2002 07 02 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
JULY 2, 2002
A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of
2:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Sniff.
PRESENT: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Mayor Pro Tem Sniff
ABSENT: Mayor Pe~a
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Henderson to excuse Mayor
Pe~a. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION - None
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m.
3:00 P.M.
Mayor Pro Tern Sniff led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bill Pierce, 78-600 Cabrillo Way, spoke regarding a traffic noise problem Rancho
La Quinta residents are experiencing along Washington Street due to the removal of
the living fence. The only response residents have received from the homeowners
association is that a wall will not reduce the noise nor match the aesthetics of the
community. He felt the fence should have vinyl inserts and that a temporary noise
barrier should be installed until the plants are mature enough to reduce noise levels.
He asked for the City's help in resolving this issue.
Council Member Henderson noted staff has been directed to respond to the letters
about sound walls but she feels this situation is basically a homeowners association
issue.
Council Member Adolph stated he feels this situation is different because Rancho
La Quinta agreed to provide a living fence when the development was approved. He
asked staff to look into the conditions of approval regarding the living fence.
City Councd Minutes 2 July 2, 2002
Rupert Yessayian, P. O. Box 251, spoke regarding the School District's plan to
purchase the KSL property at Calle Tampico and Eisenhower Drive for a school site.
He felt the location was wrong for a school because of the traffic and commented on
the effect a school at that location would have on the Village plan. He understood
from the School District that the City has reviewed and supports the school plan
design. He urged Council to help the School District find an alternative school site.
Charlie Coulter, 49-111 Washington Street, referenced the letter under Written
Correspondence from The Villas of La Quinta requesting the City extend the Montero
Estates sound wall to Eisenhower Drive.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff advised the matter has been referred to staff with a request to
report back to Council.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Council Member Henderson noted there has been a request by the Mayor to continue
the study session item to the next meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff suggested going forward with discussion and then continuing the
item to the next Council meeting to allow for the Mayor's comments.
Council concurred.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS
Carrie Oliphant, of Coachella Valley Water District, gave a brief presentation on the
La Quinta Cove Reservoir project, which is expected to be completed by December
2004.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Oliphant advised the reservoir will be a
steel tank.
City Council Minutes 3 July 2, 2002
Council Member Adolph commented on CVWD's failure to screen the other water
tanks with landscaping and asked if this would be another empty promise. He wished
to make sure the area is put back in its natural state.
Ms. Oliphant stated they plan to make the area look as aesthetically pleasing as
possible.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1. LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE VILLAS OF LA QUINTA.
Council concurred to refer this matter to staff.
2. LETTER FROM MAYOR WILLIAM G. KLEINDIENST OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS REGARDING ASSISTANCE IN THE PURCHASE OF ART PIECES TO
BE LOCATED IN THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
Diane Morgan, of the City of Palm Springs, stated they are seeking financial
assistance from citizens and other cities in the Valley to purchase art for the
Palm Springs International Airport. She stated Rancho Mirage, which is the only
city they have approached to date, voted against the request.
Council Member Henderson requested this matter be brought back as a business
item to find out if the Art in Public Places Fund can be utilized for art outside of
the City. She has talked about the possibility of each city being allowed to
place their Iogos or other artwork in one of the nine medians at the airport to
provide each city a presence there.
Council Member Perkins supported putting this matter on the July 16th or
August 6th agenda. Council concurred.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve the City
Council Minutes of June 5, 2002, as submitted. Motion carried with Mayor PeSa
ABSENT.
Council Member Henderson noted staff has distributed a correction to Page 25 of the
June 18th minutes.
City Council Minutes 4 July 2, 2002
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of June 18, 2002, as amended. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a
ABSENT.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JULY 2, 2002.
2. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY THE GAS COMPANY.
3. APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE LA QUINTA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003.
4. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AMENDED
TRACT 30125-1, SEDONA HOMES, INC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2002-100)
5. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AMENDED
TRACT 30125-2, SEDONA HOMES, INC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2002-101)
6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PARCEL
MAP 30420, CENTRE AT LA QUINTA, STAMKO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
(RESOLUTION NO. 2002-102)
7. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A CONTRACT
EXTENSION FOR ONE YEAR WITH HILTON FARNKOPF & HOPSON, LLC FOR
AB 939 SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003.
8. APPROVAL OF A POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR AN ASSISTANT CITY
ENGINEER.
9. APPROVAL OF AMENDED CONTRACT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH RUTAN
AND TUCKER, LLP.
10. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL TO THE 2002 PGA FALL EXPO
TO BE HELD IN RENO, NEVADA, FROM JULY 31 TO AUGUST 3, 2002.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item Nos. 4-6 being approved by
RESOLUTION NOS. 2002-100 through 2002-102 respectively. Motion carried
with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2002-89.
City Councd Minutes 5 July 2, 2002
Council Member Adolph referred to Consent Item No. 3 and commented on the
need to support the Chamber of Commerce in coming up with better
photographs in The Gem. Council concurred to direct staff to work with the
Chamber on this matter.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF A FACILITY USE REQUEST BY THE COACHELLA VALLEY
RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT FOR USE OF THE FRITZ BURNS TRAILER.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
Council Member Adolph asked if any scheduling problems are anticipated, to
which Ms. Horvitz responded no.
Don Martin, 45-871 Clinton Street, General Manager of Coachella Valley
Recreation & Park District (CVRPD), stated the District is willing to work out a
trade in use of facilities but their facility is already reserved on Friday and
Saturday nights. He added, according to surveys, Friday and Saturday nights
are not good nights for teen programs because of other school activities. He
asked if the City would be interested in adding a room to the new construction
to use as a teen center.
Council Member Perkins supported the idea of adding a teen center to the new
construction.
Council Member Henderson agreed Friday nights are not good for teen programs
and commented on the need for consistency with teen programs. She
supported staff working on an agreement for sharing the facilities or renting the
trailer to the District. She also supported staff working with the District on the
possibility of adding a room to the community center sometime in the future.
Council Member Adolph noted the new construction could be designed with
expansion possibilities.
Mr. Martin concurred and noted a dedicated teen center would eliminate having
to disassemble the room each evening to prepare for the next day's activities.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff supported staff working on a reciprocal agreement with
the District but noted it would be difficult to add a room onto the community
center at this time.
City Council Minutes 6 July 2, 2002
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve the
use of the Fritz Burns Trailer by Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District
(CVRPD) for the tiny tots and after school program and direct staff to continue
to work with CVRPD on either a reciprocal agreement on facility use or if
necessary to go to a rental situation where it would be utilities only. Motion
carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2002-90.
2. CONSIDERATION OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION'S WORK PLAN FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Horvitz confirmed each
community event will come back to Council for approval.
Council Member Adolph noted the City just purchased banners for the Village
Faire and stated he hopes they will be used in the future.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff stated he wasn't sure he could support $40,000 for four
events and suggested three events at $5,000-$8,000 each.
Council Member Adolph noted the cost will depend on the quality of the
entertainers.
Council Member Henderson noted the amount is "up to" $10,000 for each
event.
Council Member Perkins suggested setting an amount but not the number of
events and emphasize getting the best quality for the best price.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to approve the
Cultural Arts Commission's Work Plan for FY 2002/2003 and direct the
Commission to plan events in lieu of Village Faire and utilize funds identified in
the Community Services Department budget under Village Faire for cultural
events. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO.
2002-91.
City Council Minutes 7 July 2, 2002
3. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 372
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 2001-100 ASSIGNING A LOW
DENSITY AGRICULTURAL EQUESTRIAN RESIDENTIAL DESIGNATION TO
APPROXIMATELY 200 ACRES LOCATED GENERALLY AT THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF MONROE STREET AND AVENUE 52 (NRI-LQLP LLC - COUNTRY
CLUB OF THE DESERT).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Ordinance No.
372 on second reading.
Council Member Adolph voiced satisfaction with the Low Density Residential
designation.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Mayor Pro Tem Sniff
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pe~a
ABSTAIN: None
4. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 373
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNING PRE-ANNEXATION ZONING TO 640 ACRES
GENERALLY BOUNDED BY AVENUE 60 ON THE NORTH, AVENUE 62 ON THE
SOUTH, MADISON STREET ON THE WEST, AND MONROE STREET ON THE
EAST (ZONE CHANGE-2002-107 - SHEA HOMES).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to adopt Ordinance No.
373 on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Mayor Pro Tem Sniff
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pe~a
ABSTAIN: None
City Council Minutes 8 July 2, 2002
5.SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 374
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 9.50.055, SECOND FLOOR ADDITION
WITHIN AN EXISTING UNIT IN THE VERY LOW DENSITY (RVL) AND LOW
DENSITY (RL) RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT (ZONE CODE AMENDMENT
2002-072 - CITY OF LA QUINTA).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Ordinance No.
374 on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Adolph, Henderson, Perkins, Mayor Pro Tem Sniff
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pe~a
ABSTAIN: None
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF CITY'S ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003 MARKETING
PLAN.
Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff proposed discussing the item then placing it on the next
agenda for consideration and scheduling interviews for the marketing proposals.
Council Member Adolph suggested the references to the Mariachi Festival be
deleted since KSL is eliminating the event. He questioned the Passport coupon
book being worth what it costs to put it together.
Council Member Perkins agreed the coupon book is a waste of money. He felt
the target market should be on quality businesses and stated he wasn't sure
about targeting local residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff suggested the Council determine if it wants to continue
marketing the City and if so, where the focus should be. He commented on the
need for the marketing plan to be more specific.
Council Member Henderson noted the City has been focusing the last few years
on economic development at the request of residents but there is now a core
of residents who are frightened about the growth the City is experiencing. She
supports continuing the marketing program as it relates to economic
City Council Minutes 9 July 2, 2002
development along Highway 111 and the Village but doesn't support doing the
coupon book next year or any "in-your-face" type of marketing. She feels it
won't hurt not to target residential growth for a year and suggested looking at
doing a CD instead of a video, or maybe both. She wants to see emphasis
placed on in-house marketing in an effort to explain those things that are
difficult for the average citizen to understand.
Council Member Perkins stated he feels it's important to be cognizant of the
fact residents want the City to remain small and to be cautious how businesses
are encouraged to come into the City. He wished to concentrate on getting the
right kind of businesses and didn't feel it's necessary to encourage residential
development. He liked the videos but wasn't sure they are targeting the right
market. He noted La Quinta is not an El Paseo or Palm Desert and questioned
why residents in cities to the west would come to La Quinta to shop, except for
possibly the restaurants. He feels it will be a long time before La Quinta has a
business district like Palm Desert or Palm Springs.
Council Member Henderson stated she didn't support having the top four
marketing proposals come back for interviews because they have already gone
through that process.
Council Member Adolph concurred with bringing in quality businesses, especially
those that are not in direct competition with existing businesses. He felt that
would create a market for residents to the west of the City.
Council Member Perkins commented on the number of gas stations and fast
food restaurants in the City.
Mayor Pro Tern Sniff stated he feels the City should encourage entrepreneurs
and agrees La Quinta is not comparable to cities to the west but supports
making the effort to get there. He supports drawing businesses with diversity
and easy access and commented on the need to develop an additional and
consistent focus on commercial development. He noted the City needs in-fill
development, as well as development in the Village, and commented on the
need to help businesses be successful. He supports encouraging outsiders to
invest their time and money here.
Council Member Perkins noted most residents don't realize that property taxes
are not sufficient tax revenues to provide for all the needs of the City and that
commercial development is needed to provide revenue for public safety. He
noted the City doesn't have a place for large groups to meet for lunch or to hold
a convention.
City Council Minutes 10 July 2, 2002
Council Member Adolph stated he feels the proposed municipal golf course and
destination resort hotel will make a big difference.
Mayor Pro Tern Sniff asked staff to place consideration of the marketing plan
on the next agenda as a business item. He also asked that the interviews be
held in abeyance until after Council decides what direction it wishes to go with
the marketing plan.
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Fire Services Ad Hoc Committee -- Council Member Adolph stated the committee is
looking at ways to finance the advertising for the new tax measure.
CVAG Human Community Resources Committee -- Council Member Adolph reported
they are updating the Coachella Valley Children & Youth Programs directory. There
is also a plan to implement a 2-1-1 phone number for the homeless to use to find out
where the closest services are located.
CVAG Traffic Committee -- Council Member Henderson stated the Committee will be
considering numbering designs for the traffic signals at their next meeting.
C. V. Mosquito and Vector Control District -- Council Member Perkins reported on the
District's mosquito shrimp program. They are planning a facility to raise the mosquito
shrimp and have been planted them in several date farms in Indio and Coachella on a
trial basis.
League of California Cities-Riverside Division -- Council Member Henderson stated she
has asked staff to get additional information on the legislation in' Sacramento that will
grant the Indians total power to stop private or public construction on property if
religious ceremonies have been conducted on the site at any time. She hopes the City
will take an active position on this issue.
Palm Springs International Airport Commission -- Robert Tyler stated two of the art
pieces referenced under Written Correspondence are in place at the airport and look
good. However, due to security measures at the airport, the art pieces can only be
seen by people traveling in or out of the airport, not by the general public.
SunLine Transit Agency -- Council Member Adolph reported SunLine just celebrated
its 25th anniversary. He noted it also looks like the public utility concept may be
moving forward.
City Council Minutes 11 July 2, 2002
All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
2. CITY ATTORNEY.
City Attorney Jenson stated she has been asked to serve on the League of
California Cities Legal Advisory Committee as the Riverside County
representative.
8. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
Council Member Henderson commented on the recent installation of an obelisk
street marker at Sagebrush and Date Palm and stated the illumination is
outstanding.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SCHOOL SITE PROPOSED BY THE DESERT
SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AT THE CORNER OF EISENHOWER DRIVE
AND CALLE TAMPICO.
Council Member Sniff stated several residents have voiced concern about the
proposed school location being detrimental to the Village. He noted, however,
that the City does not have a role in this issue.
Peggy Reyes, Facility Services Director for Desert Sands Unified School District,
spoke regarding the difficulty of locating property in the City for new schools
and stated there are not many 12-acre sites available. They considered property
at the top of the Cove but were told the area is not available because of
environmental issues. They also looked at property at ,Jefferson Street and
Avenue 52 but KSL suggested the site at Eisenhower Drive and Calle Tampico.
She referenced a letter of support from the City's past City Engineer and
reviewed other letters/documents written to the City about the site, including
a letter to the Planning Commission. They have met with staff and she feels
they have followed proper procedures. She noted everyone wants good schools
but no one wants them in their backyard.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Ms. Reyes confirmed the School District
is pursuing eminent domain proceedings but has an agreement with KSL to have
possession of the property by July 8, 2002.
City Council Minutes 12 July 2, 2002
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms, Reyes stated the site has been
under consideration since last fall and notices were mailed to surrounding
property owners in April. They have received two letters in opposition to the
proposed school site.
Council Member Henderson stated she feels any development at the top of the
Cove will remain an issue because of people who want it to remain in what is
actually an "unnatural" state. She supports the area remaining open space as
much as possible and isn't sure the community would support having a school
there. She noted the concern voiced over the proposed school site is due to
recent movement for development in the Village.
Ms. Reyes stated the School District was concerned a site at the top of the
Cove would be a hard battle because of the environmental issues and the need
for a school site is immediate. She stated they may be willing to take on the
battle when another school is needed because of the shortage of locations. She
added the School District prefers not bussing children away from where they
live.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff questioned why the Planning Commission was notified
about the school site instead of the City Council since it is the City Council that
is directly accountable. He hopes the City Council will be notified in future
situations.
Ms. Reyes stated they are willing to copy the City Council on correspondence.
She added they usually work through staff but are required by E.D.C.O. to
notify the Planning Commission.
David Brudrik, 77-435 Calle Colima, noted the proposed school site will require
bussing children from the top of the Cove. He voiced concern about how traffic
at Eisenhower Drive and Calle Tampico will affect the children's safety and
stated he feels the school site will be a lifetime testament to bad planning. He
was concerned Embassy Suites will decide not to build if the school site is not
changed and urged the City to work with the School District to find a location
that will accommodate two schools.
City Attorney Jenson advised the City has no jurisdiction over the school site
and cannot stop the School District from building there. She noted, as a State
agency, the School District is required to request a report but can also override
it.
Council Member Henderson stated she understood some of the residents would
like for the Council to express "non-support" for the school site. However, the
City Council Minutes 13 July 2, 2002
issue is not on the agenda for action and by the next Council meeting the
School District will already have possession of the property.
Council Member Perkins voiced concern that the Council was not notified about
the school site and didn't have an opportunity to comment on the plans as it
relates to traffic. He felt the City might have been able to work something out
if the Council had been notified. He asked for the City Council to be notified in
the future.
Council Member Adolph noted the City will be designing a golf course on its
property and suggested there might be sufficient space at the west end near
The Traditions to provide a future school site and playground that could be
shared with the residents.
Council Member Henderson stated she has been aware of the school site for
several months. As for the top of the Cove, she noted both the City and the
School District chose not to pursue developments there because of opposition
but she felt there may be a larger group that would have supported it.
Council recessed to and until 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Autumn Brady, 701 N. Brand Boulevard, Suite 550, Glendale, of KRLA, spoke
regarding the Miraflores senior apartment project and the concerns of residents that
there will not be a wall and separate entrance for the apartments.
Lynda Hayes, 79-651 Cassia, voiced opposition to the senior apartment residents
using the Miraflores entrance/exit.
Mayor Pro Tern Sniff stated the matter will be referred to staff.
PRESENTATIONS - None
City Council Minutes 14 July 2, 2002
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. PUBLIC HEARING ON WEED ABATEMENT/LOT CLEANING ASSESSMENTS FOR
PLACEMENT OF 2002/2003 PROPERTY TAX ROLL.
The Mayor Pro Tern declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:06 p.m.
Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hartung advised property
owners receive a notice that the lots are to be cleaned within 21 days and
extensions are granted if requested. If the lot is cleaned by the City, the
property owner is then notified of the cost and given an opportunity to pay the
fee prior to a lien being placed on the property.
There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor Pro Tern declared the
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:08 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-103
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, ASSESSING LIEN AND PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF TAX
ROLLS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR COSTS OF ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC
NUISANCE.
It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2002-103 as submitted. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT.
2. PUBLIC HEARING ON LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
89-1, FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003, AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION
CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT FOR LANDSCAPE AND
LIGHTING DISTRICT 89-1, FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003, PURSUANT TO THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT.
The Mayor Pro Tem declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:09 p.m.
Interim Public Works Director Stephenson presented the staff report.
There being no requests to speak, the Mayor Pro Tern declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 7:10 p.m.
City Counc;i Minutes 15 July 2, 2002
Council Member Henderson noted the City's landscape and lighting is
significantly going "over-cost" at approximately $1.6 million. She noted if an
increase to the assessment was placed on the ballot for both exempt and non-
exempt projects, the assessment would increase to $68.38, which is almost
twice the current amount. The increased amount for exempt projects only
would be $11.32. She felt it may have been a bit short-sighted for the Council
to reduce the assessment approximately five years ago.
Council Member Adolph stated he is pleased the City has not had to increase
the assessment and noted the City will have to deal with more growth in the
future.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff stated he feels the shortfall will need to be addressed
sometime in the foreseeable future. He feels the landscape and lighting provide
a significant ambiance and sense of value to the City.
Council Member Perkins referenced previous discussions about reducing the
widths of medians to cut landscaping costs.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-104
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2002/2003 ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 89-1 (PURSUANT TO THE
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to adopt Resolution No.
2002-104 as submitted. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT.
3. PUBLIC HEARING ON: 1) CERTIFICATION OF AN ADDENDUM TO A
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 99-389; 2) REPEAL OF SPECIFIC PLAN
99-040; AND 3) TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 29323, A REQUEST FOR A MAP
AMENDMENT AND TIME EXTENSION FOR A 349-LOT SUBDIVISION ON 117 ±
ACRES LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF FRED WARING DRIVE
AND JEFFERSON STREET. APPLICANT: CORNERSTONE DEVELOPERS, INC.
The Mayor Pro Tem declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:16 p.m.
Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report.
City Council Minutes 16 July 2, 2002
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman stated the setbacks
along Jefferson Street and Fred Waring Drive are approximately 70 feet and 50
feet respectively. He advised the one-story limitation in Condition Nos. 82 and
83 will be clarified and he confirmed the acoustic study update is multi-purpose
and not for the sole purpose of limiting building heights. He didn't know if the
County has acquired sufficient right-of-way to provide four lanes along Fred
Waring Drive.
Council Member Henderson suggested a letter be sent to Supervisor Wilson
encouraging the County to widen Fred Waring Drive to four lanes. She stated
she is pleased the project has been submitted with a lower density.
In response to Council Member Adolph, Mr. Herman confirmed the proposed
tentative tract map replaces the tract map allowed under the specific plan.
Mike Marix, 128 Vista Monte, Palm Desert, of Cornerstone Developers, Inc.,
stated they plan to build one-story, single family homes ranging from 1,800 to
3,200 square feet. They propose extensive landscaping along the perimeter,
especially at the corner of Fred Waring Drive and Jefferson Street.
Council Member Adolph commended the developer for reducing the density.
Jay Steele, 79-745 Kingston Drive, Bermuda Dunes, spoke in support of the
project and asked for confirmation that the dark sky ordinance will apply to this
project. He also voiced concern about the existing above-ground utilities and
any related easement.
Mayor Pro Tem Sniff advised the dark sky ordinance is consistent throughout
the City.
Mr. Steele stated the Bermuda Dunes Community Council will also send a letter
to the County regarding widening of the street.
There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor Pro Tem declared the
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 7:36 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-105
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING AN ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT 99-389 FOR AN AMENDED SUBDIVISION OF 349 LOTS
LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF FRED WARING DRIVE AND
JEFFERSON STREET (CORNERSTONE DEVELOPERS, INC.).
City Council Minutes 17 July 2, 2002
It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2002-105 as submitted. Motion carried with Mayor Pe~a ABSENT.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-106
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, REPEALING THE DESIGN GUIDELINES AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED UNDER SPECIFIC PLAN 99-040
(CORNERSTONE DEVELOPERS, INC.).
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.
2002-106 as submitted. Motion carried with Mayor Pefia ABSENT.
RESOLUTION NO. 2002-107
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A TIME EXTENSION AND TRACT AMENDMENT
FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF 117± ACRES INTO 349 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS
(TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 29323 - CORNERSTONE DEVELOPERS, INC.).
It was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson to adopt Resolution No.
2002-107 as amended (amending the language in Condition No. 83). Motion
carried with Mayor PeSa ABSENT.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Adolph/Henderson
to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California