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2003 10 21 CC Minutes LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 21, 2003 A regular meeting of the La Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of 2:00 p.m. by Mayor Adolph. PRESENT: Council Members Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph ABSENT: Council Member Osborne PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION 1. Conference with legal counsel pursuant to GOvernment Code Section 54956.9(a), South of Airport Neighborhood Association v. City of La Quinta - Court of Appeals Case No. E032772; Riverside County Superior Court Case No. INC028505. 2. Conference with real property negotiator, Tim Jonasson, pursuant to --- Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and ! conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located at . 46-450 Jefferson Street (APN 649-090-008). Property Owner/Negotiator: Sue F. Steding. Council recessed to Redevelopment Agency and to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m. 3:00 P.M. Mayor Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT Court Williams, 41-525 Indian Trail, Rancho Mirage, indicated he is purchasing a home in La Quinta and recently attended a Community Services Commission meeting where there was discussion about the new skate park that is to be located at the La Quinta Park. He commented on the need to construct a concrete skate park instead of a modular one, and urged Council to review the comments made at that meeting. City Council Minutes 2 October 21, 2003 Dallas Williams, 53-725 Avenida Martinez, stated he believes concrete skate parks are more successful and safer than modular systems. He wasn't able to attend the last meeting and hopes there will be another one. Mayor Adolph commented he understood the facility at the La Quinta Park would be concrete. City Manager Genovese stated it will probably be a combination of both but the plans are in the beginning stages at this time. Council Member Perkins agreed the skate park should be built to be successful if it is going to be done. Council Member Sniff suggested the two speakers be notified when the skate park issue is placed on a future agenda. Rose Marie Gonzales, of Imperial Irrigation District Energy, introduced Glenn Steiger as their new General Manager. He gave a brief overview of what liD Energy is currently doing, and indicated liD Energy has approximately 60,000 customers in Coachella Valley at the present time. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA City Manager Genovese requested Business Item No. 5 be taken up after Public Hearing Item No. 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None PRESENTATIONS - None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING. Council concurred to direct staff to place this matter on the next City Council agenda. City Council Minutes 3 October 21, 2003 APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of October 7, 2003, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Adolph spoke regarding Item No. 4, and commented on the need to synchronize the traffic signal to alleviate traffic being backed up on Westward Ho Drive and Adams Street. Council concurred. 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED OCTOBER 21, 2003. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED AUGUST 31, 2003. 3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED AUGUST 31, 2003, .AND INVESTMENT SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ~-- ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2003. 4. APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON ADAMS STREET AT WESTWARD HO DRIVE, PROJECT NO. 2002-06. 5. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A QUITCLAIM DEED FROM THE COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT FOR PUBLIC ROADWAY PURPOSES ON ADAMS STREET AND ANCILLARY IMPROVEMENTS FOR LA QUINTA FIRE STATION NO. 93. (RESOLUTION NO. 2003-102) 6. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A PARCEL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR FINAL PARCEL MAP 31172 - LA QUINTA VALLEY PLAZA, KLEINE BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT, INC. (RESOLUTION NO. 2003-103) 7. ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO. 2003-10, CITYWIDE RE-STRIPING PROGRAM. 8. -APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ON-CALL PLAN AND MAP CHECKING ~' ' ~ SERVICES. City Council Minutes 4 October 21, 2003 9. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA MAKING AND UPDATING CERTAIN FINDINGS PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33445(a) RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SlLVERROCK RANCH PROJECT. (RESOLUTION NO. 2003-104) 10. APPROVAL OF SUNLINE AGREEMENT FOR THE SALE OF SUNLINE BUS PASSES. 11. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT 25389-2, LA QUINTA FAIRWAYS, RJT HOMES, LLC. 12. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT 25389-3, LA QUINTA FAIRWAYS, RJT HOMES, LLC. 13. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 13 TO LUNDEEN PACIFIC CORPORATION TO MAINTAIN THE CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS LANDSCAPING. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and with the comments on Item No. 4 noted; and with Item Nos. 5, 6, and 9 being approved by RESOLUTION ' - NOS. 2003-102 through 2003-104 respectively. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2003-97. BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO CHANGE THE RETIREMENT FORMULA TO 2.5% AT AGE 55. Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the staff report. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to take up Ordinance No. 390 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. City Council Minutes 5 . October 21, 2003 ORDINANCE NO. 390 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to introduce Ordinance No. 390 on first reading. Motion carried by the following vote' AYES: Council Members Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph NOES: None ABSTAIN' None ABSENT: Council Member Osborne '2. CONSIDERATION OF SPONSORSHIP FOR THE PRESTIGE AT PGA WEST. Assistant City Manager Weiss presented the staff report. ,-- Council Member sniff stated it's difficult for him to determine a value on this. He feels the suggested sponsorship amounts are a little high. Mayor Adolph commented on having played in their tournaments in other cities but stated he didn't see any value to the communities. Council Member Sniff suggested participation at a modest amount of $1,000, with an increase in future years if a value is seen. CoUncil Member Perkins stated he doesn't recall sponsoring this type of event before, and is concerned about setting a precedent for other requests. He feels a sponsorship would be a waste of taxpayers' money. Council Member Henderson stated she is also concerned about opening the door for other requests, and noted some guidelines may need to be set. She is not opposed to approving $1,000 out of the Special Projects Contingency Fund for this as a gesture of good will. Mark Weisman, Tournament Director of The Prestige at PGA West, commented on the uniqueness of the event and urged the City's participation. , City Council Minutes 6 October 21, 2003 In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Weisman stated the selected teams are among the top 100 universities academically with good golf teams. He indicated they have talked to KSL about having the event in La Quinta again next year. Council Member Henderson noted this will be a four-day event, and the Council likes to promote La Quinta and keep the hotels full. Mayor Adolph noted if event information is received earlier next year, it may be possible to budget the event at a higher level of participation. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve a sponsorship for The Prestige at PGA West golf tournament in the amount of 81,000 (from the Economic Development "Median Promotion" Account No. 101-103-643-823). Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO, 2003-98. 3. CONSIDERATION OF PROVIDING STAFF WITH DIRECTION REGARDING SPECIFIC PLAN 97-029, STAMKO DEVELOPMENT. Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report. \ In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Herman confirmed flags and banners, including the large banners on the building, are permitted under the specific plan. Council Member Perkins stated he didn't knowingly approve the use of large banners on the back of the building when he voted for the specific plan. Council Member Henderson stated she feels the auto dealers are "thumbing their noses" at the good will of the City Council and the benefit of the community. She knew the uses were allowed under the specific plan but didn't expect the auto dealers to use all of the permitted uses at the same time. She noted the dealers will have a lot of traffic going by their dealerships when the new Wal-Mart opens. She understands if the Council decides to have the signage section of the specific plan brought back for modification and the dealers don't agree, they can claim vested rights of the development agreement. City Attorney Jenson confirmed the development agreement, which was amended with the specific plan in May 2000, runs not only in favor of Stamko but also its successors and interests. She stated Stamko has indicated they do not have an issue with the signage. She added nothing City Council Minutes 7 October 21, 2003 precludes the Council from initiating the amendment process but applying the revised standards to the auto dealers, who are a beneficiary of the development agreement, could be problematic. Council Member Henderson stated she is not interested in looking into the parking issue and limiting where certain businesses can be located, as brought up by Mr. Stark at the last Council meeting. She is interested in dealing with the flagrant disregard for the signage but it seems if the dealers do not agree, the City is in for a challenge. Ms. Jenson noted that depends on whether or not they are in compliance with the specific plan. I~ response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Herman confirmed the development agreement expires in eight years, at which time it will no longer have an effect on modifications to the specific plan. Council Member Sniff stated he doesn't see any practical way to deal with this right now except to decline to take any action. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Herman explained the dealers' success and inventory has created the employee parking problem. Mayor Adolph noted the employees parking on the street is going to be more of a problem when the adjacent bUsinesses open. He feels the dealers need .to live with the space they have and to make sure they provide parking for their customers and employees. He doesn't object to the use of extra banners for sales but feels the dealers are taking advantage of the City. Council Member Henderson suggested a letter be sent to the dealers voicing the Council's disappointment. Council Member Perkins stated he voted on the sign regulations in the specific plan based on the dealers' commitment at that time, and is extremely disappointed in their lack of consideration for the City. He feels they have gone beyond what was intended, and they have lost credibility with him. Council Member Sniff agreed with sending a letter. City Council Minutes 8 October 21, 2003 4. CONSIDERATION OF THE DECEMBER 25, 2003 AND JANUARY 1, 2004 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City Clerk's Office. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Perkins/Sniff to approve a modification to the 2003 and 2004 holiday schedule to include December 26, 2003 and January 2, 2004. Motion carried unanimously with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2003-99. 5. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO RECONSIDER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2003-478, SPECIFIC PLAN 2003-065, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 31379, AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2003-778. CENTEX DESTINATION PROPERTIES. This item was taken up after Public Hearing No. 1 (see Confirmation'of Agenda). STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY HALL EXPANSION. Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report. Council Member Sniff asked if a projection period of 15 to 20 years wouldn't be better than 10 years. Mr. Hartung stated a 10-year period is fairly realistic and going beyond that would be too much of a guess. He noted an addition of 15,000 sq. ft. was placed in the DIF about eight years ago and the proposed expansion is close to that amount. He confirmed development over the last 10 years will likely exceed any realistic development over the next 10 years. City Manager Genovese stated the proposed amount of space is expected to take care of staffing levels at the City's ultimate build-out. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Hartung stated $3.6 million of the $7.3 million cost will come from the DIF. He added some loans from the General Fund Reserves to the DIF will be needed since not all of the DIF money has been collected. Since only 93.6 million of the cost has been identified, staff is not recommending the 2nd story portion of the expansion but is recommending the basement EOC be included. He advised staff will come City Council Minutes 9 October 21, 2003 back at a later date with possible funding sources, which could include ? General Fund Reserves, and adjustments to the DIF. He stated construction ! could start as early as July 2004 if included in next year's capital ~ improvement budget. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese confirmed the expansion has been in the CIP for quite a few years. The expansion probably would not move forward without moving forward with the library and the museum. He noted the library is funded and will be moving forward, and the museum has some contractual problems with the contractor and funding for the operations that need to be addressed. He stated the advance of funds on the DIF is a common practice in order to progressively build the City. City ~Attorney Jenson noted RDA funds cannot be used for the capital improvements on this building. John Eloe, of David Evans & Associates, gave a brief explanation on how information was gathered and used to come up with the proposed expansion layout, and he reviewed the site plan. Council Member Henderson noted there seems to be a universal opinion that the A/C needs modification. She also commented on the need to have a better defined "front door." Mr. Eloe stated signage will be an important part of the expansion to direct people to various City departments. He then reviewed the floor plans, including the expansion of current department areas, and pointed out a smaller courtyard area is proposed on the north side with both covered and uncovered areas. He stated the next phase of the project will be the design development phase. Council Member Sniff noted the existing windows do not open for ventilation, and there may be a need to make them more functional. He also commented on the potential of significant heat and glare problems with large windows on the west side of the building. Mr. Eloe indicated there will be shade elements on the west side, and noted the lack of fresh air is due significantly to the A/C system. In further response to Council Member Sniff, he stated the City Hall library will be in the current City Council lounge area; the police will have an outside access; the EOC will be 4,500 sq. ft.; the distance from the east side of the building p,, to the west side of the expansion area will be approximately 300 feet; the City Council Minutes 10 October 21, 2003 elevator will be approximately 5 x 7 feet; and he pointed out the location of restrooms in the administration area. Council Member Sniff suggested a solid top on the courtyard instead of a trellis because of the weather, and noted a canopy had to be added to the south entrance. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Eloe indicated the proposed expansion will build out the site unless City Hall is expanded into the Civic Center Campus. He stated the outside stair access will be connected by a tunnel to the EOC in the basement. The current facility is 33,000 sq. ft., and the proposed addition, without the second floor, is 1 6,000 sq. ft. Council Member Perkins stated he is opposed to the second floor because it doesn't fit into the current architecture and only provides a small auditorium. He feels any such need can be accommodated at one of the schools. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Eloe confirmed the proposed expansion should accommodate the City's ultimate need for staff space unless additional property is annexed or the City decides to offer additional services at City Hall. He noted the Community Services Department was not intended to be located at City Hall when the existing facility was built. Regarding the glass doors into the City Council area, he stated the doors near the police area will be for "exit only" and the doors near the City Manager's office will be used for public entry to the administration area. He stated no additional restrooms are proposed in the existing City Hall area Council Member Henderson commented on the need for additional restrooms, and stated she feels it is inappropriate for staff to use the public restrooms. Council Member Perkins agreed, and noted the existing restrooms are small when public meetings are held. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Eloe stated with the new facilities, the number of employees versus the number of restrooms will exceed code requirements, and he is not aware of a restroom-location standard. He indicated the plumbing of the existing restrooms near the entrance would allow for expanding the restrooms into the current City Clerk's file room but noted the Community Services Department will be moving into that area and need a file room. Mayor Adolph stated he is opposed to constructing the second floor and feels the money can be better spent elsewhere. He noted the canopy along City Council Minutes 11 October 21, 2003 the west end of the building will help shield the windows from the sun, and asked about the location of the shed elevation. Mr. Eloe indicated the shed is over the Mayor's office to provide symmetrical focus. Mayor Adolph commented about it looking like a hat and questioned it serving a purpose. He asked if the perimeter windows would have a tile element similar to the existing windows. Mr. Eloe responded, "Yes," and suggested using yellow tile instead of green. He noted the different tile color would provide some entry identity to the public. Mayor Adolph voiced some concern about the aesthetics of the roofline, and Mr. Eloe confirmed a small study model will be done. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Eloe indicated the bow in the City Council area is a skylight. He confirmed there will be no fundamental change in the architecture but suggests there be some discussion about whether or not to continue with the use of wood beams due to the maintenance issue. Council Member Sniff asked about the number of additional employee spaces provided in the entire expansion, to which Mr. Eloe responded he believes it will accommodate 29 additional employees. He also confirmed the idea of a City store has been dropped. Council Member Sniff went on to suggest using orange tile instead of yellow, and to giving some consideration to a second floor deck for meetings during good weather. Mr. Hartung indicated the number of new employee spaces is 31. Council Member Henderson agreed with eliminating the second floor, and asked about the benefit of planning for a future second floor. Mr. Eloe confirmed the footings in the new area can be built to accommodate a future second floor. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to direct staff to proceed with the expansion plans and to include the EOC. City Council Minutes 12 October 21, 2003 REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Animal Campus Commission -- Council Member Perkins reported he attended the first meeting of the Commission where they reviewed the building layout for the new facility. CVAG Energy & Environmental Resources Committee -- Council Member Sniff indicated the Multi-Species Habitat Plan should be available by the end of the month. Coachella Valley Economic Partnership -- Mayor Adolph noted his one-year appointment on the committee is up. C. V. Mosquito & Vector Control District -- Council Member Perkins reported the District is considering a shed roof on the new building to avoid roof leak problems, and are still looking at solar, heating panels. In response to Mayor Adolph, he indicated the District is working close with the County on the West Nile Virus. The District' is no longer fighting the fire ants because the State funding has been removed. League of California Cities -- Council Member Henderson reported they expect to start gathering signatures in December for the ballot initiative to protect City revenues, which is expected to be on the November 2004 ballot. Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority -- Council Member Henderson stated they held a groundbreaking for their new building last Friday. San Jacinto/Santa Rosa National Monument Advisory Committee -- Council Member Henderson reported there will be a function Saturday at the facility on Highway 74 and a luncheon at the Indian Canyons. In response to Council Member Perkins, Council Member Henderson stated the street numbering system has been approved and installation of the signs will probably begin in January. SunLine Transit Agency -- Mayor Adolph reported an RFP for a new general manager has been distributed, and La Quinta resident, Rick Daniels, has expressed interest in applying. All other reports were noted and filed. City Council Minutes 13 October 21, 2003 DEPARTMENT REPORTS - None MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPERTY LOCATED WEST OF THE CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS. Council Member Perkins suggested looking into the purchase of property west of the Civic Center Campus for construction of the library. Council concurred to direct staff to obtain additional information on the property. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING AMENDMENT TO HOLIDAY LIGHTING PROGRAM. Council Member Henderson suggested the holiday lighting ordinance be modified to allow lights to stay up to mid January or 20 days instead of 7 days. Council Member Perkins noted Laguna de la Paz allows lighting to go up the day before Thanksgiving and stay up through January 1 5~. Council concurred to direct staff to bring the ordinance back for language modifications. 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING DAY LABORERS. Mayor Adolph stated Wells Marvin has asked what can be done about the day laborers in the Old Town area. Council Member Perkins noted some of laborers park their vehicles all day in the parking lot south of Ace Hardware, and suggested considering a 2-hour parking limit. In response to Mayor Adolph, City Attorney Jenson advised the laborers can be prohibited from blocking sidewalks and entry ways but doing anything more than that is difficult. She confirmed language has been added to the City Code to keep laborers from blocking certain areas. City Council Minutes 14 October 21, 2003 Police Chief Horton stated if an alternate location is selected, the Police Department will see that the laborers relocate there. City Manager Genovese stated staff will regenerate the information provided previously on this issue and put it in a staff report for City Council. Council Member Perkins requested a copy of the report be sent to Police Chief Horton. Mayor Adolph suggested sending a letter to Mr. Marvin to let him know the City is looking into the situation.. Council recessed to and until 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT - None PRESENTATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 389 FOR DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2003-007, CENTEX DESTINATION PROPERTIES FOR LANDAQ, INC. Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report. Steve Mudge, of Centex Destination Properties, stated he is available to answer questions. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN. There being no requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No. 389 on second reading. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES' Council Members Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT' Council Member Osborne City Council Minutes 15 October 21, 2003 r .... BUSINESS SESSION continued · · · · · · · · · · ~ 5. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO RECONSIDER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2003-478, SPECIFIC PLAN 2003-065, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 31379, AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2003-778. CENTEX DESTINATION PROPERTIES. City Attorney Jenson recommended no action be taken on this matter since the developer is satisfied with the conditions· Council concurred to take no action. The City Attorney announced the City Council has concluded Closed Session Item No. 2 and has unanimously approved (with Council Member Osborne absent) a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Sue Steding for a single family residence on Jefferson Street at a purchase price of $240,000. She stated the agreement will be available in the City Clerk's Office, and noted for the record that staff present at the closed session were the City Attorney, Assistant Executive Director, and Public Works Director. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk City of La Quinta, California