2003 07 22 RDA Minutes LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES
JULY 22, 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
1. Conference with Agency's legal counsel pursuant to Government Code
Section 54945.9(c) regarding initiation of litigation - (one matter).
The Redevelopment Agency recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour
of 3:00 p.m.
3:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Board Member Sniff requested that Item No.
4 of the Consent Calendar be moved to Item No. 4 of the Business Session.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the
Redevelopment Agency Minutes of July 5, 2003 as submitted. Motion
carried unanimously.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 2 July 22, 2003
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JULY 15, 2003
2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED MAY 31, 2003.
3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURE REPORT DATED MAY
31, 2003, AND THE INVESTMENT SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE
QUARTER ENDING JUNE 30, 2003.
4. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
PALMER COURSE DESIGN COMPANY FOR GOLF COURSE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES.
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve
the Consent Calendar as amended with the removal of Item 4 from the
Consent Calendar and placed as Item 4 of the Business Session.
Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF: 1) A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL
YEAR 2003/2004 LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BUDGET;
AND 2) A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE PLANNING AND
ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES TO BE FUNDED IN FISCAL YEAR
2003/2004.
Finance Director John Falconer presented the staff report. There were
no changes as submitted and on file in the City Clerk's Office.
RESOLUTION NO. RA 2003-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
200312004.
It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No.
RA 2003-12 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. RA 2003-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING THAT THE PLANNING AND
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ADMINSTRATION EXPENSES TO BE FUNDED IN FISCAL YEAR
2003/2004 BY THE LOW AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING FUND
ARE NECESSARY FOR THE PRODUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, AND/OR
PRESERVATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOW AND
MODERATE-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.
It was moved by Board Members Osborne/Sniff to adopt Resolution
No. RA 2003-13 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS
PURSUANT TO HEALTH & SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445(a) AND
AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR THE AVENIDA
LA FONDA STREET ENHANCEMENT PROJECT.
There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in
the Office of the City Clerk.
After a brief discussion, the Board decided not to take action on this
matter until the City Council has resolved the award of bid for the
improvements to Avenida La Fonda. By unanimous consensus.
3. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE LA QUINTA
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA NO. 2 REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TO
INCREASE THE TAX INCREMENT LIMIT AND AN APPROPRIATION OF
UP TO $50,000.
Redevelopment Agency Consultant Frank Spevacek presented the
staff report as submitted and on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to direct
staff to proceed with the Project Area No. 2 Redevelopment Plan
amendment to increase the tax increment limit and authorize an
appropriation of up to $50,000. Motion carried unanimously.
4. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
PALMER COURSE DESIGN COMPANY FOR GOLF COURSE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES.
Redevelopment Agency Assistant Executive Director Mark Weiss
presented the staff report and introduced the Project Coordinator Roy
Stevenson who was also available for any questions the agency might
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 4 July 22, 2003
have. Assistant Executive Director Weiss advised that the original
contract, which the agency authorized staff to enter into, was for an
amount not to exceed $1 million, plus an allowance of $50,000 for
reimbursable expenses. Subsequent to the contract negotiations the
contract amount was reduced to $850,000. On further reflection,
staff felt it would be prudent to add in additional services to the
originally proposed scope of services to include the irrigation plan,
landscape architecture, golf cart path routing, Agronomy and lakes
design. The addition of the listed services resulted in no increase to
the Palmer Course Design Company's (PCDC) originally proposed fee
of $1 million proposal.
Board Member Adolph commented on and questioned a number of
provisions of the contract and the questions and responses by
Assistant Executive Director Weiss, Mr. Stevenson and the City
Attorney were as follows:
1. Is this for phase 1 of the golf course? RESPONSE: The contract
is for phase 1 of the conceptual master plan to design the first
golf course to be built.
2. Section 1.1 Scope of Services - What are the standards
prevalent in the Industry? RESPONSE: There are industry
standards for all professions; this addresses the industry
standards for golf course design.
3. 1.3 - In compliance with the law, contractor to notify agency of
all the below prior to completion of contract. I think the agency
should be notified. RESPONSE: none
4. 1.4 - Contractor shall obtain at its sole expense such licenses,
permits and approvals as shall be required by law. Do we know
what fees these will be? RESPONSE: I should indicate that
this is our standard contract which we use for all contractual
services with some minor modifications that have been
negotiated by the City Attorney. The fees for the contractor
and City are specified in the scope of services. City Attorney:
Just as an example the contractor will be required to pay the
business license fee for doing business in the City of La Quinta.
5. Is Attachment 1 the standard contract that we have all
contracts? RESPONSE: It is largely our base document up to
the Scope of Services, and just as an example of slight changes
we made, the last line in 1.4 says the agency shall assist the
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Contractor in securing permits required by this agreement. This
just means we will help them to get the necessary forms to fill
out for required permits such as the business license.
Comment Board Member Adolph: If this is the case and they
can't just walk up to the counter to get the forms Kathy we're
in deep trouble with this contract.
5. Top of page 5 - Contractor shall not be required to perform any
additional services without compensation. What about errors,
mistakes and so forth. RESPONSE: There is a clause that deals
with notifying them of a mistake and a time period to cure that
mistake. Curing a mistake is not the same thing as additional
work.
6. 2.1 Contract Sum - Isn't the sum of $50,000 excessive for
them to have only' 4-6 meetings and are they going to be
required to provide receipts like the City Council does when
they travel. RESPONSE: The figure was in the original proposal
presented to the City and approved by the City Council when
they determined to hire PCDC. They will be reimbursed for
actual and necessary expenditures and will be required to
document those expenses.
7. Why don't we specify an exact number of meetings they will
attend, four, five, or six?
8. 2.2 Method of Payment - It says the initial payment shall be
made by August 1, 2003, upon execution of the Agreement
does that mean if we don't agree on it tonight it will change?
RESPONSE: Yes, the time frames in the Scope of Work will
change. The dates were established to fit into their work
schedule and the City's desired time table.
9. 3.4 Term - It says this shall continue in full force and effect for
two (2) years. RESPONSE: We anticipate six months for the
design and we allowed 18 months for the construction of the
course.
10. 4.2 Contract Officer - Who's the Contract Officer, it says shall
be the Assistant Executive Director, who is that? RESPONSE:
Mark Weiss is the Assistant Executive Director of the
Redevelopment Agency
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 6 July 22, 2003
11. 4.4 Independent Contractor - It says neither the Agency nor its
employees shall have any control over the manner, mode or
means by which Contractor performs the services required
herein. We have no control whatsoever. RESPONSE: This
is again standard language in all of our Professional Services
Agreements and it is meant to make it perfectly clear that the
Contractor is an independent contractor not a City employee.
For purposes of insurance, liability, this is standard language.
12. 5.1 Insurance - Over $300,000, shouldn't that say over
$300,000. RESPONSE: This is our standard contract and since
it is over $300,000 that description is applicable.
13. The Term "automobile" includes, but is not limited to, a land
motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer designed for travel on public
roads. What about grading equipment for example. This
company won't have grading equipment. This is not a contract
for physical work, it's a design contract.
1 4. 5.2 Indemnification - It says "to the extent caused solely by the
negligence or willful misconduct of Contractor, its officers, any
one employed by Contractor and so on. Give me an example of
what that means." RESPONSE: For example if after the course
is construction it is over-watered by the City and someone gets
injured as a result and files suit against just everybody for
negligence the City would have the responsibility to defend the
Palmer Group.
15. 6.1 Reports - Contractor shall periodically prepare and submit
reports. Can't we be more specific to timing? RESPONSE: We
have been more specific in the Scope of Services in the
Contract. A good deal of the oversight and reporting will be
provided by the Construction Manager.
16. 7.6 Mediation: What is JAMS? RESPONSE: It is the Judicial
Arbitration and Mediation Services. This is put into the contract
to provide for mediation prior to any litigation being entered
into.
17. Page 16, During Phase 1, the Agency shall provide the Palmer
Group specific source, quality and quantity of water for
irrigation purposes. Does this mean we have to provide them
with the amount of water they need for the golf course they
design? RESPONSE: We have pledged to provide them with
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 7 July 22, 2003
information on that we have currently entered into a contract
with GMA (via Pace Engineering) to prepare the Water
Management Plan. The Palmer Group is responsible to the
design of the lakes, and the irrigation design system. It means
we are responsible to provide them with a study which deals
with the availability of water which will be addressed in the
study that we have contracted.
18. Schematic site plans for clubhouse and maintenance - Are we
going to be doing anything else other than what we have done?
RESPONSE: We have in the works an RFP for a Building
Architect to evaluate the suitability of the existing ranch house
serving as a temporary clubhouse and determine if that would
work as a temporary clubhouse or if it would be better to move
modular buildings on site. We have a conceptual master plan
that gives a general layout of what the permanent clubhouse
site might be. The agency will make the determination if they
want to pursue a permanent clubhouse immediately depending
upon funding.
1 9. Preliminary Routing Plan to the Tournament Consultant-- Who's
that? RESPONSE: Has not been selected yet.
20. It says Palmer Group will provide a copy of the Preliminary
Routing Plan to the Tournament Consultant, have we any idea
when that might happen? RESPONSE: It is our goal to bring
that forward as early as August 19th. We would like to have a
Final Routing Plan by the second meeting in September.
21. The preliminary Routing Plan by blank does that mean we need
to fill in that blank. RESPONSE: It hopefully will be August
20th, the day after the preliminary routing plan is approved.
22. Prior to the commencement of Phase II, the Agency shall
provide the Palmer Group with all of these things. Does that
mean the agency staff will do this or does this all have to come
to us and we have to approve all of it prior to it going to the
Palmer Group? RESPONSE: The Agency staff will put this all
together.
23. On (e) any special governmental or environmental requirements
for the irrigation system. If they're doing the irrigation system
why must we provide this information? RESPONSE: This
relates to local regulations. It's simply a provision for us to
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 8 July 22, 2003
provide them with any regulatory information that we may have
to assist them in doing their job.
24. PHASE II - (a) Construction plans for features for the 18 holes
of the Golf Course to in¢lude...l'm assuming that these are a
complete set of plans that can be approved by the City building
department. RESPONSE: These are plan drawings that are
biddable. We would rely on the first sentence of that section
which spells out the plans to be prepared will be as required and
necessary for the construction of the Golf Course.
City Manager Genovese added that the Golf Course
Construction Plans would not go to the Building and Safety
Department. They would go to the Engineering Department
who would put together the bid package.
25. We're not building something that's not approved? RESPONSE:
No.
26. The Agency is responsible for obtaining necessary permits to
construct the Golf Course. Why are we obtaining the permits?
Does that mean they'll give us the plans and we have to take
them to whatever department is involved and get the permits?
RESPONSE: That is technically correct since we are the
developer.
27. What if they're not acceptable, we would require the revisions
and they would make them without any additional charges?
RESPONSE: Yes
28. It says in no event is the Palmer Group required to provide any
civil engineering or vertical construction plans required, why
not? RESPONSE: That would be for drainage and soil balances
and that would come under the duties of the Civil Engineer:
29. Again it says the Agency shall provide all engineering and
surveying, etc. Is it necessary for us to provide all of this?
RESPONSE: This will all be provided by the Civil Engineer who
will be working closely with the Palmer Group but the agency
will have to approve all of the listed items in order to go to bid.
30. So the Agency will have to approve all of this? Are we going to
be hiring the Civil Engineer who will work with the Palmer
Group and staff to put the package all together? RESPONSE:
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 9 July 22, 2003
Yes that is in their scope of work. We will be requiring a mass
grading plan completed which will require closely working with
the Palmer Group. We would like to have this so we could go
out to bid prior to the actual construction plan.
31. So actually this should read the Palmer Group will be assisting
the Agency...In what manner? RESPONSE: Grading for
example, they will prepare the routing plan and the Civil
Engineer will locate the boundaries, survey and provide that
information as well as assist with the drainage plan and other
necessary engineering functions.
Board Member Adolph finished by saying he liked the last line on page
18 that says the Agency won't be required to pay for services not
provided by the Palmer Group.
Mr. Andy Vossler, stated this consistently refers to an 18 hole golf
course, but doesn't include the driving range. He suggested specific
requirements for the driving range be included because a driving range
is different for just a country club as opposed to a tournament course.
He questioned when the Palmer Group principals would be on site. He
felt a specific date or dates should be specified when Mr. Larsen and
Mr. Williams will be present. He felt it should be clear when the
Palmer Group would be having someone in the area full time. He took
exception to the provisions of 1.6 Additional Services. He also felt
the plans and specifications need to be "tightened up". He said par
has not been mentioned nor has yardage. In response to Chairperson
Henderson he said it should state yardage should be 7,000 to 7,400
and that should be stated in the contract.
Board Member Adolph felt the contract should say yardage has to be
at least 7,800 yards to be of championship caliber.
Mr. Vossler said he personally couldn't go forward with this contract.
He felt the standard for the golf course is what is going to drive the
marketing studies. He also questioned who the Tournament
Consultant is or what that is. He didn't seem to believe the position
is necessary.
Chairperson Henderson said she is aware of a wonderful group of golf
professionals in the Coachella Valley and one of those people might be
the Tournament Consultant.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 10 July 22, 2003
Mr. Vossler questioned the type of water testing the Palmer Group
would be providing. Assistant Executive Director Weiss said this will
be provided by an Agronomist and this testing would be in terms of
water quality. He also questioned Phase II (a) on page 17, saying that
is where the driving range and practice facilities should be. He also
stated the Agency should be deciding now how and with what they
are going to water two golf courses with. Mr Weiss advised that the
City has already commissioned MDS to prepare a water management
plan.
He stated in (a) at the bottom of page 17, the storm drainage system
and bridges should not be excluded from the grading plans. He
referred to page 18 and the statement that says the Palmer Group is
not required to provide advice with respect to the Golf Course or its
related facilities. He expressed concern about the surveying the City
is to provide, stating there are no provisions to protect the staking to
avoid having to do it a second time. He also said the entry road
should be addressed in Phase III.
On page 18(d) he disagreed with the provision that states monitoring
of all phases of the construction work when and as deemed necessary
by the Palmer Group. He also felt the statement that the Agency
agrees that if the Palmer Group is not available to do Phase III the City
could not use their name without their agreement is not in the City's
best interest. City Attorney Jenson advised the City has provided a
time window that PCDC has agreed with and that time period was
expanded to allow an extra year past the City's anticipated completion
date.
He said on page 19, it says "Owner agrees to provide competent
construction personnel to properly interpret all Golf Course plans,
sketches and field instructions provided by PCDC." He stated he
didn't understand that. Assistant Executive Director Weiss said the
City is hiring a construction manager and has asked PCDC for
recommendations of qualified contractors. The clause means we've
agreed to hire competent construction personnel to build the course
they've designed.
He asked if RBF has been selected as the Civil Engineer. Assistant
Executive Director Weiss said MBS is doing some work for the City on
off-site and getting rid of some of the easements onsite. They have
not been selected to be the Civil Engineer on the project.
RECESS - The Agency took a short break at 10:30 p.m.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes I I July 22, 2003
Council Member Osborne asked the following questions and City Staff
responded as follows:
1. How professional has their attorney been during the negotiation
of this contract? RESPONSE: Both the City Attorney and the
Assistant Executive Director replied they have been very
professional and very responsive.
2. Page 4. - Additional Services that may be necessary. Did you
have anything specifically in mind when that was put into the
contract? RESPONSE: On page 20 there is a Schedule of
Additional Services, and we've provided some additional
services that could possibly be required that would require
additional funds but that would have to come back to the
Agency Board.
3. Page 5. - Did the City staff request that number of meetings?
RESPONSE: That was the suggestion of the Palmer Group and
staff was happy with that because they expected less. The
four to six meetings provides for formal agency meetings.
4. Page 6. - On the control of how well the design is done will the
Agency Board have the final say in this? RESPONSE: The
Routing Plan has to come back to the Agency for approval and
we must provide them with written approval.
5. Has a critical path schedule been done? RESPONSE: A
schedule could certainly be put together. We would expect a
monthly report of the schedule of the key events from the
architect as well as a status report. In the contract there are
dates for certain milestones that have to be met and I (Mr.
Stevenson) expect a much more detailed scheduling document
will be distributed to us and to all of the other consultants who
will also need it to keep on schedule.
6. On page 16 - can you explain a little bit more about what the
Tournament Consultant position will entail? RESPONSE: The
objective is to ensure we have a tournament quality course, one
that can accommodate things like corporate tents, TV. coverage
with proper angles for that kind of coverage, etc.
7. Prior to the commencement of Phase II, the environmental
impact studies, where are we on them. The environmental
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 12 July 22, 2003
reviews necessary was done through the Mitigated Negative
Declaration at the acquisition of the property. There may be a
report required during construction to address wetlands but not
for the completion of the design.
8. The survey of the golf course centerlines, golf course corridors,
now what is that referring to: RESPONSE: That is to be sure
after they have completed their routing plan they want to have
a more precise survey to make sure it will fit within the
envelope. That will be provided by our Civil Engineer.
9. what about (d) test drilling for the development of subterranean
data and soil analysis. RESPONSE: That is also a part of our
Civil Engineering contract.
10. What about item (e) what does that relate to? RESPONSE: The
issue there is regulating the distances to sewer and water
facilities; there is some regulation of the proximity of sewer
facilities to water facilities.
11. What kinds of permits is the City to obtain? RESPONSE: We
will need a grading permit and the City will obtain that, we also
have to rid the property of some of the easements. The answer
again is that the City is responsible for attaining the necessary
permits because the City is the builder of the project.
12. When will be the start of the grading? RESPONSE: Probably in
January 2004.
'13. The specific language regarding the driving range, can that be
added to the contract? RESPONSE: That is pretty well
covered in the preliminary plan but we can certainly add it to
Phase II (a). We'll be happy to do that and report it to the
Palmer Group and if there is any problem we'll report back to
the Agency.
14. On page 18 regarding phase III (d), can monitoring be specified?
RESPONSE: Assistant Executive Director Weiss responded
different architects have specific styles of working, it doesn't
seem practical to dictate to the architect when they should
come out when we don't know where they are in the
development of the design. It is his understanding that they
plan to make approximately 20 site visits and they do have Mr.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 13 July 22, 2003
Chapman who lives locally so they do have a local
representative here all the time.
15. Does the yardage need to be specified? RESPONSE: If the
Agency wishes to do that they certainly can. This has been
specified to be a major, quality, tournament course. The
architect is aware of that and should determine that in the
design.
Council Member Sniff questioned a number of provisions regarding the
proposed agreement and made a number of comments. Staff
comprised of the City Attorney, the Assistant Executive Director and
the Development Coordinator responded as follows:
1. Board Member Sniff stated he would like to have, from staff, a
summary of all the agency's additional costs that are not listed
in the contract.
2. On page 4, he was concerned about standards prevalent in the
industry and there's no definition of that. Staff hasn't
responded to that with any specificity and I think that's
important.
3. Page 5, contractor will not be required to perform any additional
services without payment. I'm not sure what additional
services this refers to. RESPONSE: On page 20 there is a list
of possible additional services. This is also a standard
condition.
4. Concerned about this and I know its been referenced twice
before but I'm going to ask it again. They will attend between
4-6 meetings with the Agency Board. Is this a time when the
Agency will have the opportunity to provide any meaningful
comments or direction? RESPONSE: Yes
City Manager Genovese commented that the schedule calls for the
routing plan to come before the Agency Board and at that time the
Board Members have the opportunity to make their comments.
Whether the comments are meaningful will depend on whether the
agency board reaches a consensus on them.
5. Board Member Sniff stated, "what you're saying is that unless
we all agree with anything the consensus of the board will be
the only thing that will be listened to and that the die is already
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 14 July 22, 2003
cast and no matter what we say it can not be changed, altered,
or redirected is that what you're saying or not?" RESPONSE:
Based on the consensus of this board the board can make
changes at any time.
5. Contract Officer has been authorized to act on behalf of this
agency. So by approving this and by other decisions the board
has made, the Contract Officer is basically in charge is that
correct. RESPONSE: The Contract Officer takes direction from
the agency and is authorized to serve as the staff contact with
Palmer Design.
6. On page 7, Independent Contractor - As I read this the
contractor has total control, neither the agency nor any of its
employees shall have any control over the manner, mode or
means, and so on. RESPONSE: This answer has been given
before. This is boiler plate language that relates to them being
an independent contractor. It would simply mean that we can't
tell them how to draw or prepare their plans for example.
City Manager Genovese interjected that this also refers to a number of
personnel laws that have been passed to make sure there is not, in
fact, any connection to them serving the City as employees but as
independent contractors and we are not giving them a place and area
for them to complete their work.
7. On the next page, errors and omissions liability insurance in the
amount of Five Million Dollars. What does that exactly mean?
RESPONSE: It is to cover them in the event an injury would
arise.
Suppose there is an error that results in more than Five Million Dollars,
who's responsible then? RESPONSE: They are personally liable.
They are required to carry a certain amount of insurance and in fact
this is higher than the standard amount, but even though they were to
have a larger claim they would still be liable. This doesn't limit their
liability. In another section there is a section that addresses the
specific matter of indemnifying them should the City get sued and
they are named as well. The City has required a similar indemnity
from the PCDC.
8. Where are the records and reports going to be presented?
RESPONSE: Again this is a standard contract provision.
We really don't have any requirement in here for a
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 15 July 22, 2003
timetable of reports. What we are expecting, is for them
to complete and present plans not reports.
9. Records, where are these records, where are they to be
kept? I notice they shall be available to the Contract
Officer but where does he have to go to see them.
RESPONSE: They will mostly be kept in Florida at the
offices of Palmer Design. They will be sending us copies
of the work that they are generating and it is reasonable
to expect that their records would be kept at their
location. This is again a standard provision in our
contracts and it has stood the test of time for decades.
10. On page 16 - Scope of Services - Agency shall provide
quantity and quality of water for Golf Course irrigation
purposes. Are you going to ask them to test canal water,
water in general or well water? RESPONSE: PCDC is
responsible for the water testing and while I believe canal
water will be the primary source of the golf course water,
other water will be used and I believe it would be prudent
for them to test all sources of water.
11. Do you know if they are going to set a standard for the
quality of the water, and if they are I want to see it?
RESPONSE: So noted.
12. I don't understand in the paragraph that starts PCDC
agrees that provided that the Agency has supplied the
information and so on. That doesn't make sense that
provided that...RESPONSE: This could use a comma or
removal of one of the words 'that.'
13. Here are more of these extra costs - Prior to the
commencement of Phase II, the Agency shall provide
then (a) through (d), and do we have any idea of the cost
of these? RESPONSE: The agency staff has put forth
the agency budget which you have approved and I don't
think there is anything here that is outside of that budget.
14. What about the test drilling, if it's done it will cost money
is that correct. RESPONSE: Certainly.
15. Page 17, in paragraph (a) at the bottom of the page. I
think storm drains and bridges should be listed in there.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 16 July 22, 2003
1 6. Page 18, near the top of the page (a) and (b) the Agency
shall provide all mass grading and drainage, cut and fill
and surveying. I still want some indication of what all of
these will cost, over and above what the contract gives.
RESPONSE: We have given the agency preliminary
figures, but we won't have the definitive costs until we
enter into a contract for Engineering Services. We do
have the costs for the mass grading for example which
was itemized when we entered into the contract with
GMA for example. We've given the agency the
approximate costs in the Fiscal Implications section of
this report.
17. Page 19, CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURSE - Owner
agrees to supply competent construction personnel to
properly interpret all Golf Course plans, sketches, and
field instructions. I'm not sure what competent and
proper means, and who would that competent personnel
be? RESPONSE: As I've tried to indicate before, we
would attempt to hire highly competent and experienced
staff to execute the design that has been prepared by the
Palmer Group.
18. Further on down it says If any material change is made.
Can you tell me with any degree of certainty what
material means? RESPONSE: It's a legal term that
means anything substantial or substantive.
Council Member Sniff commented that those words are
subjective and don't explain what the term material
means.
19. Page 20 - Appearances by Palmer. I think that is
sensitive because he is required to make two visits and
although he lives next door to the property, he would be
compensated for that. What I read in here is we
basically can't have Palmer come any time at our
convenience, is that correct. RESPONSE: That's correct.
20. Ithink the use of the Palmer name is sensitive, because it
was determined, by some of the agency members here
that the Arnold Palmer name was worth a significant
amount of additional punch. Since this company was
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 17 July 22, 2003
chosen over others whose proposals came in the $650
range, I think we should be able to get something more
for the expenditure of about $400,000. just for his name.
21. Page 22 - It says if the golf course is not maintained to
the standards, Owner shall forfeit its right to advertise
and promote... What standards are they referring to?
RESPONSE: We negotiated this to refer to their other
public courses and the manner in which they are
maintained. Their concern is, of course, for the course to
be maintained in such a manner that it deserves the
Palmer signature.
22. Shouldn't there be a designated party to inspect the golf
course? What can we do if they suddenly don't like the
way we're taking care of the golf course. RESPONSE:
This has been set up for PGA standards. We also have
injunctive relief so the name couldn't suddenly be
withdrawn without the City being notified and given the
time to cure any maintenance problems.
23. Why don't we have the same rights to have our name on
all these promotional items such as caps, shirts, towels,
etc? Do we? RESPONSE: No.
Andy Vossler, spoke to the condition dealing with the maintenance of
the golf course. He said the United States Golf Association has what
is called a "greens section" that you can call and they come to your
golf course and they give you evaluations. This would be a third-party
that you might want to say you want to take advantage of that
service.
24. Disputes - based on what I read in here we need some
means or method or form of mediation. I don't see this
spelled out in here. RESPONSE: We have used JAMS in
the past and I believe that section 7.6 is very well written
by them.
25. Did you get that name from them? How did you select
them? RESPONSE: No, I (City Attorney) selected them.
They are located in Orange County near my offices and
my firm has used them before and is very happy with the
mediation services they provide.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 18 July 22, 2003
26. As to the review of this project, I'm still not happy with
what I've heard. I feel this is our collective project and
we should have meaningful involvement, in the form of
information and direction, and I want to know who
provides the oversight for this project. RESPONSE: That
would be the Contract Officer, assisted by the
Development Coordinator and the other specialist we plan
to have on board shortly.
27. Is there any method or way to modify this agreement?
RESPONSE: On page 13, section 9.4 is the process for
amendment and it requires mutual agreement on the part
of the parties.
28. Other Proposals - I think there is a huge difference
between other proposals and Arnold Palmers and I'm very
sensitive to that difference of about a minimum of
$250,000. over those other proposals.
29. Do we have any control over subcontractors?
RESPONSE: On page 6 under section 4.3, we have
prohibited without our approval and we have identified
two subcontractors who we have approved in this
contract.
30. So we have unilateral control is that Correct?
RESPONSE: That is correct.
31. So would that be brought to us or to the Contract
Officer? RESPONSE: (Chairperson Henderson). It would
appear that since it's spelled out here, that if they started
using subcontractOrs without our permission the Contract
Office would put a stop to it immediately. It shouldn't
have to wait to come back to us to tell him how to do his
job.
Board Member Adolph said should the Agency determine a
subcontractor is necessary to do a certain job we will make that
determination. Assistant Executive Director Mark Weiss said, "1
would be more than comfortable with that."
32. If there should be litigation, can they or can we go
straight to court without having to go to mediation?
RESPONSE: Each party has injunctive relief and could go
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 19 July 22, 2003
right to litigation. Injunctive relief would have to be
something that required immediate action. All other
matters would have to go to mediation.
33. He said he feels the Board needs to deal with third party
monitoring of the landscaping.
Board Member Perkins said he had only one thing that hasn't already
been covered. On Page 7, under 4.4 Independent Contractor - He
wanted to stress that if the Agency begins to tell the contractor how
to do and/or when to do his job and what equipment he can use,
those are the very things that make him an Independent Contractor.
He said "If you cross that line, then you've opened yourself up to a
Pandora's Box and become liable to pay for everything the employer is
required to provide by the State"
Board Member Sniff said he feels the wording, "except as otherwise
set forth" doesn't make that a totally definitive statement.
Board Member Perkins reiterated that was exactly what he said; the
Agency can not dictate how the contractor performs because there
aren't any otherwise set forth provisions.
Chairperson Henderson stated she has never, in the eight years she
has been elected to this body, spent so much time on what is the
City's standard contract. She said one must understand the
particulars of the contract are contained in the scope of services. She
said some of what has been said is very informative and she also is
grateful to Mr. Vossler for what she views as his sincere effort to be
of help to the Agency.
She felt with regard to the driving range, the agency might want to
look at adding some language that would address some of the
outstanding issues.
Chairperson Henderson said she would like to address the statement
that keeps coming up over and over again regarding not having
"meaningful" input into the review process on this project. She
sympathized with Board Member Sniff's disappointment that his vision
of the project has not been embraced by the majority of the board.
Chairperson Henderson stated she is comfortable with the selection of
the architect, with the conceptual master plan and knows of no input
that the architect will need in the next 30 days.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 20 July 22, 2003
She questioned staff on the critical path that has been discussed and
her opinion is that phases one, two, and three are the critical path.
She felt to create a "critical path" the architect would only have to
turn to the Planning, Design and Construction Checklist on page 32 of
the report making it horizontal and using bars to indicate the time
lines. Since the PCDC has stayed within the six month time period
and identified significant milestones it would be the same.
Development Consultant Roy Stevenson responded, "in essence it
would work that way".
She also commented on the water tank that has been erected up in
the mountain and felt any requests for a couple of tee boxes should
not be very difficult to obtain. The huge water tank isn't going to
persuade any Big Horn Sheep into the area.
Agency Member Osborne asked where on the Planning, Design and
Construction Checklist it shows when the course layout will be ready.
Assistant Director Weiss said they are referring to an internal
document used by the Palmer Course Design Company to keep them
on track with what they need to do. However, in Phase I, Page 33,
the Step labeled as J does show the Final Golf Course Routing and
Master Land Plan.
Agency Bo'ard Member Osborne offered the following motion: Accept
the Palmer Course Design Company with the following changes: that
wording be added stating the Driving Range specifications, that the
number of meetings with the agency be defined as six, that the due
dates will be completed within the Planning, Design and Construction
check list to provide a timeline on the different areas that they will be
providing services and that the Greens Section be utilized to review
any maintenance concerns of PCDC as outlined on page 22. The
motion was seconded by Agency Board Member Perkins.
Agency Board Member Adolph commented that he hasn't seen the
Palmer Group in the audience when this sort of matter is on the
agenda. He said he sees only deeply involved and concerned citizens.
He added he couldn't support the contract unless it is "deeply
massaged".
Agency Board Member Sniff felt there is a lack of specificity and
information in the contract and he felt he didn't have the opportunity
to supply any meaningful, up-front, input into the planning of the
course. He doesn't feel this will be the really great project that the
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 21 July 22, 2003
City deserves but because he doesn't have that input when its
appropriate he can't support the document.
City Attorney Jenson asked for clarification if it was the agency's
intention to require the Greens group with the PGA to monitor or
mediate any maintenance concerns?
Mr. John Ports spoke about the Greens Section and said they are a
group of PGA members who routinely, once or twice a year, visit the
golf courses, look them over and make suggestions about turf or
landscaping and that sort of thing to make sure they keep up to
tournament standards.
Chairperson Henderson asked if this is something they already do and
Mr. Potts responded yes.
Agency Member Osborn said under those circumstances he would like
to amend his motion to remove the reference to the Greens group.
Agency Member Sniff requested to hear the motion again.
Agency Member Osborne stated it was the same as originally moved
that the Driving Range specifications be included in the contract under
Scope of Services on page 1 7 where it lists tees, fairways, roughs and
so on. That the required meetings be stated as six rather than four to
six in 2.1 Contract Sum and the due dates, that are now blank in the
Planning Design and Construction Check List be completed.
Agency Member Perkins, maker of the second, agreed with the
amendment and the motion carried with Agency Members Adolph and
Sniff voting NO.
STUDY SESSION - None
CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS' ITEMS - None
JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS WITH THE LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
1. PUBLIC HEARING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO SELL
REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 52-665 AVENIDA RAMIREZ BY AND
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 22 July 22, 2003
BETWEEN CHRISTIN JOHNSON AND THE LA QUINTA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS.
Planning Manager Oscar Orsi presented the staff report.
Redevelopment Agency Chair Henderson reopened the Redevelopment
Agency meeting and opened the Public Hearing at 8:51 p.m.
There being no requests to speak, the Board Member declared the
joint PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 8:52 p.m.
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Osborne to approve
an agreement to sell real property located at 52-665 Avenida Ramirez
by and between Christin Johnson and the La Quinta Redevelopment
Agency in the sum of $130,000 and authorize the Executive Director
to execute the necessary documents. Motion carried unanimously.
Board Member Henderson congratulated Ms. Johnson who was in the
audience on becoming a first time homeowner.
2. PUBLIC HEARING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO SELL
REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 53-275 AVENIDA RAMIREZ BY AND
BETWEEN GRACIELA CANTU AND THE LA QUINTA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXCECUTE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS.
Planning Manager Oscar Orsi presented the staff report.
The Chair declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 9:00 p.m.
There being no requests to speak, the Chair declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 9:00 p.m.
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve
an agreement to sell real property located at 53-275 Avenida Ramirez
by and between Graciela Cantu and the La Quinta Redevelopment
Agency in the amount of 9130,000 and authorized the Executive
Director to execute the necessary documents. Motion carried
unanimously.
Redevelopment Agency Minutes 23 July 22, 2003
The City Attorney announced there were no decisions made in Closed
Session which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the
Government Code (Brown Act).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Board Members Perkins
and Osborne to adjourn the meeting at 11'52 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
JUNE S. GREEK, Secretary
City of La Quinta, California