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2004 09 22 RDA Minutes LA QUINT A REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 2004 A special meeting of the La Quinta Redevelopment Agency was called to order by Chairperson Henderson. PRESENT: Board Members Adolph, Osborne, Perkins, Sniff,. Chairperson Henderson ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT - None CLOSED SESSION 1 . Conference with Agency's real property negotiator, Mark Weiss, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 conceming potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located at the northwest corner of A venue 48 and Dune Palms Road - (APN: 649-303-0324). Property Owner/Negotiator: Chris Clarke. I 2. Conference with Agency's real property negotiator, ·Mark Weiss, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 concerning potential terms and conditions of acquisition and/or disposition of real property located at Miles Avenue and Washington Street north of the Whitewater Channel (APNs: 604-040-012/013) . Property . Owner/Negotiator: Richard Oliphant, CP Development La Quinta, LLC. 3. ·Conference with City's legal counsel regarding pending litigation - La Quinta Redevelopment Agency v. KSL Desert Resorts, Inc. et ai, and Riverside Superior Court, Indio Branch Case No. INC 044676, Ramon Garcia Martinez, at al v. City of La Quinta, et ai, United States District Court, Central District Case No. CV04-06373DT(RZx), pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a). 4. Conference with Agency'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± acres of real property located at the southwest corner of Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street. Property Owner/Negotiator: Robert - Schumacher. I Redevelopment Agency Minutes 2 September 22, 2004 The Redevelopment Agency recessed to Closed Session to and until the hour of 3:00 p.m. 3:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT - None CONFIRMA TION OF AGENDA - Confirmed APPROV AL OF MINUTES MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Minutes of September 7, 2004 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. . CONSENT CALENDAR 1 . APPROVAL OF DEMAND REGISTER DATED SEPTEMBER 22, 2004. 2. TRANSMITTAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT DATED JULY 31,2004. 3. TRANSMITTAL OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES REPORT DATED JULY 31, 2004. MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. Motion carried unanimously. BUSINESS SESSION 1 . CONSIDERATION OF MONUMENT SIGNAGE FOR SilverRock RESORT. Assistant Executive Director Weiss presented the staff report. Steve Garcia, of GMA International, reviewed monument sign concepts for the entrances at Avenue 52, Jefferson Street, and Avenue 54, along with signage for the southwest corner near the roundabout. He indicated the material for the base of the sign is the same as that used for the clubhouse. _ ~_u..___ ~_,_.,.._. .__._.._~ - ~_._-~_.. - ~. -- Redevelopment Agency Minutes 3 September 22,2004 . ,.-- In response to Board Member Osborne, Public Works Director I Jonasson stated the material for the stone veneer on the perimeter wall has not been selected but will be near or the same as what Mr. Garcia is presenting for the sign. Board Member Sniff asked about lighting, and if the logos would be on all four sides of the pilasters. Mr. Garcia indicated indirect lighting or lighting directed from the landscaping can be used. He stated the pilasters are proposed to have lOgos on two sides. Board Member Adolph noted the pilasters will be too far from A venue 52 for the logos to be seen from there. Mr. Garcia indicated the sign will be approximately 25 feet long and 9 feet high from the base with the letter size for the capital liS" being 20-22 inches high. The pilasters will be 16 feet high. Board Member Perkins asked how the size compares to the monument ,...- entrance signs on Highway 111. I Mr. Garcia stated he believes the proposed size is in proportion to the entrance area but suggested setting up a mockup sign on site to get a better idea of the size. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Mr. Weiss confirmed the proposed signage is already beyond what the City's sign ordinance typically allows, and will require going through the Planning Commission for an exemption. The sign ordinance' allows a sign in the middle of the entrance or signs on either side of the entrance but not all three as proposed. However, the City has accepted signage of this scope for some projects recently annexed into the City. He confirmed a mockup sign can be done to visualize the size. Board Member Adolph suggested using plywood and paint for the location of the stone work and lettering size to provide a sense of proportion. Board Member Perkins indicated he prefers to error on the side of huge ~ as opposed to small. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 4 September 22, 2004 Board Member Sniff agreed and suggested 35 to 40 feet long. He further suggested the wording, IISilverRock Resort" with a second line reading IILa Guinta." Chairperson Henderson suggested staff bring back options for the wording. Board Member Adolph stated he doesn't want to see a billboard-size sign. Board Member Osborne referenced the need for the sign on Jefferson Street to be proportionate to the size of that entrance. Board Member Perkins stated he agrees with using La Guinta or the City seal on the sign. Chairperson Henderson noted the sign concept for the roundabout area resembles the PGA West entrance, and she feels it should be different. Mr. Garcia indicated the PGA West entrance has clustered palms whereas the palms are more defined in the roundabout concept. Board Member Adolph agreed the two are very similar. Chairperson Henderson stated she supports moving forward with the sign design if the roundabout sign is modified to be less like PGA West, perhaps with a taller sign and no trees. Mr. Weiss noted the approved landscape plan, which is not part of GMA's contract, may be different than what is shown here. Mr. Garcia confirmed he took some liberty with the trees in the design. . Board Member Sniff indicated he cannot support the signage unless IILa Guinta" is included in the wording.. Chairperson Henderson noted a larger sign means more money. She further noted most of the items that have gone over budget have been at the suggestion of the Agency. , - Board Member Sniff stated he views this as a long term issue, and feels prorating the cost over a 50-year period is not so bad. ---'~'-"--- ..--. ..--- -- ..----.---- ..-- Redevelopment Agency Minutes 5 September 22, 2004 r-- Chairperson Henderson stated she is not sure a 40-foot long sign is needed. Board Member Adolph noted the size will depend on the overall scope of the entrance. In summarizing, Mr. Weiss stated it's his understanding that the Agency wants a mockup sign done for size purposes and alternatives for wording brought back, but otherwise accepts the signage concept. He referenced the need to bring the GMA contract back for amendment, and noted the signage, as proposed, exceeds the zoning allowance of 50 square feet per sign with an aggregate of 1 00 square feet. Board Member Sniff stated he feels the entrance is unique and requires some change. Mr. Weiss indicated this issue will be brought back to the Agency in about 30 days. - Board Member Adolph voiced support for the sign design~ Board Member Sniff suggested using the light colored stone. Chairperson Henderson indicated she believes the stainless steel letters will be more visible on the green (darker) stone. A fter taking a brief recess to view the stònes in natural light, there was consensus to go with the green (darker) stone and stainless steel letters. Board Member Adolph asked if there would be horizontal splits in the stone, and Mr. Garcia responded the stones will lay flat. Board Member Sniff requested staff come back with an alternative using the lighter stone with black letters. Chairperson Henderson stated she doesn't have a problem with a sketch being brought back showing the alternative. ¡o-- In response to Board Member Adolph, Mr. Weiss indicated the mockup sign should be ready in a few weeks. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 6 September 22, 2004 Board Member Osborne inquired as to why monument signage wasn't part of the budget, and if anything else will be coming up that is not in the budget. Mr. Weiss noted the original plans were much simpler, and did not include the monument signage or wall expense that has since been approved. He added the grand elevations with lakes and waterfalls were not envisioned in the earlier plans. As for additional items that may come up, he stated the budget analysis presented a few weeks ago did not specifically include some of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the clubhouse, and it hasn't been determined how much of that will be included in the operations budget and how much in the construction budget. Board Member Osborne asked if there's room in the funding approved at the last meeting to cover future items not included or understated in the budget. Mr. Weiss stated he can't say there will not be a need for additional funding because things could come up in the field that require change orders to finish the project. Board Member Osborne referenced the need for the Agency to know how much more will be needed to finish the project. Chairperson Henderson indicated she understands his concerns but noted issues such as the entrance and fencing, and now the signage potentially going from 25 to 40 feet, have been entirely up to the Agency's desires. Board Member Osborne stated the Agency looks at what is presented, and they didn't ask for lakes to be included in the original drawings. He wished to know what the financial needs are for this project between now and the opening in three months. Mr. Weiss stated staff provided the best knowledge they had on this issue two week ago but have since become aware of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment issue that mayor may not be a real issue. He stated issues come up daily in the field that are different from what was provided by the architect and staff is doing their best to address those issues. The costs for perimeter improvements in the original budget did not list specifics and as the Agency has provided input on the various components of those improvements, the budget has been --- --.- --~ -..- --"--- ....~._-_._--_._- --. .~---- Redevelopment Agency Minutes 7 September 22, 2004 adjusted and draws have been made on the contingency fund to .,.-- accomplish those objectives. \ Board Member Osborne voiced concern about piece-mealing this for the next three months. Chairperson Henderson stated it's her understanding that the report two weeks ago was fairly current and can be used to determine the current status. Mr. Weiss stated he anticipates coming back with an amendment to GMA's contract because the current authorization is almost used up. He suggested having the leeway for GMA to get started on the field monument presentation with the understanding that a change order will be coming back for approval as soon as possible. Based on the Agency's input today, he noted the cost estimate of $100,000 for signage will probably not be enough because of the possible size increase. Board Member Sniff stated he understands Board Member Osborne's concerns but feels it's important to produce the best possible project - and noted some of these costs are one-time expenses. He feels as the project moves forward, the Agency is able to see with greater clarity what they want the final product to be. No formal action was taken. 2. CONSIDERATION OF FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DDA) BETWEEN THE LA QUINTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND CENTERPOINT LLC FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGENCY'S MILES AVENUE AND WASHINGTON STREET PROPERTY. Assistant Executive Director Weiss and Consultant Frank Spevacek presented the staff report. In response to Board Member Osborne, Mr. Spevacek explained the DDA currently requires a bond to be in place and permits issued when the land is sold, but Centerpoint doesn't want to get bonds two or three months prior to building permit issuance. t .~ Richard Oliphant, the applicant, stated Lennar Homes will be using the architectural designs previously presented to the Agency. Redevelopment Agency Minutes 8 September 22, 2004 In response to Board Member Adolph, Mr. Weiss confirmed affordable housing and parks are still part of the DDA. Board Member Adolph expressed concern about making sure the project is completed. Mr. Oliphant reviewed the Principals involved with the project, and explained Lennar was brought into the project to resolve some insurance issues related to the casitas. In providing a brief status report, he indicated they anticipate breaking ground on the hotel in December and being open by December 2005. Once the slab for the hotel is done, they can start on the medical building and Phase 1 of the housing. They expect to pull a grading permit next week, and will be grading the entire site. In response to Board Member Perkins, Mr. Oliphant indicated the Agency is welcome to contact him to address any concerns that may arise. In response to Board Member Sniff, Mr. Oliphant confirmed the Whitewater Storm Channel will be lined with the land to be developed, terraced due to the elevation change of approximately 90 feet. He indicated his total investment in the project will be approximately $100 million, including the hotel. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Mr. Oliphant confirmed he expects to be involved with the project to completion, adding that he will own both the hotel and the medical facility. The hotel will be managed by Hilton and the medical facility will be leased. The single family homes and the casitas will be owned by Lennar Homes. Board Member Sniff asked about the number of affordable units, to which Mr. Oliphant responded, 1140." RESOLUTION NO. RA 2004-014 A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AGENCY AND CP DEVELOPMENT LA QUINTA, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WASHINGTON STREET AND MILES AVENUE. _....._--~- --- -"-'-'--- --~_._--._.._.._- --- -. --- -- Redevelopment Agency Minutes 9 September 22, 2004 It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to adopt Resolution No. - RA 2004-01 4 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. 3. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,300,000 FROM THE 2004 LOW-MOD BOND ISSUE TO UNDERWRITE THE REMAINING RELOCATION COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VISTA DUNES MOBILE HOME PARK. Interim Community Development Director Orci and Consultant Frank Spevacek presented the staff report. In response to Board Member Sniff, Mr. Spevacek stated some of the residents are being relocated to·' the La Quinta Palms Mobile Home Park at A venue 48 and Jefferson Street, some are purchasing homes in La Quinta or participating in the rental housing program. He indicated staff is also working with the Schoc;>1 District to keep students enrolled in their current school if relocated outside of the school area. In referencing efforts to assist residents as much as possible, he indicated a hot water heater was purchased and installed at a relocation site even after the resident had expended all of the - relocation funds. In response to Board Member Osborne, Mr. Spevacek stated staff is requesting an increase of $700,000 to the budget. In response to Board Member Adolph, Mr. Spevacek confirmed eligible senior citizens have been placed in priority for senior housing in the Cove, other residents have purchased, or are in the process of purchasing, homes in the Cove. Attempts are also being made to line up Second Trust Deed sales in the Cove with residents of the mobile home park. He indicated many of the residents have expressed a desire to buy mobile home units. Board Member Adolph stated he feels temporary rentals in the Cove would be a good alternative for those residents who desire to move back into the new units once they are completed. Mr. Spevacek stated only 3 out of 92 households have expressed a desire to move into the new project when it's done. r-- Redevelopment Agency Minutes 10 September 22, 2004 MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve an appropriation of $1,300,000 from the 2004 Low-Mod Bond Issue (Account No. 248-000-290.00-00) to fund the relocation costs associated with the Vista Dunes Mobile Home Park. Motion carried unanimously. 4. CONSIDERA TION OF A REQUEST BY BUILDING HORIZONS TO ENTER INTO AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT FOR THE 11TH YEAR FUNDING BY AND BETWEEN THE LA QUINT A REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND BUILDING HORIZONS AND THE APPROPRIA TION OF AN ADDITIONAL $40,000. Interim Community Development Director Orci and Consultant Frank Spevacek presented the staff report. In response to Board Member Perkins, Todd Berg, Executive Director of Building Horizons, stated about 60% of the students participating in the program have been placed in construction jobs. Students are also assisted in obtaining scholarships to continue their training at College of the Desert. He stated the industry is very supportive of the program. Several comments were voiced by Council wherein they expressed appreciation for the program. In response to Chairperson Henderson, Mr. Berg stated Cathedral City is also working with them on this program. Chairperson Henderson suggested the possibility of some of the Vista Dunes Mobile Home Park residents pre-qualifying for these homes when they become available next year. Mr. Berg indicated they already have a list to draw from but it's fairly small at this point. MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Sniff/Adolph to approve an Affordable Housing Agreement with Building Horizons for 11 th year funding, appropriate an additional $40,000 from Redevelopment Project Area No. 1 Low and Moderate-Income Housing Fund (245- 000-290-00-00) to fund requested building costs, and authorize the Executive Director to sign the necessary documents to execute the Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. ----.. .~- ---- --~-_.._-- -- Redevelopment Agency Minutes 11 September 22, 2004 ".....- STUDY SESSION - None ì I i '~ CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS' ITEMS - None PUBLIC HEARINGS - None The Redevelopment Agency recessed to Closed Session as delineated on Page 1. The Redevelopment Agency meeting reconvened with no decisions being made in Closed Session which require reporting pursuant to Section 54957.1 of the Government Code (Brown Act). ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. - Respectfully submitted, ~~.~ JUNE S. GREEK, Secretary City of La Quinta, California -