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2004 04 20 CC Minutes . ~ LA QUINT A CITY COUNCIL MINUTES . APRIL 20, 2004 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, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph i ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT Stu Bailey, 51-889 A venida Montezuma, requested help getting a vagrant removed from his neighbor's back yard. The vagrant has lived there for approximately two years, and has trespassed into his yard. When he contacted code enforcement, they referred him to the police department who referred him back to code enforcement. Council referred the matter to staff. - CLOSED SESSION . 1 . Conference w.ith City's real property negotiator, Mark Weiss, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning. potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of a portion of 525:f: acres located at the southwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street. Property Owner/Negotiator: John Foster. Council recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m. 3:00 P.M. The City Council meeting reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed Session which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957. 1 of. the Government Code (Brown Act). Mayor Adofph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. - , PUBLIC COMMENT - None City Council Minutes 2 April 20, 2004 CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed ANNOUNCEMENTS - None PRESENTATIONS - None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1 . WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE COACHELLA VALLEY ENTERPRISE ZONE. Council concurred to direct staff to send a letter of support for S8 1179. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City Council Minutes of April 6, 2004, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED APRIL 20,2004. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2004. 3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2004 AND INVESTMENT SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31, 2004. 4. APPROVAL OF A FINANCING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LA QUINT A REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE CITY OF LA QUINT A FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY LIBRARY. 5. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH P.W. CONSTRUCTION, INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE CITY LIBRARY. 6. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) TO PROVIDE STREET SWEEPING SERVICES. - ---- - -~_.. --- City Council Minutes 3 April 20, 2004 - 7. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 15 TO LUNDEEN PACIFIC CORPORATION TO MAINTAIN THE LA QUINT A COMMUNITY PARK LANDSCAPING. 8. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A STREET CLOSURE PERMIT FOR THE ANNUAL DON BERRY MEMORIAL GREATER COACHELLA VALLEY SOAP BOX DERBY TO BE HELD MAY 1,2004, ON AVENIDA BERMUDAS. (RESOLUTION NO. 2004-049) 9. APPROVAL TO FILE A FUNDING REQUEST FORM FOR A CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION' GRANT FOR CONTINUATION OF THE RECYCLING PROGRAM. 10. APPROVAL OF PROJECT APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE PER CAPITA AND ROBERTI-Z'BERG-HARRIS BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2002. 11 . AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR A MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES LEG.ISLA TIVE ACTION DAYS CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, MAY 12-13, - 2004. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and with Item No.8 being approved by RESOLUTION NO. 2004-049. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE . ORDER NO. 2004-42. Council Member Osborne commented on Consent Item No.4, and asked ~bout the time period for repaying the loan. City Manager Genovese advised the pay-back time period will depend on building permit activity. He added the funds were set aside some years ago for this loan. In regard to Consent Item No.6, Council Member Henderson asked how residents can find out what day their street is scheduled to be cleaned, . noting some claim their streets are not cleaned. Mr. Genovese advised the information is provided in The Gem, and added staff will get that information to the residents if provided their names and phone numbers. BUSINESS SESSION - 1. CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER SCULPTURE PROPOSALS. Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report. City Council Minutes 4 April 20, 2004 Jerry Fowler, the artist for "Out of Harms Way," reviewed his art piece, and indicated the sculpture should be elevated at eye level. Council Member Sniff voiced a preference for an art piece with officers standing with a small child looking up at them, and the police officer wearing a helmet instead of a cap. Council Member Perkins agreed with having the officers standing but doesn't mind the officer wearing a cap. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Horvitz confirmed Mr. Fowler's proposal is $25,000 over the budgeted amount. John Kincade, representing Mr. Alsum and Mr. Leichliter, stated Mr. Alsum is willing to combine two of his art pieces to provide a "Respect and Reunion" sculpture with a policeman, fireman, and child. In regard to the "Badges" sculpture, he indicated the black granite may need to be changed to a lighter stone. He added the artists are willing to work with the police and fire departments for input on the representation. Council Member Henderson voiced support for the "Badges" sculpture but with a natural, rust-colored stone. She suggested a separate plaque be attached with wording indicating the art piece is inspired by and in memory of Deputy Bruce Lee. Mayor Adolph stated he feels the "Badges" sculpture shows simplicity and class but doesn't like the black granite. He suggested the policeman's badge read, fILa Quinta Police" instead of "Riverside County Sheriff," and asked where the selected sculpture would be placed. Ms. Horvitz responded on the south side of the Civic Center Campus between City Hall and the Senior Center. She confirmed the art piece can be placed on a pedestal so people can walk around it. In response to Mayor Adolph, Police Chief Horton indicated he .would like to have provided some input before the sculptures were created. In reference to the "Badges" sculpture, Council Member Sniff suggested six- foot-high badges extending beyond the top of a light-colored stone that is possibly light blue. He believes the plaque should honor all officers, and suggested statues of a policeman and fireman holding the hand of a child next to the "Badges" sculpture. ----~. -- ~~ --_.~ City Council Minutes 5 April 20, 2004 - Council Member Osborne agreed statues of officers next to the badges makes sense now and in the future. He supported getting input from the police and fire departments. . Council Member Perkins stated he feels a sculpture with officers from both departments signifies how the two departments work close together. Council Member Henderson noted the addition of statues to the "Badges" sculpture would exceed the $100,000 budget, and suggested adding them in the future as a separate project. Council Member Sniff concurred and suggested reducing the sculpture two feet in width and height. He also agreed the wording should reflect "La Quinta Police." Mr. Kincade agreed with trying to use some type of indigenous stone, and commented on the possibility of doing something in round form. Council Member Sniff stated he feels the main objective is to get away from the starkness of the black granite. - Council Member Perkins voiced an objection to changing the wording to "La Quinta Police" because he feels it doesn't give due respect to the Sheriff's Department. Council Member Sniff suggested referencing the officers as Riverside County Sheriff Department officers representing the City of La Quinta. Council Member Henderson agreed with making that reference in the language and putting "La Quinta Police" on the badge. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the "Badges" art piece acknowledging Public Safety Officers with the following modifications: reduce the size to 1 0 feet by 7 feet; use natural stone or lighter marble; extend the badges above the stone background with La Quinta Police on the badge instead of Riverside County Sheriff but referencing the Sheriff's Department in the language on a separate plaque along with suitable language describing the public safety officers represented by the badges and what they mean to the community, specifically honoring Deputy Bruce Lee and all police and fire officers. - Council Member Osborne commented on the need to add life-size ståtues at some point in the future. City Council Minutes 6 April 20, 2004 In response to Mayor Adolph, Ms. Horvitz advised the later addition of statues will be taken into consideration in designing the sculpture. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-43. 2. CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE OF A JOHN KENNEDY SCULPTURE. Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report. Elaine Reynolds, 49-294 Vista Bonita, suggested relocating a plant that is near the sculpture and elevating the sculpture somewhat for better visibility. Mayor Adolph suggested illuminating the sculpture at night. MOTION -:- It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve the purchase of the "Solitude" art piece with funds in the amount of $15,000 from the Art in Public Places Account, and direct staff to produce a landscape and lighting plan. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-44. 3. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE DELETING CODE SECTION 8.02.100 (GRADING AND EXCAVATING) AND ADDING CHAPTER 8.80 (GRADING) TO THE LA QUINT A CITY CHARTER AND MUNICIPAL CODE. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Jonasson confirmed the 'amendment will clarify the requirements, and the costs will remain the same. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Jonasson stated the references to "Park Manager" should be changed to "Public Works Director." MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to take up Ordinance No. 406 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 406 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, DELETING CODE SECTION 8.02.100 (GRADING AND EXCAVATING) AND ADDING CHAPTER 8.80 (GRADING). . - ---~ .-- -~ - -~- -- City Council Minutes 7 April 20, 2004 - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to introduce Ordinance i No. 406 on first reading as amended (changing "Parks Manager" to NPublic Works Director"). Motion carried by the following vote: A Y.ES: Council Members Henderson, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Adolph NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None 4. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF A RELOCATION PLAN FOR THE VISTA DUNES MOBILE HOME PARK PROJECT. Consultant Frank Spevacek presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Spevacek stated 85 copies of the - City's responses to the questionnaire were delivered to the Vista Dunes Action Committee yesterday. He added the City has received approximately 1 5 requests for offers from residents in the park. - . Council Member Osborne asked if a continuance of this item would also extend the timeframe for responses to the relocation plan. Mr. Spevacek noted April 15th was the deadline, and he wasn't aware of any request to extend it. Eric Frankson, 78-990 Miles Avenue #14, representing the Vista Dunes Action Committee, stated a time extension would be appreciated as he plans to contact the residents after this meeting. He expressed appreciation for the Council's direction in how the residents are to be treated. Council Member Henderson noted the door of communication would remain open but the relocation plan has to be adopted before the next steps can move forward. Mr. Frankson stated they will have a better idea about what questions they still have once some offers have been seen. Mr. Spevacek advised the relocation plan provides guidelines for relocation payments but staff can only respond to requests for offers until the plan is - approved. He noted once the plan is adopted, it will be forwarded to the State who may also have comments. City Council Minutes 8 April 20, 2004 MOTION - It was moved by Council 'Members Sniff/Henderson to continue consideration of the Vista Dunes Mobile Home Park Relocation Plan to May 4, 2004. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-45. STUDY SESSION 1. DISCUSSION OF RED LIGHT RUNNER PROGRAM. Police Chief Horton presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Osborne, Chief Horton confirmed the new legislation that became effective January 1 st is reflected in the information in the staff report. In response to Council Member Sniff, Sergeant Kevin Vest advised there have been 12 accidents over a period of 11 years at Washington Street and Highway 111 that were caused by red light runner violations. Council Member Henderson inquired about the fine amount, and noted it doesn't appear people are paying the full amount. Sergeant Vest responded the fine is $347 but the Traffic Commissioner has wide discretion in reducing the fines. Chief Horton stated the average fine payment ranges from $100 to $150 but he doesn't look at the program as a revenue-generator. He noted the beta test will give the City a chance, at no cost for a year, to see if the program works. In response to Mayor Adolph, Chief Horton stated he feels the main reason why other cities in the Valley, except Indian Wells, have not implemented a red-light-runner program is because of costs. He added some of the police chiefs are looking at this computer-based program. Sergeant Vest noted the new legislation has also solved some of the previous concerns. He indicated Culver City, who has a population of approximately 41,000, has 15 intersections on the program. In response to Council Member Sniff, Sergeant Vest explained the vendor payment is based on the total amount of fines collected with a maximum amount outlined in the agreement and any overage amount going to the City. Chief Horton confirmed the City will not have to absorb any costs for the one-year beta test. -~ ---" ~------ -- .---- - City Council Minutes 9 April 20, 2004 ,-- Council Member Sniff questioned the comprehensive value of implementing the program on only two intersections, as opposed to having a motor officer on site. He believes residents will take other routes to avoid the cameras. Chief Horton advised statistics show a 10% reduction in collisions where these programs have been implemented, and noted an important part of the implementation will be to publicize the purpose of the program to residents. In response to Council Member Sniff, Sergeant Vest advised a public hearing must be held before implementing the program, and if the program is activated, there is a 30-day grace period when no fines are accessed for violations. He indicated the system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is affec~ed by weather only in severe conditions. He confirmed violators receive a citation and photo by mail. Council Member Sniff stated he feels all of the City's traffic signals should be set the same if the program is implemented to. avoid misleading the public. Sergeant Vest advised the yellow light timing is set by State standards and is based on speed limits. Contract Traffic Engineer Nazir Lalani advised he is in the process of retiming the traffic signals. - In response to Council Member Perkins, Sergeant Vest confirmed the red- light-runner programs are approved C?n State highways. Council Member Perkins indicated he wasn't in favor of the program until he researched the issue but will support trying it on a trial basis. He noted the program will be a great service to the public if it prevents one death or serious injury. Council Member Henderson asked if violations within the 30-day trial period go on a person's record, to which Sergeant Vest responded, "No." In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Lalani advised timing modifications to the Washington Street/Highway 111 traffic signal is close to being completed. He noted the timing sequence throughout the 24-hour period will depend on traffic. Mr. Horton commented on the importance of. having the timing correct in order to issue citations. In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Lalani indicated CalTrans has become more responsive. ~ Chief Horton advised the vendor will be responsible for installing any required signage. City Council Minutes 10 April 20, 2004 In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Lalani reviewed some of the sign requirements, and noted the practice for wide streets is to install signage in the median as well as on right side of the street. He added that he recommends placing orange flags on the signs initially. Council concurred to direct staff to schedule a public hearing to consider a red-light-runner program. 2. . DISCUSSION OF REVISED CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR VILLAGE PARKING LOT AND PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION ROUTES THROUGH THE VILLAGE. Public Works Director Jonasson presented _the staff report, and Assistant City Engineer Speer reviewed the revised conceptual plan. In response to several questions asked by the City Council, Mr. Speer stated low-level shrubs will be used in the pedestrian crossing so as not to block the view of approaching vehicles, and a slight elevation change will exist on each end of the crosswalk for drainage purposes. He stated large trucks exiting will not be able to maneuver a right turn onto Avenida Bermudas from A venida La Fonda, and the middle pedestrian crossing on A venida Bermudas may have to be moved slightly to accommodate left turns into the alley. He indicated some street parking near the approach areas will be eliminated on Desert Club Drive. He confirmed the possible use of pavers or stamped concrete for the pedestrian crossings if they meet handicap requirements. Council Member Henderson suggested matching the pavers on Calle Estado if possible, and asked if two light poles are necessary in the islands. Mr. Speer referenced the possibility of using a single pole with dual lamps and draping a chain to bollards at each end. Council Member Henderson stated she is pleased with the concept. She commented on the need to find funding for the project, and suggested doing some of the changes as add alternates.. City Manager Genovese advised staff can come back with funding potentials once the costs are calculated. Council Member Perkins commented on the need for signs for the Village parking lot. Council Member Sniff agreed, and suggested signs at both access points. Council recessed to and until 7:00 P.M. - _._--~ -- -- -- ~ - - --.- City Council Minutes 11 April 20, 2004 -- 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT Tatiana' Hinkle, 78-225 Calle Fortuna, voiced concern about the lack of parking near the Old Town development, and asked about the status of the Village parking lot improvements. She also inquired about the possibility of a two-hour parking limit on Avenida La Fonda to discourage construction trucks from parking there. Mayor Adolph provided her a copy of the study session item related to the Village parking lot, and referred her to staff. Council Member Henderson commented that she has tried to get a business district formed in the Village so the businesses can address issues relating to them but it wasn't supported by the businesses. Council Member Perkins noted a two-hour parking limit will not work without enforcement. - PRESENTATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2004-797, CONDITION NO. 21 (A)(1)(b) REGARDING A DECELERATION LANE REQUIREMENT. APPLICANT: DR. MATTHEW WERNER. Community Development Director Herman stated the applicant has requested a continuance, and staff is recommending the item be continued to May 18, 2004. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to continue the public hearing for the appeal by Dr. Matthew Werner of a Planning Commission decision until May 18, 2004. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-46. ~ City Council Minutes 12 April 20, 2004 REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS CVAG Energy & Environmental Resources Committee - Council Member Sniff stated the Committee anticipates being asked to address the Red Fire Ant issue since the Mosquito and Vector Control District has lost its funding. He voiced concern about how CV AG may recommend handling the funding, and stated he feels it should be based on infestation levels. Chamber of Commerce Workshop/Information Exchange Committee - Council Member Henderson reported the Chamber has completed their audit. C.V. Mosquito & Vector Control District - Council Member Perkins stated construction on their expansion is expected to begin within the next three months. League of California Cities-Riverside Division - Council Member Henderson reported a sufficient number of signatures were received for the ballot initiative. The Board has voted to continue supporting the initiative with fund-raising efforts, and to continue negotiations with the Governor. She stated the Governor is requesting the local governments' support for at least two more years, and will propose an initiative with the same language but it would not be effective until the end of the 2005/2006 budget. She noted this will be a short negotiation period because the Governor needs cooperation for his May rewrite on the 2004/2005 budget. She added she has always felt the cities will have to help the State with its budget problems but also feels the cities should get in the best position possible. Palm Springs International Airport Commission - City Representative Robert Tyler announced Richard Walsh, the new Director of Aviation, is going to work on the airport signage, and would like to attend a Council meeting to introduce himself to the City Council. Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority - Council Member Henderson distributed copies of the CVA's audit and encouraged the Council Members to read it. She further reported they have negotiated a two-year extension to Mike Fife's contract. Riverside County Transportation Commission - Council Member Henderson reported RCTC is scheduling a retreat in the Desert in a few weeks. * * * * * * * * * * * * * All other reports were noted and filed. - - .-- --- ~- ---~---_._--- - --- ---_. City Council Minutes 1 3 April 20, 2004 - DEPARTMENT REPORTS 3-B. CITY COUNCIL SUMMER SCHEDULE. After a brief discussion, Council concurred to cancel the September 7, 2004 City Council meeting. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING ON CALEO SAY DRIVE. Mayor Adolph stated members of the Lake La Quinta Board of Directors have expressed concerns about vehicles parking on Caleo Bay Drive and poor landscaping in the median at Lake La Quinta Drive. Public Works Director Jonasson confirmed street parking will not be allowed once Walgreens and the improvements to Caleo Bay Drive are completed. He will look into the landscaping problem and 'find out if it's an irrigation problem. ¡- 2. DISCUSSION. REGARDING THE LIBRARY PLANS. Mayor Adolph commented on the final library plan documents not looking like the renderings, and urged the Council to review the plans to see if the tower is what they approved. He didn't feel the courtyard should be included unless the trellis is extended from the walkway, and suggested an alternate design for the bookstore entryway. He also suggested air conditioning duct work for the multi-purpose room be included in Phase I so the room can be used if necessary. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Genovese stated the intent behind not finishing the multi-purpose room was to reduce operation costs. Council Member Osborne spoke in favor of including the air conditioning duct work and turning it off when not needed. 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE ROUNDABOUT AT JEFFERSON STREET. Council Member Sniff requested an accident report on the roundabout at Jefferson Street to find out if it's working. - Mayor Adolph stated he believes most people like the roundabout. He feels the only problem is the lack of striping and narrowness around the circle, City Council Minutes 14 April 20, 2004 which makes it difficult for two cars to travel side by side. He also noted some people stop without having to, which causes other people to have to stop fast behind them. Council Member Henderson noted striping is not part of roundabout designs. She understood the purpose of roundabouts is to reduce the chance of fatalities, not necessarily reduce the number of traffic accidents. 4. DISCUSSION REGARDING DOUBLE-STRIPED PARKING STALLS. Council Member Perkins asked staff to look into why the new Wal-mart and Target stores don't have double-striped parking stalls. City Manager Genovese advised correspondence has been sent to both stores, and the Engineering Department will be working with them to get the parking stalls re-striped. 5. DISCUSSION REGARDING POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUESTS. Council Member Perkins advised he and another Council Member have been denied copies of the budget requests submitted by the Police Department because the policy has been not to give that information out in advance of the budget meeting. City Attorney Jenson noted under the Public Records Act, preliminary drafts are often considered exempt from disclosure but if distributed to a majority of the Council, they may lose that exemption. After a brief discussion, there was consensus to direct the City Manager, this one time, to make the Police Department budget requests available to those Council Members who request it. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ~\~~ PHYLLIS MANLEY, Deputy City Clerk City of La Guinta, California n- --~-- ~ --- ~-- ----~- -- -- -- - -- -- ~- -- ~ ~ -