2002 12 03 RDA Minutes LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
DECEMBER 3, 2002
A regular meeting of the La Quinta Redevelopment Agency was called to order by
Chairperson Henderson.
PRESENT: Board Members Adolph, Perkins, Sniff, Chairperson Henderson
ABSENT: None (one vacancy)
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Minutes of
November 19, 2002, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED DECEMBER 3, 2002.
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR MEMBERS OF THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD AND SELECTED AGENCY STAFF TO TOUR
VARIOUS GOLF/RESORT DEVELOPMENTS IN PHOENIX, SCOTTSDALE, AND
TUCSON, ARIZONA, FROM DECEMBER 18-20, 2002.
Assistant Executive Director Weiss presented the staff report.
Chairperson Henderson volunteered to participate in the tour.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 2 December 3, 2002
MOTION It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve
authorization for overnight travel for Chairperson Henderson and Agency staff
to tour various golf resort developments in Phoenix, S¢ottsdale, and Tucson,
Arizona or alternative sites from December 18-20, 2002.
Board Member Perkins voiced concern about public criticism, and suggested
keeping the number of staff attending the tour at a minimum.
Executive Director Genovese advised that, in addition to the Chairperson and
one consultant, three staff members would be attending -- the Community
Development Director, Assistant Executive Director, and the Executive Director.
Chairperson Henderson noted the design consultant is on a short time frame to
complete his work.
Board Member Sniff stated he felt Board Member Perkins is right on target, and
pointed out that a second tour should not be necessary.
Motion carried unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF PLANNING PROCESS AND CONCEPTS FOR "THE RANCH"
PROPERTY.
Assistant Executive Director Weiss presented a brief staff report.
Gil Martinez, of GMA International and design consultant for the project,
reviewed the time schedule and various issues they will need to address in
preparing design concepts for the project. In reference to the canal, he stated
they will make sure of the potential for going over, under, or moving the canal
before bringing either option forward for consideration.
Board Member Sniff commented on the possibility of having several hotels in
one cloverleaf-layout design, and noted the rock and slope areas can only be
used as a backdrop because they are not part of this property. He questioned
there being any potential for moving the canal and suggested making the canal
an asset to the project. He commented on the need to consider flooding in the
design, and suggested a loop road around the perimeter. He further suggested
the golf courses on the tour be viewed as "food for thought" only and not
copied in this project. He urged the firm to think "big" and to design a golf
course project that stands out as extra special among the many golf courses in
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 3 December 3, 2002
the Valley. He referenced the need for flexible parking and suggested grass
areas be considered as parking areas for major events. He wished to see
attractive fencing with some wrought iron, and a hotel area that is generally
away from Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street but not immediately adjacent to the
mountains.
Board Member Perkins stated he feels it's premature at this time to make
suggestions but wishes to see a project that is unique. He is not a golfer but
visualizes what the project will do for the City and urged the consultant to be
innovative in the design.
Board Member Adolph concurred that it's premature to get involved in the
design until the conceptual plans are presented. He agreed the hotels should
not be next to the mountains and didn't feel the road should be next to the
mountains because the mountains should be the backdrop for the golf course.
He wants a world class golf course that will become a great destination resort.
Chairperson Henderson stated she understood the consultant is looking for input
for the three concepts that will be presented to the Agency. She noted there
was nothing in the consultant's presentation regarding other potential outdoor
activities, and she wished to incorporate as much as possible that will mesh
with the golf courses and hotels. In touring the other golf course resorts, she
will be looking for things that are wrong so as not to duplicate them. She also
feels it is extremely important for the public meetings to get started.
Carol Ackerman, of GMA International, reviewed the community participation
program, which will include a project website, direct mailings, and public
meetings.
Board Member Perkins commented on the need to explain to the non-golfer why
this project will be good for the City. He suggested using another term besides
"educate the public" because it turns people off.
Chairperson Henderson stated she feels it is critical to remember the equestrian
and historical significance of the site.
Mr. Martinez stated input from the Agency is important in preparing the design
alternatives, and he welcomes any comments they may have. He stated the
firm tends to "push the envelope" then work backwards from there.
CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS' ITEMS - None
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 4 December 3, 2002
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Board Members Adolph/Sniff to
adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
JUNE S. GREEK, Agency Secretary
La Quinta Redevelopment Agency