes, or Indio.
-- Mr. Hartung stated the Adams/Avenue 47 site would provide a five-minute
response time for the northern part of the City except for a small section near
Fred Waring Drive and Washington Street.
City Council Minutes 26 June 19, 2001
Fire Chief McLaughlin advised the Adams/Avenue 47 site would support Indian
Wells and portions of Indio and Bermuda Dunes as the second or third engine
but not the first response engine. He stated the response time to the small
section at Fred Waring Drive and Washington Street would be 5 ~ to 6 minutes.
Mayor Pe~a noted a concern with the Miles Avenue/Seeley Drive site is the
possibility of responses outside of the City.
In response to Mayor PeSa, Chief McLaughlin confirmed Fire Station 70
currently covers portions of the County and Indio.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Chief McLaughlin stated Supervisor
Wilson's request for funding to re-staff the Bermuda Dunes Fire Station is
expected to be supported by the Board of Supervisors and that the potential re-
staffing of that station is not contingent upon the location of the new fire
station. He stated if the Bermuda Dunes Fire Station is re-staffed, the fire
stations will be within three miles of each other and the Fire Department is
recommending the Bermuda Dunes Fire Station be relocated slightly to the east
to a larger piece of property.
Council Member Sniff asked if the City selects the Miles/Seeley site, would the
County be willing to pay part of the construction costs since the site would
serve a significant portion of the County. He commented on the difficulty of
asking La Quinta residents to approve a fire assessment to provide, in part,
service to the County.
Chief McLauglin stated in previous discussions the indication has been a new
station would be the responsibility of La Quinta and noted, in a regional system,
each station has some responsibility outside of its own jurisdiction.
Council Member Perkins supported the Miles/Seeley location in order to have a
station on the north side of the City.
Mayor Pe~a concurred.
Council Member Henderson questioned there being any incentive for the County
to re-staff the Bermuda Dunes station if a new station is located at Miles and
Seeley because of the extensive overlap coverage. She wished to look into the
possibility of using commercial property north of Highway 111 but not
necessarily north of the Whitewater Storm Channel. She noted the property at
Miles Avenue and Washington Street is being considered for development and
that the previously-approved fire station site at Adams Street and Westward Ho
drive was moved because of a park development.
City Council Minutes 27 June 19, 2001
Council Member Perkins commented on the distance of the two current fire
stations from the north part of the City and the amount of development in that
area, including Bermuda Dunes and Indio. He felt there's going to be a need for
more than one fire station in the north part of the City.
Mayor Pe~a agreed and stated he felt it would be a mistake to locate a third fire
station south of Highway 111.
Council Member Sniff supported looking for property immediately north of
Highway 111 with access on Adams Street or Dune Palms Road. He agreed
with Council Member Perkins that a fire station north of the Whitewater Storm
Channel is important to residents in the north part of the City. He believed a
fire assessment would be more acceptable to La Quinta residents if the new fire
station largely serves La Quinta.
Mayor Pe~a commented on the increase of property costs and how that might
affect being able to locate alternate sites.
Council Member Adolph supported locating the new station north of the
Whitewater Storm Channel and north of Highway 111.
Council Member Henderson suggested waiting a few weeks to see what the
County is going to do about the Bermuda Dunes fire station.
Mayor PeSa stated he didn't object to looking at the Miles/Seeley site as the
number one site and continuing this item for two weeks to give staff an
opportunity to come back with other potential sites north of the Whitewater
Storm Channel.
Mr. Hartung stated staff will look for available property north of the Whitewater
Storm Channel.
Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, spoke in support of the Miles/Seeley site
because it's north of the Whitewater Storm Channel and the property is owned
by the Redevelopment Agency. He commented on the long response times in
the north part of the City and stated he felt it would be difficult to get support
for a fire assessment from residents in the north part of the City if the new
station is located south of the Whitewater Storm Channel.
-- MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to continue
consideration of a third fire station location to July 3, 2001, and directed staff
to come back with other potential sites north of Highway 111 and the
Whitewater Storm Channel. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.
2001-90.
City Council Minutes 28 June 19, 2001
9. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL
APPROVAL OF A FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
FOR TRACT 29894-2, COUNTRY CLUB OF THE DESERT, LLC.
(This item wes moved from the Consent Calendar.)
Public Works Director Vogt presented the staff report and explained the
conditional approval process which includes bonding for improvements.
Council Member Adolph asked if grading was a part of the improvements, to
which Mr. Vogt responded "no."
In response to Council Member Adolph, City Attorney Jenson stated the 15-day
appeal time period she referred to earlier, applies to development review actions
and permits. She felt the current situation may fall under a general appeal
provision of the Code because neither the Specific Plan approved by Council nor
the City Code sets a limitation on the berm height. The Community
Development Director presented the modified grading plan to the Planning
Commission to make sure it is consistent with what the Planning Commission
had in mind. She advised the general appeal time period for issues other than
development review actions is 10 days from when written notice is received.
When there is no written notice, the general appeal provision of the Code
provides a lO-day window in which a person who becomes apprized of the
situation may request written notification and upon receipt of that notification
file an appeal within 10 days.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Ms. Jenson advised the Community Development
Director has discretion to approve minor changes, such as landscape material
or streetscape design, without an amendment to the Specific Plan.
Council Member Adolph questioned raising the berm height to 20 feet being a
minor change.
Ms. Jenson referred to Condition No. 32, which deals with the slopes, and
stated the slopes cannot exceed 5 to 1 within the public right-of-way and in the
private areas the slopes cannot exceed 3 to 1. She felt the grading plan is
consistent with that condition. She further stated the EIR does not indicate a
view impact and that the street scape would be compatible with streets and
entries just south of the site.
Council Member Adolph noted the renderings presented to Council during
approval of the project did not show a "mountain range" along Avenue 54 and
was a totally different concept than what currently exists.
City Council Minutes 29 June 19, 2001
Council Member Henderson asked if this issue was taken to the Planning
Commission as a business item, to which Mr. Herman responded yes.
Nancy Aaronson, 81-1 O0 Avenue 53, of Country Club of the Desert, noted the
request for final map approval is a separate issue from the grading. She felt it
would be an infringement upon the developer's rights if the conditional approval
is not approved.
In response to Mayor PeRa, Ms. Jenson confirmed the Council has the right to
continue this item to a future meeting.
Ms. Aaronson stated she felt the grading should have been apparent for some
time given the stockpiling of dirt along Avenue 54.
Mayor PeSa noted it did appear to be a "stockpile" and not necessarily a
permanent berm.
Ms. Aaronson stated she felt a majority of the Planning Commissioners were
initially opposed to the grading based on their field visit and seeing the berms
in their current form but approved the grading based on the merits of the
design. She noted the berms are less bulk and mass than the 28-foot high
homes that could have been built along the perimeter. She further noted a lot
of the trees on the PGA West side of Avenue 54 are 60-70 feet high from the
streetscape and that Country Club of the Desert would have similar "view
obstruction" issues if they had existed prior to PGA West being approved. In
regard to complaints of vehicle noise at night, she stated they are committed
to controlling dust from the project and sometimes run water trucks at night.
She stated they wish to be good neighbors and hope the PGA West residents
will be more supportive of the finished product.
Council Member Adolph stated he had discussed his concerns about the berm
height with staff over the last few months and understood the berm would be
lowered.
Mayor Pe~ia noted the berm issue is not a part of the item before Council at this
time and should be addressed in some other manner.
Council Member Sniff agreed and noted the residents who have an issue with
the berm should file an appeal.
Ms. Aaronson stated they wish to go on record that they have moved forward
with their grading construction based on approvals from the City.
City Council Minutes 30 June 19, 2001
Jim Donnelly, 56-548 Pebble Beach, asked to speak to the City Attorney
regarding the berm issue and Mayor Pe~a suggested he speak to her after the
meeting.
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-88
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, GRANTING CONDITIONAL FINAL MAP APPROVAL OF TRACT
29894-2 AND AUTHORIZING A TIME EXTENSION FOR SATISFACTORY
COMPLETION OF THE CONDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO VALIDATE THE
APPROVAL.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2001-88 as submitted.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Jenson confirmed if an appeal is
filed it will come before Council but noted the developer could argue that the
general appeal process does not apply. She further confirmed the filing of an
appeal will not delay the applicant's final map approval.
Council Member Perkins noted this has placed the Council in an awkward
position and stated he wished to avoid having something like this happen again.
Mayor Pe~a stated he felt the issue of berm heights should be revisited with
planning staff.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. CONSIDERATION OF A MEETING SCHEDULE REGARDING VISTA SANTA
ROSA.
(This item was continued from Page 8.)
After a brief discussion, Council concurred to direct staff to schedule a Study
Session on July 5, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. with interested parties to include
Supervisor Wilson, all persons who spoke at the LAFCO hearing, and the Vista
Santa Rosa Community Council.
STUDY SESSION - None
City Council Minutes 31 June 19, 2001
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CVAG Executive Committee -- Mayor Pe~a encouraged Council Members to attend
the General Assembly meeting in Blythe on June 25, 2001.
CVAG Energy & Environment Committee -- Council Member Sniff referenced an effort
to purchase land and locate funding for a Multi-Species Habitat. He asked the
Community Development Director to provide Council with copies of the information.
He further reported on a meeting held June 7th where he, Mayor Pe~a, and the City
Manager, met with city representatives from Coachella and Indio, as well as Supervisor
Wilson and others. He stated the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 19,
2001, at 5:30 p.m. and asked for Council's input regarding continuance of these
meetings.
Mayor Pe~a stated he wished to continue with a few more meetings.
Council Member Henderson stated she wished to see an agenda and minutes created
for these meetings.
Mayor Pe~a noted this could lead to a joint Council meeting between all three cities.
Council Member Sniff stated he has suggested that each city represented in the
meetings submit two suggestions for the next agenda and La Quinta will develop the
agenda.
Mayor Pe~a noted the tentative meeting date should be rescheduled because several
La Quinta City representatives will not be available on July 19th.
Mayor Pe~a reported he, Council Member Perkins, and the City Manager met today
with the Desert Sun Editorial Board, at their request, to discuss various issues related
to La Quinta. He added the Desert Sun has indicated they are meeting with all of the
jurisdictions.
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS - None
City Council Minutes 32 June 19, 2001
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING VARIOUS TRAFFIC-RELATED ISSUES.
Council Member Perkins questioned why the flashing warning lights on Adams
Street have not been installed and asked staff to look into the recent installation
of a new power pole and traffic signal box at Highway 111 and Washington
Street. He has also asked staff to look into the potential of painting speed limits
on street surfaces in certain high-speed areas. He also noted the need to
repaint the right-turn arrow marking on Highway 111 at the Von's Shopping
Center and has asked staff to look into the efficiency of LED traffic signals.
Public Works Director Vogt stated LED traffic signal lights do not last as long
and cost more to replace. However, staff will monitor the use of them in Palm
Springs and Cathedral City.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING A VALLEYWIDE ANIMAL CAMPUS.
Council Member Perkins asked Council to give serious consideration to his
recent memo regarding the animal shelter issue. He felt the City should
determine what it wants in this matter to be in position to consider CVAG's
proposal when it comes forward.
Council concurred.
3. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE BUS STOP AT THE BEER HUNTER
RESTAURANT.
Council Member Sniff commented on the urgency of getting the bus stop on the
Washington Street side of the Beer Hunter Restaurant relocated across Highway
111.
Public Works Director Vogt advised the Point Happy development is conditioned
to construct the new bus stop.
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency and Financing Authority meetings.
Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1.
City Council Minutes 33 June 19, 2001
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).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California