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2004 08 03 CC Minutes LA QUINT A CITY COUNCIL -- MINUTES . AUGUST 3, 2004 . A regular meeting of the La Ouinta 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 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to excuse Council Member Osborne. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION 1. Government Code Section 54957.6, Conference with labor negotiator, City Negotiator: Thomas P. Genovese, Unrepresented Employee: Community -- Development Director. 2. Conference with labor negotiators, Ski Harrison, Mark Weiss, and John Ruiz, regarding negotiations with. the La Quinta City Employees Association pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 - Meet and Confer Process. 3. Government Code Section 54957.6, Conference with labor negotiator, Agency Negotiator: Thomas P. Genovese, Unrepresented Employees: Building & Safety Director and Finance Director. 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. r-- City Council Minutes 2 August 3, 2004 PUBLIC COMMENT Marilyn Page, 80-071 Palm Circle Drive, requested the area along Jefferson Street in the Westward Ho community be kept as a beautification area with walkways and plants. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Genovese confirmed any rezoning of that area would require a public hearing before the City Council. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Council Member Sniff requested Consent Item No.5 be moved to Business Item No.7. ANNOUNCEMENTS - None PRESENTATIONS - None WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE 1. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM WESTWARD ISLE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, DATED JULY 27, 2004. Council concurred to refer this matter to staff. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None CONSENT CALENDAR 1 . APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED AUGUST 3, 2004. 2. APPROVAL TO REJECT ALL BIDS AND ADVERTISE THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE LIGHTING MAINTENANCE CONTRACT, PROJECT NO. LMC 2004-04. 3. APPROVAL TO REJECT ALL BIDS AND ADVERTISE THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT, PROJECT NO. LMC 2004-05. - - ~---- ----- - ------ - ---- - City Council Minutes 3 August 3, 2004 4. ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRACT MAP -- : 24197-5, MONTICELLO, CENTURY HOMES, LLC. , I I . 5. SEE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO.7 6. APPROVAL OF AMENDED SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH PARCEL MAP 30420, CENTRE AT LA QUINT A, STAMKO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. 7. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST OF THE LA QUINT A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO MODIFY THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING TWO SIGNS. 8. AUTHO.RIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD TO ATTEND THE 2004 LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT' FUND (LAIF) CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 21-22, 2004, IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and amended with the exception of Item No.5. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT.. :- MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-99. ! . BUSINESS SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION OF .PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY" APPLICATIONS. Mayor Adolph noted staff has requested this item be continued to August 17, 2004. 2. CONSIDERATION OF. CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS ACKNOWLEDGMENT AREA APPLICATIONS. Recreation Supervisor Kristen Riesgo presented the staff report. Council Member Sniff requested Medal of Honor be spelled out instead of abbreviated. Council Member Henderson stated it was her understanding that a separate -- plaque would be placed nearby with a full description for Colonel Paige. She noted there may not be enough space to spell Medal of Honor out next to his name on the existing plaque. . City Council Minutes 4 August 3, 2004 Council Member Sniff stated he supports having a separate plaque as part of the acknowledgment area but isolated to some degree and emphasizing Colonel Paige's achievement in being a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Council concurred to add "Medal of Honor" next to the current listing of Colonel Paige's name if there's enough space, and to have a separate bronze plaque with a full description of Colonel Paige's service. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to authorize the names of veterans to be included on the Veteran's Acknowledgment Area, and add "Medal of Honor" next to Colonel Mitchell Paige's name if it will fit along with a separate bronze plaque with a full description of Colonel Paige's service. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-100. 3. CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANT REQUESTS. Recreation Supervisor Kristen Riesgo presented the staff report. Peggy Cravens, Gerald Benston, and Louise Fasana, representing the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, gave a brief overview of the organization, and requested approval of their grant application. Jack Fleck and Jacques Abels, of VFW La Ouinta Post 855, thanked the Council for its previous support and requested approval of their grant request. Donna Martin, representing the McCallum Theater, requested approval of their grant request, and confirmed the program cost is $166,000. Dede Grutz, representing Diamond Ringers Softball Club, requested approval of their grant request, and gave a brief overview of the softball team's achievements. She stated a majority of the 13 girls on the team are residents of La Ouinta. In response to Council Member Henderson, City Manager Genovese stated he believes The Living Desert was a line item in the budget at one time. He added if the Council wishes, it can be considered in the grant process this year and included as a line item in next year's budget. ---~--- ---..- ~- - - -- - -- --_. --- City Council Minutes 5 August 3, 2004 Council Member Henderson stated she would like to see that done in next -- ¡ year's budget. ¡ f ! . Beverly Montgomery, of Soroptimist International of La Ouinta, indicated they have been unsuccessful in finding an alternative meeting place, and noted the Senior Center is listed as their meeting place in their regional roster. Judy Hardman, of Friends of the Desert Mountains, gave a brief overview of the program, and requested approval of their grant request. In a brief discussion, the Council concurred on grant amounts of $1 ,545 for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, $2,000 for the McCallum Theater, $1,500 for the Diamond Ringers Softball Club, and $1 ,000 for The Living Desert. Council Member Sniff indicated he would support funding in the amount of $4,702 for the Soroptimist. In response to Council Member Henderson, Ms. Montgomery explained the amount was changed by the Community Services Director because the rental fee for the Senior Center has increased. - , ! Council Member Henderson commented she feels facility use for . organizations is important, and noted there is an actual cost to the City involved. She believes as the City continues to grow that other facilities will be available, and stated she would support the full year funding amount of $4,702. Council concurred. There was also concurrence to support grant amounts of $1 ,000 for the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, $500 for the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony, $1,000 for the Friends of the Desert Mountains, and $500 for the Coachella Valley Mexican American Chamber of Commerce. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the following Community Services Grant requests: Veterans of Foreign Wars La Quinta Post #855 $1,545; McCallum Theater $2,000; Diamond Ringers Softball Team $1,500; The Living Desert $1,000; Soroptimist International of La Quinta $4,702; Virginia Waring International Piano Competition $1,000; Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony $500; Friends of the Desert Mountains $1,000; and the Coachella Valley Mexican American Chamber of Commerce $ 500. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. -- MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-101. City Council Minutes 6 August 3, 2004 4. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY LA QUINT A COUNTRY CLUB TO INCLUDE THE COST OF OLEANDER REMOVAL IN THE PREVIOUSL Y- APPROVED REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PARKWAY LANDSCAPING ALONG EISENHOWER DRIVE AND AVENUE 50. Public Works Director Jonasson presented the staff report. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Jonasson confirmed the Country Club has agreed to maintain the landscaping but IS seeking reimbursement for the cost of removing the oleanders. City Manager Genovese noted it's not common practice for the City to assist in landscape improvements but in this case it was across from the La Ouinta Hotel. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Jonasson advised the owner of the property where the oleanders were removed has not been determined. The City has a right-of-way easement along Eisenhower Drive that extends to the centerline of the street. However, the adjacent property owner is assumed to be the owner, and the parkway improvements adjacent to the street are the property owners responsibility. Council Member Perkins stated he wants to make sure the responsibility for maintenance is stipulated in the agreement. Mr. Jonasson stated the Reimbursement Agreement has not been signed by the Country Club. Assistant City Attorney Michael Houston, advised the Reimbursement Agreement was approved by the City Council with the understanding that removal costs for the oleanders would be paid only if fee title to the City was established. Dave Erwin, 74-760 Highway 111, Indian Wells, representing La Ouinta Country Club, stated their property line is located two inches west of the new wall, and the City's right-of-way extends to that property line. He stated the right-of-way was dedicated to the County in August 1 935 by Desert Development Corporation, who is no longer in business, and the City acquired the right-of-way when it incorporated. Since Desert Development no longer exists, there is no fee owner of the property. The Country Club has maintained the oleanders but does not know who planted them. - .~. - ----- - ~ - -- _.~ -- - --- City Council Minutes 7 August 3, 2004 Mr. Houston advised maintenance of the property does not establish -- I ownership, and generally, when property is unused or unknown for a period , of time it goes to the State. Mr. Erwin stated the property was taken from the tax rolls when it was dedicated to the County. Mr. Houston advised the City has jurisdiction over use of the right-of-way but the property does not fall to its ownership, and in this case, it may actually belong to the State. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Genovese stated he feels this is a unique situation but is concerned about setting a precedent. He understands the Country Club does not own the property but noted if the City had been in control of the property ,some type of code enforcement action would have been taken against the Country Club. "\ Council Member Sniff asked Mr. Erwin if he is claiming the Reimbursement Agreement is invalid. Mr. Erwin responded, "No," and stated the agreement indicates the City will r-- reimburse the Country Club for expenses incurred, including removal of the oleanders. Mr. Genovese stated the oleander removal was omitted from the agreement approved by the Council. Mr. Erwin indicated he has not seen that agreement. Council Member Sniff suggested continuing this for two weeks to give staff and Mr. Erwir) an opportunity to further review this issue. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to continue consideration of the request by La Quinta Country Club regarding reimbursement for oleander removal to August 17, 2004. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-102. 5. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A STREET NAME CHANGE FROM SIMON DRIVE TO DEPUTY LEE DRIVE. Planning Manager Orci presented the staff report. r-- City Manager Genovese referenced additional correspondence frC?m Riverside . County Sheriff Bob Doyle. City Council Minutes 8 August 3, 2004 Gary Cotton, 54-376 Avenida Velasco, voiced concern that the name change would serve as a difficult reminder to the Diablo Family of what happened. He suggested a memorial in the Civic Center Campus or renaming a street in near Deputy Lee's home. Don Rector, 46-450 Cameo Palms Drive, stated if the street is renamed, he doesn't feel it should extend to the streets west of Washington Street. He agreed renaming a street near the officer's home may be better or a plaque in the park. Mayor Adolph noted the City is in the process of honoring all safety officers with a memorial on the Civic Center Campus. Larry Allen, 74-848 Cottontail Court, Thousand Palms, stated he is not in support of the name change because he feels Fred Simon did a lot for the City. He suggested naming a park at Miles A venue and Washington Street in honor of Deputy Lee. Martin Brhel, 76-665 Avenida Montezuma, spoke in support of the street name change, and stated he feels it will deliver a message to the officers who protect us. Council. Member Sniff noted Sheriff Doyle has recommended renaming the portion of Highway 111 that goes through La Ouinta after Deputy Lee. Randy Vasquez, 78-445 Via Sevilla, stated he feels renaming Simon Drive after Deputy Lee will serve as permanent reminder that the City supports its law enforcement officers. Colleen Walker, 75-368 La Cresta, Palm Desert, spoke in favor of the street name change. She feels renaming a portion of Highway 111 after Deputy Lee is a good idea but noted it takes a lot of time to deal with CalTrans and the State. Mary Gonzales Brhel, 76-665 Avenida Montezuma, spoke in support of the name change. Larry Sherman stated he feels the street name change is an appropriate tribute that will honor Deputy Lee specifically, and noted the businesses support it 100%. He believes the street was changed from Oreste Drive to Simon Drive to promote the dealership that no longer bears that name. He --- noted some cities name streets after celebrities but he feels naming them after true heroes should be common practice. --.-- ._-- City Council Minutes 9 August 3, 2004 r Ron Henderson, 79-448 Vista Verde, thanked the City for its support of the Lee Family, and requested the Council determine the best way to honor . Deputy Lee. Whether it's by renaming a street, a section of Highway 111, a park, or something else, he feels it's important it be done with the recognition of what Deputy Lee gave to the community. Mayor Adolph referenced a petition received in support of the street name change Council Member Perkins stated he has a problem changing the street name from one person to another. He likes the suggestion of dedicating a portion of Highway 111 after Deputy Lee. Council Member Henderson noted the public safety officers' monument on the Civic Center Campus will be for all law and fire personnel and will be dedicated in honor of Deputy Lee. The City has also set up a special fund for families of safety personnel that are killed in the line of duty in La Quinta. She commented on Fred Simon's contribution to the City, and recommended looking at a policy to keep a s~reet from being renamed once it has been named after an individual. She indicated she likes Sheriff Doyle's suggestion r-- regarding a portion of Highway 111. i ¡ i Council Member Sniff pointed out Simon Motors existed before the City was incorporated. He commented on the City's support of law enforcement personnel, and stated he is also inclined to support Sheriff Doyle's recommendation. It's his understanding that the renaming can be done in a short period of time. Mayor Adolph stated he agrees with doing whatever is best in honoring Deputy Lee, and noted the memorial on the Civic Center Campus will be an art piece to honor law and fire personnel. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to support the proposal made by Riverside County Sheriff Doyle to dedicate Highway 111 in La . Ouinta in memory of Deputy Bruce Lee and do everything possible to expedite the process through the State. Council Member Perkins stated he appreciates Sheriff Doyle's recommendation but questions it being appropriate to include his name in the motion. - Council Member Sniff amended the motion to read: . City Council Minutes 10 August 3, 2004 MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to support the proposal made by the law enforcement community to dedicate Highway 111 in La Ouinta in memory of Deputy Bruce Lee and do everything possible to expedite the process through the State. Mayor Adolph noted it may be difficult getting approval from CalTrans. Mr. Genovese stated staff will bring this back to Council if not approved by CalTrans within three months. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-103 6. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 407 ORDINANCE NO. 407 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.06.020(C) OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES. It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Ordinance No. 407 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 7. APPROVAL SALE OF SilverRock MERCHANDISE. There were no changes to the staff report as submitted and on file in the City Clerk's Office. In response to Council Member Sniff, Assistant City Manager Weiss stated the intent is to have the items available for sale before the golf course opens. Mayor Adolph voiced concern about the items being given away like the Gambys. .- -- -...:.... ..' City Council Minutes 11 August 3, 2004 ,......... Mr. Weiss noted the Gambys are sold upon request, and staff IS recommending these items also be for sale. He pointed out there is a , provision that would allow certain items to be provided as an economic development or marketing tool under the City Manager's authorization. Mayor Adolph stated he doesn't have a problem giving the items to City employees to wear for promotion but doesn't want them given out at Chamber of Commerce meetings. Mr. Weiss stated staff's recommendation is that only the visors and caps be used for marketing. He indicated staff may come back at a later date to suggest purchasing additional marketing merchandise for this project. Council Member Henderson noted this will allow staff to tell people where. they çan purchase a shirt and how much it will cost. Council Member Sniff questioned where the merchandise will be sold, and what is meant by "at cost." City Manager Genovese explained ¡'at cost" means the City is not paying any markup to the vendor. ,......... ¡ Council Member Sniff stated he doesn't have a problem giving away 100 visors and caps but wants to know who the substantial inventory of shirts, caps, and visors will be sold to and how they will be displayed for sale. Mr. Genovese noted the items can be placed in the display cabinet at City Hall and sold by City staff. He noted other items on this list, such as golf balls, are provided at the Mayor's luncheons. He confirmed the shirts will not be give-away items. Mayor Adolph suggested the Chamber newsletter be utilized in getting the word out about the items being available. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Genovese confirmed the proposal is buy the shirts for $38 and sell them for $68. He noted any concerns about the distribution process should be made known because staff currently gives golf balls away to market the golf course project. Council Member Perkins stated he doesn't have any problems with this. - Council Member Henderson concurred. , City Council Minutes 12 August 3, 2004 Council Member Sniff questioned the practicality of selling these items at City Hall because people may want to try the shirts on for correct sizing. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Weiss confirmed Landmark will sell merchandise at the pro shop and operate it at a fee with the revenues coming back to the City. He indicated staff is currently working with Landmark regarding inventory for the pro shop, which will be operated by Landmark personnel. He noted there are certain positions that are chosen by Landmark but subject to City approval. As for competitive prices on the merchandise, he stated the intent is to provide one shirt, cap, and visor design from the same company that provided the materials to McMurry. He stated the intent is to keep it simple while responding to the public's interest in purchasing the merchandise and marketing the product. Council Member Henderson noted the revenues generated from these items will go back into the General Fund. She also noted the Gambys, which she feels have assisted in bringing recognition to the City, were purchased with AB939 funds and are being sold at cost. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Perkins to approve the sale of SilverRock merchandise at La Ouinta City Hall and an advance of $25,330 from the General Fund to the SilverRock Enterprise Fund for purchase of the merchandise at cost; and authorize distribution of 100 visors and 100 caps, at the discretion of the City Manager, for promotion and economic development purposes. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-104. Council recessed to and until 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT - None PRESENTATIONS - None - -.- City Council Minutes 1 3 August 3, 2004 PUBLIC HEARINGS ,....- ! 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS FOR: 1) . CERTIFICATION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2004-505: 2) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2004-101 AND ZONE CHANGE 2004-120 TO REMOVE 15.16 ACRES OF NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DESIGNATION AND REPLACE WITH A MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DESIGNATION; 3) CODORNIZ SPECIFIC PLAN 2004-070 TO ESTABLISH DESIGN GUIDELINES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR 145 RESIDENTIAL UNITS; 4) TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 32070, TO SUBDIVIDE 15.16:i: INTO 145 RESIDENTIAL LOTS AND OTHER AMENITY LOTS, AND 5) SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2004- 799 FOR FIVE PROTOTYPE PLANS FOR RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND A CLUBHOUSE FACILITY, LOCATED WEST OF JEFFERSON STREET, SOUTH OF AVENUE 52. APPLICANT: RJT HOMES LLC. Planning Manager Orci presented the staff report, and Principal Planner Baker reviewed the site plan. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Baker stated setback requirements for ~ two-story buildings apply when there is abutting property. i Mayor Adolph asked about the dista,nce of the units from Jefferson Street, and voiced concern about some of them being too close to the street. Public Works Director Jonasson. advised the closest building is approximately ~5 feet from the curb. In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Baker stated there will be a meandering sidewalk but he wasn't sure how far it is from the buildings. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Baker stated the Council has approved a 1 a-foot setback from the street under some specific plans. Council Member Henderson stated she thought the setback was generally back further. She recalls giving some relief on the roof lines, especially in commercial projects, to give it some character. The Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING OPEN at 1:21 p.m. Chad Meyer, 41-370 Sparky Way, Bermuda Dunes, Project Manager for RJT r- Homes, stated he was available to answer questions. , City Council Minutes 14 August 3, 2004 . Shane Lekwa, of DJT Design and architect for the project, stated all of the buildings are a minimum of 30 feet from Jefferson Street except one. As for the perimeter wall, they propose meandering it along with the sidewalk to provide some variety and achieve a certain level of density. In response to Mayor Adolph, Mr. Lekwa stated they originally planned to build one foot below grade but couldn't because of water issues, which is why the building heights extend beyond the height limit. Rick New, of DJT Design, explained they wanted to put more architecture toward the street and provide more visual space between the units. Mayor Adolph commented on the amount of stucco showing on the side views, and voiced concern about the large buildings being close together. He referenced the high quality project going in across the street, and stated this one seems too modular in concept. He also commented on the need to provide sufficient size trees. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. New reviewed the interior street access to the units, and noted there will be courtyards in the front yards. Council Member Henderson stated she appreciates the architectural appeal to Jefferson Street but is not sure about the appeal to the homeowner. Mr. New reviewed the courtyard area, visitor parking, and visitor access to the units. Mr. Meyer indicated they are committed to making the project aesthetically pleasing through landscaping and architecture. Council Member Henderson inquired as to why they propose a completely two-story project. Mr. New stated the developer feels there is a market for this type of development. Marilyn Moore, of RJT Homes, indicated they have a waiting list for the homes because people are looking for something affordable and without maintenance. Council Member Henderson noted the affordability draw will decrease as prices of future phases increase. She questioned why no one-story units are proposed along Jefferson Street. --- -- - ---- -- " City Council Minutes 15 August 3, 2004 Ms. Moore stated they don't feel one-story units are needed in the project. - . She indicated the units range from. 1 ,250 to 1,900 square feet, and are : designed for singles and couples. ~ Mayor Adolph stated he believes most older people prefer one-story units, and Ms. Moore indicated they have one plan with a downstairs bedroom. In response to CÇ>uncii Member Perkins, Mr. New stated the interior streets are 27 feet wide with parking on both sides of the street. This will be a gated community, and the access has been approved by the Fire Department. Mr. Meyer reviewed the ingress/egress on Jefferson Street. He noted the Planning Commission has placed a condition on the project requiring a shared access on Avenue 52 at the east property line instead of the secondary access they proposed near the roundabout. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Meyer reviewed an alternative design for the Avenue 52 access, making it a right-out only. He added they have also considered making it an emergency access only. - In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Meyer reviewed their variance requests. He stated the extended building height will provide a better . ridgeline appeal; the left-turn lane on Jefferson Street will provide a stacking lane; and the minimum lot width of 27 feet will accommodate one of their five plans. Mr. Baker noted the applicant has also requested a side yard setback variance. , . Council Member Sniff suggested the possibility of expanding the layout so the units are not so close together. Mr. Meyer stated he feels the plan has been stretched as much as possible and still be a viable project. In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. lekwa stated large scale planting will be used between the buildings. Council Member Sniff noted that will congest the area between buildings even more as the plants grow. Council Member Henderson suggested the possibility of achieving their variances in a percentage instead of a flat amount, such as no more than 20% of the roofs to exceed the building height limit. She commented on the - need for the surrounding projects to compliment each other, and proposed eliminating some of the units. , City Council Minutes 16 August 3, 2004 After a brief recess, Mr. Meyer stated they are willing to remove three units, which will open up the project and eliminate the one building close to Jefferson Street. Mayor Adolph stated he feels better about the plan with the reduction of three units, and suggested angling the buildings to provide more definition. Mr. Meyer stated they can reconfigure the five units in the northwest corner. In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Meyer stated they are willing to accept a condition to the Specific Plan for a mitigation fee of $250 per unit. Assistant City Attorney Houston advised of draft language for the added condition. He noted the January 15th date can be adjusted to later in the month. Council Member Henderson stated her concerns have been dealt with. After a brief discussion regarding the Avenue 52 access, Council concurred to amend the conditions to allow the City Engineer and Fire Department to review possible designs and make a determination on the access. There being no further requests to speak, the Mayor declared the PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED at 8:57 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2004-083 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PREPARED FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2004-101, ZONE CHANGE, 2004-120, SPECIFIC PLAN 2004-070, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 32070, AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2004- 799 (ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2004-505 - RJT HOMES LLC). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2004-083 as submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. ---- --- - - -.. City Council Minutes 17 August 3, 2004 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-084 ,--- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, . CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2004-101 TO CHANGE THE LAND USE. DESIGNATION FROM NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL (NC) TO MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (MHDR) ON APPROXIMATELY 15.16 ACRES LOCATED EAST OF JEFFERSON STREET, SOUTH OF AVENUE 52 (RJT HOMES - CODORNIZ, LLC). It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No. 2004-084 as submitted. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to take up Ordinance No. 408 by title and number only and waive further reading. Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. ORDINANCE NO. 408 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM NEIGHBORHOOD -- COMMERCIAL TO A MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DESIGNATION (ZONE CHANGE 2004-120 - RJT HOMES - CODORNIZ LLC). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to introduce Ordinance No. 408 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 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-085 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE DESIGN GUIDELINES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR A 15.16-ACRE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (SPECIFIC PLAN 2004-070 - RJT HOMES - CODORNIZ, LLC). It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No. 2004-085 as amended (modifying Condition No. 74 regarding shared access - issues; and adding a condition requiring a $250 per unit mitigation fee). Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. "\ City Council Minutes 18 August 3, 2004 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-086 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE SUBDIVISION OF APPROXIMATELY 15.16 ACRES TO ALLOW A -=I-4é 142 SINGLE FAMILY LOT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 32070 - RJT HOMES LLC). It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to adopt Resolution No. 2004-086 as amended (amended to 142 units, removing Lots 110, 80, and 79). Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. RESOLUTION NO. 2004-087 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR FIVE PROTOTYPE UNIT PLANS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES (SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2004-799 - RJT HOMES LLC). It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Sniff to adopt Resolution No. 2004-087 as amended (modifying Condition No. 80 regarding shared access issues). Motion carried with Council Member Osborne ABSENT. STUDY SESSION - None REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Animal Campus Commission - Council Member Henderson stated each city is being asked to fund up to $1 ,500 for a marketing plan to get out in front of the negative press other existing facilities are receiving. She noted a fundraising effort by the Friends of the Animal Campus will take place the same time the Friends of the Animals in Palm Springs will be trying to raise funds for their shelter. City Manager Genovese advised no formal action is required on the funding if the Council is in agreement with using funds from the City Manager's discretionary fund. League of California Cities-Riverside Division - Council Member Henderson distributed material regarding legislation passed to implement Proposition 1-A. She stated there was a last-minute push to allow an opposition argument on the ballot for Proposition 65 but the filing date had passed. After a lawsuit was filed and denied, there was legislation proposed that would allow the argument to be included. The League agreed to the legislation if they were allowed to write the - ------ City Council Minutes 1 9 August 3, 2004 argument, and they were. The League was also allowed to write the argument for -- Proposition 1-A. She feels the League will have achieved more in four years than it has in its entire existence if Proposition 1-A is passed. , Mayor Adolph noted the public will need to be informed to vote for Proposition 1-A and not Proposition 65. Council Member Henderson also presented a book on "The Story of the National Japanese American Memorial," which she had accepted on behalf of the City Council from League of California Cities Board Member, Helen Kawagoe, City Clerk for Carson City. She requested the City Clerk send a letter of appreciation and let Mrs. Kawagoe know that the book will be placed in the City library. * * * * * * * * * * * * * All other reports were noted and filed. DEPARTMENT REPORTS - None ;- MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS ¡ I I Council Member Sniff noted a large percentage of the palms trees west of the Senior Center are dead and need to be removed. City Manager Genovese advised staff is looking into the situation. The City Council recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1. 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). r-- i ! ¡ ì City Council Minutes 20 August 3, 2004 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ~ -d). ~ JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk City of La Ouinta, California ! -.- -_._----- --,