2002 04 16 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
APRIL 16, 2002
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 City's legal counsel regarding pending litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956(a), Coachella Valley Water District v. City of
La Quinta, Case No. INC 010827.
2. Conference with City's legal counsel regarding pending litigation pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956(a), City of Indio v. City of La Quinta, Case
No. INC 025560.
Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and 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
Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, thanked the Council for selecting him for the Senior
Inspiration Award.
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Michael Bracken, of Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), distributed copies
of a 2002 Market Analysis from which he briefly reviewed demographic information
about La Quinta. He also referenced the International Trade Outlook Conference to be
held April 29, 2002.
City Council Minutes 2 April 1 6, 2002
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Bracken confirmed most of the figures in
the document came from census data.
Council Member Sniff questioned the banking figures.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Bracken confirmed the booklet was
funded by a federal grant administered through the County of Riverside,
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Genovese noted Consent Item No. 10 has been removed from the
agenda and will be placed on the May 7, 2002 agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. CORRESPONDENCE FROM LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL.
After a brief discussion, Council concurred to agendize this request as a
Business Item on the May 7, 2002 agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the City Council
Minutes of March 20, 2002, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the City Council
Minutes of April 2, 2002, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED APRIL 16, 2002.
2. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2002.
City Council Minutes 3 April 16, 2002
3. REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY
28, 2002, AND INVESTMENT SUMMARY FOR THE PERIOD ENDING MARCH
31, 2002.
4. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) TO UTILIZE THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS FOR
A FINANCIAL PLANNING SEMINAR FOR RETIREES, JUNE 11 AND NOVEMBER
21, 2002, 8:00 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.
5. APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES
AGENCY REGIONAL ACCESS PROJECT TO UTILIZE THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
FOR FREE LA QUINTA IMMUNIZATION CLINICS ON JUNE 12, JULY 9, AND
AUGUST 14, 2002, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M. AND TUBERCULOSIS
RECHECKS IN THE STUDY SESSION ROOM ON JUNE 14, JULY 12, AND
AUGUST 16, 2002 FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 10:30 A.M.
6. APPROVAL OF AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT THE AVENUE 52
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 1999-04A.
7. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CITY OF
INDIO, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, AND CVAG REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR FINAL DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION OF JEFFERSON STREET FROM HIGHWAY 111 TO INDIO
BOULEVARD.
8. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE ACCOUNTING
MANAGER TO ATTEND THE 2002 GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION (GFOA) ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN DENVER, COLORADO, JUNE
16-19, 2002.
9. APPROVAL OF A CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION GRANT FOR
A RECYCLING PROGRAM.
10. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE
THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 89-1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003. (This item was
removed from the agenda - see Confirmation of Agenda.)
11. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT
TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE
- CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS) AND THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA TO PROVIDE MILITARY SERVICE
CREDIT. (RESOLUTION NO. 2002-54)
City Council Minutes 4 April 16, 2002
12. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE OF
PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS
FOR WASHINGTON STREET/EISENHOWER DRIVE REHABILITATION, PROJECT
NO. 2001-02 AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN
FINDINGS PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445(a).
(RESOLUTION NO. 2002-55)
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item
No. 10 and with Item Nos. 11 and 12 being approved by RESOLUTION NOS.
2002-54 and 2002-55 respectively.
Council Member Henderson spoke regarding Item No. 7, and requested
Council's support for the City to stay closely tuned to the Jefferson Street
Phase II Improvements project and to communicate that information to the
residents as soon as possible.
Council Member Adolph voiced the same concerns and stated he has been
assured by the City Manager that everyone will be kept informed.
City Manager Genovese advised a tentative schedule has been received and that
a letter will be sent to residents as soon as staff is comfortable that the County
is moving forward as scheduled.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2002-46.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445 RELATING TO AN OPTION
AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AND KSL LAND HOLDINGS, INC., PERTAINING TO THE PURCHASE OF 525
ACRES OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS "THE RANCH" AND GENERALLY BOUNDED
BY THE CORAL REEF MOUNTAINS, AVENUE 52, JEFFERSON STREET, AND
AVENUE 54, AND CONSENTING TO THE FUNDING THEREFOR.
Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the staff report.
After a brief discussion, Council concurred to continue this item and take it up
concurrently with the corresponding Redevelopment Agency item.
City Council Minutes 5 April 16, 2002
2. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA
AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT
SYSTEM (CALPERS) TO PROVIDE MILITARY SERVICE CREDIT.
Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Personnel/Risk Manager Ruiz confirmed
other cities in the Valley have already amended their contracts.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to take up
Ordinance No. 370 by title and number only and to waive further reading.
Motion carried unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO. 370
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT
SYSTEM (CALPERS).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to introduce Ordinance No.
370 on first reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. CONSIDERATION OF A COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANT REQUEST BY MARTIN
LANGER TO PRODUCE A COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Horvitz confirmed the Cultural Arts
Commission has a line item in the budget with a balance of approximately
$2,500 that could be used for this item.
Rosita Shamis, Chairman of Cultural Arts Commission, urged Council to approve
Mr. Langer's request for funding and stated she felt the school facility is a nice
City Council Minutes 6 April 16, 2002
place to hold the concerts. She noted the concert series would provide an
opportunity for the City to give its citizens what they have been requesting.
Council Member Perkins spoke in support of the request and stated he didn't
see a need to go out to bid.
Council Member Adolph also voiced support for the request and noted
availability of the school facility has been verified by Mr. Langer.
Council Member Sniff voiced concern about attendance because of the heat and
proposed venue and suggested the Fritz Burns Park might be a better location.
He referenced the Iow balance of the Special Projects Contingency Fund and
noted the Council has directed staff to place the high school's funding request
on the next agenda. He preferred going out to bid on this item and consider the
funding during the budget process.
Council Member Henderson commented on the Council's support of concerts
and stated she is looking forward to concerts at the Civic Center Campus. She
felt it would be inconsistent to change the concerts from the school site to the
Civic Center Campus later on. She noted the City uses an RFP process to select
consultants, contractors, artists, etc., and referenced a situation last year when
an artist tried to circumvent the RFP process. She voiced concern about
opening the door for similar situations if the RFP process is not followed in this
matter. She commented on the possibility of using the balance in the Cultural
Arts Commission budget line item and a portion of the Special Projects
Contingency Fund to fund one or two concerts but stated she is hesitant to do
SO,
Mayor Pe~a asked if written verification on availability of the school facilities
has been received. Ms. Horvitz responded that Mr. Langer has received verbal
verification.
In response to Mayor Pe~a, Mr. Langer confirmed the concert dates have been
secured with the School District and stated he is willing to absorb the extra cost
for using the indoor facilities if they are needed. Due to the confidentiality of
the fees, he was not able to reveal the band costs but stated he was able to get
them at a reduced rate by calling in some favors.
Mayor Pe~a voiced concern about Iow attendance and commented on the
importance of advertising the concerts.
Mr. Langer stated promotion would be by word of mouth through various
organizations.
City Counci~ Minutes 7 April 16, 2002
Council Member Sniff stated he felt there is insufficient time to get the word
out to the public and that it would be better to have the concerts in the fall.
Council Member Henderson stated she would like some guarantee for the best
possible chance for success. She wasn't comfortable with the idea of sitting
outdoors on concrete or indoor on benches, and stated she didn't feel the
present time is the appropriate time to do the concerts.
Council Member Adolph commented on the success of past concerts, even
though people had to pay, and noted the City's annual picnic is not a great
success but the City continues doing them. He questioned the comparison of
the music at the street fair with the concert series and the comparison of the
contractor bid process with this type of event. He felt the City would be
missing an opportunity if it fails to put on the concerts.
Mayor Pe~a noted the successful concerts in the past were paid events, which
he felt was different. He also felt the concert proposal is similar to the situation
last year where an artist wanted to paint art on a sidewalk and have the City
pay for it.
Council Member Perkins stated he felt it's ludicrous to consider going out to bid
on such an item. He supported going forward with the concerts and noted if
only 200 people attend, the City will have provided a topnotch concert
opportunity. He felt the grant for the high school could wait until July. He was
disappointed that the Council cannot see the value in doing the concerts.
Council Member Henderson spoke regarding the street fair music and concert
series comparison. She noted the street fair wasn't billed as a concert but
rather as a street fair with a musical component, that on many occasions had
a captive audience for a significant period of time.
Council Member Perkins pointed out music was used to bring in a crowd at the
street fair.
Council Member Henderson referred to the RFP process used to select art for
the Civic Center Campus and noted artists come from the same emotional
presentation as the music world. She noted the City will soon have possibly
two venues for concerts but feels this proposal is premature.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to direct staff to
include an amount in the FY 2002/2003 budget to fund a concert series.
City Council Minutes 8 April 16, 2002
Council Member Perkins asked if an RFP process was used for the street fair
music.
Council Member Henderson responded the City went out to bid for a contractor
who developed the entire street fair.
Council Member Adolph noted he wanted to budget enough money last year to
handle contingencies such as this but some of the Council preferred reducing
the amount and adding money later on if needed -- now the Council wants
these items to be budgeted. He wasn't opposed to putting this in the budget
but didn't want the Council Members changing their minds later on.
Council Member Sniff stated he would support putting a significant amount in
the Special Projects Contingency Fund next year. He felt the City could then
have proposals, including Mr. Langer's, for a concert series and deal with it at
a more opportune time.
Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2002-47.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Adolph to approve an
allocation of $25,000 (funding sources to be determined by staff) for a
Community Concert Series as proposed by Mr. Langer.
Mayor Pe~a pointed out if $2,500 is taken from the Cultural Arts Commission
budget line item and $10,000 is taken from the Special Projects Contingency
Fund, there would still be a shortage of approximately $12,000.
City Manager Genovese advised staff would need Council's direction regarding
which line item in the budget to use for the shortage amount. Staff's
recommendation, otherwise, would be to take the shortage amount out of the
General Fund Un-designated Reserves.
Ms. Horvitz advised grant requests totaling $9,000 will be on the May 7, 2002
agenda for consideration.
Motion failed with Council Members Henderson and Sniff and Mayor Pe~a
voting NO. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2002-48.
Council convened in joint session with the Redevelopment Agency to take up Business
Item No. 1.
City Council Minutes 9 April 1 6, 2002
1. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445 RELATING TO AN OPTION
AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AND KSL LAND HOLDINGS, INC., PERTAINING TO THE PURCHASE OF 525
ACRES OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS "THE RANCH" AND GENERALLY BOUNDED
BY THE CORAL REEF MOUNTAINS, AVENUE 52, JEFFERSON STREET, AND
AVENUE 54, AND CONSENTING TO THE FUNDING THEREFOR.
Frank Spevacek, of RSG, presented the background and purpose of the
agreements and explained the specified funds can only be used for activities
related to redevelopment.
Assistant City Manager Weiss reviewed language modifications proposed by
staff as follows: 1 ) in the Purchase Agreement on Page 60 - specifically itemize
certain tasks (improvements to south side of Avenue 52; pro-rata share of
traffic signal at Avenue 52 and Cetrina (when warranted); and continued
acceptance of off-site drainage) that will become the Agency's responsibility
once the property is acquired; 2) in the Temporary Right-of-Way Agreement on
Pages 182-183 - allow for a six-month extension to relocate the maintenance
facility, provided KSL pays a one-time $5,000 fee for the extension, also
language requiring KSL to make a good faith effort to accelerate removal of the
maintenance facility; 3) in the Agreement Containing Covenants Affecting Real
Property on Page 138 and in the Additional Agreement on Page 213 - restrict
to ownership of the hotel, the clause that provides for the covenant restrictions
to go away if the hotel is sold, as opposed to future operations of the site; 3) in
the Additional Agreement on Page 211 - delete "residential uses" under Recitals
(D) and on Page 212 (Section 1.1) - delete "...that is/are not available to the
general public..."
City Attorney Jenson also recommended the following additions and/or
modifications: 1 ) approval of the Option Agreement should be subject to minor
clarifications or corrections approved by the Executive Director and the Agency
Counsel; 2) under Section 2 of the resolution on Page 10 - include approval of
the Additional Agreement; 3) under Section 26 of the Option Agreement on
Page 26 - language to conform to the language in the Purchase Agreement that
provides for KSL to entertain backup offers on the property during the extension
period; and 4) under the Purchase Agreement on Page 55 - delete the last
sentence in Section 3.3.6, and on Page 62 in the first sentence, change 5
business days to 10 business days. As for the six-month extension allowance,
she advised KSL is required to use all reasonably, feasible commercial efforts to
relocate their facilities and the extension is subject to termination should the
City feel that KSL is not pursuing it. Additionally, the extension will cease 10
days after KSL is able to secure the permits offsite.
City Counc?, Minutes 10 April 16, 2002
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Spevacek confirmed the agreement
provides for 250 hotel rooms and 300 condo/hotel rooms that have a maximum
of 500 keys. A two-bedroom condo with two keys is considered one unit.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Weiss stated it appears KSL is open
to the concept of dedicating the acreage above the toe of the slope as open
space. That issue is not part of this agreement and should not have any impact
on the purchase price.
Robert Tyler, 44-215 Villeta Drive, stated he was appalled to find out how
much work has been done on this purchase consideration without any public
announcement or hearing. He voiced concern that some may have the
perception that this is a sweetheart deal for KSL, and stated he found it
interesting that the per-acre price is above the mid point of the value range. He
also felt it's interesting and inconsistent that the City is willing to accept the
seller's use restrictions on the property when only a few weeks ago it felt
different about Wal-Mart setting use restrictions on their existing building. He
questioned how Council could rationalize not having a competitive bid process
on this $42.5 million item, yet feel it's necessary for a $25,000 item discussed
earlier, and why only a $5,000 penalty is imposed on KSL if they fail to move
their facility on time, when the City will be penalized $212,000 every month the
escrow hasn't closed. He also questioned why this has been handled in such
a closed-door manner without any public awareness and wonders how the
public will feel when they read about it in the newspaper tomorrow.
Council Member Henderson noted property negotiations are always done in
closed session, and that this item was made public over a week ago.
Mayor Pe~a stated the City has been contacted by a number of people regarding
this matter, with some having negative comments until the facts were learned.
He noted the color of money (type of funds) used for this is different from
General Fund monies.
Ms. Jenson advised the proposed Option Agreement only gives the Agency the
right to complete the due diligence and move forward. A joint public hearing
will be held May 15, 2002, to consider the environmental documents before the
Agency determines whether or not they want to proceed with the purchase.
Council Member Sniff commented that the City has looked at multiple pieces of
property to maximize the use of its bonding capacity and has looked for the best
location to maximize income to the City. He felt this is a very positive business
transaction that will benefit the City for many years.
City Council Minutes 11 April 1 6, 2002
Council Member Adolph stated he was assured by staff that everything will be
completed by July 2nd and that additional monthly fees will not be necessary.
He supports the purchase of what he feels is the last piece of prime property in
the City and has talked to Marriott representatives who are interested in having
a resort hotel on a golf course.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-56
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND
SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445(a).
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2002-56 as amended (adding "Additional Agreement" in Section 2). Motion
carried unanimously.
Council Member Sniff noted the next Council meeting will mark the beginning
of the 21 st year of City Council meetings in La Quinta, and stated he felt this
decision is the biggest single decision made since incorporation.
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened.
4. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 369
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 12.32.120 OF THE LA QUINTA CHARTER
AND MUNICIPAL CODE EXEMPTING CERTAIN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FROM
PARKING RESTRICTIONS.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No. 369
on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Pe~a
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
STUDY SESSION - None
City Council Minutes 12 April 16, 2002
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
CVAG Energy & Environmental Resources Committee -- Council Member Sniff
reported the PMIO Adhoc Committee meeting has been moved to April 25th at 9:00
a.m.
Chamber of Commerce Workshop/Information Exchange Committee -- Council
Member Sniff stated the concept of a Business District Assessment was discussed at
the last meeting but those in attendance felt it is premature at this time.
Council Member Henderson stated she felt it's interesting that the businesses expect
the City to continue marketing for business retention and new businesses but do not
want to participate in their own future.
Riverside County Planning Commission Hearings -- Council Member Henderson
referenced a newspaper article regarding four scheduled public hearings by the
Riverside County Planning Commission on their new General Plan. She also referenced
a public meeting scheduled for April 18th at Coachella Valley High School to review the
combined vision of Supervisor Wilson and the Vista Santa Rosa residents regarding a
possible build-out scenario for that area.
All other reports were noted and filed.
Council recessed to closed session to and until 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Lucia Moran, P. O. Box 1305, gave a brief update on the Greater Coachella Valley
Soap Box Derby to be held April 20~ and invited everyone to attend.
PRESENTATIONS - None
City Council Minutes 13 April 16, 2002
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CERTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
2002-417 AND APPROVE TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 30092, AMENDMENT
NO. 1, A REQUEST TO SUBDIVIDE 38.4 ACRES INTO 130 SINGLE FAMILY
LOTS LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 58 AND MONROE
STREET. APPLICANT: BARTON PROPERTIES, INC.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report.
City Attorney Jenson advised a resolution to deny the application has been
prepared should the Council decide to take that option, and that the applicant's
refusal to respond to staff's most recent request is a basis for denial. The
applicant's response to the City's first letter indicated they feel the property
owner's consent on the original tract map application is effective and that the
City failed to notify them of an incomplete application within 30 days. She
advised there is a provision that refers to an application being deemed complete
but there is also a provision that allows for request of supplemental information
or correction which the City feels is appropriate. Other basis for denial would
be the applicant's refusal to make modifications and there are some issues in
reviewing the plan and General Plan policies as to whether or not the Council
can even make the findings of approval. She recommended that any denial be
done on the applicant's refusal to provide the requested information and any
other ground that the Council deems appropriate.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman stated both letters from
the City were faxed to the applicant.
There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-57
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, DENYING A REVISED RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION OF 130
SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS AND OTHER STREET, PUBLIC UTILITY, AND COMMON
LOTS ON APPROXIMATELY 38.4 ACRES LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST
CORNER OF AVENUE 58 AND MONROE STREET (TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
- 30092, AMENDMENT NO. I - BARTON PROPERTIES).
It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2002-57 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
City Council Minutes 14 April 16, 2002
2. PUBLIC HEARING TO: 1) CERTIFY A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT; 2) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2002-084,
A REQUEST TO CHANGE 10.76 ACRES OF LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL USE
TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL USE; 3) ZONE CHANGE 2002-084, A
REQUEST TO CHANGE 10.76 ACRES OF LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE
TO HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE; AND 4) SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
2002-730, A REQUEST TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR A 149-UNIT
APARTMENT COMPLEX AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES LOCATED ON THE
SOUTH SIDE OF AVENUE 52, EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET. APPLICANT:
CLUBHOUSE ASSOCIATES, LLC.
Community Development Director Herman advised of the need to continue this
item to June 4, 2002, due to the continuance of the Planning Commission
public hearing.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to continue the
public hearing for General Plan Amendment 2002-084, Zone Change 2002-084,
and Site Development Permit 2002-730 (Clubhouse Associates) until June 4,
2002. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2002-49.
3. PUBLIC HEARING TO CERTIFY AN ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT 2000-395 FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 2000-043, A REQUEST TO
ALLOW REVISED DESIGN GUIDELINES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN
AN 81,907 SQUARE FOOT COMMERCIAL CENTER AT THE NORTHWEST
CORNER OF WASHINGTON STREET AND HIGHWAY 111. APPLICANT:
MADISON/P.T.M. LA QUINTA LLC.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN.
Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Herman stated the developer has
decided not to build a three-story hotel and that all buildings will be one story
except for a two-story office building that falls within the 35-foot height
restriction.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Principal Planner Baker advised the
Planning Commission has recommended approval of the street name change
provided the applicant receives written approval from the property owner on the
east side of the Washington Street/Channel Drive intersection and the property
owner on the south side of the Highway 111/La Quinta Plaza Shopping Center
City Council Minutes 15 April 16, 2002
intersection. He stated the property owner at Channel Drive has already given
approval.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Herman confirmed the parking
spaces will be double striped.
Council Member Adolph voiced concern about how the refueling trucks for the
gas station would be able to exit the property. Mr. Herman stated the deliveries
may have to be limited to night hours. Mr. Baker stated the gas station plans
to use smaller fuel trucks.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Rick Wilkerson, the applicant,
confirmed they are working out some details for the electrical at the bus shelter
and that there is some question regarding the color'.
Council Member Henderson stated she felt the bus shelter color should be
compatible to the project and asked what would be required to address that
issue.
_ Mr. Herman advised the Highway 111 Corridor Guidelines can be brought back
to Council for modification in order for the color to be something other than
white. Council Member Henderson requested the guidelines be brought back to
consider a modification to the color requirements
Council concurred.
Mr. Wilkerson stated they are willing to plant additional trees behind the bus
shelter. They also plan to pour concrete behind the bus shelter so people can
sit on the backside during the summer and they also will be using boulders with
landscaping near the bus shelter.
Council Member Henderson asked if the bus shelter near the Beer Hunter
Restaurant is still being used. Mayor Pe~a stated he understood it will be shut
down once the electrical is ready at the new bus shelter.
Council Member Adolph voiced opposition to the use of the mauve color for the
buildings and asked about the fountain. Mr. Wilkerson stated the current
buildings under construction do not want to use mauve but the developer would
like to have the option in case someone else does. He added the mauve is
actually more of an eggplant color and stated the fountain will be completed in
approximately three weeks.
City Council Minutes 16 April 1 6, 2002
Council Member Adolph stated the two complaints he has heard about the
project are "why was a gas station allowed there" and "why was the
mountainside allowed to be tore up." He asked what can be done to restore the
looks of the mountainside.
Mr. Wilkerson stated they had a company oxidize the rock and come back out
a second time to lighten it. They also plan to put bougainvilleas in the rock area
if approved by staff.
Council Member Adolph stated he would like to see it softened and maybe
bougainvilleas will help. He also suggested signage more unique to La Quinta
instead of using rocks like they have in Palm Desert.
Mr. Wilkerson stated they have received a lot of compliments on the signage
and he felt Council will be pleased with it once the logo and landscaping are in
place.
There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED.
Council Member Sniff stated he has no problem with the project and agrees the
bus shelter color should be compatible with the project. He didn't have a
problem with the mauve color and felt the mountainside is a minor issue. He
also likes the signage.
Council Member Henderson commented on the building colors of the La Quinta
Court project and noted golden rust was not supposed to be orange but it is.
Mr. Herman advised a condition can be added to the Point Happy Specific Plan
to require the bus shelter to be painted a compatible color and include additional
landscaping. He stated the Highway 111 Corridor Guidelines will be brought
back to Council for modification.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-58
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING AN ADDENDUM TO A PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
PREPARED FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 2000-043, AMENDMENT NO. 1 (EA 2000-395
- MADISON/P.T.M. LA QUINTA, LLC.
It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.
2002-58 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
City Counci~ Minutes 17 April 16, 2002
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-59
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REVISED DESIGN GUIDELINES AND
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR AN 81,407 SQUARE FOOT COMMERCIAL
CENTER AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF WASHINGTON STREET AND
HIGHWAY 111 (SPECIFIC PLAN 2000-043, AMENDMENT NO. 1
MADISON/P.T.M. LA QUINTA, LLC.)
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2002-59 as amended (adding a condition to provide for additional landscaping
and a compatible color for the bus shelter). Motion carried unanimously.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
6-A. REPORT ON 20TM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES.
Council Member Henderson stated the 20th Anniversary Committee has
recommended holding a dedication ceremony for the Hammer trees at the Cove
Oasis on April 26th at 6:30 p.m. just prior to the star-gazing event. The
Committee has also recommended Council Member Sniff do the ceremony since
he knows the history of the trees. She added the family may wish to change
the wording on the plaque to "In memory of Joe W. Hammer" and, if so, they
will underwrite the cost.
Council Member Adolph commented that Marvin Roy, a magician, has offered
to be a part of the anniversary activities at the Chamber of Commerce mixer on
April 25th.
2. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT.
City Attorney Jenson advised a status report on the theater will be on the next
agenda, and that a discussion has been held with the attorney representing the
theater.
3. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
Council Member Adolph asked about the berm height at Avenue 50 and
Eisenhower Drive, specifically as it relates to the curb and sidewalk differential
with the wall.
City Council Minutes 18 April 16, 2002
Interim Public Works Director Stephenson explained the additional height of the
wall is due to the two-foot high berm from the pad elevation in conjunction with
a six-foot high wall. Staff is checking the noise study for a requirement for an
eight-foot high sound barrier. He stated it appears that the additional height
created by the berming at the pad elevation has created a higher look.
City Manager Genovese suggested coming back with the actual drawings for
the elevations.
Council Member Adolph stated he was told by staff that the berm would be two
feet but it is five to six feet.
Mr. Stephenson stated he would bring back a report with the actual elevations
that are certified to be consistent with the grading plan.
Council recessed to the Financing Authority meeting.
Council reconvened.
Council Member Henderson stated the 20th Anniversary Committee has discussed
setting a date to present Certificates of Appreciation in relation to the anniversary
activities. The Committee has recommended a special meeting be held and perhaps
holding it in the City Hall courtyard.
Mayor Pe~a asked Community Services Director Horvitz to come back with potential
dates for Council's consideration.
Council recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1.
The City Council meeting reconvened and the City Attorney announced the City
Council conducted a Closed Session on Item No. 2 and approved a settlement of the
action on a 5-0 vote. The Settlement Agreement will be available in the City Clerk's
Office for public review upon finalization and execution of the documents.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California