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2001 12 04 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 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 the City's legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) regarding pending litigation, City of Indio v. City of La Quinta, Riverside County Superior Court, Indio Branch, Case No. 025560. 2. Conference with the City's legal counsel pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) regarding threatened litigation - one matter. Council recessed 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 - Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Pe6a requested a moment of silence in honor of Phil Stack, Mayor Pro Tem of Rancho Mirage, who passed away this morning. City Council Minutes 2 December 4, 2001 PRESENTATIONS The Mayor and Council Members presented a proclamation to Police Captain Darla Singerton congratulating her on her retirement and expressing appreciation for her 24 years of public service. The Mayor and Council Members also presented a proclamation to Lieutenant Glenn "Doc" Martin congratulating him on his retirement and expressing appreciation for his 33 years of public service. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. LETTER FROM CVAG REGARDING FORMATION OF A SUBCOMMITTEE TO THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to add this item to the agenda. MOTION -It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to add this matter to the agenda (consideration of an appointment to a subcommittee to the CVAG Energy and Environment Committee) as Business Session Item No. 6. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO, 2001-166. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the City Council Minutes of November 14, 2001, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pe~a requested Item No. 2 be pulled for separate action due to a potential conflict of interest. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to remove Item No. 6 from the Consent Calendar to await further information on the site plan and funding. 1, APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED DECEMBER 4, 2001, City Council Minutes 3 December 4, 2001 2. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT 24197-4, MONTICELLO, CENTURY HOMES. (See separate action below.) 3. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP 29909, SANTA ROSA PLAZA. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-153) 4. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A PARCEL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PARCEL MAP 29889, PALM DESERT NATIONAL BANK. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-154) 5. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A PARCEL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PARCEL MAP 29791, LA QUINTA COURT. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-155) 6. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE LA QUINTA PARK ARTWORK. (This item was removed from the agenda.) 7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PAINTED COVE ART PIECE AS DONATED BY MINISTRELLI CONSTRUCTION. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-156) 8. ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT OF EASEMENTS FOR STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND OFFERS OF DEDICATION FOR LANDSCAPING AND FLOOD RETENTION EASEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH PARCEL MAP 23669 AND TRACT MAP 23971-1 (LA QUINTA DEL ORO AND LA QUINTA HIGHLANDS). 9. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) WITH WLC ARCHITECTS FOR DESIGN OF THIRD FIRE STATION, PROJECT NO. 2001-14. 10. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY ALLEN FREDERICKSON - DATE OF LOSS: SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. 11. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE ACCOUNTING MANAGER TO ATTEND THE 2002 CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICERS (CSMFO) ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 20-22, 2002. 12. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A CASH DONATION FROM RUTAN AND TUCKER FOR THE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION BANQUET. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-157) City Council Minutes 4 December 4, 2001 13. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A ROUND OF GOLF FOR FOUR INDIVIDUALS FROM NICKERSON AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION BANQUET. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-158) 14. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A CASH DONATION FROM RSG FOR THE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION BANQUET. (RESOLUTION NO. 2001-159) MOTION -It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item Nos. 2 and 6 and with Item Nos. 3-5, 7, and 12-14 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS. 2001-153 through 2001 - 159 respectively. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-167. Item No. 2 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Resolution No. 2001-160 granting conditional approval of a Final Map and Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Tract Map 241 97-4,'Monticello, Century Homes. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSTAINING. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-168. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION, SELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM TO SERVE A TERM AS PROVIDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 98-109. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City Clerk's Office. The Mayor opened nominations for Mayor Pro Tem. Council Member Henderson nominated Council Member Sniff. Council Member Perkins nominated Council Member Henderson. A brief discussion ensued wherein it was noted there is no limitation on the number of terms a Council Member may serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Council Member Adolph commented on the need to share City Council responsibilities and noted some cities rotate the position to give everyone an opportunity to serve. Nominations closed and Mayor Pe~a noted for the record that the Council voted unanimously to elect Council Member Sniff as Mayor Pro Tem. City Council Minutes 5 December 4, 2001 2. CONSIDERATION TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RECEIVE BIDS FOR THE MONTERO ESTATES SOUND WALL, PROJECT NO. 2000-12. City Manager Genovese introduced Roy Stephenson as the Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer. Senior Engineer Speer presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Adolph, Consultant Nickerson reviewed a cross sectiOn of the wall along Avenue 50 and Washington Street. He advised the bid will be for a 4-foot high wall on top of a 2-foot high berm along Avenue 50 for a total height of 6 feet with an add alternate to raise the wall two additional feet for a total sound barrier height of $ feet. Along Washington Street, the bid will be for a 6-foot high wall on top of a 2-foot berm for a total height of 8 feet and an add alternate for an 8-foot high wall on top of a 2-foot berm for a total height of 10 feet. He stated the wall will have pilasters and a decorative cap and the height on the inside of the wall will be 6 feet. Council Member Adolph noted the sound study recommended a minimum height of 10 feet and preferably 12 feet. He wished to have some assurance that 10 feet will do the job at build-out and asked if the footings would accommodate an additional two feet if needed in the future, to which Mr. Nickerson responded yes. Council Member Perkins expressed concern about the aesthetics and that it doesn't look like the wall across the street. Mr. Nickerson advised desert landscaping will be used on the outside of the wall with trees planted close enough to the wall to accommodate a future sidewalk. In response to Mayor Pe~a, Mr. Speer stated the wall across the street can be painted but some of the sound attenuation aspects of the wall would be lost if stuccoed. Staff will look into the possibility of using tex-coat paint. Mr. Nickerson advised the bid includes an add alternate to improve the aesthetics of the wall across the street to be compatible to the Montero Estates wall and that the residents have requested the sound attenuation blocks be placed in a different pattern. He added the inside of the wall will look like the outside without landscaping and the interior landscaping will be returned to its original condition before construction, which is expected to take about four months. City Council Minutes 6 December 4, 2001 MOTION -It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to authorize staff to advertise and receive bids for the Montero Estates Sound Wall, Project No. 2000-12. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-169. 3. CONSIDERATION OF A PATRIOTIC BANNER PROGRAM FOR LA QUINTA VILLAGE. Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report. Council Member Perkins spoke in support of Design No. 1. Council Member Henderson agreed but stated she didn't like the double-vision star effect along the border. She suggested purchasing 10 extra banners for additional poles and replacements. Council Member Sniff concurred with Design No. 1 and suggested alternating the banners on every other lamppost. Council Member Adolph stated he liked Design No. 4 but with City of La Quinta in white, horizontal lettering. Mayor Pe~a agreed with a simplified version of Design No. 1, using the City Font if possible, and just five single stars along each border to represent the City's 20th Anniversary. Ms. Horvitz advised she would check to see if the font is available. Council Member Henderson agreed with Council Member Sniff's idea of alternating every other banner with the "Welcome to La Quinta". Ms. Horvitz advised the gold around the border of the "Welcome to La Quinta" banner represents the gold fringe on the City flag. Council Member Sniff suggested the letters be horizontal, the logo centered, and a dark delineation be added around the gold fringe to tie in with the patriotic banner. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to purchase 52 patriotic banners and directed staff to come back with some revised alternatives for the "Welcome to La Quinta" banner. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to purchase 52 patriotic banners (Design No. 1 as revised with five single stars bordering each of the four sides) to be placed throughout the Village. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-170. City Council Minutes 7 December 4, 2001 4. CONSIDERATION OF ENTERING INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH FAMILY HERITAGE CHURCH FOR APPROXIMATELY 1.6 ACRES OF LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING THE CITY'S THIRD FIRE STATION. 'Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Hartung stated CVWD has, initially, agreed to split the cost of approximately $150,000 to lower the well site. In response to Council Member Perkins, Fire Chief Dornan confirmed the new fire station will be large enough for a ladder truck. He added the Riverside County Fire Department has a ladder truck based in Palm Desert that is 105 feet. The City of Palm Springs also has a ladder truck. Mayor Pe~a reported the City Managers of Coachella, Indic, and La Quinta have met in hopes of purchasing a ladder truck to be based in the east end of the Valley. In response to Council Member Adolph, Chief Dornan advised a ladder truck in this area may not reach the top of the Esmeralda Hotel because of setbacks around the building. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to initiate and complete the purchase of approximately 1.62 acres at the northwest intersection of Miles Avenue and Adams Street and to execute the acceptance of the deed, and appropriate $110,000 from the City's Infrastructure Fund, Account No. 225- 000-300-290, for the purchase. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-171. 5. CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING REQUEST FROM THE BOB HOPE CHRYSLER CLASSIC. Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the staff report. Council Member Henderson voiced disappointment about the increase in the requested funding amount. She understood the need for increased security since the events of September 11th but felt if the costs continue to increase, at some point it becomes a little unrealistic. She noted 940,000 would fund almost half of the additional motor officer position that the City would like to add. City Council Minutes 8 December 4, 2001 Council Member Sniff agreed and suggested funding in the amount of $20,000 from the Special Enforcement Funds. Mayor Pe~a stated he would be supportive of the amount, based on the Sheriff's estimated cost for this year. Council Member Adolph Stated he didn't feel the City should be responsible for funding security costs for the players nor night-time security for the golf courses. He noted that none of the charity recipients are based in La Quinta. Council Member Perkins noted last year the increase was due to the traffic problems on Jefferson Street. He stated he could not support anything above last year's amount. Mike Milthorpe, Tournament Director for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, explained their costs will increase this year because of the need for additional security to protect the spectators, golf professionals, and celebrities and that they would appreciate any help the City can give. He noted the Coachella Valley Boys & Girls Club benefits from the event and it was his assumption that the La Quinta unit receives a portion of that benefit. He noted the total charity amount will depend on gate receipts. Mayor Pe~a stated he felt attendance would be good because people are attending events closer to home since September 11th. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Henderson to approve a funding request by the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic for ~25,000 to be utilized for security and funded from the Special Enforcement Funds. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-172. 6. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT TO A SUBCOMMITTEE TO THE CVAG ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE. (This item was added to the agenda - see Written Correspondence.) MOTION -It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to appoint Council Member Sniff to serve on the Subcommittee (to screen proposals for the Edom Hill Landfill Replace Facility) to the CVAG Energy and Environment Committee. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-173. STUDY SESSION - None City Council Minutes 9 December 4, 2001 REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS CVAG Human and Community Resources Committee -- Council Member Adolph reported the Committee has been asked by the City of Indio to look into the homeless issue. He added the Committee is waiting on an update from Riverside County, who is attempting to secure a facility in the Palm Springs area, before moving forward. In response to Council Member Perkins, City Manager Genovese stated the County is working on cost estimates for improvements to the Indio Animal Shelter. League of California Cities-Riverside Division -- Council Member Henderson reported ten of the 12 Grass Roots Coordinators have been hired. She added Columnist Dan Walters feels the Grass Roots Coordinator program is the ground work for a very effective campaign but that the cities will always be Iow on the totem pole as far as getting a secured revenue stream unless a push for funds from the Legislature is made. All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS City Clerk Greek reminded everyone that the City's Holiday Open House will be held Tuesday, December 11th, Mayor Pe~a spoke regarding the need for street repairs to Avenue 58 going toward The Quarry, and Senior Engineer Speer advised staff will look into it. Council Member Adolph noted there's also a trash problem in that area and suggested installing signage to discourage littering. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS - None Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency meeting. Council reconvened and recessed to and until 7:00 p.m. City Council Minutes 10 December 4, 2001 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT - None PRESENTATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CERTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2001-438, AND REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN 18.07-ACRE COMMUNITY PARK SITE WITH VARIOUS SIZE LIGHTED SOCCER FIELDS, TWO LIGHTED BASEBALL FIELDS, CONCESSION STAND, RESTROOMS, TOT LOT, SKATE PARK, PICNIC AREAS WITH BARBEQUES, AND SHADE STRUCTURES. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN and stated staff has requested this item be continued to December 18, 2001. Community Services Director Hor~itz presented the staff report. Dave Schuknecht, 53-830 Avenida Velasco, spoke in support of more football, baseball, and soccer fields. James Tourje, 78-760 Wakefield Circle, stated he is opposed to the community park being changed into a sports complex and feels the parking, lighting, and traffic will be detrimental to the neighborhood. He suggested the sports park be moved to a more appropriate location. Ruben Contreras, 45-720 Coldbrook Lane, voiced concern about the lighting and insufficient parking and urged Council to move the park to a more suitable site. Darryl Jackson, 45-160 Sunberry Court, stated he felt the lighting would be invasive and the increased traffic would be a safety issue. He preferred a Iow- key park. Mayor Pe~a asked staff to review the definition of "community park" and presented a brief history on development of the park plans. City Council Minutes 11 December 4, 2001 Sheila Thornton, 78-805 Wakefield Circle, voiced concern about the lighting and suggested the sports fields be moved to an area that doesn't already have such a large concentration of lights. Gary Wilkerson, 45-545 Coldbrook Lane, also voiced concern about the lighting and suggested spreading the soccer fields out over other City parks instead of concentrating them in one location. Diana Robles, 45-725 Camino Vista, expressed concern about the noise, lighting, and view impacts the sports park will create and said she felt it's unfair to the residents. She suggested the sports fields be moved to a commercial area. Nick Robles, 45-725 Camino Vista, stated he didn't feel the magnitude of changes in the park plans over the last year are conducive to the area. He voiced concern about the lighting and traffic impacts to the neighborhood. Leslie Robles, 45-740 Coldbrook Lane, voiced concern about how parking and increased traffic will impact the safety of children in the neighborhood. She also voiced concern about the adverse effects of light and noise pollution and stated she didn't feel the park site is the appropriate location for the sports fields. Chris Margison, 45-115 Sunberry Court, suggested a compromise by setting a curfew and reducing the number of fields and lights. He noted the area already has to deal with the noise and lights from the high school and that the additional noise, lights, and traffic would further impact the residents' quality of life and neighborhood atmosphere. He felt he may not have purchased his property if he knew a park of this magnitude would be located near his home. Donna Flyan, 79-075 Ashley Place, stated she enjoys living near the high school but feels the proposed park plan is ugly and not conducive to anything except sports. She suggested moderation so as not to concentrate the sport activities into such a specific area and to limit use of the fields to day use. Noel Woodward, 45-550 Sunbrook Lane, asked if the number of needed sport fields has been calculated and if the proposed fields are sufficient to meet the current needs. If not, he suggested selecting an alternate site that would accommodate the number of needed fields. Mayor Pe~a confirmed a calculation has been done and that at the present time the City doesn't have the facilities to meet the residents' needs. City Council Minutes 12 December 4, 2001 Angle Ciota, 45-570 Sunbrook Lane, voiced opposition to a lighted sport center being allowed in the middle of an existing residential area and lighting being allowed until 10:00 p.m. She suggested the PA system be rented instead of wasting taxpayers' money to purchase one if it's only going to be used two or three times a year. She also suggested the sport fields be limited to day use for after-school practice and weekend games, until the City can acquire commercial property to meet the needs of the youth sports. She questioned why such a large portion of the park is dedicated to sports and suggested a community park that addresses the needs of the community as a whole and not just the soccer league. April Thompson, 79-190 Ashley Place, requested a traffic study be done and stated the medical facility adjacent to the Palm Desert soccer fields has to hire security on the weekends to make sure 911 emergency vehicles can get in and out of the facility. Matthew Diefenbach, 79-290 Sierra Vista, suggested spreading the sport fields throughout the City for day use only. George Gianos, 45-665 Camino Vista, voiced concern that a park of the proposed size, design, and light display will cause irreparable blight and affect the standards of living and property values. He felt the lighting should be limited to aesthetic architectural lights and that the sports park should be moved to a more appropriate location. Robert Schein, 79-300 Sierra Vista, expressed concern about the traffic, noise, and lights and stated he didn't feel the site is appropriate for a sports park. He also agreed with renting a PA system instead of purchasing one and encouraged Council to approve a more passive park. Allison Bojkovsky, 45-695 Camino Vista, stated she has collected 350 signatures of residents in her neighborhood who oppose the park plan. She questioned how many people supporting the park plan live within a two-mile radius of the site, and voiced concern about noise, traffic, safety, privacy, and property values. She has reviewed the lighting study and understood the photometric data in the industrial building on Dune Palms Road will be comparable or the same as the immediate backyards of the homes adjacent to the park. She wasn't opposed to putting a few soccer fields in the park but noted residents also want basketball, tennis, volleyball, and other activities for their children. She questioned using over 60% of usable park space for soccer fields and stated she didn't want to see this issue end in litigation. City Council Minutes 13 December 4, 2001 Diane I. aflin Burke, 43-585 Morning Star Court, spoke to the importance of having a place for children to participate in sports. Tony Alvarez, 78-790 Wakefield Circle, stated he feels there might be room for downscaling the park but also feels there's an overriding need for places for children to play sports. As for the concern about decreasing property values, he said he lived across the street from a large sports park in San Diego and over a three-year period the property values increased dramatically. He felt a quiet park indicates a park that is not used and preferred having a park that is well used. John Vandriel, 79-315 Desert Stream, stated he felt homeowners should have done their homework by checking into the plans for this park before they purchased their homes. He supported having the lights and volunteered to make sure they are turned off by 9:00 p.m. Robert Boetto, 78-785 Wakefield Circle, supported the park plan and questioned the sports lights making any more difference in the neighborhood than the lights at the high school or at Wal-Mart. As for parking, he noted families in the neighborhood would walk to the park for soccer games instead of driving. He also commented on the soccer fields at the Sports Complex being overcrowded. Angela Van Driel, 79-315 Desert Stream, spoke in support of the proposed park and lighting, and stated she is more concerned about having dark streets. Kevin McCune, 78-860 Sunbrook Lane, expressed a desire for more adequate sport fields so the various leagues don't have to use fields in Palm Desert. He noted soccer and T-ball seasons are very short and that most games are played during the day. He also was more concerned about the lack of street lights to make the sidewalks safer for children. Michelle Gold, 51-431 Avenida Navarro, spoke in support of the soccer park and commented on the need for children to be active in sports. She sympathized with the residents living next to the park but noted everyone must deal with development and growth in some way for the benefit of the whole community. John Nugent, 79-546 Dandelion Drive, spoke to the benefits of soccer and stated he disagreed that the park will decrease property values. Tom Foster, 79-820 Shadwell Circle, stated he is an AYSO Board Member and is concerned the league will have to turn children away next year if additional facilities are not provided. He noted lights at the current soccer fields are City Council Minutes 14 December 4, 2001 turned off by 9:00 p.m. and are needed only October through February. They have also counted the number of cars at peak times during games and feel the proposed number of parking spaces will be sufficient. Jim Van Nessel, 78-905 Lima Street, commented on Council's fairness in dealing with this issue and urged support for the proposed park plan. Chuck Shepardson, 44-575 Via Del Monte, stated he supports having a soccer park and feels homeowners should have investigated what was proposed for the site before purchasing their homes. He noted the preliminary concept plans in 1992 included ballfield lighting. He suggested a flex plan wherein one or more of the soccer fields can be changed into a parking area in the future if additional parking spaces are needed instead of creating a parking area now that may not be needed. He noted traffic generated by soccer practice and games will be after school and weekends and should not conflict with traffic from the high school. Tyler Broadhead, 45-930 La Reina Court, urged approval of the park plan to correct the shortage in ballfields. He felt an effort should be made to minimize the effect on surrounding properties without diminishing the need for the whole community. Steve May, 79-295 Desert Stream Drive, spoke in support of more soccer fields and stated he wasn't concerned about the lights being visible from his property. Michele Boudreau, 43-695 Taurus Court, spoke in support of a community park that will provide facilities for organized youth activities. Robert Nugent, 79-546 Dandelion, stated he felt the City should provide more soccer fields. Peter Nelson, 52-501 Pierce Street, Thermal, stated his property near the lighted tennis complex on Washington Street has increased in value instead of decreasing. He also spoke about the positive aspects of the AYSO program and urged Council not to reduce the number of soccer fields at the park. Dave Thornton, 78-805 Wakefield Circle, stated he is not opposed to having the soccer fields but is opposed to the lights. Craig Taylor, 80-916 Amherst, Indio, noted the night sky has been diminished by growth and development and that changes will continue for the greater good of the community. City Council Minutes 15 December 4, 2001 Henry Schwartz, 44-030 Dalea Circle, asked Council to continue with the park plans adopted in February 2001. He noted the park would not only allow expansion of the baseball fields at the Sports Complex but also provide fields for the football league that has had to share fields with the soccer league. He noted the lighting will be directed downward with minimal spillage on adjacent properties and will be off by 9:00 p.m. He stated they have also agreed to minimize the traffic impact by not having soccer games on Friday nights when there are football games at the high school. Richard Boudreau, 43-695 Taurus Court, stated he supports the proposed park and noted the lights will be on for only three hours in the evening. Lee Salvadia, 52-975 Avenida Navarro, stated he felt the provision of sports fields help deter children from getting into trouble. Council Member Henderson stated she wasn't sure a continuance is necessary and noted the park will not be ready for next season if it's not started soon. She also noted park issues are ongoing and stated she will be recommending the Community Services Commission dedicate one meeting a year to address those issues and forward their recommendations to Council. She was prepared to move forward with the project and address the lighting schedule as a policy issue. Council Member Perkins agreed the time schedule for the lights should be a policy decision, including which nights they are allowed. As for traffic, he felt it would help not having soccer games on the same nights as football games. Additionally, he noted replacing some of the smaller soccer fields with parking off of Adams Street will reduce traffic congestion on Westward Ho Drive. He commented on the high cost of property and noted the City cannot afford $2 million for property elsewhere as well as $2 million to develop a park unless the residents are willing to pay for it through an assessment. He agreed the park should move forward but wished to make sure the surrounding properties are protected as much as possible from the noise, traffic, and lighting impacts. Council Member Sniff stated he didn't feel it would be appropriate to make a decision at this time since staff has requested this matter come back with a report in two weeks. He supported a continuance to December 18, 2001. Council Member Adolph commented on the need for additional sport fields and advised he has talked to the Desert Sands Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Schools about the possibility of using the sport fields at the high school to increase the number of available fields. He said she has agreed to provide a report by Friday that will outline what activities and times the fields City Council Minutes 1 6 December 4, 2001 can be utilized. He wished to wait for additional information from staff and the School District before moving forward. Mayor Pe~a thanked the audience for their comments and commented on the difficult issues involved with the park decision. He supported the request for a continuance and noted the City is attempting to find a reasonable compromise that will address most of the concerns expressed on this issue. He noted most likely the park issue will be revisited in the future as the needs for the community change. He added the City is also working with the School District on ways to share sport fields to reduce costs, and the School District is seriously considering ways to address the lighting at the football stadium. MOTION -It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to continue the public hearing on the community park until December 1 8, 2001. Council Member Henderson stated she would support the motion because she feels the policy issues will be addressed. She noted some of the issues may not be apparent until the park opens and the lights are used. Council Member Perkins stated he would also support the motion and hoped a final design would be made in two weeks. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2001-174. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Adolph/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. · Respectfully submitted, JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California