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2001 11 20 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 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 regarding pending litigation, City of Indio v. City of La Quinta - Riverside County Superior Court, Indio Branch, Case No. 025560; pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a). 2. Conference with legal counsel regarding pending litigation, City of La Quinta v. Coachella Valley Water District - Riverside Superior Court, Indio Branch, Case No. INC010827; pursuant to Government Code Section 54956(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 advised of the need to make a modification to Consent Item No. 9. City Council Minutes 2 November 20, 2001 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the agenda as modified. Motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None PRESENTATIONS - None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE - None APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve the City Council Minutes of November 6, 2001, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR City Manager Genovese and City Attorney Jenson advised Item No. 9 should be modified to include "the approved contract is subject to final review by the City Attorney for the purpose of cleaning up language in the contract related to insurance requirements and indemnification issues." 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED NOVEMBER 20, 2001. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001. 3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001. 4. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY JANILEE SAW - DATE OF LOSS: OCTOBER 15, 2001. 5. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR, SENIOR CENTER SUPERVISOR, AND ONE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONER TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA PARKS AND RECREATION SOCIETY CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 3-6, 2002. 6. ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO. 98-18, COVE OASIS/LAKE CAHUILLA TRAILHEAD IMPROVEMENTS. City Council Minutes 3 November 20, 2001 7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT NO. 29457-2, RANCHO LA QUINTA, T, D, DESERT DEVELOPMENT, (RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 146) 8. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT 30125-2, SEDONA HOMES. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-147) 9. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT TO RETAIN ROY F. STEPHENSON, P.E. OF BERRYMAN AND HENIGAR AS INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER. (amended) MOTION -It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and with amended language on Item No. 9 and with Item Nos. 7 and 8 being approved as RESOLUTION NOS. 2001-146 and 2001-147 respectively. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-159. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001. Finance Director Falconer and Ken Ali-lman, of Conrad and Associates, gave a brief overview of the financial report and format changes. Council Member Henderson noted SunLine Transit Agency, palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority, and the Desert'Resorts Regional Airport should be added to the list of governmental agencies on Page ii of the document. In addition, she noted 96.8 million on Page 10 should be changed to 98.6 million and it was confirmed by Mr. Falconer. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Ali-lman suggested adding language on Page 50 to clarify what was excluded from the Notes Receivable amount on Page 16. Additionally, Mr. Falconer explained why the Low & Moderate Income Housing Project Area No. 1 Fund is not listed under "Major and Non-Major Funds" on Page 13, and advised .staff will look into the possibility of adding it next year. He also verified the Contingent Tax Interruption insurance coverage referenced on Page 143 is for Wal-Mart and the La Quinta Hotel. City Council Minutes 4 November 20, 2001 Council Members Sniff and Adolph spoke regarding the need to be working toward meeting the financial challenges listed on Page vi. The Mayor and Council Members commented on the excellence of the report and complimented staff on a job well done. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve, receive, and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2001. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-160. 2. CONSIDERATION OF PARTICIPATION IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY VIOLENT GANG CRIME TASK FORCE (VGCTF). Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report. Police Chief Wyman, of the Palm Springs Police Department, responded to several questions asked by Council Member Sniff. He stated each agency involved with the Task Force will have an equal vote on the Board and each need for response to gang activity will be considered and prioritized by the Board. They've received commitments to the Task Force from the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (supervisory position only), County Probation Department, District Attorney's Office (prosecutor and investigator), and the cities of Palm Springs, Indio, and Indian Wells. The Task Force is currently meeting in the Palm Springs Police Department basement and will eventually meet in a trailer at Bermuda Dunes. Each Board position will be a full-time position with the Chairman elected by the Board of Directors. The Task Force will target gang activity through intelligence, sting operations, and after-the-fact investigations. He also spoke about the increase in crime, especially violent crimes, and advised the Task Force has approximately $300,000 in operating funds to use for equipment, housing, and general operations and additional operating funds will be sought through grants. Council Member Sniff commented on the need for all agencies to participate in the Task Force for it to be effective. In response to Council Member Adolph, Chief Wyman explained each Board Member will report back to its agency and that the Task Force will take its directions from within the Board. In regard to hours, he stated the Task Force members will be on a flex schedule and on 24-hour call. Council Member Perkins stated he supports participation in the Task Force. City Council Minutes 5 November 20, 2001 In response to Council Member Henderson, Captain Singerton advised the grant for the deputy position was obtained through the District Attorney's Office. Council Member Henderson commented on the difficulty of funding and noted the City has been looking at adding a second motor officer. She stated she would consider reassigning the Community Services Officer but pointed out funding for the position will be an annual expense that will take away from dollars committed to patrolling the community. Council Member Perkins stated he felt it's somewhat of a trade-off because the Task Force will reduce some of the problems deputies currently deal with. He was opposed to using an existing deputy or Community Services Officer and preferred allocating funds for an additional deputy position to dedicate to the Task Force. Chief Wyman commented on the importance of La Quinta's participation and stated he felt most of the Task Force activity will be in the east end of the Valley. In response to Council Member Adolph, Captain Singerton confirmed, theoretically, the Task Force will reduce the workload of existing officers. In response to Council Member Sniff, Chief Wyman advised the Task Force position will need transportation and routine standard equipment with any specialized equipment being provided through the Task Force operating funds. Council Member Adolph spoke in support of the Task Force and commented on the need to weigh the needs of the City. Mayor Pe~a spoke in support of funding a Task Force position in addition to the grant-funded position in the Sheriff's Department. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to participate in the Coachella Valley Violent Gang Crime Task Force and provide one officer at an estimated cost of 988,000 annually. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-161. 3. CONSIDERATION OF AWARD OF CONTRACT TO TERA-CAL CONSTRUCTION, INC. TO CONSTRUCT THE CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 97-09. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Speer presented the staff report and Mr. Nickerson, the City's consultant, reviewed the three alternatives and needed appropriations. City Council Minutes 6 November 20, 2001 Council Member Perkins suggested eliminating Alternative #1 and Council concurred. In response to Council Member Henderson, Community Services Director Horvitz advised the three acknowledgment areas, map, some sidewalk treatments, and the lake water feature are included in the Art in Public Places (APP) funding but not the Historical Plaza Fountain. Mr. Nickerson advised Alternative #2 will require an additional budget appropriation of $520,576 and Alternative #3 will require $1,580,000. In response to Council Member Adolph, he advised the difference between the two alternatives will change very little if bid again next year but after that it will depend on the economy. He noted once the base is installed, other items such as shade structures, drinking fountains, and larger trees, can be added at leisure. Council Member Perkins voiced concern about damaging the grass and underground watering system if all the improvements are not done up-front. Council Member Sniff suggested purchasing trees with more quality and uniformity than the trees in storage at the Senior Center. He supported Alternative #3 because he felt there's a savings and intrinsic value in completing the entire project. In response to Council Member Henderson, City Manager Genovese advised construction will began 30 to 45 days after the contract is approved. Mr. Nickerson stated the construction will take approximately 180 days to complete. Mr. Genovese noted any additional appropriation on this project at this time could affect other projects in the CIP, such as the library and museum, if those project costs exceed the engineer's estimates. Council Member Henderson suggested staff come back with a realistic budget outlook on how these major projects are going to be handled. Council Member Adolph concurred and commented on the need for additional drinking fountains and larger trees in Alternative #2. Council Member Perkins noted there will be an appearance of continual construction if Alternative #3 is not approved. City Council Minutes 7 November 20, 2001 Mayor Pe~a spoke in support of Alternative #2 and commented on the uncertainty of State funding next year. He noted any improvement on the site will be good and stated he would have a concern supporting Alternative #3 without input from staff on how it will impact other projects. Council Member Henderson stated she supports Alternative #2 and suggested construction of the remaining items in Alternative #3 might coincide with the library construction. As for the trees in storage, she wished to see some of the larger ones used on the Civic Center Campus and maybe others at the Cove Oasis instead of throwing them away. Council Member Sniff stated he would not support transplanting the trees to the campus because he feels a number of them will be fatally affected if moved again. He noted the museum has not been fully designed and that the library has been somewhat delayed by a new three-year contract with the County. He urged support for Alternative #3 and noted a six-month construction period is not long, then the City can move forward in an orderly fashion, based on budget, with the museum and library. Council Member Adolph noted the MOU with the County does not preclude the City from moving forward with construction of the library. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Nickerson advised either alternative will allow construction of the library with minimal affect on the rest of the site. Council Member Perkins stated he felt it would be a big mistake to construct only part of the campus now and maybe come back in six months to do more. Council Member Henderson asked about the construction schedules for the library, museum, fire station, and community park. Mr. Genovese advised the museum design has started and the project could get underway within 6 to 8 months. The library is probably 10 to 12 months after that and the fire station schedule is similar to the museum schedule. It will take 2 to 3 months to complete the working drawings for the park once a final design is approved, and then 5 to 6 months to start construction. Council Member Henderson expressed concern that approval of Alternative #3 may not be good fiscal-sense spending at this time. Council Member Sniff urged Council to purchase healthy, moderate-sized palm trees regardless of which alternative is approved, rather than use the unhealthy trees in storage. City Council Minutes 8 November 20, 2001 In response to Mayor Pe~a, Ms. Horvitz advised the additional cost for Design B on the museum is approximately $450,000. Council Member Perkins suggested a continuance to get a report back from staff on the City's financial capability of moving forward and completing these projects. Mayor Pe~a voiced opposition to a continuance and stated he would support Alternative//2 with the addition of healthy and maybe larger trees. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Genovese confirmed funding is available, including the $500,000 grant, to construct Phase I of the park, provided the bid does not come back higher than estimated. He further confirmed funding is available for the fire station. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese stated redesign of the park will most likely result in additional design costs. Council Member Henderson voiced concern about moving too fast. Council Member Adolph asked about the possibility of additional grants, to which Mr. Genovese responded that staff is looking for a grant for the museum. In response to Mayor Pe~a, Ms. Horvitz advised the City has been relatively assured that the funds for the $500,000 State grant have been encumbered. Council Member Sniff suggested, in absence of support for Alternative//3, to approve Alternative #2 with the purchase of healthy and somewhat uniform size palm trees. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to: 1 ) appropriate 911,000 from Urban Forestry Grant received from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; 2) appropriate 9520,577 from Redevelopment Project Area No. 1 funds, contingent upon the future adoption of an advance agreement with the Park and Recreation Developer Impact Fee Fund; 3) award a contract to Tera-Cal Construction, Inc. in the amount of 91,649,558 to construct base bid line items 1-13, 16-19, and 21-35, Add Alternate //1 line items 1-4, Add Alternate//2 line item 1, and Add Alternate #4 line item 3 (base bid area with colored concrete and walkway lighting); and 4) purchase healthy palm trees of somewhat uniform size (instead of using the trees in storage). In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Speer advised some larger trees (instead of all 15-gallon trees) can be utilized through add-alternates and the City Council Minutes 9 November 20, 2001 palm trees can be done through a change order. He also confirmed plumbing can be stubbed in for a drinking fountain at each of the five shade structures. Council Member Perkins stated he supports the project but will not support the motion because he supports Alternative//3. Motion carried with Council Member Perkins voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO, 2001-162. Council concurred to take up Business Item No. 5 at this time. 5. CONSIDERATION OF SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY PROPOSAL TO CREATE OR AMEND A JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELECTRIC POWER PLANT. Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the staff report. Bill Maier, Chief Financial Officer for SunLine Services Group, advised six cities, to date, have approved the concept of eminent domain. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Maier explained eminent domain status is needed under SunLine Services Group (SSG) to obtain tax exempt financing. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Maier advised SunLine Transit Agency and SunLine Services Group are separate entities with separate funding sources. Council Member Sniff stated he was uncomfortable with the proposal. In response to Council Member Sniff, Dick Cromwell, General Manager for SunLine Transit Agency, stated this project, which is for the purpose of building a power plant in Imperial Irrigation District (liD) area, is not in conflict with CVAG's project, which is municipal electric power in the Southern California Edison (SCE) area. He agreed to guarantee, in writing, that the eminent domain power would not be uSed to acquire any portion of lid facilities. Their purpose is to provide additional power for 100,000 homes. Mr. Maier explained the cities of Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, who have both opted out of the CVAG project, have requested additional information on this project due to their concern about a connection between the two projects. He reiterated there is no connection. City Council Minutes 10 November 20, 2001 Council Member Sniff stated he preferred to wait for additional information. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Cromwell confirmed liD supports the project. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Maier stated the power plant would be located in Thousand Palms and confirmed the possibility of expanding the facility in the future to provide power for 200,000 homes. Council Member Perkins stated he didn't have a problem getting the project set up without any further commitments. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Cromwell advised the power plant will be decided by the Board, which is made up of city representatives, and any exercise of eminent domain power must be approved by unanimous consent of the Board. Council Member Sniff stated he wished to have letters from Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs regarding their concerns, letters from CVAG and liD as to their comments on this project, and a statement from the SunLine Board guaranteeing that the eminent domain power will be used only for tax exempt bond financing before moving forward with this. MOTION - It was moved by Council Member Sniff to continue this item until additional information and requested responses are received. Motion failed for lack of second. Mayor Pe~a and Council Member Perkins supported voting on the concept. Council Member Henderson agreed and noted the Council will have another opportunity to approve or deny the project when the amended language comes back for approval. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Cromwell advised all the issues should be resolved by January 23, 2002. In response to Council Member Sniff, City Attorney Jenson advised she will review the amended JPA agreement when it's proposed and make sure there are no liability risks to the City related to the eminent domain power. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Cromwell advised the bond amount will be between $90 million and $100 million. City Council Minutes 11 November 20, 2001 In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Jenson confirmed there is no binding action with the concept in Alternative #1 and that Council will have an opportunity to change its mind when the agreement is submitted for approval. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Henderson to authorize the City's SunLine representative to support in concept a proposal for SunLine Services Group to finance, construct, and operate an electric power plant, including extension of the power of eminent domain to SunLine, subject to City Council consideration and approval of appropriate JPA implementation language. Mayor Pe~a noted any reference in the mo,tion to SunLine relates to SunLine Services Group and not SunLine Transit Agency. In response to Council Member Adolph, he stated he was skeptical about the proposal in the beginning but after participating in many meetings he's comfortable with moving forward. Council Member Sniff stated he would support the motion but still wished to have comments back from the agencies he referenced earlier. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-163. 4. CONSIDERATION OF A PARK NAME FOR PARK LOCATED BETWEEN SAGUARO AND BOTTLEBRUSH DRIVE. Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report. Council Member Sniff voiced concern that Desert Club Manor Park could be confusing with the street in the Cove and suggested Washington Street Park. Council Member Perkins noted the park will not be visible from Washington Street. Council Member Henderson stated she has been approached by two separate groups who wish to have identifying signs for their communities of Desert Club Manor and Desert Club Estates. She supported naming the park Desert Club Manor Park. Mayor Pe~a stated he was leaning toward Saguaro Park. Council Member Adolph supported Desert Club Manor Park as requested by the residents. City Council Minutes 12 November 20, 2001 MOTION -It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve the name Desert Club Manor Park for the park site located between Saguaro and Bottlebrush Drives. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO, 2001-164. Council recessed to and until 7:00 p.m. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT Maddy Waters, 81-150 Avenue 53, voiced concern that she may not be able to continue spraying chemicals on her grape fields because of a new development next to her property and asked Council to consider requiring a buffer zone. PRESENTATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CERTIFY A MITIGATED NEGATIVE · DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2001-418 AND A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND THE GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION TO LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL WITHIN THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA FOR SUBSEQUENT ANNEXATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 200 ACRES, BOUNDED ON THE NORTH BY AVENUE 52, ON THE EAST BY MONROE STREET, ON THE SOUTH BY AVENUE 53, AND EAST OF THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS. APPLICANT: NRI, LA QUINTA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report. Maddy Waters, 81-150 Avenue 53, reiterated her concerns voiced under public comment about not being able to spray chemicals on her grape fields, which is located next to the proposed development. She didn't feel it would be right for City Council Minutes 13 November 20, 2001 her to break the law by continuing to spray her crops just because other farmers do it. Bob Hargreaves, 74-760 Highway 111, Indian Wells, attorney with Best, Best, & Krieger, spoke regarding agricultural conservation and potential conflicts when residential developments are located next to agricultural properties. He stated he felt residential developments use more water than agriculture because agriculture uses irrigation water. He also distributed information on protecting farmlands and agricultural buffers and encouraged a full EIR study to make sure everything possible is done to protect farm resources. Ellen Lloyd Trover, P. O. Box 297, Coachella, agreed more study is needed when water usage, prime farm land, and liquefaction issues are involved. She encouraged use of the "golden rule" and listening to the farmers before making a decision. She also urged Council to require a buffer zone so Ms. Waters can continue farming. Garfield Logan, 30-448 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, representing RWD Ranch, stated he felt the issue is whether or not Coachella Valley is going to continue as a farming community or be an extension of other subdivisions or golf courses. He felt a comprehensive plan is needed in order for the two interests to be balanced and he voiced opposition to adopting a Negative Declaration. Nancy Aaronson, representing the applicant, stated they have tried to address all the issues and are in agreement with the staff report. She advised the project is part of their overall development plan, which they desire to be under La Quinta's jurisdiction. She noted the site has been approved for residential units by the County and that homes already exist in the area. She stated the zoning request is not much different than what currently exists and she felt it's impractical to require an EIR. She also felt if chemical use is a concern, it should relate to the water table and animal health as well. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Aaronson confirmed there is potential for the property to be developed in or out of the City. She also asked if a lO0-foot buffer is required that it be from the boundary of the use and not the property line. Bernard Debonne stated he has been farming for 40 years and questioned farmers being able to survive on small vineyards without additional income. He advised chemical spraying is usually limited to March through May with sulphur being applied two or three times a season. He noted there are a number of existing farms contiguous to residences and stated he didn't feel chemical City Council Minutes 14 November 20, 2001 spraying is a serious argument against residential development. He felt the issue is more of a preference between two lifestyles. Mayor Pe~a asked how buffer zones work when houses are located in the middle or adjacent to a farm. Mr. Debonne stated he was not aware of any State or Federal law requiring buffer zones for houses. City Attorney Jenson recommended a continuance in order to have an opportunity to review the information distributed by Mr. Hargreaves. She also reviewed information received from the Agricultural Standards Investigator in Indio regarding chemicals used on Ms. Waters' vineyard and stated only one of three chemicals listed by Ms. Waters' attorney is recorded as being used. She stated dormax has a buffer zone for lemon trees up to ¼ mile because of the reaction it causes in lemon trees but it's not applicable to residential units. She added, under State regulations, buffer zones are expected to be on the farm property and not adjacent properties. Sulphur, which is used on Ms. Waters' property, has an odor problem but no health-related issues or established buffer zones. She advised in addition to a 100-foot buffer zone, staff is recommending a 300-foot noticing requirement, which can be expanded if Council wishes. In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Jenson stated desert land surrounding a vineyard may be considered open space and not require a buffer. She advised under State law, if Ms. Waters is authorized by statute to utilize chemicals and has a permit, she would not be responsible for creating a nuisance situation. She further adVised staff is recommending prior to annexation, that an ordinance be adopted that would give Ms. Waters protection to continue the use on her property. She stated the proposed ordinance is modeled after the County Ordinance but Ms. Waters feels it does not protect any change in crop but under the proposed ordinance the use would be protected and could not be considered a nuisance. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to continue the public hearing for NRI La Quinta Limited Partnership to December 18, 2001. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Jenson stated she understood inner buffers and outer buffers are established for the chemical use, based on the calculation of the number of acres and amount of chemical used. There are restrictions whether or not the outer buffer can include adjacent properties. Mayor Pe~a suggested inviting the Agricultural Standards Investigator to attend the December 18th meeting. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-165. City Council Minutes 15 November 20, 2001 2. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER STREET NAME CHANGE 2001-012 TO CHANGE THE NAME OF A PORTION OF VIA TRIESTE TO VIA LIVORNO WITHIN LAKE .LA QUINTA. APPLICANT: LAKE LA QUINTA COMMUNITIES. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report. There being no requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 148 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A STREET NAME CHANGE (2001-012) FOR A PORTION OF VIA TRIESTE TO VIA LIVORNO LOCATED WITHIN LAKE LA QUINTA (LAKE LA QUINTA COMMUNITIES). It was move.d by Council Members Adolph/Sniff to adopt Resolution No. 2001-1 48 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. 3. PUBLIC HEARING TO CERTIFY A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2001-429; REVIEW OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO SPECIFIC PLAN 87-011 AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-708 TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR A 25,240 SQUARE FOOT, TWO- STORY BUILDING FOR COMMERCIAL, RETAIL, AND OFFICE USES; AND REVIEW OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2001-064 TO ALLOW THE USE ON APPROXIMATELY 1.78 ACRES LOCATED NORTH OF AVENUE 47, WEST OF ADAMS STREET. APPLICANT: THOMAS LATHROP, LATHROP DEVELOPMENT. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report. In response to Mayor Pe~a, Tom Lathrop, the applicant, advised the maximum height at the ridge line is 34~ feet. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Herman advised the setback from curb is 20 + feet. City Council Minutes 16 November 20, 2001 There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 149 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QU'INTA, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2001-429 PREPARED FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 87-011 AMENDMENT NO. 3, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2001-064, AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-708 (LATHROP DEVELOPMENT). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No. 2001-149 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 150 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE DESIGN GUIDELINES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR A COMMERCIAL OFFICE USE (SPECIFIC PLAN 87-011 AMENDMENT NO. 3 - LATHROP DEVELOPMENT). It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No. 2001-150 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 151 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR A 25,240 SQUARE FOOT, TWO-STORY, COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING (SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2001-708- LATHROP DEVELOPMENT). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No. 2001-151 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 - 152 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A COMMERCIAL OFFICE USE (CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2001-064 - LATHROP DEVELOPMENT). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No. 2001-152 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. City Council Minutes 17 November 20, 2001 STUDY SESSION - None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS CVAG Human & Community Resources Committee -- Council Member Adolph reported the County is working on funding to improve the Indio Animal Shelter. Chamber of Commerce Workshop/Information Committee -- Community Services Director Horvitz related the anniversary celebration and status of the Village Faire were discussed at the last workshop. Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitor's Authority - Council Member Henderson reported they have recommended a mid-budget decrease of $235,000 and are looking at a potential decrease of $609,000 next year based on hotel industry revenues. She stated there are concerns about how the decrease will impact the marketing program and there has been some discussion about the cities possibly making up the difference between this year's TOT and next year's TOT. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Mayor Pe~a noted the flowers donated by the Soroptimist have been planted at the Senior Center and look very nice. He suggested sending a thank you letter to the Soroptimist. 3-B. SELECTION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER. In response to Mayor Peda, Finance Director Falconer reported Board Member Gia Filice has attended the meetings through teleconferencing or in person. Council Member Perkins stated he felt there's a lack of relationship through teleconferencing and spoke in support of reducing the membership to five members. Council Member Henderson concurred. City Council Minutes 18 November 20, 2001 Council Member Adolph disagreed and voiced concern about how a five-member Board would operate when there are absences. Mayor Pe~a suggested a policy may be needed on how many teleconferencing attendances are allowed. Council Member Henderson supported maintaining the current vacancy and letting Board Member Filice fulfill her obligation on the Board. Council Member Sniff agreed with leaving the position vacant for a while to see how the Board functions with fewer members. Council concurred. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT. Council Member Henderson suggested the possibility of creating a downtown business district and commented on the need to maintain the recent landscape improvements. Council Member Perkins agreed and commented on some of the lampposts not being complete and the grass parking lot needing fertilizer. Mayor Pe~a suggested contacting business owners to see if there is support for a business district. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING AND SIGNAGE RELATING TO CALLE ESTADO. Council Member Henderson commented on the need for additional signage in the Village, such as a parking lot identification sign and signs pointing toward the parking lot. Mayor Pe~a stated he felt it would be helpful for businesses to provide flyers to let people know there is a parking lot. Council Member Sniff noted parking at the curb continues to be a problem and constricts movement. City Council Minutes 19 November 20, 2001 Council Member Henderson suggested the bike patrol be used to help enforce the "no parking" regulation. Council Member Perkins noted the handicap parking stalls in front of the post office need to be properly marked. Mayor Pe~a suggested the possibility of installing a dedicated right-turn at Avenida Bermudas and Avenue 52. Council Member Henderson noted the intersection is scheduled for installation of a traffic signal in the near future. 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING BANNERS IN THE VILLAGE AREA. Council Member Henderson suggested ordering lamppost banners that depict the American flag and/or its colors. Council concurred to direct staff to look into the costs of red, white, and blue banners. 4. DISCUSSION REGARDING COUNCIL MEMBERS' CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. Council Member Adolph spoke regarding the question of his ability to vote on PGA West issues and advised he has been told by his attorney that he has no conflict of interest. He stated the City Attorney has contacted his attorney and has received a second opinion affirming that he has no conflict of interest. Additionally, he has contacted a realtor, as suggested by the City Attorney, who has completed an evaluation and provided him a letter stating there would be no increase in property value. He voiced dissatisfaction about having to spend so much time proving his innocence and advised he will abstain on issues that affect his property financially. 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