2004 09 07 CC Minutes
I'. LA QUINT A CITY COUNCIL
I MINUTES
. SEPTEMBER 7, 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
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CLOSED SESSION
.1 . 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.
,---
I. 2. Conference with Labor Negotiator - Agency Negotiator: Thomas P.
" ' Genovese; Unrepresented Employee: Community Development Director -
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6.
3. Conference with labor Negotiator - Agency Negotiator: Thomas P.
Genovese; Unrepresented Employees: Building & Safety Director and
Finance Director - pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6.
, 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 Adolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
,,---
¡
i
!
¡
,
City Council Minutes 2 September 7, 2004
" PUBLIC COMMENT
Don Gomsi, 43-420 Trader Place, Indio, representing the C. V. Mosquito & Vector
Control District, reported a mosquito trap near the Fritz Burns Community Park has
tested positive for the West Nile Virus. He indicated the area will be fogged with a
Chrysanthemum pesticide over the next few days. He explained the process used
to identify problem areas, and stated he has requested information be included in
the Chamber of Com"merce newsletter to inform residents of the neèd to eliminate
standing water areas.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
PRESENTATIONS
1 . \ :' INTRODUCTION OF C.iIEF CRAIG ANTHONY OF THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
City Manager Genovese indicated the introduction has been postponed to a
future meeting.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
1 . WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATION (DESERT CHAPTER).
Council concurred to refer the letter to staff for a report back on available
dates.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson to approve the City
Council Minutes of August 17, 2004, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1 . APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED SEPTEMBER 7, 2004.
2. APPROVAL TO DECLARE FIRE ENGINE 70 AS SURPLUS AND TO CONVEY
THE UNIT'TO THE SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT.
- - - -- - -
-- - ---
.
City Council Minutes 3 September 7, 2004
4-
r- 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE COMMUNITY
I SAFETY MANAGER TO ATTEND THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE
I, ENFORCEMENT ANNUAL SEMINAR IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA,
OCTOBER 5-8, 2004.
4. AUTHORIZATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR THE ASSISTANT
ENGINEER II TO ATTEND FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY INSTITUTE
OF TRANSPORTATION STUDIES, SEPTEMBER 20-24, 2004.
5. APPROVAL OF AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT THE EISENHOWER
DRIVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS AND MEDIAN ISLAND LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 2001-02A.
/6. . ¡ APPROVAL OF AN AMENDED REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT FOR
. .PARKW A Y LANDSCAPING IN EISENHOWER DRIVE AND AVENUE 50
STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND OLEANDER REMOVAL ADJACENT TO THE
LA QUINT A COUNTRY CLUB. .
7. APPROVAL OF CONSULTANT SERVICES CONTRACT WITH ECONOMICS
- RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (ERA) FOR ANALYSIS OF SilverRock RESORT
¡ DEVELOPMENT TIMING.
!
8. ADOPTION OF TWO RESOLUTIONS ACCEPTING DEDICATIONS OF RIGHT-
OF..W A Y FOR JEFFERSON STREET FROM TWO ADJACENT PROPERTY
OWNERS. (RESOLUTION NOS. 2004-100 AND 2004-101)
. . 9. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY MELISSA JONES - DATE OF
LOSS: JULY 3, 2004.
,. 10.. DENIAL OF CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FILED BY ALVA MERRILL WYCKOFF -
DATE OF LOSS: MARCH 30, 2004.
11. APPROVAL OF POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR GOLF AND PARKS
LANDSCAPE MANAGER AND AMEND THE POSITION SCHEDU LE.
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 NOS. 2004-100 and 2004-101. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-110.
r In response to an inquiry by Council Member Perkins regarding Consent Item
: No.3, City Manager Genovese explained the annual seminar is held each
City Council Minutes 4 September 7, 2004
year in various locations throughout the State and this year it's in South
Lake Tahoe. Regarding Consent Item No.5, he confirmed the Eisenhower
Drive street improvements are between Coachella Drive and Washington
Street, and the street improvements near the bridge will be done In
conjunction with the bridge and median landscaping improvements.
BUSINESS SESSION
1 . CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE CITY
HALL EXPANSION, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2002-01.
Building & Safety Director Hartung presented the staff report, and Lisa
Barter, 245 S. Cascade, Montrose, Colorado, of Patrick Davis & Associates,
outlined the design. She indicated the existing green tile is no longer;'
available.
: ; ,
Council Member Sniff voiced concern about using gold-colored tile, and . '.
commented on the importance of the expansion area being compatible with
the existing area with minor modifications. He also voiced concern about
afternoon glare and heat on windows on the west side.
Ms. Barter stated window tinting, interior window coverings, and a canopy
will be used to shade the windows along the west side. In response to
Council Member Henderson, she referenced the potential of changing the
existing public restrooms near the reception area to staff restrooms but
noted it is not included in the cost estimates.
In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Barter stated the direction has
been to use fixed windows on the exterior for better air conditioning/heating,
control.
In response to Council Member Osborne, Ms. Barter confirmed citizens
entering the new foyer who want to access the existing facilities will have to
exit the new entrance and use one of the existing entrances. She stated
security concerns and loss of building space were the reasons for not
creating an interior public corridor. Mr. Hartung noted most of the public is
familiar with the department locations within the existing facilities.
Mayor Adolph suggested the possibility of creating a public corridor around
the restroom'5 and through the office areas or a trellis walkway around the
perimeter.
__H_- -- -- - ---- r - -- -_u --- - ----- - .-- ---.. - - ~
City Counci! Minutes 5 September 7, 2004 '
City Manager Genovese porn.Att%i!a large portion of the north side will
í have a courtyard cover but enclosing it for a minimal number of visitors is
I costly.
Council Member Sniff noted the number of visitors will increase as the City
continues to grow, and indicated it will be hard for him to support the design
without an interior public corridor. Mr. Genovese stated it can be done but
will increase the costs.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hartung reviewed the
location and expansion changes for the various departments, and noted the
City Clerk's Office is the only department moving into the expansion area.
The departments with a lot of walk-in traffic will remain on the east end of
the building.
" Council Member Henderson pointed out other city halls hàve multiple
accesses where the public has to go outside' to access. the' various.
departments. " 1
In response to Council Member Sniff, Mr. Genovese stated the current
Mayor's office will become the City Attorney's office.
r-
.
I Ms. Barter noted an attempt has been made to retain the existing
: administration area as much as possible.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Mr. Hartung stated the Police Chief
has reviewed the layout for the police department area. He noted the design
presented last October did not include an interior public corridor, and it was
not brought up as a major issue at that time.
Council Member Perkins stated he feels security issues have changed since
. . some of the other city halls were constructed. He referenced the need for
exit signs near the floor, more space in the Council offices than what
currently exists, and adequate facilities/appliances to provide food during
Council's dinner break.
Ms. Barter indicated the caucus room will have a sink, under-counter
refrigerator, dishwasher, and room to accommodate an ice maker. The
Police Chief has recommended the caucus room also serve as a panic room.
Council Member Perkins stated he feels the facilities should be more'
- concentrated to provide easy access for handicapped individuals. He cannot
, support the design as presented because he feels too many things have not
been considered.
City Council Minutes 6 September 7, 2004
In response to Council Member Osborne, Ms. Barter confirmed the additional
30 parking spaces can be double-lined, and water-efficient landscaping will
be used. She asked if the issue of having a public corridor had just surfaced
or was missed during the October presentation.
Council Member Sniff commented on the Council's need to be comfortable
with the design before approving it. In response to a question, Ms. Barter
stated a single-slope shed roof with mission tile roofing will be used over the
new foyer with the remainder being parapet, minimum-slope roofing.
Council Member Sniff voiced concern about flat roofing.
In response to Council Member Henderson, Mr. Hartung confirmed the.
existing roof includes flat roofing.
Ms. Barter stated the distance on the north side between the new en'rance
and the existing entrance is approximately 200 feet.
Mr. Hartung requested direction regarding public access, and noted kiosks
are proposed to direct people to the correct entrance. .
Mayor Adolph noted the public access problem is difficult to address unless
the expansion is done in the courtyard area or in a second floor. He
suggested designing the restrooms with visual privacy when the doors open
to a hallway.
Ms. Barter explained the proposed layout with the use of kiosks was chosen
because of cost restraints and the desire to retain the existing administration
area as much as possible.
t Council Member Perkins stated he would like to see if Council's comments
can be incorporated into the design.
Council Member Henderson stated she feels the public corridor issue will be
a challenge to address. She suggested the possibility of the Community
Services Department provid.ing a reception area, and having clear signage in
the south parking lot directing people to that department. She noted
handicap individuals will have to cover the same distance whether inside or
out, and suggested the possibility of escorting individuals with wheelchairs
to the correct area. Mr. Genovese indicated ma~y expanded city halls have
had to deal with the public access problem because of not being able to 'keep
everything under one roof. He confirmed individuals can be escorted to the
appropriate department as it's done currently In the Administration
Department.
-~--- ------ -- - ---..- -----
---------- -----
City Council Minutest September 7, 2004
.. "
(f ,
i
,r-- Council Member Henderson questioned the wisdom of having a reception
l area in the middle of a secured area, and suggested leaving it in the current
location. She feels it's important to move forward, and suggested
personnel-wise and signage-wise the comments be taken under
consideration. She referenced the need for large signs over each department
door area for clear identification to the public.
Ms. Barter explained the kiosks will be a printed directory and map with bold
lettering and different colors for each department.
Council Member Sniff indicated he cannot support the design without public
circulation, and suggested a second reception area instead of using kiosks to
direct people. He feels the building should be functional for the public as
well as employees. He questioned 30 additional parking spaces being
sufficient, and stated he is not sure the expansion area is compatible with.
the existing building.
Council Member Osborne stated he prefers the main entrance closer to the
department areas accessed by the public, and requested the revisions be
brought back as soon as possible.
,.--
I
I Council Member Henderson suggested not having a main entrance into the
I expansion area, and expanding the existing main entrance and reception
area.
Council concurred.
Council Member Henderson further suggested the possibility of having a
large archway outside to serve as the entrance to City Hall.
Ms. Barter stated they will come back with alternative design concepts. She
noted the challenge will be to focus the required program space around one
central entrance.
In response to Council Member Perkins, Ms. Barter referenced potential areas
for detached buildings should a future expansion be needed.
Council Member Sniff suggested this item be referred back for modifications
to the design.
r-- Mayor Adolph agreed, and suggested two or three design concepts be
, brought back for Council to consider.
i
City Council Minutes 8 September 7, 2004
Mr. Hartung stated he understands the Council desires a more-centralized
main entrance, wherein members of the public wanting to meet with the
Council would be escorted back to the Council offices, along with a
secondary entrance for members of the public that are familiar with the
location of the Council offices.
Council concurred.
Council Member Sniff continued to support having an internal public corridor.
Council Member Henderson stated she doesn't feel a public corridor is
necessary if the modifications can be made. Mayor Adolph agreed.
No formal action was taken.
2. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE PALM SPRINGS
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION.
City Clerk Greek presented the staff report.
MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne to appoint
Nancy Doria as the City's representative on the Palm Springs International
Airport Commission effective immediately.
Council Member Henderson stated she feels both applicants are well
qualified but noted Ms. Doria has considerable experience with the Palm
Springs International Airport and the Commission. She suggested Michael
Mastrogiuseppe be appointed as the alternate with a recommendation that
he attend a few of the meetings to be familiar with the Commission.
Council concurred.
AMENDED MOTION - It was moved by Council Members Henderson/Osborne
to appoint Nancy Doria as the City's representative on the Palm Springs
International Airport Commission and Michael Mastrogiuseppe as the'
alternate, effective immediately.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Ms. Greek confirmed the applicants have
received an outline of the duties. In response to Council Member Sniff, she
stated the appointment is for the remainder of Mr. Tyler's term.
Motion carried unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO. 2004-111.
~---- ---~-- --
--------- --- -- --------~~- - --
City Council Minutes 9 September 7, 2004
I 3. CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS
I SCULPTURE.
~ .
Community Services Director Horvitz presented the staff report.
Police Chief Horton, of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, indicated
he would prefer a statue of a policeman instead of the badges. However,
since a badges artwork has been chosen, he feels the badges should reflect
the .Riverside County Sheriff's badge worn by the officers, and noted the
badge worn by the officers is gold colored.
Ms. Horvitz stated she can talk to the artist about using bronze instead of
stainless steel.
In response to Mayor Adolph, Ms. Horvitz stated the mocquette presented
,today is what the Council previously approved.
Council Member Henderson noted Council's direction was to use natural rock
with the tip of the badges extending slightly above the stone. She stated
she supports the Police and Fire Department recommendations regarding the
,...-- badges.
,
l . Division Chief O'Tero, of the Riverside County Fire Department, indicated a
bronze badge is acceptable, to the Fire Department. They also feel the name
should reflect the California Department of Forestry (CDF).
Council Member Sniff agreed the badges should .extend slightly above the
stone, and should be on an attractive stone. He supports the wording in the
staff report fo~ the separate plaque. He feels the badges should be portrayed
as accurately as possible in content, shape, and color, and supports the
wording recommended by the police and fire departments. He suggested
"Dedication, Courage, and Honor" as a quotation to' be added on each side
of the art piece.
Council. concurred to direct the following modifications to .the "Badges"
artwork: 1) the use of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and CDF
badges in bronze; 2) a separate plaque to the side that reads, "This sculpture
was inspired by and created in memory of Deputy Bruce Lee and dedicated
to all the public safety officers that serve the residents of the City of
La Quinta,,; and 3) sandblasting "Dedication, Courage, Honor" on both sides
of the natural stone.
~
I
I
I
,
City Council Minutes 10 September 7, 2004 .
In response to Council Member Sniff, Ms. Horvitz stated the artwork is
anticipated to be completed next Spring.
STUDY SESSION - None
Council recessed to the Redevelopment Agency.
Council reconvened and recessed to and until 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - All reports were noted and filed.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS - No verbal reports were given.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
1 . DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE INTERVIEW
SCHEDULE BY THE DESERT SUN.
Council Member Sniff requested the next regular City Council meeting be
changed to a different date to allow the candidates' in the upcoming election
to participate in the Desert Sun interviews on September 21 5t from 3:00 p.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
Council concurred to postpone the regular City Council meeting of
September 21, 2004 to September 22, 2004.
City Manager Genovese noted the Redevelopment Agency meeting will be
postponed to the same date.
---- ~- - - ..-----
City Council Minutes 11 September 7, 2004
ADJOU RNMENT
I There being no further business, it was moved by Council Members
l Henderson/Osborne to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
-~-Ø.~
JUNE S. GREEK, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
r
\.
I
,