2004 07 06 CC Minutes
LA QUINT A CITY COUNCIL
r MINUTES
! JULY 6, 2004
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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
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Audrey Ostrowsky, P. O. Box 351, expressed a desire to be treated with
understanding, and stated she will do her part to cooperate with the City.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Government Code Section 54957.6 - Conference with labor negotiators,
Agency Negotiators: City Council acting as a Committee of the whole -
r-- Unrepresented Employee: City Manager.
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~ 2. Public Employee Performance Evaluation pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957, Co'uncil-appointed position - City Manager.
3. Conference with labor negotiators, Ski Harrison, Mark Weiss, and John Ruiz,
regarding negotiations with the La Quinta Employees Association pursuant to
Government Code Section 54957.6 - Meet and Confer Process.
4. Conference with City's legal counsel regarding initiation of litigation pursuant
to Government Code Section 54945.9(c) (one matter).
Council recessed to the 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.
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City Council Minutes 2 July 6, 2004
PUBLIC COMMENT
Carol Durrant, P.O. Box 1495, stated she owns the lot next to her home in the
Cove but the two properties are not merged. She questioned why the City Code
does not allow building a block wall around the two lots.
Mayor Adolph referred her to Building & Safety Director Hartung.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
City Manager Genovese advised of the need to remove Consent Item No.2 from
the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Adolph requested Consent Item No.7 be pulled for separate discussion and
action.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1 . CORRESPONDENCE FROM CALIFORNIANS AGAINST THE DECEPTIVE
GAMBLING PROPOSITION, DATED JUNE 17, 2004.
Council concurred to receive and file.
2. CORRESPONDENCE FROM CALIFORNIANS FOR AN OPEN PRIMARY,
DATED JUNE 8, 2004.
Council concurred to receive and file.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of June 1 5, 2004, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
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City Council Minutes 3 July 6, 2004
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff ¡Osborne to approve the City
r- Council Minutes of June 18, 2004, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED JULY 6, 2004.
2. APPROVAL OF RESTATED AND AMENDED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
WITH THE CITY MANAGER. (This item was taken up as Business Session
Item No.5 - See Page 19.)
3. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A
FINAL MAP AND SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT
MAP 30096-2, PUERTA AZUL, PUERTA AZUL PARTNERS, LLC.
(RESOLUTION NO. 2004-069)
4. APPROVAL OF THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE FOR BID THE EISENHOWER DRIVE
STREET AND MEDIAN ISLAND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT
NO. 2001-02A.
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¡ 5. APPROVAL OF MODIFIED CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION ANNUAL WORK
. PLAN FOR 2004/2005.
6. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A CONTRACT
EXTENSION FOR ONE YEAR WITH HILTON FARNKOPF AND HOBSON, LLC
FOR AB939 SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005.
7. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INCREASE OF THE VEHICLE
IMPOUND COST RECOVERY FEE. (See separate action below)
8. APPROVAL OF PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO.5 TO THE
CITY/STATE MASTER AGREEMENT 08-5433 FOR SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
2003/2004 TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, PROJECT NO.
2003-15.
9. RATIFICATION OF A CONTRACT WITH TRESIERRAS CONSTRUCTION
EXECUTED BY THE CITY MANAGER FOR THE DEMOLITION OF CERTAIN
HOUSES ON JEFFERSON STREET.
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: 10. ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO. 2002-05, AVENIDA LA FONDA STREET
: IMPROVEMENTS.
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City Council Minutes 4 July 6, 2004
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve
the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of
Item Nos. 2 and 7 and with Item No.3 being approved by RESOLUTION NO.
2004-069. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-80.
Item No.7:
Mayor Adolph inquired as to whether or not the City would have to pay any
difference in the costs.
City Manager Genovese advised the amount is just an estimate, and not the
actual cost.
Police Chief Horton explained the City cannot collect more than the actual
cost so it's - better to estimate low, and he is comfortable the proposed rate
will recover most of the costs. He indicated the recommended amount is up
to the Station Commander, and is the same amount charged in the City of
Coachella.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Chief Horton stated approximately 800
vehicles are impounded in the City each year.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to approve
Consent Item No.7, adopting Resolution No. 2004-070, increasing the
Vehicle Impound Cost Recovery Fee. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE
ORDER NO. 2004-81.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF RENAMING A PORTION OF THE BEAR CREEK BIKE
TRAIL IN MEMORY OF FRED WOLFF.
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
Trice Healey and Pat Healey, 54-455 Eisenhower Drive, requested the pool
at Fritz Burns Park also be named in honor of Fred Wolff because of his
efforts to get the pool approved.
Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, expressed appreciation for Council's
consideration to rename a portion of the Bear Creek Bike Path after her late
husband Fred Wolff, and indicated she feels it would mean a lot to him
because he loved the wash area along the mountains.
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City Council Minutes 5 July 6, 2004
Council Member Sniff noted renaming of the pool is not on the agenda. He
I feels the suggested area of the bike path to be named in honor of Fred Wolff
¡ is insufficient and suggested extending it from Calle Ensenada to A venida
. La Fonda. He further suggested appropriate plaques be placed there.
Council Member Osborne concurred.
Council Member Perkins recommended also placing a plaque at the pool in
recognition of Fred Wolff.
Council Member Henderson referenced the nature preserve park area and
suggested it also be named after Fred Wolff.
Mayor Adolph commented on the need to make sure the plaques along the
bike path are secure, and concurred with placing a plaque at the pool. He
noted that issue would be dealt with at a later date.
Council Member Sniff referenced the number of people who worked hard to
get a pool approved, and stated he feels the Mayor tipped the balance when
he suggested the design build concept.
r-- MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve
renaming a portion of the Bear Creek Bike Trail between Calle Ensenada and
Calle. T ecate in memory of Fred Wolff, including the placement of appropriate
plaques.
Council Member Perkins referenced the need to make sure the Bear Creek
Bike Path name is delineated, as well as the renamed portion of the path.
Mayor Adolph noted the plaque language will be brought back for review. '
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-82.
2. CONSIDERATION OF NAMING THE 19-ACRE PARK SITE ON A VENIDA
MONTEZUMA THE "BEAR CREEK NATURE PRESERVE."
Community Services Director. Horvitz presented the staff report.
Council Member Henderson suggested naming the park after Fred Wolff.
Council Member Perkins concurred.
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City Council Minutes 6 July 6, 2004
Council Member Sniff suggested "Bear Creek Nature Preserve Honoring Fred
Wolff," and commented on the importance of making sure the park remains
a natural park.
, Council Member Osborne suggested naming the park the "Fred Wolf Bear
Creek Nature Preserve."
Mayor Adolph stated it's his understanding that Kay Wolff is in agreement
with the park being named after her husband, and agreed it's important to
provide a natural park.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve
the name "Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve" for the 19-acre park site
on Avenida Montezuma. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.
2004-83.
Council Member Sniff referenced the need to provide an appropriate plaque.
3. CONSIDERATION OF SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2004-809,
DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR 250 RESORT-RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM
UNITS, A RESTAURANT/CLUBHOUSE, AND OTHER MINOR ANCILLARY
FACILITIES AS CONCEPTUALLY APPROVED UNDER SPECIFIC PLAN
2003-069 LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE 52 AND
JEFFERSON STREET. APPLICANT: WATERMARK VILLAS, L.a.
Planning Manager Orci presented the staff report, and Associate Planner
Nesbit gave a brief overview of the project.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Nesbit reviewed the entry road
and confirmed each building will have an elevator.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Nesbit stated provisions have been made
to require submittal of a gate design plan for the gated community. The
,developer has discussed a two-way access as well as having an exit only.
Council Member Osborne inquired about additional parking for the restaurant
and the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) requirements.
Mr. Nesbit stated there are areas along the roadway leading to the clubhouse
that could provide the additional parking.
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City Council Minutes 7 July 6, 2004
City Attorney Jenson confirmed the development will be required to collect
r TOT for rentals less than 30 days.
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. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Orci confirmed there are
conditions in the Specific Plan that address the collection of TOT for rentals
less than 30 days.
Matthew Hladek, representing the developer, stated he was available to
answer questions.
Council Member Sniff noted the property has some element of history, and
suggested placing a suitable historic plaque on the site.
Mr. Hladek indicated they anticipate placing a plaque along the public access
road.
Council Member Henderson noted the document references "Watermark
Villas at SilverRock Ranch," and asked if the City has filed a trademark
application, to which Ms. Jenson responded, "Yes."
Mr. Hladek stated he feels the reference would benefit the City's project if
- used in the Watermark Villas promotions. He noted people will be coming to
ì his project to play golf at SilverRock, and using "at SilverRock Resort" would
. help define the location. In response to Council Member Sniff, he indicated
he views "at" as meaning "adjacent to."
Council Member Henderson stated she feels it's pushing the limit a little, and
noted his property value has increased because of SilverRock. She doesn't
believe 'SilverRock can be attached to everything going on around it.
Ms. Jenson stated she can report back to Council on the status of the
trademark process.
Mayor Adolph noted "silverrock" may be used in other areas. Ms. Jenson
advised the preliminary search done on the name seems to indicate the City
could file for a trademark. She recommended careful consideration be given
before allowing others to use the name to avoid erosion of the City's legal
rights.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Hladek stated the 28-foot interior street
widths have been approved by the fire department. He confirmed they will
r-- retain as many of the healthy date palm trees as possible.
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City Council Minutes 8 July 6, 2004
Mayor Adolph recommended they provide a standard trellis design for
homebuyers to use to avoid destroying the aesthetics of the project. Mr.
Hladek indicated they would include it with the architectural issues in the
CC&Rs.
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-071
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A,
CALIFORNIA, GRANTING APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR 250
RESORT-RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM UNITS, A 28,800 + SQUARE-FOOT
CLUBHOUSE/RESTAURANT COMPLEX, AND OTHER ANCILLARY USES
(SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2004-809 - WATERMARK VILLAS La, LLC)
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No.
2004-071 as amended (adding a condition regarding a historical plaque).
Motion carried unanimously.
4. CONSIDERATION OF STREET NAME CHANGE FROM BETH CIRCLE TO
NORRIS DRIVE FOR THE AREA WEST OF MADISON STREET, SOUTH OF
AVENUE 51. APPLICANT: LA QUINTA POLO PARTNERS, LLC.
Planning Manager Orci presented the staff report.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to deny Street
Name Change 2003-01 5 (submitted by La Ouinta Polo Partners LLC) without
prejudice and direct the applicant to submit an application for any new
. request to change the street name in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 14.08. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-84.
STUDY SESSION - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Animal Campus Commission - In response to Council Member Sniff, Council
Member Henderson noted the City of Palm Springs chose not to participate in the
Valleywide Animal Campus, and is somewhat under the gun to provide a proper
facility.
Ad Hoc Committees - Council Member Henderson reported she and Council
Member Sniff met with some of the property owners regarding the potential
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City Council Minutes 9 July 6, 2004
annexation by Coachella, and she feels the residents seem to have a broader
r- understanding of the complexities involved.
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. CV AG Executive Committee - Mayor Adolph stated the Executive Committee
voted against casting a ballot in favor of the third amendment for the adjustment of
debts for the City of Desert Hot Springs.
In response to Council Member Sniff, City Attorney Jenson stated she agrees an
action of support was not appropriate.
CV AG Human & Community Resources Committee - Council Member Osborne
indicated the Committee is looking at a "211" service as a social services hotline
with a potential cost of 13 cents per resident.
La Quinta Chamber of Commerce Workshop/Information Exch~nge Committee -
Council Member Henderson referenced the need to appoint a new representative,
and City Clerk Greek indicated the item will be on the next agenda.
C. V. Mosquito & Vector Control District - Council Member Perkins reported the
District has approved enlargement of an area for an informal meeting room, and the
addition of a lab and mosquito shrimp tadpole ponds.
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i C. V. Mountains .Conservancy - Council Member Sniff reported a major part of the
: Joshua Hills area has been acquired to keep the area in a natural state.
Desert Resorts Regional Airport Authority - Council Member Osborne reported the
airport name has been changed to the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport.
League of California Cities-Riverside Division - Council Member Henderson stated
the cities have made it clear they will not support any ch~nges to the Constitutional
Amendment as recommended by the Legislature.
Palm Springs Resorts Convention & Visitor's Authority - Council Member
Henderson encouraged everyone to visit the new CV A facility.
Palm Springs International Airport Commission - In response to Mayor Adolph,
City Clerk Greek stated three people have applied for the Commission.
Council Member Henderson referenced the Council's desire to see the applications
and not to schedule interviews.
. SunLine Transit Agency/SunLine Services Group - Mayor Adolph noted the taxi
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City Council Minutes 10 July 6, 2004
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All other reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS - None
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS - None
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Council reconvened and recessed to Closed Session (as delineated on Page 1) to
and until 7:00 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1 . PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING TENTATIVE
TRACT MAP 31681, SUBDIVIDING 548:f: ACRES INTO 472 SINGLE
FAMILY LOTS, A LOT FOR 80 CASITAS, GOLF COURSE LOTS, A
COMMERCIAL LOT, AND MISCELLANEOUS LOTS FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF MADISON STREET AND
AVENUE 58. APPLICANT: CORAL OPTION I, LLC.
Community Development Director Herman presented the staff report, and
Planning Manager Orci gave a brief overview of the development.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Orci confirmed the developer
is proposing 80 casitas.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Orci stated the lots range from
9,000 to 1 7,000 square feet, and the commercial area is at the southeast
corner of Avenue 58 and Madison Street.
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City Council Minutes 11 July 6, 2004
r In response to Council Member Henderson's question regarding the
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! institutional lot, Mr. Orci stated the previous conditions of approval require
the applicant to either reserve an acre or satisfy the concerns of the fire
department.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. Orci stated he doesn't know if
the Madison Street entrance will align with the second phase across the
street but the developer proposes tunnels for access to both sides. Mr.
Jonasson confirmed full-turn movements will exist on Madison and Monroe
Streets, and that Avenue 58 does not have a median. He indicated the
median on A venue 60 is maintained by Trilogy and the Madison Street
median will be maintained by this development. Monroe Street will be four
lanes, and he deferred questions on that median to the developer. He
indicated traffic signals on Madison Street are not likely to be needed in the
near future.
In response to Council Member Sniff's inquiry about the water source for the
lakes, Mr. Orci stated the development will comply with CVWD regulations.'
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Herman advised there are no conditions
,-- related to the adjacent date farm use. In regard to street improvements, Mr.
¡ Jonasson advised Avenue 60 is paved on both sides of the street but he
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. wasn't sure if curb and gutter improvements are installed on the north side.
He indicated Monroe Street will be completed with a median per General Plan
guidelines. He advised the development is required to enter into an
agreement to maintain the landscaping in the Madison Street median, and an
agreement with Trilogy requires them to maintain the Avenue 60 median.
He anticipates a similar agreement for the Monroe Street median.
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 7:21 p.m.
Patrick O'Dowd, representing the applicant, indicated they will complete the
entire width of Avenue 60, and confirmed they have agreed to maintain the
median on Madison Street. Due to part of Monroe Street being in the
County and other landowners being involved, they understood the City
would maintain that median. In other projects they have entered into a
reimbursement agreement for construction of medians, and expect to work
with the City to address those issues. He noted it was not a condition of the
Specific Plan. Regarding the institutional lot, since the County Fire.
Department has not given direction regarding a location for the fire station,
- they expect to move forward with their tentative map without the
institutional lot and acquire a parcel whenever the Fire Department
determines it is needed. He stated there will be primary and secondary
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City Council Minutes 12 July 6, 2004
residential entrances on Madison and Monroe Streets, and service entrances
on Avenue 58 and Avenue 60. The berm heights will range from 6 to 12
feet but he didn't know the distance from the right-of-way. He understood
the grading is consistent with the guidelines in the Specific Plan.
Mayor Adolph voiced concern about having high berms with six-toot-high
walls in close proximity to the streets causing a "tunnel" effect. He noted
some developments put their walls on the slope instead of at the top.
Mr. O'Dowd stated they intend to develop the project with consideration to
view orientation to create an aesthetically-pleasing community inside and
out. He believes the berm slopes are consistent with the conditions and the
height is not excessive.
Council Member Henderson referenced the berm heights around Rancho
La Quinta.
Mr. O'Dowd stated the berming will be consistent with what is being done
currently In other projects In the desert. He noted berming IS not
inconsistent with the sand dune history of the Valley.
Mayor Adolph stated he is not a proponent of high berms, and questions
their purpose.
Mr. O'Dowd stated they see their view corridors and sightlines as far
superior to a non-amenitized residential community with a 22 to 28-foot
ridgeline and standard setbacks.
Mayor Adolph commented on the narrowness of the lots, and questioned the
purpose of having so many houses on the site.
Mr. O'Dowd noted Rancho La Quinta has 900 homes on 725 acres with 50
to 70-foot-wide lots and this development will have about 900 homes on
1 ,000 acres with 55 to 75-foot-wide.
Mayor Adolph stated he likes the development but is concerned about some
of the minor issues that could make a difference.
Council Member Henderson stated she understands the 'Itunnel" effect
concern but isn't impressed about seeing nothing but roof tops on both sides
of the street either. She noted once anything is built on vacant land, such as
PGA West on the south side of Madison Street, it causes some sense of
blocking the view. She noted the berming and walls are part of the security
for a master planned community. In regard to the median landscaping on
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City Council Minutes 13 July 6, 2004
Monroe Street, she understood a policy was established several years ago
:- that new developments would be responsible for maintenance of new
I medians because the City is already upside down in the Lighting and
. Landscaping Assessment District.
City Attorney Jenson advised Condition Nos. 72 and 73 deal with
maintenance, which would be the appropriate place to include a requirement
for maintenance of the median landscaping.
Mr. O'Dowd stated they understood the City would be responsible for the
median since Monroe Street is a primary arterial, and a large portion of the
street is in the County.
Council Member Henderson noted the property annexed for this project is in
the County' s redevelopm~nt area and La Quinta does not receive tax
increment money from it.
Ms. Jenson noted the Public Works Director referenced the conditions of
approval on Page 23 as it relates to construction of the median but it doesn't
seem to expressly cover the landscaping installation.
:-- ' Council Member Henderson agreed having half of the street in the County
; makes this seem convoluted.
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Ms. Jenson suggested the possibility of an agreement requiring maintenance
of half the street with the other half being required if and when that area is
annexed.
Council Member Henderson stated she agrees because she doesn't want the
City not to have any options.
Council Member Perkins spoke in support of the landscaped medians being
installed and maintained by the prQperty owner. In reference to lot size, he
stated his lot is only 55 feet wide with a 10-foot-wide side yard setback on
one side and zero on the other. He agrees with the Mayor that a 55' X 200'
lot is almost ludicrou's. He ~Iso has concerns about berm heights, and
doesn't like a "walled-in" look.
Mr. O'Dowd indicated the wall will meander along the berm, and on Madison
Street the berms will appear relatively subtle compared to any other
implementation. He stated the setback on Madison Street is 20 feet, and
- noted there is a 3-1 slope limitation outside of the right-of-way.
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City Council Minutes 14 July 6, 2004
Council Member Perkins stated he doesn't support the project at this point
because he has some concerns, such as the lot sizes.
Mr. O'Dowd stated the lot sizes are typical to what they built in Rancho
La Quinta. The typical lot depth will be 180 feet, and deeper back yards are
more desirable to their customers. The sizes of the homes will range from
3,000 to 5,000 square feet.
Council Member Henderson stated she doesn't feel this development should
have to pay for median landscaping on both sides of the street, nor does she
envision the median being installed until sometime in the future.
Council Member Perkins referenced the need to install a median before
residents get used to having a full-turn movement, even if it's only a curb on
the La Guinta side of the street.
Mr. Jonasson stated a half median is usually created with a permanent curb
on the La Quinta side and an asphalt curb on the other side with the City
holding a bond until the other side is developed.
Ms. Jenson recommended amending Condition No. 53(A)(1) requiring the
median improvements to include landscaping on the west side and to require
bonding for those improvements or an agreement acceptable to the City
Engineer and City Attorney. She further recommended amending Condition
No. 73 to require the developer to enter into an agreement in a form
approved by the City Engineer and City Attorney for the perpetual
maintenance of the landscaping once installed on the west side of the street,
or one half of total cost of the landscaping.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Mr. O'Dowd stated he doesn't
know at this point where the berming will start in the 20-foot setback. The
berming will be a rolling, subtle dune intended to blend in with the line of
sight. He stated the setback at Rancho La Quinta is 30 feet.
Mr. Jonasson stated the mounding will be as high as 14 feet above street
grade and setback approximately 50 feet from Madison Street.
Mr. O'Dowd stated the highest berming will be at the entrance. He added
they are conditioned to install a multi-purpose trail along Avenue 58.
Mr. Jonasson stated he believes the berming will be lower and further away
from the right-of-way on the other streets.
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City Council Minutes 15 July 6, 2004
Council Member Sniff stated he feels the wall should undulate in concert
r with the berming and with nothing higher than 1 2 feet nor closer to the
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I street than 20 feet. He agrees with having the street improvements done at
an early date, and indicated he doesn't have a problem with the lot widths.
He asked about the water source for the lakes, and commented on the need
to use canal water whenever possible.
Mr. O'Dowd stated they have multiple water sources, and will be using the
CVWD irrigation water, as well as an irrigation well.
Council Member Sniff indicated he supports the two modified conditions
referenced by the City Attorney.
Mayor Adolph noted the back yards will be 60 feet deep if a 4,500 square-
foot house is built on a 55' X 180' lot with a 20-foot front setback. He
stated the mountain views around PGA West are obscured by trees and not
the berming, which is only 2-3 feet high.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Jonasson reviewed the turning
movements as follows: full-turn movements on Madison and Monroe Streets;
right-in, right-out on the commercial site on Madison Street; and a full-turn
r-- movement at the commercial site on Avenue 58. He advised a minimum 51-
foot deceleration right-turn-only lane is required on Madison and Monroe
Streets, and the left-turn lane on Madison Street will accommodate at least
three or four vehicles.
Council Member Henderson noted the Madison Street improvements are
done.
Còuncil Member Sniff asked if there is any support for limiting the combined
height of the wall and berm to 12 feet.
Council Member Henderson stated her only problem with that would be
around the entrance areas for aesthetic purposes.
Mr. 0' Dowd stated he feels a 12-foot vertical change 50 feet from the right-
of-way is not as severe as a 22-foot ridgeline 30 feet from a 10-foot setback
on a secondary arterial.
Council Member Sniff suggested a 12-foot-high restriction 20 feet from the
street and a 16-foot-high restriction at 50 feet.
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I Mr. O'Dowd stated it sounds consistent with what he has seen but would
need to check their plans.
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City Council Minutes 16 July 6, 2004
Mayor Adolph noted the rooftops will probably not be visible from the street.
Mr. O'Dowd stated his only concern is if implementing that will require re-
doing what has already been done.
Mayor Adolph stated he didn't want them to have to redo anything, and that
what he saw there several weeks ago didn't include any big berms.
Mr. O'Dowd indicated the existing berms will not be increased, and the
berms on Avenue 58 will be slightly reduced.
Council Member Henderson stated it seems as though it's a little late to add
the condition suggested by Council Member Sniff but she feels the developer
is aware of the Council's concerns.
Ed Combs, 81-960 Daniel Drive, stated the berming along Avenue 60 looks
high too him. He indicated there are also some unresolved issues with some
of the property owners regarding the realignment of Madison Street.
There being no other requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC
HEARING CLOSED at 8:20 p.m.
Council Member Sniff stated he would still like to add a condition to make
the berm heights contingent upon the distance from the street.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Jonasson stated the
development may already have approval for mass grading.
Council Member Henderson stated she doesn't have a problem with the
concept of a certain height at a certain setback. However, if the berming is
measured at six inches too high, the project would be out of compliance, and
that would be a problem to her if the grading is being done to approved
grading plans.
Council Member Osborne stated he supports giving some leeway in the total
height including the wall, not to exceed a certain height, and giving some
latitude on each side of the entrance.
Council Member Sniff suggested a latitude of 200 feet on each side of the
entrance. Council concurred.
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City Council Minutes 17 July 6, 2004
Mr. Jonasson noted Condition No. 34 requires the berming to conform with
:- the requirements of Section 9.60.240(F) of the City Code, and places
¡ restrictions on the maximum slope.
,
City Manager Genovese noted language can be added to tie the height
restriction to a percentage, such as 20%, amount of berming that cannot
exceed the 16-foot height limit.
Council concurred on a maximum combined berming and wall height of 12
feet at the 20-foot setback and 16 feet at the 50-foot setback, with a 20%
variance, and a not-to-exceed latitude of 200 feet on each side of the
entrance.
Council Member Sniff wished to include a condition to require use of canal
water for the lakes.
Council Member Henderson noted the development has to adhere to the
standards set by CVWD, including the provision of a well.
Mr. Herman asked about a height restriction within the 200-foot-wide
latitude on each side of the entrance.
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I Council Member Sniff suggested 18 feet, and Council concurred.
Mr. Genovese noted the 20% variance would not apply to the 200-foot-wide
areas on each side of the entrance.
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-072
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 31681 TO SUBDIVIDE
548:t: ACRES INTO 472 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS, A LOT FOR 80 CASITAS, A
COMMERCIAL LOT, GOLF COURSE LOTS, AND MISCELLANEOUS LOTS
(CORAL OPTION I, LLC.)
It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne to adopt Resolution
No. 2004-072 as amended (modifying Condition No. 53(A)(1) to require the
median improvements on Monroe Street to include landscaping on the west
side and to require bonding for those improvements or an agreement
acceptable to the City Engineer and City Attorney; modifying Condition No.
73 to require the developer to enter into an agreement in a form approved by
- the City Engineer and City Attorney for perpetual maintenance of the
landscaping once installed on the west side of the street, or one half of the
total cost of the landscaping; adding a condition to set a maximum combined
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City Council Minutes 18 July 6, 2004
berming and wall height of 12 feet at the 20-foot setback and 1 6 feet at the
50-foot setback, with a 20% variance, and a not-to-exceed latitude of 200
feet on each side of the entrance, which shall not be included in the 20%
variance, and a height restriction in that area of 1 8 feet; and adding a
condition requiring use of canal water for the lakes as required by CVWD.
Council Member Perkins stated he believes the developer understands the
Council's concerns and will support the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ON AN APPEAL OF CONDITION NOS. 20
AND 66 OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2004-031 FOR
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2004-804 (JAMES PAUL) APPELLANT: 111
VENTURE, LLC. (c/o MR. G. SCOTT GAYNER, MANAGING MEMBER).
Council Member Osborne advised he has a potential conflict of interest and
left the dais.
Council Member Sniff noted the developer has requested a continuance.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to continue
the public hearing for the appeal by 111 Venture of the Planning Commission
approval of Site Development Permit 2004-804 to July 20, 2004. Motion
carried with Council Member Osborne ABSTAINING due to a potential
conflict of interest. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-85.
3. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING BETWEEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT TO SELL REAL
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 53-185 AVENIDA NAVARRO BY AND BETWEEN
THE LA QUINT A REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND RUTH TORRES.
Redevelopment Consultant Spevacek presented the staff report.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Spevacek confirmed the City has
$127,000 invested in the house and is selling it for $165,000, which is the
market value reflective of the affordability covenants on the property. He
noted without the covenants, the property would probably sell for $200,000
to $220,000. He further noted the profit from the sale will go into the
housing fund to develop additional affordable housing units.
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City Council Minutes 19 July 6, 2004
The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 8:37 p.m. There being
! no requests, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 8:37 p.m.
I
~ MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Perkins to approve an
Agreement to sell real property located at 53-185 A venida Navarro to Ruth
Torres for a purchase price of $165,000, and to authorize the Executive
Director to execute the necessary documents to complete the property sale.
( Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-86.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1.
The City Council meeting reconvened.
There were no decisions made in Closed Session which require reporting pursuant
to Section 54957. 1 of the Government Code (Brown Act).
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Osborne to approve Business
Item No.5 (formerly Consent Item No.2), approving the Restated and Amended
Employment Agreement with the City Manager. Motion carried unanimously.
~ MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-87.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjQurned.
Respectfully su bm itted,
~ .-S;d
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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