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2003 04 15 RDA Minutes LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES APRIL 15, 2003 A regular meeting of the La Quinta Redevelopment Agency was called to order by Chairperson Henderson. PRESENT: Board Members Adolph, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff, Chairperson Henderson ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION Board Member Perkins was not present to participate in Item No. I due to illness. 1. Conference with Agency's real property negotiator, Mark Weiss, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located southeast of the Miles Avenue and Washington Street intersection and north of the Whitewater Channel (APNs 604-040-012/013 and 604-040-022/023). Property Owner/Negotiator: Richard Oliphant, California Intelligent Communities, LLC. The Agency recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 pm. 3:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT - None CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Executive Director Genovese requested Consent Item No. 4 be moved to Business Item No. 2 and taken up prior to Business Item No. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Adolph/Sniff to approve the Minutes of April 1, 2003, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 2 April 15, 2003 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED APRIL 15, 2003. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 28, 2003. 3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED MARCH 31, 2003. 4. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 2. MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item No. 4. Motion carried unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION The Agency concurred to take up Item No. 2 at this time. 2. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TOM FROST GOLF, INC. TO PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR SERVICES FOR THE LA QUINTA GOLF AND RESORT PROJECT. (This item was moved from Consent Calendar Item No. 4.) Assistant Executive Director Weiss presented the staff report. Agency Counsel Jenson advised some of the provisions of the agreement are still under negotiation but nothing that would preclude approval of the contract. In response to Board Member Sniff, Ms. Jenson confirmed she has reviewed the contract, and explained the review process. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Ms. Jenson advised modifications to the City's standard agreement are done on an ad hoc basis, such as the recent agreement with HTE for financial software. Board Member Adolph stated his biggest problem is not knowing anything about Mr. Frost's background, and he can't support the contract without more information. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 3 April 15, 2003 In response to Chairperson Henderson, Mr. Weiss stated the purpose of the development coordinator position is to assist the City in development and construction of the golf course. The RFP solicited proposals from people in the industry and, preferably, in the public sector. He advised Mr. Frost's resume and proposal are available for review, and that Mr. Frost was ranked the highest of five firms interviewed by the Consultant Selection Committee. Board Member Adolph indicated he would like to have seen the resume prior to the meeting. Board Member Sniff stated he feels the Agency's lack of involvement with the interview process has resulted in a general lack of information as to who the firms are. He noted this is the biggest project done by the City, and he objects to the Agency not being the one who is doing it. He would like to know what the development coordinator is going to do, why Mr. Frost was selected by the committee, and why the additional hours are at a higher rate than regular hours. He has a continual level of discomfort on how this is being handled, and believes the Agency should be provided information in a timely manner. He stated he would have a hard time approving the agreement, and that it has nothing to do with Mr. Frost personally, but rather an internal problem. In response to Board Member Osborne, Mr. Weiss confirmed development and construction of a golf course and experience with a municipal golf course were the priorities within the selection process in finding the right firm. He advised the committee interviewed five firms, with Mr. Frost being selected because he has worked with American Golf, a golf operator, for a number of years, and through his own firm, has worked directly in the construction of public golf courses. Additionally, Mr. Ron Hagen, who lives locally and will be working with him, is retired from serving as the Community Services Director of Huntington Beach. In that position, Mr. Hagen was responsible for recreational programs as well as the development of golf courses within the city. Together, they bring a team with both public and golf industry experience from the private sector. He added Mr. Frost was also a speaker at a recent golf conference he attended. He confirmed Mr. Frost has personal experience in the development and construction of golf courses, and stated he believes Mr. Hagen was involved in the oversight of golf course operations at Huntington Beach. Regarding contract hours, he stated Mr. Frost's hourly rate is the same for the monthly retainer and the additional hours. He added most likely there will be more hours in the earlier part of the contract than there will be in the later months. The first month is expected to be very labor intensive because staff hopes to come back with a detailed schedule and recommendation for implementation of Phase I. The intent is for the development coordinator to Redevelopment Agency Minutes 4 April 15, 2003 help staff identify the elements necessary to meet the schedule adopted by the Agency. Once a master plan is adopted, a 3-D representation of the project will be created, and rating elements prepared and made available for the golf architect to work with. He noted it is important to get certain things done to meet the December schedule, as well as the target date of January 2005 for opening the golf course. He stated staff is learning what needs to be done and will do its best without a development coordinator to assist them but recommends filling the position with someone who has experience in the industry to assist in meeting the established timelines. He stated Mr. Frost is present and available to answer questions. In response to Board Member Osborne, Mr. Weiss stated the ranking of each of the firms was close, and he feels any of them could do the job. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Mr. Weiss confirmed if negotiations with the first firm are not satisfactory, negotiations will begin with the second firm. He stated although there has been some debate as to what process should be used, staff has responded to the Agency's direction as a whole. He added staff can provide material from all nine RFP proposals and schedule interviews by the Agency, if that is what the Agency wants, but he noted that was not the direction given to staff. Board Member Perkins stated he feels staff is doing as they were directed, and that the differences of opinion are on the Agency Board. He stated he doesn't want to sit in judgement when staff has been charged with the review of this proposal and with making a recommendation to the Agency. He stated he supports staff's recommendation. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Mr. Weiss confirmed the six-month contract does not cover construction management, and has a provision for early termination if the performance is not satisfactory. The contract can also be brought back to the Agency to consider an extension should staff feel it necessary to have the position throughout the duration of the project. He feels the Agency will probably want a construction manager on site, and that is a different task. Tom Frost, of Tom Frost Golf, Inc., gave a brief presentation on his background and qualifications. In response to Board Member Perkins, Mr. Frost stated he is not a golf architect, and as a development coordinator, would bring the team together to make sure the project moves smoothly. He stated the vision for the project is not his, and Redevelopment Agency Minutes 5 April 15, 2003 that a development coordinator will work with the City to make sure the project ties together at the end of the day. Board Member Adolph stated he is looking for someone with experience in similar projects starting from scratch. He noted the project is more than golf, and asked if Mr. Frost has coordinated other projects that include hotel and retail development. Mr. Frost stated he has never developed a hotel project. He had a lot of interaction with hotels when working on the Riverwalk golf development in San Diego, and Mr. Hagen has worked on hotel development projects. He noted the RFP is for the design and coordination of construction of the first golf course. Board Member Adolph stated he hopes the other factors involved with this project will come into being in the near future, and noted the project will extend a lot longer than the six-month period of this contract, which could also be extended. He stated Mr. Frost seems to have a strong background in golf course infrastructure and what it takes to build and maintain golf courses, and asked if he had been involved with any local golf courses. He feels it is important to become aware of local contractors and use them whenever possible. Mr. Frost replied he has not been directly involved with the development of any local golf courses. Board Member Adolph stated it seems to him that some feel getting started is more important than doing the project on a quality basis, and he feels it's important to make sure what is done is done right. Chairperson Henderson asked if Mr. Hagen lives locally, to which Mr. Frost replied, "Yes." Board Member Sniff stated he feels Mr. Frost's involvement in various golf projects has little or no meaning if the involvement was minor. In response to Board Member Sniff, Mr. Frost stated he is not a licensed engineer, and has a Bachelor Degree in communications from a four-year university in Tennessee. Board Member Sniff questioned how a BS degree in communications has direct involvement with golf course design, maintenance, or construction. He inquired about Mr. Frost's experience with public golf courses doing this exact scope of services, and asked where his offices are located and how many people are in Redevelopment Agency Minutes 6 April 15, 2003 the firm. He also asked about American Golf Corporation and what Mr. Frost's relationship was to that company. Mr. Frost stated he has 20 years experience in running golf courses. He worked from the ground up on the 27-hole Riverwalk golf course, which is a high-end, daily fee, golf course in San Diego, where he was responsible for coordinating the budget. He is the only employee in his office, which is located in Los Alamitos, and he has brought in Mr. Hagen to work on this project with him. He stated American Golf Corporation is the largest golf management company in the world, and he worked for them as an employee for 20 years. In response to Board Member Osborne, Mr. Frost stated he was also involved with coordinating the budget for construction of the private Coyote Hills golf course, and worked with Long Beach and Huntington Beach on their municipal golf courses. He was responsible for the budget on those projects, and coordinated the projects from start to finish. Board Member Osborne asked what he planned to accomplish within the six- month contract period, and if he feels the January 2005 opening date is realistic. He also asked about his work with American Golf Corporation. Mr. Frost noted the project should be ready to break ground by the end of his contract. Prior to that, a golf architect will need to be selected, engineering has to be done, bids for golf course construction will be distributed, and a construction manager will be selected, which he has done on other projects. As for the opening date, he feels January 2005 is realistic if the project stays on schedule. As an employee of American Golf Corporation, he was a "hands- on" operator, and was able to build teams around him to get projects accomplished. He stated Mr. Hagen's responsibility in this project would be to make sure the public process, such as public bidding, is done correctly. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Mr. Weiss stated the RFP did not require any specific degree. What the committee was looking for is experience and expertise in the development coordinator aspect of this task, and no particular degree was looked at as being most beneficial. Council Member Perkins left the dais at this time due to illness. The Agency recessed to and until 7:00 p.m. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 7 April 15, 2003 7:00 P. M. The Agency reconvened with Board Member Perkins absent due to illness. PUBLIC COMMENT - None PUBLIC HEARINGS - None BUSINESS SESSION ............ continued 2. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TOM FROST GOLF, INC. TO PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR SERVICES FOR THE LA QUINTA GOLF AND RESORT PROJECT. (This item was continued from the afternoon session.) Mr. Weiss advised copies of Mr. Frost's full proposal have been distributed to the Agency. In response to Board Member Osborne, Mr. Frost stated the City will own any documents prepared by his firm that are linked to this project. Ms. Jenson advised she met with Mr. Frost during the dinner recess and believes they have resolved the issues previously outstanding in the contract. In response to Board Member Adolph, Mr. Weiss stated out of the five firms interviewed, one was a one-man operation, another was a two-man operation similar to Mr. Frost, and the other two were firms. In response to Board Member Adolph, Mr. Frost stated Mr. Hagen lives in Palm Desert. As for himself, he will attend the weekly meetings here and be available as needed. Board Member Adolph voiced concern about Mr. Frost being able to do the job if located out of the area. Mr. Frost stated the beginning will consist of a lot of coordination and not site- related work, and he will be here as much as it takes to keep the project on schedule. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 8 April 15, 2003 In response to Board Member Sniff, Mr. Frost confirmed his typical fee is $184, and that any additional hours will be controlled by staff. Mr. Weiss stated the contract has a cap of $100,000. The other cost proposals ranged from a few hundred to several thousand hours, based on what they felt the scope of the project might be. He stated Mr. Frost's cost is consistent and competitive with the other proposals. Some of the proposals had lower hourly rates but not as a total base fee, and the full firms based their charges on each person involved with the project. He stated not all of the proposals were within the budget parameters. Board Member Sniff asked what happens if Mr. Frost is unable to complete the job within the timeframe and there is no one to fall back on since he is an individual and not a firm. Mr. Weiss stated there are two people in the firm that would be consultants to staff, which he noted has proceeded so far without a development coordinator's assistance. Additionally, there are termination provisions in the contract should Mr. Frost not be able to perform his duties, and staff could negotiate a contract with another firm. Don Rector, 46-450 Cameo Palms Drive, commented on the amount of competition in the area, and Stated he feels the City might be putting the "cart before the horse" by hiring a development coordinator prior to hiring a golf architect. He believes the two should be compatible. Chairperson Henderson noted Tom Bergh was the contract manager on the assessment project in the Cove, and although he was part of a bigger company, the City's contract was with him. She stated she has mixed emotions on this, and noted the development coordinator will be an arm of staff and bring the expertise needed to move the project forward. She noted he will be required to work with all the contractors on the job, and that all the professionals will learn to gel~ along with each other. She sees this position as one of protection for the City to make sure everything is included that needs to be included and that responses are coming in. She understands we are dealing with Phase I at this point, which is a golf course and land for the resort area. Mr. Weiss stated that is correct, and noted RSG has been retained to work with staff to negotiate numerous hotel and real estate deals. Chairperson Henderson stated she doesn't feel hotel development experience or lack of it is relevant because the Agency is not dealing with a hotel proposal Redevelopment Agency Minutes 9 April 15, 2003 at this time but rather a site to prepare. She stated she doesn't have a problem with the contract. Board Member Adolph stated he believes the job description is correct. His problem is hiring Mr. Frost without knowledge of what Mr. Frost has done, and noted Mr. Hagen's special skills are computers, public speaking, public/private partnership, and real estate. He stated he is looking for golf course development and hotel development experience. Chairperson Henderson noted this position is not to bring in a hotel or retail but rather to coordinate the contractors doing the various land development improvements, and communication is a needed skill for that task. Board Member Adolph noted it's also important to be able to communicate on the same level as the various contractors. He has major concerns about spending tax dollars and feels it's important to make sure we have the right person for the job. He wants to deal with experts in this field, and at this time, is not totally convinced Mr. Frost is the right person. Mr. Weiss stated some cities hire a golf architect but don't have anyone to evaluate the plans or know what to do with them. He stated the Agency will need a golf architect, lake specialist, etc. but the purpose of this position is to make sure everything happens at the appropriate time. Board Member Sniff asked about a golf architect firm providing that service. Mr. Weiss stated there are firms that will do an entire turnkey project but the Agency hasn't chosen to do it that way. He stated staff is hoping this position will be able to help evaluate the benefits of a turnkey design/build project versus contracting and bidding everything out. Chairperson Henderson noted public agencies are more restricted but in a turnkey project, the Agency wouldn't be involved, and she is not sure that would be the best direction to go. Mr. Weiss noted staff has recommended this position be hired as an objective firm without any compensated role in the future of the project. The contract could be extended as the project moves forward to provide assistance but, as it was clearly stated in the RFP, the position would not have a role as the architect, operator, construction manager, or any other compensated role. Board Member Osborne stated it seems Mr. Frost is well qualified for the position. He is pleased the Agency is not restricted to any certain amount of Redevelopment Agency Minutes 10 April 15, 2003 hours, and that Mr. Frost will be available as needed. He agrees it would have been better for the Agency to have received more information about Mr. Frost at an earlier date but after having the opportunity to question him, he feels Mr. Frost would do a fine job. MOTION - It was moved by Board Member Osborne and Chairperson Henderson to approve a Contract Services Agreement, contingent upon approval of Agency Counse. I and the Executive Director, with Tom Frost Golf, Inc. to provide development coordinator services for the La Quinta Golf and Resort Project, and authorize the Executive Director to execute the contract. Board Member Sniff stated he cannot support the motion, and feels the process has been flawed. He feels more thought should be put into the process, and is not comfortable with the rush to get this done. He feels having a golf architect involved in a meaningful way has merit. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Ms. Jenson stated she assumes the Council's Rules of Procedure apply to the Agency as well as the City Council. Therefore, due to the absence of Board Member Perkins, a tie-vote would result in the matter being automatically continued to the next Agency meeting. Motion resulted in a tie vote with Board Members Adolph and Sniff voting NO and Board Member Perkins ABSENT. 1. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN FOR THE LA QUINTA GOLF AND RESORT PROJECT. Gil Martinez, consultant with GMA International, reviewed the revised plan. He also distributed a water usage analysis prepared by Pace Engineering and a will- serve letter from CVWD. Board Member Adolph questioned why some of the water information is being brought now since the Agency is just dealing with a conceptual plan at this time. Chairperson Henderson noted the Agency asked the consultant to address those issues. Robert Foulk, 57-540 Interlachen, President of PGA West Master Association, stated they are responsible for the landscaping on the south side of Avenue 54, and are concerned about what will happen to the remainder of Avenue 54. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 11 April 15, 2003 They like the idea of having a cul-de-sac but would like to see a gate at the end of the cul-de-sac to keep the general public out of the area. Chairperson Henderson stated those type of details will be addressed at the appropriate time. Mr. Foulk also commented on the multi-use trail, and asked what will keep people from going south into the rock area and down around the PGA West golf course area instead of north after crossing the canal. Burch Riber, 78-835 Lima, stated he owns a marketing company that focuses mainly on golf, and commented on the importance of marketing this project from the beginning. He also questioned how land planning can take place before a golf architect is hired. Mr. Weiss advised Palmer Course Design is on GMA's consultant team, and stated Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay, and other members of the Palmer group have reviewed the conceptual plan to ensure the envelope is adequate for a tournament-quality golf course. They have also reviewed the second course for its routing adequacy. In response to Board Member Adolph, Mr. Martinez stated they have met three times with Arnold Palmer staff, at least twice with Arnold Palmer, twice with Ed Seay, and have also reviewed the plans with other golf architects. He stated the routing for the tournament course was done by Harrison Minchew of Arnold Palmer's office. The Palmer group also critiqued the routing for the second course done by GMA, which has routed over 200 golf courses. He stated David Chapman has also reviewed the plans and provided comments. Regarding the lack of water hazards in the design, he stated that will be determined by the golf architect. Board Member Adolph noted tee box //4 is parallel to the street, which could result in balls being hit into traffic on Avenue 52. He suggested the multi-use trail continue around the toe of the slope instead of cutting through the special use area and out to the street. He also commented on the need for more open space for sponsors during tournament play, and for temporary sky boxes. Mr. Martinez asked if the Agency would be more comfortable with an overlay showing where the galleries are. He stated the TPC golf course in Arizona that hosted the Phoenix Open with over 500,000 people in attendance, has two tournament play golf courses on 300 acres, excluding the clubhouse, parking area, and driving range. He noted the tournament course designed for this Redevelopment Agency Minutes 12 April 15, 2003 project is on 185 acres. He stated they are willing to show there is sufficient space for everything. Board Member Adolph stated he believes 200 acres are needed for a good, full- size golf course. Regarding the multi-use trail, Mr. Martinez stated there is no problem going west with the trail and around the toe of the slope if the golf architect doesn't have a problem with it. Board Member Adolph stated he would like to maintain as many of the trees as possible along the south side of the canal, and likes the location of the maintenance facility and the cul-de-sac. He also asked about saving some of the trees at the Kennedy ranch. Mr. Martinez stated they have suggested a master landscape plan be developed to preserve as many of the trees as possible. He feels the suggestion for a gate at the end of the cul-de-sac makes sense. Board Member Adolph voiced concern about moving forward without a golf architect approving the plan, and noted the plan will probably change unless the Palmer group is selected as the golf architect. Mr. Martinez stated they have worked with big name golf architects on other projects, and the changes they usually make are tee box locations, strategy, and maybe some sequence. He noted having a golf architect sign off on a concept plan is a different process that can involve more work and slow down the progress. Board Member Adolph asked what happens if the golf architect doesn't buy into the concept plan. Mr. Weiss explained the concept plan is a guide for staff to show golf architects what the Agency expects them to make a proposal on and a tool to market the hotel and retail components. He noted once a specific plan is done, there will be more concrete approvals in place that will require additional steps to change. He stated golf architects usually want all the space they can get for a golf course but noted there are many fine tournament courses that are within the parameters outlined in this plan. He stated staff is looking to get acceptance of.the plan so they can legitimately represent it as the basic concept the Agency wants -- otherwise the golf architects will not know what they are submitting proposals on. He confirmed any major changes made by the golf architect will come back to the Agency for approval. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 13 April 15, 2003 Chairperson Henderson noted the concept plan would be a basis for golf architects to bid on, and asked about the possibility of moving the resort site, street, etc. because of changes made by the golf architect. Mr. Weiss confirmed that is a possibility because the site is fairly flat and as grading begins and the lake is dug, various decisions will need to be made. He noted this is not just a golf course but a resort development with balanced emphasis on attracting the type of hotel the Agency is interested in attracting and balancing the revenue-generating component of the project with the golf amenity. He noted the two go hand-in-hand and the overall plan must be developed with that master plan in mind. He advised if the golf architect proposes major changes to Phase I just to accommodate the golf course, staff will recommend the Agency take a very hard look at the impact of the proposed changes as it relates to the remainder of the project. Board Member Adolph stated what he is hearing is that this concept is cast in concrete, and he doesn't agree with that. He believes the golf architects should have the opportunity to bid on what the Agency has as an idea for Phase I but would also have to work on the way they feel it should be done to meet their design criteria. Mr. Weiss agreed but noted the golf architects need some parameter as to what the Agency expects them to be the architect for. He confirmed the golf architects will be told that the concept is a general area for them to work within but that they can design it the way they want. Board Member Adolph stated he wants to be sure that the golf architect is not tied to this plan. In response to Board Member Osborne, Mr. Martinez confirmed the plan is to use recycled water for irrigation, and to retain the existing sand dunes near the casitas area. He stated the access points to the open area near Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street were removed from this plan to be less specific as directed by the Agency. As for Mr. Frost, he stated he has not worked with him but has heard of his name. Board Member Osborne asked how much it will delay the project if a concept plan is not approved until a golf architect is hired and approves the plan. Mr. Weiss explained there are a number of things involved in terms of the schedule for a golf architect. The Agency interviews for a golf architect were tentatively scheduled for May 20 but that date conflicts with an annual Redevelopment Agency Minutes 14 April 15, 2003 conference of American Society of Golf Course Architects. He stated many of the architects have extended an invitation for staff and Agency Members to view their work, and have suggested the interviews be postponed until the first meeting in June. He noted that would provide additional time to review the golf architects' proposals and time to visit and inspect the golf courses designed by the architects, if the Agency wishes. It would then take about a month to negotiate a contract. He noted architects have different approaches -- some like to be in the field and some just supply plans. He anticipates a golf architect being on board in early July but noted the golf architects will give their opinions on the plan when they are interviewed. He stated many of them have already commented on the plan, and stated they would like more space and want the special use area for golf. He noted it is not uncommon for there to be competing interests between golf and the revenue-generating portion of the project. He stated if an architect was allowed to guide the process, the project would probably be one 27-hole course instead of two courses. He noted the project started out with 45 holes and has been reduced to 36 to accommodate comments from the Agency. Board Member Osborne stated 'he understood the concept is a proposed "envelope" to help balance the entire project, and that the golf architects that have talked to the consultant are comfortable with that aspect of it. Mr. Martinez stated there is always room for improvement but he doesn't feel the overall "envelope" will be changed. He stated some golf architects want the best part of the real estate for the golf course but the hotel and retail components need to be able to create an ambiance, and if not careful, the project could end up with a lopsided set of priorities. Board Member Sniff asked the consultant what he feels in the revised plan makes this project special and above the competition. Mr. Martinez stated he feels one of the strengths is the site itself, and that the way the plan has been put together maximizes what God has created. He feels the plan maximizes the view potential, experience, and ambiance, and creates a place where people can get away from traffic and noise. It focuses on something that is beautiful at sunrise, the middle of the day, at sunset, and at night. He stated he does not know of any other place left in the Valley that has that opportunity. Board Member Sniff stated that really doesn't answer his question. He noted at the last meeting the answer was "lots of water," and he doesn't feel that potential is there. He asked for an answer in five words. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 15 April 15, 2003 Mr. Martinez stated they are not proposing to reduce the water. Instead, they propose coming up with a scientific approach to make the project happen and if water is going to get the project across the finish line, then solve the problem and move forward together. He feels this is an excellent plan, and implementing it correctly is what will make a difference. He believes each component of the plan practically stands alone, and that there are no bad parts in the plan. Board Member Sniff suggested he give some thought to five descriptive words that elevate this project above its competition, and provide them at the next meeting. He noted there is a significant, north to south site-fall on the property, and suggested the lakes run east to west instead of north to south. Mr. Martinez stated the idea is to take water from the canal into the northern end of the lake and to use waterfalls to mirror the drop from the canal. He stated the waterfalls are for aeration and cleansing of the water but also to create a dramatic effect for the hotel. He stated they have considered making a suggestion to the golf architect that hole//2 be rerouted to create the effect of an island in that area. He stated a series of waterfalls and streams will cleanse the water before it re-enters the canal, and added it can be built in phases. Board Member Sniff stated he feels the project has too much water on it. He can see water being used for accent, and feels if the water is somehow activated (streams, geysers, etc.), it would be more interesting and require less water. He still believes a roadway along the toe of the slope is needed for maintenance and pleasure, and that not having it will be a missed opportunity. He noted a road could also be a conduit in a flood situation. Mr. Martinez stated they can show a road along the mountain but he feels the golf architect will most likely say "no way." Board Member Sniff stated he feels a road would be an added amenity, as well as functional, and would add value to the project. He feels there should be three or more locations set aside for hotels to be built over a period of years. He also feels the project should be phased by area -- Phase I being north of the canal and west, and Phase II being south of the canal because the canal is a natural barrier. He prefers a more compact tournament course instead of being long and linear. He commented on the need for event parking, and for the hotels to be clustered in the general area of the clubhouse for easier access. He believes the project should be looked at with a perimeter definition so it is artistic and functional and like a beautiful painting with an attractive frame. He suggested bringing the mountain effect forward so people will have the sense Redevelopment Agency Minutes 16 April 15, 2003 of the mountain without being in it. He commented on the need to maximize the use and value of the canal so it is a significant asset to the project, and stated he wants to see a project produced that is second to none. He feels it's important to remember that this project is a location for public golf, series of hotel sites, a retail area, and potentially a recreation asset both to the residents and visitors to the City. He believes the project should be marketable so it can be sold without major effort, and stated he feels if we fail now, we fail permanently. Carol Ackerman, of GMA International, recapped the theme elements of the concept plan, and potential names for the project. She stated GMA would like to submit five names to the Agency and post them on the website for La Quinta citizens to review and vote on. After two weeks the preferences would be tabulated, and the top three mixed with graphics and brought back for the Agency's consideration. Board Member Sniff stated that would be okay as long as the Agency has the latitude to accept or reject the names. Chairperson Henderson stated she feels the Agency should be able to select five names off the list presented this evening. Board Member Osborne selected La Vida, Las Vistas, and Buena Vida. Board Member Adolph stated he feels La Quinta should be a part of the name to identify where the project is located. He doesn't have a problem with Las Vistas at La Quinta, La Quinta Las Vistas, or Santuario at La Quinta. Board Member Sniff stated he likes La Quinta Las Vistas or Las Vistas at La Quinta, and maybe, La Vida at La Q'uinta. Chairperson Henderson asked the consultant to find out how many other resorts use these names, and stated she likes La Vida. She asked how the Agency feels about having a road along the mountain, additional hotel sites, clustering of hotel sites, and phasing. Board Member Sniff stated he is uncomfortable voting because he doesn't want to vote NO. He prefers having some of the things addressed that were discussed tonight, and cannot support a plan that he considers less than the best. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 17 April 15, 2003 Board Member Adolph noted the orientation of the first golf course will depend on the golf architect and will need to tie-in to the clubhouse. He voiced concern about the Ahmanson building being adequate size for a temporary clubhouse. Board Member Sniff noted realigning the phasing to each side of the canal would allow both courses to be adjacent to the mountain. After a brief discussion, there was concurrence that the plan will accommodate at least two large hotels and two small hotels, depending on what the market will bear. Additionally, that a road along the mountain should not be included in the plan, and to leave the phasing and hotel locations as shown on the current plan. Board Member Osborne suggested continuing this item to the next meeting to allow Board Member Perkins an opportunity to vote. Chairperson Henderson asked how seriously a continuance would impact the project and the contract with the consultant. Mr. Weiss stated the consultant had planned to provide a package by the end of the month to be used for marketing. As for the contract, staff will need to talk to the consultant because it will extend the timeframe of the contract. However, it's his understanding that the Agency is requesting a continuance without any major changes to the current plan. Chairperson Henderson stated the only additional information would be names for the project, and she isn't sure how much time it will take for Ms. Ackerman to set up the voting mechanism on the website. Mr. Weiss stated he understands there is a housing tract in the City named Las Vistas and will check into it. He advised staff will proceed with the golf architect interviews without a development coordinator. MOTION -It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to continue consideration of the conceptual master plan for the La Quinta Golf and Resort project to May 6, 2003. Motion carried unanimously. STUDY SESSION - None CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS' ITEMS - None Redevelopment Agency Minutes 18 April 15, 2003 The Agency recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1. The Agency Board reconvened, and Agency Counsel Jenson announced the Agency has voted to extend the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with California Intelligent Communities, LLC (Closed Session Item No. 1) for 90 days, with the following vote: Chairperson Henderson and Board Members Adolph and Osborne voted in favor of the extension, Board Member Sniff voted in opposition to the extension, and Board Member Perkins was absent. She advised the Extension Agreement will be available for inspection in the City Clerk's Office upon execution. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, JUNE S. GREEK, Agency Secretary La Quinta Redevelopment Agency